Plant Snap

I have a new "toy" -- an app called Plant Snap. Take a picture of a flower, send it to the app and if your internet connection is good, it will identify your plant just like that.Yesterday, on our walk, we some pretty blue bells we had never seen before. I took their picture and a few seconds later the flowers were identified as "Wasatch beardtongue"...never heard of them before.

(No matter what I do, I cannot turn the picture around--blogger is acting weird again)

The app is fun and informative. I took a picture of a Sierra Columbine and after the description of the plant, it gave a warning...don't let your pet eat the flower as it's extremely poisonous...in addition, it said, don't pick the flower as the sap from the stem can cause a rash. These are good things to know. 

 If you like to know the names of flowers and plants, it comes with a seven day free trial, then it costs $30/year. For me it's definitely worth it.

Snow in mid-June

It's past the middle of June and it's still snowing at 9000 feet. It was snowing in Yellowstone this morning.

The Bridger-Tetons received a fresh dusting of snow. We've spent many years in this valley and the latest we've had a "spring" snow is the 15th of June. 2020 is different in so many ways, and a late snowfall is just one of them.

Along with snow in the mountains, the valley floor was cold too (41 degrees). We only walked .8 of a mile this morning as it was not fun to be outside; and when a cool rain started to fall and we headed back to the warm shelter of the kitchen where there was fresh steaming coffee.

The flowers are blooming earlier than I'm used too. The Columbine are coloring the world in bright pink and magenta 

...while the daisies seem to be enjoying the rain. Rocky Mountain summers are never plain vanilla.

Mistress 1959

Mistress 1959 is a Ford Fairlane 500 convertible. She's red and full of chrome and one of the uglier car designs in the 1950s. Given that, I think she's great!

She was made near the end of the huge tail light era, so her fins are tamer than a Plymouth or Cadillac of the same age. The huge bright red tail lights really get your attention when the brakes are applied. There is nothing petite or understated about this car. Yet, she's a blast from the past that makes your heart go pitty pat. She big, she's noisy, she's RED and CHROME. Her upholstery is red and white and chrome too. She even has the deluxe radio package with FM which was kind of rare back in the day.

I did not name her Mistress 1959, the owner did. Stretch out the picture and you'll see the license surround has her name. Sixty-one years ago, this was a fantastic car. When I saw her yesterday, folks were staring at her in the parking lot and making comments like "remember her" or "gosh, I always wanted a big convertible like that" or "gees, she's a pretty little thing," They just don't make a car like this any more. She solid as they come, with fender skirts, and fins and the ability to take you to another place in time and space. What a car!

Tree Swallow

I'm not great at identifying smaller perching birds. I tend to mix up swifts and swallows in particular. After looking at my Peterson's Bird Guide app, I might have a better handle on the two types of birds. A swallow has a tail with an inverted "v" in the middle, and a swift does not have a big tail at all. In addition, there are not many swifts found in Wyoming. (That's probably the best piece of information that I found.) On my walk the other morning, we saw a Tree Swallow, all 5 inches of deep shiny blue and black, sitting atop a nesting box.

Maybe I'll remember this bird is a swallow the next time I see him.

After the snow, our mountains are white again. This is a watercolor I made of Cariboo Mountain.

 Now if it will only get warm?

Western Tanager

Yesterday I saw a beautiful western tanager. Let me try to describe this little songbird that is part of the Cardinal family. It's about 7 inches tall. It's head is fluorescent orange fading to a bright yellow breast. The bird has black wings with flashes of yellow and white. Put all of this together and it's stunning. I wish I could post my picture, but alas, Blogger won't let me do that any more. Instead, I've posted a picture from "Coniferous Forest"

Spring Time in the Rockies

We left the coast where summer was in full play, but in the Rocky Mountains, it's still spring. The lilac trees are in bloom.  Other trees are still in blossom. The mountains are snow capped.  And then, because it's spring, we are getting snow and temps in the 30s and 40s. We come here to escape the heat, but not quite this much.

