Archive for ‘April, 2009’

We interrupt this regularly scheduled programming…

I have fallen in love with Leesa’s photography and the aura of gentle goodness at her site: Peace of my mind

Today, she posted “My Little Rocky” aka Rocky, the Flying Squirrel

When I was something around pre-teen, my family took care of a flying squirrel. I don’t remember the exact circumstances, but he was “Rocky” naturally (Rocky and Bullwinkle….) …oops, he was “Pocket” because he liked to be in a Pocket (my mother took care of him for a Sunday School student of hers who couldn’t take him when he went off to college. Peter originally got Pocket from camp which was overrun with the squirrels) and my memory is of being locked in the bathroom with him while his cage was being cleaned and of him swooping around the bathroom and eventually climbing up the inside of my pajama leg :) ! It was an incredible experience and wonderful memory. (My mother writes that I screamed….)

I had no idea there were flying squirrels in Montana before seeing Leesa’s photo. Despite squirrels giving Karl fits, I may just have to put a feeder up and check it in the wee, small hours…

Spring Woods

Yesterday, Karl and I walked on the 40 acres of State Land woods adjacent to my rear property boundary. We were fortunate this winter to get out there a lot, walking on top of wonderful snow that covered all the weeds, burrs and downfall. But, it was nice to smell that spring ground smell as the grass and dirt and trees warm up and come to life with most of the snow gone.

Bob was waiting near the house, somewhat hidden in the grass. The sun was warm and he looked like he could barely keep his eyes open.

Karl picked a cooler spot – in the snow, in the shade – for his post walk nap. He can hardly keep his eyes open either. We took our time in the woods. The grass will grow high and new weeds, new burrs will make it more difficult to walk out there during the summer.

Spring Woods – very pleasant!

Montana Moonrise: early Spring

This is probably the last moonrise that can be captured here until Fall – these photos from last evening about 7:30. From now through summer, it will be too light at moonrise. Full moon is two nights away but it was clear last evening and just barely close enough to a just after 8 sunset to catch the moon over the mountains.

The Road Home: Early Spring

The road to my home. My house sits on the far side of the wooded area looking to the Swan Range. Whether I’ve been gone on a quick errand or a months long rv trip, the turn on to my road home is a wonderful thing. I am always grateful that I have the opportunity to be right where I am and have Karl and Bob to share it with.

Photo taken yesterday, April 6, 2009.

Links to prior “Road Home” photos:
May-December Romance
Fall Edition

We’re getting there

It might not look much like Spring to those of you who live in places that have tulips, daffodils, crocuses already blooming, grass greening, but here, this is progress! Although it was still slightly below freezing, the sun was hitting the front porch this morning, birds were singing and despite the large piles of snow left to melt, it had the feel of Spring – really!

The sun was even making Bob’s eating venue warm and spring-like.

This is near the end of our short loop – looking back from whence we came along the snow covered ridge. There is still 6-10 inches of snow on some of our path. In the morning it is frozen and easy walking. By afternoon and for our evening walk, it is like walking in mashed potatoes.

As we approached our own property, Karl decided on a toe cleaning break – hopefully one of the last for the season. We’re getting there!