Wish I Was There ~ February 23, 2022

If your days have been anything remotely as cold as it’s been at the Ranch, you’ve probably been shivering with a pet (or two) in your lap. A slow moving cold front with snow continues its grasp around our throats. It was so cold and treacherous yesterday, Norman and I were unable to make our visit to hospital and the Ranch Hands are now beginning to develop a case of cabin fever. Their new Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Snoop treat dispensers have helped occupy minds that don’t quite comprehend that it’s too cold to go out on any kind of walk, beyond potty breaks.

Keeping dog minds busy helps them cope, but what about us uprights? How do I cope being housebound on these sub-zero days without walks? I like taking a digital trip to a warm place. No pesky TSA, long lines of complaining travelers fussing about having to wear masks and all the other indignities associated with actual traveling to an previously visited vacation spot. After going through my library of places previously visited, I decided to once again go back to the isle of Roatán, Honduras where the weather was perfect for a lovely stroll along a beach with crystal clear skies and an amazing reef.

Honduras

During my digital trip, I once again can feel the warm water on my feet, hear birds in nearby trees, smell the salty air and enjoy the amazingly gracious hospitality of the locals. A lovely and magical trip then and now, again digitally.

A visit to the animal sanctuary also makes for another lovely diversion.

Roatán

Do you go on digital trips in your mind when weather turns bone-chilling? We’ll remain huddled up on the sofa under the blankets and cruising through old photos from a past in-person trip while watching more snow fall today.

Live, love, bark!  🐾

Nearly Wordless Wednesday ~ November 17, 2021

Sunset

I never tire of seeing sunsets on the Oregon coastline.

Live, love, bark!  🐾

Wish I Was There Wednesday ~ November 3, 2021

Are you ready for the time change? Do you favor or oppose DST?

Prague
Astronomical Clock, Prague

Live, love, bark! 🐾

Nature Friday ~ September 3, 2021

Nature FridayWell, would you lookie here…it’s the first Friday of September. How’d that happen?! With only 120 days until we usher in 2022, this year is moving quickly. This week as we typically do, we’re joining those adorable fur-kids, Rosy, Sunny, Arty and Jakey from LLB in Our Backyard.

Mother Nature has definitely been in the news a lot this week. We are keeping all those impacted by the effects of Hurricane Ida in our thoughts and prayers and hope you are safe.

The ‘Ranch foreman’ went out of town this week to celebrate her Dad’s birthday with a mini-family reunion in the Glenwood Springs area. While it was great getting away from city noise and pollution, it was stunning to see how nature has been actively showing her deadly force in our region. The images around Glenwood Canyon were incredibly alarming and it will take years to repair the damage done along I-70 in the Grizzly Creek burn scar area just outside Glenwood. One cannot discount Mother Nature’s sheer force with water being particularly dangerous.

Photo image courtesy of The Denver Post `~ Eastbound I-70
Crystal River
© Post Independent – County Road near Marble, CO

It rained most of Dad’s actual birthday and we saw the damage from mudslides in the region on our way to lunch. The nearby Crystal River was once again muddy red in spots, though clear at Redstone.

Fishing
Fishing on The Roaring Fork ~ 91 years old looks pretty darn good, doesn’t it?!

Back along The Roaring Fork behind my brother’s house, catch and release is the rule though we managed to find a fish we could keep from a local art shop.

Fish
This fish is a keeper
Crystal River
Crystal River near Redstone

For the most part, the aspens haven’t really begun to change though there were a few places where a small spot or two did. Since I was driving on a highway that needed 100% attention, I have no photographic evidence to share so you’ll just have to take my word for it.

Crystal River

The days spent with family were extra special this year as we  revelled in nature’s beauty as well as celebrated a big milestone. We hope you are able to get out this weekend to enjoy what this beautiful month has to offer. Stay safe whatever you do.

Live, love, bark!  🐾

Wordless Wednesday ~ February 17, 2020

Wordless Wednesday
Near the Heceta Lighthouse~Siuslaw National Forest, Florence, OR

Live, love, bark!  🐾

Wistful Wednesday ~ January 13, 2021

After 10 months of lockdown, my mind and gypsy heart have been dreaming a lot of traveling again. Since the US is persona non grata throughout most of the world, the only way to go on a trip is through past photos and memories.

This beautiful kitty who seemed to be somewhat annoyed at my interruption of its vigil when I visited the Kommern LVR-Freilicht Museum located near Eiffel National Park not far from the Belgium border. In the LVR-large open air museum , you can experience all your senses learning how people used to live and work in the Rhineland and watch reenactments of life as it was yesteryear by museum employees.

Germany
Freilich Museum

On the almost 100 hectares grounds, there are 69 historical buildings from the former Prussian RheinProvinz, farmsteads, complete with farm animals, wind-and-water mills, workshops, communal buildings, and many reenactments of life of a rural population heralding from as long ago as the 15th century.

Despite a beautiful day here in the 303, my gypsy heart longs to be there enjoying this wonderful place today. I can practically smell the freshly baked bread from the hearth.

Germany
Freilich Museum

Germany

Germany
Freilich Museum

Simpler times and ones that would be especially welcome today. Happy mid-week.

Live, love, bark! 🐾