Friday, March 1, 2013

Our First Winter in Colorado


For the most part, our first winter living on the front range of Colorado has been a good one weather-wise. It is often sunny, and since this area of the country is considered high desert and very dry, the cold temperatures do not feel as harsh as they did in New York City. So far, we've had temperatures as low as the teens and as high as the mid-'60s.  We finally had a significant snowfall this past week of eleven inches.  I loved the view I had of the falling snow from my bedroom veranda.
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One of the daily visitors I have in my backyard every morning, besides deer (see this post), are rabbits.  I know, I am doomed not to be able to grow any flowers or vegetables in my backyard because of these herbivores, but this city born and bred girl is OK with that, as the only wild animals I saw in NYC were squirrels and birds. I love watching the new animals I see here, and so does my cat!  As you can see in the photos above, my cat and a rabbit had a long staring contest one morning! (all photos can be enlarged by clicking on them once, and then again when they open on a new page)



Afterward, our little Peter Rabbit guest hopped away on a new adventure!



My entire neighborhood looks so beautiful dressed in winter white.


I enjoy watching local children sleigh down the hills.


There are over twenty-five miles of private trails in our community, and this winter I've taken many walks on a nearby trail that is paved. I know I will enjoy seeing the views along this, and other, more strenuous, hiking trails in my neighborhood in every season of the year.


The foothills and red rocks look so beautiful framed by the deep snow and bright blue skies.  A Magpie sitting in a pine tree along the trail was very proud of a peanut he found and was announcing the fact to other birds.


My house is located on a block behind this ridge. I think you can see that winter suits Colorado very well.  It's one of the reasons I love living here!



Of course, having my very own Cabbage Patch Doll is another reason. Our little granddaughter looked so cute sitting among my daughter's childhood dolls. I knew there was a reason I saved them all for so many years!


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63 comments:

podso said...

Pat the snow looks wonderful and your back yard is so pretty. I know what you mean by that dry cold; it is quite different. I'm glad you are enjoying your new life and your granddaughter is growing and so so cute!

Snap said...

A beautiful winter in Colorado. Love that you saved the cabbage patch dolls! Your little granddaughter will enjoy them too!

Barbara F. said...

Pat, is that your house in the background? It is gorgeous and huge! Little J is getting more adorable every day. Glad Old Man Winter was good to you guys this year. Can't really complain here, either (I better not talk too soon!). I have possums, racoons, geese, wild ducks, plus the squirrels and birds here on SI. I saw a deer along the highway heading to Tarjay earlier. More than enough for me. ;-) xo

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Colorado is beautiful! I know you are enjoying your new life there. Your baby grand is so cute!

Lynn said...

Looks beautiful Pat! You've had more snow than we have in Philly. Enjoy the gorgeous scenery:@)

Pamela Gordon said...

It looks so beautiful there Pat. I'm glad you are enjoying winter in your new state and can get out and walk. The bunny is so cute. Maybe you can try gardening on your deck out of reach of rabbits and deer. Your granddaughter looks so cute with her little friends. :) Pamela

RoeH said...

Snow is so beautiful. You're very lucky.

Nellie said...

What a precious little "Cabbage Patch Kid!" I had a very crafty friend during the initial Cabbage Patch craze, and she was patient enough to guide a couple of us through the "make your own" process. Oddly enough, the dolls have survived!:-)

The rabbit finally realized there was a pane of glass protecting it from your kitty, and off he went!

These scenes are really beautiful, Pat. I'm glad you are enjoying Colorado.

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Your granddaughter is so beautiful. I'm so happy you will get to enjoy your grandchildren. The scenery is stunning.

Sandy said...

Pat - you always take beautiful photos no matter where you are. I bet your cat thinks he/she is in heaven with all the fascinating creatures to watch and you too! Congrats on your new granddaughter by the way. She is a cutie. How wonderful for you and your Hubby to be close to your children and grandkids now. That's a lot of snow by the way.

Kris said...

My daughters both loved Cabbage Patch too. They had so many. I saved a couple....but so far, none of their kids are too into dolls????? The baby is so cute!!!
Love your new home, and loved your previous home too!!
Hugs,
Kris

Michelle said...

Your area looks so good in white! We have had dreary weather this winter, but really not much snow. Nothing like the beauty of freshly fallen snow. Your granddaughter is so sweet next to those dolls.

ellen b. said...

What lovely views you have covered in white! How sweet it is to have your granddaughter so close!

Catherine said...

Wonderful pictures and so happy you are loving it! Colorado is always super dressed in snow.

