Coyote Lake Park

You know, I take more pics than I post on this blog . . . like lots . . . and we've been on way more hiking trips than I've documented here.
I guess life just sneaks up on me and I forget.

Right now, an army could sneak up on me, and I wouldn't notice until it was far too late.
You see, I was told last Tuesday that, passed Friday, my nannying services would no longer be needed. They had signed the Sweet Nanny Child up for preschool, where she would remain during the day while her guardians worked. She was ecstatic, her guardians were ecstatic, and I was left with rather mixed feelings. THRILLED sweet nanny child would be making friends in a more structured environment, sad that I probably would never see her again or see her grow, really grow.  Plus, the extra money was always a perk.
So, Friday, I say goodbye, and Sweet Nanny Child was so excited about the thought of preschool and the movie she was watching that she didn't even hug me goodbye.
But she did leave me with the worst headcold I've had in ages.
Lord have mercy.

I have to prop my nostrils open with anti-snore nasal strips in order to breathe, you know, on top of all the meds. I'm exhausted but can't quite sleep, and every time I stand up, I get whoozy.  It's weird. Are all colds this bad as you get older?

Anyways, last Monday, Chris and I decided to return to Coyote Lake Park and try to take pictures of the sunset.  You see, because we live in a valley on the wrong side of the mountains, the sunset is a little hard to spot in all its glory.  On top of a mountain, however, oh gee and golly.  I can't breathe.

So we hike, and we discover a least twelve deer wandering nearby who really didn't mind we were around.  I mean, they weren't frolicking up begging to be stroked or given nibbles, but they let me take plenty of pictures.

An even bigger accomplishment? Chris let me bring the tripod and get pics of US.  Peeps, we haven't posed for pictures since our wedding day four years ago.  I mean, besides group shots for my mom on birthdays and holidays.

Is that a right of motherly passage? The posed group shots? Do all moms do it?
Chris likes to tease me when I bring my camera places or my phone to document things. I feel like part of it's because, in an attempt to be a blogger, you know, people like pictures. They like to see things. Even the little insignificant things. I just wonder if that means I'll end up doing that--making everyone stop for photos. I hated that as a kid--you'd be having a perfectly lovely time doing whatever nonsense you fancied with a pal, and, suddenly, here comes an adult with a camera, "Look here! Smile! Say cheese! No, put your arm around each other like you like each other!"
The honest to goodness truth is that we kids DID like each other, but we hated being interrupted for the camera. One day, I'll value it, I think. Or my kids will, grandkids, something.

How about you? Do you take pictures of everything? How do you feel about having your picture taken? Posed or candid?