What a difference a day makes

  I signed up for another sketchbook watercolor class taught by Jane LaFazio on Joggles.  I am enjoying it, the Allium was last weeks assignment, sort of.  We were to introduce some other elements in our sketches, but after I completed the sketch and painted it, I wasn't going to ruin it.  Some areas need a little work, it has been months since I last painted.  Have no idea why I don't get the watercolors out more than I do.  I guess it is like everything else, I have to have a reason.  One reason I took the class.  This week we are making backgrounds to paint on, which aren't completed yet.



Amur Maple is almost bare, only a few leaves remain.  It is the one tree in the yard that actually has more color, more often than any of the others.



The trees in the yard have been exceptionally colorful this fall.  I have included a few photos of them that I took yesterday.  The sky was a beautiful blue and the reds, oranges and yellows looked especially nice against it.

All that changed this morning when it started

The aspen tree has finally turned a golden yellow. 
The first time this has ever happened!!! 

snowing!  I didn't think we were going to get very much, but it was a nice amount of moisture.  The snow was wet and it will help the wheat, as it was a little dry.  It looked terrible after the winds we have had this fall. 



Half of the cottonwood tree in the backyard.



The deck late afternoon.

Much of the snow melted as it fell this morning, but by evening there was a bit of snow covering everything in the backyard.  This is the deck, looking out the patio door.  I do believe summer is over and the plants have seen better days. 

What a difference a day makes, from blue, cloudless skies to a snowy backyard.   



October

It is October, hard to believe.  Corn harvest is here, they are trying to get the wheat planting finished up and the wind is here.  October also brings with it Breast Cancer Awareness month and that means "Race for the Cure" is here as well. 
This is the second year we have been in the 'Race for the Cure'.  My part is more of a short walk.  I think we probably get a 2K in by the time we walk from the Light Rail to where the walk starts and maybe a 3K by the time we get back to the light rail.
I thought about trying the 5K this year, last year, but that didn't happen.  Fortunately I had forgotten that I said that.  One of the good things about getting older, I guess.  The knees are another year older as well and the problem.

  Jennifer organized our team again in memory of my sister Julie.  We didn't come up with any new buttons this year, sort of hectic for all of us.  I think I am going to dye t-shirts next year, pink ones!!!  One very nice thing occurred, my sister's sons were able to join us on the walk this year.  Most of our team did the 5K, the new mommies, little boys, grandpa and I did the Family Walk.   
  I think the photo says it all.  The 5K walk in Denver is the second largest in the country.  It is impressive to come around the corner when walking in the 1K and see all the walkers coming over the viaduct, upper middle of photo, and back into the Race grounds.  Lots of people.
  Our team was on Channel 9, live.  Jennifer was the spokesperson.  The rest of us just stood in the shoot, thank heavens!