Company, sweet blooms and bird song

Lots of fun had with old friends Bob and Peggy; a relationship rekindled after many years apart. They've lived in Colorado since 1999 but knew little about our area. We had a great time and as always, enjoyed showing off "our" little place of heaven.

We headed once again toward Ohio Pass, knowing it had been closed just two days before, and hurray, it had just opened up. Still snow in patches but so great to be able to go that way. Made it to Lake Irwin which had also just opened up. Interesting, they have sheep grazing up there now with guard dogs - we didn't see any but there's a big sign with pictures on how to behave around them. Rounding out the morning we went up to Gothic. Everything is just leafing out - 10 days behind Star Mt., but still gorgeous any time.

those fabulous early glacier lilies

 Intended to go to Secret Stash (of course) but it's closed for lunch now. The grand opening of their new location down the street is June 19th, so I think they're busy finishing the grand new place. We've been assured that all their funky decorating will be moved as well. You have to see it to believe it... So, Ryce it was, and a terrific lunch was had.

Hammock is up and open for business. I was in it for awhile yesterday. I swear there's some kind of sedative drug built in, amazingly relaxing, the bird song, aspen leaves rustling - could hardly haul myself out...

Hanging baskets are up and doing well. If any of you remember the story from last summer when I nearly killed these sweet expensive baskets watering with our well water. Mark figured it out and now it's rain or spring water for these babies.

The online archaeology class is going well so far. The professor is quite a character, filming from her messy office as a start and the requirements are definitely low key compared to my crazy genetics class. Wonderful opportunity for learning - FREE.(coursera.com)

The creatures winged and four footed are busy, busy all around us. I swear it's the same pair of slightly wacky robins from the last 2 years now trying to build their own nest. Not the best job I ever saw...

I leave the end of the week for Reston. Get to see Miss Penny while helping Tiffany and Chris get their house organized, spit spot and ready to sell.

Elk calves, flowers, and majestic mountains

And the fun continues... latest trek was to Brush Creek. Gorgeous, although we timed it just a tad early for the massive wildflowers, don't get me wrong there were plenty, its just there are entire hillsides there that are getting ready to bloom. Mark tried some fishing with little success. The water was a lot higher than we've seen it before (only gone late summer and fall). He said he was in good water but the fish weren't biting. Fun anyway.

looks like Switzerland doesn't it?

we saw this badger trying to hide (in plain sight)

In the spirit of last summer when we became the explorers of restaurants noone we knew had gone to, we zipped over to CB South and tried out Ruben's, a long time New Mexican, Mexican restaurant. Only open for dinner and a little ways from town, but we say thumbs up. It was really good food, definitely with a New Mexican influence.A local hangout for sure...

Big photo session from this morning. A elk mama and her baby were just outside the fence off our deck. Calves are 35lbs at birth gaining 2 lbs a day and the mamas are 500lbs. Compare that with an adult female doe - 65lbs.Wow, what a special place we live in to experience these moments. We are the visitors here and what a ride!

We had our windows cleaned by a fantastic husband/wife team. Highly recommend them - they were meticulous and it took over a day. Our crazy high windows!

29 feet up there

And the flowers. What can I say...

wild iris

primrose

lupine

Company's a coming. Hurray.

Breathtaking surroundings

Absolutely fantastic weather here with wildflowers and gorgeous color everywhere - come visit the area if you can. We have a short warm season in comparison to the longgg winter and by damn, we will enjoy every minute of it. I have been snapping photos like crazy. The photos in this post are just random - beauty every direction...

Lots of projects happening here, Mark got out the chainsaw to cut up some huge branches and one 60 ft aspen than fell just outside the fence.Of course it fell right in the middle of all the area that the guys cleared  late last summer. Just what we don't need, more firewood. There are still cords and cords even after burning fires every day. Next staining the deck and the front porch - a pain, but needed to be done. Notice the projects up to this point are Mark's - ha ha. Not to worry, I've been doing stuff too, weeding beds, planting herbs, buying hanging baskets (yeah!). We actually have hired someone to wash our windows including the sky high ones. Giving up, at least for the time being. Its a gigantic job...

Wildlife report: lots of deer everywhere, and the elk are still here, but not very visible. I think they're mostly hiding in the woods with their brand new babies. Hope to see some of those out soon. The fawns are not due yet - late in June should be the time. And we do have a bluebird nest under the eaves of the deck, but not sign of the slightly dumb robin pair since I pulled the, old too tiny for robins, bluebird nest down.

doesn't look it, but this elk is HUGE compared to the deer

back to the neighbors dirt pile

Copper River salmon is here and I immediately bought 7 lbs worth. It's a special treat only available for a short time - pricey but if you like salmon, well worth the price. We've had two meals so far and it was as fabulous as I remember.

Time is already going by too fast.Cramming in what we can. Mark was occupied with a member/member golf tournament this past weekend. They won their flight - congrats.

The start of our fun time with lots company is here.Old friends are coming to visit this weekend - never been to this area. Should be a blast!