I have two friends, Thayer and Lynda, who are morning walkers. One in Maine, one in Oklahoma. I admire them both and decided to emulate them in the place where I live.
In the past, when I have had time for photographing, I would wander the mountain roads. A previous story, The Pasture, (https://storiespictures.blog/2024/08/24/pasture-8-24-24/ taught me the beauty of remaining in one place while the seasons changed around it.
Taking photographs gives me great pleasure but I have never given much thought about trying to capture the details of the pond within walking distance from my door………
…or the flora & fauna with whom I share that share space. So, each morning, I take off armed with only my phone.
I named the above image, ‘Red-winged Blackbirds at the Sunflower Cafe.’
These flowers captured my attention in June. I found they were named Showy Milkweed.
Then there are the prolific cattails. In the dawn light they make intriguing patterns…………..
….by midsummer some have withdrawn their chlorophyl and resemble the start of woven baskets…
…….and by September they take on a rich golden hue in the morning mist.
The pond itself plays host throughout the summer to………..
…………..white pelicans, cormorants and mallard families………….
In late summer, the pond is ringed with Duckweed and the colts, teenage ducks, feed and bathe in the midst of these rich green flowers.
A path arches around the east edge of the pond providing different views and as summer turns to autumn……………..
………….the milkweed flowers have turned to pods and a little crayfish presented himself along with a young, black mink, too furtive and shy for me to capture!
This end of the pond also offers a view of Long’s Peak in the distance……
My walking sticks allow me to wander & gaze in all directions to catch the light as the earth turns.
It is a wonderful way to greet the day.
Stories & Pictures 
Elizabeth, I cannot believe you actually live here and get to see this beauty every single day!! Absolutely magical! How very fortunate you are! Enjoy, my friend!❤️❤️ old friend Judy b
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I have so much gratitude for living in a place where we can walk year round. So fun to see your stompin’ grounds in living color!
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Dear Elizabeth — I love this beautiful reminder to really see the habitat around us — in all of its diversity and in all the ways it changes. Thank you!
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Another wonderful story with beautiful photos! My walk is now 9:30 ish when through helping someone on a Tues., or when there’s time. We expect a day of soaking rain tomorrow. We need a lot of it. Love,T
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This was a delightful story and pictures. Not only the photos, but the commentary always brings a smile or a pause to reflect. I especially loved the idea that the golden reeds in fall “resemble the start of woven baskets” and “the red-winged blackbird sunflower cafe”. Don’t you love their shrieky calls? Where is this pond? It looks so much like some that my dear high-school friends have introduced me to in Jefferson County Open Space. It is definitely a treasure. Unfortunately, my “pond”, Denver’s City Park Lake, is not nearly so serene and bucolic. Barbara B.
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Thank you, Barbara. I’m happy you enjoyed the images. This pond is within The Broadlands development I think it is called Plaster Lake! I walk to it (about 35 steps) from my house. 🙂
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