Provo River Falls

How could we live in Utah for over 14 years and NEVER know about Provo River Falls? I only happened to find out about it because a friend at Ballerina Farm, posted about it!

So the very next day we went on a little explore up through Heber Valley to find it. The falls DID NOT disappoint! The winter snow run-off is wonderful! Such a rich blessing to this parched desert land!

I grew up in a little valley in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California so getting *back to nature* always feeds my soul!

We hiked around a little from the top of the falls (above) all the way down to this log *barracade* (you shouldn't go around that!)

But it is easy to see from down here (notice that the city mouse is still at the top) that there is also a *hand rail* one may use to get down to the bottom... although that is not how I went. I used nature's natural stairs down the face of the rocks AWAY from the water (raging river of death! sharp rocks at the bottom? bring it on!)

The minute I got down to the bottom and past this monolith, a distant relation to Stonehenge (see side view above)...

Instead of being this...

I was instantly this...

ANN, JOANIE, ELSIE, SUE

BURNEY FALLS CALIFORNIA

1957

The mist coming off the falls brought tears to my eyes, and joy and thankfulness to my heart. I was instantly revitalized and this darling little 5-year old ballerina again.

Gordon is always so patient with me when I am getting my nature (or photographic or potty or whatever) fix.  I so appreciate that about him!

I took my shoes off and put my toesies in the freezing water that instantly is TOO COLD!

And after a respectable (and respectful) amount of time, I bid farewell to this new *best friend*!

And, we will be back...

Lone Robin

This morning as I was eating my oatmeal up here in my office with a *bird's eye view* I got to view the little birds eating their breakfast. This whole flock of black birds (I don't know if they ARE blackbirds just that they are birds and they are black!)  and one little fat robin were flitting back and forth between this flowering pear and the smaller flowering pear that took the place of my dearly departed beautiful willow.  I like how this one fat robin is the only bright spot on this foggy winter day.

I grabbed my camera and tried to carefully shoot through the blinds. They would always catch me and swoop away as soon as they saw me move... but I'm trickier than a bird (thank goodness) and went into my sewing room- the light off of that window camouflaged me and I could sneak some photos.

Then movement on the ground caught my eye...  more of those fat little flappers picking up what the ones up top dropped in their haste. (One word of caution fat-flappers... there have been swine-deer in my front yard!)

Maybe next time I will get on my super zoom lens and get some close ups. But I'm pleased that I can see these little birdies with berries in their beaks!

Delicious Colors

I want to lick them!

While up in Provo/Orem today I noticed the beautiful colors on Squaw Peak so when I got home I asked Gordon if he'd like to go on a drive around the Alpine Loop via a side trip to Squaw Peak trail head. The colors were beautiful in spite of the Idaho wildfire's smoke!

TIMPANOGOS SEEN FROM THE SQUAW PEAK ROAD

I LOVE FALL!

It has become my favorite time of year. Not to mention the riot of color- the days are normally consistently warm with cool nights. It seems to be a very predictable season... none of the out-of-control-mood-swings that come with spring!

Gordon and I reveled in this beautiful, perfect, September day! We talked about the luscious colors and how we'd like to capture them... so he did!

We are toying with the idea of painting our front door (which badly needs it) in a wonderful Wasatch Front fall color.

Just look at the palette we have to choose from.

333- In Perfect Harmony

I'd be the first to tell you that I'm not *up* on architecture but I do know what I like and I do think I have a good eye for beauty.

As I was driving through Orem today I saw this naked tree in silhouette on the rather plain brick building. But the way the tree traced its way across the arched windows of the building just set off the *oh, that's just right* in me. I was stopped for a left turn from State Street on to Center Street and had enough time to pull out my mpc from my cavernous purse and capture two shots without any cars... a serendipitous moment.



Looking at this harmony just makes me happy!

P.S.  You can see Beatrix reflected in the window just to the left of the tree trunk! =)

195- Sum-fin' Fishy Goin' on Here

On Saturday night after Riley and I watered the flowers I remembered that he would probably love to take a little trip down to Eve's pond and feed the fish...

DOG FOOD!

Yes, you read that right, dog kibbles!



All you have to do is pitch a handful of kibble into the pond and the water starts to boil with ginormous trout.



Some of the neighborhood fisherman have stocked the pond with local trout and then go back periodically to *catch and release*. (And I suspect that some of the neighborhood raccoons would just love to catch and NOT release!)

These fat old trout totally ignore the water skippers that dance around on the pond much preferring the solid taste of dog food!



After enjoying the peace and tranquility of the pond it was time to head back home.



