Bike Man

I have no idea what caught the eye of this man as he pedaled down Main Street but he stopped for a while to check out something.  I don't take a lot of people photos but found this interesting for some reason.  For one thing, a hat, guitar and boots isn't something often seen on men around here.  It was nice of him to hold still for the photo--and then, curiosity satisfied, he pedaled on.

Details, Details

You sometimes have to look up and down and all around to find treasures to photograph.  This is architectural detail on one of the buildings on Mains Street. It's higher than eye level.  Back in my college days, I knew the names for the various parts of a column but since I haven't used that information for many years it has been replaced by data I need more.  But I can admire this piece of art without knowing the technical details.

Fall Foliage In CO

Last weekend we escaped the valley's pollen to give my husband a little break from his allergies.  He's never been hit so hard before.  It was early for the prime color but there were still some pretty sections of brilliant color.  I like it contrasted with the dark green of the pine trees as shown in this photo.  A burger at Mesa Lake Lodge was nice, especially since we had a window seat which overlooked the lake.  I'm going to miss the beautiful fall colors that Colorado has to offer in the high mountains.  I guess I'll have to substitute trips to wine country in OR.  That should make me happy.

A View Down Main Street

This is just a small section of Grand Junction's Main Street.  It shows the curved benches, lines of trees and even a sidewalk patio for one of the cafes.  There's a couple pices of art tucked here and there but they are difficult to see.  Main Street is the scene of many special events and it's fun to shop in the small, unique stores.  There's even a store that has some scrapbook supplies in the back.  Yes, I'll definitely miss this main street.

This Flower Should Be Named Wow

I don't think I had ever seen this flower before we visited Main Street on Sunday.  I thought it was amazing that within one blossom there were all these little flowers in a variety of colors.  I have no idea what it is called but I think it's quite special.  My standard for flower awesomeness was just raised a couple of notches.

Things I Will Miss

I've been thinking a lot lately about things I'll miss when we leave Grand Junction.  Friends and family is right at the top of the list but there's lots of other things as well.  Like Main Street.  It's special due to the building architecture, casual street design, abundant flowers and unique Art On The Corner.  Of course every area has unique buildings and there's always something blooming in Lake Oswego OR and they even have some art on the corner, though not at much.  From our visits to the area we already have some favorites and I'm sure we'll be finding more.  That's one of the things I've learned by moving to different area--each is unique and special in some way.  The trick is to find those things and dwell on the positive rather than reflect back on what you no longer have.  But I'll still remember my favorite Grand Junction features.  And I'll be telling you more of them in the coming days.

Window View

When we were forced inside out of the rain, we were seated next to the window and this was my view.  The Main Street Cafe has a vintage 60's theme to which I can easily relate which makes it even more fun.  My biscuit and gravy was tasty and the pot of tea disappeared in a hurry.  It has stopped raining so it was back to the street for more photography. 

Have An Awesome Autumn

It's happening.  Autumn is officially here and I found these leaves that are changing.  It's an oak tree on Main Street and it appears that it is drying up more than changing to the typical burnt colors, but it's still a sign that the season is new.  I added a bit of blending to add texture and conceal some of the background leaves.  I think it made it a more artistic photo.  Another sign of autumn maybe?--rain chased us into the Main Street Cafe.  It was a sign we should stop and eat breakfast.

Looking Back

Tucked in the back of a seldom-opened closet was a box of our son's toys from the 1970's.  I put everything on display and took this photo to see what he was interested in keeping.  He responded that he totally remembered all of those toys and wanted to keep all.  He still has a wooden toy chest that his dad made for him years ago and these will be added to the toys he already has.  One of the things of which I was reminded was that Legos used to be a set of pieces that could be used to make a variety of structures, taken apart, and remade into something entirely different.  Today's sets seem to make one thing that either has to be remade as before or, as in the case of our grandson, kept intact and put on display.      I have to admit that a lot of memories came rushing back when I opened that box of toys.  Now to see what he decided about the metal truck, fire engine and tractor.

Pale But Beautiful

Although the days are getting cooler, we have yet to see the color of foliage start to change and there are still lots of flowers in bloom.  Although pale, I thought this rose was a beauty.

The house is "staged" and camera ready for a shoot later today.  "All" we had to do was clear almost everything out of the house.  It feels like we've reached a milestone even though there is still quite a lot to do.  At least the initial pressure is off which is nice.

