A unique thing to do

Saturday night we participated in a neighborhood "progressive" night. No, it wasn't a political event, but a social one. About 6 houses participated, so around 12 people were lurking the streets, going from one house to the other, progressively getting fuller and fuller by good food and tipsier and tipsier by plenty of wine and beer. We started at Aaron and Tiffany's house-they are new on our block and have the most adorable 2 year old named Ava. They served wine and appetizers and we wandered around their house, looking at everything. We then went to Karen and TJ's for drinks and pizza-we enjoyed their garden. We went across to Diane's house, which all around is lovely, and ate a yummy green bean and potato salad. Our house was next, where we got to show off the kitchen and our smoked salmon from Alaska. Ron and Pat were after, and so we started on dessert over there while loving their garden. Finally, we finished at Tonda's house with more dessert, a final glass of wine, and enjoyed all her recent remodeling. At first I was nervous about the get together...I was the one who suggested doing it, so I was afraid it would end up a dud of a night. But it didn't! It was so much fun. Everyone who participated were awesome, there was lots to see, and the next morning when we took our Sunday stroll we saw many neigbors who commented on what a great night they had. That was the highlight of the weekend...knowing that we have such great neighbors makes life all that more enjoyable!

The moment we have been waiting for

Sunday we finally got out for a wonderful hike! It was a gorgeous day and so refreshing to be where the weather was at least 15 degrees cooler. We hiked our favorite trail-the trail to Lost Lake which is near Nederland. It is an off leash trail and so the boys romped and played and covered so much ground they were exhausted on the way down. The lake is beautiful and the boys both swam. Afterward, we sat at Chipeta Park in Nederland with a small picnic lunch and came home to nap. It was a great day and one we have been waiting to do this summer!

Happy birthday and anniversary

Saturday was my mom's birthday. It was also my parent's 39 year wedding anniversary. We had a great dinner and nice conversation. We love you guys!

The Yard

Have I bragged yet about my backyard? Mike and I have hosted a number of little get- togethers with friends/family this summer and we always end up outside. The arbor gives a nice shade to the patio and table, so even when it is hot outside it is cooler under the arbor. I love my garden and the additions I made this summer. Even my containers, which were looking a little sad a few weeks ago, have perked up and filled out. The grass is lush and green, and we keep everything pretty tidy. It is such an enjoyable time sitting at the table, looking at the yard, sipping a drink. I have been adding a tablecloth to the table when we dine, it gives a little french feel, as well as a vase of flowers. I think the best house project we have done (besides the kitchen) is the yard. It brings happiness many times over: every fall as the bushes and trees change into beautiful colors, in the winter with the winter landscape, in the spring as everything comes to life, and in the summer for enjoyment and relaxation.

Never too old...

...To want mom or dad to take care of you. On Saturday, I got really sick. I don't know from what, I was in the basement working on something and all of a sudden I felt nauseous. I ran upstairs to take care of it, and then proceeded for the next 2 hours to throw up/do the "other thing" until a stunning finale of both at the same time. Lovely. Throughout the course of it all, even though hubby was home, I wanted my mom and dad to come over and take care of me. I wanted mom to rub my back and dad to make me tea and soup. I called them a few times, crying, because I was so miserable. Yesterday they called to check in on me, today the same, even though I am feeling better but not 100%. My mom told me a story: My grandma, probably in her
90's, living with my aunt, wasn't feeling well and sitting on her rocking chair. She said to my aunt that she wanted her mom. We are never too old to want to be nurtured and cared for.

Lucky

I think I belong to the best bookclub ever. We have been together for probably about 4 years now? At the inception, our members all knew Meghan (or knew someone who knew Meg)one way or another, except Annalouiza who met Katie on an airplane and Katie invited her to join. I think one reason for our success is this common person...Meg is like a little sun where flowers try to reach as high as they can to bask in the glow. She seems to attract women who are smart, funny, attractive, strong, and overall just good solid women (I am not tooting my own horn or anything here...). We co-hosted at my house last night and it was a huge success! The book, Loving Frank, generated so much discussion about women's rights, feminism, motherhood, choice, empowerment, etc. We ate the richest spinach artichoke dip, and indulged in black Russian chocolate bundt cake. We drank organic wines, listened to music and enjoyed being outside. I feel so lucky to have joined this bookclub-I find myself calmer and more grounded the day after our meeting.

Book and stuff

I had no idea that the book Loving Frank would end the way it did. Such tragedy in Frank Lloyd Wright's life. I felt guilty when I finished the book about how angry Mamah Cheney made me. I never felt like she could make up her mind, and I never undstood how she could give up her children to be in love. Now, after reading the book, I wish I didn't have such negative thoughts.

I took a long lunch today and went into Louisville. There is an open space area called the Davidson Mesa and I took a I walk. The mesa isn't the prettiest thing, but it overlooks Boulder and you can see the Boulder reservoir and CU. The moutains fringe the background nicely. I have been itching for a trip into the mountains...the smell of the mountain air is so refreshing.

Summer...where does it go?

The July 4th weekend symbolizes the middle of summer. I see summer as a countdown...3to 4 months of summer bliss and then the winter doldrums come around again. I really don't mind fall, but it is such a short season that it isn't as blissful as summertime.

This weekend we continued house projects. Aside from hanging them, we are done with cabinet work in the kitchen. We decided to make a table for the kitchen, one that matches our tile, so we found a bistro table and Mike is tiling the tabletop and chair backs. We did manage a little summer bliss-we went to Chatfield with cousin Morgan who is visiting from Arizona. She enjoyed watching the boys play with the other dogs and swim. We also made kebobs which is a delicious summer treat.

A good summer read is Loving Frank by Nancy Horan. I have been such a slow reader lately that it is taking me as long as summer to finish, but it is definitely a good one. I picked up The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama-a co-worker has been reading it and made the recommendation.

Father's Day Pics

I realize these are a bit late, but I thought I would post some pictures from Father's Day. We had dad over for brunch. We hope you know how much we love and appreciate you, Dad!

A good scan

We saw Dr. Fischer yesterday (Mike's oncologist) for a follow up to Mike's PET scan last week. Things are looking good! He said that so far Mike is in remission. We are so happy to have this news.