Down Below

A touch of serenity is captured along the Arkansas River Trail. Cold, but peaceful, while the world above is rush, rush, rushing.

Last Leaf Standing

Alright, I was told this wasn't the most interesting photo to use, but I disagree. Look at those leaves up there still holding on for their dear lives! Are they taunting us, telling us not to put our rakes away so fast? Or are they holding steady and waving proudly like the American and Colorado flags nearby? This photo, taken in windy Pueblo West, shows most of our glorious yellow, red and orange trees are gone.  But, a few survivors still cling. Perhaps till a more vigorous snow comes along and knocks them off? What are they waiting for?

A Knotty Idea

Come on guys, get your mind out of the gutter! Ha Ha!
I don't know how many times a week I pass this tree.
It stands out to me every time I pass. See the knots and curves of the branches? What do they look like to you? Anything? To me, they remind of Italian or Moroccan tiles that are popular in the design world. Of course, they are broken up and overlapping, rather than on a floor, but tiles none-the-less. So much so that I wanted to share this first photo with you, so remember this tree when I do another post to illustrate a sorta how art imitates life thing.  What do you see in your everyday world?

Up-Rooted

Winds were so strong they up-rooted this tree causing passer-bys to do a double take. Photo by"T"!

Quiet Excitement

One of two deer on the loose in Aberdeen.

Our family, when we are out for drives in the mountains, has an on going bet to see who can spot the first signs of wildlife.

Well, today I win a dollar and it was in the middle of town! 

This not so little guy and I literally almost ran into each other this morning. Out for my usual walk/jog (aka the "wog"), with music blaring through my headphones, I saw in the distance something running straight towards me! 

I thought it was just one of the many dogs that barked at me along my route.  It wasn't till I got closer that it's size startled me. At first I thought it was the Great Dane I had passed in the park, but then quickly realized it was even too big for a dog! I slowed, preparing to flee in the other direction when my eyes finally focused on this majestic looking deer.

I scared him too. 

As soon as his eyes focused on me, (he probably wasn't wearing his glasses either), 

he shot a sharp right to turn into a nearby driveway.

But then, curiously he stopped and just stood there looking at me. 

I wondered why he stood there. Usually they get scared and run off. I sensed his hesitation to run. Was I the "Deer Whisperer"? No. I soon realized I was standing between him and his companion. 

Right behind me was another creature as gorgeous and as large as he was. 

...And there I was standing in the middle of the street, hardly containing my excitement, scrambling in my pockets for my camera, while frantically, yet quietly, trying to call attention to someone, anyone else, nearby to see. 

I know these guys are seen frequently in this neighborhood, and are a dime a dozen around this state, but do you ever notice how excited most of get when we spot one and we have to shout out 

"Look! A deer!"?

60, 70, 75, 44, 34

Aberdeen Neighborhood Adopt-a-Park volunteers planted over 1,000 bulbs last fall.
This week shows them breaking ground. Yeah! It worked!
Do a drive by the 3 small parks in a few weeks to view them in full bloom!

What are those numbers? 60, 70, 75, 44, 34. No, not a lock combination or winning lotto numbers. Its the Weather Channel's forecast for Pueblo this week. Crazy right? Starting out the week working in our yards wearing shorts, and ending it up bundled up and sledding. That's Springtime in Pueblo for you.
Our picture today highlights some signs of spring we have been spying. What signs of Spring are you seeing?

Leaning Tree

Awaiting another dusting of snow?