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pals2020-10-30T22:25:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/10/27/too-many-to-count/2020-10-27T16:29:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/10/21/do-you-remember-when/2020-10-21T20:41:05+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/10/07/morning-coffee-thoughts/2020-10-16T13:51:10+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/10/01/dang-pack-rats/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/neotoma_cinerea_bushy_tailed_woodrat.jpgNeotoma_cinerea_(bushy_tailed_woodrat)Damg-nab-it Pack Rat. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/gambells-quail-2.jpgGambell's quail 2I love that I can see Gambel Quail around my apartment complex. Too bad, however, that Pack Rats are also my neighbors. -- Photo by Pat Bean. 2020-10-02T12:19:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/09/17/gloria-and-me/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/800px-ms._magazine_cover_-_spring_1972.jpg800px-Ms._magazine_Cover_-_Spring_1972When Gloria Steinem's Ms. Magazine was published for the first time in 1972, it was the same time I was fighting for equal pay for equal work. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/gloriasteinem2020_640.jpgGloriaSteinem2020_640Gloria Steinem, still speaking out for equal rights for all. Wikimedia photo 2020-09-20T18:24:30+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/09/08/from-my-balcony-wowzer/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/white-eared_hummingbird_e10-1-013_l_1.jpgWhite-eared_Hummingbird_e10-1-013_l_1White=Eared Hummingbird. -- Audubon Field Guide https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/white-eared-hummingbird-2.jpgwhite-eared hummingbird (2)White-Eared Hummingbird. -- Wikimedia photo 2020-09-10T22:51:20+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/08/26/common-sense-and-joyful-days/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_4390.jpgIMG_4390Joy is me getting to hold my great-granddaughter Cora. -- Ohoto by T.C. Ornelas https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_4556.jpgIMG_4556Joy is my canine companion Scamp. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/007.jpg007Joy is taking pleasure in little things, especially in nature. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-08-27T01:02:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/08/21/mile-marker-people-in-my-life/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/jean.jpgjeanA recent Facebook picture of my friend Jean, who is a teacher and having her own mile-marker moments of learning to teach online. She makes me smile and laugh. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/46.-kim-and-i-with-tuskers-beer-at-first-sundowner-after-a-long-days-drive-from-tanzania-to-kenya.jpg46. Kim and I with Tuskers Beer at first sundowner after a long day's drive from Tanzania to KenyaKim and I shared Africa together, and here is a photo of us after a very long, but wonderful, day of bouncing in the back of a Land Rover over the Serengeti. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/12.-sign-overlooking-the-crater-that-gives-distances-to-london-new-york-berlin-etc.-note-the-smile.-may-23-2007.jpg12. Sign overlooking the crater that gives distances to London, New York, Berlin, etc. Note the smile. May 23, 2007A two-week safari in Africa was certainly a mile-marker in my life. Here I'm standing at an overlook of the Ngorongoro Crater in front of a sign with mile markers to various cities around the world. -- Photo by Kim Perrin 2020-08-27T01:10:45+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/08/03/purple-and-yellow-and-white-winged-doves/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/rose_of_sharon-2.jpgRose_of_sharon (2)The color purple always stops me for a better look when I see it in nature. Pictured here is a Rose of Sharon blossom. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/scotts_oriole_33206326043.jpgScott's_Oriole_(33206326043)Scott's Oriole -- Wikimedia photo 2020-08-03T15:57:33+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/08/01/a-bumper-sticker-from-my-past/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/make-love.jpegmake loveA sign for the 1960s is still pertinent today. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_4218.jpgIMG_4218This display of metal flowers reminded me of the colors of my tye-dye T-shirts, which I wore during the 1960s -- and still wear today. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-08-02T17:17:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/07/23/when-is-too-much-too-much/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_4599.jpgIMG_4599I call this little piece of art peaceful night. Mine wasn't last night. -- Art by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/3-dragpns-and-a-fiery-sunset-.jpg3 dragpns and a fiery sunsetI think this image of three dragonflies is quite representative of my brain last night. It was flitting all over the place. -- Art by Pat Bean 2020-07-23T15:24:35+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/07/20/an-old-broad-and-her-computer/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/799px-limpkin_rwd1.jpg799px-Limpkin_RWD1I watched the Limpkin during my month-long winter exploration of the Everglades. But I used my computer to educate myself about its ranges and habits. 2020-07-20T22:16:15+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/07/17/the-right-place-the-right-time/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/17647988202_e7f7c1a986_b.jpg17647988202_e7f7c1a986_bHoodoos at sunrise in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/burr-trail-switchbacks.jpgburr trail switchbacksBurr Trail switchbacks through Waterpocket Fold on the back way to Capital Reef National Park. 2020-07-30T02:07:59+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/07/10/getting-what-we-asked-for/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_a-4399-2.jpgIMG_A 4399 (2)Into every life, flowers should fall. So here's mine to you for today. -- Art by Pat Bean 2020-07-12T16:51:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/07/08/a-writers-dilemma/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/my-little-corner-.jpgmy little cornerI always felt more at home in a newsroom than at home. This was my little working corner at the Standard-Examiner for the 10 years I was the paper's environmental reporter. While I loved everything about my 37-year journalism career, this was my favorite assignment. -- Photo by my journalism colleague Charlie Trentelman. 2020-07-26T20:04:01+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/06/30/bitterns-always-a-delight-to-see/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/220px-ixobrychus_sinensis_-_chinese_garden.jpg220px-Ixobrychus_sinensis_-_Chinese_GardenYellow Bittern -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/waterlogged.jpgWaterloggedScarburough Marsh, Mine. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/american-bittern-2.jpgAmerican bittern (2)An American Bittern -- Art by Pat Bean2020-07-02T10:53:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/06/28/sonoran-desert-mornings/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/white-winged-dove-2.jpgwhite-winged dove (2)A white-winged dove keeping an eye on Scamp and me as we walk past. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/024.jpg024Resident juvenile great horned owls from a couple years past sitting on the top of one of the apartment buildings. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/saguaro-blooms-.jpgsaguaro bloomsWhile it's exciting to hike new trails, it's just as satisfying to see the blossoms of a saguaro grow and blossom with the passing days. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-06-29T14:54:15+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/06/22/mother-nature-on-the-loose/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/the-road-below-2.jpgThe road below (2)The road to the top of Mount Lemmon in a photo I took last year on a day trip is now closed. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/5eecf1592aef0_image.jpg5eecf1592aef0_imageThis was a view visible from my bedroom balcony a few weeks ago. But to learn more about the fire that was ravaging Arizona's Catalina Mountain Range, I went online on my computer fpr dao;u i[dateshttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_4682-1.jpgIMG_4682Saturday evening view of the Bighorn Fire from my Tucson apartment balcony. -- Photo by Pat Bean2020-06-23T01:05:38+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/06/19/living-in-covid-time/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/002.jpg002Maggie was easier to groom than Scamp. I used to plug my clippers into the outside outlet and sit on the step of my RV to groom her. I groomed Scamp on my living room floor yesterday. Did I mention that my vacumn cleaner is now plugged up? -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_4681.jpgIMG_4681Scamp wasn't happy with the grooming process, but he did enjoy the treats I bribed him with to be good. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-06-20T17:26:26+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/06/17/grand-canyon-memories/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/kim-2.jpgKim (2)Kim during one of our outings to Zion National Pak to celebrate one of my birthdays. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/kim-and-me-4-09.jpgkim and me 4-09My friend Kim and me right before we jumped out of an airplay to celebrate my 70th birthday. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_4678.jpgIMG_4678Digging through my scrapbooks, I found the story I did about flying in a KC-135 tanker over the Grand Canyon, a National Guard event to entice women to join the service. 2020-09-24T18:45:08+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/06/08/time-for-a-change-of-focus/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/monarch-butterfly-publicdomain-freddy-g-696x404-1.jpgMonarch-butterfly-publicdomain-Freddy-G-696x404A small bit of protection for monarch butterflies is my silver lining for today. If I'm going to face reality, I will also need to find a bit of good in the world to keep me sane. 2020-06-08T23:39:58+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/06/05/morning-walks-with-a-dog/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/doves-2-2.jpgdoves 2 (2)Mourning doves are almost a daily sight as Scamp and I take our morning walks. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/003-2.jpg003 (2)To be outdoors and walking for a sunrise and sunset makes one feel good to be alive. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-06-07T03:30:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/06/03/9855/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_4533.jpgIMG_4533Can I have a bone? I'll sit in your lap to chew it -- and petting me will calm you down. Translation by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/027.jpg027While I might not be able to live without my internet, getting out among nature's wonders and birdwatching are what keep me sane. -- Photo by Pat Bean2020-06-04T05:22:04+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/05/18/mount-st-helens-memories/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/indian-paintbrush-adds-a-bit-of-color-to-a-tree-stump-at-johnston-ridge-that-looks-out-over-mt.-st.-helens-and-which-was-in-the-blast-zone.jpgIndian paintbrush adds a bit of color to a tree stump at Johnston Ridge that looks out over Mt. St. Helens, and which was in the blast zoneAnd grasses and indian Paintbrush were growing around a tree stump left by the blast. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_2575-2.jpgIMG_2575 (2)https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_2580.jpgIMG_2580Ten years ago I took this photo of Mount St. Helens from a ridge six miles away that was directly in the blast zone. -- Photo by Pat Bean2020-05-23T15:31:33+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/05/17/searching-for-joy/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/003-2.jpg003 (2)Joy is painting a watercolor and actually liking it. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/10926450_10205446907110159_3915451249014567216_n.jpg10926450_10205446907110159_3915451249014567216_nJoy was hugging my oldest great grandchild a few years ago. 2020-05-18T19:06:11+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/05/15/my-roots-are-planted-in-texas/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/450px-skyislandpkwy-catalina-highway-to-the-top-of-mount-lemmon..jpg450px-SkyIslandPkwy catalina highway to the top of Mount Lemmon.A drive to the top of Mount Lemmon on Sky Island Parkway is just minutes away. I think I will break isolation curfew and drive it this weekend. It will make up for missing Texas' bluebonnets. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_2166.jpgIMG_2166I didn't get my Texas bluebonnet fix this year. The isolation curfew kept me home. But at least I have my memories. This photo was shot on Goose Island State Park a few years ago. -- Photo by Pat Beab2020-05-15T20:58:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/04/24/mrs-pollifax/2020-05-07T21:25:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/04/19/morning-coffee-rant/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/blue-herons-2.jpgBlue herons 2Blue Herons on a cold morning at Farmington Bay in Utah. Nature is what helps keep my blood pressure in check during these days of isolation, even if it's just remembering past moments spent in the outdoors. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-04-26T22:34:45+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/04/03/home-with-a-scamp/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_4596.jpgIMG_4596Scamp taking a snooze after a lenthy sessiion of ball throwing and retrieving in the house. -- Photo by Pat Bean. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/scamp-in-sun-.jpgscamp in sunScamp taking in the morning sun as it came in through my bedroom balcony this morning. -- Photo by Pat Bean2020-08-23T20:08:46+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/04/02/my-grandfathers-legacy/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/the_sun_sets_on_chc3a2teau_de_chillon.jpgThe_Sun_Sets_on_Château_de_ChillonChillon Caste at sunset. 2020-04-05T19:01:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/03/31/the-year-was-1939/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/andrew-jackson-state-park.jpgAndrew Jackson State ParkThese are times when I need the calming influence of nature to calm my thoughts. This photo is of Maggie at Andrew Jackson State Park in South Carolina, which I describe better in my book, :Travels with Maggie." -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-04-07T19:02:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/03/28/a-time-to-read/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/068.jpg068Or maybe even a brown one. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/075.jpg075Perhaps you will see a white one. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/079.jpg079If you take your book outside to read in the fresh head, keep a lookout for butterflies. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-04-02T15:52:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/03/24/my-little-2020-census-rebellion/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/storm.jpgstormIt sounds more fun to call myself artist-in-residence than in-isolation during these stormy times. -- Art by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/waterfall.jpgwaterfallIt's just a tiny waterfall, but from such are mighty rivers created. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-03-28T06:30:14+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/03/22/toilet-paper-20-dollars-a-sheet/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/img_4483.jpgIMG_4483I wouldn't mind having those 13 rolls of toilet paper that Scamp destroyed in the early months after I rescued him. -- Photo by Pat Bean2020-03-22T19:43:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/03/20/the-rivers-ran-through-me/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/im-in-there-somewhere-1.jpgI'm in there somewhereI took this photo from Lunch Counter -- a couple of hours after I had passed through this same spot. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/im-in-there-somewhere.jpgI'm in there somewherehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/water-water-everywhere-1.jpgWater, water everywherehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/water-water-everywhere.jpgWater, water everywhereThe two memorable rapids on the Snake River below Jackson, Wyoming, are Kahuna and Lunch Counter. Kahuna was wild when the water was low and Lunch Counter was wild when the water was high, which meant we rafters always had a thrilling ride. 2020-03-20T16:29:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/03/09/exotic-landscapes/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/img_4052.jpgIMG_4052An organ pipe cactus is just one of the many wonders the Sonoran Desert holds for those with eyes to see. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3.jpg3The Catalina Mountains in my backyard may not be as exotic as the Himalaya Mountains but in their own way they are just as wondrous. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-03-10T01:24:52+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/03/04/i-liked-what-he-said/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/wider-view.jpgWider viewAnother of the Greek poets I liked was Horace (65-8 B.C.) because he appeared to enjoy nature. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-03-04T17:30:25+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/03/02/on-being-female/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/uncle-george-and-grandma-joseph.jpgUncle George and Grandma JosephMy mother, shown here in her 70s on the back of a motorcycle with one of my brothers, was a great example for me in her later years. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/snake-river.jpgsnake riverIn my 40s, after I had regained my 10-year-old brashness, I bought a raft and learned how to captain it -- and had 25 years of white-water adventure with friends.2020-03-02T21:02:55+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/02/27/stuff-happens/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/018.jpg018Mother Nature gives us so many beautiful sights for free. I should enjoy them more and buy stuff less. -- Photo by Pat Bean2020-02-27T16:11:54+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/02/25/my-trail-hiking-days-are-over/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/on-her-leash.jpgOn her leashMy former canine traveling companion, Maggie, on a hike we took in Arizona's Tpnto Basin. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/franconia-notch-2.jpgFranconia Notch 2The Waterfall at the top of Franconia Notch Flume Trail. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-02-26T05:14:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/02/23/words-from-a-long-ago-age/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/img_4567.jpgIMG_4567When Scmp gets bored, he looks for things to shred. This morning it was two bookmarks. At least he doesn't eat the pieces, and I get plenty of exercise picking up after him. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-02-23T23:42:45+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/02/21/the-good-old-days-or-not/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/canada-goose-.jpgcanada gooseI also did this quick sketch, which I liked more than the painting. It makes me smile. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/img_4594.jpgIMG_4594I suspect I would have had less time to piddle around with my watercolors in the past. -- Art by Pat Bean 2023-05-26T09:09:32+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/02/08/bartletts-quotations/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/tree-and-pumpkins-.jpgtree and pumpkinsAbd this was the one before that. --Art by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fence-and-flower.jpgfence and flowerWhen I'm not reading or writing these days, or walking my dog Scamp, I piddle around with my watercolors. This is my latest piece. -- Art by Pat Bean 2020-02-11T17:18:47+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/01/26/my-house-my-rules-my-coffee/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/003-3-1.jpg003 (3)An eagle, plotting it's own cours, -- Sketch by Pat Beaehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/012-2.jpg012 (2)"Don't leave the butterflies white,"someone told me. Of course I didn't listen. -- Watercolor by Pat Bean 2020-01-28T01:59:52+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/01/24/a-bright-morning-turns-dark/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/003-3.jpg003 (3)Mount Lemmon from my living room balcony. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/80470646_741543266342418_2213335035770044416_n.jpg80470646_741543266342418_2213335035770044416_nPhoto of Mount Lemmon taken from my youngest daughter's backyard patio when snow was recently on its peaks. I live 13 miles closer to the mountain and thus the overview is not visible, just like the lives of those less fortunate. -- Photo by T.C. Ornelas . 2020-01-25T14:43:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/01/21/grandma-said-it/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/012.jpg012Me and my oldest great-granddaughter Savannah, who is now a tall five-year-old. 2020-01-22T14:44:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/01/19/sleep-and-dreams/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_4556.jpgIMG_4556Scamp sitting on my bed watching me as I write this blog. He seems to be asking if I'm writing about him. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/88shoshonefalls.jpg88shoshonefallsI often find myself in nature in my dreams. --- Painting of Shone Falls by Thomas Moran, which was discovered at the Twin Falls, Idaho, Library when I lived there in the mid 1980s This would be a nice place to dream about. - 2020-01-21T15:57:24+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/01/17/smiles/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/hairy.jpghairyI often make art that makes me smile. What makes you smile?https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_4544.jpgIMG_4544My canine companion Scamp -- who is quite aptly named -- makes me smile everyday. I took this photo of him last night as he lay on the pillows I tossed off my bed before I crawled into it. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-01-22T14:29:41+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/01/15/just-do-it/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/swan-1.jpgswanSwan -- By Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_4542.jpgIMG_4542Art projects of one kind or another are always on my to-do list. Fortunately, I rarely use my dining room table for its designated purpose. So I've started keeping my watercolor materials easily available when the just-do-it moment hits me. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-06-19T04:16:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/01/13/befuddled-by-a-cell-phone/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_3802.jpgIMG_3802It saddens me to thing what all the wonders of Mother Nature some of my grandchildren are missing because when they are out in the car with me they have eyes for only their cell phones. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-01-15T17:29:15+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/01/11/respect-my-word-for-the-new-year/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/026.jpg026I also hopeto take time to smell the flowers in the new year. -- photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/022.jpg022As I trudge down the path of a new year, I will try to be respectful to everyone but nincompoops. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2020-01-12T18:12:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/01/09/standing-up-for-myself/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/006-5.jpg006 (5)The beauty of mother nature in all her forms can sometimes bring tears to my eyes. -- Art by Pat Bean 2020-01-12T18:15:58+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/01/07/thats-not-the-way-it-happened/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_4249-2.jpgIMG_4249 (2)Was the sky tinged with yellow when I painted this scene, or did I only remember it this way. -- Art by Pat Bean2020-01-07T18:29:42+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/01/05/the-legend-of-the-baobab-tree/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/13.-kim-wants-to-hitch-a-ride-too-aug.-23-2007.jpg13. Kim wants to hitch a ride, too Aug. 23, 2007A tree of a different kind, denoting how far to elsewhere. I think I took this photo of Kim at our stay in the Ngorongoro Crater. 2020-01-09T21:59:01+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2020/01/03/tardy-intentions/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/kim-and-me-4-09.jpgkim and me 4-09Kim and me just before we went skydiving to celebrate my 70th birthday. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_0305.jpgIMG_0305Kim, me and her son Cory hiking Indian Trail above Ogden, Utah. Cory was still a baby when I first met him.https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/005.jpg005 My dear friend Kim and I recalled memories as we sat around and drank Jack and Cokes on New Year's Eve. One of the best was the hot air balloon trip we took together over the Serengeti in Africa. This was the balloon ahead of us. 2020-01-05T19:05:44+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/12/23/the-melodies-of-christmas/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/114.jpg114A cardinal, the Christmas bird, on a tree near my apartment balcony. 2019-12-28T20:20:45+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/12/20/the-mystery-of-disappearing-time/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/img_4533.jpgIMG_4533Scamp is a bewildered as I am about the disappearance of time, or so I imagine. This will be his first Christmas. I bought him a no-pull harness. But I think that is more of a Christmas gift for me than him. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/christmas-tree.jpgchristmas-treeI can't believe it is only five days until Christmas. 2019-12-30T16:50:32+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/12/18/a-change-in-views/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/img_4528.jpgIMG_4528Scamp helped in the move by tearing up paper and boxes use in the move. Once he located his toy box, he settled right in. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/img_4535.jpgIMG_45352019-12-20T14:22:45+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/11/28/an-old-broads-thanksgiving-thoughts/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/021.jpg021I'm thankful for butterflies and flowers, and all other miracles of Mother Nature. -- {hoto by Pat Bean. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hugs-from-harley.jpgHugs from HarleyI'm thankful for Scamp. I drove a thousand miles, roundtrip, to get him and this is a picture of our first meeting. -- Photo by my dear friend Kim Perrin. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/016.jpg016I'm thankful for every sunrise and sunset in my past -- and future. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/005.jpg005I am thankful that I once got to float across the Serengeti in a hot air balloon. 2019-11-28T17:24:59+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/11/16/books-everyone-should-read/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/240px-bogart_and_bacall_the_big_sleep.jpg240px-Bogart_and_Bacall_The_Big_SleepHumphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in The Big Sleep.https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/thc6xb2d3u.jpgthC6XB2D3URaymond Chandler https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/img_4305.jpgIMG_4305Crows: Their flock name is A Murder. -- Watercolor by Pat Bean 2019-11-23T21:32:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/11/06/no-one-right-way-for-life-or-writing/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/800px-western_kingbird.jpg800px-Western_kingbirdWestern Kingbird: Along with reading books on writing, I also love to read books on birding. Kenn Kaufman's Kingbird Highway is one of my favorites. 2019-11-06T15:16:33+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/10/22/star-trek-memory/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/pirates-2.jpgpirates (2)I had quite a few boy friends beginning in my 40s, even married one of them -- for eight months. We parted friends. When Willie and Julio sing about all the girls they've loved before, I think of all the boys I'm glad came along.. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/snakeriver2007_rafting-2.jpgSnakeRiver2007_Rafting 2I was in my 40s when I got hooked on white water rafting, a passion that I indulged in for the next 25 years. I also learned to ski in my 40s. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2023-01-10T21:07:43+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/10/20/the-ultimate-virtue-kindness/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/th-1.jpgthJan Morris, who lives and writes these days from her home in Wales. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/squirrel.jpgsquirrelJam Morris' daily thoughts often had a bit of squirreliness about them. Have you ever watched a squirrel running from here to there. They're fun to watch and Jan's words were fun to read, sometime serious, always full of unanswered questions, and quite often laugh provoking. Life can be thoughtful and fun at any age. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-10-20T20:57:44+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/10/14/9532/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/seymour-hersh-.jpgSeymour hershReporter, one of the books I'm currently reading. I give it five stars plus. 2019-10-14T15:28:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/10/08/9522/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/38047775_10214517946416571_4375685017280446464_o.jpg38047775_10214517946416571_4375685017280446464_oMacDougal Street West Band https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/peter_paul_and_mary_publicity_photo.jpgPeter_paul_and_mary_publicity_photoPeter, Paul, and Mary in the 1960s. -- Wikimedia photo 2019-10-19T04:22:54+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/10/07/mornings-with-scamp-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/img_4498.jpgIMG_4498Can't you put your shoes on faster, I imagine Scamp asking as he waits for his morning walk. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/img_4515.jpgIMG_4515Early morning view of Mount Lemmon taken while walking Scamp. -- Photo by Pat Bean2019-10-08T00:03:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/10/01/writing-and-music/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/me.jpgmePure fakery fun! Me in 2012 standing on The Circle in the Grand Ole Opry House during the last of my RV-ing years. 2019-10-01T16:24:25+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/09/30/in-my-minds-eye-by-jan-morris/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/8804b976ba9a63b686d43e2d72f1a4d60446eacd.jpg8804b976ba9a63b686d43e2d72f1a4d60446eacdDr. Johnson's Dicitionary, first published in the 18th century is still luriking around in book stores. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/guest_9755c911-bd7b-4397-8e0c-9192d2fa9680.jpgGUEST_9755c911-bd7b-4397-8e0c-9192d2fa9680I'm currently reading this book -- and loving it. 2019-09-30T16:40:44+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/09/27/thorns/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/033.jpg033Cactus is plentiful around my aprtment complex, and one or another is usually in bloom. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-09-27T20:52:45+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/09/26/dang-those-extra-30-pounds/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/img_3926.jpgIMG_3926It's fall. I love pumpkin pie and my pumpkin soup. And I'm going to eat as much as I want. -- Painting by Pat Bean 2019-09-26T23:17:21+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/09/25/cats-i-have-known/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/001-3.jpg001 (3)A cikkage if cats friom one of my art journals. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/002.jpg002The cat across the way who prompted me to write this blog. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/img_2741-2.jpgIMG_2741 (2)A painting I did of my cat chigger. She was a black and white tortoise-shell cat with lots of personality. She loved to sit on the laps of visitors, especially if they were allergic to cats. 2019-09-25T15:17:22+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/09/24/sunshine-days-and-rain/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/paint-night.jpgpaint nightKim and I at the end of our paint class. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/img_3856-2.jpgIMG_3856 (2)Looking at a rainbow off my bedroom balcony. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-09-24T16:43:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/09/21/gray-haired-old-women/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/getattachment.jpgGetAttachmentTravels with Maggie tracks my earlier birding days, when my bird list was only in the 400s. Check it out on Amazon. You might be able to read it free. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/old-woman.jpgold womanPat Bean is a retired journalist who lives in Tucson with her canine companion, Scamp. She is a wondering-wanderer, avid reader, enthusiastic birder, Lonely Planet Community Pathfinder, Story Circle Network board member, author of Travels with Maggie available on Amazon, and is always searching for life’s silver lining.2019-09-21T16:07:37+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/09/20/9455/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/007.jpg007A rare view of Mount Lemmon with snow on its peaks. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-09-25T15:43:25+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/09/19/i-didnt-do-it-and-thats-ok/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/old-tree.jpgold treePiddling around with art is one of the things that is always on my daily to-do list. Some days I paint, and some days I don't. This simple one of a tree and meadow were done a couple of years ago. 2019-09-19T23:18:05+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/09/18/reading-choices/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/014.jpg014This was the view behind the mission, which is located off Highway 19 south of Tucson. It's an interesting place to visit if you're in the area. -- Art by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/mission-san-josc3a9-de-tumacc3a1cori.jpgMission San José de TumacácoriMission San José de Tumacácori: I did an onsite sketch of the mission on a painting field trip a while back, then added watercolors when I got back home. 2019-09-18T14:54:18+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/09/17/changing-strategy/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/004-2.jpg004 (2)Welcome to my morning thoughts. I had this flag taped to the front door of my apartment for a while. But it kept falling off. I like ladybugs. 2019-09-17T17:09:03+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/09/06/an-old-broads-perspective/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/img_4501.jpgIMG_4501An art teacher once told me to set out to paint a bad painting as an exercise to free my anxiety. Well, this one fits that description. I was not happy at all with how this yellow-crowned night heron turned out. Life is like that. You win some and lose some. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/img_4500.jpgIMG_4500Poppies -- By Pat Bean2019-09-18T19:12:24+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/08/29/journal-pages-now-i-know-better/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/1992-standard-examiner-2.jpg1992, standard examiner (2)Me, at the Standard-Examiner in 1992, when I was the paper's environmental reporter. It was my favorite newspaper job, and I held it for 10 years before I became city editor got motr ,pmru. -- Photo by Charles Trentelman. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/002.jpg002Cooper's Hawk. Once I became addicted to birdwatching, I couldn't not see birds. And occasionally I got lucky and got a good photograph. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-08-29T17:10:49+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/08/26/scamp-the-scamp/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_4499.jpgIMG_4499Photo taken this morning of Scamp and his best friend, Dusty, sitting nicely -- for treats. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_4483.jpgIMG_4483Dang dog!!!! -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/scamo-4-.jpgScamo 4He's a scamp, but he's my Scamp. -- Photo by Jean Gowen 2019-09-25T16:01:35+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/08/22/road-tripping-6/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/navajo-bridge.jpgnavajo-bridgeNavaho Bridge https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/scamp-in-car-2.jpgscamp in car 2Scamp and Dusty were eager to get home too. -- Photo by Jean Gowen https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/jacob-lake-campground.jpgJacob-Lake-CampgroundJacob Lake Campground: Peaceful and soothing. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_4145-2.jpgIMG_4145 (2)Nothing beats a lonesome scenic backroad for a peaceful drive. This scene is just west of the Navajo Bridge on Highway 89A, -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-09-25T16:05:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/08/19/road-tripping-5/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hugs-from-harley.jpgHugs from HarleyMy first meeting with Scamp took place in St. George at Robert and Karla's home. He was all over me the second I sat down. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/14100403_10208560104973594_4482240741958137746_n.jpg14100403_10208560104973594_4482240741958137746_nBentley, shown here sitting in Robert and Karla's boat, became Scamp's playmate while we were in St. George. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/mount_ben_lomond_in_ogden_utah.jpgMount_Ben_Lomond_in_Ogden_UtahBen Lomond, which dominates Ogden's northern view. Creator of Paramount's mountain logo once lived in Ogden, and Ben Lomond is said to have been hi inspiration for the design. 2019-08-19T17:04:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/08/17/garden-melody/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_4497.jpgIMG_4497Garden Melody by Pat Bean and Jean Gowen. This is is the first time I have ever share the creation of a painting with another person. 2019-08-22T21:54:02+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/08/15/road-tripping-4/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/indiantrail2_june3_2007-2.jpgIndianTrail2_June3_2007 (2)Kim, her son Cory, and me hiking Indian Trail in 2007 on one of my return visits to Ogden. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/gg-and-me.jpgGG and meMe and GG. -- Photo by Kim Perrin https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/raftretire1_july29_2007.jpgRaftRetire1_July29_2007Another day, another barbecue at Kim's home, this one for officially retiring my first raft, which gave me and friends years of adventures. My dear friend George, who died a few years ago in on the left, Kim's son Cory is the young man on the right. Kim and I are in the middle, and at the very back is GG, Kim's grandmother who is also no longer with us. I'm not sure who took the photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/janice-me-kim-and-jean.jpgJanice, me, Kim and JeanJanice, me, Kim and Jean in a black and white photo taken by my dear old friend, Charlie, who is into photography and often shoots black and white film so he can develp and print the photos himself.the black and white photo he took one day of me and three of my granddaughters is still one of my favorites. -- Photo by Charles Trentelmen 2019-08-19T18:33:31+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/08/12/9350/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_2859.jpgIMG_2859Mount Ogden as viewed from Ogden't 25th Street. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/antelope-antelope-island-5-07-cropped.jpgAntelope, Antelope Island 5-07, croppedWe didn't see the island's antelope either. This is a photo of took of these island residents in 2007. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/buffalo-.jpgbuffaloWe only saw one live buffalo this hot day. But Jean was intriqued by the buffalo statues that dot the island, each with a unique paint theme. -- Photo by Jean Gowen https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/antelope-island-2.jpgAntelope Island (2)Antelope Island as I remembered it. Today, much of the water shown in this reflective photograph no longer exists. -- Photo by Pat Bean. 2019-08-14T20:22:23+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/08/08/road-tripping-3/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/worstdrivers_0627170-1.jpgworstdrivers_062717~0I-15 traffic near Salt Lake City. -- Salt Lake Tribune photohttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/best-friends.jpgBest FriendsKim and I hamming it up at a photo booth at her son's wedding. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/worstdrivers_0627170.jpgworstdrivers_062717~0I-15 traffic near Salt Lake City. -- Salt Lake Tribune photohttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_3911.jpgIMG_3911Mount Ogden reflection on the new Standard-Examiner newspaper building back in 2000. Sadly, the newspaper has shrunk since I left, as have most newspapers all across the county. But the mountain is as majestic as ever, still having snow on it during my July visit because of good winter snows. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-08-08T16:01:10+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/08/01/road-tripping-with-dogs/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/metaphor_the_tree_of_utah.jpgMetaphor_The_Tree_of_UtahUtah Tree of Life, a cement structure that sits beside Insterdate 80 between Wendover, Nevada and Salt Lake City, Utah. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/1024px-bonneville_salt_flats_aerial_photo_d_ramey_logan.jpg1024px-Bonneville_Salt_Flats_aerial_photo_D_Ramey_LoganThe Bonneville Salt Flats as viewed near the Nevada-Utah border. Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/3435713250_ba4f055cb6_b.jpg3435713250_ba4f055cb6_bBattle Mountain, Nevada2019-08-02T03:51:05+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/07/27/road-tripping-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1024px-californiatowhee-10nov2016.jpg1024px-CaliforniaTowhee-10NOV2016A California towhee -- my first, and No. 711 on my life bird list. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/road-trip.jpgroad tripOn the road again, outside Monterey, California. -- Photo by Jean Gowen 2019-07-28T20:16:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/07/21/9310/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/untitled.pnguntitledhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/sleeping-prince.jpgsleeping princeFinally, all tired out, Scamp makes himself comfortable in the back seat of the car. -- Photo by Jean Gowen https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/13654072.jpg13654072Our room at the Fireside Lodge. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/13655288.jpg13655288The Fireside Lodge. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/20190625_103938.jpg20190625_103938Jelly fish at the Monterey Aquarium. -- Photo by Jean Gowen2019-07-21T16:18:37+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/07/12/road-tripping/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/see_elefanten_edit.jpgSee_elefanten_editElephant seals on the beach in San Simeon. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1024px-morro_bay_california_seagulls.jpg1024px-Morro_Bay_California_seagullsWestern gulls in Morro Bay. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/o.jpgoIt looks nicer than it was, but for $200 a night in San Diego, this was what we got. Oh, and we had busy auto dealers on both sides. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/20190628_105041.jpg20190628_105041Selfie of the two travelers. I was the driver for the trip and Jean took the photos. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/scamp-in-car-2.jpgscamp in car 2Scamp and Dusty in the car vying for a good look of the road. 2019-07-12T18:22:10+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/06/16/two-words-say-as-much-as-a-thousand/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_4483.jpgIMG_4483I knew it had gotten too quiet. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-07-07T19:50:38+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/06/12/from-caterpillar-to-butterfly/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/pipevine-butterfly-larvae.jpgpipevine-butterfly-larvaePipevine larvahttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_22581.jpgimg_22581Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/garnersp12.jpgGarnersp12Bald cypress trees along the Frio River at Texas' Garner State Park. -- Wikimedia photo by John Bonzo2019-06-13T18:29:17+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/06/10/mornings-with-scamp/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/91kdnqk2fal._ri_sx300_.jpg91KDnQk2FaL._RI_SX300_Scamp reminds me of Scamp in Disney's Lady and the Tramp. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/scamp-1-.jpgScamp 1Scamp, with his head cocked in curiosity. -- Photo by Shanna Lee https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/morning-coming-up-over-the-desert.jpgMorning coming up over the desertMorning coming over the desert behind my apartment complex in the Cataline Foothills in Tucson. