In the 1930's, there were only 59 trumpeter swans in the lower 48 states. Now there are about 5000 in Minnesota alone. About 60 winter here in our area.

Summer! Just curious where you are from. I've been to The Arches many times but I always take a pic from the other side, looking out to the ocean. I think this is the first time I have seen a picture looking the other way.

Dining room in the Palace of Versaille. The king and his family would sit at the table while various admirers would sit on the red velvet seating and observe

Yesterday morning I heard a noise from outside like someone periodically spraying something with a hose. When I finally looked out the bedroom window, I saw a hot air balloon -- right there. By the time I found the camera it had descended behind the trees behind our barn. I walked over and by the time I got there they were already deflating it. Apparently they landed in my neighbor's back field, our neighbor and her sister came out to watch, and the balloon company offered to tether the balloon and take my neighbor and her sister go up a short way before bringing the ballon back down to deflate it. After it was put away, the balloon company offered the traditional bottle of champagne, and my neighbors invited everyone (the pilot, the chase guy, the balloon guests, and me) in to their newly refinished kitchen, for mimosas and fruit and toasted raisin bread. It was a great way to start off a Sunday morning.