Buffalo, Bunnies, and a Beanie

On a trip back from Jackson Hole a few days ago, we stopped to photograph some buffalo that were very close to the road.  I didn't even step out of the car to take a few shots. 

It was maybe 5 minutes later, and about 8 buffalo decided they were in a hurry to cross the highway, and they headed for the fence.  And they jumped it!  Yes, they did.  I had never seen a big ol' buffalo hop gracefully over a fence (probably 4-5 feet tall).

The wild life in my yard is multiplying.  I guess it's true what they say about rabbits!  I've got another batch of babies under the boardwalk, and they are SO CUTE.  I'm watching and photographing them from the window...so entertaining.

The spiral-rib hat is off the needles.  I think it's going to work!  I was afraid the yarn was going to be too drapy, stretch out, and not recover, but it appears that may not be the case.  Time will tell.

Tracks in the mud

A dear family friend who lives in the southwestern part of the state was up here for a visit and asked if I would like to go along on a ride up to Sheridan Creek above Dubois.  I'm always up for a ride in the mountains; every trip offers something new and beautiful.  My friend wanted to visit the area where her folks' ashes had been scattered and lay out some flowers as a Memorial Day tribute. 

Nearby is this towering tree, with this exposed root system (below).  How does it survive?

After enjoying the peace and beauty in this campground area, we started walking around, first down to the creek.  The water was rushing and pretty muddy in color; the main stream is in the background, and the overflow is in the foreground.

Then, we walked toward the road and planned to walk to the bridge - another nice place to snap photos.

As we were about to step on to the road, I noticed something pretty obvious... fresh tracks that were not from a moose, an elk, or a deer.  No sirreeeee!

We both thought these tracks looked particularly FRESH.  Soooo, how about a few pictures?  And, perhaps NOT continue on to the bridge, just in case momma griz and the cub are interested in lunch...or have had a bad morning...

After walking back to the car, we decided it would be safe to DRIVE up the road, wondering if we'd see the bears.  But we didn't.  All that we saw were more tracks in the mud.  Just for comparison, take a look at my size 10's compared to momma bear's paw print.

Monday's musings

I've not been a very good blogger here recently.  I've let other activities take the focus of my creative outlets.  But I'm hoping to get back to a regular schedule, and that plan includes more blogging time. 

I've not been a knitter either.  I don't think I've picked up my needles for nearly two weeks!  Yikes.  "That kind of behavior is NOT contributing to any progress on your lacy scarf," I tell myself, pointing a finger at my nose. I shrug my shoulders; I turn away; I sit at the piano; I promptly forget the reprimand and the knitting.  When I was a teacher, I saw teenagers in the classroom do this, and wonder how they could ignore what seemed so important to me... hmmm...   I get it.

To redeem myself a bit, I'm going to point out that I have been observant.  I spotted a new critter, a little prairie dog, who evidently has taken up residence under the cattle guard at the entrance to my road, coming off the highway.  I don't think he's been living there long, but this was the second time I spotted him.  This time, I saw him pop up out of the grate; I stopped the car; he sat there for a few moments, giving me time to pull out my iPhone and snap a picture through the front windshield.  "Well, little fella, I hope that you are smart and fast.  Living right on the highway could be a hazard. Talk to your realtor."

A fresh orange

I took a deep breath and started a fresh cast-on for the orange fingerless mitts.  I think the sizing will work!  Or at least...so far, so good.

Here he is right at my feet.

I had to chase this little guy out of the grass in the yard again.  And he is not very scared of me.  I can get right up to him, less than an arm length away--and he just looks at me as if to say, "What's up?  Is there a problem?  Everything seems fine to me here in the tall, rich, tasty grass.  You want me to go?  Are you kidding??? Why???"

Guests at the bird feeder

So, guess who's helping themselves at the bird feeder?

These little guys are funny to watch.  I don't know how in the world they found their way out to my neighborhood though.  They must have been stow-a-ways on somebody's delivery truck...

Little Bunny

The little one was out with the momma about a month ago; I guess he was finally big enough to be out in the open without danger.  He (or she) sure is cute...and rather fearless.  This little bunny was determined to get to my grass for some nibbling, and I was determined he should find his way back out of the yard and graze on the field grass.  Anyway, I was talking to him, telling him how cute he was, and he just let me get closer than I would have imagined, about an arm's length away. So, I went for the camera, hoping I could get close again and snap some shots.  No problem.  This little bunny was not a bit scared; he even seemed to be at ease with the camera.  So, here's his photo shoot.

Then, I spent the next hour attempting to "bunny proof" the fenced yard. 

Fred, the lizard

I have two lizards that I have seen living here for several years.  I have named them Fred and Ethel.  Both of them were running back and forth across my porch, and I decided it was time for a photo op.  This is one of them. 

Looking at this close-up, I think Fred was already over it.