April 20, 2012:   The rainy-sleety snow
we received a couple of weekends ago
provided perfect conditions for a
wildflower explosion this week.

An early morning trip into town today
along Highway 179, was a vision of radiant
pink and fuchsia colors...thanks to Parry's
'Beardtongue' Penstemon (Penstemon parryi).

One of many common wildflowers in the area,
this hardy perennial is popping up everywhere.

For several days, I've enjoyed watching the
butterflies and hummingbirds share the
nectar at several clumps outside Paul's
studio window. Total bliss...for them,
as well as for me!