Nature Notes ~ Autumn 2026

Furry Family on a Picnic

Hooray! Fall is on the way! Cooler weather is always so welcomed this time of year. And after a hot and relatively dry summer here in Colorado, I'm hoping for more rain and daytime temps in the 50s and 60s soon. 

Before summer finally transitions into autumn, I was happy to see some people enjoying a relaxing afternoon by the creek with their family. The parents and children were having a wonderful time, and so were their kitties. Yes, kitties! On a picnic by the river! (click on image to enlarge)

It was one of those hot, steamy days and the kids were having fun, splashing around in the water to cool off. The little black cats seemed perfectly happy and content to be with their family enjoying the day. They weren't skittish or afraid at all! Each kitty wore a small harness to keep them safe and close, and they seemed very interested in everything going on around them. So much fun!

I've seen people taking their cats on walks before around the Denver area, sometimes in a small crate or stroller. But seeing this family with their kitties in a natural area in the mountains was a first for me! It was really inspiring to watch these folks sharing their outdoor adventure with their furry friends. How delightful!

To furry and fun fall days!

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Inspiration for a New Painting

I'm feeling inspired to start a new painting. Sweet, darling chickadees! These adorable little birds are my favorites. They always seem so happy and cheerful. And I love their songs, from the shorter little "chick-a-dee dee dee" tune to the longer notes of what I imagine as "love you, love you". They bring a big smile to my heart whenever I'm lucky enough to see them or hear their pretty tunes.

I'll be starting the painting in the next few weeks and will be excited to share when it's finished! 

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Stoll Along a Neighborhood Trail

A few months ago, I moved into a little house in a neighborhood between Parker and Castle Rock, south of metro Denver. It's a place where I can have all my stuff under one roof again, and room for my studio. In a few years down the road, I still hope to have a place in the mountains, but the new place is a great home for now.

There are some neat trails that wind through the housing development. One path overlooks a lovely meadow where large, towering Cottonwoods grow along an intermittent stream. Cattle grazes the property and always look so content to be there. I've even seen a few elk down by the trees and a herd of antelope too!

The cottonwoods are just beginning to show some dabbles of fall color here and there, and the prairie is taking on a soft golden hue. It's a nice tranquil setting to stroll along and listen to the birds sing in the morning, and a lovely way to start the day! I hope you enjoy many beautiful walks on the paths in your neighborhood too!

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Wishing you a wonderful fall season, dear nature friends! 

Please leave a comment below. I always love hearing from you!