The sky was so beautiful that I just needed to have a photo of Riley, Deborah and Spencer.



Sadly, they would be leaving to return to Palmdale the next morning... I wish they weren't so far away.

179- On a Summer Afternoon

This morning Gordon asked me if I'd like to try the Nebo Loop again since the last time we went (4 weeks ago) it was still closed with snow across the top. My first reply was that I was up to my eyebrows in wedding stuff. But after I'd worked for several hours on my latest project (more to come soon) I knew I needed a little break. So Pap, Pup and I took off for a big explore.

It was a perfect day, not too hot, everything a bright vibrant green and lots of things to take photos of.

Mt Nebo was so beautiful in all of his glorious green robes.



The Nebo Loop is one of these little narrow mountain road that winds its way around in the Uinta National Forest... where there is plenty of open range grazing. We came around a corner and smack-dab into this herd of cows... RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. And they were asking why we were disturbing their afternoon stroll.



I love the look of this little dun-colored calf with his fashion-statement #33 earring. He must have lost the set because he was wearing #10 in the other ear. Dapper little man!



Not too far from him was his little scaredy-calf cousin. He couldn't like us at all!



And here was the moogalette choir headed for higher ground.



But the funniest thing happened when my camera wasn't ready. There was a little feisty red calf down on the road. A motorcycle came roaring around the corner and feisty calf made a run at it... no scaredy calf there!

The one thing I wanted to do was take the hike around Payson Lakes. There is a very nice asphalted trail that meanders its way around Big East Lake. It is such a beautiful stroll. Harley and I (Pap waited in the car) took off on our explore. The first thing we saw were two naughty dogs (no, good dogs, naughty owners) running loose... but they were not photo worthy canines.

Then we came across this flotilla of ducks. Ms. Mama Duck and her 10 little ducklings were gliding along on the calm lake.



I was so fixed on this Mama that I almost missed Ms. Mama + 2! I wonder if the second Mama was sad that she only had two babies?



But this, THIS is the epitome of a summer afternoon activity... a young man fly fishing. I just stood there and watched his quiet rhythm. It made me want to go join him.



As we were leaving Payson Lakes (after inspecting all the campsites which were mostly reserved for the 4th weekend) we came upon this meadow skirted by aspens and billowing clouds in the cerulean sky.



We made several other stops to capture the sights of this lovely summer afternoon including Utah Lake stretching its way up the valley. What a gorgeous day!

160- Blackie & his Mom

When I was a little girl I had the cutiest little book about three horses: Blackie, Brownie and Whitie! Original names, huh? I loved the wonderful illustrations of them cavorting all over the pasture.

Tonight we went on a little drive up the Left Fork of Hobble Creek Canyon* and saw Blackie and his mommie, Whitie.



Black appears to be quite a young horse colt (male). I can still see his umbilical cord and, well, his boy parts. What a sweet baby!



** BTW if you live up there your address would be: 1118 North Left Fork Hobble Creek Canyon (if you live on the north side of the road and South if you live on the south side of the road... ) What a kick!

153- Purple Salvia and the Bees

A couple of years ago I got two little purple salvia plants. I stuck them on my island in the front yard. The first two summer they were OK, but... BUT this year they've gone crazy- they are ginormous!

I went out just before sunset tonight and found the busy little bees still working like crazy to haul in that last bit of pollen before bedtime.


This lovely is almost 3 feet tall... and it's only June!



Bees... happy little workers...



Even though I have a zoom lens, I was still up close and personal with these winged little workers... they didn't seem to mind me at all. They were happy for their 15 minutes of fame.

130- Green Thumb

I would never describe myself as someone who has a green thumb... but look here! Apparently I do!



I think having a green thumb is something you learn to have. It is also greatly influenced by the climate you live in... and let me tell you, it's a lot harder to have a green thumb in Palmdale, CA than in Springville, UT (but frankly the place where my green thumb was most prolific was in Baker City, OR!)

I'm so blessed to have this very productive little quarter-acre of heaven! I have fruit trees, berry bushes, grapevines, beautiful bulbs, faithful perennials and lots of good sunshine and water. I heard recently that the gardener only does 5% of the work! Nature does the other 95%! Amazing!

I gave My Favorite Lilac a somewhat vigorous trimming last year when I enlarged the flower bed and it has responded with just as vigorous regrowth. It threatens to take over the bed, and perhaps that is not all bad.

027- Nature's Bird Feeder

Can you tell that lately I'm totally charmed by the whole *bokeh-background*? I just love the rich saturated colors! Oooh, they are so lickable!

I love God's plan (nature) for taking care of his creatures. Here is Nature's bird feeder!



