August 28th

The mountains call me again this year to reflect upon Mike's life and death. Liz has graciously offered her Winter Park condo and I eagerly accepted. She is going to come up later today and we are going to spend a few days riding bikes, meandering about town, and taking some drives. It will not only be fun, but a chance to spend quality time with a good friend and time in reflection.

I find, though, that the Friday during his anniversary week is the one that I reflect on the most, not necessarily the date of the 28th. A lot of that has to do with the vividness of the week of his death and how his illness progressed that week. Friday was the day where he transitioned away from this place and into one that I hope is more blissful and beautiful than he can ever imagine.

I have felt his presence a lot more lately than I ever have before. By presence I mean that I know he is guiding me, watching over me, listening to me when I need an ear...I haven't felt that much in the past two years, but maybe that is because I haven't been tuning in like I am now.

Thinking of everyone today who loved Mike and miss him, too. Celebrate him with a grilled cheese sandwich and some tomato soup...it was his favorite lunch on the ice and at home!

XO

Flashback

This is Mikey's week so I thought I would post a few pictures. This is from Alaska in 2007:

This is Mike and Tom in I think 2006:

This is from the 1860's dinner with some good friends...2006?

And this is one of my all time favorites!

Thinking of you, Mike, and loving the memory of that smile.

Fun times in the hot city

Here are some other family pictures. They are from my dad's birthday earlier in the month...

Steamboat Springs

Mom, dad and I just got back today from a fun weekend in Steamboat. Robert couldn't join us because of his work schedule, which was a bummer because he would have had fun! We stayed at the historic Rabbit Ears Motel, which is a staple along Steamboat's main street. It is also across the street from the hot springs spa and fitness center, which is an awesome facility and where we spent the majority of Friday.

I was hoping for a little cooler air, but it was hot up there! People were out and about all over-at the pool, walking around downtown, and floating down the Yampa on inner tubes. That town has a great vibe to it-plenty to do and see, but still small enough that it doesn't feel like a big city.

I kept leaving my camera in the hotel room, so I have limited pictures. This one is from dinner at a great restaurant called Mambo Italiano:

This is from main street-a lovely little vignette:

Oh! And these! These are my new boots from FM Light and Sons. They aren't totally cowgirl-I can see myself in leggings, a long sweater, and these boots in the fall:

It was a really great weekend, and we have promised ourselves that we will do this a lot more often! (Especially if new shoes and time with mom and dad are on the menu)

Feelin' the energy

What a great weekend thus far! Yesterday was a pretty successful golf lesson. I think I am finally getting it, a little. We learned about how to swing on shorter puts and drives, and I worked on my grip and stance. Of course, I will head to the driving range this week to practice!

This morning I met Jason, Jess, Jason's friend Dion and Jason's brother at 10th and Bannock for the criterium bike race. Jason and Dion are dedicated riders and this was the last major bike race of the season. There is nothing better than being surrounded by attractive men in bicycle gear with lots of adrenaline pumping! The race was so much fun to watch and both Jason and Dion did well. We went to Max Gill and Grill for I think one of the best brunches ever. We made our own bloody mary's, indulged on parm truffle fries, had a lot of laughs, and sat outside on what I think is also the best patios ever. It was a good morning.

I am thriving in all this fun, positive energy. I love taking classes like golf because it lets me focus on something challenging and enables me to learn something new. I love my classmates and the teacher is a riot. I loved the energy this morning of the race-so many passionate people up to no easy task-40 minutes of lapping around a challenging race track. I hope I always stay willing to do new things because I have so much fun and feel that true happy feeling.

Swing!

When I was younger I never understood why people played golf. Maybe I thought I was too cool for the sport. No, really, I think I was scared of it! I realized this year, though, that it is a good game to know the basics. I registered for a Colorado Free U beginning golf class and I have been going to the driving range. I must admit, I am addicted! Getting the grip down, perfecting the swing, watching the ball fly...it is so very satisfying. I know it is a whole different thing to actually play a game, and I will get there someday, but for now I am actually having fun.