Good-Bye July

I cannot believe it's almost August! (do I say that every month?)

The weather has been absolutely beautiful for the past couple of weeks; mid 70s to mid 80's, and the few 90+ days we've had have been spread out enough to make it tolerable.

Mornings have been so peaceful. I've been walking down to the river very early - before the sun comes up, but while it's still light enough to see. This morning there were seven Great Blue Herons along the shore! All but one flew off as I approached, the last one being far enough away so it knew I wasn't able to catch up to it - either that or older and more experienced. Now that the spring runnoff has finally subsided, the water is so calming; I could sit for hours and lose myself in it. Only the birds and the deer to keep me company.

There are Nodding Onions everywhere! I noticed a few of them about four weeks ago, and suddenly there is a profusion of them. Only about a foot tall at the most, and very delicate looking flower heads. The bulbs are edible, as their name indicates, and they add a most delicious flavor when cooked into stew. They were a staple for the Indians and also used by mountain men, trappers, and white settlers. I don't know of any critters that eat them.

The birds have been quite active. Monday morning I noticed three Lewis' Woodpeckers in an old snag near the river, chattering shamelessly away at each other. A pheasant called from somewhere nearby, and swallows of an undetermined species flew jaggedly about overhead. As I headed back, the sun was rising over the mountains, and the low storm clouds offered a most beautiful sunrise! Shortly after, the sun hid behind a cloudbank and peeked through a hole in the clouds, spreading beautiful rays of white light onto the charcoal gray clouds. The storm clouds lingered all day, but did not produce any weather.

Tuesday there was again a magnificent sunrise, with the sky glowing pink against the dark, tree covered mountains. This time the rays of sunlight shone upward into the clouds. But it didn't last long enough for me to grab my camera...

Yesterday offered one more beautiful sunrise, which I did get photos of; and then proceeded to chase four Lewis' Woodpeckers through the trees, trying to get photos. They did not seem to be afraid of me, but stayed high up in the pines, as is typical for them. I did manage one decent shot, but definately have to keep trying. I did get some nice photos of the Barn Swallows that frequent the creek just east of the river.

Today was cloudless, so no dramatic sunrise, but another glorious day. High of 82 with a light breeze blowing all day. Nice enough to leave windows open all day and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. (But still too warm to mow the lawn, which is now looking more like a wild meadow).

Dinner on the barbie tonight; grilled buffalo burgers; grilled veggies and a tomato-cucumber salad. The grill theme continued with dessert - grilled pineapple! YUM....