Life on the High Plains

Last week we loaded up the trailer and drove six hours to a campground near Pagosa Springs, CO.  It was about 20 miles out of town in a remote area.  Not real convenient, but it was the only place I could find with a tree covered campground and cabins for some guests who were joining. It was quiet, spacious, canopied by trees and had swarms of hummingbirds. Since we were so far out of town we were the cooks for the three days we were there.  Once again the Blackstone got some good use.  One night was beef fajita night. One night was Dutch oven beef stew (my specialty).  It was appropriate that I was cooking in the Dutch oven over Father's Day weekend.  He's the one who taught me my skills.  Thanks Dad! On the last night we broke out the Dutch oven again for some peach cobbler.  I tried a new recipe this time called "Lazy Peach Cobbler".  I didn't really care for it.  Back to the old recipe next time. Our one and only hike was to Piedra F...

Last week we met some family members in Southern Colorado for a ride on the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad out of Chama, NM. The railroad was originally constructed in 1880 to serve the silver mining industry in the San Juan National Forest in Southwestern Colorado.  With the repeal of the Sherman Act in 1893, and its devasting effect on the silver industry, the railroad set mainly stagnant.  Upgrades to equipment and infrastructure took place in the 1920s, but by the 1960s the narrow gauge line was abandoned.  In 1970 the line was purchased by the states of New Mexico and  Colorado and tourists began riding the train in 1971.  I'm sure glad a group of preservationists stepped in to save this wonderful piece of history. We booked the half day trip that departed Chama at 11:00 a.m.  We made the leisurely  1 1/2 hour drive from our campsite to Chama and waited for departure time. The train was delayed opening this summer due to the extreme drought condition...

 A longtime friend and coworker of 26 years passed away yesterday after a long battle with Leiomyosarcoma.  She was possibly the most Godly woman I've ever know.  After spending a career with YL she left to become a chaplain with the Colorado DOC.  She cared for those women and mentored them even after they left prison.  She followed the teachings that instructs us to care of those in prison. She fought hard and put up a good battle all while calming her friends and family with verses.  I was in awe of her.  On June 1st, however, she knew the battle was coming to an end and she shared the words, "I choose hospice".  Her faith carried her through her last weeks.  She is such an inspiration. Last year she gave me a photo of some owlets who were about to fledge across the street from her house.  I asked permission to paint them and of course she graciously agreed.  I will forever remember my friend, Alicia, whenever I see a Great Horne...

We recently went camping in Southern Colorado at Lathrop State Park.  It was recently named the best state park in Colorado so we had to go check it out for ourselves.  I was a little skeptical, but I was soon won over. It's located near the Spanish Peaks, or Huajatolla (meaning breasts of the earth in the Comanche language).  The peaks are 12 and 13 thousand feet high. It was cold and cloudy during our entire stay, but on the first day we were able to get out for a hike that had been labeled "easy" in AllTrails. It started out easy, but as the elevation rose we found ourselves climbing through boulder fields. Eventually we made it to the top of the hogback ridge.  Stunning views! The dogs were real troopers especially our little old lady. The campground was nearly empty.  That's our trailer on the fair left side.  Nice site secluded by many pinon trees. The park has three ponds that can be used for fishing and boating.  Since the highs were only in th...

 The Great Blue Herons are back at one of my favorite walking areas, Fountain Creek!  There is actually a rookery with 13 nests that are occupied this time of year.  It's an amazing sight to see one of them flyover. This one was just standing in the spillway scooping up fish as they flowed over. Okay, maybe Canadian Geese aren't quite as majestic, but they deserved a photo. Beautiful shot of one of the ponds. The little snowfall we recently received actually put some water into Fountain Creek. Our big guy was still there on our return trip.   What a special treat!

When I found out we were going to Milan for the Olympics this past February I knew there was a piece of artwork I would have to see while there.  Immediately I went to the Leonardo Last Supper Museum website to purchase tickets.  I was immediately disheartened because all the tickets during our stay were already sold out (not surprising).  Then I noticed that they let tour groups bring visitors in so I booked a tour for all seven of us. The Santa Maria delle Grazie was the last stop on the tour.  First you have to check all your large size belongings into a locker.  Then you go wait at the door to the chapel for your appointed time to enter.  There were a couple "holding" areas prior to entering the room where the painting is located.  The final holding area was a glass encased hall loaded with all kinds of cameras and security devices.  When it's your time the doors automatically open and you enter the refectory. My first impression was that it w...