Russian Fort Ross in California

Fort Ross, a California state historic park, was settled between 1812 and 1841 as a Russian trading post. I loved the Russian influence of the architecture especially the chapel seen in this fine art photograph. The shape and form of the turrets and steep roof have elegant lines and produced beautiful shadows. During my visit last June the site was closed for renovation, but we did walk around the perimeter of the fort. I think it gave me a unique perspective of an "outsider" looking in as we approached the fortification. Perhaps it was the same for those settlers almost 200 years ago.

Fort Ross Seashore
This is a textured and aged sepia photograph of Fort Ross, a Russian-American Company settlement from 1812 to 1841 chartered by Russia's tsarist government, on the coast of California.
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Fort Ross
A view of Fort Ross's blockhouse and fortifications looking east toward the foothills.
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The texture used in the production of this fine art photograph is courtesy of

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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Redstone Canyon Colorado

The hum of the tires turned into a grumbly growl when I turned the truck onto the dirt road. I felt my shoulders immediately relax as I looked at the familiar old cottonwood standing guard at the valley entrance. As I bumped down the twisty and narrow way home, I could easily imagine the day when it was still a rutted trail. Though not much more now it was still passable all winter. I slowed the truck to a stop at the cattle guard and jumped out to unlock the gate. Looking up into the foothills I could see the snow laden fog cresting the mountain top. Just a couple more miles and I would be next to a warm and cozy fire with a cup of steaming coffee. Life is good in Redstone.

Sunset Mesa
An ancient cottonwood tree guards the entrance to the valley into Redstone Canyon with its trademark red mesa in the background.
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Winter Mesa
A cold winter's day in the canyon brings snow and fog to the foothills of Colorado.
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Christmas Tree Hunt

Every year for the last ten we have ventured out into the forest to cut our Christmas tree. We usually start searching for the right tree that we want to invite into our home for the holidays in the fall, when the ground is still bare and it is much easier to walk through the rugged terrain.

Cutting your own Christmas tree can be very satisfying. First you have to hunt one down. Then after stalking it for awhile and making sure there is not a better candidate to be found, you wait for the Christmas season to arrive. Finally it is time and you are ready for your tree, but you look at your mate and say, "Where did we see that tree?" Finally, memories intact and boots on, you trudge through snow to where you remember you found the tree, and with a rather small but dangerously sharp hand saw you cut it down and drag it home. Mission accomplished!

We have a forest of primarily Ponderosa Pines and Douglas Firs around our home and the little firs make the best Christmas trees. They smell like lemons when freshly cut and are soft to the touch. Plus they always grow at least two feet after you bring them inside.

Western Man in Winter
A man on a mission to find the perfect Christmas tree ventures out into the snowy wilderness of a Colorado forest.
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Is this the one?

Holiday Front Door
My very own front door and snowy stone walk decorated for the holidays beckon the weary traveler to stop in for a cup of hot chocolate.
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