Dear Readers,
The rules have been changed, and I find that it will be most difficult to add pictures to my picture blog. I'm sure there's a way to figure a way thru this dilemma, but until I do, I will be writing but not posting pictures. For a picture blog, this is most unfortunate. Thank you

Not My Best Idea

We entered the high country with a bang. I was helping the other DrC park the RV when I twisted my ankle and fell down. When I got up and surveyed the damage I had 2 skinned knees, a flayed elbow, an achy ribcage, a swollen ankle and a big toe that was misaligned. I got cleaned up and did not do much else that night other than clean my wounds and ice the ankle.

The next day company arrived and we entertained. Injured or not, guests are fun and we had fun. By Tuesday, we were back to ourselves and I started to ache all over. My big toe was now purple and my ribs still hurt. A trip to the x-ray machine was needed. The result was interesting...bruised ribs but broken toe. The nice doctor put me in a boot.

I've never wanted to wear one of these contraptions. The idea of the boot is to stabilize your whole foot so healing can take place. If I wear it for 23 hours a day for 6 weeks, all will be back to normal on July 16. 

The boot also rubs on my ankle and shin and calf while keeping my foot still. So while the foot is stabilized the rest of my lower leg is in pain. There's something wrong with this picture. I called the doc and discovered that all I really need to do is keep my foot elevated and "quiet" and I don't have to wear the boot at all. When my foot is not elevated, I need to wear closed toe shoes that are stiff. Bottomline, I have no idea what to do. I see a new doc this week and he says there's another shorter boot that might be the answer.

On a lighter note, there are a lot of "bone docs" in the high country. In the wintertime there are lots of ski accidents and in the summertime, there are lots of hiking accidents. Finding a bone doc is not hard to do. Watch this space to find out what happens next. It seems like much ado for a broken big toe.

High Country

We are up in the high country where the skies are bluebird blue and the aspens sing in the breeze. 

The deer are curious as to why we are here. They have had the luxury of peace and quiet for the last few months...now there is activity. Yesterday, there were six deer hanging out in the back yard, lounging in the shade (maybe enjoying being away from the crowd)

The rivers and streams are icy cold, I'm surprised they even flow. I dipped a toe in that water yesterday and expected to see icebergs (at least ice cubes) floating along. 

The valley is ringed with snowy mountains. The snow is melting so we need to look quickly as soon it will be gone. Until then, the vistas are amazing. It's good to be here.

Memorial Day

A long time ago in a land faraway our family had a barbecue at my Uncle's house every Memorial Day. It was the "first day of summer" no matter what the weather brought. I remember one Memorial Day that was cold and rainy. The family was determined to have a good celebration so we proceeded as we normally would. The coals were ready, the potatoes were wrapped in "tin foil" and placed in the barbecue, the steaks were marinating and it was raining harder by the minute. Finally we put the barbecue under the porch and grilled the steaks away from the rain;  we brought all the outdoor furniture inside and we had our picnic in the living room. Somehow that was the most memorable Memorial Day ever.

As I'm writing this its 100+ degrees outside and rain is nowhere on the horizon. This Memorial Day I'm thinking of all the men and women who have protected our country to ensure our freedom. Some  have paid with the ultimate sacrifice; some are forever scarred and changed; all are brave. The folks staying at home, enjoying the light of freedom that our brave heroes gave us, are eternally grateful.

Shrink Wrap H*ll

I bought a Milwaukee vacuum and battery for my new LVP floors. The installer had the same vacuum and it was easy to use and not too heavy. The vacuum came in an easy to open cardboard box. The battery came in one of those impossible to open heavy duty plastic wrap packages.

Have you ever tried to open one of these packages? My first attempt was to use the "can opener" I have that is designed for this type of package. The can opener did not work. Next, I used a pair of kitchen scissors. With the scissors I was able to poke a hole in the plastic. I prodded and pulled at the tough plastic but not much progress was made. The other DrC was walking by and I asked him to attack the package. He used the scissors, a knife and patience (mine had run out) and together, we were able to break thru the toughest plastic I've ever seen. If the vacuum is as tough as this plastic container, we'll be in good shape. I think there should be a special place in "h*ll" for the person who invented this type of packaging. 

