Pages Turn–Sunday, August 2, 2015

Posted on August 2, 2015 by Dayphoto

When my brother and I grew up, our parents owned a couple of lakes on Grand Mesa. One was the reservoir attached to the orchard, upon which we lived. Another one was a small natural lake above the reservoir, where spring snow melt collected and then was allowed to feed into the reservoir. This one was privately owned by my Mom and Dad.

Over time, my parents moved from Cedaredge, Colorado to Craig, Colorado…the orchard and the attached reservoir went on to other owners, but the small natural lake stayed under my parents ownership.

Pages turn and then become chapters. The chapters open up new and interesting things and ideas and sometimes lead to scary situations. In 2010 a new chapter started for this little lake.

Soon the small beautiful little lake on Grand Mesa, Colorado had a huge enemy made up of men, who had formed a quasi-governmental group, which bought up water to rent to other people in need of shares of water. Because they had purchased so much water they then needed to have lakes in which to store the water.

Mom and Dad’s little lake fell into their greedy sight, which caused me many nights of lost sleep, my brother and I lots of dollars, to try and save the little lake for our prosperity forever.

It was a long slog and a HUGE up-hill battle. Finally the quasi-government of men threatened ’eminent domain’ to take the tiny little natural lake, full of native and (protected) yellow water lilies, surrounded by a gigantic meadow of (protected) peat.

(After cutting the dam and other damaging things— like removing the sign–they did leave the post.)

They had their lawyer call me and say the next step would be in court. I told them to talk to my lawyer not to me.

Serious this whole thing was.

My brother and I decided we could not fight financially (or in court) anymore. So we deeded the beautiful little natural lake to the Forest Service.

I know it’s gone forever from the family, but it’s safe.

No one can tear up the peat bog, or damage the meadow, or rip out the water lilies.

It’s still a lovely little place.

We go up often, taking the grandchildren so they can see and understand that this little lake is a special little lake.

I go, because I know we fought the good fight and it’s safe for ever more.

Your Friend,

Linda

A Small Email Gift of Huge Delight—Thursday, July 30, 2015

Posted on July 30, 2015 by Dayphoto

http://www.wunderground.com/wximage/habataku/2823#oJVHBueQg0fhSUeb.03

Amazing Rainbow

Uploaded by: habataku

Sunday July 26, 2015

Eagle Nest, NM (Current Weather Conditions)

Caption: Beautiful double rainbow from my hotel room in Eagle Nest, New Mexico

John North saw this amazing double rainbow on Wunderground and sent the link to me. I just had to share it with all of you!

( You might run over and look at habataku’s photos…they are outstanding!)

Thanks, John!

Your friend,

Linda

I Work in my Delight—Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Dayphoto

As far as the camera can see

washed in sunlight and heat

It takes 45 minutes to get a full load

But I …have the best part

I have help!

Your friend on a western Colorado farm,

Linda

Second Cutting—Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Dayphoto

After studying the weather apps…(we look at four) Thursday Terry said. I’m going to do it!

As soon as he got in, from cutting the hay, big black clouds blew in.

“NO!” We both thought. “PLEASE NO!”

Lucky I had my fallen star still in my pocket–we were saving it for a rainy day. Today was a perfect time to use it.

It must have worked; the rain never fell, the sun came out, and even the wind showed up– drying the alfalfa into nice rich (dry) hay.

This morning the dew was perfect for baling. We are on our way. Second cutting of hay is going to turn out just right. We have customers waiting…even a man as far away as Lake City, Colorado, is waiting for this batch. This man has 28 horses and only wants straight alfalfa hay to get his herd through the long cold winters up there. He comes in with a semi-and loads up.

Our other customers ( horses, cows, sheep and goats) have been calling. It will be nice to fill their orders. It is also much appreciated to know we have such loyal and steady customers.

Your friend on a western Colorado farm,

Linda

Paradise—Monday, July 27, 2015

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Dayphoto

Despite the heat

The sun spreading warmth

Like warmed honey….

There is always magic

In a place

called

~~paradise~~

home.

Your friend,

Linda

Some Things Just Make Me Happy—Sunday, July 26, 2015

Posted on July 26, 2015 by Dayphoto

That fun little star shaped balloon

And a grandson who wanted to paint the trim on the upstairs window!

Your friend,

Linda

Catch a Falling Star — Thursday, July 23, 2015

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Dayphoto

After Terry cut the alfalfa and I stopped painting for the day–meaning after supper, we went out and worked in the pinto bean field.WE FINISHED!!! The pinto beans are free and clear (for a spell)

There will be weeds appearing again, but for Terry and I— we are done. The pinto beans are starting to shoot the feelers. These little vines will grab onto to each other and cause the rows to grow shut.

The sun had set and we were heading back home, when I noticed something flashing and twinkling in the late evening sky.

Drifting down, down, down we saw it land gently in the upper part of the pinto bean field. Hopeing it would NOT get away I hurried to the upper end of the pinto bean field, to see a helium balloon shaped like a star resting among the pinto bean rows.

A fun little gift from the heavens!

I nestled the star on the four-wheeler, laying a large rock on it’s string, tucked my weeding knife securing under the bars and brought the falling star home.

Your friend on a Western Colorado farm,

Linda

Ella had it Right—Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Dayphoto

Blue Skies, nothing but, blue skies…(Ella Fitzgerald)

The rains have gone, soon to be replaced with triple digit heat.

I’m painting on the this side of the house today.

Yesterday and the day before was up here! One thing about it, I could see for miles. Although, I tried NOT to look down.

In the evening Terry, Boomer and I weed the pinto bean field. It’s not toooo huge, only 20 acres. We work at it morning and evening. Once the beans shoot the feelers and the rows grow shut we won’t be able to weed anymore. Weeding is terribly important…if you get too much trash in the pinto beans the elevator docks you for the cleaning of the beans.

We take a break; sipping iced tea outside, in the cool of the shade. Resting a spell and listening the bees hum as they gather pollen.

Your friend on a western Colorado farm,

Linda

A Soft Morning–Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Dayphoto

It rained during the night, leaving the earth moist and damp with a faint chill of autumn in the air.

Fall is just an illusion, for tomorrow the heat of summer returns, gradually bringing with it triple digit weather—perfect for cutting the alfalfa to make into hay.

But today …. today Terry is cultivating the pinto beans and I am getting closer to finishing painting. (I have the top of the house done and part of the north side. All that is left is the large area of east side and a section of the front/north porch.)