Always fun to see!

There are lots of things about current me that would surprise younger me. One of them is definitely how much I enjoy finding and looking at bones when we go hiking now. There has been either deer or elk bones at this particular trailhead that we have enjoyed watching decompose and bleach throughout the season. (This was another bone we found walking on the trail.)

Realized that it's been a while since I posted a picture of this guy. I've had Mr. BannanaPants for about a year now, and he remains as adorably fierce as ever!

Some days I'm just deeply grateful that views like this are a 20 minute drive from my house. (And my house is still close enough to a store to walk there if I need to!)

     Although I will complain about having to drive in the cold and snow in the winter, and I will definitely complain about how miserable the summer heat (and sometimes smoke) makes me, I really do love living where there are four seasons. I used to wonder if I just said that because I had never been somewhere where it mostly stays warm, but then I spent three weeks in December in Tallahassee, Florida for an artist's residency. While I was there for the first snowstorm in 20 years, none of that stuck around for much more than a morning, and I ended up asking  to be sent pictures of the glorious snow covered ground back in Idaho!

     This year, the oldest and I, in an effort to combat mental health struggles brought about by Covid-19 cabin fever, and well...everything, have been heading to the nearby trails for a walk as often as possible. We tend to go on weekday mornings, and pick our trail mostly based on no one else being parked at the trailhead. We have a few favorites, and it has really been a pleasure to watch how the natural world has changed and transitioned from Spring into Summer and now into Fall.  I am hoping that the roads will stay decent enough that we will be able to visit at least a few times during the Winter as well.

     I recently heard that there was a Norwegian saying that "There is no bad weather, only bad clothes," and I think with my Norwegian heritage, I will have to try and put that to the test this Winter! One of my favorite walks with my oldest was at a trail at the nature park in town, the ground was covered in snow and it was so peaceful and quiet. (Also, we saw some racoon tracks which always makes me happy.)  Nature is keeping me grounded and it is where I am finding my joy right now, so I do not want to spend less time outdoors just because it gets cold and wet.

Gosh I just love Autumn.

This rather large katydid stopped by for a visit one night. As you can see, unfortunately my camera skills were not up to the challenge of capturing an in-focus picture. Maybe one day!

Have I posted too many pictures of sunflowers on this blog? NEVER!

I have an admitted fondness for taking off down the interstate, driving for miles and miles on smooth paved roads. But sometimes, it's taking the slow and bumpy dirt roads that get you to where you want to be.