Fall Is In The Air

It was another bonus for getting boxes for packing.  My local grocery store put out this beautiful fall display to advertise their merchandise.  It was a really bright spot and a reminder that the days are changing.  I don't mind because each season has it's own special feel and special contribution to my life.   The display reminded me of the many autumn displays we saw on out trip to the east coast several (many!) years ago where people went all out with displays of flowers, pumpkins, corn stalks, etc. on their porches and in their yards.  That hasn't quite caught on in the west but there's a lot more fervor over Halloween.      And see how full of blossoms those mums are?  I see others grow them that way in their gardens and get mine are spindly and far apart.  It's a reminder that I didn't inherit my mother's green thumb.  I'll stick to stamping my flowers and pumpkins.

It Makes Me Happy

I always eagerly await the time when we can pick fresh tomatoes from the garden.  We plant a variety so we have different sizes and colors but they are all delicious.  One of my favorite pasta dishes is diced fresh tomatoes marinated in olive oil with some chopped fresh garlic, basil and small cubes of fresh mozzarella.  Let it sit on the counter for a couple of hours if you have time so the flavors blend.  When you can't wait any longer, cook some spaghetti and when it is al dente, drain and add to the tomato mixture.  This is especially great in the summer and early fall not only because fresh tomatoes are available, but also because you don't have to have the stove on for very long and you still get a very delicious dinner.

I'm going to miss those fresh Grand Valley tomatoes after we've moved which brings me to the topic of my current activity of purging and packing.  We have things pretty much in order and will have a photo shoot of the inside of the house on Saturday evening.  That means the rooms are empty except for the essentials and there's a big pile of boxes in one room in the basement and another pile in the garage.  Habitat for Humanity comes next week to pick up some large items we are leaving behind and then we'll have a little more breathing space in the garage.  There are still cupboards and closets to purge and pack but at least the pressure is off for now.  Whew!  I think I'm due for a play day--but probably won't take one just yet.

Not So Mellow Yellow

I walk into the front door of the grocery store (often in search of more boxes for packing) and am greeted with an array of brilliant color.  It's the yellow that catches my eye these days and  I'm especially drawn to these beautiful lilies.  I'd love to bring some home but I realize I'd hardly notice their presence since I'm so occupied with packing.  I'll treat myself when things settle down.  Tomorrow "muscle men" are coming to move heavy items from the basement to the garage and soon we should be set for taking photos to advertise the house for sale.  Progress--slow but steady.

We've had this Bible for years but, honestly, it hasn't received much of our attention.  It belonged to my husband's grandfather on the Bruce side and has the birth dates for the family hand-written in the back as used to be the custom.  One has to admire the fact that many family hands have held it and perused the pages.  The paper has yellowed and grown somewhat brittle and the cover is certainly worn, all of which give the book great character and charm.  Coming across something like this is a benefit of all this purging and packing.     But I'd still rather be doing a lot of other things that are more interesting and fun.

I Wonder

I'm back to talking about boxes.  While this box from the liquor store has an interesting design, I'm wondering what chickens have to do with wine.  Sheep or cows I would understand because wine with cheese is a classic combination and one I grew up with.  But who has heard of wine and eggs? or chicken salad? or drumsticks?  I'll just have to wonder.  It will give me something to think about while I'm packing.

Don't Freak Out

I apologize if you hate spiders or are frightened of them.  Growing up with three brothers I dared not show any fear of them or I would have been teased unendingly.  I've grown to appreciate them and especially that they eat other bugs.  While approaching the house last week I noticed a huge web in the garden and this spider busy at work.  I thought it worthy of a photo.  I checked this morning and the web was completely gone.  I'm guessing that all the rain we had just washed it away.  I haven't seen it reappear - yet. 

Caprese Salad

I love caprese salad and it's never better than when it's made with tomatoes from one's own garden as was the case here.  We had both traditional and heirloom tomatoes and I added fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, s sprinkle of olive oil and salt and then a touch of balsamic vinegar.  Add a few crackers and it's a full and perfect meal.  Love it!

Cabbage

While having breakfast on the back patio last week I looked across the lawn into the vegetable garden and thought how much this cabbage resembled a flower.  I decided to take a photo to prove it and share the beauty.  (It didn't hurt that it had just received some water so had some water drops on the leaves for added interest.)  You didn't miss those, did you?

