A most memorable visit with my talented artist friends

The most fantastic visit just ended with my Florida artist friends. Thank you Cheryl, Patty, and Mary for making the trip. I enjoyed every single minute. What amazing women you are.

First painting session. Down the hill from my house with view of Carbon Peak and old miner's cabin. The cattle weren't too impressed however.

Many of you will recognize the blankets in this. I know it's hard to believe in the middle of July, but yes, it gets chilly.

Rocky Mt. Chocolate Factory

We did Crested Butte of course. That included the farmer's market, Secret Stash,  art galleries, and a bit of shopping.

Painting session number two.  This was near Snodgrass Mountain with gorgeous wildflowers and limitless views. Let me mention perfect weather too.

Kids camp

Could not miss Gothic Mt. or the RMBL (Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory). Both amazing sights. RMBL is the tiny scientists space that started in 1928 and has grown to national importance. Scientists come from all over the world to study climate change and experiments were in every direction. No idea what they were all about but confident it's to help us negotiate the future.

Magic mountain spring water

cross country team

The magic ride over Ohio Pass which always includes the mountain spring and whatever crazy athletic endeavors people get up too around here.

Free outdoor Monday concerts in Crested Butte. Always fun and people watching is great. We were nearly rained out but hung in there and it passed. Take a moment and the weather changes, a saying that a lot of places have but it's amazingly fitting in Colorado. Great band too!

Our animal friends were present too.The 3 amigos (bucks) turned into 5 and we were trying not make too much noise outside as they wanted to hang under the deck. That's nature around here.
A second visit is called for ladies - much was missed!

And all the magic of the mountains

We're in the peak of summer now. Celebrations everywhere, out of town people crowding the sidewalks, and spectacular weather. Who wouldn't want to be here? As a matter of fact, I have company coming in a week. My watercolor artists group from Florida. So excited to show them all that is. There will be painting, jeeping, eating, shopping, and much fun to be had.

Amazing jeep trip up Brush Creek.  Wonderful views in every direction and the flowers are not even peak yet. It's a very well used trail by jeep and mountain bikes alike (and some horses).

Marmot - not thrilled he's eating my flowers

This is what I've resorted to to keep Mr. Marmot OUT -sharp tips may work

The animal sightings for the week. As you can see the fawns have started to appear. I've seen 3 more since the first. And the cattle are officially in, as in where all our homes are. Oh the joys of manure. What you do not see are any photos of hummingbirds. They are almost non existent, at least on our feeders. They are still turning up their noses at sugar water. Wildflowers win out.

The annual hot air balloon fiesta on July 4th from afar as we headed into Crested Butte for breakfast. We opted out of attending the 6am start this year. Been two years in a row...

The waterfall roaring as we've never seen it.

Skiers! My great zoom lens again- this was  a massive distance away.

Glacier Lilies - early wildflowers, a favorite of bears.

Ohio Pass is finally open. Our massive snowfall this winter caused many passes to open late and rivers continue to overrun. Wow. Lots of snow still up the pass and we actually saw skiers way up high, in July, crazy. There were a number of places that avalanches came down. The power of the snow is astonishing.

Colombine - Colorado state flower

The flowers continue in magnificent display. Amazing place we're in. Mark flies out tomorrow, boo, but back in three weeks. He's back to stifling Florida to work.

I haven't mention the book recently, but it's all coming together. Formatting and cover design are happening now. Pretty intense this process, but so very exciting. I'll be back with a launch date soon. Amazon here we come--