Winter Sky Travelers - Missoula, Montana

Note to self: When standing on a narrow, icy hillside path and tracking birds in flight, rotating quickly while gazing overhead can create a problem of balance. However, as no one fell down said hillside, all's well that ends well.

Bee Smells, Missoula, Montana

“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don't they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.”
- Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine

Easter Wings, Missoula, Montana

Easter Wings

By George Herbert 1593–1633

Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store,

      Though foolishly he lost the same,

            Decaying more and more,

                  Till he became

                        Most poore:

                        With thee

                  O let me rise

            As larks, harmoniously,

      And sing this day thy victories:

Then shall the fall further the flight in me.

My tender age in sorrow did beginne

      And still with sicknesses and shame.

            Thou didst so punish sinne,

                  That I became

                        Most thinne.

                        With thee

                  Let me combine,

            And feel thy victorie:

         For, if I imp my wing on thine,

Affliction shall advance the flight in me.

(Note: Be sure to read the archaic definition of "imp", as relates to falconry.
And check out the cool old manuscripts and discussion at the link in the poem title.)