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-06-11T00:47:58+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/06/06/my-first-painted-bunting/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/800px-green_heron_at_dunes_golf_course_sanibel-peter-wallack-wikimedia-.jpg800px-Green_Heron_at_Dunes_Golf_Course,_Sanibel Peter Wallack, wikimediaGreen heron -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/female-painted-bunting.jpgfemale painted buntingFemale painted bunting. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/painted-bunting.jpgpainted buntingPainted bunting -- Wikimedia photo 2019-06-07T02:58:58+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/06/04/9264/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/800px-hummingbird.jpg800px-HummingbirdI saw my first Coasta hummingbird from my third-floor Tucson balcony. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/800px-female_annas_hummingbird_hovering.jpg800px-Female_annas_hummingbird_hoveringFemale Anna's hummingbird -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1024px-annas_hummingbird_drinking_2005-12-09.jpg1024px-Anna's_Hummingbird_drinking_2005-12-09Male Anna's hummingbird. -- Wikimedia photo 2019-06-05T23:16:45+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/05/23/the-white-house-birds/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/031-1.jpg031A flock of white ibis at Brazos Bend State Park. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/031.jpg031Spotting the pink of a lone roseatte spoonbill, as Lewis and I did among a flock of white ibis, was pure delight. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/033.jpg.jpg033.JPGBlack-bellied whistling ducks at Brazos Bend State Park. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-05-24T23:41:57+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/05/13/loss-and-joy-and-a-true-friend/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/img_4480.jpgIMG_4480Harley likes laying by the patio door so he can listen to all the outside activity here at my apartment complex. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/harley-.jpgHarleyHis name was Smidge at the animal shelter. He's now mine and I call him Harley. 2019-05-16T01:41:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/04/16/a-museum-and-bird-watching/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/005-2.jpg005 (2)A quick blue jay drawing by me from my journal. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_4433.jpgIMG_4433A postcard of the Dallas Museum of History from my 2002 journal. Sadly, the museum is now closed. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/020.jpg020An overcast day at Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-05-06T13:56:08+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/04/14/texas-bluebonnets-3/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/close-up-of-giant-swallowtail-brazos-bend-state-park-12-07.jpgClose up of Giant swallowtail, Brazos Bend State Park, 12-07While you're looking for bluebonnets, don't miss the butterflies, like this swallowtail at Brazos Bend State Park. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/swallowtail.jpgswallowtailAnd if you're looking for bluebonnets you might see a butterfly. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/paintbrush-and-bluebonnets.jpgPaintbrush and bluebonnetsIndian paintbrush is often seen blooming with bluebonnets. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_2166.jpgIMG_2166Texas bluebonnets. -- Photo by Pat Nean2019-04-15T20:45:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/04/11/living-desert-zoo-and-gardens/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/bank_swallow_m17-70-049_l_0.jpgBank_Swallow_m17-70-049_l_0Bank swallow https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/800px-barn_owl_canada.jpg800px-Barn_Owl,_CanadaBarn owl. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/living-desert.jpgMINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERALiving Desert Zoo and Gardens, Carlsbad, New Mexico https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/284px-living_desert_zoo_2.jpg284px-Living_desert_zoo_2Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Carlsbad, New Mexico. -- Wikimedia photo 2019-04-11T21:41:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/03/31/remembering-pepper/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/55546984_2580613555286365_382045329618370560_n.jpg55546984_2580613555286365_382045329618370560_nMe, Pepper and Dusty in my recliner. The two dogs were besties, and now Dusty wants to know where her friend is -- in doggie heaven I tell her. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/petsmart-pepper.jpgPetsmart pepperPepper made the cover of PetSmart's magazine after one of her every 10-week groomings. But because I was not in her sight, she was an unhappy dog, easy to see by the down-turned ears. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/002.jpg002She thoroughly enjoyed chewing up her toys for the entire seven years of her life. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cutie-pie.jpgcutie piePepper spent a morning running back and forth through a sprinkler, then arrived back in front of me with a fern bow on the top of her head. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/042.jpg042Pepper and I spent the first eight months of our lives together in my small RV traveling the country. Shown here, just a few weeks after I adopted her, is the time we visited Cadillac Ranch, a line of buried old Cadillacs that people spray paint when they visit. She found and insisted on carrying on of the paint can caps back to the RV. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-04-09T21:28:17+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/03/27/aliens-bats-and-birds/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/1024px-tyrannus_forficatus_on_branch.jpg1024px-Tyrannus_forficatus_on_branchScissor-tailed flycatcher, an awesome bird that's common in Texas but can't be found in Utah. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/tadarida_brasiliensis_outflight_hristov_carlsbad_caverns-1.jpgTadarida_brasiliensis_outflight_Hristov_Carlsbad_CavernsMexican free-tail bats exiting Carlsbad Caverns at sunset. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/tadarida_brasiliensis_outflight_hristov_carlsbad_caverns.jpgTadarida_brasiliensis_outflight_Hristov_Carlsbad_CavernsMexican free-tail bats exiting Carlsbad Caverns at sunset. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_1757.jpgIMG_1757I got a good belly laugh when I saw a sign for eye exams on a Wal-Mart front in Roswell, New Mexico -- and right above it a space. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-03-27T20:32:50+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/03/18/santa-fe-and-georgia-okeeffe/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/blue-green.jpgBlue-greenGeorgia wanted viewers to really see a flower. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_4427.jpgIMG_4427A page from my journal with a Georgia O'Keeffe print. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/georgia-okeeffe-museum-santa-fe-architecture-11-e1426889881207-800x476.jpgGeorgia-OKeeffe-Museum-Santa-Fe-Architecture-11-e1426889881207-800x476The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico. -- Wikimedia photo 2019-04-23T19:33:04+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/03/15/echo-theater-amphitheater/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/the-book.jpgThe BookCheck out Travels with Maggie on Amazon. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_1753.jpgIMG_1753Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_1752.jpgIMG_1752Echo Amphitheater, located 70 miles north of Sant Fe, New Mexico on Highway 285. -- Photo by Pat bean 2019-03-16T00:11:46+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/03/13/echo-canyon-lake-and-wolf-creek-reservoir/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/coots-2.jpgcoots 2Coots at Echo Canyon Lake. -- photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/1024px-wolf_creek_pass_tunnel.jpg1024px-Wolf_Creek_Pass_TunnelWolf Creek Pass tunnel that was completed in 2006. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/800px-wolf_creek_pass_view_on_west_towards_west_by_erik_voss_img_4012.jpg800px-Wolf_Creek_Pass_View_on_West_towards_West_by_Erik_Voss_IMG_4012A view of Wolf Creek Pass from Highway 160 -- Wikimedia photo 2019-03-15T15:35:42+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/03/10/mesa-verde-national-park-and-a-peewee/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/western_wood-pewee_m50-5-102_l_1.jpgWestern_Wood-Pewee_m50-5-102_l_1Western wood peewee -- Audubon field guide. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_4425.jpgIMG_4425A page from my journal. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_4424.jpgIMG_4424Cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-03-10T20:32:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/03/06/wilson-arch-and-birds-of-the-day/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/whale-rock.jpgWhale RockWhale Rock in Canyonlands National Park. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_4417.jpgIMG_4417My Journal https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_4419.jpgIMG_4419A page from my Journal. 2019-03-06T16:35:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/03/04/canyonlands-pothole-trail/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_4422.jpgIMG_4422Pothole Trail landscape. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/gymnorhinus_cyanocephalus_carson_city_nevada_3.jpgGymnorhinus_cyanocephalus,_Carson_City,_Nevada_3Saw my furst pinyon jay at a rest area up Spanish Fork Canyon, then another one in Canyonlands National Park. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_4420.jpgIMG_4420Pothole Trail: A page from my journal 2019-03-15T21:14:37+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/02/22/snow-in-tucson/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/068.jpg068Pepper would rather watch the snow than walk in it. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_4409.jpgIMG_4409The view this morning from my living room balcony. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-02-28T06:47:05+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/02/20/what-is-beauty/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_0893.jpgIMG_0893Mesa Falls in Idaho. I've never seen an ugly waterfall. Have you? -- Photo by Pst Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/dandelion-and-butterfly.jpgdandelion and butterflyOf course butterflies are beautiful, but so are dandelions, even in a manicured lawn. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/looking-down-from-angels-landing-4-07.jpgLooking down from Angel's Landing 4-07Looking down at the Virgin River from the top of Angel's Landing. It's a beautiful sight. -- Photo by Pat Bean2019-03-07T17:06:59+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/02/13/new-york-library-lions/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/800px-new_york_public_library_1948.jpg800px-New_york_public_library_1948https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/patience.jpgpatiencePatience https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/fortitude.jpgfortitudeFortitudehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/top-cats.pngtop catsI discovered that this now out of print book about New York Cities Top Cats can be bought for $40 used. 2019-02-17T01:54:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/02/10/favorite-places-devils-garden/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/a538_grand_staircase-escalante_national_monument_utah_usa_devils_garden_four_hoodoos_sunset_2016.jpgThe Four Hodoos in Devil's Garden. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/a536_grand_staircase-escalante_national_monument_utah_usa_devils_garden_metate_arch_sunset_2016.jpgA536,_Grand_Staircase-Escalante_National_Monument,_Utah,_USA,_Devils_Garden,_Metate_Arch,_sunset,_2016Metate Arch in Devil's Garden. -- Wikimedia photo 2019-03-18T21:10:59+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/01/28/hometown-brags/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/pickle-ornament-d111845_sq.jpgpickle-ornament-d111845_sqThe Christmas Pickle https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/horsethief-car-show.jpghorsethief-car-showIf you visit Knox during Horse Thief Days, don't forgt to buy a T-shirt. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/800px-hico_sign_img_0764.jpg800px-hico_sign_img_0764Welcome sign at the entrance to Hico, Texas. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2019-01-29T04:00:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/01/20/god-willing-and-the-creek-dont-rise/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_4404.jpgimg_4404Barbara Kingsolver is one of my favorite authors -- and I'm loving this book of essays by her. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/runoff.jpgrunoffWhen snow melts, the creeks do rise. -- Watercolor by Pat Bean 2019-01-29T00:22:30+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/01/15/9136/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_4390.jpgimg_4390The Internet lets me see my youngest great-grandchild Cora grow up, and lets others see me with this precious one when I do get to see her in person. -- Photo taken by another family member during out Christmas get-away in Florida. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_4398.jpgimg_4398I did finish this painting during my no-internet agony. Watercolor by Pat Bean2019-01-17T14:27:09+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/01/03/a-recipe-for-a-lucky-year/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/003-2.jpg003 (2)Pepper. on right, and her best friend Dusty, enjoying a lazy day. It's cold outside today in Tucson. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/hoppin-john-new-2.jpghoppin-john-new-2Hoppin' John: A southern recipe -- Wikimedia photo 2019-01-06T16:34:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/01/02/what-we-see/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/046.jpg046Also my favorite subject to photograph. -- Great Blue Heron at Brazos Bend State Park in Texas photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/owl.jpgowlBeside always looking -- and seeing -- birds, they have become my favorite subject to paint. -- Great horned in a tree by Pat Bean 2019-01-03T01:34:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2019/01/01/resolutions-for-a-new-year/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/IMG_4064.jpgIMG_4064Sometimes its the holes, or flaws, in our lives that are the most interesting. View of the Ajo Mountains in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument near Tucson. -- Photo by Pat Bean.2019-01-01T20:14:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/12/24/dfw-flashback/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Merry-Christmas-Quotes-with-Pictures.jpgMerry-Christmas-Quotes-with-PicturesHave a joyous one,https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/1024px-Skylink_at_Terminal_E.jpg1024px-Skylink_at_Terminal_EOne of the trams at DFW airport that transport passengers from gate to gate and terminal to terminal. -- Wikimedia photo 2018-12-24T16:03:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/12/18/grand-canyon-rapids-cave-and-a-waterfall/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/DT273B-650x431.jpgDT273B-650x431Tunnel, far right, dug to assess rock structure for proposed Marble Canyon Dam. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Granite-Rapid.jpgGranite RapidGranite Rapid: I was tossed out of the boat at the top of this rapid, and wasn't pulled back in until the raft got to the end. What an adventure. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Deer-Creek-Falls-Grand-Canyon-001.jpgDeer Creek Falls plunges to a pool near the Colorado River. Travertine covers Bass Limestone over Vishnu Shist (river mi. 136) Grand Canyon Natl.Park, ArizonaDeer Creek Falls 2022-09-24T13:53:40+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/12/05/too-much-stuff/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/fall.jpgfallHaving a great view, as I do from my writing chair is important, too. It's better than stuff. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/001-5.jpg001 (5)And I love having a simple place where I can read and write, and look out at the world. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/002-4.jpg002 (4)I promised myself when I moved into my new apartment that I wouldn't bring anything into it that I didn't love. And I do love these tin birds which were a gift, and my home will always have room for flowers. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-12-07T15:15:46+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/12/03/road-trip-oddities/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/outhouse-1.jpgouthouse 1The two story outhouse in Gays, Illinois. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/wendover-tree.jpgWendover TreeThe cement tree that sits off Interstate 80 between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Wendover, Nevada https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/636219976070396896-uscpcent02-6tjq9q5qqc51dgxhub93-original.jpg636219976070396896-uscpcent02-6tjq9q5qqc51dgxhub93-originalThe abandoned cement mixer that's been turned into and abandoned space capsule by an artist. The oddity sits eats of Phoenix near the Casa Grade exit on the south side of the road. 2018-12-09T16:07:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/11/28/quotes-to-inspire/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_3852.jpgIMG_3852Watercolor of a photo I took on the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades. -- Watercolor by Pat Bean2019-01-05T14:54:37+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/11/26/the-sonoran-desert/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/003.jpg003A Tucson sunset. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/071.jpg071A gila woodpecker on a saguaro cactus, one of many I see on my walks in the desert. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_4113.jpgIMG_4113Looking across the valley from the undeveloped ridge near my apartment complex where I often take my morning walks, -- Photo by Pat Bean2018-11-28T01:28:55+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/11/21/2018-thanksgiving/2018-11-27T00:45:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/11/19/howling-with-wolves/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/wp319057-199x300.jpgWP319057-199x300One of the wolves at Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Indiana. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/800px-howlsnow.jpg800px-HowlsnowThere is something of magic in a wolf's howl that speaks to my soul. -- Wikimedia photo 2018-11-20T11:46:56+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/11/16/one-gallus/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/005.jpg005When I'm watching birds, like this common yellowthroat, I forget all about one-gallus creatures. -- Watercolor by Pat Bean 2018-11-16T17:41:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/11/03/logic-has-nothing-to-do-with-it/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_4354.jpgIMG_4354And this is simply a quick sketch I did of a great blue heron. I think I gave the bird an attitude. Is that logical? https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_4353.jpgIMG_4353Logically, this should have something to do with my post -- but it doesn't. It's simply my latest watercolor, which I was doing as a workbook exercise. 2018-11-07T21:15:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/10/26/winklepickers/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/um-287-bls_4-125x125.jpgUM-287-BLS_4-125x125They call these shoes Winklepickers. But they're more of a cobalt blue than periwinkle blue. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/001-4.jpg001 (4)These flowers aren't periwinkles, but their color is about the right hue. -- Art by Pat Bean2018-10-31T18:38:35+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/10/24/aldo-leopold-got-me-thinking/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/sand_county_almanac.jpgSand_county_almanacA first edition cover of Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_2186.jpgIMG_2186The "Big Tree" on Texas's Goose Island is one of the world's largest live oak trees. It was considered to be Texas' largest until a bigger one was found in Brazoria County, where I lived for 15 years. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-10-25T15:25:38+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/10/22/a-flawed-sense-of-direction/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/morning-sunrise.jpgmorning sunriseThese days, I live in the shawdow of the Catalina Mountains, which when I'm in Tucson mever move from their northern position. Above is a sunrise view from my bedroom balcony. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_2857.jpgIMG_2857For 25 years, I got around Ogden, Utah quite well because the magnificent Wasatch Mountains never moved/ They always stood tall and proud to the east. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/513.jpg513Evidently, as usual, I took a wrong turn somewhere. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-10-23T01:55:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/10/14/laughter/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/084.jpg084But my friend, Kris, who always makes me laugh, brought a big smile to my face as turned into a butterfly during our visit to the gardens. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/071.jpg071These flowers and butterfly I saw at the Botanical Gardens in Phoenix didn't make me laugh but certainly put a smile on my face. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-10-15T16:41:50+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/10/08/autumn-back-roads/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/021.jpg021Fall at Idaho's Lake Walcott State Park. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_2916.jpgIMG_2916Colorado's Cfumbres Pass in the autumn. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/color.jpgcolorFsll along Texas' Gulf Coast. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/falls-here.jpgFall's hereA fall hike in Maine's Scarborough Marsh. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/aspen-1.jpgaspen 1A 2015 road trip to the north rim of the Grand Canyon to see aspens in the fall. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-10-17T13:22:20+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/10/04/9032/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/003-2.jpg003 (2)Life''s surprises are a gift, like a butterfly that unexpectedly appears. -- Art by Pat Besn . https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/th83g8tgha.jpgth83G8TGHAAngela Landsbury as Mrs. Polifax in the 1999 TV movie The Unexpected Mrs. Polifax. Other actors have also played this character but Angela is how I always pictured the character when I read Dorothy Gilman's books. 2018-10-08T16:15:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/09/27/9024/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/best-friends.jpgBest FriendsKim and me hamming it up at the photo booth at her son's wedding reception. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/kim-at-rain-forest-cafe-aug-2007.jpgKim at Rain Forest Cafe, Aug. 2007Kim with a new friend just before we left for our African Safari. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/kim-and-me-4-09.jpgkim and me 4-09Kim and me just before we jumped out of an airplane to celebrate my 70th birthday. 2018-09-27T20:35:59+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/09/18/what-life-has-taught-me/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/birdrefuge_7_april2007.jpgBirdRefuge_7_April2007Watching birds, like this snowy egret, makes me happy, too. -- Photo by Pat Bean. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_4305.jpgIMG_4305Completing a painting, whether it's good or not, makes me feel happy. -- Crow by Pat Bean 2018-09-26T23:35:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/09/17/going-back-in-time/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_4306-3.jpgIMG_4306 (3)These days I paint as much as I shoot photographs, and this is my latest piece. I call it bird watching. -- Painting by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/in-grand-canyon.jpgin grand canyonThis was the slide my son attached in his email to me today. It's from a rafting trip I took down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1991. A friend took the photo with my camera. Looking at it makes me happy. 2018-09-18T18:21:58+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/09/11/two-sad-days/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/standard-examiner-2.jpgstandard-examiner (2)I was city editor at the Standard-Examiner on 9-11, and helped put out the sad news on that fateful day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/devorah-weingarten-2.jpgDevorah Weingarten (2)My friend, writing colleague and mentor Debra, living life to the fullest while she lay in her hospital bed. I love her dearly and will miss her forever. 2018-09-14T02:11:05+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/08/30/the-write-words-a-memory/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/sky-and-water.jpgsky and waterI finally got the hang of reporting, but not sure about my watercoloring. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/doodling.jpgdoodlingI was just playing around with some new watercolors when I painted this. It looks a bit befuddled, just as I was as a fledgling reporter. 2018-08-31T03:03:59+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/08/22/great-granddaughter-cora/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/cora1.jpgCoraCora is now a month old. And she still has adorable fat cheeks. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/39213530_10102194754236894_985196924254552064_n.jpg39213530_10102194754236894_985196924254552064_nCora, Ben, Heidi and Marshall. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/cora.jpgCoraCora is now a month old. And she still has adorable fat cheeks. 2018-10-21T18:13:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/08/18/sisters-and-one-special-hand-holding-moment/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/13103436_10209397062665990_3672115982615999782_n.jpg13103436_10209397062665990_3672115982615999782_nPhoto from 2016 Stories from the Heart Conference with vivacious Debra Weingarten at the head of the table cheering us on. Sadly, she was missing this year. 2018-08-19T05:29:55+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/08/16/road-trip-dallas-to-austin/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_2166.jpgIMG_2166No bluebonnets in Texas in July. But if you go in April, you might be able to catch them. --- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1837.jpgIMG_1837I wonder if this crow is heading the right way -- or is as turned around as I was. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-08-25T19:58:07+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/08/13/road-trip-gulf-coast-to-dallas/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/me-deb-and-shanna.jpgme, deb and shannaThree generations of Women: My daughter Deborah with her daughter Shanna and me. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/me-dave-and-shanna.jpgme, dave and shannaMe with my granddaughter Shanna and grandson David, who is my oldest grandchild at Sue Ellen's for my book signing party. 2018-08-14T15:53:31+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/08/05/road-trip-texas-gulf-coast/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_4282.jpgIMG_4282Lewis posed for a photo to be texted to his wife, Karen, who wasn't with us this day. She was in Niagara Falls, where Lewis plans to join her soon. -- Photo by Pat Bean. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_4297.jpgIMG_4297This yellow-crowned night heron patiently posed for his portrait. -- Photo by Pat Bean, https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_4270.jpgIMG_4270It was peaceful and quiet at the Matagorda County Bird Nature Center, where rare time spent with a son was even more important than the lovely scenery and the birds. -- Photo by Pat Bean2018-08-14T19:44:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/08/01/road-trip-san-antonio-to-the-texas-gulf-coast/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/012.jpg012One of my favorite things when I visit the Texas Gulf Coast are the moss-laden trees. I lived down there during Hurricane Carla in the 1960s, and one of the sad results that all the moss was blown away. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/me-savannah-and-charlotte-2.jpgme, savannah and charlotte 2Nana, posing for a picture with Savannah and Charlotte. Life was good. 2018-08-01T17:16:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/07/29/road-trip-van-horn-to-san-antonio/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/26805029_10101976993321514_4652974366068319870_n.jpg26805029_10101976993321514_4652974366068319870_nAnd of Marshall waiting to become a big brother. Heidi was due any moment but didn't pop while I was there. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/28471659_10102024094220934_7585986734997944906_n.jpg28471659_10102024094220934_7585986734997944906_nA recent picture of three-year-old Marshall with his dad. -- Photo by Heidi Pease https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_1797.jpgIMG_1797Me and Junior, taken nine years ago. -- Photo by Barry Marsh 2018-07-30T17:06:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/07/27/road-trip-tucson-to-van-horn/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_4129.jpgIMG_4129Rocks became the dominant landscape as I pass through Texas Canyon about 65 miles east of Tucson. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/leaving-at-dawn.jpgleaving at dawnNothing is better than setting out on a road trip at dawn. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-07-28T18:32:59+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/07/04/life-is-good/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/runoff.jpgRunoffMountains are always calling to me. -- Art by Pat Bean 2018-07-12T12:46:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/07/02/favorite-places-laguna-atascosta-nwr/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/falcon-aplomado.jpgfalcon, aplomadoAplomado falcon. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/aplomados_520x289.jpgAplomados_520x289A pair of aplomado falcons. -- US Fish and Wildlife photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/laguna-atascopa.jpg, laguna atascopaLaguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge -- US Fish and Wildlife photo 2018-07-04T12:51:15+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/06/29/birds-hermit-thrush/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/gila-woodpecker-2.jpggila woodpecker 2I didn't get a photo of the owls this morning, but I did get one of a gila woodpecker in a wild piece of landscape near my Tucson apartment. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/thursh-hermit-2.jpgThursh, hermit 2Hermit thrush -- Wikimedia photo 2018-06-30T02:04:33+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/06/26/the-right-words-heart-beat/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/birdrefuge_7_april2007.jpgBirdRefuge_7_April2007An egret at the Bear River Migratory Refuge, whose restoration from Great Salt Lake flooding I covered for 20 years. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/img_3907.jpgIMG_3907I was city editor when the Standard-Examiiner moved into its new home in Ogden, Utah. The newspaper crew occupied the entire building. Today the staff is a skeleton crew. Since I retired in 2004, I've watched reprters and others go out the door one by one as the paper began dying, as are newspapers all over the country. Two of the newspapers I once worked for no longer exist. -- Photo by Pat Bean. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/019.jpg019.JPGFrom the time the sun came up in the morning until it set in the evening,, my thoughts were never far from thinking about newspaper business. Then I often dreamed about the business at night. -- still do. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-06-27T17:40:20+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/06/22/great-basin-national-park/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/b-stella_lake_great_basin.jpgb -Stella_Lake_Great_BasinStella Lake at Great Basin National Park. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/b-prometheus_tree2.jpgb Prometheus_tree2All that's left of what was once the world's oldest living tree. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/b-gbbrsitleweb.jpgb GBBrsitlewebA bristlecone pine at Great Basin National Park, where stars light up the sky at night. -- National Forest Service Photo 2018-06-24T14:11:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/06/13/birds-house-finches/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/finch-house-male-on-my-tucson-balcony-2.jpgFinch, house, male, on my Tucson balcony 2House finch sitting on my balcony railing. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/finchhouse-yellow-variant.jpgFinch,house, yellow variantA yellow variant house finch.https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/fall.jpgfallThe view from my apartment balcony that I took last fall. -- Photo by Pat Bean2018-06-26T06:30:42+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/06/09/the-write-words-rod-mckuen/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/tree-and-raven.jpgtree and ravenThe Raven -- By Pat Bean 2018-06-09T16:32:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/06/07/bar-harbor-maine/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/maine-shore-acadia-national-park-small.jpgMaine shore, Acadia National Park, smallView from Acadia National Park on Desert Island in Maine. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/park-at-the-pier-bar-harbor-maine.jpgPark at the Pier, Bar Harbor, MaineBar Harbor park at the pier. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-06-09T16:15:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/06/05/birds-ibises/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/220px-white-faced_ibis_great_salt_lake_1.jpg220px-White-faced_Ibis_Great_Salt_Lake_1White-faced ibis ner the shoreline of Great Salt Lake. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/scarlet-ibis-dallas-zoo-by-pat-bean.jpgScarlet Ibis, Dallas zoo, by Pat BeanScarlet Ibis at zoo in Dallas, Texas. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/white-ibis-and-a-snowy-egret-brazos-bend-state-park-jan-08.jpgWhite ibis and a snowy egret, Brazos Bend State Park, Jan. '08One is not like the other. Among this flock of white ibis at Brazos Bend State Park in Texas, is a lone snowy egret. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-06-05T16:28:11+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/06/03/the-write-words-changes/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/007-2.jpg007 (2)2018-06-03T17:11:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/05/24/a-wrong-turn-became-a-right-turn/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_2913.jpgIMG_2913However, with scenery like this, I think I'll just keep going. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_2919.jpgIMG_2919Hmmm. I think I took a wrong turn a couple of dozen miles back. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_2921.jpgIMG_2921View looking down Conejos Canyon. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-05-26T18:02:23+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/05/18/red-headed-woodpecker/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/an-arkansas-morning.jpgAn Arkansas morningMorning sky beside the Oauchita River in Arkansas. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/woodpecker-red-headed.jpgWoodpecker, red-headedRed-headed woodpecker. -- Wikimedia photo 2018-07-01T14:26:40+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/05/16/the-write-words/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/005-2.jpg005 (2)Some days when the butt doesn't want to sit in the chair,, I doodle around with art while standing in front of a tall table. Art by Pat Bean 2018-05-16T21:53:17+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/05/11/traveling-through-time/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/mark-twain-bridge.jpgMark Twain BridgeThe Mark Twain Bridge over the Mississippi River at Hanibal, Missouri -- Phot by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1131.jpgIMG_1131Looking out over the Badlands in South Dakota. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-05-12T21:47:57+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/05/03/a-red-bird/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cardinal-northern.pngcardinal, northernNorthern Cardinal, -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/001-2.jpg001 (2)A page rom my journal. -- Sketch by Pat Bean 2018-05-11T17:25:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/04/23/the-right-words-voice/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/blue-flowers-and-fence.jpgblue flowers and fenceFence and blue flowers ... Painting by Pat Bean 2018-04-26T16:36:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/04/18/favorite-places-yellowstone/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/black-dragon-sign.jpgBlack Dragon signInterpretive sign along Mud Volcano Trail. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/black-dragon-cauldron.jpgBlack Dragon cauldronBlack Dragon Caldron, which can also be seen along the Mud Vocaldron Trail. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/dragons-mouth.jpgDragon's Mouth.JPGDragon Mouth Spring in Yellowstone. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-04-21T21:02:02+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/04/13/a-pair-of-waved-albatross/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/waved-albatross-on-espanola.jpgwaved albatross on EspanolaA page from my Galapagos journal. Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/800px-waved_albatross_pair.jpg800px-Waved_Albatross_pairWaved albatross on Espanola Island in the Galapagos. Wikimedia photo by D. Gordon E. Robertson 2018-04-13T19:45:22+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/04/04/the-right-words/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/017.jpg017Tri-colored heron along the Texas Gulf Coast's Blue Water Highway between Surside and Galveston. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_4249.jpgIMG_4249A peaceful evening at the pond. -- Art by Pat Bean 2018-04-21T21:36:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/03/28/an-interesting-day/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/blue-footed-booby.jpgBlue-footed boobyAnd I will never forget the blue-footed boobies. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/me-an-seals.jpgme an sealsI well remembermy day on Espanola Island with my new sea lion friends. i2018-03-28T23:50:03+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/03/20/the-galapagos-kicker-rock-sea-lions-and-boobies/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/lobo_marino_zalophus_californianus_wollebaeki_puerto_baquerizo_moreno_isla_de_san_cristc3b3bal_islas_galc3a1pagos_ecuador_2015-07-24_dd_164.jpgLobo_marino_(Zalophus_californianus_wollebaeki),_Puerto_Baquerizo_Moreno,_isla_de_San_Cristóbal,_islas_Galápagos,_Ecuador,_2015-07-24,_DD_164Sea Lion in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/lec3b3n_dormido_kicker_rock.jpgLeón_Dormido_(Kicker_Rock)Leon Dormido, also know as Kicker Rock. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_4225.jpgIMG_4225Pages from my journal. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/20090922002143_20090531-kicker_rock.jpg20090922002143_20090531-kicker_rockKicker Rock --- Galapagos tourism photo 2018-03-22T18:50:07+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/03/17/the-write-words-laughing-with-a-friend/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_4221.jpgIMG_4221Art by Pat Bean 2018-03-17T19:20:46+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/03/15/birds-spotted-towhees/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/f456d71aa2401ff3a6a954636d86a1f2.jpgf456d71aa2401ff3a6a954636d86a1f2Male spotted towhee https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/800px-spottedtowhee-24jan2017.jpg800px-SpottedTowhee-24JAN2017Female spotted towhee -- Wikimedia photo 2018-03-15T19:44:05+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/03/13/ding-darling-national-wildlife-refuge/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1stduckstamp.jpg1stDuckStampThe first Duck Stamp, designed by D'ing Darling. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/j-_n-_darling_profile_with_pipe.jpgJ._N._Darling_profile_with_pipeD'ing Darling in 1918. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cormorant-and-turtles-2.jpgCormorant and turtles 2Cormorants and turtles were alos plentiful on the island sanctuary. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/spoonbills.jpgspoonbillsA flock of roseate spoonbills won the color award of the day when I visited Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. -- Wikimedia photo 2018-03-16T21:28:08+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/03/10/the-write-words-how-it-all-began/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_2747.jpgIMG_2747The Yellow Flower -- Art by Pat Bean 2018-03-12T15:05:50+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/03/08/brown-creeper/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/330px-certhia-americana-001.jpg330px-Certhia-americana-0012018-03-12T15:26:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/03/06/favorite-places-corkscrew-swamp-sanctuary/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/little-blue-heron-in-a-tree.jpgLittle Blue Heron in a treeLittle blue heron up a tree. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ghost_orchid_8017__crjwiley.jpgghost_orchid_8017__crjwileyThe Ghost Orchid https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/800px-corkscrew_swamp.jpg800px-Corkscrew_SwampThe Corkscrew Boardwalk ... Wikimedia poto 2018-03-16T21:25:56+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/02/27/birds-at-lake-patagonia/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/the-book.jpgIf you're looking for a good book with lots of trivial about America's cities and landmarks, check out Travels with Maggie on Amazon. It's G-rated and an excellent book to read together with your kids. Maggie was my canine companion on the six-month birding trip. -- Book cover by Sherry Watcher. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/002.jpg002A gila woodpecker at my balcony feeder. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/img_4193.jpgIMG_4193A northern cardinal playing peek-a-boo among the tree branches. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/coot.jpgcootThe sun's rays made this coot's black back look almost white, and its red eyes gleam, while the lake's ripples take on the ambiance of a find art painting. -- Photo by Pat Bean2018-02-27T20:35:18+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/02/21/favorite-places-south-llano-river/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/pathfinder-badge.pngPathfinder Badgehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/578666_516790278415636_1976731116_n.jpg578666_516790278415636_1976731116_nThe South Llano River, a spring-fed tribuary of the 105-mile Llano River that flows through Texas' Hill Country. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/no-11-rio-grande-turkey.jpgNo.-11-Rio-Grande-TurkeyA pair of Rio Grande wild turkeys. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/entrance-to-south-llano-river-state-park-texas.jpgentrance to south llano river state park, texasThe entrance to South Llano River State Park. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-02-21T16:22:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/02/19/birds-california-condor/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/800px-california-condor3-szmurlo_edit.jpg800px-California-Condor3-Szmurlo_editAnd this is what they grow up to look like. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/800px-gymnogyps_californianus_-near_hopper_mountain_national_wildlife_refuge_california_usa_-adult_and_chick-8_1.jpg800px-Gymnogyps_californianus_-near_Hopper_Mountain_National_Wildlife_Refuge,_California,_USA_-adult_and_chick-8_(1)A bit less bloody photo of a young California condor and a parent. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/img_4184.jpgIMG_4184I hope you already have had breakfast when you view this photo of the first California condor born in captivity. -- From my 1983 scrapbook memories. 2018-02-20T00:53:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/02/17/the-right-words-brain-vs-fingers/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/beans-pat-3.jpgbean's pat 3Blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/35.jpg$_35An old Remington typewriter, similar to the one I used to write my first mystery novel draft, which languishes somewhere in my writing files. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/008.jpg008I sketched this scene while visiting Zion National Park in Zion National Park, one of my favorite places. 2018-02-19T19:17:20+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/02/15/favorite-places-badlands-national-park/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/img_1121.jpgIMG_1121https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/img_1107.jpgIMG_1107https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/img_1122.jpgIMG_1122Remnants of an ancient jungle can be seen in the Badlands. