Endless Blue Sky - Pattee Canyon Trail, Missoula, Montana

These endless blue-sky summer days present so much opportunity - for The Best Husband Ever to get the house painted! (hee)

 

Weed Puff Magic - Pattee Canyon Trail, Missoula, Montana

As much as I abhor noxious weedspread, I do love me the magical sight of a giant puffball seedhead, especially so glowingly backlit by Montana evening sunshine. 
(For viewing only, of course! My responsible (aka boooring?!) adult self engaged in a homeground war-on-weeds is not inclined to blow forth an oversize dandelion-ish puff, as my 5-year-old self certainly would have while defiantly hollering, "Bring on the magic wishes, weed torrent be danged!"  Okay, maybe not that last part, but definitely yes on the wish magic. 
Sadly, researching for text links revealed that a truly responsible adult would pull it up by the roots and schlep it to appropriate disposal, as this Western salsify is on Montana's noxious weed list. Who knew hopeful wish-puffs could grow up to be such serious business?!)

Big Sky Bluebird House - Pattee Canyon Trail, Missoula, Montana

Bluebird nestboxes, to me, are a happy reminder of my lovely mum, who was a bit of a devotee in her later years (albeit, her enthusiasm extended a tad far with one or two boxes, er, "found" on backroad meanders with Papa...!). She certainly reaped the ensuing enjoyment of these brightly feathered friends as noted in this quote:

“...everyone's first nestbox is the opportunity to attract that first pair of bluebirds. Then, if they know what to do after the birds show up, a potential life-long relationship with nature can begin.”  - Kenny Kleinpeter, LBBS, 2007

(Note: That Big Sky blue sky is un-retouched by any photo editing! Daily amazement just outside the door - and a fabulous valley view, too!)

Sunlight-Shadow - Missoula, Montana

“As you sit on the hillside, or lie prone under the trees of the forest, or sprawl wet-legged by a mountain stream, the great door, that does not look like a door, opens.” – STEPHEN GRAHAM, The Gentle Art of Tramping, 1926