Around Home

Lewis's woodpecker. There are 2 coming to our suet feeders. Would you believe a pink and dark green bird?


Red Crossbill. We have also had white winged crossbill but they are more uncommon in this area.

Osprey. Many nest in this valley. This bird was in the top of our cottonwood tree.

The lettuce I started in the cold frame. It is now big enough to eat but has to be protected by these cages or the deer will get to them first. I planted 20 bean seeds and 19 are up. Looking forward to fresh beans but it will be a while.

Native lupine. Have several of these in the yard.






Ornamental crabapple. These are not a native plant like we prefer but it was planted by the former owner. They sure are pretty even though not native.

Our house. The trees are just leafing out and the lilacs are just starting to bloom. There are 75 lilac bushes along the fence rows on this property. The Sapphire mountains are in the background [to the east] and the Bitterroot Mountains are to the west.

Spring Bike Rides

As you know Dan and I have recumbent trikes that we really enjoy riding. It is one of the few exercises I can do with my back problems [I can't ride regular bikes]. One of the big benefits for me at the RV park we stay at in Texas is that it is right next door to Bentsen State Park which has paved trails/roads and we can ride directly from our park to the state park without getting in the car. And in spite of all the traffic that is in a lot of south Texas, our area is still quite quiet and peaceful. One of the big benefits of our summer home is that there is a 50 mile paved bike path a mile from our house [not that we are going to ride that far]. We had not ridden since we left Texas but today was the day. Temps in the 60's, sunny, no wind, and we set off. It was wonderful. Dan turned around before I did but I rode about and hour and enjoyed every minute. Hopefully we/I will keep this up to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Weather here is perfect. Sure glad I am no longer in south Texas!!!