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/img_1115.jpgIMG_1115Candy-striped rocks in Badlands National Park. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-02-20T08:57:04+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/02/08/favorite-places-sunset-bay-state-park/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/sunset-bay-state-park-2.pngSunset Bay State Park 2Sunset Bay State Park -- Oregon State Parks photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/sunset_bay_state_park_in_oregon-wikimedia.jpgSunset_Bay_State_Park_in_Oregon -- wikimediaSunset Bay State Park near Coos Bay in Oregon. -- Wikimedia photo 2018-02-08T18:02:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/02/06/birds-marbled-murrelet/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/marbled-murrelet-chick-adfandg.jpgmarbled murrelet chick, adfandgMarbled murrelet chick. -- Photo by Alaska Fish and Game https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/murrlet-marblet-wikimedia-poto-by-gus-van-vliet.jpgMurrlet, marblet wikimedia poto by Gus van VlietMarbled murrelet -- Wikimedia photo by Gus van Vliet2018-02-06T17:49:58+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/about/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/003.jpg003.JPGMaggie, showing attitudehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/on-top-of-angels-landing4-07-reduced-pic.jpgOn Top of Angel's Landing,4-07, reduced picPat Bean on top of Angel's Landing in Zion National Park, 2007 https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/good-shot.jpggood shotPepper, April 2012 https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/natural-falls-campground1.jpgNatural Falls campgroundGypsy Lee at Oklahoma Natural Falls State Park https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/maggie-20071.jpgMaggie, 2007Maggiehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/maggie-in-her-favorite-spot-in-the-rv-july-061.jpgMaggie in her favorite spot in the RV, July 06Maggie https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/natural-falls-campground.jpgNatural Falls campgroundHome sweet home. Photo taken at Natural Falls State Park, Oklahomahttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/me-and-gypsy-lee.jpgMe and Gypsy LeeHome Sweet Home https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/maggie-in-her-favorite-spot-in-the-rv-july-06.jpgMaggie in her favorite spot in the RV, July 06Maggie https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/on-top-of-angels-landing4-07-reduced-pix.jpgOn Top of Angel's Landing,4-07, reduced pixPat Bean , sitting on Top of Angel's Landing in Zion National Park. 2022-01-14T18:44:35+00:00weekly0.6https://patbean.net/2018/02/01/favorite-places-lake-end-campground/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mossy-trees.jpgmossy treesA walk among the moss-dripping trees. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/double-crested-cormorants-lake-end-jan-08-2.jpgDouble-crested cormorants, Lake End, Jan. 08 2A tree full of double-crested cormorants at Lake End Campground. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/great-blue-heron-2.jpgGreat Blue Heron 2Great Blue Heron at Lake End Campground, Louisiana. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-02-05T04:47:49+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/01/30/long-billed-curlews/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/long-billed_curlew_at_drakes_beach_point_reyes-frank-schulenburg.jpgLong-billed_curlew_at_Drakes_Beach,_Point_Reyes... Frank SchulenburgLong-billed curlew_-- Wikimedia photo by Frank Schulenburg. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/curlew-long-billed-wikimedia-photo-by-jerry-kirkhart.jpgcurlew, long-billed wikimedia photo by Jerry KirkhartThe long-billed curlew. -- Wikimedia photo by jerry Kirkhart2018-02-07T18:12:10+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/01/23/travels-with-maggie-4/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/maggie-sleeping-in-until-10-a-m-2.jpgmaggie sleeping in until 10 a.m. 2https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/maggie-sleeping-in-until-10-a-m.jpgmaggie sleeping in until 10 a.m.Never an early riser, like me, Pepper preferred to sleep in until about 10 a.m. - Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/008.jpg008Maggie didn't like it when a passenger took her co-pilot seat, but when I stepped out of the RV she always got in the driver's seat. The above photo was taken at the end of our eight years together on the road when Maggie was 15, and this one near the beginning of our journeys. -- Photo by Pat Bean. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/003.jpg003.JPGMaggie in her favorite spot on the over the cab bed in my RV. She had an attitude, as you can see from this photo. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-02-03T15:56:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/01/19/the-trees-around-us/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_0969.jpgIMG_0969Me, hugging a tree in Custer State Park in South Dakota. -- Photo by one of the day's traveling companions. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/img_2186.jpgIMG_2186This live oak tree, thought to be more than a thousand years old, can be found on Goose Ilsand State Park in Texas. It too, is one, whose sight causes me to linger. -- Photo by Pat Bean. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/014.jpg0142018-02-07T18:13:11+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/01/14/american-coots/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/coot-american.jpgcoot, americanCoot with its unlikely looking offspring.https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/american-coot.jpgAmerican coot2018-01-14T19:02:15+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/01/10/burma-shave-driving-down-memory-lane/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/burma-shave.pngburma shavehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/burmashavesigns_route66.jpgBurmaShaveSigns_Route66You can still find these signs in Arizona on a section of Old Route 66 that attracts driving tourists. -- Wikimedia photo 2018-01-10T20:44:09+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/01/06/white-crowned-sparrows/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/osprey-wikimedia.jpgOsprey... wikimediahttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/sparrow-white-crowned-wikimedia.jpgsparrow, white-crowned ... wikimediaWhite-crowned sparrow. -- Wikimedia photo 2018-01-07T01:23:17+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2018/01/01/first-bird-of-2018/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/800px-female_annas_hummingbird_hovering.jpg800px-Female_annas_hummingbird_hoveringFemale Anna's Hummingbird. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/annas_hummingbird.jpgAnna's_hummingbirdMale Anna's Hummingbird. -- Wikimedia photo2018-01-03T04:48:20+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/12/21/lake-pend-oreille/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/mack.jpgMackhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/375px-lake_pend_oreille.jpg375px-Lake_Pend_OreilleAn aerial view of Lake Pend Orielle. -- Wikipedia Photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/img_2490.jpgIMG_2490A Canada goose taking of from Lake Pend -- I took the photo during a Ladies Night Out boating cruise for Farragut State Park's volunteers. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-12-23T06:34:30+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/12/15/turning-the-tables/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/antelope-antelope-island-5-07-cropped.jpgAntelope, Antelope Island 5-07, croppedAs I watched for birds on the island, I always saw other wildlife, and pronghorn antelope were frequently among them. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/phalarope-wilsons-wikimedia.jpgPhalarope, Wilson's, wikimediaFemale Wilson's phalarope in breeding plumage. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/antelope-island.jpgAntelope IslandAntelope Island from the causeway on an overcast day. -- Photo by Pat Bean2017-12-16T11:05:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/12/13/8719/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/the-big-baby-guarding-the-road-2.jpgThe big baby guarding the road 2I hemmed and hawed about continuing on the trail when I saw this baby guarding it. Wisely I reversed my direction. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-12-13T23:22:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/12/09/a-morning-hoo/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/800px-talons_great_horned_owl.jpg800px-Talons,_Great_Horned_OwlGreat owned owl in all its glory. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/024.jpg024A pair of juvenile great horned owls from two years ago sitting n top of one of my apartment complex's roof. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-12-10T01:07:22+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/12/04/blue-feet-red-feet/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/boobie-brown.jpgBoobie, brownhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/boobie-red-footed.jpgBoobie, red-footedRed-foted booby -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/booby-blue-footed.jpgBooby, blue-footedA dancing blue-footed booby. -- Wikimedia photo 2017-12-07T01:16:54+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/11/23/100-things-im-thankful-for-5/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_3084.jpgIMG_3084Who wouldn't be thankful for butterflies? -- Photo by Pat Bean 2018-07-28T20:55:46+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/11/15/on-travel-writing/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/aspen-1.jpgaspen 1I took this photolast year when wanderlust had me driving to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon just to see the aspen trees in their autumn colors. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/050.jpg050.JPGThe Grand Canyon's South Rim, looking down on the Colorado River. -- Photo by Pat Bean2017-11-17T16:48:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/11/12/a-new-hero/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/img_4174.jpgIMG_4174https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/55-lets-go-at-the-amboselli-airport.jpg55. Let's go, at the Amboselli AirportWhile I'll never accomplish such a feat as walking the entire distance of the Nile River, I have had adventures, like going on Safari to Kenya and Tanzania. Above, me at the Amboseli Airport in Kenya. -- Photo by Kim Perrin. 2017-11-13T21:52:56+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/11/09/mockingbirds/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/mockingbird-hood.jpgMockingbird, hoodHood mockingbird, which species I saw in the Galapagos, where birds are not afraid of humans. One landed on my foot and tried to ge at my water bottle. -- Wikimedia pjoto https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/mockingbird-galapagas.jpgMockingbird, galapagasGalapagas mockingbird ... Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/mockingbird-northern-3.jpgMockingbird, northern 3Northern mockingbird -- Wikimedia photo 2018-04-04T18:07:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/11/04/ravens/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/chihuahuan-raven-without-white-feathers-showing.jpgchihuahuan raven, without white feathers showing.This is also a Chihuahuan raven. -- Wikimedia photohttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/raven-chihuahuan.jpgRaven, ChihuahuanA rare photo of a Chihuahuan raven with its white neck feathers showing. It must be a windy day. 2017-11-06T18:45:32+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/10/28/maggie/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/10294324_10203752149674129_2326811220982730064_n.jpg10294324_10203752149674129_2326811220982730064_nPeaches came before Maggie, and while Peaches would have given her life to please me, Maggie expected me to give my life to please her. I loved them both equally, and am glad for the memories they left me. -- Photo by Kim Perrin https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_4171.jpgIMG_4171The day I picked Maggie u from the animal shelter. -- Photos by Charlie Trentelman2017-10-30T19:35:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/10/14/bubba-bear/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/bubba-bear.jpgBubba BearBubba Bear 2017-10-14T16:24:33+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/10/11/off-the-beaten-path/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/wikimedia-photo-by-tony-hisgett.jpgWikimedia photo by Tony HisgettI wasn't able to capture the golden eagle that morning, but I thought you would enjoy this Wikimedia photo by Tony Hiigett. I did. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/pepper-and-i-on-a-hike-2.jpgPepper and I on a hike 2Pepper and me enjoying our morning walk; -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/morning-sun.jpgmorning sunFlashing rays of the morning sun at Steinaker State Park near Vernal, Utah -- where dinosaurs once roamed. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-10-12T19:22:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/10/06/the-eurasian-collared-dove/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/dove-eurasian-collared-2.jpgDove, Eurasian collared 2Eurasian collared doves. -- Wikimedia photo by Horia Varlan https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/dove-white-winged-pat-bean.jpgDove, white-winged -- pat beanA white-winged dove on the roof across from my apartment. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/dove-mourning.pngDove, mourningA mourning dove outside my third-floor balcony. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-10-24T05:08:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/10/03/quotes-from-my-1980-journal/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/inspiration-quote-quote-of-the-day.jpginspiration-quote-quote-of-the-dayAnd that one should learn to be comfortable being oneself. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_3930.jpgIMG_3930Life has taught me that you always take time to smell the flowers. -- Photo by Pat Bean2017-10-04T17:09:31+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/09/28/first-encounter-with-a-great-horned-owl/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/owl-great-horned-2-wikipedia.jpgOwl, great horned 2 -- wikipediaEves of a great horned owl. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/owl.jpgowlGreat Horned Owl -- Painting by Pat Bean 2017-09-28T19:31:26+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/09/26/texas-canyon-in-arizona/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_4131.jpgIMG_4131https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/south-side.jpgSouth SideA view of Texas Canyon on the South side of Highway 10 -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_4157.jpgIMG_41572017-09-26T19:18:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/09/12/never-too-late/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/laura20s_20walker20trail-full.jpgLauraS_WalkerTrail-fullA trail at Laura S. Walker State Park in Georgia, one of the many trails I hiked after the age of 65. Halfway along this two-mile trail, I came across a sign that said Beware of Bears. Needless to say the second leg of the hike was done in record time. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/bridge-stand-off-okefenokee-swamp-alligators.jpgBridge stand off, Okefenokee Swamp alligatorsThe bridge stand off at Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia, one of the many places I visited during my RVing adventures. -- Photo by Pat Bean. 2017-09-12T16:11:32+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/09/08/texas-road-trip/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/800px-harvey_2017-08-25_2231z.png800px-Harvey_2017-08-25_2231ZHurricane Harvey near peak intensity prior to landfall in Texas, on August, 25. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/img_4126.jpgIMG_4126Sunrise in Van Horn, Texas, on Wednesday, when I began the second leg of my journey back to Tucson, Arizona. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-09-09T19:28:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/08/20/benches/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/blue-bench.jpgblue benchInspiration for my blue bench painting https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/erie-river-harbor.jpgErie River harborA bench at the Amherstburg Navy Yard in Ontario, Canada. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/a-nice-place-to-sit.jpgA nice place to sitDock benches at Tom's Cove Campground on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_4107.jpgIMG_4107The Blue Bench -- painted by Pat Bean 2017-08-20T19:24:33+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/08/07/cavanal-mountain/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cavanal-hill.jpgcavanal hillThe road up to the top of Cavanal Mountain. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/poteau-river-lake-wister-2.jpgPoteau River, Lake Wister 2A great egret fishing the Poteau River below the Lake Wister Dam near Poteau, Oklahoma. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/13935760611_e9274bb1fa_b.jpg13935760611_e9274bb1fa_bCavanal: World's Tallest Hill in Poteau, Oklahoma 2017-08-07T21:52:10+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/07/30/goodie-two-shoes/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/220px-gtshoeswoodcut.jpg220px-GTShoesWoodcutWood cut from the 1768 edition of Good Two-Shoes. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/goody_two-shoes_1.jpgGoody_Two-Shoes_(1)The cover of the 1888 edition of Goody Two-Shoes. -- Wikimedia photo 2017-08-02T02:08:56+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/07/23/the-purple-cow/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/800px-burgess-cow.jpg800px-Burgess-cowhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/007.jpg007Pepper and the Purple Cow. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-07-23T23:09:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/07/19/a-green-desert/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/013.jpg013The desert landscape from my daughter's Marana home on the southwest outskirts of Tucson. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/octillo.jpgoctilloAn ocotillo in bloom at Catalina State Park north of Tucson. I took this photo while I was still traveling full-time in my RV, and before I ever dreamed I would end up living in Tucson. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-08-10T23:24:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/07/15/frank-jackson-state-park/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/by-the-lake.jpgBy the LakeMy camping site at the park. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_1020.jpgIMG_1020.JPGBridge to an island in the lake at Frank Jackson State Park in Alabama https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/evening-fishing-2.jpgEvening fishing 2This photograph represents a magical moment in time that I relived when I came across this picture earlier today. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/pathfinder-badge.pngPathfinder Badge2017-07-15T19:08:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/07/11/reading-stack/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/hairy.jpghairyA Funky Bird: Just a fun painting to get your attention. -- By Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/long-quir-highway.pnglong quir highwayhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/51sad6b6s6l__sx258_bo1204203200_.jpg51SAD6B6S6L__SX258_BO1,204,203,200_2017-07-12T04:42:35+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/07/03/would-you-read-this-book/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_2739.jpgIMG_2739Gypsy Lee -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/falls-from-above.jpgFalls from aboveNatural Falls, which was one of the stopping points in Travels with Maggie. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/coverlayouts.jpgcoverlayouts2017-07-15T19:04:24+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/06/20/thorny-neighbors/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/barrell-cactus.jpgbarrell cactusAnd a barrel cactus. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/cholla.jpgchollaA cholla cactus in bloom. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/the-finger.jpgthe fingerSaguaros come in all sizes and shapes. Is it my imagination, or do you think this one is giving the finger to the low-flying balloon. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/010.jpg010.JPGI call this saguaro Old Man. I found him while walking a wash near my daughter's home here in Tucson. He fell over an bit the dusk not too long afterward. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-09-02T21:25:54+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/06/17/fifty-on-fifty/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/img_0971.jpgIMG_0971And every year I live gives me more time to be awed by the wonders of this revolving ball we live on. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/redder.jpgRedderHaving time to smell more flowers with the passing years is one blessing of aging. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-06-20T16:52:26+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/06/15/a-chilean-flamingo-on-the-loose/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/blue-herons-2.jpgBlue herons 2Pink Floyd wasn't the only thing I saw in Northern Utah. These great blue herons were wintering on Farmington Bay adjacent to the Great Salt Lake. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/flamingo-chilean.jpgFlamingo, ChileanA Chilean flamingo. -- Wikimedia photo 2017-06-15T20:27:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/06/13/whooping-cranes/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/img_1427.jpgIMG_1427Whooping crame on Matagorda Island. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/george-archibald.jpgGeorge ArchibaldA page from my journal with a cutout of George Archibald in his whooping crane outfit. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/end-of-the-tour.jpgend of the tourGeorge Archibald took this photo of me at the end of our tour to see whooping cranes on the Texas Gulf Coast. I'm smiling because I saw these awesome endangered cranes. -- Photo by George Archibald 2017-06-27T15:36:57+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/06/04/a-windy-day-in-texas/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/pelican-brown-port-aransas-pat-bean-photo.jpgPelican, brown, Port Aransas ... Pat Bean photoA brown pelican and a laughing gull near Port Aransas. Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/img_1377.jpgIMG_1377A great egret sat by a small pond near the entrance to Mustang Island State Park. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ferry_port_aransas_2007.jpgFerry_port_aransas_2007The ferry from Aransas Pass to Port Aransas on Mustang Island on the Texas Gulf Coast. -- Wikimedia photo 2017-06-10T00:44:56+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/05/30/the-view-from-my-balcony/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_4086.jpgIMG_4086The rubber tree plant on my bedroom balcony. It found its way back to me after a 10-year stay with my friend, Kim. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/morning-sunrise.jpgmorning sunriseA view of the morning sun creeping down the Catalina Mountains from my bedroom balcony. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-06-03T00:43:57+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/05/23/secret-lake/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_4084.jpgIMG_4084https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cecret_lake_panorama_albion_basin_alta_utah_july_2009.jpgCecret_Lake_Panorama_Albion_Basin_Alta_Utah_July_2009Secret, also know as Cecret, , Lake in Albion Basin at the top of Cottonwood Canyon in Utah. -- Wikimedia photo 2017-05-27T00:21:03+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/05/21/a-baltimore-oriole/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/oriole-bullocks-atascadero-lake.jpgOriole, Bullock's ... Atascadero LakeA male Bullock's oriole -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/grand-lake-o-the-cherokees.jpgGrand Lake o' the CherokeesView of Grand Lake that I had through the window of my RV at Bernice State Park in Oklahoma. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/oriole-baltimore-rodeau-provincial-park.jpgOriole, Baltimore, Rodeau Provincial ParkA male Baltimore oriole. -- Wikimedia photo 2017-05-27T20:44:41+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/05/15/the-elegant-trogon/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/huachuca-mountains.jpgHuachuca MountainsI found my elegant trogon up Garden Canyon in Huachuca Mountains, just an hour and a half away from Tucson. . -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/trogon-elegant1.jpgTrogon, elegantElegant trogon. -- Wikimedia photo 2017-05-17T23:34:52+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/05/07/organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_4056.jpgIMG_4056Roadside cactus blossoms https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/double-arch.jpgDouble archThe Ajo Mountains' double arch. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/img_4037.jpgIMG_4037An organ pipe cactus as part of the Kris Eggle memorial at the Visitor Center that was named in his honor. Eggle was a park ranger killed near the U.S.-Mexico border. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ajo-mountains-2.jpgAjo mountains 2A view of the Ajo Mountains across from the Organ Pipe Cactus Visitor Center. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-05-10T15:30:42+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/04/30/quotes-from-my-journal/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/anhinga.jpgAnhingaAnd plenty of time to bird watch as well. -- Anhinga watercolor by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/tulips.jpgtulipsA good road trip includes plenty of time to stop and smell the flowers along the way. -- Watercolor by Pat Bean 2018-10-08T21:41:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/04/26/snippets-from-my-journals/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/heidi-and-scarlett.jpgHeidi and ScarlettMy granddaughter Heidi, a few years back when I was still a full-time RVer. Note Gypsy Lee in the background. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/018.jpg018My granddaughter Keri, and my great grandson, Kaiden, a few years ago. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-04-27T03:44:50+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/04/22/travel-theme-earth/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/dismal-swamp-2.jpgDismal Swamp 2The Great Dismal Swamp, North Carolina. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/img_0893.jpgIMG_0893Mesa Falls, Idaho. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-04-23T22:50:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/04/15/a-sparrow-for-your-thoughts/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/rose_of_sharon.jpgRose_of_sharonMy Rose of Sharon bush was always bloomed profusely in spring, and the blossoms stayed around for a long time. I miss that bush -- and its resident sparrows. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/sparow-house-female.jpgSparow, house, femaleA female house sparrow. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/sparrow-house.jpgSparrow, houseHouse sparrow. -- Wikimedia photo2017-04-15T19:56:59+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/04/10/two-dogs/2017-04-12T18:51:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/04/06/theres-no-such-thing-as-a-seagull/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/800px-seagull_monument.jpg800px-Seagull_monumentThe Seagull Monument in Salt Lake City's Temple Square. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ringed-bill-and-california-gull-side-by-side.jpgRinged bill and California gull side by sideThe gull on the right is a ring-billed, and the gull on the left is a California Gull, both of which are frequent visitors to Utah's Great Salt Lake. For years I thought they were simply seagulls. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-04-12T18:53:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/04/04/travels-with-maggie-3/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/acadia-national-park-maine-sea-and-shore.jpgAcadia National Park, Maine Sea and ShoreA view from Acadia National Park in Maine, which was the destination of my journey. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/the-lighthouse.jpgThe LighthouseThe Mark Twain Lighthouse in Hannibal, Missouri, which I climbed up to explore during my Travels with Maggie. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/coverlayoutfront.jpgcoverlayoutfront2017-04-12T18:56:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/03/25/thinking-about-war/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/wood-story-snowy-egret-great-egret-white-ibis-all-feeding-together-every-one-peaceful-except-snowys.jpgWood story, snowy egret, great egret, white ibis all feeding together. Every one peaceful except Snowys.JPGPerhaps we should get our children and grandchildren out into nature more, so they can enjoy the peaceful settings of Mother Nature. -- Photo taken on Florida's Merritt Island by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/through-the-marsh.jpgThrough the MarshWouldn't it be nice if our futures followed a path that led to world peace? -- Photo taken at Point Pelee National Park in Canada by Pat Bean2017-03-27T16:47:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/03/22/8459/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/caryatid-intricate-hairstyle-of-caryatid-displayed-at-the-acropolis-museum-in-athens.jpgCaryatid Intricate hairstyle of Caryatid, displayed at the Acropolis Museum in AthensCaryatid Intricate hairstyle of Caryatid, displayed at the Acropolis Museum in Athens. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/800px-austrian_parliament_building.jpg800px-Austrian_Parliament_buildingAustrian Parliament Building. ... Encyclopedia Britannica. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/the-caryatid-porch-of-the-erechtheion-in-athens.jpgThe Caryatid Porch of the Erechtheion in Athens. Wikimedia photo 2017-07-12T12:48:23+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/03/16/the-galapagos-tortoises/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/lonesome_george_-pinta_giant_tortoise_-santa_cruz.jpgLonesome_George_-Pinta_giant_tortoise_-Santa_CruzLonesome George before his death in 2012, He was the last of his tortoise species. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/diego.jpgDiegoDiego, the 100-year-old tortoise who has helped bring his species back from the brink of extinction. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/santa-cruz-island-tortoise.jpgSanta Cruz island tortoiseThe photo I took of a tortoise on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos in 2004. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-04-07T16:09:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/03/09/what-are-you-reading/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/trees.jpgtreesA good writer can place you in this forest and let you see the colors. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/gurgling-water.jpggurgling waterA good writer will let you see beyond the picture and hear the water gurgling. -- Photo by Pat Bean in Smoky Mountain National Park. 2017-03-24T16:26:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/03/04/alaska-adventure-day-20-ketchikan/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_3983.jpgimg_3983Saxman Totem Pole Park. -- From one of the post cards I bought. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ketichikan-creek-street.jpgketichikan-creek-streetCreek Street in downtown Ketchikan. -- Wikimedia photo 2017-03-05T17:00:24+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/02/28/alaska-adventure-day-19-the-inland-passage/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/sea_otter_cropped.jpgsea_otter_croppedI can't think of too many animals cuter than a sea otter. Can you? And seeing them in the wild was as good as it gets. -- Wikimedia photo.https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_3981.jpgimg_39812017-03-02T16:08:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/02/25/alaska-road-trip-day-18-continued-boarding-the-ferry/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/1024px-hainesview.jpg1024px-hainesviewHaines, Alaska. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/map-2.pngmap-2Map of the Alaskan Marine Highway. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_3980.jpgimg_3980A page from my journal with a picture of the ferry that I took. 2017-02-25T20:36:03+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/02/22/alaska-road-trip-day-18-forget-me-nots/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/state-flag-of-alaska.pngstate-flag-of-alaskaThe Alaska Flag https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/forget-me-not-flower-2.jpgforget-me-not-flower-2Forget-me-not, up close and personal https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/adkinseaglegathering.jpgadkinseaglegatheringBald Eagles near Haines ... Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/forget-me-nots.jpgforget-me-notsForget-me-nots by the roadside. -- Wikimedia photo2017-02-22T20:33:38+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/02/18/alaska-road-trip-day-17-tok-to-haines-junction/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/250px-haines_junction.jpg250px-haines_junctionHaines Junction welcome,https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/284px-mt_saint_elias.jpg284px-mt_saint_eliasMount St. Elias -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/800px-quill_creek_kluane_national_park_yukon_canada.jpg800px-quill_creek_kluane_national_park_yukon_canadaKluane National Park in the Yukon. -- Wikimedia photo 2017-02-18T18:46:25+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/02/12/alaska-road-trip-day-16-anchorage-to-tok/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/rock_ptarmigan_lagopus_muta.jpgrock_ptarmigan_lagopus_mutaRock ptarmigan were on of the more commonly seen birds while I was in Alaska. I also saw a willow ptarmigan with is Alaska's state bird. Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/1024px-tok_alaska_burnt_paw-mark-wilson.jpg1024px-tok_alaska_burnt_paw-mark-wilsonIn Tok, I watched a dog sled demonstration. -- Wikimedia photo by Mark Wilson 2017-02-12T23:32:04+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/02/08/the-power-of-words-and-images/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/wassamki-springs-maine-view-from-my-rv-2.jpgwassamki-springs-maine-view-from-my-rv-2View from my RV at Wassamki Springs Campground in Maine. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/trailside.jpgtrailsideBeside a lake in Maine. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-02-08T20:50:52+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/02/03/alaska-road-trip-day-15-anchorage-to-seward/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/250px-tufted_puffin_alaska_cropped.jpg250px-tufted_puffin_alaska_croppedA tufted puffin. Isn't it cute? -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/1024px-seward_alaska_aerial_view.jpg1024px-seward_alaska_aerial_viewAerial view of Seward, Alaska. -- Wikimedia photo 2017-02-03T17:47:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/01/27/an-art-project/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_3970.jpgimg_3970Illustration of a poured painting in Just Paint It. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/entngled.jpgentngledMy art project for the day. 2017-02-28T13:20:50+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/01/24/alaska-road-trip-day-14-denali-to-anchorage/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/250px-welcome_to_beautiful_downtown_talkeetna.jpg250px-welcome_to_beautiful_downtown_talkeetnaTalkeetna welcome sighhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_3967.jpgimg_3967A postcard of the Anchorage bed and breakfast where I stayed for two days. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/800px-trumpeter_swan_brood.jpg800px-trumpeter_swan_broodI saw my first trumpeter swan in Alaska. -- Wikimedia photo by Donna Dewhurst. 2018-02-26T15:16:14+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/01/20/alaska-road-trip-day-13-denali/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/800px-denalinationalpark.jpg800px-denalinationalparkThe one and only road that cuts through Denali National Park -- and I was on it from beginning to end. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/800px-traffic_jam_in_denali.jpg800px-traffic_jam_in_denaliWildlife, like this caribou, slowed traffic, but what a joy to see. I especially enjoyed it when a moose blocked our way. == Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/wonder_lake_denali.jpgwonder_lake_denaliWonder Lake with a reflection of Denali, a sight I didn't see because the mountain was covered in mist. -- Wikimedia photo2017-01-21T11:43:59+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/01/13/alaska-road-trip-day-12-on-to-denali/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/800px-denali_national_park.jpg800px-denali_national_parkDenali National Park ... Wikimedia Photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/coming-home-michio-hoshino.jpgcoming-home-michio-hoshinoComing Home -- Photo by Michio Hoshino 2017-01-13T23:03:15+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/01/11/the-sequoia-tunnel-tree/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/sequoia-tree.jpgsequoia-treeAnd the aftermath. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/sequoia-tree-1.jpgsequoia-tree-1Sequoria Tunnel Treehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/redwoods.jpgredwoodsLooking up through the redwoods. -- Photo by scrubhiker/flickr/cc2017-01-12T21:25:10+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2017/01/09/life-is-good-but-different/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/anazazi.jpganazaziMore Anasazi Ridge petroglyphs https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/anazazi-2.jpganazazi-2https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/fall.jpgfallThere's no question but that I'm in the autumn of my life. But then I think the fall is beautiful. Don't you? -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-01-16T02:08:49+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/12/23/a-christmas-story/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/christmas_tree_decorations_200943.jpgchristmas_tree_decorations_200943Merry Christmas to all! I'm taking a break until the New Year. 2016-12-25T15:42:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/12/15/8369/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/downtownchickenak.jpgDowntown ChickenDowntown Chickenhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_3934.jpgimg_3934https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/800px-dawson_city_lookout_yukon_river_3264px.jpg800px-dawson_city_lookout_yukon_river_3264pxThe Yukon River near Dawson City. -- Wikimedia photo 2016-12-15T20:55:44+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/12/07/alaska-day-10-whitehorse-to-dawson-city/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_3937.jpgimg_3937My Alaska postcard journal. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/1024px-dawson_yukon_june_07.jpg1024px-dawson_yukon_june_07Dawson City -- Wikimedia Photo by Michael Edwards. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_3929.jpgimg_3929The conductor for my train route was also the conductor in this postcard photo. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_3932.jpgimg_3932The Klondike Gold Rush took place over 115 years ago, but evidence of its activities are still isible on the Alaskan Highway between Whitehorse and Dawson City. .. A page from my 2001 journal. 2016-12-08T02:54:31+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/12/05/alaska-adventure-day-9-white-pass/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/1024px-skagway_aerial_view.jpg1024px-skagway_aerial_viewAn aerial view of Skagway. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/white-pass-yukon-route.jpgwhite-pass-yukon-routeThe White Pass-Yukon Train I took to Skagway. -- Wikimedia photo 2016-12-24T14:13:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/11/30/alaska-aventure-day-8-fort-nelson-to-whitehorse/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/1024px-alpha_pool_at_liard_river_hotsprings_british_columbia.jpg1024px-alpha_pool_at_liard_river_hotsprings_british_columbiaAlpha Pool in Liard River Hot Springs along the Alaskan Highway in British Columbia. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/800px-watson_lake_signpost.jpg800px-watson_lake_signpostThe Sign Post Forest at Watson Lake alongside the Alaskan Highway. -- Wikimedia photo 2016-11-30T15:53:20+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/11/23/100-things-im-thankful-for-4/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/008.jpg008I'm grateful for blooming cacti in the Sonoran Desert. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/002.jpg002I'm grateful that this Cooper's hawk didn't fly off before I could take this photo. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-11-26T01:24:37+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/11/20/suddenly-the-morning-turned-sad/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/newspaper20rock20utah.jpgnewspaper%20rock%20utahNewspaper Rock, Utah. I don't want to go back in time, I just want truth to once again become possible. 2017-01-25T05:34:09+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/11/18/alaska-adventure-day-7-dawson-creek-to-fort-nelson/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_3892.jpgimg_3892A page from my 2001 Alaska Trip journal. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/1024px-the_peace_river.jpg1024px-the_peace_riverAn autumn scene along the Peace River, not exactly the view I saw during my trip but I certainly saw river-side landscapes that were just as awesome. -- Wikimedia photo 2016-11-19T15:54:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/11/16/alaska-day-6-from-jasper-to-dawson-creek/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/1280px-mile_zero_post.jpg1280px-mile_zero_postDawson Creek and the Mile 0 Post that represents the start of the Alaskan Highway. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_1026.jpgimg_1026{'m thankful for rainbows. -- Photo by Pat Bean2016-11-18T16:24:05+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/11/13/alaska-day-5-an-awesome-day/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_3881.jpgimg_3881It was a wondrous day and I captured a mere bit of it in my ournal https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_3878.jpgimg_3878I added the feather of a Clark's nutcracker to one of my journal pages. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_3877.jpgimg_3877Page from my jouranl. noting my bald eagle sighting. . https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/800px-lake_louise_170920051.jpg800px-lake_louise_17092005But the beauty of Lake Louise, with its grand hotel and ski runs visible in the background, was still appreciated. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/moraine_lake_alberta_canada.jpgmoraine_lake_alberta_canadaOf all the marvelous sights I saw this day, Moraine Lake touched my soul the most. -- Wikimedia photo 2016-11-14T17:34:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/11/10/alaska-day-4-canada/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/mt-rundle.jpgmt-rundleA page from my journal https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/eagle-golden-wikimedia-photo-by-martin_mecnarowski.jpgeagle-golden-wikimedia-photo-by-martin_mecnarowskiGolden eagle -- Wikimedia photo by Martin_Mecnarowskihttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/banff-wikimedia-phot.jpgbanff-wikimedia-photBanff, a tiny town nestled in Banff National Park's eye-dropping-mouth-opening-wow! landscapes. -- Wikimedia photo 2016-11-11T18:40:57+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/11/04/%ef%bb%bfalaska-day-3-glacier-national-park-%ef%bb%bf%ef%bb%bf/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_3869.jpgimg_3869And another page from my journal. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_3868.jpgimg_3868Page from my Alaskan Journal. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/weeping_wall.jpgweeping_wallThe Weeping Wall on the Going to the Sun Road. -- Wikimedia Photo 2016-11-18T23:06:24+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/11/01/alaska-day-1-ogden-utah-to-dillon-montana/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ibis-white-faced-great-salt-lake.jpgibis-white-faced-great-salt-lakeA white-faced ibis was the first bird on my Alaska trip birding list. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_3865.jpgimg_3865Page 1 of my Alaska trip journal. 2016-11-03T10:35:25+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/11/02/alaska-day-2-dillon-to-kalispell-montana/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/kingfisher-belted.jpgkingfisher-beltedA successful catch by this female belted kingfisher. The males don't have the rust-colored belly band. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_3867.jpgimg_3867And I stopped at the Nez Perce Battle Ground -- and noted all the signs along the drive that announced "Mushroom Buyer." ... A Page from my journal https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_3866.jpgimg_3866The Big Hole River accompanied me on my drive this day... 2016-11-03T02:48:32+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/10/25/house-finches/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/finch-house-male-on-my-tucson-balcony.jpgfinch-house-male-on-my-tucson-balconyThis house finch decided to watch me as I watched it. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/finch-house.jpgfinch-houseA male house finch sitting on the tree limb next to my third-floor balcony. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-11-06T16:46:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/10/23/alone-or-lonely/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/011-2.jpg011-2And here they are sharing a spot of sun. I think I would be lonely without my Pepper, and perhaps she would be lonely too if she didn't see Dusty almost every day. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/tug-of-war.jpgtug-of-warThat's my canine companion Pepper on the right playing tug of war with her best forever girlfriend Dusty. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-10-24T01:36:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/10/19/the-seasons/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/double-image.jpgdouble-image-jpgThe view of autumn painting a mosaic landscape on the far side of Lake Claiborne was a vivid image from the rear window of my RV at Isaac Creek Campground in Alabama. -- Photo by Pat Beeanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/home-sweet-home.jpghome-sweet-homeThe red leaves of this tree at the Paul Bunyan Campground in Bangor Maine, that hung over Gypsy Lee were redder every morning during the week I stayed there. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-10-20T03:58:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/10/17/late-blooming-lesson/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/800px-condor_in_flight.jpg800px-condor_in_flightAnd I can write about my experience of seeing California condors flying free over Zion National Park, and all the times I wrote about them when I was a reporter. -- Wikimedia phoot by Phil Armitage. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/magpie.jpgmagpieThe story of how the magpie became my animal totem would make a good first chapter for my bird book. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-10-17T20:21:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/10/15/a-novel-idea/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/800px-lepidochelys_kempii_baby_turtle.jpg800px-lepidochelys_kempii_baby_turtleA just hatched sea turtle ready to battle its way to the ocean. -- U.S. Fish and Wildlife photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/1024px-kemps_ridley_sea_turtle_nesting.jpg1024px-kemps_ridley_sea_turtle_nestingA Ridley sea turtle laying her eyes on a Texas Gulf Coast beach. -- National Park Service photo. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_1367.jpgimg_1367-jpgLaughing gulls on Mustang Island on the Texas Gulf Coast, not too far from where Ridley sea turtles have nested. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-11-01T21:09:52+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/10/07/u-vs-you/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/12-sign-overlooking-the-crater-that-gives-distances-to-london-new-york-berlin-etc-note-the-smile-may-23-2007.jpg12-sign-overlooking-the-crater-that-gives-distances-to-london-new-york-berlin-etc-note-the-smile-may-23-2007And Survivor provides this wandering-wonderer with some nice armchair travels. -- Photo by Kim Perrinhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/42-theres-a-hammerkop-down-there.jpg42-theres-a-hammerkop-down-thereOh and yet another reason I like watching Survivor is its settings, like Africa. And the scenes often show birds, like this hammerkop at the foot of the zebras. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-10-08T17:39:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/09/29/journal-keeping/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_3854.jpgimg_3854Pages from my journal written when I was in Hannibal, Missouri, and took a paddleboat cruise on the Mississippi River. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/the-lighthouse.jpgthe-lighthouseThe Mark Twain Lighthouse in Hannibal Missouri, which I wrote about climbing up to see in 2006, when I was traveling the country full time with my canine companion Maggie in a small RV. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-11-14T23:53:31+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/09/24/the-color-blue-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/blue-bench.jpgblue-benchA blue bench for birdwatching at Lake Walcott State Park in Southern Idaho. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/jay-steller-2.jpgjay-steller-2Steller Jay -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1024px-bear_lake.jpg1024px-bear_lakeLooking down on Bear Lake after exiting Logan Canyon in Utah. -- Wikimedia photo 2017-03-12T00:33:09+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/09/21/the-soul-of-wilderness/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_2348.jpgimg_2348The three gossips, one of my favorite landmarks at Arches. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_2358.jpgimg_2358Paved roads have brought crows to Arches. I'm thankful more people have the opportunity of seeing Mother Nature's red-rock creations, but miss the solitude I found there even back in the 1970s. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_2351.jpgimg_2351Balanced Rock, one of he more recognizable features at Arches National Park. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-10-13T15:09:40+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/09/19/the-morning-birds/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/sitting-pretty.jpgsitting-prettyI'm thankful for a white-winged dove on top of a blooming saguaro. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/doves-watching-me-pat-bean-photo.jpgdoves-watching-me-pat-bean-photoWhite-winged doves to the left, mourning doves to the right. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-09-19T21:42:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/09/10/making-a-mountain-out-of-a-molehill/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/grand-teton.jpggrand-tetonBut there's no mistaking the Grand Teton as a hill. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/800px-cavanal_hill_ok1.jpg800px-cavanal_hill_okThey call it Canaval Mountain, but it's really only a hill. -- Wikimedia photo 2016-09-12T00:28:35+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/09/07/reflections-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/spoonbill-nest-2.jpgspoonbill-nest-2Roseate spoonbills in the World Fair's Aviary at the St. Louis Zoo. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/spoonbill-roseate-2.jpgspoonbill-roseate-2Roseate spoonbill at Brazos Bend National Park 2016-09-12T21:30:23+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/09/06/some-pretty-good-suggestions/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/laura20s_20walker20trail-full.jpglaura%20s_%20walker%20trail-fullAnd alqys take thepath less traveled ... although I traveled this one fairly quickly, and loudly, when at the halfway point I came across a sign that said Beware of Bears. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/butterfly.jpgbutterflyI suggest you stop what you;re doing whent a butterfly is nearby ... and simply enjoy watching it. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-09-06T21:53:52+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/09/03/what-can-i-do-about-it/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/up-closer.jpgUp closerA peaceful moment by Reidsville Lake in North Carolina. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/021.jpg021.JPGThe earth a beautiful place. It deserves its inhabitants to be at peace with one another -- and I have hope that one day it will. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-09-04T19:03:02+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/09/01/armchair-travels-of-a-non-wandering-wanderer/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_3848.jpgIMG_3848Bartolemeo Island in the Galapagas with its its Pinnacle Rock near the center of this photo. If you watch Master and Commander, you can see the scene again. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/james-bond-island-ko-tapu-island.jpgJames Bond Island, Ko Tapu IslandJames Bond Island == Wikimedia photo 2016-09-01T20:36:14+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/08/29/the-art-of-being-different/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/best-friends.jpgBest FriendsAnd this is me and my longtime good friend, Kim, who is as different from me as a hummingbird is from an eagle. The photo was taken at a photo booth that was part of her son's wedding reception. I love it, too. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/me-as-a-bird-2.jpgme as a bird 2My friends at the Standard-Examiner, where I ended my 37-year Journalist career gave me this at my retirement party. It was drawn by the newspaper's cartoonist Cal Grondal -- and I love it The image is of me standing on the top of Angel's Landing in Zion as a bird to note my birdwatching passion. It is different -- and I love it. 2016-09-06T15:44:43+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/08/26/national-wildlife-refuges/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/pickleweed.jpgPickleweedPickleweed. I remember how thrilled I was when I saw the tiny beginning of this plant in a place desolate of greenery. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mountain-image-from-bear-river-visitor-center-5-07.jpgMountain Image from Bear River Visitor Center, 5-07This pond captured images of the Wasatch Mountains and the clouds above them. I love it. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/birdrefuge_7_april2007.jpgBirdRefuge_7_April2007A snowy egret at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Northern Utah. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-11-24T09:18:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/08/21/8212/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/parrys-agave.jpgParry's agaveAnd this is what the plant looks like before it shoots up a stalk. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/plant-or-tree.jpgPlant, or treeParry's Agave. It's not a great photo, especial given the background, but I only had this view from below it's high perch. I'm so glad I could finally identify it. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-08-21T16:09:21+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/08/11/from-my-tucson-third-floor-balcony/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/finch-house-male-on-my-tucson-balcony.jpgFinch, house, male, on my Tucson balconyI did get a fairly decent photo of a house finch that was on the bird feeder hung on my balcony. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/hummingbird-lucifer-from-national-geo-field-guide.jpgHummingbird, Lucifer ... from National Geo field guideA section of a page from the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, whichI used to identify the Lucifer hummingbird. My bird looked exactly like the lower right photo, including the purple specks on the neck. Since I'm a writer and not a photographer, I didn't get a good photo. 2016-12-21T17:58:38+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/08/10/sky-island-scenic-byway/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/spaceship-rock.jpgSpaceship rockI called this one spaceship rock. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/hoodoo.jpgHoodooHoodoos, like this, were plentiful along the way. I love the word hoodoo -- and the most colorful ones can be found in Southern Utah. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/the-road-below.jpgThe road belowLooking down from one of the many overlooks on the Sky Island Scenic Byway. I stopped at almost every overlook. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-08-11T17:54:45+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/07/27/a-three-hummingbird-morning/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/hummingbird-black-chinned-wikimedia.jpgHummingbird, black-chinned, WikimediaBlack-chinned hummingbird -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/hummingbird-broad-billed-san-diego-zoo.jpgHummingbird, broad-billed, San Diego ZooBroad-billed Hummingbird at the San Diego Zoo. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/hummingbird-annas-female-wikimedia-matthew-field.jpgHummingbird, Anna's, female. Wikimedia, Matthew FieldFemale Anna's hummingbird. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/hummingbird-annas-3-wikimedia.jpgHummingbird, Anna's 3 - wikimediaA male Anna's hummingbird. But the one I saw this morning was a less colorful female. Wikimedia photo, Brocken Inaglory https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/hummingbird-annas-2.jpgHummingbird, Anna's (2)2016-08-12T02:26:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/07/25/sax-zim-bog/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/owl-great-gray.jpgOwl, great gray,Great gray owl, Ontario, Canada. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/great-gray-owl-wikimedia.jpggreat gray owl, wikimediaGreat gray owl in flight. -- Wikimedia photo, Arne List. 2016-07-26T16:03:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/07/17/photo-challenge/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/along-the-banks-of-the-gunnison-river.jpgAlong the banks of the Gunnison RiverA small patch of bank beside the Gunnison River in Colorado. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-07-17T19:31:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/07/13/kinship-and-surprises/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_3786.jpgIMG_3786Agatha Christie with her surf board in Hawaii. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_3787.jpgIMG_3787Agatha Christie on her world tour in 1922. 2016-07-19T19:30:01+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/07/10/looking-back/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_2859.jpgIMG_2859A view of Mount Ogden from Ogden's 25th Street. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_3911.jpgIMG_3911The Standard-Examine's new building, where I spent the final years as a journalist, reflects the surrounding mountains that I so loved. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-07-11T19:46:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/07/08/its-a-raven/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/tree-and-raven.jpgtree and ravenLife outside my window. -- Watercolor by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/raven-common.jpgRaven, commonNote the wedge-shaped tail on this raven Also, except for once during breeding season, I've never seen more than one or two ravens together. Crows, on the other hand, most often flock together. -- Wikimedia photo 2016-07-23T01:12:58+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/07/06/fireworks/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/snakeriver2007_rafting-2.jpgSnakeRiver2007_Rafting 2White-water rafting was my fireworks for almost 20 years. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/fireworks-59837731.jpgfireworks-5983773[1]My life has had moments like this -- and they're still vivid in my memories. 2016-07-07T15:50:17+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/06/30/computers/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/hidden.jpghiddenTrying to solve a computer problem is harder for than trying to identify little brown birds among foliage. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-07-03T19:21:11+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/06/28/the-death-of-a-friend/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_0969.jpgIMG_0969Me being silly and hugging a tree in Custer State Park in South Dakota. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/split-personality.jpgsplit personalityThis tree with the split personalty was my favorite tree when I was a campground host at Lake Walcott State Park in Southern Idaho. -- Poto by Pat Bean2016-06-30T16:29:45+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/06/22/a-writers-world/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/009-4.jpg009 (4)Friendship and Contentment. The two best friends, Pepper and Dusty seem contented as they share a patch of sunshine. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/cyclamen.jpgcyclamenButterflies -- that's another magical word. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-06-28T13:16:45+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/06/11/connections-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/mary-louise-wilson.jpgMary Louise WilsonMary Louise Wilson https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/thnhgdu42x.jpgthNHGDU42Xhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/fools-cast-1985-87-ogden.jpgFools Cast -- 1985-87, Ogden.This photo was taken over 30 years ago, when I played Mrs. Zubrisky, as did actress and author Mary Louise Wilson. That's a very young looking me sitting on the left. What a wonderful memory 2016-06-11T16:28:09+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/05/29/petrified-forest-national-park/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/155.jpg155A more lively sight near the fossilized tree. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/159.jpg159Photo by Pat Bean 2016-05-29T19:09:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/05/25/born-in-another-era/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/071.jpg071A gila woodpecker on a saguaro. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/gambel-quail.jpggambel quailI would rather watch birds, like this Gambel quail, than television -- which is a good thing. -- Pat Bean 2016-05-29T19:11:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/05/24/8130/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/085.jpg085OK. Just call me a brazen hussy. I'm the star of this blog. 2016-05-26T18:46:04+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/05/16/take-a-walk/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/waterfall.jpgwaterfallAnd this photo was taken during a recent walk up Ramsey Canyon, an hour and a half away from my Tucson apartment. Nothing gets much better than walking beside a gurgling stream as it ripples its way down a canyon. - Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/point-pelee-national-park-canada-what-a-nice-walk.jpgPoint Pelee National Park, Canada What a Nice WalkThis was a great ;pp[ walk, loop, mostly on a boardwalk, at Point Pelee National Park in Canada 2016-05-26T18:47:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/05/13/8120/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/7741.jpg7741https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/sitting-on-top-of-the-world-4-07.jpgSitting on top of the World, 4-07This was about my 30th time to sit on top of Angels Landing in Zion. I was never injure on the hike, which many people are afraid to take, because I always left my klutziness behind. I now need to learn how to do that on flat ground. -- Photo by Kim Perrin 2016-05-18T22:46:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/05/05/how-the-magpie-came-to-be-my-animal-totem/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/magpie_arp.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMy animal totem, the black-billed magpie. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/snake_river_canyon_idaho_2007.jpgSnake_River_Canyon_Idaho_2007The Snake River Canyon, Idaho. Wikimedia photo 2016-05-07T15:48:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/05/02/a-chaotic-week-ahead/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/flower-and-bug.jpgflower and bugThe painting before that. I'm guess I'm in a flowery mood.-- By Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/blue-flowers-and-fence.jpgblue flowers and fenceMost recent watercolor and pen painting. -- By Pat Bean2016-05-10T16:19:43+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/04/27/rainy-birding-day/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/032.jpg032A double-crested cormorant that we saw along the Bluewwater Highway. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/052.jpg052I snapped this photo of Bubba Gump;s on Galveston's Pleasure Pier on our way back along the Sea Wall after lunch. As you can see, it was still raining. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/026.jpg026Willetts were one of the more plentiful birds we saw on our bird-watching rainy day adventure. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-01-24T05:29:42+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/04/25/weekly-photo-challenge-abstract/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/008.jpg008Looking down at a small pond filled with reeds and stuff at Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-04-26T16:45:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/04/19/rain-rain-rain/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/019.jpg019But that doesn't mean you cant see scissor-tailed flycatchers in the rain -- and you don't want to miss that. -[ Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/the-trip-begins.jpgthe trip beginsThis was the rainy day view through the windshield of my car when I left Tucson a week ago. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-04-25T15:35:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/04/18/its-all-about-the-writing/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/unique-vases.jpgUnique vasesAnd someone was kind enough to turn the urinals into unique vases. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/women-only.jpgwomen onlyThe Wyndham Hotel in Austin kindly turned the men's room into a women's room this past weekend when over 100 female writers took over the premises. 2016-04-25T15:30:54+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/04/08/the-joy-of-a-wondering-wanderer/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/watch-out-for-burrs.jpgwatch out for burrsPepper and I didn't see any rattlesnakes at this rest stop on one of our trips to Texas to see family, but in an unmanicured area just beyond the building, she got into a nest of burrs that took me a good half hour to pick out before we could continue on our way. Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/sunrise-4.jpgsunrise 4I don't drive at night, but I do like to be on the road in time to catch the sunrise. I caught this one on my last road trip to Texas. = Photo by Pat Bean 2016-04-08T19:42:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/04/04/daisies-and-other-flowers/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/800px-linaria_vulgaris_20050825_976.jpg800px-Linaria_vulgaris_20050825_976Butter and eggs. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/jack-jump-up-and-kiss-me-plant.jpgJack jump up and kiss me plantJack jump up and kiss me plant. -- Wikimedia photo 2016-04-04T23:29:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/03/27/texas-bluebonnets-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/20150419_153022.jpg20150419_153022Texas bluebonnets are now in bloom. -- Photo by Deborah Bean 2016-04-11T16:19:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/03/25/cooks-vs-chefs/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/92-final-breakfast.jpg92. Final BreakfastOr watching wildlife with a good friend in Africa, which Kim and I did in 2007. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/pict0008.jpgDCF 1.0Everything tastes good when you're camping beside the Snake River in Wyoming. --Photo by Kim Perin. 2016-03-27T14:42:20+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/03/18/daylight-saving-time/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/004.jpg004And this is the Arizona landscape where I live now, and which does not participate in Daylight Saving Time. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/033.jpg033This is the kind of landscape I was living in when Texas changed to Daylight Saving Time back in 1967. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-03-20T14:48:18+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/03/17/the-blahs/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/008.jpg008But perhaps the sun came out today. -- By Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/storm.jpgstormWhile it's been sunny outside, the past two weeks have been dark and overcast in my head. -- By Pat Bean 2016-03-27T14:39:42+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/03/10/on-the-road-great-dismal-swamp/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/not-so-dismal.jpgNot so dismalThe short hiking trail wasn't dismal at all. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/motoring-on-the-canal-to-other-places.jpgMotoring on the Canal to other placesSailboats on the Great Dismal Swamp behind the North Carolina Welcome Center off Highway 17. Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/great-dismal-swamp.jpgGreat Dismal SwampThe Great Dismal Swamp. -- photo by Pat Bean 2016-03-26T23:31:41+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/02/26/life-theres-nothing-simple-about-it/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/0071.jpg007It's not a simple thing becoming a plant from a seed. Everything has to work just right. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/006.jpg006The complexity of nature means when the water level is low here, wading birds are the prominent species. When it's not so shallow, ducks claim it as their habitat. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-02-26T19:02:11+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/02/20/you-call-that-what/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/water-abstract-3.jpgwater, abstract 3A River of a different hue. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/cheeta-abstract-1.jpgcheeta, abstract 1https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/0021.jpg002The End of the Cold War, a watercolor I painted when the Berlin Wall fell. 2016-02-20T17:58:21+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/02/10/the-quirks-of-fame/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/800px-hico_sign_img_0764.jpg800px-Hico_sign_IMG_0764Hico, Texas: Where Everybody is Somebody. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/250px-ypsilanti_water_tower_2011.jpg250px-Ypsilanti_Water_Tower_2011Ypsilanti's Dick Brick, errrr Water Tower. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ge2.jpgge2Lake Jackson, where I lived for 15 years and where I still have family, is called the City of Enchantment. Being able to see great egrets -- this one was photographed at the city's Sea Center but you can also see them in drainage ditches all over town -- is enchanting. Don't you think? 2016-03-18T21:31:45+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/02/09/the-list/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/007.jpg007And sometimes it's a bird outing that gets the No. I priority. -- Sketch by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/002.jpg002While writing is usually aways at the top of my daily priority list, piddling with my art jumps around on the list. -- Painting by Pat Bean 2016-02-10T18:31:59+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/02/08/karma/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/cactus.jpgcactusThe karma from a bad deed s like touching a cactus. It surely can't feel good. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/003.jpg003.JPGComing upon a field of flowers is the good karma of a road trip, if you see life as I do. -- Photo by Pat Bean2016-02-09T00:31:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/02/05/writers-on-writing/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/wow.jpgwowThen suddenly the light I was aiming for disappears in a splash of brilliant color, and my writing path is lit by a magical brain wave that lets me know what I'm really writing about. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/moonstruck.jpgmoonstruckMy writing often starts out like this night's sky. While I'm kind of moonstruck, heading toward the light, the magical way to get there is light years away. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-02-08T18:30:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/02/04/friends/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/kim-and-me-4-09.jpgkim and me 4-09Kim and me on my 70th birthday, right before we went sky diving together.https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/raftretire17_july29_2007.jpgRaftRetire17_July29_2007Kim and me retiring the raft that gave us many years of exciting adventures on the Snake River in Wyoming. 2016-02-25T16:53:09+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/01/27/art-american-bittern/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/american-bittern-01-web.jpgAmerican-Bittern-01-webAn American bittern in its natural habitat. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/0061.jpg006Painting by Pat Bean 2016-01-27T20:15:57+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/01/26/nature-winter-trees/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/006.jpg006I didn't realize until I got home and compared my photos with ones I had taken earlier at Arivaca Cienega that the same tree had spoken to me when it was decked out in spring finery. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/0033.jpg003Winter gives this tree a stark beauty that spoke to me. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-01-27T15:13:41+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/01/25/road-trip-dinosaur-national-monument/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/076.jpg076Just a few of the 1,500 or so dinosaur bones on display at the monument's enclosed quarry exhibit. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/lizard-petroglyphs-dinosaur-nm-n1ut-05221.jpgLizard Petroglyphs, Dinosaur NMLizard petroglyph at ; Dinosaur National Monument, Utahhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/turtle-rock-dinosaur-national-park3.jpgTurtle Rock, Dinosaur National ParkTurtle Rock at Dinosaur National Monument in Utah. 2016-02-25T16:57:20+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/01/22/a-yellow-burst-of-cheer/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/dandelion-and-butterfly1.jpgdandelion and butterflyA dandelion in two stages with a butterfly to boot. -- Photo taken at Rowlett Park near Dallas by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/dandelion.jpgdandelionThe lowly dandelion: Perhaps to some but not to me. -- Photo by Pat Bean2016-01-22T23:58:09+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/01/21/two-women-beat-phineas-fogg/2016-01-21T20:36:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/01/11/rainy-cold-and-overcast/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/003.jpg003https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/007.jpg007The view of the Catalina Mountains this morning from the parking lot of my apartment complex. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2016-01-12T16:29:50+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/01/06/nothing-seems-to-have-changed/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/030.jpg030The color blue cheers up my world too, especially when used by glass artist Chihuly in this outdoor sculpture piece. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/071.jpg071The color purple makes my world better, especially when it trims up some white flowers and helps attract a butterfly. Photo by Pat Bean 2016-01-10T00:03:35+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2016/01/02/new-years-resolutions-2/2016-01-04T03:08:49+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/12/30/7969/2015-12-30T22:48:50+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/12/29/road-trip-from-dallas-to-tucson/2016-01-08T15:45:41+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/12/25/merry-christmas-to-all-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/pepper-2.jpgpepper 2Pepper -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-12-26T13:57:14+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/12/12/writing-and-talking/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/arches-3-gossips.jpgarches, 3 gossips2015-12-12T22:27:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/12/06/time-to-fill-the-holes/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/fall.jpgfallThe view from my living room balcony, from which I've been watching fall come to my apartment complex -- because I've had time to do so. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-12-11T19:40:33+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/11/30/thrift-shop-treasures/2015-12-02T03:16:26+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/11/26/favorite-places-to-have-coffee/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/001.jpg001It was way past coffee time when I gave Pepper her last walk yesterday evening, but the jolt I got from this sight was as good as any caffeine. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-12-05T14:34:04+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/11/25/100-things-im-thankful-for-3/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/acadia-national-park-maine-sea-and-shore.jpgAcadia National Park, Maine Sea and ShoreAcadia National Park in Maine https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/004.jpg004I'm even thankful for Pepper after she's killed a stuffed cat and I have to pick up the mess. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/me-and-kaiden-on-a-camel.jpgme and kaiden on a camelI'm thankful I got to ride a camel with my 4-year-old great-grandson Kaiden. It was a first for both of us. -- Photo by my granddaughter, Keri. 2015-11-30T17:46:09+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/11/13/when-the-roadside-turns-golden/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/aspen-4.jpgaspen 4Near the top of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/aspen-1.jpgaspen 1The first aspens I saw were off in the distance, where their golden deliciousness stood out in contrast to the dark evergreens -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-11-18T16:19:40+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/11/10/vermilion-cliffs-condors-and-the-kaibab-forest/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/014.jpg014Just red for miles and miles. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/vermillion-cliffs-2.jpgVermillion Cliffs 2The Vermilion Cliffs -- Photo by Pat Bean 2023-06-17T03:48:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/11/06/navajo-bridges/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/055.jpg055Looking across at the Colorado River as it flows beneath the new Navajo Bridge. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/800px-navajo_bridge_aerial.jpg800px-Navajo_Bridge_AerialThis is an aerial view of the two Navajo Bridges, with the original one on the left. -- Wikimedia Photo 2015-11-11T20:58:22+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/11/05/horseshoe-bend/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/pepper-2.jpgpepper 2I'm thankful for my canine companion Pepper. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/horseshoe_bend_arizona.jpgStitched PanoramaThank Heavens for Wikimedia and generous photographers for this fabulous stitched panorama of Horseshoe Bend because halfway down to the overlook I remembered I didn't have my camera with me. But even if I had, I couldn't have taken such a magnificent photo. -- Wikimedia photo 2015-11-12T00:42:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/10/27/flagstaff-to-page/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lake-3.jpglake 3View from a scenic overlook near Wahweap. -- Photob y Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lone-rock.jpglone rockLone Rock as seen from the beach where I camped my first night in Gypsy Lee. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-10-29T16:13:33+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/10/26/oak-creek-canyon/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/oak-creek-canyon.jpgoak creek canyonOak Creek -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/sedona.jpgSedonaLooking down from Oak Creek Canyon's summit at the hairpin turn road I drove to the top. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-10-28T00:08:22+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/10/22/catching-interstate-17-in-phoenix/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/o4.jpgo4Cayenne, Pepper and me shortly after I bought my Ford Focus. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/rock-formations.jpgrock formationsI stopped in Sedona to enjoy the red-rock scenery, despite Cayenne's woes. Road trips are too precious to be wasted. -- Photo by Pat Bean. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/sunset-point.jpgSunset PointI made a brief stop at Sunset Point Rest Area north of Phoenix, but didn't stay long as it was crowded. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-10-23T23:40:40+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/10/20/7874/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/006.jpg006A nice place for a road trip stop. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/008.jpg008The trunk and branches of a Palo Verde at Sacaton Rest Area. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-10-23T18:23:35+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/10/16/slow-start-then-picacho-peak/2015-10-22T17:09:03+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/10/09/october/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/beans-pat-3.jpgbean's pat 3Blog pick of the Day. Check it out. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/falls-here.jpgFall's hereAnd the color of October in Maine's Scarborough Marsh. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/color.jpgcolorAutumn color in my son Lewis' Texas Gulf Coast front yard. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-10-16T16:44:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/10/07/do-you-like-yourself/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/its-a-hole.jpgIt's a holeAnd sometimes you're just lucky not to have drowned. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/okefenokee-bright-side.jpgOkefenokee, bright sideLife is like a winding river with surprises around every bend. Sometime the river is calm .. Photo by Pat Bean 2015-10-20T19:55:43+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/09/27/working-dreams/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/001.jpg001During my journalistic career, I wrote thousands of stories some of which I kept, like this one about the Utah Air National Guard encouraging women to join up For this assignment, I got to ride in a refueling tanker and watch over a crewman's shoulder as he refilled an F-16. And on the way back, we flew over the Grand Canyon. Did I mention how much I loved my job. 2015-10-10T01:10:02+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/09/23/the-sun-and-the-mountain/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/daisies.jpgDaisiesDaisies dancing in the sunlight. -- Art by Pat Bean 2015-09-26T15:25:24+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/09/19/the-hoopoe/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/42-theres-a-hammerkop-down-there.jpg42. There's a hammerkop down thereNo. That bird at the feet of the zebra isn't a Hoopoe. It's a Hammerkop, and one of the 182 life birds I saw on my African safari. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-09-20T22:22:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/09/20/weekly-photo-challenge-7/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/st-louis-zoo-reflections.jpgSt. Louis Zoo, ReflectionsCloud reflections through the grid and a great egret. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/spoonbill-nest-2.jpgSpoonbill nest 2Roseate spoonbill nest. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-10-10T19:24:09+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/09/15/lifes-painful-episode/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/geese-are-playing.jpggeese are playingAnd the geese are playing. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/once-again.jpgonce againOnce again the sun is shinning in my life. --Photo by Pat Bean 2015-09-22T15:44:25+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/09/06/keep-on-keeping-on/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/378.jpg378Writing feels like a sliver of silver moon that sheds light on what the dark tries to hide. within the world and within ourselves. Things may still be hazy, but never again invisible. -- Photo by Pat Bean . 2015-09-09T18:33:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/09/05/books-you-should-read/2015-09-05T21:28:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/09/04/invest-in-yourself/2015-09-04T22:15:56+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/09/03/feeling-at-home/2015-09-05T15:26:32+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/09/02/a-bump-in-the-road/2015-09-03T13:59:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/08/17/im-an-art-schizophrenic/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/001.jpg001This was a freehand col I did quickly, spending maybe 15 minutes on, and with no advance drawing. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/002.jpg002And this is a piece I agonized over for days because I had a bright idea of a fish in a bowl of flowers, and which in my opinion is a total flop. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/gila-woodpecker.jpggila woodpeckerThis was a carefully done illustration of a gila woodpecker I did to go with an Audubon birding blog.2015-08-18T21:38:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/08/15/ramsey-canyon-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/warbler-red-faced-i-saw-one-up-ramsey-canyon.jpgWarbler, red-faced. I saw one up Ramsey Canyonhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/redstart-painted-ramsey-canyon.jpgRedstart, painted, Ramsey CanyonPainted Redstart -- Wikimedia Photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/jj-1.jpgjj 1My grandson, JJ, found Ramsey Canyon a treat from the normal Sonoran Desert Landscape. So did I. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-08-29T22:30:50+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/08/05/what-is-success/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/beside-a-waterfall.jpgBeside a waterfallBeside a waterfall. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/glass-flowers.jpgGlass flowersChihuly flowers https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/chilluly-in-the-garden.jpgChilluly in the gardenDale Chihuly in the garden. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-08-06T02:17:21+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/08/02/carpe-diem/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/019.jpg019Enduring that same storm was a scissor-tailed flycatcher that I captured with my camera through the rain. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/024.jpg024This day, standing beneath a covered shelter on a bridge across a pond at Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge with my son, Lewis, was a seized day that left me with special memories. -- Photo by Pat Bean. 2015-08-05T20:44:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/07/31/bogged-down/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/052.jpg052Anne Lamott advises writers to take things Bird by Bird in her excellent book. I think I'm going to try and follow that advise from now on. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/043.jpg043I think the alligators got me when I tried doing too many things. --Photo by Pat Bean 2015-08-01T01:55:05+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/07/25/7774/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/007.jpg007.JPGTaking time to smell the flowers, without getting stung by the bee of course, always makes me happy. 2015-07-27T15:27:17+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/07/24/20-minute-cliff/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/pepper-in-the-lead.jpgpepper in the leadAlong with sight-seeing and pondering as we drove the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pepper (who joined me after Maggie died for the last eight months of my full-time RV travels) and I did a a lot of exploring of the parkway's many trails. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/025.jpg025A sign to ponder. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/0241.jpg024A sign to pondee2015-07-24T21:32:49+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/07/19/once-upon-a-time/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/pond.jpgpondA quiet pone reflecting the world above and around. May I never be engrossed with a cell phone when I pass it by. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/leaves.jpgleavesWhen not looking at my cell phone, I see the amazing details of Mother Nature's wonders all around me. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-07-20T23:39:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/07/18/arivaca-cienega/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/024.jpg024I didn't have to search hard to find this abode of Mother Nature. This sign set right beside the road just east of Arivaca. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/red-tailed.jpgred-tailedNot the best picture, but in person it was magnificent. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/life-and-death.jpglife and deathThese two trees captured my attention along the Arivaca Cienega Trail because they so accurately represent the circle of life. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-07-18T19:22:49+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/07/07/falling-down/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/come-on-lets-go-maggie.jpgCome on, let's go. MaggieA blast from the past: Me and Maggie hiking Mount Ogden's foothills. -- Photo by Pat Bean. 2015-08-11T02:07:58+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/06/24/thoughts-about-writing/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/white-winged-dove.jpgwhite-winged doveAnd right beneath the woodpecker, in the same tree, was a white-winged dove. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/gila-woodpecker.jpggila woodpeckerIt's hot in Tucson right now, so I have been doing more inside reading than outside birdwatching, which I love to do as much as I love writing. But I saw this gila woodpecker on a recent early morning walk with Pepper. -- photo by Pat Bean 2015-06-25T03:20:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/06/22/great-horned-owls/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/026.jpg026The third owl mostly watched me, but this was the only usable photo I was able to take in the late evening light. The others were too blurry to redeem. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/024.jpg024Two of the three great horned owl juveniles now making themselves at home in my apartment complex that sits in the shadow of the Catalina Mountains -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-07-24T16:16:40+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/06/15/the-passing-years/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/jan-morris.jpgJan MorrisJan Morris, who is now 88 to my 76. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/from-the-top-of-the-hancock-building.pngFrom the top of the Hancock BuildingChicago, from the top of the Hancock Building. Jan Morris wrote about the city, as have I. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-06-16T02:09:07+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/06/14/america-the-beautiful/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/taggart-lake.jpgTaggart LakeTaggart Lake in Teton National Park, which wasn't on the magazine's list. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/thermal-pool-along-trail-to-morning-glory.jpgThermal pool along trail to Morning GloryA thermal pool on the Morning Glory Trail in Yellowstone, which was on Budget Magazine's list of most beautiful sites. 2015-06-15T10:35:46+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/06/01/names/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/denali_mt_mckinley1.jpgDenali_Mt_McKinleyAnd this mountain, the tallest in North America, has two names: Denali and Mount McKinley.-- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/384.jpg384I'm thankful for dandelions and butterflies. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-06-01T20:53:14+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/05/29/louisiana-heron-at-twilight/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/019.jpg019A tri-colored heron, once known as a Louisiana heron, spotted on the Blue Water Highway between Surfside and Galveston, Texas. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/evening-fishing-2.jpgEvening fishing 2A magical moment at W.F. Jackson Park in Alabama -- at crepuscular. 2015-05-31T21:23:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/05/26/the-rivers-of-my-life/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/down-river.jpgdown riverThe Snake River below Jackson, Wyoming. Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/zion-river-walk-2.jpgZion, River Walk 2The Virgin River in Zion National Park. I remember when this river tore out the Zion Canyon Road after a heavy rain. The time is fondly remembered as the camping trip from hell. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/050.jpg050.JPGLooking down at the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.-- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-05-31T15:10:26+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/05/18/change-your-seat/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/0051.jpg005A winter view of the Catalinas from the east side of my patio table. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/rainbow.jpgrainbowThe view from the west side of my patio table after a rain storm. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-05-21T12:59:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/05/15/the-unexpected/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1967.jpgIMG_1967While I wasn't really surprised to see the javelinas, coming around the corner and seeing this cormorant and its reflection in a pond was a bit surprising. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_1948.jpgIMG_1948While I didn't get a photograph of the two javelina visitors this morning. I did get photos of some when I visited Bentsen State Park in Texas a few years ago. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-05-16T14:31:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/05/09/a-butterfly/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/morning-coffee.jpgmorning coffeeMorning cream-laced coffee, with my journal and a book. The perfect start to any day. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/002.jpg002Birdhouse and butterfly atop my bookcase. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-05-09T16:44:17+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/05/01/the-desert-in-bloom/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/palo-verde.jpgpalo verdePalo verdes, the state tree of Arizona, heavily dot the Catalina Foothills where I live. I love the color. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/vincent_van_gogh_1853-1890_-_wheat_field_with_crows_1890-630x294.jpgVincent_van_Gogh_1853-1890_-_Wheat_Field_with_Crows_1890-630x294Vincent van Gogh liked the color yellow, too. 2015-05-04T14:36:02+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/04/25/reflections/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/kim.jpgKimMy friend Kim near the start of the hike. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/009.jpg009A good-sized lizard near the start of he hike. I barely captured him with my camera before he slithered away. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/026.jpg026The trail led beside and beneath the waterfalls. I do so love Zion. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/reflections.jpgreflectionsRunoff from the Emerald Pools' waterfalls created this small puddle of water, which reflected the nearby landscape. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-04-29T18:42:56+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/04/16/so-what-im-a-procrastinator/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/doodling.jpgdoodlingDoodling with watercolor. -- By Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/hey-you.jpghey youHey you Procrastinator? -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-05-01T19:12:31+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/04/13/birding-field-trip-wow-arizona/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/023.jpg023Peeking through the cactus at one of the many hummingbird feeders on Chris and Maryellen's property. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/014.jpg014I discovered this little fellow while I was looking for the rufous-winged sparrow. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/0021.jpg002Cooper's hawk at WOW Arizona. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-04-27T14:53:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/04/06/insights-that-tickle-the-little-gray-cells/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/002.jpg002Last night's sunset as seen from my balcony. Sometimes the thoughts that pop into my thoughts are as explosive as this. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-04-08T08:57:52+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/04/05/easter-morning-thoughts/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/001.jpg001Mother became a Dr. Pepper woman in her later years. She had a beer at 10, 2 and 4 o'clock. This picture was taken a couple of years before she died when I took her on a family camping trip to Zion National Park. She sat around the campfire with us, but then I took her to a nearby motel to spend the night in comfort. I love you, Mom. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-04-06T02:17:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/04/04/six-word-story/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_1348.jpgIMG_1348And before you know it, the world is filled with light once again. -- photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_1349.jpgIMG_1349There's something about the dawn of a new day that gives my glasses a rose-colored hue. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-04-05T12:42:57+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/03/30/a-disjointed-journey/2015-03-31T01:09:31+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/03/25/belly-laughing/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/003.jpg003I was stopped at a red light and despite a fit of laughter, I managed to snap a photo of this bumper sticker through my front windshield. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-03-31T01:16:10+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/03/19/a-dead-mouse-in-the-house/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/001.jpg001My daughter's West Tucson backyard is full of cactus, but this sketch of saguaros was made from a view of the Catalina Mountains closer to my East Tucson nest. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/color.jpgcolorJust playing around with color. -- By Pat Bean 2015-03-26T13:17:46+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/03/13/blue-yellow-red/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/anduluz-hotel.jpgAnduluz HotelAnd visited Ecuador, where I (I don't know where she stayed) stayed at this hotel in Guayaquil. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/santa-cruz-island-tortoise.jpgSanta Cruz island tortoiseAnother thing that travel writer Catherine Watson share is that we've both visited the Galapagos and were fascinated by the wildlife, like this tortoise I watched on Santa Cruz Island. == Photo by Pat Bean 2015-03-14T01:32:54+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/03/09/seven-wonders/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/021.jpg021Of course you don't always have to look hard to find beauty. This butterfly shouts its magnificence. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/002.jpg002This was the view below my bedroom balcony this morning. I love the way the plant's red leaves look like flowers and the shadows cast on the wall and am so glad that I still have zest for such beauty that can only be seen if one looks. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/yellow.jpgyellowYesterday's art. Painting, without fear of being perfect, is one of the things that gives me life its zest. 2015-03-11T01:26:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/03/08/excuses/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/bird.jpgbirdI'm rereading all my journals these days -- most for the first time. What fun. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/page-from-my-journal.jpgPage from my journalPages from my past ... which have nothing to do with this blog But that's not an excuse. 2015-03-13T02:39:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/03/04/road-trip-whitewater-draw/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/teal.jpgtealI watched this awesome cinnamon teal groom itself for a good 10 minutes. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/teal-2.jpgteal 2I watched this awesome cinnamon teal groom itself for a good 10 minutes. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/lines.jpgLinesThe line of sandhills stretched almost out of sight. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/whitewater-draw.jpgwhitewater drawIt was a peaceful walk through the wetlands area with a cool breeze blowing through my hair. I loved every second of my time spent at the National Recreational Area. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/sandhills.jpgSandhillsThis is just a fraction of the sandhills that were whirring through the air before landing, and joining hundreds that were already on the shore. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-03-05T00:13:26+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/02/21/tusker-beer/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/45-sunset-at-pornini-2.jpg45. Sunset at Pornini 2The sundowner sunset. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/46-kim-and-i-with-tuskers-beer-at-first-sundowner-after-a-long-days-drive-from-tanzania-to-kenya.jpg46. Kim and I with Tuskers Beer at first sundowner after a long day's drive from Tanzania to KenyaI'm thankful for good friends. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/47-our-tent-at-pornini.jpg47. Our tent at PorniniOur tent in Pornini Camp in Kenya. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-02-26T00:35:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/02/20/7611/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/003.jpg003A more fiery Texas sunrise. (I didn't have my camera with me to photograph this morning's sunrise here in southwest Tucson.) -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/024.jpg024Sunrise at my apartment in northeast Tucson. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-02-20T17:37:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/02/17/quips-quotes-and-commentary/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/035.jpg035 “Hope is the thing with white feathers that perches in the soul.” -- Emily Dickinson -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-02-18T19:00:30+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/02/16/me-and-mrs-polifax/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/bird-in-tree.jpgbird in tree... and beneath a tree in which a bird perched and sang. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/scarborough-marsh-maine.jpgScarborough Marsh, MaineIn searching for my place in life, I found myself most happy when I was in places where Mother Nature ruled, like this marsh in Maine. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-02-18T15:38:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/02/14/happy-valentines-day/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/keri-and-kaiden.jpgKeri and KaidenKeri and Kaiden, granddaughter and grandson, and just two of the many loves in my life. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/pepper-2.jpgpepper 2It was love at first sight when Pepper and I met at a Dallas area rescue shelter. -- Photo by Pat Bean2015-02-16T16:57:05+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/02/10/sixty-pounds-for-10/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/jalapeno.jpgjalapenoLife is like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today might burn you tomorrow. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/green-beans.jpgGreen beans Laughter is the valve on the pressure cooker of life. Either you laugh and suffer, or you got your beans or brains on the ceiling. – Wikipedia photo 2015-02-11T15:04:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/02/09/reading-habits/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sky-1.jpgSky 1Another of my watercolor sky exercises. -- Art by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sky-2.jpgsky 2I'm currently reading, "We Wanted to be Writers: Life, Love, and Literature at the Iowa Writers' Workshop," -- and loving it. I was fascinated by how many writers also wanted to be artists but chose writing -- which sort of fits me, too. This quick watercolor was part of a sky exercise I did a few years ago. 2015-02-11T15:14:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/02/02/watching-the-world-go-by/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/midpoint.jpgMidpointI had lunch in a diner on Route 66, just across from this sign, which stands along of the bits and pieces of the old Mother Road that still exists. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/the-rocks-2.jpgthe rocks 2If you traveled Route 66, before it was replaced by Interstate 40, you might have seen these rock faces along side the road. The rocks are in Arizona's Painted Desert, which old Route 66 passed through. Interstate 40 bypasses the scenic landscape. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-02-05T18:10:56+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/01/27/peaches-tennis-balls-and-ralph-waldo-emerson/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/peaches.jpgPeachesMe and Peaches on one of many hikes. She loved hiking as much as she loved tennis balls. -- Photo by Kim Perrin https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/snake-river.jpgSnake River“Then I beheld the river … journeying out of the grey past into the green future.” -- Ralph Waldo Emerson2015-02-02T00:32:40+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/01/25/two-travel-books/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cat-in-the-flowers.jpgCat in the flowersI had this scrap of good art paper, 6X11 inches, and decided to do a quick watercolor of some flowers from a photo I posted a week or so ago. I added the cat as s surprise.https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/runoff.jpgRunoffRecent art: Just as writers see through different eyes, so do artists. I call this recent pieces, with it wrong-way leaning trees, Runoff. The scene reminds me of the mountain backdrop in my former Ogden, Utah, home. 2015-01-26T16:32:07+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/01/21/words-for-the-wise/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/arkansas-sunrise.jpgArkansas sunriseThere is no better way to start a day than by watching the sun rise up over the horizon. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-01-22T16:57:21+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/01/15/a-simple-question/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/001.jpg001Playing around with art is one way I get a sense of achievement even when I feel what I have created is not very good. And that happens quite often. 2015-01-22T17:15:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/01/14/reading-habits-of-a-book-addict/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/150.jpg150... and lizards are addicted to rocks. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/065.jpg065I'm addicted to books like butterflies are addicted to flowers ... -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-01-15T15:22:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/01/12/road-trip-alamogordo-to-tucson/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/0021.jpg002But I did stop long enough in Texas Canyon, 50 miles east of Tucson, to snap a few pictures of the area's rocky landscape. == Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/1024px-dunes_as_white_sands_nm.jpg1024px-Dunes_as_White_Sands_NMI just got a glimpse of these white sand dunes as I passed by them just outside of Alamogordo, New Mexico. -- Wikimedia photo 2015-01-23T03:18:02+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/01/10/7553/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_2426.jpgIMG_2426Another snowy, foggy day, although this photo was taken while driving over Galena Pass in Idaho. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/camping-among-the-cactus-at-pancho-villa-state-park.jpgCamping among the cactus at Pancho Villa State Park.JPGI went from fog and clouds to clear sky from one side of the mountain to another. The silver lining was actually waiting for me to arrive. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-01-12T19:23:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/01/09/road-trip-lubbock-to-lovington/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/014.jpg014and past oil rigs this Texas day. The lowest price I paid for gas on the trip, just fyi, was $1.84 a gallon. I never thought I would see gas so low ever again. It was up to $4 a gallon when I quit traveling full time. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/013.jpg013The tumbleweeds blew across cotton fields... -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-01-10T16:54:35+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/01/06/on-the-road-in-texas/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_1797.jpgIMG_1797Me and Junior, my first grandchild, five years ago.https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/10430441_10205301585197202_921014670345199768_n.jpg10430441_10205301585197202_921014670345199768_nJunior this Christmas2015-01-09T19:18:33+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/01/05/albert-einstein-wisdom/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/beans-pat-3.jpgbean's pat 3Blog pick of the day. Check it out. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_1837.jpgIMG_1837It's a road day for me. Pepper and I will be leaving Dallas soon for Lubbock, and a visit with my granddaughter and great-grandson. Y'all have a good day. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-01-05T15:04:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/01/04/the-chaos-of-life/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/black-eyed-susans-ogden-river-parkway-8-08.jpgBlack-eyed Susans, Ogden River Parkway 8-08Today I'm more content to simply smell the flowers along the way. But I do want to smell all of them. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/flowers-queen-wilhelmina-state-park-ark1.jpgFlowers, Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Ark.Today I'm more content to simply smell the flowers along the way. But I do want to smell all of them. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/its-a-hole.jpgIt's a holeShortly after the daily crisis in my life went away, I took up white-water rafting. I have to admit I loved the challenge of conquering the rapids. I now wonder if this was a way of creating an artificial crisis? 2015-01-08T22:20:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/01/03/sense-of-place/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_0088.jpgIMG_0088Sam Houston played a prominent roll in early Texas history, and so like most things in Texas, here he is -- larger than life. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_0014.jpgIMG_0014One of the highlights of my trip to Brazoria County on the Texas Gulf Coast, where I lived for 15 years, is an opportunity to go birding with my son, Lewis. He is as avid a birder as I am. We always see great egrets on our outings. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-01-15T17:59:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/01/02/soul-searching/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/002.jpg002The Present: The view looking out over Tucson from my third-floor apartment. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/chincoteague.jpgChincoteagueA scene from my past: This pier is located on Chincoteague Island in Virginia, and I sat on it in 2006 and watched birds. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-01-03T18:50:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2015/01/01/new-years-resolutions/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/desert-phlox-zion-4-07.jpgDesert Phlox, Zion, 4-07May you keep your eyes open, and be appreciative to the little things like desert phlox, that help make this planet so beautiful. That's my resolution for my readers in 2015. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/arch.jpgarchMay you keep your eyes open, and be appreciative to the little things like desert phlox, that help make this planet so beautiful. That's my resolution for my readers in 2015. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_3755.jpgIMG_3755"May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds." -- Edward Abbey -- Photo by Pat Bean 2015-01-02T14:56:59+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/12/10/mistakes-deadly-or-merely-embarrassing/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/70-i-see-you.jpg70. I see youIf a lion focused on you, such a mistake could e deadly. Thankfully, typos are only embarrassing. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/45-sunset-at-pornini.jpg45. Sunset at PorniniIt could be a mistake wandering around beneath this flamboyant sunset in Kenya's Serengeti National Park. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-12-12T16:33:43+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/12/08/lunch-in-smiley-creek-idaho/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/lodge-looking-from-cabin.jpglodge-looking-from-cabinLooking toward the Sawtooths from the lodge on a sunny day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/914debf5eba03ab3bbd393bc4b59a011.jpg914debf5eba03ab3bbd393bc4b59a011The Smiley Creek Lodge on a snowy winter day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/planes_at_smiley2.jpgplanes_at_Smiley2The Smiley Creek airport with the scenic Sawtooth Mountains in the background. 2014-12-10T17:34:41+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/11/29/tucson-point-of-interest-tumacacori/2014-11-30T01:29:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/11/26/happy-thanksgiving-all/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ge3.jpgge3https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cloud-sulphur-trishs-garden-10-10.jpgCloud sulphur, Trish's garden, 10-10I'm thankful for butterflies and flowers. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/purple-mountain.jpgpurple mountainhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/081.jpg081I'm thankful for hiking trails that lead me into the midst of Mother Nature's wonders. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/0092.jpg009The Catalina Mountains from my bedroom balcony. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/0192.jpg0192Tucson sunset from my front balcony. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/savannah-kay.jpgsavannah kayMy new great-granddaughter, Savannah Kay. 2014-11-29T16:36:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/11/19/ramsey-canyon/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/tree-trunk.jpgtree trunkhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/redstart-painted-ramsey-canyon.jpgRedstart, painted, Ramsey CanyonPainted redstart. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/044.jpg044My son Lewis near the start of the trail. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/fall-leaves.jpgfall leavesAutumn in Ramsey Canyon. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/waterfall.jpgwaterfallMiniature waterfalls were around every bend. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-11-20T00:48:52+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/11/15/tombstone/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/0091.jpg009While my Lewis' wife has a thing about Wyatt Earp, my other daughter-in-law and I share a fondness for John Wayne, especially his performance in Hatari. It's one of our favorite movies. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/008.jpg008I'm not sure what the Texas longhorn was doing in Arizona, either. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/020.jpg020My son taking a picture of a spoon player, who takes advantage of the Tombstone crowd to earn a few bucks. Lewis texted the photo to his wife, who replied: "I thought you were in Tombstone and not New Orleans. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/002.jpg002My son, Lewis, in Boot Hill -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/012.jpg012Downtown Tombstone -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-11-17T00:21:26+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/11/05/the-color-blue/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pelvis-with-the-distance-1943-georgia-okeeffe.jpgpelvis-with-the-distance-1943-Georgia-OKeeffePelvis and blue sky by Georgia O'Keeffehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/001.jpg001Blue morning glories. -- Art by Pat Bean 2014-11-09T15:37:14+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/11/03/pampering-myself/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/couch-potatoes.jpgcouch potatoesTwo couch potatoes. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pancakes.jpgPancakesPancakes with sour cream and strawberries for a cool morning breakfast, topped off of course with a cup of dark, cream-laced coffee. -- Photo by Pat Bean2014-11-04T11:28:43+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/11/02/sunday-art/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/005.jpg005This singer is a common yellowthroat that I usually come across in marshy areas near water, which hums its own melodies as it swishes against a bank or over rocks. -- Art by Pat Bean2014-11-02T16:19:47+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/11/01/something-tantalizing-in-the-grass/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/009.jpg009And Dusty didn't smell any better. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/033.jpg033If only she smelled as good as she looked. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-11-01T19:42:18+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/10/30/thursday-art/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/0061.jpg006Capturing a moment in time. -- By Pat Bean 2014-10-31T21:05:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/10/29/mornings/2014-11-01T10:45:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/10/27/a-splash-from-the-past/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/snakeriver2007_eagle4.jpgSnakeRiver2007_Eagle4An eagle on shore spotted during one of my annual floats down the Snake River below Jackson Wyoming. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/006.jpg006Who knows what is going to pop up when you're going through artifacts of your life? == Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/snakeriver2007_rafting-2.jpgSnakeRiver2007_Rafting 2I was 43 years old when I experienced my first white water adventure. Within the next week, I had bought my own raft, and for the next 20 years running rapids was my passion. The river taught me much about myself. 2014-10-28T16:15:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/10/24/art-and-words/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/barn.jpgbarnQuick sketch of a barn https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/fishes.jpgfishesI wish I hadn't made some of the coral so dark. 2014-10-26T14:44:04+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/10/22/theodore-roosevelt-lake/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/060.jpg060The western sky about 10 minutes before it burst into color. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/088.jpg088Roosevelt Lake Bridge is the longest two-lane, single span, steel arch bridge in North America. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/074.jpg074We watched what looked like was going to be a dud of a sunset. Even when the sun slipped below the horizon, the sky barely glowed yellow. And then suddenly, as if someone finally remembered to turn on the painted gels, the sunset sky exceeded even our expectations. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-10-23T22:32:02+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/10/18/road-trip/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/012.jpg012My three traveling companions. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/079.jpg079Gypsy Lee at sunrise at Cholla Campground in the Tonto Basin about 35 miles north of Globe, Arizona. 2014-10-18T16:41:52+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/10/13/monday-art/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/0021.jpg002Monday art by Pat Bean 2014-10-18T04:08:22+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/10/12/rattlesnake-bridge/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/005.jpg005The snake's head, which we entered to retrace out steps back to the tail. == Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/0031.jpg003Pepper staring down at the traffic passing below as we travel through the snake's belly. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/0011.jpg001First came the tail. Is that like walking up the down staircase? -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-10-14T02:34:52+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/10/10/fresh-eyes/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/001-3.jpg001 (3)Sunlight streams into my apartment on only a few winter days. But each day it flows in, the patterns are slightly different in the view I have from my kitchen. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/002.jpg002Some days I look out from my bedroom window and see a Cooper's hawk or a great horned owl sitting on a branch in a nearby tree. Or I look down and see a black cat peering up at me from an apartment across the way. Each viewing in a first for the moment. 2014-10-12T16:39:17+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/10/09/on-being-a-non-wandering-wanderer/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/virginia-creeper.jpgvirginia creeperVirginia creeper alongside the parkway. I do so love the color red -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/015.jpg015Even gray days are colorful on a fall day traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Appalachian Mountains. -- Photo b Pat Bean 2014-10-10T14:47:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/10/06/one-who-believed-in-me/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/sister-bright.pngsister brightI think Sister Bright would be pleased to think that her book is now selling for $75 -- or more -- even if it's because the book is rare. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/snowbasin1.jpgsnowbasinSnowbasin, where the 2002 Winter Olympics downhill events were held, during a fall drive up Ogden Canyon in Northern Utah. In one of those the-world-is-small coincidences, Sister Bright ended up living for a while with her daughter in Roy, Utah, just 15 minutes from my Ogden, Utah, home. Occasionally I would pick her up and we would take a scenic drive up the canyon. She was frail by this time, and the outings cheered her up. It was my turn to pass it on. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/003.jpg003Yesterday's Art: I think the reason I'm always sticking butterflies in my paintings is because I see them as an image of transformation -- and connect. -- Art by Pat Bean 2014-10-08T16:35:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/10/01/an-inappropriate-latin-phrase/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/001.jpg001Today's art, from back when I felt I had to sign my paintings boldly. 2014-10-09T15:42:01+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/09/29/7382/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/41.jpg4The rooster walks with intent, wearing indifference as his charm. -- Illustration by Pat Bean 2014-09-30T19:05:08+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/09/26/chigger/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/chigger.jpgChiggerChigger2014-09-29T15:27:52+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/09/25/not-much-to-say/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/sky-and-water.jpgsky and waterSky and water study from the past. It's interesting to compare my art. I think my current work needs more freedom from my earlier work when I really didn't know what I was doing. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/trees-and-pond.jpgtrees and pondYesterday's art 2014-09-26T18:44:38+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/09/21/few-things-last-forever/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/020.jpg020Pepper taking a break on the picnic table after a hard run around the dog park. She got groomed later this day. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/023.jpg023Yesterday's art and the first piece in a new journal that I have promised myself I'm going to add a daily quick sketch. 2014-09-22T22:38:25+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/09/19/rain-makes-for-lazy-days/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/poppies.jpgpoppiesFlowers pop out everywhere in the desert after a rain, and I tried to capture the transformation in this quick watercolor. -- Art by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/rainbow1.jpgrainbowI've seen rainbows almost every day for the past week. I'm glad I took time to enjoy them. This one was seen from my bedroom balcony. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-09-23T21:23:37+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/09/12/weedy-thoughts/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dandelion-seeds.jpgdandelion seedsAnd I marvel at the miracle of rebirth that occurs wen the golden orb has turned to snowy seeds. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dandelion.jpgdandelionI think a dandelion blooming on a manicured lawn is perfect. -- Photo by Pat Bean2014-09-14T15:28:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/09/09/a-rainy-day-in-tucson/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/rainbow.jpgrainbowI titled this one "After the Storm." https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/storm.jpgstormI was doing sky exercises with my watercolors, and came up with this one for a stormy day. 2014-09-10T15:18:32+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/09/05/ugly-furniture/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/015.jpg015Everything is light and bright, with lots of red, in the nest I've created for myself since giving up the RV life. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/me-and-deborah.jpgMe and DeborahI love this photo of my and my daughter, Deborah, taken when she was only five days old -- but not the chair I'm sitting in. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/berries-of-some-kind-12-07.jpgBerries of some kind 12-'07Be it a string of berries or a colorful sunrise, Mother Nature always has beauty to share. -- Photo by Pat Bean. 2014-09-06T03:50:42+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/09/02/labor-day-weekend/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/10520759_4611165333363_7914231616973435358_n.jpg10520759_4611165333363_7914231616973435358_nThis is Bobo. He misses his family most of all the animals. He usually finds a place near me and just mopes. He's old, too. Zip is my daughter's youngest dog, and he keeps Pepper exercised. He and she usually run around the horse arena while I'm feeding and watering the horses. My daughter's husband is his favorite pet. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/1237018_3565430390643_517285100_n.jpg1237018_3565430390643_517285100_nThis is Tara. She's long past the average age of a great Dane, but still, despite her growing infirmities, is full of joy. Age, however, has shortened her bladder control. So it was that three or four times a night I would feel her cold nose on my sleeping face, requesting that I get her up and let her outside. Of course I did. She often would also stand in front of me to lt me know that she wanted the blanked on her bed straightened. And iif I didn't immediately comply, she would lay her head on my lap and drool all over me. It's a good think I love her. 2014-09-26T09:28:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/08/27/no-cant-and-have-tp/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/on-the-water.jpgOn the WaterTelling me I can't do something is almost like telling Niagara Falls to stop flowing. Are you a bit like that, too. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/maid-of-the-mist-in-the-eye-of-the-storm-8-06.jpgMaid of the mist... In the eye of the storm 8-06Tell me I can't do something is almost like telling Niagara Falls to stop flowing. == Photo by Pat Bean 2014-08-27T18:02:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/08/23/art-and-thoughts/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/flowers.jpgflowersNot exactly how I wanted this to come out, but I'm committed to finishing every painting I start, even if it goes in the garbage can afterwards. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/0041.jpg004These hens remind me of the ones that ran around my grandmother's backyard, and eventually ended up on the Sunday dinner table. 2014-08-26T19:26:21+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/08/20/wild-america-and-return-to-wild-america/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/046.jpg046If I had to name one bird that I saw everywhere there was a wetlands area during my own journeys around North America, it would be the great blue heron. While I never saw more than one or two at a time, they did seem to be everywhere there was water. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/027.jpg027.JPGSome of my favorite parts of Wild America was reading James Fisher's comments about America's many wonders, including his awe at his first sight of the Grand Canyon. Actually, I'm awed every time I stand on its rim. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-08-24T00:09:02+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/08/19/a-lesson-learned/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/thvs2b3sdb.jpgthVS2B3SDBThese berries from a chinaberry tree were often the ammunition for neighborhood kid skirmishes when the fireflies came out at night. I would hide behind something and throw out a handful when an unsuspecting victim passed by, usually the pesky boy next door, . https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/white-breasted_nuthatch.jpgWhite-Breated Nuthatch, Cabin Lake Viewing Blinds, Near Fort Rock, OregonI wonder what nuthatches think about hen they are watching people? Don't you. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/800px-white-breasted_nuthatch.jpg800px-White-Breasted_NuthatchA white=breasted nuthatch defying gravity. -- Wikimedia photo 2014-08-19T16:48:47+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/08/15/travel-dvice/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/55-lets-go-at-the-amboselli-airport.jpg55. Let's go, at the Amboselli AirportMy itchy feet took me to Africa, where I pretended I was John Wayne in Hatari at the Amboseli National Park Airport in Kenya. -- Photo by Kim Perrin https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/quintana-jetty.jpgquintana jettyThe horizon is always calling to me, whether it lies beyond the ocean or just past a Texas cotton field. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-08-16T15:53:05+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/08/14/i-love-storms/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2014-05-21-00-27-52.jpg2014-05-21 00.27.52The aftermath of the storm here at my apartment was a huge fallen branch from a tree that appeared to have been struck by lightning. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/a-storm-shipwreck-large.jpgA-Storm-(Shipwreck)-large"A Storm -- Shipwreck" by Joseph Mallord William Turner. Turner's many storm paintings, like this one, capture both the fury of Mother Nature and her amazing light. He's one of my favorite artists. 2014-08-16T15:11:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/08/12/sh-ee-it-happens/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/002.jpg002Cayenne's air conditioner isn't working. Sh-ee-it! -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/004.jpg004Desert morning. -- Photo by Pat Bean2014-08-13T19:40:49+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/08/08/inspiration/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/023.jpg023Or how about this boardwalk trail outside of Galveston. It, too, would make for a good idea walk. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/point-pelee-national-park-canada-what-a-nice-walk.jpgPoint Pelee National Park, Canada What a Nice WalkThere's noting better than a nice walk through a scenic landscape, such as this boardwalk loop at Point Pelee National Park in Canada. Some of my best ideas come to me on such walks. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-08-09T17:50:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/08/03/instant-friendship/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1464.jpgIMG_1464And the bond for these friendships was a wild and crazy two years in Twin Falls, Idaho. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/img_1973-copy.jpgIMG_1973 - CopyThe bond that cements these friendships is that we're all writers. 2014-08-05T17:35:23+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/08/01/is-it-a-journal-or-a-blog/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/scarborough-marsh-2.jpgScarborough Marsh 2Mother Nature's wonders, I believe, are meant to be shared with the world. So I guess that means they belong in a blog and not a private journal. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/071.jpg071Should I write about the butterflies I saw at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix for my blog or my journal? Does it matter. Does anyone care? -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-08-02T15:24:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/07/29/so-many-questions/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/antelope-canyon.jpgantelope-canyonIs Antelope Canyon in Arizona a slot canyon, a wash. an arroyo, or a gulch or all of the above. See. Some questions aren't easy to answer. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/058.jpg058What bird is this. Thankfully, a question I can answer. It's a black-crowned night heron. -- Photo by Pat Bean2014-07-31T15:53:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/07/28/great-quote-not/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/004-3-2.jpg004 (3) 2Pepper curls up into a ball, eyes drooping, giving every indication that she feels sorry for herself when she knows she's being left behind. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/wassamki-springs-maine-view-from-my-rv-2.jpgWassamki Springs, Maine. View from my RV 2I suspect even a big old moose could feel sorry for itself if another male won its girl from him. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-07-29T19:12:37+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/07/26/x-marks-the-spot/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/wassily.jpgwassilyA painting my Wassily Kandinsky, an artist whose work I love. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/004.jpg004The large X Marks the Spot painting that hangs in my living room that was a gift to me from my artist friend Richard Sheppard. 