So much fun!

I just came home from the best weekend! Liz invited me to the condo in Winter Park because Lance had a golf tournament there and she needed a little company. We had the best time! I met them up there on Thursday. Lance was playing golf in the afternoon, so Liz and I decided to play 18 holes at the Grandby Ranch course. I had never played 18 holes before, and I had never driven in a golf cart, so we got the reservation gal to promise it would just be the two of us and it was. Even though my golf game was horrible, I would stand and breathe in the beautiful air and view the lovely course. That put things in perspective. Indeed, golf is a "head" game.

Friday, Liz and I took out the "razor" on some trails. It is a little 4-wheeler that is so much fun to be in! We went on some trails for a couple of hours, but the rain came before we could ride to Fraser so we had to call it quits. We came back, took naps, and then went into Cooper Square to shop and listen to music. We made pizza and watched the opening ceremonies for the olympics that night.

Yesterday, we rode bikes up the Fraser River Trail to the ski resort. The Freeride Festival was happening, which is a bike festival with all the "extreme" bikers who race down mountain slopes and do twists and turns in the air. I was proud of myself, because I rode Liz's bike (and she has longer legs than me) on the trail without getting into some sort of an accident. It was a lot of fun. I forget the camera, so here is a little YouTube video: We rode back, I went to the pool and sat in the hot tub, and Liz hung out at the condo. We went back into town, and then to Azteca's for Mexican food. I crashed out very early. This morning, we went to breakfast with one of Lance's golf and work people, and then I headed home. While it is always good to be on vacation, it is equally as nice to see the the mugs of Chester and Stan!

Estes, Again!

I went to Estes again to take care of Susan's kids while she attended a conference. I had a couple of days to myself, so I found a few hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. The views were amazing, the workout felt really great, and it was nice to have a little solitude. This was the first trail, the Lawn Lake trail. I didn't go the entire 5 miles, but where I did hike was lovely:

This is the view from the second hike, the Deer Mountain trail. There were a lot of wildflowers along the way, as well as beautiful vistas:

A happy girl!

A blast to the past

I just got home from a trip to Glenwood Springs with Mom and Dad. We had a blast! I hadn't been to Glenwood probably for 7 years. I admit, I was a little nervous that memories of living there might get me down. But I didn't need to worry about that...we had so much fun! When we got in on Monday we walked around town and the Hotel Colorado. I visited with my old boss at the gallery and she was very kind and welcoming. We ate dinner on the Peppo Nino patio, which was the birthplace of the "long dinner" with Mike, Jason, Jess and I.

After dinner, I swam in the hotel pool and mom sat by the pool relaxing. We woke up Tuesday and went to the hot springs. It was so relaxing and wonderful, as the weather was a little cool in the morning. I took off a little while later for Carbondale and Redstone. It is such a beautiful drive along the Crystal River and I just love Redstone-it reminds me of a cross between Carmel California with all the cute cottage-like houses and Talkeeta, Alaska with this artsy but outdoorsy community. Everyone has a cute mailbox or some sort of cute garden art.

After Redstone Mom, Dad and I went back to the pool. We then went to the Glenwood farmer's market which was full of great produce and good music. We finished up the night, exhausted, after a full and delicious Mexican dinner. It was a great trip and I am so glad it turned out to be so much fun!

The Best...

...Summer vacation day while at home so far! Often I equate "time off" and "vacation" with getting out of town. It takes an immense amount of determination, will and stamina for me to consider a "vacation day" while at home. Because, at home, I can eat all day...watch TV...putter around the house...nap...and NOT shower. All very considerably low level activities. Thinking about leaving the house can be a bit of an event. Just thinking about it, even. I woke up today, missing the mountains but re-energized in my vacation time. I slept in a bit, and after breakfast and a dog walk I went to Lair of the Bear Park for a walk. It was beautiful, and cool, and had some interesting views along the way...that whole "Dunafan Castle" is a bit of an an eye sore but altogether fascinating. After my long walk/hike/whatever, I came home and had lunch. I decided to take myself to a movie which meant showering and getting ready. After all the prep time, I went to see "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel." What a GREAT movie! Mom and dad, if you are reading my blog, you must go see it! The movie is about a group of 60 somethings, all individuals deciding to spend their retired years in a housing unit in India that is supposed to cater to the "elderly and beautiful". They all meet at the airport and when they get to India they find the hotel less than desirable. However, they find peace in many aspects of their lives with this experience. I actually could relate to Judi Dench's character...A recent widow, trying to figure out her life, and blogging about it all when she gets to India. After the movie, I decided that my recent bout of heartburn kept me from celebrating with Indian food. I went to Brio Tuscan Grille instead and had a salad and flatbread while reading Joan Didian's recent book, "Blue Nights." It was a beautiful day and I am going to treat myself to a date with myself again tomorrow. Meg's "V" gave me a VIP pass to the Yves St. Laurent exhibit at the DAM so I will take myself there, and maybe even to lunch at Palettes. Yes, vacation days are nice when they happen out of town, but they can be equally as nice while IN town!!