An interesting weekend

I had such an interesting weekend, full of ups and downs. Saturday morning Mike and I went to FedEx to pick up his interferon which couldn't be delivered because we weren't home. The woman couldn't find it, blaming the currier for not scanning it back in. Mike was furious, as it is perishable and medicine to keep cancer away. Both this lady and her boss were unsympathetic and unapologetic, but they finally found the package.

We then took Mike's car to get the oil change and took the dogs to this dog park in Englewood called Canine Corral. We had been there once before over a year ago and it isn't my favorite dog park-there are 2 gates to get inside and dogs have to be leashed in the parking lot. If you have heard or seen Chester as we get about one mile from the dog park you will know that he is a freak, barking and whining as if this is the only event in his life worth living for. The thought of leashing him in this state is like thinking to leash a wild boar with no tranquilizers. Mike went to open gates and I let the boys out of the car (no leashes) and they announced their arrival into the dog park. A man (I think he is the Tony Soprano of this dog park) came over and told us the dogs had to be leashed or if the police see us we would get a ticket. We told him, "thank you, now leave us alone." He actually thought we were two different people who, it sounds like, came last weekend and created chaos with their dogs. So, he continued to tell us how he told us this last weekend, and if he has to tell us again he will call the police on us. We ended up leaving and will never, ever go there again.

The highlight of my weekend occurred after this lovely morning on Saturday. Meg picked me up at 1:00 and we went to high tea at the Brown Palace. It was such a treat. Not only is it always just fabulous to hang out with Meg, we settled into our chairs and devoured tea, scones, finger sandwiches and desserts, all the while talking about life. At the end, I got to top off a great tea with seeing Meg's little Mia, who is seriously the cutest little girl I have ever seen. I think this tea turned the rest of the weekend around, as I had fun at a co-worker's party Saturday night and Mike and I were productive Sunday on the kitchen cabinet doors.

The weather was gorgeous too. I wore sandals on our walk yesterday. We watered the lawn and I see buds coming on my lilac bush. I am also in love with the plant Phlox. I put one in my back garden and is green and has pink flowers on it. I love this time of year and all the lovely spring and then summer days ahead!

6

March and April are celebratory months in this house. Stan turned 6 on the 30th and Chester turns 6 in April. Nothing like watching puppies grow into big dogs to make you feel old. I remember when we picked up Chester from the breeder. Barely 8 weeks old, he was so shy and would hide under tables and chairs. I remember the car ride home...he sat glued to me, wouldn't move or breathe and threw up all over our neighbor's lawn when we finally pulled up to the house. And Stan...when we adopted him he was such a mess (was, you ask?). He was poorly trained, neglected, attention starved. He ate my garden gnome, would have accidents in the house, and panted heavily(?). Now, yes, the boys have their quirks. Still poorly trained, but not neglected. When they come running at you when you come over, it isn't out of wanting to attack you but give you love. Happy birthday Ches and Stan.

Time with Dad

My dad and I had a day together in celebration of my birthday last month. We went to the Denver Art Museum and saw the Impressionism exhibit. We also walked around the new wing and looked at some other exhibits. We ate lunch at the restaurant there. It was a splendid day. The exhibit was lovely. They organized it based on the inspirations of the Impressionist painters. I had no idea this group would go to the Louvre and find paintings to replicate in order to really develop the Impressionism genre. Our lunch at Palettes was superb and we had a very enjoyable time together. It is funny-even though we live so close we don't do a lot of one on one time together. I enjoy spending time with my dad, just he and I-we have good conversation and give each other ideas (gardening, travelling, etc). So, I think we need to make this a regular thing and pick something to do every month so we can continue enjoying each other's company. Thanks Dad for a special day and let's plan one again very soon.

Happy 8 years Mike!

Dear Mike:
Today is our 8 year anniversary. I think we got through the 7 year itch okay so it is downhill from here, right? I remember when we first met. You sat next to me in Lucy's class-Law, Politics and Justice. I remember looking at your Nike tennis shoes (What, Nike's? Aren't they committing human rights abuses overseas??) but then admired what nice legs you had (still do). We have been through a lot...living in Glenwood, new jobs and leaving jobs, your time in Antarctica, and the dreaded cancer (which is a lifetime of experience all rolled up into one). Sometimes I think we have gone through more than people who have been married for 25 years. When it comes right down to it, though, I wouldn't have chosen a different path. You bring me so much happiness, and you are my best friend. I enjoy spending time with you and I love our life together. So, here's to a lifetime more of these anniversaries. I love you. Love, Melanie

What's a happenin?

I realized that it has been almost a week since I last posted. Yikes! So, to follow up, here are some pictures from Robert's big award day. There is a picture of Robert and his mentee Othello, one of the three of us, and then me and our friend Beth.



What else has been going on? Just a lot of fun, with many thanks to family and friends. Tom and Nancy took us to Bonnie Brae Tavern for Pizza last week for Mike's birthday, Mom took us to lunch at My Brother's Bar for the same ocassion and Liz and Lance hosted a wonderful birthday dinner...hey, wait! I thought I was the birthday fiend around here? Other than that we are just livin'.

Proud of my brother

I have had the unique opportunity to get to know my brother not only as a sibling, but as a friend and co-worker. I don't know how many people have that opportunity. I am impressed with Robert as a co-worker...his work ethic and dedication to being the best at whatever he is doing, his "in the present" attitude, and his care for his co-workers is inspiring. Having worked in the same department for almost two years, I see the respect and care his co-workers had for him-he is immensely popular among everyone.

I am also proud to say my brother is a good citizen. He is getting an award this week from Goodwill. He has been mentoring a student named Othello and is getting the Goodwill Mentor/Mentee award. Here is the link for more info:
http://www.goodwilldenver.org/goodwilldenverevents/index.php?s=24&item=11

Our friend Kendra tells us both (but probably Robert especially) what great parents we had...they raised great kids...and I hope they are proud! I know I am proud to say Robert is my brother.

Letters to the Editor

This morning I went out to take the boys for a walk and there was a bag filled with plastic bags with a note from my neighbors: "We read your letter and are here to help!" I never thought anyone read letters to the editor, but I guess they do. That didn't stop me from writing one to the Washington Park Profile. The days Mike was out of town, I became a neighborhood activist. I wrote a letter to the mayor begging for an off leash dog park at Washington Park. After coming back from San Diego, which is a very dog friendly city with dog parks everywhere, I was feeling bad for the boys and wanted to advocate for a dog park within walking distance. I also wrote my letter to the editor at the Wash Park Profile concerning 2 things: First, I encouraged the residents to pick up their dog poop especially during snowy days. When the snow thawed, there was dog poop everywhere! It is like people think the poop disappears or something when it falls into the snow. I also asked for feedback as to how to reconcile sustainability with dog poop. Stores are leaning toward going plastic bag free, so how can I pick up the poop? I had a week there where I was so low on bags I was taking extra bags from those Milk jugs people hang on poles and pouring cereal into ziplocs so I could use those. Now, thanks to people like my neighbors who actually do read letters to the editor I have a good supply of pick up bags to last me a while. Maybe my next letter should ask for $100 dollar bills?