Alpine Hiking and Accomplishments!

The big accomplishment this week is I got Le Jardin into flimsy form

 and ready to send to my favorite longarm quilter. 

Botanical Sketchbook also got all the stitching done on it!

Waiting for the postman to deliver the border fabric 

and then I will have completed 2 of my summer goals.

Yesterday, we hiked the Continental Divide trail at Wolf Creek Pass.

 It was good to see so many of the dead trees had fallen over during the winter 

and that new growth is starting to predominate.

 Perhaps in another 3-5 years, my favorite forest will no longer look like a war zone.

 FYI, our forests suffered severely from a bark beetle attack 

and present a horrendous fire danger.

 A fire is currently burning 20 miles north of us

 and our small town is full of 'Hot Shots' from all over the country. 

We are so thankful for the risks they take and the sacrifice they make to protect us.

The forest floor was full of my favorite wildflowers and I even identified a 'new to me' one.

Pygmy Bitterroot. 

And for your enjoyment, a few of the others I love.

 Colorado Columbine

 Alpine Viola

 Purple Fringe

Scarlet Paintbrush.

Green-flowered Wintergreen,

also new to me.

I think I will use my new found embroidery skills

 and do a piece with all my favorite wildflowers on it. 

Speaking of embroidery,

A Hollyhock inspired by Beth Upstill.

I still have 3 circles to fill. 

Believe it or not, I actually tore out one I had done to put this one in it's place.

One of the benefits of high altitude living and exercising

 is that my Vacay/CoVid-12 (pounds that is) has turned into CoVid-1. 

It has also helped that my beautiful daughter and WW teammate has been cooking delicious, low point meals for both of us and encouraging me to stay on track.

I am only 6 pounds away from my goal,

but I know they will be the hardest ones.

I need to lose these pounds to help lower my blood pressure.

I don't want to take medications!!!!

So wish me luck.

What is on my plate next....

Hocus Pocus by the Pattern Basket.

My Fig Tree All Hallows Eve fabrics are on their way.