This plant has been growing since last February if I remember correctly and it is a good example that if we keep with something long enough good results will be produced.  As I purge and pack and do a little cleaning I need that reminder as the daily progress doesn't seem like nearly enough and there seems to be so much yet to do.  But I will persevere and get it all done.  The house will be sold and we'll move on to the next chapter in our lives.     And if things work out, I'll be making slaw and cabbage soup and cabbage rolls . . . .

Photo, Sketch, Paint

This was my first attempt at turning a photo into a sketch and then painting it.  I don't think I was totally successful in attaining the look I wanted but it was at least limited success.  We all have to start somewhere.  Maybe I didn't choose the best subject matter--I'm not sure.  I'll keep playing when I have time and hopefully eventually show you something more successful.

Marigold

While we were waiting in Dinosaur for our sandwiches to be made I went outside and found lots of blooming flowers.  These marigolds were especially pretty so out came the camera.  Our online blending class this week show how to use Photoshop filters in blending and the flowers were perfect for using the"glowing edges" filter.  I didn't just stop there, of course, but it was a great starting poiont that really made the flowers pop.  We have just one more lesson and it's about how to use what we've learned.  My head is swimming and there's still stuff I want to try but I'll be sorry to have this class end.  It has been fun and interesting and I think my brain is better off for having had to do some thinking.

A Rainstorm

On our way home we had this view of a rainstorm that was providing some moisture in Fruita.  It was a graphic display of how rain falls in one area and not another.  The rain feel for quite a long time so Fruita got a lot of moisture from this one - but not much lightening which is good.

Bedrock Depot

Here's the cute little Bedrock Depot.  Besides the great sandwiches, ice cream and espresso they also have souvenirs for sale.  But when you visit make sure you note the great photography hanging on the walls.  Most of it was taken in the nearby Dinosaur National Monument.

There's an awning and tables outside to the right for some fresh-air dining.  And before you go be sure to tell Bill and Leona I said hello.

Douglas Pass

After you pass through the Bookcliffs and many miles of  "adobe land" you start the climb over Douglas Pass.  And as you get near the top and look to the south, this is the lovely view.  You can see the road down in the valley where we traveled prior to our climb.  Then it's down the other side and into some agricultural land before you reach Rangely.

The amazing thing is that you have no idea this lush mountain range is before you until you are there.  It's quite a contrast from the dry adobes.

A Little Jaunt

We had another little jaunt this week and went to Dinosaur for lunch.  That's going about 20 miles west and then about 70 miles north and another 20 miles from Rangely to Dinosaur.  There was a second reason for this craziness--we wanted to say hello to camera club friends who own a little sandwich/ice cream/espresso shop in Dinosaur.  More about that later.

This is a view of the bookcliffs through which we passed on our way north.  They run east and west from Grand Junction to Green River, 120 miles more or less.  Although I don't really consider them "mountains," (they look more like mesas to me)  they are said to be the only mountain range in the US that runs east and west.

It was a good excuse to take another break from the purging and packing.

Windmills

I'm a big fan of windmills and they always get my attention.  This photo was taken on a recent trip to Glade Park and when we approached the house, only two windmills were visible.  Then as we got closer, they seemed to be everywhere!  I have no idea if they are functional or just for fun but the collection REALLY got my attention.  I counted at least eight.

What IS This?

Sometimes you see something and wonder "Huh?"  We've watched a "thing" being constructed at one side of the rail yard in Denver this summer.  If I remember correctly, there is a big white tank and there's a big "pool" that is lined with black plastic.  And there are pipes running everywhere.  Then there are these containers with pipes attached which is part of the apparatus.  I have no idea what it is or why it is there.  We have another trip next month and if there are any new clues, I'll let you know.

Had a Break

This is far from the best photo I've ever posted but I wanted to show you that I did something besides purging and packing this weekend.  We were already signed up for a trip to Denver on the Zephyr as docents so we fulfilled our obligation.

The photo is dark but that's the kind of day it was and there's reflections from the window but that's what I get when I try to take a photo on the train.  Mostly I have to tend to business and can only get a quick look out the window or I'm searching for something specific that we need to talk about.  But it's a beautiful trip and the train passes through several fantastic canyons and occasionally I try for a photo.  This one was taken in Gore Canyon.

We hear there is a Trails and Rails program between Portland and Seattle and we may look into volunteering after we are moved and settled in.  I'm sounding pretty optimistic, huh?!