Zeneedle...needleart as life

Pastel Sky

Last Sunday, before the gray completely took over, the sky showed off its various cloud formations. The softness of the colors reminded me of a pastel drawing.

The Gift of Sun

I saw it as we drove up the canyon and became immediately enchanted. I watched it, photographed it, for as long as I could.

Nature creates amazing beauty in our landscapes. The halo stayed around the sun much of the time we hiked.

Thin clouds veiled the suns intensity and gave it an ethereal look. The halo is created by ice crystals in the upper atmosphere, cold air aloft, and it's one reason our air is free of inversion.

And, the halo means a storm is coming. Since it's only February, I say let it snow.

Bonus Day Sky

It's such a relief to have NaBloPoMo behind me.  I will do my best to post regularly, albeit not daily. 

Everyone says the same thing, "Where did the year go?" and I agree. How did I get to be this old?  Not wanting to live in the past, nor to wish for what is not, I work to stay in the now. The sky, as you know, fills my soul, gives me pause, and keeps me grounded.

Enjoy your weekend, friends.

Friday at the Lake

It all started here...

Smith mentioned lunch at Lone Star Taqueria followed by a mountain adventure. We knew Silver Lake would be covered with snow, but since the valley snow had melted so quickly, curiosity drove us to see how the mountains were faring.

After satisfying our hunger we took to the mountain road and wound our way up. The slopes of both ski resorts, Brighton and Solitude, were speckled with skiers, but it was easy to see the snow was not at its best. Usually, when we visit Silver Lake in winter, we walk over several feet of snow just to catch a glimpse of the lake from afar. This year we only had to negotiate a couple of feet at the entrance before we were on the trail.  Other sightseer's were walking all the way around the lake, so we decided to give it a go.

At the bridge we could see the layer of ice had once been thick enough to hold a person, but it certainly was no longer. The ice was melting into the dark water and in the warming weather it would continue to do so.

Following the snowy trail, packed down by the feet of many hikers, we came to a favorite spot where the water usually reflects the mountain, but there was no reflection, and the skies to the south were gray.

The silence around the lake was broken only by the crunch of slushy snow beneath our feet and the chatter of one lone squirrel, as he sounded his distaste at being disturbed. When we stopped to view the lake, silence reigned.

At the top of the trail we looked down into the frozen lake and saw the blue sky was starting to win the battle against the gray clouds. The lake will very likely remain frozen, even during a week of warming weather, and it will be spring before we have the chance to walk the trail again.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!

Golden Sunset

Clink to enlarge

The day after the storm the clouds parted and the setting sun touched the mountain peaks with golden light. Several feet of snow blanket the mountain peaks creating a winter wonderland. It's melting quickly. Mother nature, please bring more soon.

Swe-e-et-(week)ending

Friday's blue skes and an early moon rising were a balm for the soul
Blue skies stayed through the all of the weekend
A variety of birds enjoyed the sunny weather and entertained with their antics
Kestrels graced our trees while a Northern Flicker knocked against the house
Dinner with dear friends brought added laughter and joy
Yarn shopping added to the stash (a sweater must be in my 2013 forecast)
Prayers for friends and family facing "Frankenstorm" filled my heart

There is no doubt that the weekend is certainly my favorite part of the week.

My Mountain

The mountain sat upon the plain  
In his eternal chair,
His observation omnifold,
His inquest everywhere.

The seasons prayed around his knees,
Like children round a sire:
Grandfather of the days is he,
Of dawn the ancestor.~Emily Dickison

October 9th

October 11th

October 13th - Snowcapped peaks (quick snap through the windshield)

October 16th

Pop!

Kim's post reminded me just how easy it is to pop in and say hello, if I'm willing to try, willing to give a little extra effort, to posting to the blog. I'm willing, ready, and able to say hello!

It seems a little trite to say the weekend was amazing, but meeting Kym for the first time, and seeing Carole again, was nothing short of amazing and FUN.

The colors in the canyon were nothing short of amazing and taking friends to Silver Lake at this time of year is a bit of a no-brainer.  While the canyons have forests of red oak (gambol oak), the predominate colors are yellow, yellow-green and GOLD!  I can never get enough of Silver Lake in the fall.

And, the lake is even better when my friends are there with me. Enjoying the company of friends, friends who have traveled miles and miles, is truly an honor and a joy, just as sharing time with any friend is a joy!

Wordless Weekending Wednesday

Breathing Easier

Shortly after my last post the smoky air was blown away with the wind.  What a relief to see the skies clear and the beautiful days of August return. While the weather continued to be warmer than normal for several more days, we are now in a cooling pattern.

The only pictures on my camera are the sky photos I take on my way to and from work.

Aug 26th 7:45am

Aug 29 7:45am

Aug 30 7:45am

Aug 22 4:40pm

Enjoy the last long weekend of summer!