Betsy Brock said...

Gorgeous snow pictures! And what a handsome rabbit! Love it!

baby sure is sweet!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Ah---how beautiful. Wish we'd get some snow (some accumulation) here. It's just gorgeous. Sounds like you all have had a great winter.

I'm impressed that the community cleans off their private trails after a snow. That is awesome....

It's neat to see the kids sledding and of course to see Peter Rabbit.

Thanks for sharing more of your new home area.
Hugs,
Betsy

diane b said...

I had heard Colorado is a beautiful state and now you have proved it with these beautiful scenes.
The hiking sounds fun but maybe strenuous but good for keeping fit.
The last shot is so cute and quite a coincidence because my SIL photographed Fox sitting amongst a line of dolls too when he was a baby. I must dig out the video he made of it and send it to you. It is hilarious but a little rude.

diane b said...

I had heard Colorado is a beautiful state and now you have proved it with these beautiful scenes.
The hiking sounds fun but maybe strenuous but good for keeping fit.
The last shot is so cute and quite a coincidence because my SIL photographed Fox sitting amongst a line of dolls too when he was a baby. I must dig out the video he made of it and send it to you. It is hilarious but a little rude.

Sarah said...

Pat, you picked a beautiful spot for your new home. Those views are gorgeous! And that cutie among the Cabbage Patch dolls is priceless.

Vee said...

Oh you saved the best for last! So glad that her mama has a real doll to love. She is simply darling.

And Colorado is gorgeous. You can't go wrong living in such a beautiful location.

Margaret said...

Hi Pat, Your new home is beautiful. How wonderful to have hiking trails and nature right outside your door! I love your cozy snowy view from your balcony and snowy scenes under that marvelous blue sky! I'm enjoying your Peter Rabbit visitor. I confess I have a weakness for bunny rabbits! I used to collect anything bunny until I realized they really do "multiply" lol. Your darling grandaughter is the sweetest little "doll" of the cabbage patch. What an adorable photo! Thank-you for sharing :) Have a good weekend Pat.
Margaret from B.C.

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

Pat, what beautiful photos! Your neighborhood is stunning! No wonder you love living in CO!

Personally, I'm sick to death of the snow, we've had it since December, and it's snowing lightly again . . . arrgh!!!

Now, that last photo of your granddaughter, is seriously beautiful!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne said...

the picture of your granddaughter is a treasure!

beautiful place you live in
wonderful views

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Your views are just spectacular. It looks like a winter wonderland.

Have a lovely weekend Pat. It’s so nice to be able to get out and visit old friends again.
Sam

Judy said...

How fun that you kept here cabbage patch dolls all these years...and that they made the move with you! Cute pic!

Love the shot of the cat and the bunny eyeing each other.

Beautiful snow pic's from your area!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Look at that little bundle of joy right there with the dollies! I put my granddaughter in my crib with dolls...years ago! Brings back sweet memories! Enjoy your weekend...stay warm!

Lacey R said...

I'm glad you are transitioning well to living in a new city and state! Looks like you live in a lovely area.

Oh I loved Cabbage Patch Dolls too, I think my parents still have my doll at their house! :)

Willow said...

Pat, you truly do live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Colorado is on my short list of states I'd move to. Soon your little ones will be sledding with the big kids and walking those trails with you.

My name is Riet said...

Hi Pat. What a beautiful country you live in. The sights are breathtakig. The mountains and the snow, nothing more beautiful. The little babydoll is gorgeous. So sweet between the dolls.
Have a nice week

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

Beautiful snow scenes! We got about 9" of new snow from that same storm. I know the precipitation is a good thing but I'm so ready for spring.

I saved my daughters' Cabbage Patch dolls too :) I wanted to remember what it was like to stand in line to get them!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

I forgot to add what a cute little doll is sitting in the middle of the Cabbage Patch :)

Betty said...

It must seem kind of like a vacation...doesn't it? So different from the city life. The Northeast is so gray and dreary in the winter and I guess Colorado is the complete opposite. It looks beautiful. Do you find yourself short of breath or have you gotten used to it by now? Love the picture of all the sweet dolls together.

Nancy said...

OH good gosh - she's the cutest cabbage patch doll ever! :) Nancy

eileeninmd said...

Pat, what a beautiful winter wonderland. Looks like a fun hill for sledding. I am sure the neighborhood children love it and the snow. Your granddaughter is a cutie! Wonderful photos! Have a happy Sunday and a great week ahead!

Donna said...

