Getting Cold

Our swinging friend from January 2^nd, and December 1^st is starting to get cold.

Change of Address

We are in the process of selling our home in Virginia, and plan to build or buy in Delta. I wonder if the people buying our old home would mind if I screwed a change of address plaque on the front door? They seem to last………

Good Philosophy

Every good philosophy needs a sign to get the word out

The Good Old Days

There are many sculptures on Main Street in Delta, and this is a rather unusual one, depicting Main Street as it may have once been.

Whimsical

This small second story screened in porch is almost whimsical. It is almost useless, but I would love to have one. You don’t see these sorts of things any longer. I think we may have become a bit too serious.

An Honest Person

Flags around the country have been at half-staff all week in honor of President Ford who died recently. The news reports kept on stressing what a nice and honest person he was. It is sad that this is considered unique.

Yes Sir, Yes Sir, Three Bags Full

Ok, so they are not black......but while there are no “Sheep Crossing” signs in the area, it is best to stop when they go by!

Slip Sliding Away

While Delta is really a simple farming & ranching town, it is surrounded by some of the most incredible country you will ever want to visit. An hour to the south, Ouray contains a world class ice climbing area. I am not sure which side of the lens is more enjoyable. I do know which is safer!

Summer Home

I often wondered where he spends his summers :)

House for Sale

Great deal if your name is Edward, Eisner, Eli, Etc. Beware, incorporating your initials into the design of the house can limit resale opportunities!

Big Pig - Or is it a hog?

We were out driving around town one morning looking at houses, and I noticed this guy playing in the field. At first I thought is was a small cow, then I looked closer…..

No One is Home

All alone on the highway east of Delta sits this lone log home “factory”. I have stopped by a couple of times to get pricing information, but alas, no one is ever “home”.

Transitions

One more shot from the air, showing the rugged desert mountains giving way to the flatness of the desert. This is truly a land of transitions.

Desertscapes

I Often find myself flying from Grand Junction to LA , and I am fascinated with the patterns I see in the deserts of Utah not too far west of Delta.

A Girl And Her Horse

Here is another statue I stumbled upon while out “shooting the town”. Every time I turn around, there is something I have not seen.

Sorry for the late post, work started with a 4am conference call!

Happy Birthday Rose!

My wife and I were having breakfast the other day, and she commented that many of the stores in Delta seemed to do more than one thing. The office supply store also sells anqiques for instance. About then I noticed that the restaurant we were in also had a craft section up front, made up primarily of candles. I noticed these wax Roses, and I knew what I needed to do. Today’s post is dedicated to my daughter Rose who celebrates her 16^th birthday today! Any idea what one of your gifts will be?

Cold Hand

Ok, the tease is over, here is the entire statue.

Happy Face

Back on December 1^st, I posted the legs of a statue for Theme day. Many wanted to see more, so here is her face!

The Adventure Continues

Today is theme day, and we have been asked to pick our favorite picture that we posted in 2006. For me it is certainly this picture of the Dobies I posted back on 11/5. It is not just the picture, but what it represents for me.

Our world changed radically in 2006. In August of 2005, my Mom developed Breast Cancer, and began aggressive treatments. It seemed to be going well, and they embarked on building a new home in Delta. In March of 2006 all of that changed. The home was about 2/3 done, and it was discovered that the cancer had spread to her brain. We found out on a Friday night, and by Sunday evening, we had packed up everything we thought we would need into our motorhome, and headed west. I told my manager that we needed to go, and she said, “Yes you do, we will figure it out”. As a side note, AOL gets a lot of grief in the press & public, but I am here to tell you, as an employee, they have stood behind when things got tough, and I am very grateful to my management chain for allowing me to work remote from Delta.

We got here the first Wednesday in April, never having done anything before except drive through the town. We parked our motorhome on the building site, a bluff overlooking a valley full of cows, with the Dobies as the backdrop. The 11/9 post will give you an idea of where we were “camped”. We settled in, and began to oversee the final construction while my Dad focused on the ever increasing treatments, and the heavy toll it was taking on Mom. Our goal was to get Mom into her new house in time for her to enjoy it. We held out hope, but really knew it was only a matter of time. My brother & sister made frequent visits to help out, and we found ourselves in Grand Junction on a regular basis. There were a couple of other scares along the way, and we found ourselves with both Mom and Dad having emergency room visits on the same day, and another day where I needed to get Dad into surgery, then take Mom to Chemo, then take Mom to visit Dad in recovery. All this time, my wife Patrice & I were living in the motorhome with 5 of our 6 kids. To make room, my son Tim lived in a 2 man tent for1-2 months next to the motorhome.

