Go West Young Man ~

Like the Pioneers, I decided to head west 

for a little warmer weather where I knew there would be 

less snow, new baby calves streams that have melted and rivers with little ice.

I can go 30 miles west from our snowed in home

and find the weather to be extremely warmer, it's crazy! 

Right now, our home at 8,000 feet is nearly buried in snow,

while it is beautiful in deed, outside enjoyment is limited.

I've been taking Donatella to the walking/bike paths in our area

where we are able to walk at a faster pace and get some proper exercise.
While we have been walking on the road near home
it's just not the same with the snow and ice,
I need to be careful of falling with my new knee.

She and I both need to shed some winter pounds!

Donatella has to visit the veterinarian every 6 weeks

for an on going issue she has and she is up in weight a few ounces

with every visit, not good!

Of course the veterinarian reassures me that it's okay 

during the winter months.

Well...when I see my Doctor this week for my yearly check-up

I will be sure and tell him that my extra weight is okay,

after all, it's the winter.😉

The two of us have enjoyed our extra long walks

on dry ground right beside the river.

We are blessed with wonderful walking paths throughout this valley.

Just the other day, I decided to take a drive after our walk,

the sun was shining and we had clear Colorado blue skies,

so off we headed towards the west, off the beaten path

enjoying every bit of God's created beauty.

The river sounded glorious as it rolled over the rocks.

The bridge is an old railroad bridge that is no longer in use.

The deer were out being lazy and enjoying new growth under the trees.

They really blend with nature around them, don't they?

You could see some cow elk grazing on the hay

 that a rancher had put out for his horses.

Everyone gets along.

To my surprise, there was a ranch with a number of bison.

I had no idea this particular area where I took a drive had bison.

Donatella was quite intrigued with them as well.

Look at the size of this nest! 

Of course nothing was making it their home as of yet,

but soon enough.

As I continued along with my pleasant drive 

the dry road became narrower and muddy.

Mmmm... should I continue on?

Having never been on this road I wasn't quite sure what might be ahead.

What to do?

Then strangely enough I came across this snowman

standing on the side of the road. 

Why would someone build a snowman there?

He was out in the middle of nowhere as if he was trying to tell me something.

Was he telling me to turn back?

Was he telling me up ahead was safe for travel?

I chose to drive on and see just what the end of this road had to offer.

Well, not much further I came to a small parking area which indicated I was at the end of the road, I was able to turn around and safely head for home.

Did you notice this snowman had an extra roll?
I think he should join Donatella and I on our daily walks.

⊙ ~ ⊙ ~ ⊙ ~ ⊙ ~ ⊙

Awe...there's nothing like a warm sunny day and a drive in the country.

With my instrumental music playing softly in the background 

and the windows open allowing the fresh air

to wrap itself around us, my mind found itself in thinking mode

as I turned my thoughts towards God.

All that I had seen belongs God, He owns it all.

"For every beast of the forest is mine 

and the cattle upon a thousand hills. 

I know all the fowls of the mountains:

and the wild beasts of the field are mine."

~ Psalm 50:10&11 ~

Always Choose Joy!

Debbie