Across the street from me (not this bush) there are two weeping cherry trees. The robins have just been having a heyday with them. Sadly, my photos of that aren't so good, but I'll keep trying.

344- Tracks in the Snow

On Monday and Tuesday this week I went outside to *blow-snow* (boy, that sure is easier than the back-breaking shoveling). We live on a corner lot (again... what is with me and the corner lots?) and are responsible for snow removal on the sidewalks around our property (yeah... and cleaning off the road so the mail-lady can get to our mailbox).

But I digress! I have this whole sequence of snow blowing so I only have to move it once instead of twice. I often wonder why I clear off the sidewalk that runs up the side of our house that no one walks on except me. Today I found out why... it is for me... and for the neighborhood deer. There are only my tracks and the deer. (my track is in the upper left corner)



As I was out for my walk today I noticed a fat little quail walking on the snow but it wasn't until my return trip that I saw he'd left behind little quail-snow-angels. I love how you can see his walking tracks, then he started to use his wings, more, more and finally... take-off with one last little faint wing print and little foot print. How beautiful!!



Finally on my way back into the house, there on the deck steps, one last little set of birdie tracks... what a fun explore in the arctic air.

328- Frozen Thistle

Yesterday on my explore out to Miss Lewis' class I had my camera at the ready to take photos of all the interesting things I KNEW I would see. I wasn't disappointed! There are just so many wonderful things to see and capture on film on that trek across the valley to the far side of the lake. I will be sharing those with you over the next few days.

We had a light but blowing snow on Sunday night and although much of it had melted, the north face of this tenacious thistle was still ice encrusted. I love how you can see the bubbles in the ice! I got this with my 50mm lens! This is untouched except a slight unsharpen mask (which never makes sense to me since an unsharpen mask sharpens things!!)



Growing up I always liked the look of a thistle in full bloom... (but I couldn't like it when I stepped on them in our lawn! This is where you laugh like a manic, P!) Where I lived we had purple and pink. Since leaving Greenville I've only seen purple until...



Camille and I hiked the Y last spring! I was so happy to see that there are pink thistles here too.

289- Squirrel's Delight

281- Bridal Veil Falls

So how many Bridal Veil Falls do you think there are in the United States? A quick Google search brought up: Utah, Colorado, Yosemite (CA), North Carolina, and Oregon... and that was just the suggested searches... I didn't even look at any of the 255,ooo hits!



But this is Utah's Bridal Veil Falls. Since we've had early rain and snow the falls are flowing quite fast for October! I felt the water and it was icy cold. You know, I always want to drink water like that! Giardia be dammed (get that pun? giardia comes from beavers! bwahahahaha) But seeing as how I have had Giardia... I do heed the warning not to drink stream water... but it always makes me so sad. I can just taste it: cold, sweet, bubbly, refreshing... oh how I miss that.

190- What Is It?

Several weeks ago I noticed this *thing* in my garden shed. I don't know if it is a cocoon, a chrysalis or something entirely different, but here it is! Does anyone have any good guesses, or better yet, cold hard facts?

It is slightly smaller than a golf ball and attached to the stud by the same material used to construct the *cocoon*. At first I thought nothing had ever emerged. I wondered if it got too hot in the enclosed space of the shed for its occupant. But then I went out and took a closer look. (Yup, stopped in the middle of the post and went out for a closer look!) And look what I saw when I laid down on the floor of my garden shed and pointed my camera up!!


FONTS- Problem Secretary, CK Cursive, BRUSH- KPertiet_LedgerFrames, BA_photomask01a, ACTION- (A2D)_Lomo_V2

It's beautiful! It looks like a snail or sea shell swirl! And I could see the hole in the bottom that shows that some THING emerged. Now I am even more curious!

This is the first photo I was going to post. It gives you an idea what it looks like from the side.



Let that be a lesson to me about looking carefully.

An aside~ Wouldn't it be interesting to have photographs of the photographer in all of the various positions I end up in to *get that shot*?

188- Spider's Web

I've always been fascinated with spider webs. There is such intricacy in their design. I captured this one at Cascade Springs and the only thing it seems to have caught so far is fluff from the cottonwood trees and willows.


FONTS- Problem Secretary, CK Cursive, BRUSH- KPertiet_LedgerFrames, BA_photomask01a, ACTION- DP Moms Perfect Workflow action

On another subject-

I'm taking the free class over at Jessica Sprague. This is my project for today. This is my lovely granddaughter. I had on my zoom lens and caught her at a meditative moment.


BRUSHES- MCO_SprayofRed (recolored), KPertiet_GrungyClusters-5g, FONTS- Texas Hero