Ten Masks

I spent the day making ten face masks which are already given away. I've discovered a new pattern that is easier to make and just as effective as the old pattern. Thank you Pinterest.

The khaki masks are the old style, and print masks are the new style. 

Let me know if you want some.

A Thank You

Just when I was beginning to think that thank you notes were no longer in favor, I received one. There is hope for humanity. I gave Molly a teddy bear and this is what she gave me:

Thank you Molly. Thank you for the delicious cookies. Thank you for loving Gertie. 

You brightened my day Molly.

Microwave part 2

Finally the ovens are installed. Last week both ovens were delivered, but only one was installed as the wrong trim kit was ordered. Yesterday, the trim kit arrived and the microwave is officially in the cabinet. It looks very nice.

And it's a good mirror too.

Henrietta

Sometimes I want to make something that is silly and fun. Today I made a hedgehog and named her Henrietta. She fits in my hand and I think she will have a few brothers and sisters in the coming days. 

Progress

The flooring saga continues. All of the old carpeting is out. That's a huge task, as it entails removing the carpeting, the padding, the tack strips and any remaining staples that might have been left behind. Today all the tile was removed slowly one hammer blow after another loud hammer blow. The floor was also floated to ensure it was level. Carpeting covers up a multitude of "sins" but solid surface flooring does not, so the floor has to be level. While all this is happening, the squeaks and creaks are being hammered away. Soon the flooring will be installed.

This job is far more extensive and intensive than I anticipated.

Moonrise

Tonight as we were entering the camper I looked to the east and saw moonrise.

The moon was a golden-yellow disc that quickly rose above the mountains. 

Absolutely stunning

Empty Nest

The new floors will be installed on Monday. For the past few weeks we've been getting ready that event by meticulously going through all of our stuff and winnowing it down to the essentials. It's been a deep deep cleanse. The local dump and donation station have accepted our non-essentials and the rest was packed into boxes and stowed in the garage.

A pile of boxes with the "keepers" 

...and a pile of stuff for the dump.

Early this morning a team of strong young men moved the furniture. In less than 90 minutes they stripped the house of all the furniture. We are thankful we did not have to do this task.

The rooms are empty. The house looks huge. On Monday the old carpet gets torn out, and the new luxury vinyl plank will be installed. The house will have a different look and we're excited to see what that will be.

Out with the Old

After more than 3 decades of use, our oven started to die. Don't get me wrong, it was still working, but the thermometer had a life of it's own. That's when we discovered the modern appliance cannot be repaired if it over 10 years old. Given that, we bought a new oven, and, since there was a matching microwave, we bought the pair. So what started out as a small deal, turned into something bigger.

The old pair of ovens still looked good, but their functioning was less than desired.

A few screws were loosened, and after applying some elbow grease, both were removed to the outdoors. A rather unceremonious way to discard old and trusted appliances...but last time I checked, appliances do not have feelings.

The new ovens were rolled into the house and installed but there was one hitch. The wrong microwave surround was ordered. That will be installed next week. The other DrC said Murphy was working overtime. We were both hoping that Murphy would be asleep.

Between now and then, we can use the microwave, but the job is not complete.  If you look at the first picture and the last picture, you will see some differences in the wall of ovens, but not that many. BTW, I do not like stainless steel appliances. Trying to find black appliances is quite difficult. Many oven models (including the one I really wanted) are available in stainless. Someday that color choice will go out of fashion, in the meantime, I'm an "appliance outlier."

Generator

Even as CoVid-19 plays havoc with our lives, the folks in northern California have another challenge...the Pacific Gas and Electric Company aka PG&E aka Piggie. Last night, when no one was expecting it, the power went off. The house went black. The little "vampire" lights that never turn off, were off. We could not see a thing. We waited about 45 seconds and the lights came back on and it looked like were back to normal. We heard a soft humming coming for the general direction of the generator. We padded our way to a window and saw a blanket of black covering our little valley. It was spooky dark yet we had light. Definite proof that the whole house generator works. We had power. Next I checked the Piggie power outage website (we also had internet) and sure enough, we were going to have a power outage for 6 hours. I don't know if this was a planned outage or not. I do know that the generator works.

