Abundant Sun

“Abundant sun” is the weather forecast for today. What’s not to like about that. Crocuses have thrust their colorful heads up through the winter-hardened soil, forsythia buds are swelling towards bursting and a few as-yet-unnamed trees are sporting the beginnings of blossoms. We’ve noticed that the ubiquitous pigeons have been exhibiting mating behavior – something we’ve never been able to observe so closely before living in city. They are performing acrobatic flying stunts and puffing up their breasts and strutting along roof ridges. This is presumably a male behavior. Flickers and house finches, crows and house sparrows are the most common birds we see in the bare branches. Mallards, goldeneyes, hooded mergansers and Canada geese abound in the creeks and we have frequent sightings on a merlin which is very exciting.

I’ve been getting outside for short walks as my back and hip allow, while Jim has been cycling to Cherry Creek and Chatfield state park reservoirs. Feeling confident that my cycling days will return soon, we are planning some weekend bike camps to both of these parks. Short distance bicycle camping trips are so much fun. They allow you to bring good food and minimal clothing and gear. Also a state park facility often has flush toilets and maybe even ice to keep your beer cold. Much to my delight, Jim found that Cherry Creek has a vending machine stocked with Klondike Bars!

As I continue to work on the book about our big adventure (Sleeping Under Yard Lights©) we have been reliving our experiences on the road. We are constantly astonished at the small amount of stuff we needed to live comfortably and how much fun it was to discover how adventurous and flexible we could be. Even now, living in this tiny apartment, we are constantly evaluating our needs against our wants and learning to find the multiple-use for what we do buy. It’s very freeing.

There is some news on the job front: Sharon got a job with an alternative energy company. HOORAY! Alternative energy is right up our alley as those of you who know us, know. I will be doing some marketing along with office stuff and probably some things as yet to be determined. Very exciting! Jim is still on the job hunt, but we are feeling that as spring approaches, something will pop up.

Here’s a photo taken along the Cherry Creek bike path. Got to admire the tenacity of this dandelion!

Can’t get enough of the crocuses.

I leave you with a great quote my sister sent me:

“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh.”