Your snow pictures are beautiful, Pat. I can tell you love your new surroundings. Love that photo of your granddaughter!

Cathy said...

Your little cabbage patch girl is so adorable, Pat. I know how much you must love living close to her. Your photos are gorgeous. Love the photos of the snow against that beautiful blue sky.

Jenny said...

I want to move to winter, too, Pat!

I feel so much better when it's cold!

I just can't bring myself to move AWAY from most of our Grandlittles.

That last picture was beyond adorable!

That is definitely one for framing!

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

Red rock & snow: gorgeous!

Baby J & Cabbage Patch dolls: sweet memories continuing on for another childhood.

Good times Pat!

The Tablescaper said...

I'm so happy to have you posting to Seasonal Sundays! It sounds like you're adapting well to Colorado.

- The Tablescaper

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I've loved seeing your beautiful photos! The one of the rabbit and kitty staring at each other is too cute! And of course my favorite is the sweet little grandbaby with the dolls...so adorable! Your images of the Colorado landscapes makes snow look like it's not so bad after all. I say that because we're getting a little weary of it. :)
Have a wonderful week!

Ciao Chow Linda said...

What a difference from the Brooklyn scenes you called home for so many years. Both places are wonderful for different reasons and I love the snowy landscape you are living through in Colorado. But that granddaughter with the cabbage patch dolls is the most precious photo of all.

Micupoftea said...

Very scenic...so blessed to live in a gorgeous area and have family close by!

Vores have said...

Great pictures / collages showing. Wish you a good day :) Hanne Bente

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

It does look beautiful - and so does the little one!

Anonymous said...

Grand daughter is so sweet ~ What a treasure ~ Your photography is exquisite and I love the rabbit ~ glad you are enjoying your move ~ ^_^

Cindy said...

You live in a beautiful neighbourhood, and the wild life that you see must make it even more magical. We have resident rabbits here and I am able to grow tomatoes and peppers without the rabbits bothering them. So a garden isn't completely out of the question for you, I'm thinking.
Enjoy your sweet baby gd.
love and hugs, Cindy

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

Colorado is so beautiful! Look at that cutie sitting in the middle of the cabbage patch. I have CP twins in our attic :-)

Yvette said...

Looks like you've made the right move, Pat. Colorado suits you and your family very well. :)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Pat, I've been off the circuit for a bit, but congrats on that precious new grandlittle. What a doll she is! And I love that you have a picture of a magpie. :-)

XO,

Sheila

Anonymous said...

It looks like a beautiful winter wonderland! Love that big bunny peeking in the window.

annie said...

What a lovely place you have there Pat!
you can still grow veggies and herbs. There are many things you can do to deter deer and rabbits from eating!
Your grandchild is such a tiny little bundle of cute.

Anonymous said...

Oh, what lovely scenic shots! And your granddaughter is so adorable.

Ann said...

what a gorgeous area you live in and it looks stunning in it's winter wear. My daughter lived in Colorado Springs for a while. I think she misses being there.

myletterstoemily said...

you are were on my stomping grounds. we
live in crested butte, but i can't tell where
this is?

myletterstoemily said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
myletterstoemily said...

welcome to heaven. :)

Susan Anderson said...

Beautiful, peaceful scenery.

And a beautiful, peaceful baby to match!

=)

AdriBarr said...

Hi Pat,

It is just beautiful! And it looks so peaceful. There must be so much wildlife. It must be fun to see all the animals. I can see where the rabbits will cause you some trouble, but I have every confidence you will figure out a way to deter the critters from munching your food!

All the best to you. I am enjoying reading about your new home.

Claudia said...

You know you're making me want to move to Colorado. I'm done with winter - unless it goes and goes! Love the bunnies - I think ours are hibernating! Your little one is just a doll!

Bridget said...

Your snow is very pretty. We are south of you in Northern New Mexico and only had a teensy amount.

We have bunnies in our yard but the previous owner used many native plants for landscaping and the buns don't eat them.

This nursery even has little symbols which indicate which plants deer and bunnies find yucky.
http://www.highcountrygardens.com/

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

Such a beautiful landscape Pat! I'm so glad that you are enjoying your new home and your precious family!

Jenny said...

Ooopsy...

I forgot your grade...

And I'm glad I did because the Picture of the little bunny trail brought a smile to my face...

Great Post!

A+

Annesphamily said...

That little grand girl is a doll! The weather here is amazing! Although it was very cold today the sun was shining as we were heading to a late lunch as snow softly fell around us!