The final building progress was slow, but we eventually got Mom into her home in late May. In June we had the first party, a surprise birthday party for Mom. Over 50 people showed. Later in June we had an armed robbery, but they caught the guy a few days later. As the summer wore on, I was given permission to make our move permanent, and we drove back to Virginia to pack up all our things. After that, my boys & I did 10 days of backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch. In the middle of all this, for reasons I still can not explain, I decided to start Delta Daily Photo. The comments from all of you brought a great deal of encouragement as well.

Life was hectic, and Mom grew weaker each day. She went from walking on her own, to a walker, to a wheel chair in a matter of weeks. Another incredible friend came here for a week just to help. He built a wheel chair ramp, helped with the daily duties that needed to be done, and sat with Mom, showing her pictures. The back porch got a lot of use each day as we collapsed from all the events of the day. The view of the Dobies was soothing.

On October 8^th, the cancer took its final toll, and Mom went to be with the Lord. My post that day says it all. We scattered Moms ashes in the high country to the south, and 11/2 will give you an idea about that area. Very special friends helped us get everyone into this wonderful place so late in the season. Thanksgiving and Christmas were different without Mom.

Through all of this turmoil, God provided exactly what we needed to get through it all. We were here only a couple of days before we made what will undoubtedly be life long friends. Our kids were welcomed into a very active youth group at our new church home, and the community reached out in many ways. When Mom died, they stepped up again. At Mom’s memorial service down in Ouray, the worship leader & husband of our new church came and lead the worship. Our pastor ran a video camera, and other friends from Delta came and supported us. Friends from the Denver and Colorado Springs also came to assist with the service, sing, and offer comfort. One friend loaned us a 2^nd refrigerator to handle all the food that was brought over during this period. We will be forever grateful to all of you. God knew what we were going through, and provided exactly what we needed.

In late October, I was driving past the hospital where so many radiation treatments were done on Mom, and I noticed that the sun was low, and the Dobies were putting on a special fall show. The Dobies seem to be ever present for us in 2006, never failing to put on a show. They are one of the identifying things for us in 2006.

We are now living with my Dad, trying to figure out what the next steps will be. Delta has become home to us, and we are looking to give back to this wonderful community. Our home in Virginia is on the market, and once it sells, we will put our plans into action. God’s grace and provisions supported us in 2006, and I have no doubt that the plan for 2007 is simply wonderful.

Let the adventure begin!

Please visit other Theme Day entries:

Porto (Portugal) -Albuquerque, NM (USA) -St. Paul, (USA) Kate -Greenville,SC (USA) -Stayton, OR (USA) -Szentes (Hungary) -Hyde (UK) -London (UK) -Dubai (UAE) -Buenos Aires (Argentina) -Shanghai (China) -Nelson (New Zealand) -Twin Cities, MN (USA) -Joplin MO (USA) -Stavanger (Norway) -Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) -Not Strictly Seattle, WA (USA) -Jakarta (Indonesia) -Auckland (New Zealand) -Sharon, CT (USA) -Evry (France) -(Aust) John -Newcastle upon Tyne (England) -Paris (France) -Bandung (Indonesia) -Brussels (Belgium) -Minneapolis MN (USA) -Aliso Viejo, CA (USA) -Seattle, WA (USA) -Budapest (Hungary) -Singapore by Zannnie (Singapore) -Tenerife (Spain) -Santa Clara, CA (USA) -Houston, TX (USA) -Sydney by Nathalie (Aust) -San Diego, CA (USA) -Vancouver, BC (Canada) -Singapore by KeropokMan (Singapore) -East Lansing, MI (USA) -Sydney by Sally (Australia) -Tucson, AZ (USA) -Nottingham (UK) -Sequim, by Norma -Hong Kong -Vantaa, Finland -Kyoto (Japan) -Tokyo (Japan) -Chattanooga -Santiago (Chile) -erlin (Germany) -Trondheim (Norway) -Delta, CO (USA) -

Parting Shot

While the subject is not unique to Delta, the lack of humidity in this area does tend to make thing in the sky rather clear as this shot attests.

Good by 2006, hello 2007!

Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

Back on September 9^th, I predicted that the flowers would “succumb to another fall” before he made his move. I was right.

The Destination

It does not matter the time of year, bring your swim suite and relax in the world’s largest hot spring pool!

