The difference a river makes

Saturday the 24th was another family outing in Pueblo. This time, we opted for some nature.

The Pueblo Nature and Raptor Center is about 15 minutes' drive from our house (ok, most things are around here) and is a lot like Wild Wings at Mendon. It's a sanctuary for injured birds of prey, a nature center, but also a restaurant and event venue, apparently! They were setting up for a wedding by the river when we were there.

Adele loved tromping around in her boots, but she did not love the heat (94).

Miles and I really fell for this owl and we stayed for almost the whole (excessively long) Q&A session.

Peregrine Falcon

Elsa the Screech Owl

Barred Owl

The center is located outside of town and it's like a different world from Pueblo, with its green lawns and tall trees. Outside of town all is scrub, fern and bluffs; the high desert starts as soon as you get out of range of the Arkansas River.

Ground Squirrel taking a siesta

Over by the river, all is green and leafy. Tall trees bend over the water and waterfowl glide.

Away from the river, abruptly, all is desert.

Isn't the nature center so gorgeous?

The river is the reason we have Pueblo. So I am grateful for the river, but I also am learning to love the desert.

Look at this observatory!! I can't wait to check this out. 

Meanwhile, at home, we make a few modifications to keep the desert at bay...

While still enjoying its gifts.

Some of you know we have been hoping to be able to adopt a dog after we moved. A week or so ago we had this magical event where we were on the porch, kids quarreling, tired, and this gorgeous lab just wanders into our yard. And it was like the clouds parted and angels were singing. He was licking Adele, Miles was petting him and giggleing, and we were like... dog, did you find us??

And then a guy across the street whistled and the dog bounds away.

But our neighbor dog has been back, and we adore him for as long as he stays. He apparently doesn't tolerate confinement!

There will be a post where we introduce our dog. It's almost certain.

We've become active library patrons and we're all doing summer reading. This boy finished one chapter book and read an entire other one JUST TODAY.

(I'm so proud)