The Dumpster and the Bear

July 5th. Dennis is driving through Big Thompson Canyon. I'm in the passenger's seat, doing what I do best. . . checking out the scenery, looking for photo ops . ..


Me: (squealing) Dennis! Pull over! There's a bear on top of that dumpster!

Dennis: Where?

Me: Over there! Pull over so I can get a picture!

Dennis pulls over and I grab my camera out of the bag. I'm very excited, because this is the first bear I've seen in person.

Dennis: Get out and go over there.

Me: Are you crazy? I'm not getting out of the car. I can take pictures from here.

I have great respect for a bear's space.  Especially when the bear is hungry.  

This particular bear did not score a meal, as the owner of the dumpster locked down the top. Which is what any intelligent person does in bear country. The bear, however,  did due diligence. . .

before he finally gave up and left. . .

Friends have been asking me if I'm still blogging on Joyful Altitude. It's no wonder, since I haven't posted since the end of May. Almost all of my time has been spent on our cabin remodel. Even though we're not quite finished, we did move in two weeks ago. My next post will include photos of our new home. Stay tuned.

Nancy

Our New Homestead

I have just dropped into the very place I have been seeking, but in everything it exceeds all my dreams -- Isabella Bird 

In my last post I mentioned that Dennis and I had purchased a home, and I promised photos and more information. Most of the images I'm posting were taken today, including the above photo of a primitive cupboard we found in the barn. You can bet this will show up in the house somewhere, after we get the piece cleaned up.

Allow me to introduce you to our new homestead. . .

(Don't be fooled by this photo, taken in January. There is no snow on the ground today. We're enjoying 60 degree weather under sunny skies.)


Dennis and I have debated whether this little house is a cottage or a cabin.  Webster defines cottage as "a usually small frame one-family house", and cabin as "a small one-story dwelling usually of simple construction". Hmmm, is it just me, or are these two definitions  remarkably similar? 


At any rate, the house, built in 1926, sits on 1/2 acre with nice mountain views. . .

and a 150 year-old log barn. . .

The barn came with all the trappings you see in the photo, adding to its charm.


The first thing we're going to tackle in the cottage/cabin is the kitchen. . .

Believe me, these before photos make the kitchen look a lot better than it actually is. In a few weeks I hope to be able to post after photos, with new cabinets, sink, faucet, countertops, paint, light fixtures. . .the works.


We'll be pulling up the carpet and vinyl, and refinishing the hardwood floors throughout the house. . .

Dining/Living Room. . .

Well, I've run out of patience with the slowww upload of photos tonight, so that's all I'm posting for now. 


Counting it all joy in our continuing mountain adventure. . .

Nancy