Almost Wordless Wednesday

Clearwater, Florida

We ran down here just to snap a few shots and play on the nearby playground!

Yea, I love the Fall!

I love this time of year! Although Florida is much warmer than Colorado, and the leaves stay green pretty much year round - I still love it.

Knowing the holidays are right around the corner gets me so excited. My kids are now at the age where they will both enjoy going to the pumpkin patch (and hopefully sit on Santa's lap, unlike last year).

I am thrilled that breaking out the sweaters are just around the corner (maybe I will be able to wear two this year down here in the warm climate)!

I love to see the raindrops pitter patter on the windowsill. It's such a warm, cozy feeling.

I hope you have as many great memories about this time of year as I do. We're sure planning to make many more in the months to come!

Gorgeous Colorado Book Chosen for Giveaway at Democratic Convention

Colorado's Governor Ritter has chosen Colorado Scenic Byways: Taking the Other Road, Susan J. Tweit's latest collaboration with photographer Jim Steinberg, as his "personal gift" for the 30 Democratic governors attending the Democratic National Convention in Denver, as well as Senators Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and their families.

The two-volume set of books details the sights and stories of Colorado's twenty-five byway routes, from the ruler-straight roads crossing the expansive plains to the oft-overlooked foothills, and from the Jeep trails ascending to nosebleed heights in the high peaks to the vivid canyon country of western Colorado. Colorado Scenic Byways is due to be released in September, when Tweit and Steinberg will criss-cross the state doing book-signings. (Check www.coloradoscenicbyways.com/ for a signing near you.) Tweit says the duo is "thrilled" by the Governor's choice.

Be sure to check the following link for Susan's appearances in the month of September. http://susanjtweit.com

Susan, a member of Women Writing the West, is the author of a range of books on wildlife and landscapes, among many other subjects. Her work has appeared in a variety of magazines including, Audubon Magazine, Popular Mechanics, and the Los Angeles Times.

Susan has received a host of awards including the USDA Award of Merit, the Best Trade Book (Pieces of Light) from the Rocky Mountain Book Publishers Association, and the Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children (City Foxes), among many others.

Susan's host of anthologies, feature articles, essays and books can be found in libraries, bookstores and newspapers. While you're out and about, you might just spot her giving talks and readings at the Denver Botanical Gardens, museums, and universities throughout Colorado and many other states.

Our Multi-tasker Moves On

We continued to worry about our little squirrel, that we named Tuesday. He still seemed sick. He wobbled, looked a little sad and walked slow.

So, we took Tuesday down to the Humane Society where he could get some medicine and some tender loving care from the vet.

We were sad to see him go, but we're betting that today he is doing much better!

A Tiny Multi-takser

We had to giggle this morning. A tiny baby squirrel made it's way over to the dog's water bowl and had a hard time keeping himself out of it.

He would climb up the side, lean over to drink and his weight propelled him the rest of the way. The smart little critter decided to take advantage and just finish drinking while he was in the bowl! Multi-tasking at it's finest.

The boys and I cheered him on, again and again! Of course, being boys, it was their duty to scream as loud as possible.

Ahhh... the Comforts of Home

It feels strange to be home. I have been away for months working. I told my husband I wasn't sure what to do with myself when I got there.

But, I have already figured it out. First I am going to relax on the sofa, then relax on the back porch, then maybe, just maybe I will relax in the swing in the backyard. Yea, that's just about right!

Going Home

I have never been more ready to go home. I have been working away from home for over a year, with about two weeks at home in that time. My husband asked me where I wanted to go for vacation. My answer? Home.

My last day on this job down here, on the banks of Lake Okeechobee, is Wednesday. I am so ready. My wonderful boss is giving me several weeks off before the next job starts. I am also happy to get away from the disgusting pincher bugs. They are everywhere. I had one in my shoe today. YUK. I think their somewhat technical name is earwig. I am not even going to capitalize their name. They just don't deserve it.

Back to the vacation discussion. Realistically, who can pass up a vacation? Not me. So, we will go again. This time to Gatlinburg. I love the mountains. Although they aren't as high or jagged as my precious Colorado Rockies, they are beautiful. I love staying in a cabin and just doing fun things around town.

Well, back to work. For now.