Stepping Out

We are doing a deep deep cleaning and we are finding a lot of stuff. Some of the stuff is a not worth keeping. Some of the stuff is worth keeping. And, some of the stuff is "iffy."

This pair of shoes is in the iffy category. They are my wedding shoes. According to the other DrC the wedding shoes worked as we have been married for decades. So, what do you think. Do I keep them or do I toss them out? Let me know!

The Green Flash

I became aware of "the green flash" the first time I visited Hawaii. In order to get ready for the vacation, I read all sorts of information about the islands and one brochure or article (I don't remember now) mentioned that a few lucky people get to see the "green flash" at sunrise or sunset.

I was hooked...what was the green flash? Nowadays, I'd look up a new term or phrase on the internet to find out more, but back then, there was no internet to tell me about the green flash. I went to a library and found that Jules Verne wrote about the green flash at the turn of the last century. I discovered that a green flash occurs when the conditions are perfect and a quick flash of green occurs as the sun is setting or even more rarely when the sun is rising. Naturally I went looking for the elusive green flash on that vacation, and I never saw it.

Many years later we were living on the island of Guam. With a whole year of sunsets to look at, I diligently searched for the green flash and I was rewarded one time. It was magical. It lasted less than a minute and all the people I was with saw it too.

Fast forward to 2 nights ago. I'm taking photos of a beautiful sunset from my back deck. When I looked at the pictures, I saw the green flash. I did not see it when it happened, but I captured a picture of it.

The picture is not edited...the color is off, but there is a green "flash"  around the sun. I don't know if this "counts" as I did not see it first hand...but I have a picture of it. The green flash does exist. 

Another set of Masks

I made cloth masks for both of us, but we did not like the elastic ear loops. I saw another pattern and made them up this afternoon.

The mask is crocheted

And there's a removable filter inside.

 And instead of elastic ear loops, they have ties. Much more comfortable. 

I wonder how much longer we'll be needing to wear masks?

Corona-Bear

Even the teddy bears want to be safe!

Tribbles...oh I mean Teddy Bears

The newest little teddy bear has been created. He matches the blue blanket I made

And as you can see, they do multiply almost as fast as Tribbles. I fear more are on the way!

Easter and the Great Hunkering Down

Yesterday was Easter, normally a day of family and church and celebration. Alas, this Easter was none of the above. Instead of seeing family, people "Zoomed" with their family. Instead of going to church, people "streamed" the services. The celebration of Easter, was different during this time of the Great Hunkering Down. As for me, I cooked. I made a delicious Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding, thanks to the folks at America's Test Kitchen.

When the Yorkshire Pudding came out of the oven it was about 4 inches tall and the strangest shape. Both of us were worried it was going to be horrible...

But it was the best.

We had a gustatory Easter celebration. I was saddened we could not share it with family and friends.

Next Easter, folks will not be practicing social distancing and we can all join together in a proper celebration of Easter and the Resurrection of Christ.

Not Grizzly Bears

The pandemic has caused a lot of changes in every day living. We are getting used to being indoors but that does not mean we are enjoying it. Given that, I am keeping busy with my hobbies. To that end, another blanket has been finished and it does not have grizzly bears on it, it has teddy bears.

With the leftover yarn I'm making a matching teddy bear. Some lucky baby is getting 2 for the price of one. The only caveat is the baby cannot play with the teddy bear until he or she gets older. Watch this space for the teddy bear (not grizzly bear).

Of Grizzly Bears and Jack Rabbits

Many years ago grizzly bear researchers in Alaska noted that the bears always follow the same path or trail and they seldom deviate from that path. The same researchers analyzed the trails and discovered they were ancient. The bears had walked the same trails for millennia. 

