Where the Ladybugs Sleep

Summer has gone by in a blink of an eye for Terran and I.  Between summer school, a trip back to Colorado, family visiting, T. spending 3 weeks in Dallas for school, major overtime hours for T. and all the hiking we could in between, fall is upon us. I can tell that the season of change is happening around us as the flowers lose their color, the little hummers outside fight over who gets to eat, and the evenings shorten. Have you ever wondered where all the bugs, birds and other summer creatures go during the winter? Last January Terran and I had a chance to explore a place ladybugs go sleep for the winter.



The Beginning of Steven's Creek Trail



Ladybugs



The more the merrier.



They covered the bark of the tree and the ground




A Lone Ranger



The river that is still popular for gold panning.



The view from the trail



On our way back

The only down side to a place ladybugs find warm enough to winter is that ticks agree. On the way home, while Terran was driving, I pulled roughly 40 ticks off the dogs. The ride home made the day all the more memorable.

Naomi

Soon after Terran and I moved into our house, we heard rumors of there being petroglyphs in the hills around our area. A few weeks ago we decided it was time to go looking and spent a productive afternoon hiking. At first we didn't find anything, but after several hours we came to a large group of rocks with abstract drawings carved into them. It was quite exciting and a nice way to end a weekend excursion. Easter weekend we went out again and found the sun rock. It was one of the few drawings we saw that wasn't abstract. It's one of my favorites. Enjoy!!

 

 

The valley we live in.

 

 

Exploring

The first petroglyphs we saw.

Very happy our hours of walking paid off.

Sun Rock

The other side of the hill ~ A dry lake bed.

 

A bold little fellow.

A very shy Antelope.



Easter weekend

 

Naomi

American Kestrel

Both Terran and I find birds of prey amazing. We’ve always enjoyed watching the powerful birds glide over head or studying their profile while they watch for prey from trees or poles. We both have been surprised by the number of raptors we’ve seen while living in Reno. This weekend while on a walk and driving home we were fortunate to snap a few pictures of the colorful male American Kestrel – one of the few times we’ve remembered our camera and then actually seen something.

Naomi

Winter Mists

Last week our weather turned misty and with that came a lovely other world feel that sometimes comes during the winter.
 

Kojo checking out the terrain. 

Don't let the grizzles bite.

Enjoy the beauty around you, Naomi

Snow Soccer

One Sunday after church we got out to enjoy some snow with our two favorite furry friends. The dogs enjoy snow days as much or more than we do, especially when they include round objects.

Naomi

Cozy Little Nest

When we first moved into our apartment I felt like we had moved into a little nest. It is the highest apartment in the complex and is so small (780 sq. ft) after a house, that it felt quite cozy. Six months today we have been in our apartment and it has started to feel like our own place. At first when we moved in all of us, including the dogs, were hyper aware of everyone living around us. I was very conscious of intruding in others space and them in mine, but now we just wave and go on with our business.



The Living Room

 I have found out that not everyone just waves and goes on with their business. One day, while Terran was working out of state for 3 weeks, the downstairs neighbor waved and then asked me, " Are you living alone now? Did your man leave you?"  "No" I answered, quickly explaining that he was working out of town.  Yikes!

I can empty the dishwasher and put everything away while standing in one place.

There are several bright spots to our humble abode and one of those is a private deck. This has allowed the dogs to be outside and for me to leave the door open. Such a blessing!

Reading Corner

Watching the world below pass by.


The park just up the road is something else we've enjoyed about this place. Each evening the dogs and I go up there for some off leash time.
 

Kaia waiting for the stick to be thrown, while Kojo grazes on rabbit droppings.
 

As we in the coming weeks are getting ready to leave this little place for our own house here in Reno I see many ways that God has taken care of us these past months. This cozy nest is certainly at the top of the list.

Home is where the Heart Is,

Naomi

Summer Visitors

Summer is about many things; sunshine, sun burns, BBQ, long evenings, and visitors. Even though we are still adjusting to our new home city and finding our way around we had summer company. We had the joy of sharing some of our favorite things with members of both our families.

Terran's Mom, sister and nephew at our favorite breakfast place that served amazing artery hardening chocolate covered bacon with strawberries.

Kyz kept us all entertained while waiting for our meal.

Checking out the extreme sporting good store Scheels.

Tamara, Kyz and I trying our hand at an extreme sport. Terran and his Mom were right behind us.

Kyz impressing us all with his prowess at target shooting.

All You Can Eat Sushi

with my Mom and brother Ben. 

 

Waiting for you to come and visit, 

Naomi