So what was the subject of the picture from the 26^th? Will you win the prize? Check this posts comments tomorrow morning for the winner.

Climb High

The road climbs high into the mountains, cresting at 8755 feet above sea level, passing many aspen along the way.

Any idea where we are headed? See the past two posts for more info.

Aspen at Altitude

These aspen trees, around an hour from home, have long since shed their leaves. They patiently wait for the warm spring that will surely bring them back to life.
Hint: You will not likely be able to figure out what yesterdays picture was without first figuring out where we were headed.
See yesterdays post for contest details.

What is this?

So what is this you ask…..I ask you the same thing, and there is a prize for the first and/or closest correct guess! I will decide who got close enough the soonest. Protests will be accepted, but most likely ignored. The judge’s (me) decision is final (more or less).

This unaltered picture was taken on a recent overnight trip, and the first person who correctly guesses what it is & where it was taken will get a matted copy (sorry, you will need to supply your own frame) of any one print they select that was published on Delta Daily Photo so far this year. The winner will get to select the print size (up to 8 ½” x 11”) and/or matting size (up 10” x 13”). There will be a total of 3 more photos in this series that may (or may not) help you figure out what and where this was taken. Good Luck!

I will not comment on any answers until after the final post has been available for a day. Friends and family who know where we went are not eligible to win!

The Reason For The Season

The reason for the season is all too often forgotten as life overwhelms us this time of year, so we sincerely offer this simple well known prayer for each of you this holiday season:

May The Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.

May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

God’s Speed in 2007,
Bill & Patrice

A Winter Wonderland

Grand Mesa is the world’s larges flat top mountain, leveling out over 10,000 feet. The top is covered with lakes and trees, and provides a perfect place for summer and winter activities. It may be warm down in Delta, but Cross Country skiing, show showing, skating, or snowmobiling are all easily an hour away, starting early in the fall, and lasting late into the spring.

Majestic

Mount Sneffles (now don't make fun of the name) rises over 14,000 feet some 50 miles to the south of Delta. It sits right in the middle, as if the king, of a wall of rock that dares you to pass. There are ways around, and if you are willing, the wonders that await you on the other side are worth the effort.

Fine Jewelers

So I have my grandfather’s old pocket watch that needs to be repaired. Considering that this shot was taken around 8:30am, I was not really sure these guys were really the ones to fix it. However, shortly after taking this shot, I noticed that the time was again correct, so my fears may be unfounded.

Over the river, and through the Dobies

A five speed in a Saturn Ion Quad. Enough said.

That’s Gonna leave a Stain

Does anyone know how to get rainbow stains out of carpet?

The Grid

Warning: keep your airplanes and helicopters out of this area. Tractors are ok however.

Clear Fields

The fields are clear, ready to be worked again in the spring.

First Church in the Corn

Ok, did anyone get the license plate number of that wise guy in the combine?

Light On The Dobies

The sun was playing games on the Dobies this cold afternoon, and the hills responded well. If you want to see more of my Dobie shots, click here.

Christmas Parade

Back on December 1^st, we had the town's Christmas "Parade of Lights". There were 67 floats! Not bad for such a small town. The streets were lined with many braving the cold night air. It is amazing what you can do with lights!

You can see the entire parade here.

Back In The Valley

The trip lasted just under 3 hours, and as we floated to these bridges, we knew it would soon be over, but I must tell you, it was a very unique trip. Thanks Riley for a completely unexpected adventure! Riley’s website is www.underthesunbelize.com. I don’t know if this trip is on his site, but you can always ask!

All my photos for the trip can be found here.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming.....

P.S. Dan, this will be my last river pic for a while :)

Peace Flows Like A River

It is amazing how the cares of the world go away in a place like this.

Cold

Did I mention it was cold out here? Don’t rock the boat!

Follow The Leader

Did you guys look at the calendar? Yea, head South, now!

The Oarsman

Riley was the oarsman for this trip, and a capable one at that. While these are not the largest rapids you will ever see, extreme care is needed when you are in single digit temps (for my non US friends, think -12). Fortunately, we did not get wet at all! One other benefit of having an expert oarsman is that he would position the boat exactly right based on where I was pointing the camera. As I was twisting to track the eagle, he was smoothly and quickly turning the craft to make so I did not need to twist my head off, or fall off the boat. That was very much appreciated!

The Rivers Edge

The cliffs at the rivers edge put on a show as well.

Row Row Row Your Boat

The Oars were mainly used for steering as the current kept us moving through this winter wonderland.