I've had this tidbit of information in my head for a long time. I've used this knowledge when in Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks too. If you want to see grizzly bears in either of the parks, go to known bear trails, and in time you will see a bear. It's also good to know where the trails are, so you can avoid the bears. It works both ways.

Now fast forward to the 12 acres of land that I own far far away from grizzly bears and their trails. On that land there are jack rabbits. Lots and lots of jack rabbits. At first you might think that the rabbits run all over the land but they don't. They follow very definite trails. They stay on those trails and they don't deviate from the trails.

The trail is the darker line in the grasses. It's well traveled, every season of the year. 

There are 2 trails here. The rabbits always stay on their established trails.

Here's a very clear trail. Hundreds of rabbit feet have pounded a path in the dirt for 30+ years that I know of. They always use the same trails. They never vary from the trail. 

I don't know if there is a reason why the rabbits use the same trail system, but it might be something interesting to study. The grizzly bear researchers have not figured out why the bears use the same trail either. They think it might have something to do with familiar smells, but it's a guess. It's difficult to interview a grizzly bear--about as difficult as interviewing a jack rabbit. It is an interesting observation nonetheless.

A Set of Twins

Yep...these little guys just keep popping up. I'm keeping busy and staying out of trouble. 

This is a good thing. 

Hawaii 5-0 Good bye

On Friday night, Hawaii 5-0, one of our regular television programs, signed off the air. I was a fan of the original series that started in 1968 and ended 281 episodes later in 1980. The "new" H5-0 premiered in 2010 and 240 episodes later, it too ended. Though there was violence, there was always the beautiful Hawaiian setting, interesting characters,  no profanity and a steady story line of good vs. bad. Do they make programs like that any more? Lastly, there was the theme music--maybe the best TV theme ever. Good bye 5-0, I will miss you.
(Photo, courtesy of Wikipedia)

Celebrate vs Observe

A few days ago we celebrated our anniversary. Well "celebrate" is not the right word, we "observed" our anniversary. A lot of "observing" is happening right now. As we were observing our anniversary, I was going through my sewing stash and discovered the pattern for my wedding dress. A sweet coincidence.

The pattern brought back a lot of memories and one big blank space. I have no recollection of much of that day. I remember getting my hair done in the morning and nothing else. The wedding worked as several decades later we are still a happy couple.

The old sewing stash revealed a lot of supplies for masks, so I spent my anniversary making a dozen masks for friends and family. When I ran out of elastic, I hung up my sewing machine.

As we are observing our world get sicker, I'm hoping that all of my family and friends stay well. Please continue to "observe" social distancing so we can "celebrate" when this is over.

Baking Bread

Sometime during the "great hunkering down" I decided it would be fun to bake bread. A bunch of other folks decided the same thing as the ingredients were not available at the grocery store. By the time I arrived, there was one bag of flour and no yeast. I bought the last bag of flour, with the idea that I would find yeast somewhere else. I checked two other stores in town, as well as online. Yeast is not available. Then, a phone call intervened. In talking with my out-of-state friends, I mentioned  my bread dilemma and on Monday I received a surprise package containing one pound of yeast. WOW!

Now that I had the ingredients, I made the bread but not without another dilemma. I called up YouTube and other online recipes and discovered modern bread is made using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. I don't have a dough hook attachment. That's when I got out my old Betty Crocker Cookbook that I received as a shower present way too many years ago. NONE of the recipes call for a dough hook. I don't think dough hooks for home use had been invented when this cookbook was written. (Keeping those old books can come in handy).

I followed the recipe for crusty white bread and made two yummy loaves. The house smells so good....and only one loaf is left. There's nothing like warm bread straight from the oven.

Thank you Bob and Lisa for sending me the yeast. Thank you Betty Crocker for the old fashioned recipe. Thank you dear husband, for enjoying the bread. I think I'll make focaccia next. (PS--In case you don't have a dough hook, 8 minutes of electric mixing with a dough hook is equivalent to 10-12 minutes of hand kneading.)