April showers bring ...

WHEN? Friday · June 29

WHERE? Devils Tower National Monument · find us on the map

After an unusually rainy Spring, northeast Wyoming has been brilliantly green, combined with bursts of color from its showy wildflowers. The National Audubon Society's Field Guide to the Rocky Mountain States has helped Mae Dean accurately identify many varieties.

A wolf in sheep's clothing

Dame's Rocket Hesperis matronalis
is not native to North America and is on the
Department of Agriculture's noxious weed list

---

Scarlet Globemallow Sphaeralcea coccinea

Western Yarrow Achillaea millifolium

See more Devils Tower flora photos on flickr

Stormy weather over Wyoming

WHEN? Wednesday · June 27

WHERE? Devils Tower National Monument • find us on the map

Hardined Travelers

WHEN? Saturday · June 23

WHERE? Hardin, Montana · • · find us on the map

Pleasant weather enhanced a visit to Montana during Hardin's centennial-celebration fair. After enjoying a $6.00 tacoburger plate lunch (drink and dessert included), Wendell and Mae Dean visited local historic sites, including the Hotel Becker.

See more Hardin photos on flickr

More wildlife sightings

WHEN? Friday · June 22

WHERE? Devils Tower National Monument • find us on the map

Although Mae Dean's already snapped several rabbit and prairie dog photos, it's almost like the critters have gotten so used to her that they're beginning to pose for the camera:

See more Devils Tower wildlife photos on flickr

See the best prairie dog photo ever on Liliana's blog:

A Little Grace

Podunk Paradise

WHEN? Wednesday · June 20

WHERE? Aladdin, Wyoming · find us on the map

Aladdin General Store has served area residents and travelers since 1896.

Click on the porch door to have a look around inside with Wendell

Who you callin' old?

WHEN? Fathers Day · June 17

WHERE? Devils Tower National Monument · find us on the map

The traditional Old Settlers' Picnic includes food, fun and festivities. Since this event coincided with Wendell's birthday, he and Mae Dean attended the picnic to celebrate.

Some area settlers arrived in old-fashioned style

HBTY !

Good news!

Several of Mae Dean's snapshots appeared in local newspapers after being submitted by the picnic's organizers. See these and more of her Old Settlers' Picnic photos on flickr.

Ancient Lore

WHEN? Tuesday · June 12

WHERE? Devils Tower Administration Building

Long-extinct Native American tribes claim that the magnified details on this mysterious moth's upper wings reveal a reflection of the Great Spirit of Devils Tower. These images are visible only to those who possess a pure heart, distinctive character, and broad imaginative capacity. Since these rare moths are attracted to the park office's recycled-rubber mats, Mae Dean was fortunate enough to get a detailed photo of this Devils Tower phenomenon.

Click the image below for a closer view

The official moth of Devils Tower

Preserved Melodies

WHEN? Saturday · June 9

WHERE? Devils Tower Visitor Center and Amphitheater

WHAT? Native Flute Presentation

After a morning presentation by traditional flute maker and performer Wolfs Robe, Mae Dean and Wendell attended his evening concert featuring the haunting sounds of the Native American flute.

LIVING ... MAEDEANS STYLE:

Sacred Music 12/3/2007

More Sacred Music 6/14/2008

Good night and God bless

WHEN? Friday · June 8

WHERE? Devils Tower National Monument · find us on the map

Another dazzling Wyoming sunset!

Creature Comforts

WHEN? Saturday · June 2

WHERE? Gillette, Wyoming · • · find us on the map

Wendell and Mae Dean are settling in for the summer ...

... and staying in to watch TV for the first time since leaving their condo goes a long way towards feeling settled. In spite of last week's wind and rain (accompanied by cold temps), DTV traveled over a hundred miles from Rapid City to install satellite TV.

Mae Dean has already seen several HGTV shows, while Wendell prefers the sports available on ESPN. Both enjoyed Food Network's coverage of Neely's BBQ in Memphis. Wendell hasn't yet tried to re-create the show's featured recipe, Neely's BBQ Pork Spare Ribs.

Today's trip to Gillette, which has the nearest WalMart, was primarily for errand running: Haircut, groceries, and several cellphone calls while service was available.