random weird things

I have been swamped with work - but in a good way because I am really enjoying it all. I head off this weekend for a brief trip to see my Aunt in NYC. That's right - Ptelea in the big city. My sister, brother, niece and both sons will all be there together. I am looking for adventure and lots of photo ops.

Does anyone have any ideas about this test sign? Sorry about the quality but it was dark, cold and windy and I had no tripod...

a couple of creampuffs

8 degree morning, wind-blown snow on the Flatirons, Boulder, Colorado

Yesterday morning, I headed to Boulder early for an errand and decided to try and catch the sunrise. Some parts of Denver got snow but at my house we got no more than a dusting. Along Highway 93 though, as I came into Boulder there were the typical white-out conditions. I headed up to Chautauqua Park to snap a few photos. The sun wasn't up enough to bathe the Flatirons but the blasts of snow-blown wind was very invigorating. I had to admire the walkers and runners who were out enjoying the beauty. With enough of the right clothes, you really can be warm.

I realized how much of a cream puff I have turned into. At least I have company in that respect!

Pat basking in the afternoon sun

sometimes rain brings out the best

I am in the habit of taking my camera with me everywhere. Yesterday, suddenly I found myself in Boulder with about 50 minutes to spare while waiting to have lunch with my older son. So where did I go? It was cool, cloudy and damp. So I went to Columbia Cemetery, just a few blocks from where I was waiting. I was struck by how much lichen was growing on the bases of many of the headstones. When it is damp like this, the lichens plump up in a display of vibrant colors. It is a sharp contrast to the generally very muted colors that you see in a cemetery!