Mosaic Monday #26 - Dithering April

Leafy Aster in our garden

I found April to be a month of contrasts.  An in-between month, almost like a teenager that wavers between the simplicity of childhood and the desire to be considered an adult.  The sun was out but the air was still cold.  I had some recurring events, but in general I was less scheduled.  The "dead" of Winter was slowly losing its grip to the life of Spring.  All in all, I enjoyed the variety that was April 2019.

I am so glad this is the only

day Spousal Unit wears 

this sweater!

The ski season ended with a cool vibe as Whitefish Mountain Resort hosted Employee Ski/Ride Day.  In keeping with the "fun" character of the resort, costumes were encouraged and each department adopted a theme to identify its employees.  In the case of the Mountain Ambassadors, everyone decked out in retro/60s gear.  We don't often get the opportunity to ski/board at the same time, so this was treasured team bonding.

With skiing wrapped up for the season, I welcomed the free time to finish a key project, a Shutterfly book.  This labor of love documented the life of our new house from inception of the dream in 2006, through its first two years.  I chose this timing because April 24 marked the two-year anniversary of the date excavation began on the property.  It was a surprise for Spousal Unit, and it gave me great joy to present it to him on April 21 - once I had it in my hands, I couldn't wait to share it!

Salted Caramel

My open schedule also allowed me to simply pounce on some opportunities that came along.  Like the day Spousal Unit texted me that local ice cream company Sweet Peaks was giving away free ice cream - I was all over that!  (Sweet Peaks opened its Whitefish shop in April 2010 and now has 6 additional shops throughout Montana, Idaho and Washington State.)




As long as we're focused on my sweet tooth - I was spoiled at Easter by a basket from Spousal Unit and from a dear neighbor.

It was such a delight to join my fellow Arts and Environment committee members to decorate our church for Easter.  After the barren symbols of rocks and branches during Lent, the color and life of Easter flowers and lilies was a feast for the eyes and the nose.

In past posts, I have written about my search for options to enact true charity.  Last month, Spousal Unit and I attended a fundraiser for the Samaritan House, a homeless shelter and transitional living program in Kalispell, Montana. Its mission is to provide shelter and basic needs for homeless people, while fostering self-respect and human dignity.  The Twelfth Annual Cowboy Up event featured a live auction, silent auction, Chinese auction, wine pull, dinner and live music.  We bid on several items and were pleased to win a rustic bucket full of gardening-related items.

As one who likes structure, I garner contentment from my recurring activities.  My cooking adventures for the month included Shawarma Chicken, Pan-seared Cod, Chicken Taquitos and Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake.  Only the Shawarma Chicken passed muster.  We liked the Chicken Taquitos IF IT HAD MORE BUFFALO SAUCE, MORE CHICKEN AND LESS CHEESE.  In other words, that's a different recipe!

Shawarma Chicken Salad

Pan-seared Cod

Chicken Taquitos

I have continued experimenting with my spotting scope/phone camera combination, and one morning was thrilled to have Spousal Unit join me.  We observed a Belted Kingfisher in the dead trees on the edge of the lake, but didn't manage any good photos.  It probably didn't help that mist was rising from the lake due to the brisk morning temperature.  But I am very proud to report that Spousal Unit snapped these entertaining Flicker photos through the spotting scope.  He might just be hooked!

The trail cams have also documented April's fickle ways.

I am sure the deer thought we were done with the whole snow thing!

The diversity of wildlife seems to be on the rise - whether migrating or emerging from winter dens, they are on the move and in some cases, vying for territory.

Upper middle and right: BADGER!

Perhaps the best wildlife story is captured in this video.  One morning, Spousal Unit and I were on the lower level, deeply engaged in our photo album project, when we heard a succession of "whap, whap, whap" on the glass doors.  Since it sounded like bird strikes, I wondered out loud about the chances of several birds striking the windows in such short order.  Then the sound came again.  WHAT???  Away to the windows we flew like a flash … and what to our wondering eyes should appear, but a crazed Tom Turkey, intent on fighting his reflection in the glass.  We just love living in the woods!

Of course, with the passing of Easter, my limited Easter decorations have retreated to storage, leaving our dining room table lacking in adornment.  But never fear, creativity and our back forty soon came to the rescue with a simple green and white arrangement.  Welcome to the month of May!   



 

Mosaic Monday

Welcome to Mosaic Monday, a weekly meme where we get together to share our photo mosaics and collages.
Please include at least one photo mosaic/collage in your post.
The link will be open from 1 p.m. Sunday until 11 p.m. Monday (U.S. Mountain time).
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Thank you for joining in today and sharing your mosaics with us. 

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