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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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...

Nearly every Thursday afternoon I join a group of friends at the local senior center to play Mexican Train dominoes. The center was closed for much of the pandemic and only opened full time a year ago. Gradually, each week more seniors come to play. Last week fourteen individuals played together (two tables of seven). Before the pandemic, we had two full tables playing every week. Have people in your community returned to pre-pandemic activities? Have you?

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. 

Waiting Room Spectacles painted by Favian Hernandez north wall of Laramie Vision Clinic South Second Street, Laramie, WY August 2022 This new mural is in an area called Laradise Lane on South Second Street. This open area between two buildings was created when a fire destroyed the building that stood there. The space contains picnic tables (many with umbrellas), large outdoor games (Connect Four and Jenga), and large wooden planters with flowers that separate the area into private spaces.  The mural was commissioned by Laramie Eye Clinic (whose building on which the mural is painted) and the Laramie Public Art Coalition.

getting the car detailed on a warm summer morning July 2022 My 18 year old car had a much needed Spa Day last week. I splurged and had the exterior and interior detailed. While there are car dealerships and private businesses that offer detailing, I opted for a mobile service - one that came to me. I didn’t have to make special arrangements to get my car to a shop.  mobile detail service  Laramie, WY The young man who owns the business is a veteran and “Baldy’s” is the name of his company. He volunteers a lot in the community, and I’m glad I was able to support his business.  If you are in the Laramie area or know someone who needs a vehicle detailed or any power washing, I recommend Nathan and his company. 

Last week the wind howled through Wyoming! Interstates 25 and 80 were closed to light, high profile vehicles. Despite the warnings, semis and campers were toppled. In town, unsecured items took flight. My recycling bin rolled down the street. I had two wind causalities: the Spring outdoor quilt block, and the patio thermometer. One can be repaired; the other is toast. I got a chuckle from a post of the Next Door app about the carport.  Wyoming wind is not for the faint of heart. 

"Monday" by Elizabeth B. Warren  University of Wyoming Art Museum Laramie, WY February 2022 It seems fitting to post "Monday" on a Monday.  Several weeks ago, I visited the UW Art Museum, and this watercolor painting caught my eye. I love everything about it -- the colors, the scene in particular.  I have many memories of wash day when I was young, but sadly no photographs. Most of the clothes on our clothesline were denim jeans, work shirts, sheets, towels, a few dresses and some underwear. Occasionally, coveralls, were also hung to dry.

Exhaling Dissolution (2010) by Sarah Deppe  Laramie, WY This large head (constructed of cottonwood bark, steel rods and wire mesh) is located on the Snowy Range Road on the west side of Laramie. The piece is part of the Snowy Range Rotating Sculpture Program and will be in place for five years.  The sculpture is quite large, sits on an elevated pad, and is well lighted at night.  Honestly, this is not on my list of favorite art in the community, but it makes a statement and is a good landmark. 

Xi’an Mickey Inflatable by Lizabeth Eva Rossof on display University of Wyoming Art Museum February 2022 Pop Warriors have been on display at the University of Wyoming Art Museum since August, and I finally saw them on Friday afternoon. The warriors are constructed from nylon by a company that makes bouncy castles, and are inflated by electric fans. Most of the warriors are over twelve feet tall.  Also on display were Bart (Simpson), Batman, Shrek, and Spiderman.  A brochure at the exhibit said the original Pop Warriors were made in Xi’an of the same clay and earth as other replica souvenirs of the Xi’an warriors.  It was an interesting exhibit, but if I hadn’t read the brochure that explained her concept and the development of the warriors, I doubt I would have spent much time viewing them. 

bench at the Eppson Center front door November 2021 I seriously doubt this bench would safely hold anyone let alone a weary senior citizen. 

labyrinth Ivinson and Fourth Sts. Laramie, WY November 2021 Two weeks ago, I finally checked out the labyrinth in the courtyard next to St. Matthew's Cathedral in Laramie. All summer, I watched as it was painstakingly built one brick at a time. It's still not finished, but it is beautiful and quite large.  I'm not sure how the rock, stacked along the hedge, is going to be incorporated into the design. I'm sure it will be put to use next summer as this labyrinth is a work in progress.