Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

The Pelican Brief

Several years ago, when our family took a walk to a nearby pond, we were amazed to find a group of pelicans swimming in the water. As we drew near, they took off into the air and flew right over our heads. It was a breathtaking and unforgettable sight!

Looking up at birds flying overhead can be a beautiful or a disgusting experience. It can be somewhat of a gamble, as a close friend of my dad found out. While he was walking along the shore, he looked up at a seagull, then suddenly could not see at all. He was blind in one eye, and the bird dropped a bomb in his other. I think of this story every time we watch birds. But I digress...

The first time I saw pelicans in Colorado was the first time I had ever seen pelicans in "real life". I would not have been surprised to glimpse pelicans in Florida, but to see them in Colorado was a surprise to me. Since viewing them at the pond years ago, I have wanted to see them again, but didn't encounter them again until this past week.

On Saturday, our family hopped into our van to run some errands. I half-consciously entertained the thought of bringing my camera, but reasoned that it would be pointless on a trip to a hardware store. Before reaching the store, we dropped off overdue library books (sigh) and there was a magnificent group of pelicans on the tiny pond near the library! I verbally kicked myself for leaving the camera at home. The pond was so small that any shots would have been relatively close.

On Sunday, along with James' brother and kids, we chased down the pelicans at a larger pond. They were at enough of a distance that my camera did not do them justice. I had to set the camera on the maximum of digital zoom as well as sports mode to make up for my shaky hand, the wind, and the moving birds.

100_5475


100_5476


100_5495


100_5522
Picture by Evan


Picture by Matthew


Monday, April 28, 2008

Stroll at Dusk

It is pleasant this time of year to get out of the house for an evening walk occasionally. I have been joyfully surprised at how many picturesque scenes we come across every time we venture out. I praise God for the sheer magnitude of beauty in His creation from the blazing orb of the sun which He uses to paint unmatched masterpieces in the sky and even down to the tiniest feathery details in miniature pinecones. He is indeed the Giver of every good gift and I have much to be thankful for when I open my eyes to gaze upon His beauty and open my heart in gratitude. It is a blessing to be able to share these treasures with my family (and in pictures on my blog!)

100_5341


100_5362


100_5364


100_5374

See the birds silhouetted in the tree?

I zoomed in to reveal hawks...

100_5376


100_5377

I think it is a Swainson's Hawk

100_5380


100_5383


100_5463


100_5396


100_5397


100_5404

A goose followed us all around the pond.

100_5412

I admired the lines that the wind created on the water.

100_5420



100_5428

You can see his webbed foot under the water.

100_5434


100_5453


100_5460

Red-winged Blackbird


100_5464


Sunday, April 27, 2008

Sweet Sleep

100_5469



In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4: 8

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Saturday in the Park -- Part 4

100_5318

Destination: Royal Arch...still standing...but for how long?


100_5323


100_5327


100_5328

Gazing out into the wild blue yonder...

100_5329


100_5331


100_5335

I captured Matthew's halo on film!!

100_5336

That's all folks!



Friday, April 25, 2008

Saturday in the Park -- Part 3

100_5251_00

The trail goes on

100_5303_00

Hurray, a cave!

100_5306


100_5307

At first James watches the kids outside the cave.

100_5317

A close-up of James' nose...

Actually, it's a rock formation right outside the cave, leading us to name it "Nose Cave."

100_5308

The cave extended back about twenty feet.

100_5309


100_5311_00

The dust flew!

100_5312

Peekaboo

100_5314

100_5315

Part four tomorrow...