Twenty Degrees in September?

@2014 Ken W. Hall

@2014 Ken W. Hall

@2014 Ken W. Hall

Recently Ken captured these images of a family of deer grazing at the end of our block.  We commented on how late in the year it was to have little ones with spots.  

This week, the morning of the 11th, I drove through snow to hang an art show in Virginia City, Montana at the Elling House Arts and Humanities Center.   The next morning we woke to twenty degree temperatures here in Ennis.

This was a major record low for this time of year.  I heard some people say it had not happened since the 1800's.  I have not checked the facts but it has not happened since we moved here fourteen years ago.

The low this morning was 30 degrees and it is in the sixties with a breeze right now.  It is reminding me to get outdoors and enjoy the warmth while it is here.  Winter is not far off.

So, I am writing this post sipping tea on my front porch watching the birds while expressing gratitude for this beautiful place I call home.

Firehole

©2014 Ken W. Hall

©2014 Ken W. Hall

©2014 Ken W. Hall

Few are aware that the headwaters of the fabled Madison River, the river on which we live, is the conjunction of the Gibbon River and the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park.

Recently I, along with two special friends named Ricard Lessner and Chuck Feldman, journeyed to the Firehole in search of elusive trout. The Firehole is fed by numerous geyser runoffs of steaming mineral laden waters. In the summer it is amazing while in the winter it is other worldly.

The three "buds" each caught trout but my catch of the day was when I opted fly rod for camera and waded through a Millers caddis hatch to the far side of the river. When the ford was complete I was greeted by a small bird. The welcome party for my arrival included the small feathered friend putting on quite a display on a fallen tree reaching out into the Firehole. My catch of the day was when the bird focused on a single Millers caddis and let instincts fly…and it appears in the image that the caddis flew as well and lived another day.

And so is Life in Yellowstone and the Firehole River. Magic and mystique reign supreme in these hallowed waters so graciously gifted by Creator.

                                                                               - Ken W. Hall

Our weather is getting hotter.  It was 57 degrees this morning and will reach the mid to high eighties this afternoon.  What makes it warmer for us is that most of our buildings do not have air conditioning since we only require it two or three months out of the year.  I do love the warmer weather and am enjoying every moment.

Apple Blossoms

© 2014 Ken W. Hall

"This is such a special time of the year. The wonder of Nature dances a waltz with a full and subtle swath of color. Our apple tree is in full bloom. Sit quietly and smell the fragrance."

                                                                                                                       -- Ken W. Hall

There is a small apple tree in the backyard of our new residence.  It opened up yesterday and today it is in full bloom.  Ken captured this image.  Our neighbor said they are so fragile a strong wind or rain and they will all be gone.  

We just experienced a wind so strong willow branches fell to the ground.  I hope enough of the blossoms survive to enjoy apples this fall.

Spring is in the air.  Birds prepare their nests.  Yards are being groomed.  Gardeners prepare their soil for planting.  The lilac bushes are blooming and filling the air with a sweet fragrance.

The days are longer and we go to bed and wake up to the sound of birds singing.  Temperatures range from forty in the mornings to as high as seventy during the day.  The past couple of days we experienced brief evening showers.

I love this time of year.