Friday, June 29, 2007

April showers bring ...

WHEN? Friday · June 29

WHERE? Devils Tower National Monument · find us on the map

After an unusually rainy Spring, northeast Wyoming has been brilliantly green, combined with bursts of color from its showy wildflowers. The National Audubon Society's Field Guide to the Rocky Mountain States has helped Mae Dean accurately identify many varieties.

A wolf in sheep's clothing
Dame's Rocket
Dame's Rocket Hesperis matronalis
is not native to North America and is on the
Department of Agriculture's noxious weed list


Scarlet Globemallow Sphaeralcea coccinea
Scarlet GlobemallowScarlet Globemallow

Western Yarrow Achillaea millifoliumYarrow – known by most flower gardeners as a pretty weed

See more Devils Tower flora photos on flickr

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Stormy weather over Wyoming

WHEN? Wednesday · June 27

WHERE? Devils Tower National Monumentfind us on the map


Magnificent!

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Hardined Travelers

WHEN? Saturday · June 23

WHERE? Hardin, Montana ·· find us on the map

Pleasant weather enhanced a visit to Montana during Hardin's centennial-celebration fair. After enjoying a $6.00 tacoburger plate lunch (drink and dessert included), Wendell and Mae Dean visited local historic sites, including the Hotel Becker.

Historic Hotel Becker in Hardin, Montana

See more Hardin photos on flickr

Hardin garage-door mural art

Friday, June 22, 2007

More wildlife sightings

WHEN? Friday · June 22

WHERE? Devils Tower National Monumentfind us on the map

Although Mae Dean's already snapped several rabbit and prairie dog photos, it's almost like the critters have gotten so used to her that they're beginning to pose for the camera:

Peter Cottontail

See more Devils Tower wildlife photos on flickr

Prairie Dog

See the best prairie dog photo ever on Liliana's blog:

A Little Grace

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Podunk Paradise

WHEN? Wednesday · June 20

WHERE? Aladdin, Wyoming · find us on the map

Population 15

Aladdin General Store has served area residents and travelers since 1896.
Aladdin General Store

Click on the porch door to have a look around inside with Wendell

Come on in!

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Who you callin' old?

WHEN? Fathers Day · June 17

WHERE? Devils Tower National Monument · find us on the map

Old Settlers' Picnic

The traditional Old Settlers' Picnic includes food, fun and festivities. Since this event coincided with Wendell's birthday, he and Mae Dean attended the picnic to celebrate.

Some area settlers arrived in old-fashioned style
Antique roadster

HBTY !
The Birthday Boy

Good news!

Several of Mae Dean's snapshots appeared in local newspapers after being submitted by the picnic's organizers. See these and more of her Old Settlers' Picnic photos on flickr.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Ancient Lore

WHEN? Tuesday · June 12

WHERE? Devils Tower Administration Building

Long-extinct Native American tribes claim that the magnified details on this mysterious moth's upper wings reveal a reflection of the Great Spirit of Devils Tower. These images are visible only to those who possess a pure heart, distinctive character, and broad imaginative capacity. Since these rare moths are attracted to the park office's recycled-rubber mats, Mae Dean was fortunate enough to get a detailed photo of this Devils Tower phenomenon.

Click the image below for a closer view
The seldom-seen Devils Tower Moth
The official moth of Devils Tower

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Preserved Melodies

WHEN? Saturday · June 9

WHERE? Devils Tower Visitor Center and Amphitheater

WHAT? Native Flute Presentation


David Wolfs Robe

After a morning presentation by traditional flute maker and performer Wolfs Robe, Mae Dean and Wendell attended his evening concert featuring the haunting sounds of the Native American flute.

Mae Dean was impressed and purchased a Wolfs Robe CD

LIVING ... MAEDEANS STYLE:

Sacred Music 12/3/2007
More Sacred Music 6/14/2008

Friday, June 8, 2007

Good night and God bless

WHEN? Friday · June 8

WHERE? Devils Tower National Monument · find us on the map


Evening at Devils Tower
Another dazzling Wyoming sunset!

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Creature Comforts

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WHEN? Saturday · June 2

WHERE? Gillette, Wyoming ·· find us on the map

Wendell and Mae Dean are settling in for the summer ...

... and staying in to watch TV for the first time since leaving their condo goes a long way towards feeling settled. In spite of last week's wind and rain (accompanied by cold temps), DTV traveled over a hundred miles from Rapid City to install satellite TV.

Mae Dean has already seen several HGTV shows, while Wendell prefers the sports available on ESPN. Both enjoyed Food Network's coverage of Neely's BBQ in Memphis. Wendell hasn't yet tried to re-create the show's featured recipe, Neely's BBQ Pork Spare Ribs.

Today's trip to Gillette, which has the nearest WalMart, was primarily for errand running: Haircut, groceries, and several cellphone calls while service was available.

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