Transport me to another place

Liz and I had no idea that when we planned our trip to San Antonio we would be leaving dreary April weather for sunny, warm and humid bliss. We went over the weekend and had a great time. I chose some pictures that captures not only the funky aspects of the city but also what the gorgeous weather has produced.

I gave my notice on Thursday of last week and I feel on top of the world! I thought I would eat my words or something; suddenly regretting that I gave notice the minute it came out of my mouth. Not so. I have been so very happy, dreaming of all the things I am going to do this summer. I don't think I will regret this decision at all. My last day will be May 28th to give them plenty of time to find a new advisor and train that person.

One thing I am looking forward to this summer is traveling. I am not going anyplace too far or too long so I can fit in a few little trips here and there. The one I am looking most forward to is to Oregon. I am going to stay in Portland and see Stacy and TJ, and then rent a car to go to McMinnville and see F & MM-two of my most favorite people. From there, I am going to drive the Oregon coast and stay in little B&Bs along the way. I just can't wait. It is the perfect combo of traveling alone, which I enjoy, and seeing people, which I also enjoy. It is going to definitely be a summer that will bring that much needed balance to my life.

Togie

I just had the most splendid weekend. I was in the mood for some quiet, R & R and self-pampering. I had enjoyed the hot springs lodge and spa in Saratoga and after determining it was going to be a good weekend weather wise made reservations. "Togie" as the locals call it takes a bit to get to in the winter season-after Memorial weekend the scenic highway opens up which shaves about an hour off the drive. The dogs and I needed a break from one another, so I happily, and they excitedly, entered the kennel where I know they have gotten much love and needed exercise. Yesterday I got in around 3pm, took a soak in the hot springs and then had an herbal body wrap. I was wrapped in a cocoon of sheets and towels soaked in herbs for detoxification for about 45 minutes. A heater was on in the room, so I laid peacefully and sweat out toxins and just breathed in the relaxation. I didn't fall asleep but rather into a meditative state, which was lovely. After the wrap, I took a shower and took a walk. This is the north Platte river and pictures of a sad attempt at a self portrait. I ate dinner at the lodge-a delightful meal of mushroom chorizo and a sweet potato soup. I soaked again in the hot springs and read...and read...and read...and finally went to sleep.

Today I got up, took a nice jog around the river and the town, soaked in the springs again, ate breakfast, and took a scenic drive up as far as I could on Hwy 130 (This is the highway closed at a certain point until Memorial weekend). Locals talked about the wild horses along that road, and I found them! They are so beautiful with long manes and tails. I then hit the highway home, stopping in Fort Collins for a late lunch with an old friend. The dogs are at the kennel until tomorrow, so the plan is to curl up in bed, read some more, and go to bed early, reveling in waking up without the stomp of Chester's paws demanding breakfast.

Take me out to the ballgame and other stuff

Last Friday Liz and I went to our second annual Rockies home opener game. This is a tradition I really like! We had good seats-they were on the 3rd level facing the outfield behind home base, so we could see everything. Some of Liz' co-workers were there, too, and we just sat, drank beer, ate peanuts and chatted. It was a beautiful day and the Rockies won!

These next few weekends will be some time to get away. This weekend, I am returning to those hotsprings in Saratoga, WY. Out of the hotsprings I have been to in Colorado, I like this one in WY quite a bit. The lodge is nice, and the price includes the pool and hotsprings. It isn't a public hotsprings so the only pool patrons are the lodge guests. This time of year, it is still chilly in WY and there is nothing better than sitting in hotsprings when it is cool outside. I have lots of reading to do as well, and perhaps take a jog around the path of the lodge's golfcourse. Chester and Stan are going to stay at a kennel. We are all tripping over each other lately, and slightly annoyed at each other, so I think it will be good that I don't have to wake up at 5am with them for a few days!

The following weekend, Liz and I are going to go to San Antonio. I have never been but she has, and we are staying at the Hyatt on the Riverwalk. I was in the mood for a close destination, but one out of state, and Liz suggested we go there together. We will shop, sit by the pool, take the water taxi and visit the Alamo. I am really looking forward to it!

Then it is time to focus on the house. Paint the porch. Clean the windows. Do yardwork. I am getting my backyard re-landscaped and the patio pavers fixed all due to the septic pipe issue. I am going to add more gardens in the yard, with bushes and perennials. It should be a nice oasis in the city!

Some favorite things

I have been enjoying lately some of my favorite things...
1. First Friday artwalks...whether alone or with a friend, I always have a good time. I have run into an old friend, Dan, the past few times I have gone because he is an artist and has some gallery space. It is such a vibrant activity, where galleries and restaurants are taken over by swarms of people.
2. Tile Mosaic Girl...I took a mosaic class from her and she is a good teacher and has some nice designs. Here's one of hers I like quite a bit.


3. Watching Chester and Stanley run and play at Chatfield, all the while getting my own good workout in...the boys are so good. They may lag behind or run ahead, but they always come back to me. I love it when I am out of their range of sight and watching them look for me frantically. That is love!
4. Breakfast...my favorite meal of the day. I love going out for breakfast, and always order some sort of egg/bacon/potatoes meal.
5. The novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak...this is a book club book and is actually designated under teen literature, but I can't even tell the difference. It is an engaging story and I can't wait to read on...
6. HGTV...Propery Virgins, House Hunter's International, and The Outdoor Room with Jamie Durie.
7. The fact that this morning smelled like the damp softness of spring...priceless!