2014-07-27T15:29:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/07/25/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/cat-monopoly-2.jpgcat-monopoly-2I don't think so. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/10347230_10204339589598673_3030605677392147150_n.jpg10347230_10204339589598673_3030605677392147150_nI just realized this morning that Pepper sort of looks like the dog token in Monopoly, which was always my favorite game piece. 2014-07-30T02:53:18+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/07/24/why-keep-on-keeping-on/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_2780.jpgIMG_2780It feels good to have weathered that storm, and to once again be on the path I chose for myself. While I've thought about other paths, they aren't the ones that sustain me. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/008.jpg008.JPGI feel like the past nine days have been like a storm on the horizon keeping me holed up inside of myself. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-07-25T15:29:42+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/07/15/not-writing/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/pepper-and-i-on-a-hike-2.jpgPepper and I on a hike 2And when I take that walk with Pepper, I'm a lucky old broad indeed. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/morning-sun.jpgmorning sunNothing helps my writing better than a morning in which I take a walk in time to see the sun come up. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-07-16T13:18:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/07/04/happy-birthday-america/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/0011.jpg001Celebrating America -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/001.jpg001There's not much more American than Route 66. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-07-05T00:14:26+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/07/01/never-mind-the-alarm-clock/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/saw-whet-owl.jpgsaw-whet owlWhile I may sketch an owl now and then, I'm no night owl. Just call me an early bird. -- Illustration by Pat Bean 2014-07-04T14:39:52+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/06/28/early-morning-thoughts/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/grizzly-giant-450w.jpggrizzly-giant-450wThe Grizzly Giant -- National Park Service photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/078.jpg078Yosemite waterfall. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-07-25T21:02:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/06/23/the-right-attitude/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/025.jpg025.JPGThankfully, these days I can get just as much of an adrenalin high from simply watching birds and butterflies. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/013.jpg013Perhaps I also like to watch Survivor and American Ninja Warrior because I'm a bit of an adrenalin junkie who can imagine herself as one of the participants. Which is why it was such a thrill for me to go for a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti. 2014-07-04T14:46:01+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/06/19/sara-and-nevada/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/0021.jpg002Sara Peretsky's Chicago. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/half-dome.jpghalf domeYosemite's Half Dome, which Nevada Barr wrote about in "High Country." -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-06-19T23:13:42+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/06/15/my-grandfathers-book-cabinet/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/call-of-the-wild.jpgcall of the wildJack London's books encourage my love of animals; and it was a big thrill when I got to see his Yukon cabin. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/treasure_island-scribners-1911.jpgTreasure_Island-Scribner's-1911If I remember right, Treasure Island was the first book I read from my grandfather's book cabinet. 2014-06-15T17:16:49+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/06/12/writing-for-writers/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/anne-lamott-2013-san-francisco.jpgAnne-Lamott-2013-San-Franciscohttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/62-lillac-breasted-roller.jpg62. Lillac-breasted rollerI learned to identify birds, like this lilac-breasted roller, one bird at a time, which is the same approach Anne Lamott suggests we use for writing. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-06-13T02:18:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/06/10/know-when-coffee-tastes-different/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/002.jpg002A selfie showing my bandaged face after a basal cell carcinoma was removed. I drank my coffee this morning through a straw. The big bandage, thankfully, comes off tomorrow and then there is just the tape over the stitches.-- Selfie by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/02-arusha-coffee-house-lodge.jpg02. Arusha Coffee House LodgeThis is a coffee plantation in Arusha, Tanzanika, where I spent a night in 2007. The guest houses were scattered among the coffee plants. The experience turned me on to African coffee. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-06-11T17:17:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/06/06/whats-your-hurry/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/taggart-creek-2.jpgTaggart Creek 2Find a stream and sit be it. Listen to the birds, glance at the sky, become one with yourself. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-06-08T16:24:40+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/06/08/sassy-squirrels/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/squirrel.jpgSquirrelWhen I hear a squirrel chattering away in a tree, my first thought is what bird is that. But then the little gray cells chime in, informing me that it's a sassy squirrel. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-06-09T12:39:37+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/06/05/millard-fillmores-bathtub/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/19th-century-bathtub.jpg19th century bathtubBut I don't think I would have missed this early version of the bathtub. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/800px-clawfoot_bathtub.jpg800px-Clawfoot_bathtubI don't care who invented it, but of all the bathtubs out there the best is the claw-footed, whose shape invites one to soak and read at the same time. I can't tell you how many books I've read over the years that ended up waterlogged. A bathtub was the only thing I truly missed in my nine years of living on the road in Gypsy Lee. -- Wikimedia photo 2014-06-09T20:16:41+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/06/02/weve-come-a-long-way-baby/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/harper_lee_medal.jpgHarper_Lee_MedalNelle Harper Lee is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, November 5, 2007 -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/cat-in-stack.pngcat in stackI find it deliciously intriguing that Miranda James is a male author posing as a female author. 2014-06-02T20:58:20+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/05/31/red-winged-blackbird/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/blackbird-red-winged-female.jpgBlackbird, red-winged, femaleFemale red-winged blackbird. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/red-winged-blackbird.jpgRed-winged blackbirdRed-winged blackbird sketch I made after seeing this bird during an Antelope Island outing. -- Illustration by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/redwinged.jpgred=winged2014-06-02T20:14:59+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/05/30/memories-of-maya/2014-05-30T19:23:03+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/05/27/travels-with-maggie-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_3587.jpgIMG_3587Gypsy Lee, Me and Maggie's home for eight years. Pepper was my companion for the final year of my living on the road life style. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/kimshousemaggiejune2007.jpgKimsHouseMaggieJune2007Maggie, sadly, has left this world. I couldn't, however, have had a better companion to explore this country with than this spoiled brat -- and I say that lovingly, and all who knew her would agree with the description. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-05-28T11:00:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/05/26/a-seedy-question/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/002.jpg002But do you know what these seeds and spices are? I think I've correctly guessed all but the top right. The two white ones are just special salts. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/800px-california-poppies.jpg800px-California-poppiesI bet you can easily guess what kind of seeds come from this California poppy. -- Wikimedia photo 2014-05-26T19:33:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/05/23/geography-questions/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/020.jpg020The Vermillion Cliffs in Northern Arizona is part of the Mongollon Rim. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/the-drive-up-the-canyon.jpgThe drive up the canyonOak Creek Canyon, which follows the Mongollom Rim between Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizonia. -- Photo by Pat Bean2014-05-24T02:43:32+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/05/22/pepper-and-dusty/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/wrestling-match.jpgWrestling MatchThey like to wrestle, too.-- photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/tug-of-war.jpgTug of warA friendly game of tug of war between Dusty, left, and Pepper. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-05-22T15:20:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/05/20/characters/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/mollyivins.pngMollyIvinsOne of my favorite characters was Molly Ivins Now that's whom I would like to grow up to be. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/maxine.jpgmaxineI love Maxine's character. Don't you?https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/uncle-george-and-grandma-joseph.jpgUncle George and Grandma JosephMy mother riding on the back of my brother's motorcycle when she was in her 70s. She was a real character, worthy of being a role mode for my fictional characters. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/new-boyfriend-rainbow-cafe-07.jpgNew boyfriend, Rainbow Cafe, 07My mother2014-05-21T19:36:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/05/14/saguaro-blossoms/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/gila-woodpecker-photo-by-pat-bean.jpgGila Woodpecker -- photo by Pat BeanI photographed this gila woodpecter on a nearby saguaro. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/sitting-pretty.jpgSitting PrettyThis saguaro, which sits in the front yard of my daughter's home, is only about 20 feet tall. That was tall enough, however, for this white-winged dove to feel safe while I took its photo. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-05-15T04:32:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/05/12/necessities-of-life/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/sunset-lake-walcott.jpgsunset lake walcottA Southern Idaho sunset. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/030-2.jpg030 (2)A southern Idaho sunset. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/texas-sunrise.jpgTexas sunriseI was driving across West Texas before dawn last month, when the sun began to rise. I stopped on the side of the road to capture it. I drove on with renewed energy and a heart full of thankfulness. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-05-14T17:46:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/05/08/big-bold-and-beautiful/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/008.jpg008And another page. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/009.jpg009A page from the book, and one of my favorite paintings by Donna. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/011.jpg011Great book, great art from my bookshelf.2014-05-09T04:22:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/05/07/flotsam-and-jetsam/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/003.jpg003And this is another. Before I sized down for my RV travels, I had book cases in every room of my house. I haven't quite repeated that in my Tucson apartment, but I can say you will find books in every room of my home. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/001.jpg001This is one of my living room book shelves. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/004.jpg004I'm always peeking at other people's bookshelves, and so I thought I would give you a peek at mine. While I read many books on my Kindle, I still read print books, too. And these are ones that I'm currently reading, and which sit on my computer desk. 2014-05-09T00:02:03+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/05/03/the-cat-had-a-noble-death/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/384.jpg384I couldn't find a yellow hat to follow, so I followed a yellow butterfly instead. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-05-07T00:48:44+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/05/02/bookish-friday-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/kayenta-trail.jpgkayenta trailAnd reading about Tim Cahill's outdoor adventures encourage me to seek out my own adventure trails. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/on-the-road-again.jpgOn the Road againGypsy Lee was my version of Charles Kuralt's "On the Road" RV, which now sits in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. -- Photo by Pat Bean. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/64-female-lion-in-the-grass.jpg64. Female lion in the grassSeeing lions in Africa might have been the very first thing I put on my bucket list, thanks to reading Osa Johnson's lion watching stories. And in 2007, I crossed it off what over the years grew to hundreds of things I wanted to do. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-05-07T20:44:15+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/05/01/just-what-do-you-mean-goose/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/beans-pat-3.jpgbean's pat 3Blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/002-2.jpg002 (2)Canada geese on Lake Walcott in Idaho. Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/img_2490.jpgIMG_2490I've taken many a goose photo, but this one taking off ahead of a boat I was in on Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-05-02T20:51:20+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/04/30/happier-than-howdy-doody/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pufnstuf.jpgPufnstufPufnstuf was the zaniest, and rumors went around that he was a "weed" eater.https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/1d5312713a44377fda72f4d35e986f61.jpg1d5312713a44377fda72f4d35e986f61https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/rocky_bullwinkle_peachfuzz.jpgRocky_bullwinkle_peachfuzzRocky and Bullwinkle https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/643px-dsc05996_howdy_doody_at_dia_by_volkan_yuksel.jpg643px-DSC05996_Howdy_Doody_at_DIA_by_Volkan_YukselThe original Howdy Doody on exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Pupper Art, -- Wikimedia photo 2014-05-01T08:03:08+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/04/24/the-desert-turned-golden-while-i-was-away/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/016.jpg016The view of the Catalina Mountains from my bedroom balcony. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/021.jpg021.JPGPatches of yellow on the landscape. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-05-01T00:17:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/04/19/a-big-bean-pat-to-kim-novak/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/kimnovakkimnovakhomagephotocallcanneszjqcql-frsxl-400x230.jpgKim+Novak+Kim+Novak+Homage+Photo+Call+Cannes+zJqCQL-frSxl-400x230Kim Novak today. May I look this good when I'm 81. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/images.jpgimagesKim Novak, when she was young and fit Americans' standards of beauty. 2014-04-20T01:29:47+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/04/18/oh-what-a-fantastic-day/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140415_101652.jpg20140415_101652I spent most of my birthdays living far from kids, and so didn't have to endure them making me look silly. This birthday, however, I'm celebrating with several children and grandchildren, and actually loving it that they do so enjoy making me look silly. -- Photo by D.C. and Cindi Bean. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/019.jpg019.JPGI took this sunrise shot while driving across West Texas. At first I hated the power lines that make it look flawed. These days I look at it a bit differently. How about you? -- Photo by Pat Bean2014-04-23T15:10:10+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/04/16/sisters/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2014-04-1314-01-53.jpgSAMSUNGSome of my writing sisters during the recent Story Circle Network. -- Smart Phone photo taken by another sister. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/1620742_10152606701954062_419558132_n.jpg1620742_10152606701954062_419558132_nMy friend Kim sent me this recently on my Facebook timeline. Oh how I wish I could. -- Unknown source 2014-04-23T15:19:25+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/04/14/texas-bluebonnets/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_2170.jpgIMG_2170The Indian paintbrush blossoms along side Texas highways aren't too shabby either. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/bluebonnets_at_ivie_reservoir_texas.jpgBluebonnets_at_Ivie_Reservoir,_TexasUp close and personal with Texas' state flower. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_2166.jpgIMG_2166The drive between Dallas and Austin is filled with roadside bluebonnets right now. Get out and go see them. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-04-16T22:00:40+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/04/01/7059/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/wildcat-glades-audubon-sanctuary-near-carthage-mo-6-06.jpgWildcat Glades Audubon Sanctuary near Carthage, Mo. 6-06I would much rather be birding here than proofreading. Wouldn't you?https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/013.jpg013https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/005.jpg005Daily doodling. -- without typos. -- Illustration by Pat Bean2014-04-03T17:24:14+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/03/29/what-are-the-two-best-cures-for-anything/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/gbh.jpggbhAnd nothing excites me more than when whatever path I've chosen to walk turns up a surprise, like this great blue heron that I cam upon while following the above path at Brazos Bend State Park in Texas. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/083.jpg083Nothing is more enticing to me than a path -- or a road - that leads to a place unknown. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-04-18T21:24:03+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/03/28/taking-a-break/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/glass-flowers.jpgGlass flowersBut I will never be so busy that I forget to smell the flowers, or in this case, admire the ones created in glass by Dale Chihuly. == Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/034.jpg034Bring it on world. I'm ready for you again.--Photo by T.C. Ornelas2014-03-29T15:16:01+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/03/22/travels-with-maggie/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/0081.jpg008Maggie claiming the driver's seat during a stop for gas. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/double-image.jpgDouble image.JPGFall was in full progress when I arrived in Maine, and followed me on my southward return. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-04-18T21:46:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/03/14/smash-your-own-spiders/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/jumping_spider.jpgJumping_SpiderI know many people who are deathly afraid of spiders. I wonder what it is about this create that so inspires fear. -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/its-a-hole.jpgIt's a holeThis hole on the Snake River once ate me. While I was certainly trying to self-rescue myself, it was sure good to feel strong hands of others pulling me back into the raft -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-03-25T20:43:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/03/12/thinking-about-chihuly/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/044.jpg044Don't you just love the color yellow. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/062.jpg062Nor was this a celebratory stack of balloons. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/008.jpg008From a distance, these looked like plants. Instead they are the welcoming art of Dale Chihuly the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix. -- Photo by Pat Bean2014-03-31T21:54:18+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/03/10/butterflies/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/085.jpg085Just a bit of fun. -- Photo by Kris Gutnechthttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/072.jpg072https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/079.jpg079Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/068.jpg068I can identify birds but not too many butterflies, so if you know what species this is, please tell me. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-03-10T20:37:55+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/03/04/aging-is-not-all-bad/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/0011.jpg001Sunsets can be as spectacular as sunrises -- from a different perspective. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/003.jpg003The beautiful saguaro cactus needs age to become beautiful and grow its arms. It's barely a couple of inches tall at the age of 10 and can be 40 years old before it spouts an arm. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-03-07T15:04:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/03/02/lost-time/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/004.jpg004I also played many games of Spider Solitaire and Hearts, and a couple of games of Mahjong. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/005.jpg005I also participated in a couple of play money poker tournaments. My avatar is the cat. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/001.jpg001Anybody else out there play Plants vs. Zombies? I played it a lot yesterday, and probably will again in a few months. 2014-03-10T19:52:43+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/02/25/bookish-tuesday/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/boats.jpgBoatsWahweap Marina at Lake Powell. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/lone-rock.jpglone rockLone Rock at Lake Powell: I camped in sight of this rock on a Lake Powell beach the first night of my RV travels back in 20004. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/lake-3.jpglake 3Lake Powell, the setting for Nevada Barr's "The Rope," and one of my favorite places. -- Photo by Pat Bean. 2014-02-26T05:14:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/02/24/6996/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/0021.jpg002A cattle egret with attitude -- my art of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/008.jpg008A selfie of my bandaged arm. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/007.jpg007Bubba Bear: He's a survivor, and so am I. 2014-03-03T00:50:49+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/02/22/my-favorite-pen/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/001.jpg001Art of the Day: Cedar Waxwing https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/040.jpg040A $4 chew toy. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/039.jpg039The cat did it. We don't have a cat. == Photo by Pat Bean 2014-02-24T00:00:22+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/02/04/good-advice-or-bad-advice/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/coyote.jpgcoyotehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/trish-in-the-desert.jpgTrish in the desertThis is a photo my daughter shot while riding alone in the desert. -- Photo by T.C. Ornelas https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/come-on-lets-go-maggie.jpgCome on, let's go. MaggieOf course when I hiked the benches of Mount Ogden in Utah, I wasn't exactly along. I always had Peaches or Maggie with me. Peaches would have torn the limbs off of anyone who tried to harm me. But, Maggie, who is shown here, would have been hiding behind me for protection. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-02-19T16:24:08+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/02/03/who-who-who/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/002.jpg002And this is one of my great horned owl doodles. I did it from memory after the Gandolf incident. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/012.jpg012I made this card for a grandson's graduation. It tickles my fancy. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/gandolf.jpgGandolfThis is Gandolf, a great horned owl that my son, Lewis, and I discovered on the side of a road on the Texas Gulf Coast. He was in shock, probably after being struck by a passing vehicle. My son and I suspected. We got him to a wildlife rehabilitator, who dubbed him Gandolf. Three weeks later he was well and released back into the wild. -- Photo by Pat Bean. 2014-02-09T14:23:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/01/31/the-time-of-your-life/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cactus.jpgcactusAnd of course cactus blooms as Tucson is located in the desert. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/007.jpg007Tucson has escaped the ugly cold and flowers can still be seen in front of my apartment complex. I thought I would share with my more northern friends. -- Photo by Pat Bean. 2014-01-31T17:37:20+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/01/30/i-love-a-good-mystery/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/0012.jpg001DVDs of some of the Lord Wimsey films I checked out of the library get the credit for this blog idea. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dorothy_l_sayers_are_women_human_web.jpgDorothy_L_Sayers_Are_women_human_webCover of Are Women Human?, which contains two of Sayers' feminist essays. -- Wikimedia https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/006.jpg006Can you identify this bird. Or will it remain a mystery. 2014-01-31T17:38:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/01/28/thought-and-memory/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/odin.jpgodinHuginn and Muninn sit on Odin's shoulders in an illustration from an 18th-century Icelandic manuscript.https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/002.jpg002One of my roof-top ravens on an earlier day. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/049.jpg049A raven in Yosemite. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-01-29T23:31:01+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/01/29/writing-down-the-river/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/0041.jpg004Among my own writings about my Grand Canyon trip was one about the canyon wren, which often serenaded us during our early mornings on the river. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/0033.jpg003A fantastic read. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/0011.jpg001The first time I rafted down the Grand Canyon, the Little Colorado River entrance to the mightier Colorado River was red and thick with mud from recent upstream rains. The second time it was crystal clean, and we floated in its current. I'm the middle blonde, and I was 60 when the photograph was taken. 2014-01-29T20:37:55+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/01/27/the-meaning-of-vertiginous/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cloud-sulphur-trishs-garden-10-10.jpgCloud sulphur, Trish's garden, 10-10They cheer up any day. -- Photos by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cloud-sulphur-trishs-garden.jpgCloud sulphur, trish's gardenI'm always chasing butterflies. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-01-29T14:47:31+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/01/17/paper-fetish/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/011.jpg011I wonder if the spirits of trees like this beauty in Brazos Bend State Park in Texas are infused into the paper I touch and use daily. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/001.jpg001Yesterday's use of paper included adding a kestrel painting to my sketchbook, writing down dates to remember in my diary calendar, which is full of paintings and quotes, and writing in my to-do journal, which includes a hodgepodge of notes and ideas to myself. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-01-29T14:49:26+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/01/15/its-a-bird-or-maybe-not/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/037.jpg037I like it that this bird was created from junked metal parts. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/027.jpg027Metal bird sculpture at Tohono Chul Park in Tucson. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-01-15T19:04:38+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/01/14/good-bye-gypsy-lee/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/0032.jpg003.JPGMy beloved Maggie, who spent the first eight years with me in Gypsy Lee. She is still missed https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/me-and-gypsy-lee.jpgMe and Gypsy LeeMe and Gypsy Lee in 2004, 140,000 miles ago. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/0031.jpg003Me, Pepper and Cayenne. -- Photo by T.C. Ornelas2014-01-16T17:36:20+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/01/11/mount-lemmon-and-spaldeens/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/230px-spaldeen.jpg230px-SpaldeenWhile it's actually spelled a Spalding, it called a Spaldeen because that's how it is pronounced in the Bronx. Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/plummer001_t479.jpgplummer001_t479Sara Plummer Lemmon -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/800px-oracle_az_mt_lemmon.jpg800px-Oracle_AZ_Mt_LemmonMount Lemmon from the Catalina Foothills. -- Wikimedia photo 2014-01-13T00:25:49+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/01/10/quote-for-the-day-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/morning-coming-up-over-the-desert.jpgMorning coming up over the desertOne of the best things about taking Pepper for an early morning walk is getting to see the sun come up over the desert. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-01-10T22:55:17+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2014/01/07/just-for-no-reason/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bird.jpgbirdA page from my sketchbook, which I hope to use more during 2014. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/003.jpg003Fly free and high in the New Year. -- Quick sketch of bald eagle doing just that by Pat Bean 2014-01-11T00:42:44+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/12/23/connections/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/017.jpg017The perfect setting for making a connection with another human, I thought when I saw these chairs sitting in a Flagstaff, Arizona, RV park. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/2-trees.jpg2 treesOne tree, or two trees? Either way, there is a connection between them. I do love trees. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/022.jpg022The Palo Verde tree and Mission Cactus growing in Tucson's Tono Chul Park have made a connection. Without the support of the tree, the cactus could never have grown so large, while the large pads of the cactus help capture rain water that gives the tree extra moisture. -- Photo by Pat Bean2014-01-07T19:38:14+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/12/21/giggles-and-gratefulness/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/2-flowers.jpg2 flowersA bouquet of wildflowers from me to you this Saturday morning. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-12-23T18:53:49+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/12/20/tweaking-life/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/003.jpg003My granddaughter was one of 4,980 students who graduated from Texas A&M on December 13. She's sitting on the front row on the left, fifth from right. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/013.jpg013Me and my granddaughter, Pacee. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/001.jpg001This glorious desert sunset welcomed me home to Tucson 2013-12-20T20:51:18+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/12/07/writing-and-laughing/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/019.jpg019Every write must have time to stare out the window -- and if you're lucky you'll find something to inspire you. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/006.jpg006Pepper keeps me company when I write. Usually she sits on my feet beneath my desk, but lately she's been scrunching up my new soft throw and keeping an eye on m from my bed. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-12-15T14:59:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/12/04/granddaughters-graduation/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/054.jpg054Pacee, today. Oh my oh my. Where did time go?https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/048.jpg048Paee at Easter https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/0511.jpg051Pacee and Peaches 2013-12-07T14:44:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/11/28/100-things-im-thankful-for-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/old-coot.jpgold cootI'm thankful that this old coot still has a zest for life and a curiosity about it as well. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-12-03T14:08:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/11/22/after-the-rain/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/3.jpg3Morning comes to Tucson's Catalina Mountains. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-01-13T03:44:02+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/11/20/the-pain-of-living/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/chincoteague.jpgChincoteagueAnd occasionally simply have time to sit and let the world go by. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_3890.jpgIMG_3890If we're lucky we get to smell the flowers along the way. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/rainbow.jpgrainbowLife is full of rainbows, and life is full of storms. The first without the second wouldn't be as sweet. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-11-21T01:00:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/11/15/what-is-home/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pepper-in-my-new-chair.jpgPepper in my new chairAnd Pepper is part of my home now. I'm a very blessed and a very thankful person. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/001.jpg001Desert sunsets from my front balcony now seem like part of my home. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/010.jpg010This view from my balcony is now part of what means home to me. -- Photo by Pat Bean2013-11-17T03:44:32+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/11/13/a-sunny-few-hours-for-birding/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/012.jpg012It was also a day for butterflies. You just never know what beauty will turn up in just a couple of stolen hours. -- Photo by Pa Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/039.jpg039The hissing alligator. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/014.jpg014The magical path leading into Bpbcat Woods at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/043.jpg043This alligator was shot from the viewing platform in Wolfweed Wetlands and was more than a football field away. -- Photo by PatBean 2013-11-15T19:21:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/11/08/a-stormy-birding-adventure/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/033.jpg033.JPGI didn't get a picture this day of the black-bellied whistler, but here's a shot I took of them at Texas' Brazos Bend State Park a while back. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/024.jpg024This is where Lewis and I were standing when the temperature dropped and the sky opened wide. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/019.jpg019A scissor-tailed flycatcher sitting in the rain at Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-11-11T14:09:35+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/10/23/on-the-road-again-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/800px-prairie_chicken-attwaters.jpg800px-Prairie_Chicken-Attwater'sThese birds today can only be found in the will at the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge near Eagle Lake, Texas, and the Texas City Prairie Preserve near Texas City. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/800px-attwaters_prairie_chicken.jpg800px-Attwater's_Prairie_ChickenIn 1900, a million Atwater prairie chickens roamed the coastal prairies, by 1998 less than 300 remained. Like the passenger pigeon, this species is headed toward extinction. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/5769870291_70b9d42287_z.jpg5769870291_70b9d42287_zA lily pad pond at Atwater's National Wildlife Refuge. -- Flick'r photo 2013-11-08T20:33:50+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/10/21/wanderlust/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/erie-river-harbor-amherstburg-navy-yard-canada.jpgErie River harbor Amherstburg Navy Yard, Canada.JPGJust find me a bench, like this one that sits in Amherstburg, Ontario, beside an Erie River harbor and a book, and I can be happy for hours. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/037.jpg037Wherever I traveled, books were always part of the journey. And this lake in Illinois' Lincoln Trail State Park is just one of many I've sat beside while reading. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-10-22T20:06:15+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/10/19/the-hue-of-me/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/the-hue-of-me.jpgthe hue of me2013-10-21T22:49:44+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/10/16/weekly-photo-challenge-infinite/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/0191.jpg019.JPGA Texas dawn. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/camden-dec-2010.jpgCamden, Dec. 2010An Arkansas pink and purple morning. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/004.jpg004Can you feel the passion in this sunset? I can. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/from-my-tucson-apartment-2.jpgFrom my Tucson apartment 2Tucson sunset -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-10-19T17:50:57+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/10/11/around-the-world-in-80-days/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/nelly-bly.pngnelly blyNellie Bly as she began her record-setting 1889 around-the-world trip. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/linncoveviaduct.jpgLinncoveviaductThis time last year I was traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway, and thankfully wasn't trying to set any records. I took eight days to drive the scenic parkway's 469 miles. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/800px-linn_cove_viaduct.jpg800px-Linn_Cove_Viaduct2013-10-11T23:14:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/10/10/dove-on-a-wire/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/crow.jpgcrowEven John James Audubon depicted a crow as looking a little wicked. Don't you agree. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/006.jpg006A white-winged dove that watched Pepper and I take a walk this morning. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-10-11T19:05:07+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/10/08/the-highways-of-life/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/021.jpg021Should I hike the high trail or the low trail? Perhaps I should do both. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/513.jpg513Oops! I think I turned wrong somewhere. == Photo by Pat Bean 2013-10-19T17:33:08+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/10/05/soapbox-rant/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/019.jpg0192013-10-18T00:12:43+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/09/30/this-birds-not-a-wizard/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/merlin-3.jpgmerlin 3Merlins, before they grew up and became majestic birds of prey. -- Wikimedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/merlin_prey_fencepost_cochrane_cropped.jpgMerlin_prey_fencepost_Cochrane_croppedA close up look at a merlin. -- Wikimedia photohttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/merlin-2.jpgMerlin 2This great photo of a Merlin in pursuit of a blue jay was taken by John Harrison who put it up on Wikimedia. You can see his photos at: http://flickr.com/photos/15512543@N04/ 2013-09-30T21:14:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/09/27/%ef%bb%bfseptember-in-the-rear-view-mirror/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/beans-pat-3.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering-Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/0011.jpg001The first sign of autumn from my balcony window. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/verigated.jpgverigatedI want to think of September as the beginning of my favorite time of year -- but now I know it has to be shared with 9/11.2013-09-28T21:36:32+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/09/24/beautiful-and-thorny/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2993.jpgIMG_2993How many times have you been pricked by a rose bush thorn? -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/beautiful-and-thorny.jpgBeautiful and ThornyPink and yellow and thorny. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-09-27T18:04:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/09/21/watching-the-sun-come-up/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/026.jpg026Miss Pepper takes in her dessert surroundings as the sun sets the Palo Verde trees in background aglow. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/018.jpg018On the opposite side of the landscape from the sunrise, Mount Lemmon was set afire by the sun's first rays. --Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/0211.jpg021The best way to start a morning is to watch the sun come up. Or so us early-risers believe. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-09-21T22:43:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/09/20/bluebird-of-happiness/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/flipped-bird.jpgflipped birdThis is an eastern bluebird that I photographed in the Natchez Trace as he sat on the rearview mirror of my RV. Hes cute, too, isn't he? == Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/021.jpg021https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/mountain_bluebird.jpgMountain_BluebirdMale mountain bluebird. Have you ever seen anything bluer? -- Wikipedia photo 2013-09-24T22:36:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/09/18/the-value-of-journals-and-scrapbooks/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/002.jpg002I still journal and scrapbook. These 2 pages are from the Nana's Day celebration my daughter's family gave me for Grandparents Day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/0031.jpg003The joys of being the first female editor to invade the editors' meeting at the Standard-Examiner in Ogden, Utah. 2013-09-19T02:15:08+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/09/16/6739/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/059.jpg059Just passing by. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/075.jpg075Yellow is the color of these school uniforms https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/049.jpg049Who's looking at who? -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-09-17T18:16:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/09/12/words/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_1085.jpgIMG_1085Mr. Bearjanlgles: Now this is what I would call a play on words. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-09-13T20:32:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/09/09/photo-challenge-an-unusual-point-of-view/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/003.jpg003This is a close-up of the lavender blossoms on the bush next to the tree, which a gardener neatly trimmed. I can't help but wonder how many blossoms were lost to the trimming tool. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/001.jpg001Mother Nature used the rain to paint this canvas of wet and dry gravel pattrns. My apartment is at the top of the stairs you see in the background. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-09-10T23:31:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/09/07/you-gotta-love-rejection/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/polka-dotted-giraffe.jpgpolka-dotted giraffeAnd would a giraffe feel rejected if it looked different from the rest of its kind? OK, so I'm being silly. Reject me. See if I care. == Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/blue-bear.jpgblue bearI wonder if bears care about rejection, or if they are always all about being themselves -- even if they are blue. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-09-08T15:55:42+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/09/05/take-time-to-smell-the-flowers/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/010.jpg010My grandson Patrick's Batmobile. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/009.jpg009I took time to smell the flowers by sitting down to do art with a grandson, and this is what I drew while he drew the Batmobile. 2013-09-05T22:56:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/09/03/time-for-a-soapbox-rant/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/tucumcari-sunrise.jpgTucumcari sunriseThe sun is setting on journalism being anything more than paparazzi to celebrities, especially those who are not good examples to anyone. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-09-27T20:22:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/08/31/morning-adventure-a-trio-of-coyotes/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/045.jpg045Pepper, dripping wet, comes in at just under 20 pounds. She was smart enough this morning to call for her when she was surrounded by three coyotes twice her size. Thankfully she was unharmed. Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/coyote_arizona.jpgCoyote_arizonaThis coyote, photographed beside an Arizona highway, probably weighs 35-40 pounds -- Wikipedia photo 2013-09-01T06:36:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/08/28/favorite-places-sabino-canyon/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/029.jpg029I think this rock spire had a name, but I can't remember it. Maybe I will learn what it's called on my next visit to the canyon. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/0063.jpg006The desert's many varieties of cactus and their flowers fascinate me. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/033.jpg033Looking down from the road at one of the water-filled pools in Sabino Canyon. -- Photo by Pat Bean2015-08-20T16:49:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/08/26/whats-most-important/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/0011.jpg001This refrigerator magnet is how I want to be remembered. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_1026.jpgIMG_1026You may never find that pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, but that shouldn't keep you from looking. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-08-26T19:08:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/08/20/some-people-call-it-lost/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/131.jpg131I'm currently exploring the desert landscape, which includes lots of yucca plants, in Tucson, where my itchy feet have agreed to rest for a bit. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/12-sign-overlooking-the-crater-that-gives-distances-to-london-new-york-berlin-etc-note-the-smile-may-23-2007.jpg12. Sign overlooking the crater that gives distances to London, New York, Berlin, etc. Note the smile. May 23, 2007Even when I have a view of Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater. I'm thinking about my next travel adventure. -- Photo by Kim Perrin 2013-08-29T07:10:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/08/19/with-apologies-to-edgar-allan-poe/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/0062.jpg006My morning visitor. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-08-21T19:56:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/08/14/guess-who-came-to-dinner/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/001.jpg001A hungry gila woodpecker. He drank for about five minutes. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/002.jpg002Young verdins taking advantage of my nectar feeder. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-08-16T16:06:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/08/08/family-matters-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_0893.jpgIMG_0893Family is like this waterfall, turbulent at times but always with a rainbow in sight. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-08-13T15:50:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/08/06/time-for-nonsense/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_3735.jpgIMG_3735And here's the duck. They were both photographed at Riverside Park in Bayfield, Colorado -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_3743.jpgIMG_37432013-08-07T22:04:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/08/05/return-to-wild-america/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/51o6o3tjvel__sl500_sy346_.jpg51O6O3TJveL__SL500_SY346_"Wild America" by Roger Tory Peterson and James Fisher is still in print after over 50 years. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_1377.jpgIMG_1377Egret populations are also healthy once again -- after women stopped decorating their hats with egret plumes. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/turkey-2.jpgturkey 2My travels these days often turn up wild turkeys. It's one of the birds, thanks to us humans, that have made a comeback since the 1950s. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-08-06T06:25:10+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/08/01/why-i-write-my-thoughts-down/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/006.jpg006I love it when I wake up to the twitter of birds, even if I've forgotten the great idea I had the night before. -- Pat Bean sketch. . 2013-08-08T10:12:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/07/30/soul-mates/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/pepper-in-my-new-chair.jpgPepper in my new chairhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/045.jpg045Sometimes a soul mate isn't even human. Pepper knew we belonged together the first time she saw me, and said with her eyes that she was going home with me. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/009-3.jpg009 (3)2013-08-01T19:00:37+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/07/26/geoglyphs-and-naum-gabo/2013-07-29T17:51:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/07/22/demon-mother-2/2013-07-25T13:49:26+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/07/18/6598/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_0682.jpgIMG_0682And the woods and rocks of the landscape are integral to the story. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_0693.jpgIMG_0693The dark mirror in the book of the same name is a dark lake. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-07-25T13:50:30+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/07/15/monday-morning-wondering/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/desk-2.jpgDesk 2The place where I spend many hours a week. Sometimes I simply open the shutters and gaze out the windows, wondering. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/out-my-back-balcony.jpgout my back balconyA view of Mount Lemmon from the Catalina Foothills. --Wikimedia photo 2013-07-23T17:37:40+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/07/13/just-a-reminder/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/confid-1.jpgconfid-1And this is how film makers pictures it in one of the Narnia movies. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/mourne_mountains.jpgMourne_mountainsSome say the Mourne Mountains in Ireland were Lewis' inspiration for the land of Narnia. -- Wikipedia photo 2013-07-18T15:09:49+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/07/11/sugar-water-thieves/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/007.jpg007But when a more colorful adult landed, I finally knew my nectar thief was a verdin. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/0021.jpg002Plain gray and white juveniles. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-07-18T15:09:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/07/08/coopers-hawks/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/coopers-hawk-21.jpgcooper's hawk 2One of the pair of Cooper's hawks flying around the apartment complex earlier this year. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/002.jpg002And a quick sketch of one of the less-colorful juveniles now flying around my apartment complex. -- Pat Bean sketchhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/coopers-hawk-2.jpgcooper's hawk 2One of the pair of Cooper's hawks that were flying around the apartment complex earlier this year. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-07-11T14:35:15+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/07/04/6567/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/acadia-national-park-maine-sea-and-shore.jpgAcadia National Park, Maine Sea and ShoreFrom Sea to Shining Sea: Acadia National Park, Maine -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/purple-mountain.jpgpurple mountainPurple Mountain Majesty: Mount Ranier https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/whale-rock.jpgWhale RockSpacious Skies: Whale Rock, Canyonlands National Park. -- Photo by Pat Bean2013-07-05T14:57:37+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/07/03/fate/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/through-the-marsh.jpgThrough the MarshWe never know what we're going to encounter on the path of life. And I wouldn't want it any other way. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-07-09T16:20:46+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/06/26/slap-to-the-mind/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/double-image.jpgDouble image.JPGAnd it would b impossible to say that this reflective view of an Alabama lake doesn't earn a "perfect" 10. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/durango-rv-park-view-from-my-rv-window.jpgDurango RV Park, view from my RV windowI'm not sure I agree that every day is perfect just the way it happens, but I do know this is a "perfect" view of Colorado mountains. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-07-01T15:15:22+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/06/24/the-eyes-have-it/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/fishy-handles.jpgfishy handlesFishy handles. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/058.jpg058.JPGBlack-crowned night heron -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/downy-woodpecker-and-norther-flicker.jpgDowny woodpecker and norther flickerWoodpecker and dove -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_1091.jpgIMG_1091Free roaming bunny -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-06-26T15:31:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/06/20/i-dream-writer-dreams/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/cloud-sulphur-trishs-garden-10-10.jpgCloud sulphur, Trish's garden, 10-10Do cloud sulphur butterflies dream? -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/065.jpg065"You are never too old to set a new goal, or dream a new dream. C.S. Lewis https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/011.jpg0112013-06-29T18:18:05+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/06/20/quote-for-the-day/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_2169.jpgIMG_2169Shaped by wind coming off the Gulf of Mexico. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-06-22T16:09:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/06/18/6527/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/birdrefuge_2_april2007.jpgBirdRefuge_2_April2007Barn swallow nests with a curved opening. -- Photo by Pat Bean. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/beuspond1_may25_2007.jpgBeusPond1_May25_2007https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/birdrefuge_1_april2007.jpgBirdRefuge_1_April2007Barn swallow nests with a curved opening. -- Photo by Pat Bean. 2013-08-26T22:36:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/06/14/bookish-friday/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/004.jpg004An Illustrated Journal, the book I'm currently reading. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/003.jpg003A recent page from one of my art journals. As I sketched the osprey, I thought about all the times I had seen one, and good memories flooded my little gray cells. Illustration by Pat Bean 2013-06-18T01:59:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/06/13/finally-a-princess-with-her-head-on-straight/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/31-the-children-in-their-school.jpg31. The children in their schoolOf curse there are people who would say that I spend way too much money on travel and books. Above is a photo of a Masaai school in Tanzania. I spent a good bit of money to visit Africa, and these school children reminded me of how little some people have. The world is just not fair. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/catherine_duchess_of_cambridge.jpgCatherine,_Duchess_of_CambridgeI hope the hat wasn't expensive. It looks ridiculous. Of course that's just my opinion. -- Wikipedia photo 2013-06-15T14:24:08+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/06/10/zucchini-again-why-thank-you/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/009.jpg009And no morning would be complete without a view of Mother Nature's handiwork, the Catalina mountains. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/0012.jpg001Simple and elegant -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/006.jpg006Blooming this morning. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-06-10T21:47:09+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/06/08/junior/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/534620_4678010826305_1627273790_n.jpg534620_4678010826305_1627273790_nDid you ever see a cuter kid dressed up for Halloween? Junior will be four next month. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/little-john-july-5-2010.jpgLittle John, July 5, 2010I missed his first birthday, but isn't he cute. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/31280_1455607948247_1174789793_1330954_5572943_n.jpg31280_1455607948247_1174789793_1330954_5572943_nFirst attempt to feed himself, which I was there to see and capture in this photo. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/little-john-jan-2010.jpgLittle John, Jan. 2010Even at a young age, it's easy to see how eager Junior is to accomplish all those firsts. 2013-06-08T16:58:44+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/06/07/6493/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/113.jpg113And I could journal forever about the birds I see every day, like this northern cardinal. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/taggart-lake.jpgTaggart LakeI write these days more about nature than I do about the daily chaos of living. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-06-11T18:52:45+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/06/06/bird-of-the-day-costa-hummingbird/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/costa-hummingbird.jpgcosta hummingbirdA male costa hummingbird. The female lacks the bright colors, being mostly green and white. -- Pat Bean illustration. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/0011.jpg0012013-06-09T15:07:05+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/06/04/bird-of-the-day-kingfishers/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/753px-ceryle_rudis_-ranganthittu_bird_sanctuary_karnataka_india_-pair-8-2c.jpg753px-Ceryle_rudis_-Ranganthittu_Bird_Sanctuary,_Karnataka,_India_-pair-8-2cA couple of pied kingfishers, which were among the favorite birds I saw in Africa. -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/018.jpg018Belted kingfisher: I tried to capture the jazzy look and attitude of kingfishers in this sketch. 2013-06-06T18:43:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/06/03/weekly-photo-challenge-signs/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/interesting-sign-outside-camden-ark-2.jpgInteresting sign outside Camden, Ark. 2Seen on a back road in Arkansas. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/interesting-sign-outside-camden-ark.jpgInteresting sign outside Camden, Ark.Seen on a back road in Arkansas. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-06-05T17:44:57+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/06/01/national-trails-day/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/octillo.jpgoctilloThis morning I took delight in a blooming ocotillo, which until it flowers looks like little more than a bunch of sticks stuck together in the ground. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-06-02T15:30:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/30/western-tanager/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/750px-centrocercus_urophasianus_-usa_-male-8.jpg750px-Centrocercus_urophasianus_-USA_-male-8Sage Grouse: The bird that addicted me to bird watching. -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/western_tanager-male-oregon-cherry.jpgWestern_Tanager-male-Oregon-cherryWestern tanager -- Wikipedia photo 2013-05-31T03:30:32+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/29/the-saguaro-are-blooming/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/purple.jpgpurplePurple magic -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/cactus-2.jpgcactus 2Saguaro in bloom near my apartment. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-05-30T15:29:26+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/27/the-sun-rises-the-sun-sets/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/87-getting-up-with-the-sun-for-our-last-safari-drive.jpg87 Getting up with the sun for our last safari driveAnd orange and gold to end it. -- Photo by Pat Bean. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1349.jpgIMG_1349Pink and purple to start the day. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-05-30T15:29:11+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/26/what-we-remember/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/stork-billed_kingfisher_i_img_7407.jpgStork-billed_Kingfisher_I_IMG_7407I've never seen this bird except in photos, but since it's a bird I'll probably be seeing it in my quirky brain fro the rest of my life. --Wikipedia Photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/friesian_stallion.jpgFriesian_StallionI've never seen a horse I thought more beautiful than the Friesian. -- Wikipedia Photo 2013-05-27T15:28:54+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/24/canyonlands-island-in-the-sky/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1739.jpgIMG_1739.JPGAnd then there is always the emerald green of the river in the background as seen from one of the park's many viewpoints. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1723.jpgIMG_1723A more distant view of the arch shows off the La Salle Mountains in the Background. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1709.jpgIMG_1709The view through Mesa Arch shows off a rich, red-rock background. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-05-27T15:07:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/22/adding-personality/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/003.jpg003Self Portrait https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/0022.jpg002Bibba Bear, the survivor. 2013-05-22T22:49:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/19/weekly-photo-challenge-escape/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/by-the-lake.jpgBy the LakeGypsy Lee by Lake Frank Jackson in Alabama at sunset. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/capital-reef.jpgCapital ReefGypsy Lee in Capitol Reef Gorge in Utah. during an escape I took with my oldest son during Gypsy Lee's first year on the road. -- Photo by D,C, Bean 2013-05-27T15:05:49+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/18/family-matters/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/005.jpg005And what's fun is that I get to do such things as attend Tony and Patrick's band concerts, which I did just this past Thursday.-- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_2949.jpgIMG_2949My grandsons, Patrick, JJ and Tony, giving Gypsy Lee a bath. -- Photo by Pat Bean2013-05-19T15:04:18+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/15/yikes-i-have-nothing-to-wear/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/burch-creek-canyon-utah-2007.jpgBurch Creek Canyon, Utah, 2007The lower section of my ever faithful cargo pants zipped off and I had all the clothes I needed while gallivanting around in my RV Gypsy Lee in search of nice trails to hike. -- Photo by Kim Perrin 2013-05-16T22:41:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/14/words-of-wisdom/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mark-twain-bridge.jpgMark Twain BridgeThe Mark Twain Bridge across his beloved Mississippi River in Hannibal, Missouri, -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mark_twain_statue_garden_city_ks_img_5875.jpgMark_Twain_statue,_Garden_City,_KS_IMG_5875Nark Twain lives on in memory and on this Garden City, Kansas, bench. 2013-05-16T22:40:33+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/14/patterns-within-patterns/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/greater-flamingo.jpgGreater-flamingoThe shadow in this pattern tells you what you're looking at. Want a hint? It's a bird. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-05-14T13:28:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/11/6406/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/beans-pat-3.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_3370.jpgIMG_3370This picture was taken in Rowlett, Texas, along the creek in Springfield Park. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/007.jpg007Water and birds often go together, just one more reason I like walking beside water. I found this great egret at the Sea Center in Lake Jackson, Texas. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-05-12T14:06:03+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/08/standing-above-the-virgin-river-in-zion/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/looking-down-from-angels-landing-4-07.jpgLooking down from Angel's Landing 4-07.JPGAhh! I made it! -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/at-the-beginning-of-the-journey-4-07.jpgAt the beginning of the journey, 4-07To enjoy the view from above, one first has to get to the top of Angel's Landing in Zion National Park. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-05-09T13:16:50+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/03/book-friday-anne-bishop/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/nature-trail-2.jpgNature trail 2.JPGAcross bridges and into the woods, just like in "Shadows and Light." -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/0021.jpg002.JPGThe woods play a big role in the Tir Alainn series by Anne Bishop, so I thought I would illustrate my blog with a couple of my favorite tree photos. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-05-04T20:26:48+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/05/02/morning-walk-with-pepper/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/001.jpg001This one little flower in a big pot seems awfully lonely/ == Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/002.jpg002Pepper off on one of her scent trails. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/006.jpg006Think all doves do are coo. This white-winged species has a nest in a tree that I walk beneath and screeches loudly at me every time I walk past. -- Photo y Pat Bean 2013-05-03T00:31:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/04/30/weekly-photo-challenge-culture/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/033.jpg033.JPGhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_3257.jpgIMG_3257Clearly these figures located at the Chinatown Center in Austin, Texas. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-05-01T14:49:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/04/27/bull-snot/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/009.jpg009.JPGAnd now I'm watching the desert bloom -- because I didn't follow anyone's advice. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/800px-califcentralcoast.jpg800px-CalifCentralCoastAnd the Pacific Ocean from California's coast ... https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/acadia-national-park-maine-sea-and-shore.jpgAcadia National Park, Maine Sea and ShoreI've seen the Pacific from Maine' coast ... -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-05-01T14:48:50+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/04/26/what-makes-a-perfec-day/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_2403.jpgIMG_2403And seeing birds, like this California quail only makes the day more perfect -- is that even possible? -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_2401.jpgIMG_2401It's got to be a perfect day if I get to go out birding with old friends. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-04-27T15:37:18+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/04/26/bright-and-bold-and-brassy/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/001-2.jpg001 (2)Life as an exclamation is how I saw this northern cardinal. 2013-04-26T20:15:54+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/04/24/an-illustrated-journal/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/002.jpg002https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/0011.jpg001It was supposed to be 30 cats. -- Pat Bean 2014-04-18T15:09:31+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/04/22/every-day-should-be-earth-day/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_2916.jpgIMG_2916Wouldn't you stop and look, too? == Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_3755.jpgIMG_3755Sometimes, as I was driving in Gypsy Lee, Mother Nature demanded I stop and look at her. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/me-and-the-tetons.jpgMe and the TetonsI've never seen a picture of me taken in Mother Nature's playground where I'm not smiling. -- Photo by Kim Perrin. 2013-04-23T04:40:04+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/04/21/up-up-and-away-we-go/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1082.jpgIMG_1082Looking up at a bit of nonsense in Custer, South Dakota. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/82-the-two-balloons-behind-us.jpg82. The two Balloons behind usHot air balloons up above the Serengeti Desert. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/078.jpg078Looking up at a waterfall in Yosemite National Park. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-04-22T15:32:14+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/04/17/6343/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/black-eyed-susans.jpgblack-eyed susansFlowers for all the souls in agony today because of some hate-filled mind. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-04-17T23:01:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/04/16/the-desert-around-me/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/006.jpg006The path behind my apartment's parking lot. - Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/016.jpg016I love the way the yellow tree tops contrast with the mountain off in the distance just a ways. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-04-22T15:31:54+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/04/15/weekly-photo-challege-change/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/038.jpg038An hour later, when I was getting ready to leave the park, the view's intensity had changed significantly. I'm glad I' an early riser. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/037.jpg037When I took my canine traveling companion on her morning walk at Zion National Park, the view across from my RV glowed. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-04-16T17:11:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/04/10/vermillion-cliffs/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wptv_arizona_highway_cracked_20130220133048_320_240.jpgWPTV_Arizona_highway_cracked_20130220133048_320_240And this is why I had to detour. -- Arizona Highway Photohttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/019.jpg019Navajo Bridge with the mighty Colorado below -- but not looking so mighty at the moment. But having been eaten by Granite Rapid downstream, I do know it is mighty. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/020.jpg020The late afternoon sun bathed the Vermillion Cliffs in a glow that set off their redness. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-04-22T15:32:35+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/04/07/weekly-photo-challenge-color-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/001.jpg001.JPGPleasing colors -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/st-louis-botanical-gardens-purple-passion.jpgSt. Louis Botanical Gardens Purple passionA field of pansies. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-04-17T16:51:12+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/04/03/morning-walk-with-birds-and-words/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/071.jpg071https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/065.jpg065https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/008.jpg008Gambel's quail -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-04-05T23:49:52+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/04/02/john-muir-and-margaret-mead/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/samoa.jpgSamoaAnd a Samoan landscape that Margaret Mead saw but I never did. -- Wikipedia photohttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/half-dome-from-tioga-pass.jpgHalf Dome from Tioga Pass2013-04-03T21:32:59+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/03/30/this-makes-sense-to-me/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/0072.jpg007Recent doodling by me. I make a connection between it and Vonnegut's quote. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/0092.jpg009My writing companion, Pepper. She lays on my bare feet when I'm sitting at my computer. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-04-01T18:30:42+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/03/28/last-times/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/040.jpg040... and many more Tucson sunsets -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/033.jpg033https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/views-2.jpgviews 2https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/view-1.jpgView 1I suspected when I visited Rocky Mountain National Park this past fall that it would be for the last time, which made seeing it all the more precious. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-04-03T17:46:47+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/03/27/bookish-wednesday-4/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_2608.jpgIMG_2608Perhaps on a clear day, Mercy can see Mount Rainier. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_2526.jpgIMG_2526Mercy Thompson. Briggs' fictional character, lives in Washington not too far from this view of the Columbia River. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-03-29T01:50:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/03/19/what-makes-you-happy/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_3711.jpgIMG_3711https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/cranes-2.jpgcranes 2https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_3481.jpgIMG_34812013-03-22T14:39:31+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/03/17/mother-nature-lives-in-tucson/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/0071.jpg007Seed pods against the desert sky.https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/013.jpg013Gambel quail skitter about in this landscape. -- Photo by Pat Bean2013-03-21T15:12:25+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/03/13/bookish-wednesday-3/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/laurie-king-2.jpglaurie king 2The first in the series a really great read. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/laurie-king.jpglaurie kinghttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/3.jpg3This morning's sunrise over the atalina Mountains from my balcony. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-03-13T22:32:42+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/03/13/tick-tock-tick-tock/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_3243.jpgIMG_3243I dawdled to watch sunrises. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/0013.jpg001I dawdled to see all the sights along oute 66. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/0012.jpg001I dawdled to watch squirrels at a campground. == Photo by Pat Bean 2013-03-13T22:32:08+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/03/11/nest-sitting-dove/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/0011.jpg0012013-03-12T15:34:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/03/08/a-morning-walk-with-pepper/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/0091.jpg009A lesser goldfinch https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/002.jpg002A view looking east over Tucson from my apartment. - Photo by Pat Bean 2013-03-12T15:33:54+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/03/06/bookish-wednesday-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/007.jpg007https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/0061.jpg006"The Bluebird Effect by Julie Zickefoosehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/009.jpg009One of the watercolors by Julie Zickefoose included in the book. 2013-03-08T15:15:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/03/07/the-color-of-heaven/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/005.jpg005https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/001.jpg0012013-03-10T16:24:30+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/03/04/a-desert-landscape-of-balloons-and-cacti/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/038.jpg038https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/hot-air-balloon-over-tucson.jpgHot air balloon over TucsonBalloons are a familiar sight over Tucson. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/006.jpg006I wondered if this balloon was going to get high enough to miss the wires. It did. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-03-07T23:25:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/03/06/a-pair-of-mourning-doves/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/doves-1.jpgdoves 12013-03-06T17:02:05+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/03/03/weekly-photo-challenge-details/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/turtle.jpgturtlehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_2896.jpgIMG_2896My RV was parked by the Blanco River pictured above at one of my favorite RV parks. I loved the river but I also loved the little details around the park, like this charming owl painted on a rock that gave the campground character. Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/details.jpgdetailsThe Blanco River, Colorado. Notice how the details of light against shadow, hard rocks against flowing water are what make this an appealing picture. -- Photo bu Pat Bean 2013-03-03T20:13:32+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/28/bookish-wednesday/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/denali_mt_mckinley.jpgDenali_Mt_McKinleyMount McKinley in Denali National Park in Alaska. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/0012.jpg001Even though it was in the early hours of the morning when I got to sleep last night, I was up in time to take this picture of the moon over Tucson this morning which by the way is not photo-shopped. It's pure Mother Nature at her best. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-02-28T16:56:14+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/25/war-on-brown-tree-snakes/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/rota.jpgrotaThe bird sanctuary on Rota where I got to watch birds, including the magnificent red-footed boobies, to my heart's content. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/brown_tree_snake_boiga_irregularis_2_usgs_photograph.jpgBrown_tree_snake_Boiga_irregularis_2_USGS_PhotographThe brown tree snake that has killed of the birds on Guam. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/sunset_on_guam.jpgSunset_on_GuamYou can still enjoy a beautiful sunset on Guam, but the tropicl island is almost devoid of birds. -- Wikipedia photo 2013-02-27T23:13:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/23/weekly-photo-challenge-forward/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/89-very-up-close-and-personal.jpg89. Very up close and personalHolding my breath until this baby moves forward and rejoins his mom and brother -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/82-the-two-balloons-behind-us.jpg82. The two Balloons behind usBalloon ride over the Serengeti: OK, which way is forward? -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/54-on-the-move-elephants-at-amboselli.jpg54. On the move, elephants at AmboselliFollowing the leader forward. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-02-25T15:07:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/22/fridays-wondering-wandering-thoughts/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/022.jpg0222013-02-25T18:39:41+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/21/oh-what-a-beautiful-morning-2/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/0042.jpg004https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/snow.jpgsnowhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/0011.jpg0012013-02-24T16:35:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/19/only-the-red-bird-remains-of-my-past/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/0032.jpg003https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/grandmothers-red-bird.jpgGrandmother's red birdThis simple colored-pencil drawing of a cardinal holds all my past memories. I hung it on my wall this morning. 2013-02-19T23:53:38+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/16/weekly-photo-challenge-kisses/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/447.jpg447Arms entwined in a naked embrace. Bell-lughing now. How about you? -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/014.jpg0142013-02-18T16:18:01+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/15/worldwalk/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/blue-highways-2.jpgblue-highways-2https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/474px-imarriedadventure.jpg474px-Imarriedadventure"I Married Adenture" by Osa Johnson. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_2319.jpgIMG_23192013-02-19T17:26:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/13/the-coot-and-the-turtle/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/coot-and-turtle-2.jpgcoot and turtle 22013-02-14T08:12:47+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/09/weekly-photo-challenge-home/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/009.jpg009My third-floor apartment lets me live at tree-top level It's the closest thing I could find to living in a tree house, which is something I would still like to do. These two winter-naked trees are visible from my front-room balcony. I'm eagerly awaiting them to change into spring garments, and watching them do so is one of the joys I look forward to in coming days. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/001.jpg001This colorful sleeper couch was one of my first purchases for creating a new home and a new lifestyle. i think it's a "joyful" beginning. -- Photo by Pat Bean. 2013-02-17T21:10:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/12/a-bit-of-this-a-bit-of-that/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/0031.jpg003A page from one of my sketch books of a chipping sparrow. I promised to share my art occasionally and this just seemed like a good day to do it. 2013-02-14T00:44:04+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/06/6126/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/013.jpg013... and then I saw the second Cooper's hawk. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/coopers-hawk.jpgcooper's hawkAnd then I saw one hawk ... -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/0041.jpg004First I saw the sunrise ... -- Photo by Pat Bean2013-02-06T19:51:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/05/pepper-has-no-favorites/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/003.jpg003They look so innocent when they're asleep. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/008.jpg008The dead cat. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/dead-cat.jpgdead catThe sight that greeted me when I looked up from the computer. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-02-09T02:14:01+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/04/the-tao-of-willie/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/80_-_machu_picchu_-_juin_2009_-_edit_2.jpg80_-_Machu_Picchu_-_Juin_2009_-_edit_2Machu Picchu. -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/011.jpg011The Familiar Willie on the cove of his book written with Turk Pipkin. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/458.jpg458Would you have recognized this photo as being Willie Nelson? I didn't. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-02-09T02:17:21+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/02/weekly-photo-challenge-unique/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/chitters-3.jpgChitters 3Chitters in 2010 -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-02-04T22:41:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/02/01/around-the-world/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/004.jpg004"Oh the places you'll go ..." frequently hummed in my head while I was traveling this country in Gypsy Lee. -- Dr. Seuss illustration 2013-02-04T22:42:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/01/30/the-best-canine-companion-in-the-world/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/pepper-in-my-new-chair.jpgPepper in my new chairPepper, who is sitting in the new arm chair I bought for my new apartment and asking me just why it is that I can't take her for a walk. Thankfully the dog walker I hired until my foot is better arrived a few minutes later. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ushuaia_montage.pngUshuaia_MontageMy armchair travels today took me to Ushuaia, where I took a hike on the Martial Glacier. -- Wikipedia photo 2013-02-01T03:32:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/01/31/i-hunger-for-a-kinder-world/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/025.jpg025.JPGI needed a bit of beauty, too. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/lake-walcott-sky.jpglake walcott skyThis photo calms my soul. I needed it today. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-02-02T15:28:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/01/29/between-the-lines/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/006.jpg0062013-01-30T17:05:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/01/28/6063/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/zion-river-walk-2.jpgZion, River Walk 2https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/007.jpg007A canyon wren that I saw, and painted, in Zion National Park. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/0081.jpg008One of the few pieces of art that I did while living in Gypsy Lee. I painted it during a 10-day stay at Zion National Park, which is one of my favorite places to visit. 2013-02-06T19:49:54+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/01/26/6060/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_1799.jpgIMG_1799My first great-grandchild is just one of the many forms of love that fill my life. -- Photo by Baron Marsh2013-02-04T15:43:24+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/01/20/weekly-photo-challenge-beyond/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/074.jpg074This golden meadow beyond Chalk River reminded me of the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-01-29T20:16:07+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/01/17/bad-start-to-new-year-continues/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/heron-2.jpgheron 2Just as this gorgeous great blue heron sits behind a bramble of thorny branches, I'm hoping for the silver lining behind my sprained ankle. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-01-24T02:57:10+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/01/12/weekly-photo-challenge-illumination/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/008.jpg008Simply a tree that grows in the front yard of my son, Lewis, who lies on the Texas Gulf Coast. 2013-01-13T16:03:36+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/01/06/just-a-photo/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/eager-to-feed.jpgEager to feedTaken through the underwater windows aboard the Seaworld Explorer off Cozumel. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-01-08T15:37:44+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/01/05/life-lessons/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/regina-brett-not.jpgregina brett, notWill the real Regina Brett please stand up.2013-01-06T22:39:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2013/01/02/the-first-day-of-the-rest-of-our-lives/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_1349.jpgIMG_1349An American sunrise starts the day. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-01-12T18:58:54+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/31/2012-in-review/2013-01-01T16:03:54+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/25/merry-christmas-to-all/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/800px-clifton_mill_christmas_2005.jpg800px-Clifton_Mill_Christmas_2005May the holidays be one of peace and joy. 2012-12-29T19:00:38+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/22/weekly-photo-challenge-surprise/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/open-wide.jpgOpen widehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/alligators-2.jpgAlligators 22013-01-05T08:23:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/21/passing-the-buck-to-maya-angelou/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/maya_angelou_speech_for_barack_obama_campaign_2008.jpgMaya_Angelou_speech_for_Barack_Obama_campaign_2008Maya Angelou speaking in 2008. 