Explosion of wildflowers feeds the soul

Breathtaking views any which way you look, and the mass movement of out of state visitors are showing up by the day. I welcome all of you, just treat the land gently please.

Our cattle have been moved to the common ground. They're not really ours, we lease out our community land for the summer and fall to a local 5th generation rancher. Good for us (ag tax) and good for them (it's great grass). They'll stay there for about 3 weeks and be moved to the main acreage after the larkspur die down. Larkspur is a beautiful wildflower here but toxic to cattle. I wasn't sure how serious that was I recently read an article about cattle dying in an area in New Mexico that, due to unusual levels of rain, had larkspur growing where it normally does not, and ranchers lost a number of cattle before they realized what was going on.

Deer are everywhere now which is lovely to see, but the one deer I'm looking for has not shown up yet. Flap. She has been coming every year since we built the house, now 10 years. A very special deer indeed, so named as she has part of one ear split with a "flappy" part. She has eaten more flowers than I can count, flowers that other deer leave alone, but I have a soft place in my heart for her anyway. Hope she is still going strong...

Lupine

Bluebells

Sunflowers

Larkspur

early shade loving sunflowers

On my, the flowers.... It is going to be a banner year. Since our area is designated one of the wildflower capitals of the world, a lot of visitors are going to be happy I think.

Ahhh, the coyote. We hear them at night but don't see them in the daytime that often. I say 3 in one day, two on my morning walk. I am not afraid, they stay clear of humans in this pristine wilderness.

Along with all things blooming, it is also all things repair. The hard winter means lots of things took a hit, including our front fence. We've moved it back this time away from the road. Normal snowfall does not damage the fence, but no guarantees on any given year just what we're going to get.

You can barely see two of the three hummingbird feeders up on the deck. The second the wildflowers started blooming away went the hummingbirds. We have almost none, really. For those of you who've been around for the hummingbird mania, where we literally go through a gallon of sugar water a day, this is different. We've had slowdowns before, but this is the most severe I remember. It's also, no coincidence here, going to be an astounding wildflower season. So, in the end, the hummingbirds go for the au natural, which is a good thing.

Our house way in the distance

Mark is back Saturday which is fabulous. He misses every minute he's not here. That work thing...

Gorgeous beginning of summer

The gorgeous beginning of summer is in full regalia. We still have chilly nights -35! and clearly there's still snow around, but daytime highs are mid 60's with much glorious sunshine. Long daylight here. Light at 4:45am and the birds start singing right on cue. And there are a lot of birds here...

Ohio Creek overflowing

Gunnison River

The massive winter snow is melting from the peaks causing some mighty high water levels in the rivers. The Gunnison river is actually closed to rafters etc right now from the middle of town and beyond due to safety concerns. Many rivers in the state are in the same condition with the historic levels of winter snowfall.

I can see you mama elk 

"My" fox coming back to visit

new colt and mommy

male grouse showing his protective "eye"

Yak not cow

Lots of animal sightings, both wild and domestic, but I'm on the lookout for moose and bear. I've seen quite a few bear over the years, but yet to see the elusive neighborhood moose. Maybe this year is the year.

We made the trek to Montrose a couple times in a week, which for those who are familiar is a fairly far distance. It was the airport we flew into and then a recall for the jeep. The price you pay for living in a very small community which has limited services. Anyway, we pass by Blue Mesa Reservoir coming and going, which is the largest lake in the state (20 miles in length), and a gorgeous one at that. The water level is still below normal from last year's drought, but predictions say end of July it should be totally full.

And this is our body of water at Star Mt., a modest pond on our common ground, Mark was testing the waters to see if any trout survived what was a harsh winter, and sadly it appears not. He has new fish ordered though hopefully they will be delivered soon.

Anndd the hanging baskets are up. Cross fingers our small creatures stay out. Last summer they ate half the flowers...

Mark is back in Miami but returns in 10 days hooray. My days go by in a flash with projects inside and out, plus book alert: I'm spending a lot of time talking to publishers and PR people. My book is rapidly getting to the "it's real stage". Very surreal... I'll share more info as I get closer.

Santa Fe family visit and Star Mt. greening up

I know you must be in shock to see two posts within a week. Things just move fast around Star Mt. ya know.

The magic mountain spring. Freshest water anywhere. As the snowpack melt is full on, the force of the water coming out is fierce. This photo does not do it justice. My water containers were about blown out of my hand, and so cold my hands were going numb.

Two deer were traveling with this pack. They don't usually run with each other.

Lots of elk and now deer everywhere. I'v got eyes peeled for Flap (our adopted deer) but no sign yet. She is really in the elderly category at this point, at least 11 years old mother of a dozen fawns. Very much hoping she's still alive and kicking, although the minute she shows up, she eats my few flowers out front.

Our resident bluebird pair were here to greet us. They are busy sprucing up their nest from multi years under our deck. Also on the lookout for the resident pair of robins who plop into a bluebird abandoned nest under the deck every year, which given they are twice the size of bluebirds, is mostly unsuccessful. The hummingbirds are here in droves so now three feeders are up.

Love this shot but I think Lisa was just freezing in the wind

And the Reed family made it in- our first company of the season. So great of them to drive over from Santa Fe. A short trip but tried to pack in what we could. Layla was the cutest and we enjoyed watching her bounce around Star Mt. At 4 you enjoy everything and have endless energy.

Nice we had toys and things from Penny and Jules for Layla to borrow

Yes, it's chilly as you can tell by the jackets but it warms up fast. At least been above freezing the last 2 nights. I realize that's just a tad different than a lot of the sweltering areas. I'm a happy camper to be out of Florida, I cannot lie. Gotta enjoy every minute here. Spring, summer, fall all wrapped into 4 months.

Amazing views in every directions and the wildflowers are slowly coming up. I kinda go crazy with the camera when they bloom. Expect a lot of flower photography. And I realize, as usual, I'm not in any shot nor is Mark. We were both here and present I promise. Til next time...