Wyoming Breezes

natural bouquet at the top of a rose bush Laramie, WY A couple of weeks ago, I spotted this unusual cluster of roses on the top of a large rose bush near a neighboring apartment building. The bush is large and clearly reaches the eaves of the building.  Thanks to colder temperatures, it is no longer blooming. The colorful cluster of roses made me smile every time I saw it because it was so unusual. Have you ever seen a cluster of roses like this? 

I was pleasantly surprised that Wyoming citizens visit public libraries so much. I’d be curious of the patrons’ average age. Does your state’s rating surprise you?  I use the library’s Libby app extensively throughout the year to listen to audiobooks. In the winter, I go to the library on Friday afternoons and work on a jigsaw puzzle or just browse the shelves.  The Laramie library also has knitting needles and crochet hooks to checkout, which I think is brilliant. Last year, they were offering free yarn, as well.

Park bench Optimist Park West Side of Laramie This unusual park bench is in a park on Laramie's West Side next to the playground equipment. It's quite unusual because it is also a recycling project. The shelter surrounding the bench is a part of a wind turbine blade.  I'm not a fan (no pun intended) of wind turbines because I think they are unsightly, and the components are difficult to dispose of once they are damaged or outlive their usefulness. They must be buried and will not disintegrate in the landfill. I was very surprised when it was announced that this new park bench was made from part of a turbine blade. Even though this one blade was made into a park bench, I'm sure there are hundreds, if not thousands, of others that are in landfills across the nation.

Recently, I’ve been surrounded by a lot of activity. First the roof was replaced on all the buildings in the complex, and this week, the trim and soffits were painted on all the buildings. One thing that attracted me to this complex was the condition of the buildings and grounds. The management team has been stellar!  In the lower right, you can see my tiny garden plot. Compared to Valerie’s garden  mine is pretty pathetic, but I like the color that it provides to my entryway.  Classes at the University of Wyoming start next week, so students are moving back into town. Last Saturday was “move in” day at the dorms, and this week students are moving into off campus apartments. I live on a corner, so I’ve noticed a considerable increase in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Soon, everyone will fall into a routine, and it will be less chaotic.

South wall of the bus garage Eppson Center for Seniors Laramie, Wyoming Local artist, Dan Toro created this commissioned mural for the Eppson Center. He uses spray paint to create his murals, many of which are located throughout Laramie.  Eventually this area will have grass and picnic tables. 

Today may be the first day of Summer, but some of the denizens of Laramie (like this tree at a local business) aren’t quite sure. It’s been downright chilly here the last two days (highs reaching the low 60s and low 40s in the morning). Strong southeast winds seem to be blowing off of an iceberg. I’m back to wearing wool socks, long sleeves, and a jacket.  Supposedly, temperatures will be in the mid-70s today and 80s over the weekend, but I’m not going to bet on it. Like the tree, I’m going to hedge my bets and be prepared for anything! 

six veterans were awarded a Quilt of Valor at the Eppson Center on November 10, 2023 Laramie, Wyoming Friday a large crowd (over 100 friends and family members) gathered at the Eppson Center to witness six veterans being honored at a Quilt of Valor ceremony. Hopefully, this event will be held each year so more veterans can be awarded with a QOV.  Breezy was  awarded  to Linda A.  Patriotic Star wrapped around a veteran

14th and Sheridan Laramie, WY

14th and Sheridan Laramie, WY I’ve seen more Halloween yard decorations this year than in previous years. This witch was lit at night, too, and was a fun display. clever idea for a healthy, Halloween treat

Golden Cottonwood trees 21st and Reynolds Laramie, WY Last Wednesday, I stopped to snap a quick photo of these golden trees. I knew the leaves would probably all be down after the snow storm, and I was correct. Wyoming doesn't have too many trees with russet, orange, or red leaves this time of year, but the golden ones do put on a spectacular show.  Soon, we will be entering days surrounded by brown, gray, and white, but for a short time before Winter settles in, Nature fills our community with gold.

October 12, 2023 photo "borrowed" online from Downtown Laramie Alliance As predicted, Thursday/Friday's storm dropped about three inches of snow on the area, and by Saturday it had all melted because the ground and streets were so warm. Even with that, Interstate 80 was closed for winter conditions Thursday night. It seems like people forget how to drive in snow/ice, and it takes them a while to remember.  It's pretty typical for this area to have a mid-October snow storm and then another around Halloween. I'm thrilled that this storm was here and gone in a couple of days.

Tierra y Libertad (Land and Liberty)  119 S. First Street, Laramie, WY  by Talal Cockar in 2011

Usually the weather service is reliable, so it’s time to pull out the sweaters and wool socks because ready or not winter weather is coming! 

Multi-device Charger Ivinson Hospital  Laramie, WY This charger in the waiting area of the hospital had several different plugs to accommodate a variety of digital devices - Apple and Android. I’ve seen chargers in public areas but they only had USB ports and not the plugs themselves.  Have you seen similar multi-device chargers in your community? 

Albany County Public Library July 2023 The large windows of the public library that face Grand Avenue are often painted to reflect the various programs held during the year. I loved the large reading tree that was on display most of the summer. 

Cowgirl Hat Ball  created by Terry Maker 2019 This summer, I went to the University of Wyoming Art Museum to specifically see this piece. I was not prepared for the visual impact it had in the round display area. The piece is made from over 500 straw cowgirl hats.  massive sphere constructed of wood and over  500 cowgirl hats photo to provide perspective as the sphere is about six foot in diameter No doubt it would be appropriate to say, "My hat is off to the artist for creating this fun artwork."

April 2023 Every year Tiger Salamanders migrate to a large pond in a local park - LaBonte Park. Locals have called the pond "Stink Lake" for years for good reason. Volunteers gather to help the amphibians cross busy streets during migration.  The University of Wyoming Biodiversity Institute states on their web page: Each spring, volunteers show up at LaBonte Park on potential migration nights to patrol 9th and Canby streets. Salamanders are picked up off the roads as they cross and brought safely to the edge of LaBonte Pond. Volunteers spend however long they’d like helping to protect and conserve this population of salamanders. Are you interested in volunteering to help Laramie’s salamanders safely complete their annual migration? Children 8 years and above are welcome to become a volunteer if accompanied by an adult. Friday and Saturday were wet days with snow falling almost all day - good migration conditions for the salamanders.  The Tiger Salamander is Wyoming's sta...

String Orchestra Laramie High School students January 2023 Last Wednesday, one of the three orchestras at Laramie High School performed for a large group of seniors at the Eppson Center. Nearly all of the students have been playing string instruments since they were very young. It was a delight to hear them perform. 

Laramie is abuzz with Christmas cheer and activities. A local landscaping business decorated a section of a popular park with a walk-through display. Even though the temperatures are frigid, it’s well worth wandering among the displays. The senior center has hosted several concerts this month: a choir, a trio of university professors from the music department, and a group of 11 young cellists from a string academy.  Despite all the holiday activities, an extreme threat is on the horizon. Tonight an arctic air mass will settle over Wyoming plunging temperatures near -30° F.  Once the windchill is factored, temperatures could easily be near -45° to -65° F. Officials are warning frostbite and hypothermia can occur within mere minutes. I plan to hunker down at home and pray the electricity stays on because I have electric heat. The subzero temperatures are predicted through Saturday and possibly into next week.

Upcycled Little Free Library West Laramie, WY Fall 2021 A creative person created a Little Free Library out of an old dorm refrigerator and placed it on a repurposed chair.  The small refrigerator is the perfect size to hold books and keeps them dry and secure during the Wyoming winter weather.