Sunsets & Salamanders

How’s that for a title?  Well, that’s what It’s been about lately.  Not much can beat quiet evenings in the backyard observing God’s creativity as it unfolds on the sky’s canvas.  Just when I’m ready to put away my camera another subtle color is added.  I end up feeling not only blessed but privileged to not only be seeing this but have the peace to enjoy it .  We have very hot weather now with a cool down expected this weekend.  I’m hoping to get some more pictures as the cool front moves in.  Solitude is fine and dandy but sometimes I share the time outside with our pet Tiger Salamander Sal.  He’s quiet and doesn’t seem to care much about sunsets or sunrises but I still like him.  Ah Montana, what could be better?  Soon we head to the cabin on the Stillwater River.  As great as the scenery from our backyard here in Billings is.  I expect it will be much better there.  For now I look to the sky and think about packing for our trip…not too seriously mind you.  The cool damp grass caresses my feet and God’s painting continues to evolve.  I can’t tear myself away.  Silence with some crickets and content roosting birds is all I hear.  God’s panorama unfoldsand I know that I know, there is heaven on earth.

Rising or Setting?

I guess I don’t care which.  Still, the sunsets have the edge lately.  The kids and I have been going out in the evenings when it’s cooler to kick around the soccer ball.  This opens up some nice picture opportunities of the sunset when we’re done.  I hear there have been fires in Washington state.  This can make for interesting skies.  This is actually more noticeable in the mornings.  The evening skies take my breath away.  There’s a build up then a soft fade as it gets darker.  This morning the sun had a distinctive orange cast from the smoke…this cannot be seen directly but on the ground and through windows it’s really evident.  Whether it’s sunrise or sunset where you are bless you my friends.

The 4th Dimension

I always think summer moves at light speed after the 4th of July.  Independence Day is one of our absolute favorite holidays.  It’s pretty interactive.  The kids really love fireworks.  It brings back many colorful memories of childhood to me.  I love the weather and celebration.  We had a great break in the cooler weather too.  Our front yard flowers weren’t to be outdone.  Don’t they remind you of fireworks?  They always do me!  Now we’re past the celebrations but warm summer days persist.  The bird dramas continue.  Recently we had another small Robin leave their nest.  He sat very still and let me get his photo before hopping alone.  Enjoy the day….all too quickly time moves on.

The Long and Short of It.

My daughter has been donating her locks for Locks of Love for sometime now.  We let it grow quite long.  Now summer has rolled along again and it was time for a real haircut.  What do you think…will she be cooler or what?