2012-12-29T18:56:07+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/20/passing-the-buck-to-edward-abbey/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/edward-abbey-wikipedia.jpgedward abbey. wikipediaEdward Abbey -- Wikipedia photo 2012-12-31T18:21:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/19/passing-the-buck/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/inspiration-quote-quote-of-the-day.jpginspiration-quote-quote-of-the-day2012-12-20T15:07:08+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/18/6003/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/guadalupe-peak-4-08-2.jpgGuadalupe Peak, 4-08 2Guadalupe Peak -- Photo by PatBeanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/160.jpg160The Guadalupe Mountains -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-12-20T15:06:06+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/16/weekly-photo-challenge-delicate/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_2351.jpgIMG_23512012-12-17T15:24:32+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/14/chalk-ridge-falls/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/turtles.jpgturtlesThe turtles. When I tried to get closer they dove beneath the water. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/055.jpg055The waterfall. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/me-and-d-c.jpgme and d.c.Another hiker, the only one we saw on the hike, volunteered to take our picture. 2012-12-17T15:25:24+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/11/5983/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/squirrel.jpgsquirrelOne of the many squirrels that delighted me and taunted Pepper during this journey. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/last-sunset-on-the-road.jpglast sunset on the road2012-12-12T02:45:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/08/weekly-photo-challenge-changing-seasons/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/summer.jpgsummerTucson desert https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/chicago-morning.jpgchicago morningChicago morning https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cumbres-pass-colorado-autumn1.jpgCumbres Pass, colorado, autumnhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cumbres-pass-colorado-autumn.jpgCumbres Pass, colorado, autumnCumbes Pass, Coloradohttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/spring-texas-bluebonnets.jpgSpring, Texas bluebonnetsTexas bluebonnets 2012-12-10T22:54:43+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/08/a-tennessee-warbler-and-a-bluebird/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/021.jpg021Eastern bluebird -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/800px-tennessee_warbler_2-by-jerry-oldenette.jpg800px-Tennessee_Warbler_2 by Jerry oldenetteTennessee warbler -- Wikipedia photo by Jerry Oldenette2012-12-15T03:32:17+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/06/5960/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/kudzu-2.jpgkudzu 2A bit of color could be seen through the trees, but today's drive was mostly a green one. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/lake.jpglakePin Oak Lake, Natchz Trace State Resort Park, Tennessee. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/kudzu.jpgkudzuKudzu taking over the landscape. Photo by Pat Bean , 2012-12-08T21:23:44+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/04/%ef%bb%bf%ef%bb%bfopryland-where-outside-is-inside/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/opryland-31.jpgOpryland 3I wondered what Opryland charges these colorful wood ducks for their space in one of the complex's atriums. I shot this photo of the ducks during the boat ride. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/opryland-3.jpgOpryland 3https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/opryland-21.jpgopryland 2One of numerous waterfalls that help create the illusion of bringing the outdoors inside. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/opryland-2.jpgopryland 2https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/opryland-1.jpgopryland 1Looking up at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel rooms from one of the complex's atriums. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-12-04T15:03:46+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/12/02/weekly-photo-challenge-reflections/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/green-trumpets.jpgGreen trumpetsA glass sculpture by Chihuly that was on display as part of a plant-glass exhibit at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in 2006. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/glass-tree.jpgglass treeResurgence sits in the Cascades Lobby at Gaylord Opryland. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/fountain.jpgfountainhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/485.jpg4852012-12-02T17:29:35+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/30/the-grand-ole-opry/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/beans-pat-310.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/opry-stage.jpgopry stageThe new home for the Grand Ole Opry seats 4,400. Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ryman.jpgrymanThe Ryman Auditorium seats 2,362 people. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/me2.jpgmehttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/me1.jpgmeI did the touristy thing and posed for a Grand Ole Opry photo, which really gave my kids a laugh because I can't sing. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/me.jpgme2012-11-30T21:39:35+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/28/nashville-country-music-hall-of-fame/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/beans-pat-39.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/beans-pat-38.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/beans-pat-37.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/willie.jpgwillieAnd here's Willie. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/roy.jpgRoyAne here's Roy -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/taylor.jpgtaylor... and Buck standing next to Taylor Swift. Can you picture it. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/buck-owens.jpgbuck owensCan you picture Buck Owens wearing this ... -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/minnie.jpgminnie2012-11-28T16:25:42+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/26/nashville-tennessee/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/beans-pat-36.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/fleet-street.jpgFleet streetI loved the jumble of color down this narrow street. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ghost-ballet.jpgghost balletIt's called "Ghost Ballet" and sits by the Tennessee River. One interpretation is that it is two ends of a bridge. ur tour guide wasn't impressed. I saw roller coaster rails. What do you see? -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/cityscape.jpgcityscapeNashvillle cityscape. I snapped this picture out the window of the bus, as I did the others shown here. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-11-26T22:44:24+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/22/5888/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/0161.jpg016Every sunrise brings with it zest for a new day, for which I'm extremely thankful. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-11-30T16:53:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/20/in-bed-with-mcgee-and-a-musical-night/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/beans-pat-35.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/fall-colors.jpgfall colorsWhile pumpkin and mum displays reminded everyone that it was fall. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/guitar.jpgguitarReminders that Nashville was a musical city abounded. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-11-20T17:25:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/19/%ef%bb%bf%ef%bb%bfgypsy-lee-stretches-her-wheels/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/220px-andrew_jackson_tomb-of-andrew-and-rachel.jpgTomb of Andrew and Rachel Jackson that sits in Hermitage Park. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/250px-the_hermitage_by_jim_bowen.jpg250px-The_Hermitage_by_Jim_BowenThe Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson in Nashville. -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/more-color.jpgMore colorJust how many pictures of colorful leaves are you going to take, I finally started asking myself. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-11-19T17:31:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/17/weekly-photo-challenge-green/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/green.jpggreenThis red-eared slider turtle lives in a green world in the creek that runs through Springfield Park in Rowlett, Texas. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-11-18T16:15:22+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/16/misty-river-campground-time-out/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/mist.jpgmistTurn around and there's the river, where treehouse cabins were available for retreats from the daily chaos. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/rv-park.jpgrv parkLooking in one direction there were the Smoky Mountain foothills dressed in Mother Nature's autumn best. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-11-17T21:30:17+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/12/a-dog-wrangled-invitation/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/beans-pat-34.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/colorful1.jpgcolorfulPepper keeping an eye on me from her high perch on our over-the-cab bed. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/pepper-and-me.jpgpepper and mePepper and I wish everyone a Happy New Year. This is Pepper the day I rescued her. She's a bit bigger today. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/007.jpg007Pepper investigation that purple cow back in Waynesboro, Virginia. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/colorful.jpgcolorful2012-11-16T02:59:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/13/good-bye-dolly-hello-smokies/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/gurgling-water.jpggurgling waterPepper and I had lunch by this small gurggling stream in Smoky Mountain National Park. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/big-cove-road-reflections.jpgBig Cove Road Reflections,I came across this scene on my way down Big Cove Road just outside of Yogi's in the Smokies. It stopped me and my camera in its tracks. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/kong.jpgkongGaping at sights like King Kong as I drove through Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is probably one of the reasons I missed my turn. I shot this photo out my RV window while stopped at a traffic light. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-11-14T12:55:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/10/weekly-photo-challenge-renewal/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ducks.jpgducksHalf-breed ducks at Springfield Park in Rowlett, Texas. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-11-11T16:26:58+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/09/on-the-road-but-i-still-voted-days-38-45/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/beans-pat-33.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/420px-mingofalls-aug08-cherokeenc.jpg420px-MingoFalls-Aug08-CherokeeNCHere's a view of Mingo Falls, which I did get to see in my armchair travels. -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/009.jpg009Pepper and I walked this trail every day while at the park, but never went as far as the falls. --Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/003.jpg003The view out the rear window of Gypsy Lee at Yogi's in the Smokies. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-11-11T16:27:16+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/08/last-day-on-the-blue-ridge-parkway/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/beans-pat-32.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/024.jpg024Ponds always stopped me for a closer look, and this one had a great short hiking trail to go with it. Ahhhh. Blue Ridge Parkway I'll miss you. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/north-toe.jpgnorth toeWhile I didn't stop at every overlook I know I got over half of them. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/groundhogs1.jpggroundhogsThe many interpretive and information signs along the parkway enhanced my experience of the parkway. It was also great to drive a road where Mother Nature was the focus of all the attention. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/groundhogs.jpggroundhogs2012-11-09T02:17:10+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/06/a-bridge-that-took-me-nowhere/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/beans-pat-31.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/views-2.jpgviews 2Some times Mother Nature makes words seem inadequate. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/views.jpgviewsI found the rock walls along the parkway just as fascinating as the more spectacular autumn views at overlooks. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/linncoveviaduct.jpgLinncoveviaductLinn Cove Viaduct -- Wikipedia photo 2012-11-06T17:38:55+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/03/saturdays-photo/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/016.jpg016Is that pretty bird in the window me> -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-11-15T18:05:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/01/a-bit-of-politics-on-the-parkway/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/beans-pat-3.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/021.jpg021This tangled mass of leaves claiming this tree trunk reminded me of the tangled mass of people who together are America. Hopefully we can all learn to co-exist as peacefully. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/023.jpg023Old cars and political observations were the highlights of this day on the Blue Ridg Parkway. 2012-11-13T12:42:02+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/11/02/dark-night-gray-morning-and-then-came-the-light/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/color-2.jpgcolor 2One of many parkway tunnels that I passed through this day, briefly leaving the light behind but finding it just as bright again on the other side. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/color.jpgcolorBut when the fog cleared out, the colors of fall were brighter and crisper than I had seen before. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/color3.jpgcolor3When I first got on the parkway this day, fog and mist obscured the views. -- Photo by Pat Bean2012-11-05T13:30:11+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/31/a-sassy-blue-jay-and-a-fried-apple-pie/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/virginia-creeper.jpgvirginia creeperAnd I loved the contrast of Virginia creeper in its fall dress against the rocks that lined the roadsides. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/mushroom.jpgmushroomOr like this tiny mushroom growing beneath a tree. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/woolly-bear-caterpillar1.jpgwoolly bear caterpillarThe majestic, panoramic views from the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which the parkway follows, can get to be a bit overwhelming. So I also spent some time focusing on nature's little beauties, like this woolly bear caterpillar that made its way across my Meadows of Dan camp site. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/woolly-bear-caterpillar.jpgwoolly bear caterpillar2012-10-31T13:31:22+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/29/blue-ridge-parkway-chestnuts-and-rakes-pond/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/beans-pat-313.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/070.jpg070I loved the markers along the Blue Ridge Parkway that helped me make sense of what I was seeing. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/rakes-pond.jpgrake's pondExcept for this couple, I had Rake's Mill Pond site to myself. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/1-picnic-table.jpg1 picnic tableOne of hundreds of inviting places to have a picnic along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I loved the way the light shown through the trees on this shady spot. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-29T14:25:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/28/blue-ridge-parkway-roanoke-river-crossing/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/bridge-above.jpgbridge aboveI got a great shop of the bridge that crossed the Roanoke River, but the view of the river itself from the viewpoint was blocked by foiliage. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/pepper-in-the-lead.jpgpepper in the leadPepper pulled me down the trail and I was hard pressed to keep up and not stumble. But when she pulled me back up the trail, I thought: "Oh what a good dog you are." -- Photo by Pat Bea https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/roanoke-trailhead.jpgroanoke trailheadOh goodie! I'll be able to get a good picture of the Roanoke River. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-29T12:57:46+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/26/blue-ridge-parkway-natural-bridge-disappointment/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/450px-natural_bridge_va_size-2005-wikipedia.jpg450px-Natural_Bridge_VA_size 2005 ... wikipediaA 2005 photo of Natural Bridge -- Wikipedia photohttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/800px-natural_bridge_virginia_david_johnson-1860-wikipedia.jpg800px-Natural_Bridge_Virginia_David_Johnson 1860, wikipediaNatural Bridge as painted by Virginia Davi Johnson in 1860. 2012-11-14T12:53:17+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/24/blue-ridge-parkway-fences/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/beans-pat-312.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/jersey-barriers-wikipedia.jpgjersey barriers, wikipediaAnd what kind of wall do we get today? The ugly, too tall, cement Jersey barrier, which if the thousands I see as I drive across this country, is probably making somebody very rich. -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/fences-2.jpgfences 2This fence builder, in my opinion, was an artist. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/stone-fences-ccc.jpgstone fences, cccOne of the many stone fences along the Skyline Trail. Am I the only on who sees beauty in them? -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/bean-blog-two.jpgBean Blog twoStone Fence exhibit along the Blue Ridge Parkway. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-24T16:42:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/23/remember-that-purple-cow/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/beans-pat-311.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/689.jpg689Just in case you're not into purple cows, what do you think about butterflies. I photographed this near the purple cow. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/7011.jpg701The purple cow at Highway 340 North Campground near Waynesboro, Virginia. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/701.jpg7012012-10-23T21:04:21+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/22/skyline-trail-through-shenandoah/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/beans-pat-310.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/6441.jpg644Rag Mountain framed by an old dead tree I found interesting. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/644.jpg644https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/609.jpg609The wildflower season along Skyline Trail had ended, but their were still a few flowers, like this small beauty with drops of rain still coating its leaves, to be seen. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/681x.jpg681xLayers and layers of colors ending in bue. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-29T12:56:59+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/20/sitting-in-the-rain-in-front-royal-virginia/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/573.jpg573Pepper watching the rain an oh so wanting to go outside and play. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/603.jpg603Earlier in the season, the playground and pool at Front Royal RV Park would have been cheery and bright. In the rainy day I was there, it just looked empty and forlorn. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-23T01:43:17+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/18/a-hard-days-drive-and-church-steeples/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/048.jpg048After many twists and turns and fall colors around most of them, I ended my day at Front Royal, Virginia. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/little-bro-curch-in-nashua-iowa-wikipedia.jpgLittle bro curch in Nashua, Iowa .. wikipediaThe little brown church in the vale is in Nashua, Iowa. -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/verigated.jpgverigated2012-10-20T19:05:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/17/adopted-for-two-days/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/pond.jpgpondThe second pond at the park. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/photo.jpgphotoBrandy, sort of my granddaughter for a weekend, in the costume her mom mae for her. The outfit included a hook and specially braided hair. -- Photo by Kim https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/pond-2.jpgpond 2One of two ponds at the entrance to Carthage Gap RV Park. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-23T21:22:27+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/16/a-missed-turn-finally-put-me-on-the-right-road/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/beans-pat-39.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/pumpkins.jpgpumpkinsI frequently saw pumpkins and mums for sale along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/576.jpg576https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/picnic-site-along-the-ohio-river1.jpgpicnic site along the Ohio RiverA picnic site along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-22T21:01:29+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/12/a-wondering-day-for-this-wanderer/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/beans-pat-37.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/geese1.jpggeeseBut then I found myself wondering why one of these geese on the pond wasn't lie the others. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/willow-tree.jpgwillow treeI didn't wander at all about this willow tree. I just enjoyed how it gracefully hung over the pond at the Indian Springs Campground near North Bend, Ohio. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2013-06-02T15:14:47+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/15/glorious-end-to-a-days-drive-beside-a-river/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/beans-pat-38.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/571.jpg571But then it did. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/570.jpg570And this is how it looked a few minutes later, when I thought it could get no more colorful. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/569.jpg569This is how the sky looked when Pepper and I first went outside to watch the sun go down. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-22T18:03:35+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/13/weekly-photo-challenge-big/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/big-hat.jpgbig hatThat's one big hat my grandson J.J. is wearing. But this young rodeo man has the attitude to carry it off. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-13T14:02:15+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/11/you-cant-get-there-from-here/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/013.jpg013The trail Pepper and I walked daily https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/bridge-out.jpgbridge outIt was true. You can't get there from here. 2012-10-13T11:18:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/10/back-roads-and-lincoln-trail-park-illinois/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/beans-pat-36.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/006.jpg006I had breakfastd at the park's marina restaurant before I left. The food was ho-hum, but the view was magnificent. -- Photo by Pat Bean -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/mom-and-young.jpgmom and youngA young deer in the sunlight while the mom stays more hidden in the shadows. The park was full of deer. A staff worker said they had fawned late this year. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/great-egret.jpggreat egretA lone great egret on Lincoln Trail Lake 2012-10-11T12:15:15+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/09/sunny-day-but-plan-still-go-awry/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/honestabesnose1.jpgHonestAbesNoseBut I'm sorry I didn't get to rub Honest Abe's nose for luck. Note how shiny it is. It's been rubbed a lot. -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/beans-pat-35.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/honestabesnose.jpgHonestAbesNoseBut I am sorry I didn't get to do the traditional thing and rub Honest Abe's nose for good luck. Note how shiny it is. It's been rubbed a lot. -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/800px-lincolns_tomb.jpg800px-Lincoln's_TombIt's a rare occasion that I don't make it to where I'm headed. But Springfield traffic and a traffic accident right in front of me convinced me that I would rather visit Lincoln's Tomb as an armchair traveler. -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/barge-going-down-the-mississippi.jpgBarge going down the MississippiThis barge was going down the Mississippi River at about the same time I was going over the river on the Mark Twain Bridge. --Photo by Pat Bean2012-10-10T11:11:58+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/08/stalled-by-rain-i-turn-to-computer-games/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/the-lighthouse.jpgThe LighthouseAt the top of the hill was the Mark Twain Lighthouse, which was built in 1935 to commemorate what would have been the witty author's 100th birthday. It was never a working lighthouse. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/253-steps-to-the-top-hannibal-mo.jpg253 steps to the top, Hannibal, Mo.On my earlier trip to Hannibal -- when it was sunny -- I climbed the 253 steps to the top of Cardiff Hill. At the foot of the hill is a statue of Tom and Huck. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-08T15:09:00+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/05/long-drive-good-book/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/beans-pat-34.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/sunset.jpgsunsetSunset on the second of the resort's two lakes. -- Photo by Pat Bea https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/geese.jpggeeseCanada geese on one of the two small lakes at Mark Twain Landing near Morgan City, Missouri. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-08T13:19:02+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/07/weekly-photo-challenge-happy/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/sandhill-cranes.jpgSandhill cranesI could list a jillion things that make me happy, and coming upon a pair of sandhill cranes would be in there someplace. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-08T12:51:34+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/04/home-on-the-range-with-the-pony-express/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/beans-pat-33.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/4891.jpg489The small pond at the Stallbaumer RV Park in Seneca, Kansas, where Pepper and I spent a quiet night. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/800px-pony-express-statue1.jpg800px-Pony-express-statuePony Express statue in St. Joseph, Missouri. -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/489.jpg489A small pond at Stallbaumer RV Park in Seneca, Kansas, where Pepper and I spent the night. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/800px-pony-express-statue.jpg800px-Pony-express-statueThe Pony Express Statue in St. Joseph, Missouri. -- Wikipedia photo 2012-10-10T14:00:53+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/03/the-paul-boyer-museum-of-animated-carvings/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/museum.jpgmuseumBoyer Museum in Belleville, Kansas. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/beans-pat-32.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/gasser-gertie.jpggasser GertieThis creation of Paul Boyer is called Gasser Gertie. She comes complete with sound effects. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/545px-48states_plaque.jpg545px-48states_plaqueGeographic center plaque ... Wikipedia photo 2012-10-08T23:58:40+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/02/prairie-dog-state-park-a-tale-of-two-animals/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/beans-pat-31.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/black-tailed-ferret.jpgblack-tailed ferretBlack-tailed ferret, a cute little thing but deadly to prairie dogs, which make up about 90 percent of the ferret's diet. -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/017.jpg017.JPGPrairie Dog at Lake Arrowhead State Park in Texas. The Kansas prairie dogs were too quick for my camera. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/prairie_dog.jpgprairie_dogEntrance to Prairie Dog State Park, Kansas -- Photo by Mike Blair 2012-10-03T11:37:08+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/10/01/%ef%bb%bf%ef%bb%bfthree-states-and-an-unanswerable-question/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/one-lovely-blog-award2.jpgone-lovely-blog-award2I feel honored. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/beans-pat-3.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/800px-massacre_canyon_monument_from_sw_1.jpg800px-Massacre_Canyon_monument_from_SW_1Monument to the Massacre Canyon Battle, where 69 Pawnee were killed by Sioux warriors. The site is just off Highway 34 between Swanson Lake and Trenton, Nebraska. I passed the historical marker denoting the turnoff and, belatedly, wish I had made a u-turn to go back and check it out. -- Wikipedia photo https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/gulls-and-a-coot.jpggulls and a cootRing-billed gulls and a couple of coots at Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-01T17:02:15+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/30/weekly-travel-theme-foilage/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/002.jpg002Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, California. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-01T11:19:23+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/30/weekly-photo-challenge-color/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_1488.jpgIMG_1488Ceiling of the chapel in Thanksgiving Square in downtown Dallas. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2017-05-29T20:36:46+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/28/will-i-find-a-clean-nice-safe-place-to-spend-the-night/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-318.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wandrer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/0041.jpg004A who doesn't get a smile on their face when a deer emerges from the woods. While certainly not great art, the small wildlife statues did make me feel good about the place I had chosen to spend the night. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/woodpeckers.jpgwoodpeckersEven if they weren't rat-a-tat-tatting on the post, I found thes woodpeckers charming. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/0011.jpg001Pepper was little confused when this quaint burro didn't want to play. It was one of several pieces of garden art that added charm to Wray, Colorado's, Hitchin' Post RV Park. -- Photo by Pat Bean2012-09-29T12:47:51+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/27/it-could-have-been-texas/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-317.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sulphur-butterfly.jpgsulphur butterflyAnd even in the dullest of places, there's beauty if yoy look hard enough. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sky1.jpgskyWhile there wasn't much photographic about the RV park where I spent the night after leaving Rocky Mountain National Park, the night sky took my breath away. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-09-29T13:02:24+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/26/rocky-mountain-national-park-trail-ridge-road/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-316.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/elk-2.jpgelk 2Of course the elk was a traffic-stopping sight. I took this photo through the front windshield of my RV, Gypsy Lee. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/aspens.jpgaspensI never tire of looking at aspen trees in the fall. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/view-1.jpgView 1Way up high in sight of glaciers. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-10-03T11:38:31+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/25/elk-creek-campground/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-315.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/robin.jpgrobinRobins, as well as magpies, white-crowned sparrow and dark-eyed juncos were plentiful around the campground. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sky.jpgskyThe scattered rain showers that slowed my journey for a day turned the sky overhead into an ever-changing kaliedescope. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-09-26T18:39:24+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/24/johnny-b-goods-and-rabbit-ears-pass/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-314.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/green-mountain-reservoir.jpgGreen Mountain ReservoirHighway 34 passes three lakes on the way up to Rocky Mountain Park, Lake Granby, Grand Lake and Green Mountain Reservoir, which is shown above. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/rabbit-ears.jpgrabbit earsThe rock formation that gives Rabbit Ears Pass its name. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/rabbit-ears-pass.jpgRabbit Ears passUp high on Highway 40 near Rabbit Ears Pass. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/014.jpg014Up high on Highway 40 near Rabbit Ears Pass2013-06-10T02:46:01+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/20/green-river-and-great-blue-herons/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-312.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/heron-2.jpgheron 2A flock of great blue herons in an irrigated agriculture field just outside the entrance to Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal, Utah. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/green-river.jpggreen riverView of the Green River from the Dinosaur National Monument quarry overlook. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-09-28T20:19:04+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/23/weekly-photo-challenge-solitary/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/one-lone-pelican.jpgOne lone pelicanA lone brown pelican photographed in Aransas Bay during a trip out to see whooping cranes on Matagorda Island. It was a cool day and I had the choice of standing alone on deck or enjoying the camraderie of other mothers inside the boat's cabin. I did both. -- Photograph by Pat Bean 2012-09-30T04:26:47+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/21/awesome-sunset-a-perfect-ending-to-a-playful-day/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-313.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanerer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/pepper-2.jpgpepper 2"Ok! I'm tired. You can be in charge again." -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/026.jpg026"OK! I'm tired. You can be back in charge again." -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/pepper.jpgpepperPepper in control of her own leash. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/magpie.jpgMagpieNot a very exciting magpie photo, but it was the only one that didn't come out blurry. The magpies were just too quick for my camera. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/007.jpg007I stood outside in awe for quite a while watching this blazing end to my playful day. This image was not enhanced even a tiny bit. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-09-23T12:21:39+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/19/dinosaur-national-monument/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-311.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/bones.jpgbonesEvidence of a world we can only imagine in our minds, or scientifically try to explain. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dino-1.jpgdino 1The monument had gained a new visitor center since my last visit, and a shuttle took one up the hill to the indoor quarry where dinosaur bones were on display, still have buried in rock. The quarry had also undergone renovations, including the addition of this exhibit since my last visit. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/view-2.jpgview 2Where dinosaurs once roamed -- and died. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-09-20T20:52:42+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/18/steinaker-state-park-utah/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-310.jpgbean's pat 3https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/pepper-and-i-on-a-hike.jpgPepper and I on a hikeAs usual, Pepper is waiting for me to catch up with her. My daily walks with my now nine-month old Scotty-mix puppy help keep this wondering/wandering old broad healthy. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/morning-sun.jpgmorning sunA view of Steinaker Reservoir through the trees on an early morning hike. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-09-18T14:44:49+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/17/jordanelle-state-park-utah/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-39.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the dayhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/turkey-1.jpgturkey 1It was also a plus that my canine traveling companion, Pepper, was distracted elsewhere when I spotted the turkeys. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/turkey-2.jpgturkey 2https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/view-out-my-rv-window.jpgview out my rv windowTe view of Lake Jordanelle out my RV window. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-09-18T22:32:23+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/13/devils-slide/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-37.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondring Wanderer's blog pick of the day https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/devils-gate.jpgdevil's gateArtist Thomas Moran's etching of Devil's Gate, a rock formation in the Weber River that daunted early pioneers who came down Devil's Canyon. This spot on the river now offers kayakers a major challenge. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/034.jpg034Devil's Slide as viewed from the far side of the Weber River. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-09-17T22:11:28+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/15/weekly-photo-challenge-everyday-life/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3397.jpgIMG_3397This is the tree in the next door neighbor's yard that I climbed most everyday. I loved this old tree. The house on the right was a corn field back then. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3393.jpgIMG_3393These are the steps I ran up every week day to catch the school bus. I tripped on them once and chipped a tooth, which the dentist said was why it finally fell out when I was in my 60s. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3395.jpgIMG_3395Part of my everyday Sunday life was sitting on the back steps of my grandmother's home early in the morning watching her wring a chicken's neck so we could have the best fried chicken in the world for dinner. It spooked me the way the headless body of the chicken would flop around. My grandmother's house on the outskirts of Dallas is now condemned. 2012-09-17T17:41:40+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/14/fall-color-showing-in-utahs-mountains/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-38.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/colors-1.jpgcolors 1It's turning to fall in Utah's northern mountains -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-09-19T19:47:02+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/12/good-bye-ogden-the-road-is-calling-again/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-36.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/reflection.jpgreflectionThe river was still this morning, making it the perfect canvas for landscape reflections. I especially liked this double bouquet of yellow blossoms. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/heron-1.jpgheron 1Along with seeing that great Southwest bird overhead, everyone also got a very close-up view of this juvenile great blue heron. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/bridge-2.jpgbridge 2My morning walk with old birding friends on Two Rivers Trail began here beneath Ogden's 21 Street Bridge across the Ogden River. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/bridge.jpgbridgeWe began our hike on Two Rivers Trail just beneath this bridge across 21st Street in Ogden. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2014-06-07T15:35:01+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/11/a-frustrating-ogden-day/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-35.jpgbean's pat 3The Wonderig Wanderer's blog pick of the day.https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_2850.jpgIMG_2850And I did get to go down on Ogdens 25th Street when an old friend took me to lunch at Karen's while my RV was waiting for a new oil cap. -- Photo by Pat Beanhttps://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/mountain-shadow.jpgmountain shadowBut I did get to occasionally glance up at Ogden's mountain backdrop, which probably helped me stay cool. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_1220.jpgIMG_1220Mallards floating along the Ogden River Parkway taken at an earlier time. I had no time to walk the parkway yesterday. -- Photo by Pat Bean2012-09-12T20:43:18+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/10/the-wasatch-mountains/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-34.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wander's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/ben-lomond.jpgben lomondThe view of Ben Lomond from my friend's backyard. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_2857.jpgIMG_2857Mount Ogden from downtown Ogden. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/out-my-rv-window.jpgout my rv windowThe view out the window of my RV, which is parked in a friend's Ogden, Utah driveway. 2012-09-12T23:22:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/08/weekly-photo-challenge-far-and-near/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/the-bridge-2.jpgThe Bridge 2The first time I passed through Tonto Basin, I crossed the lake on the Roosevelt Dam. This bridge was opened to get traffic off the dam in 1990. I chose it as an example of near and far because of the yellow blossoms in the foreground, the bridge in the middle ground and the mountains in the far distance. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-09-12T20:38:46+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/07/city-of-rocks/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-33.jpgbean's pat 3https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/032.jpg032But I was quite pleased with the shot I got up an osprey hig up in a tree over the Snake River. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/city-of-rocks.jpgcity of rocksThis photo doesn't do City of Rocks justice but it was the best one I took because of being so pressed for time. -- Photo by Pat Bean2012-09-07T21:54:40+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/06/good-bye-lake-walcott-state-park/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-32.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_2692.jpgIMG_2692Good-bye Lake of Many Moods. I'll miss you, too. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_2705.jpgIMG_2705.JPGGood-bye willow tree with the split personality. I'll miss nodding to you each morning when Pepper and I take our walks. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_2754.jpgIMG_2754Good-bye Mr. Lake Walcott Bear. Have a nice winter. -- Phto by Pat Bean 2012-09-08T10:47:19+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.net/2012/09/05/merritt-island-national-wildlife-refuge/https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/beans-pat-31.jpgbean's pat 3The Wondering Wanderer's blog pick of the day. https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/wood-story-snowy-egret-great-egret-white-ibis-all-feeding-together-every-one-peaceful-except-snowys.jpgWood story, snowy egret, great egret, white ibis all feeding together. Every one peaceful except Snowys.JPGWood storks, snowy egrets, great egrets and white ibis feeding peacefully together, well until the snowy egrets got pushy. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/rosy-spoonbill-5.jpgRosy spoonbill 5A roseate spoonbill turns the water pink with its reflection. -- Photo by Pat Bean https://patbean.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/northern-pintail-2.jpgNorthern pintail 2Heads or tails? Northern pintails both. -- Photo by Pat Bean 2012-09-06T11:48:13+00:00monthlyhttps://patbean.netdaily1.02026-03-17T20:17:57+00:00