Two Ladies and a Little Boy Go to the Lake July 23, 2019

Posted on August 9, 2019 by Painter Lady

As Steven’s second birthday comes around, I realize that not only is my house needing a good clean, but I’m really behind in my archives. I’m not writing as frequently. I’m at a stand still in a lot of ways. I’m spending hours and hours at the river’s edge. Here it is August 9, 2019 already and summer is whizzing by! I will always look back on this staycation with gratitude. I’ve been through a lot this past year and even some days during summer, I have experienced hardship and sadness as traumatic events lose their crinkles in my heart and flatten out where I can see them. One after another, the memories of dark times are, in fact, smoothed out and my life of nature, art, friendship and love are able to create a blanket over them.

So, it was a fine morning on July 23, when Linda prepared us a nice picnic lunch and we three headed to the lake. This is a year of construction vehicles and diggers and such marvelous observations at the neighbourhood school and on every roadway. Even the back alley holds its charm.

I am grateful for Linda’s friendship and I treasure every special moment I am able to observe the world with my grandson. Summer 2019

At the river, the family of Bald Eagles is observed with great respect and awe. I view these with such love and feel that the narrative of this little family fills a hole in me, a cliche maybe, but I feel it is so and I sort of understand now why people use it. Otherwise, it’s difficult to articulate what goes on when you lose someone special.

While of very poor quality because of distance, I post the photos of the two adults side by side here because these two are the last two photographs I captured of Mr. and Mrs. together. This is their favourite perch.

Bannack Ghost Town

Posted on July 3, 2018 by Painter Lady

From Big Hole, we traveled the scenic byway through Wisdom…then south on the 278 and onward. Little did we know that as we came down off the pass, we should hit a bit of construction and resurfacing along the Grasshopper Creek. I got to speak to someone who had biked over 1300 miles and he was excited for the next UP. We were on our way to Bannack, Montana…once Gold Town…now, Ghost Town.

Ramona and I began our wander on the lower part of this map, at location #26. The map was collected from a brochure I purchased at entrance for $2.00. Click on any photos to enlarge.

Bannock State Park has a very detailed website that will give my readers an extensive history, as well as current events and ongoing projects. We shared a beautiful time, exploring.

At the Bannack campsite, Ramona and I shared a huge treat! Preston had brought us some strawberry shortcake in the morning and so, along with a swig of campground water, we snacked on that generous dessert and listened to the birds. It was nice to sit and do some more relaxing before moving on and out.

Pi/Pie in the Mountains!

Posted on March 15, 2018 by Painter Lady

I’m sitting down to my keyboard this morning, the Ides of March, writing about March 14, 2018, 3/14…3.14…3.1415926535897932384626433... pi day!

I woke up yesterday morning to, my friend, Michael’s phone call. The plan was to book off and get some of my chores done, pick up a few groceries and, likely, head to Foothills Hospital to see Wendy. All of that changed with Michael’s suggestion that we might head for the mountains and make some pie!

Well…throw caution to the wind, I did, and with no regrets. Today, it turns out that we are under yet another snow advisory, with accumulations mounting to another possible 20 cms. Exhausting! I’m so happy that we got out there, for delicious food and beautiful sights!

The following video is credited to Michael Collett. Michael is a talented artist, photographer and designer and he has a wonderful collection of art. He is an inventive and passionate cook and a connoisseur of good food. He appreciates nature as much as I do. Over the past few years he has walked the circle of ‘my pond’, with me, more than anyone and I will always appreciate that. Sometimes the person who is forever carrying the camera is left undocumented. I am grateful to Michael for placing me into the event that was the magic of yesterday.

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All is Holy! Kath captured by Michael Collett

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The shape of Elbow Falls changed with the flood. Celebrating water and views. Photo Credit: Michael Collett

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Selfie with one of my dear friends. Photo Credit: Michael Collett

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Pot Roast Pie in the makings. Photo Credit and Filling: Michael Collett

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Photo Credit: Michael Collett

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Pie from the fire to the picnic table. Beat that! Photo Credit: Michael Collett

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Contemplation captured by Michael Collett

Michael systematically packed up ‘the stuff’ and we stopped along the way for butter and for ‘ends’ that had been thrown in a bin for firewood at a local timber place. Off we headed out 22X. After exploring Elbow Falls, we settled on Allan Bill as our picnic spot. The butane was out in the lighting torch, so I ventured down to a picnic spot at the other end of the park, to borrow matches or something. English was not this family’s first language, so after a bit of mime, I was graciously given a lighter for our campfire. YES!

First I’ll post a few of the scenes that we enjoyed. Unfortunately, as I look at these, I notice that there was a spot of something on my camera lens. :0(

Next, I’ll post a few of the photos I captured of Michael, enthusiastically forging ahead with the process of making unbelievable pies in the outdoors. What a great time!

And finally….pi!

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Flower Walking at Many Springs

Posted on June 25, 2016 by Painter Lady

Many Springs 2013

It was that time of year…time to check out the blooms. It was sad to see Val have to stay back. Little Ollie got sick at our meet-up spot and his Mom had to do the nurturing thing. I thought about Val a lot today.

So, it was just the four of us for a walk about and a picnic. It seems that the lack of water has impacted the lushness of the wild flowers this year. I don’t know if I’m right on that or not. We got our standard bridge photograph and the shot from the little floating deck. Oh! And this year, we met up with three Kananaskis volunteers who were passing out reminders of etiquette as it relates to bears. Just up the trail a bit…a little sampling of bear skat was in evidence. Had to get a photograph of that. I don’t think we EVER think of bears when we come to Many Springs! Always a first!