Toad found in one of our basement window wells (holes in the ground that let light and air in our basement windows).
Luckily Gemma was here. She was the only one brave enough to pick it up. Gloves were used in case US toads are poisonous. It turns out that they're not. She released it in a dry ditch nearby. We subsequently found numerous other toads in our window wells and garden - a sign of a healthy ecosystem apparently!
Later in the summer, we found this handsome tiger salamander that had fallen into another window well. Notice his friend, the great plains toad, keeping very still. Salamanders are very greedy and eat anything they can fit in their mouth! They can grow to over a foot long and live up to 25 years.
We decided our critters could stay, so I renovated the window well to make it a bit nicer for them. This window is on the shady side of the house, so keeps nice and cool. It should also be a good winter home for them. Very convenient pets!
Eating a cricket. Now that I am feeding and watering Sally (although still unsure of sex), it seems to be a very happy salamander and is getting quite friendly. At least two toads are living there too, and there are signs of multiple burrows.
Chris and Dave (friend visiting from NZ) heading into Red Rocks Amphitheater for the John Butler Trio concert.
Gemma's birthday treat.
Full moon.
The John Butler Trio symbol on the red rocks.
It was a FANTASTIC concert in a very special venue. They are a bunch of very skilled musicians.
One day's harvest from our vege patch. The strawberries are missing, as they were eaten very quickly! Gemma made some great pesto out of all the basil.
Enjoying a foot drawing session! Try it!
The result!
The US Pro Cycling Challenge in nearby Golden, Colorado.
The Flatirons from the Boulder Reservoir.
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