Fuzzy Eagle

The amount of wildlife you can see floating in December is amazing. We saw a number of Eagles, a Falcon, Blue Herrings, ducks, and deer. This shot, while a bit fuzzy, shows you one of our visitors. Considering that I was leaning backwards in a lawn chair, floating down a river, using a long lens, trying to track our friend, I thought it turned out ok.

On The Water

We got the boat launched with no issues, and the day could not have been better. It was cold, but we were dressed warm, there was very little wind, and the river was calm (at least this part). You can see the road we came down on the hill side ahead. What a day for a float!

What Could Possibly Go Wrong

I walked a bit on the road (no, I was not scared), and turned around to see where we had come from. This is not your typical boat launch.

Snow Boating

About an hour and 40 minutes after the chance meeting described in yesterday’s post I found myself riding through these snow covered canyons, pulling a boat. Dorothy mentioned that when they come through here in the summer, it is all desert, and it seems odd to be pulling a boat through the desert. I am thinking that this is just as odd. For the record, I had my Canon D60, a long lens, and my Sony HDR-HC1 (High Def Video camera) all snug in a large water cooler. Hey, it is a good idea!

A Chance Meeting

Yesterday morning, I was driving home at around 8:30am from a Men’s prayer breakfast at church, and I decided to pass someone who was moving slower than my desired rate of return. As I crossed the Gunnison River, the view to my right caught my eye. The outside temperature was about +9 Fahrenheit, and steam was rising off the river. I quickly went to the next road, and pulled off. I patiently waited for the road to clear (hello again) then backtracked to the bridge. Today’s photo is one of the results of that stop.

As I finished shooting, I saw a man walking across the bridge, carrying a picnic style water cooler. I asked if he needed a ride. He smiled and said no, I live over there, and I am just out taking pictures……I eyed the water cooler, and he smiled again, saying it keeps dry things dry, and wet things wet….Huh? He was carrying his camera in the cooler to protect it.

It turns out that Riley is an outfitter, and runs rafting trips on the Gunnison as one of his endeavors, which suddenly makes all this seem completely reasonable. We got talking, and he asked if I could row. I mentioned that I had been wanting to paddle the river all summer, but had not been able to. He asked if I wanted to do a float trip? I said sure, and he said how about in an hour……Hey I could get some great pictures I thought as it dawned on me how absurdly cold is was…….So an hour or so later I found my self with Riley & his wife Dorothy ( she was dropping us off, but not crazy enough to do the river with us) driving across snow packed roads to get to the put in point. Stay tuned for the next few days to see some pics from that adventure.

The things I do for DDP……….

A Blanket of White

The sounds of the motorcycles have faded away, and the tree that once tried to impress the cows with its color has given up. It now sits quietly, in stark contract to the fresh snow that blankets the Dobies, waiting for spring.

Flying Through Delta

This girl in this bronze statue on Main Street (taken a bit earlier this year) seems to be flying through town, but in fact she is flying on a bronze rope swing. Today is theme day, and today’s theme is: ”Taking a photo of a person from the waist down (like Bob do)”. I hope you enjoyed my contribution. To see what the rest of DP family is doing with this theme, check out the links below.



<Porto -Greenville -Evry -Queens -Seattle, WA, USA -Stayton , OR, USA -Albuquerque, NM (USA) -Joplin, MO (USA) -Singapore (Raymond) -Guadalajara, Mexico -Santiago, Chile -London (UK) -Jakarta (Indonesia) -Bandung (Indonesia) -Melbourne, Aust (John) -Phoenix, AZ (US) -Twin Cities, MN -Newcastle upon tyne(England) -St. Paul, MN (USA) Carol -Szentes (Hungary) -Tuzla (BiH) -St. Paul Kate -Dubai (U.A.E.) -Nelson (New Zealand) -Sharon, CT USA -Tenerife (Spain) -Auckland (New Zealand) -Budapest (Hungary) -Sydney, Australia (Sally) -Sequim, WA -East Lansing, MI (USA) -Vantaa; Finland -Singapore (Zannnie) -Paris (France) -Kuala Lumpur -Shanghai, China -Sydney Aust (Nathalie) -Hyde (UK) -Akita City, Japan -Tokyo (Japan) -Rotterdam -Manila (Philippines) -Not Strictly Seattle -Stavanger (Norway) -Hong Kong -Chattanooga, Tennessee -Barcelona (Spain) -Trujillo (Peru) -Naples Florida -Delta Colorado -Buenos Aires, Argentina -Cheltenham, England -