The season of the sunrise

This is the time of year where the sunrises are more pronounced maybe than other times of the year. I love it because the colors appear in the quiet of morning, and I can have a cup of coffee on my balcony and enjoy the show!

Mommy

A Precious Mother 

(Unknown)

Mom You've given me so much,

Love from your heart

and the warmth of your touch. 

The gift of life and you're a friend to me.

We have a very Special Bond

which only comes from God...

I'm sure you agree. 

As a child I would say Mommy I Love You,

Now you're my Mother so dear 

I love you even more

with each and every new year. 

If I could had chosen,

I would have picked no other.

Than for you...to be my lifelong friend

and Precious Mother. 

Happy Mother's Day Mommy, Mother Dear…XO Mel

Happy "Gotcha Day" Rene!

One year ago this weekend, I officially adopted Rene! I remember that day clearly. Mom came with us, Rene was hesitant to walk into the busy Petco through those scary sliding glass doors-Lee from the greyhound organization had to come out and help me get Rene into the store. She was put in a pen with other greys and I got to fill out all the official paperwork. We got our picture taken, and she was officially a part of the family!

I bought her a little anniversary treat at Petsmart the other day so she enjoyed it this morning. Rene, you have made me so happy since you came into my life! Thank you! Grampy, Gram, and Uncle Bob agree that you are one special addition to our family!

Greyhound as my Co-Pilot

April is Greyhound Adoption Month! What a coincidence! I officially adopted Rene last April. She is my little buddy for sure, and definitely a wonderful road trip companion! I love you Rene! I am so glad you made it into my life a year ago. You are pure joy for me (and Gram, Gramps and Uncle Bob!)

Who is that in the background, over my shoulder? A cut and paste image? A stuffed animal? 

Nope! It is my Grey Rene!

Back to Reality...

We got home today from our trip to Arizona. We spent a lot of time in the car, because on the front end we escaped one storm only to come home to face a big storm that kept us in Colorado Springs for an extra evening. I decided that we would enjoy one extra day of "vacation" and got us accomadtions at The Broadmoor. I had never stayed there before and can't believe I never spent a pampering weekend there before! From the minute we pulled up, we were treated like King, Queen and Goddess Greyhound!

There was a little "refreshment center" in the room where there was coffee, tea and other snacks!

Truly, a comfortable bed and really good night's sleep

Beautiful Broadmoor

The lake area of the hotel

Miss Rene, on her own Broadmoor supplied bed and bowls

I have to say, it was a downer to come into town with all the snow. I miss the desert landscape, the hot sunshine and the blooming flowers! Spring, though, is just around the corner here in Denver and it will be just as lovely as March in Arizona!

Spring Rejuvenation

Rene and I are on the annual trip to Scottsdale, AZ. Once again, it is a refreshing trip to be in sunshine, around blooming flowers and swimming pools. Mom and Dad have been down here for the month of March, so Robert, Rene and I road tripped it on Thursday night. We left Thursday night to avoid the storm, which we did successfully. We stayed in Albuquerque for a night before getting to Scottsdale yesterday. Old town ABQ is always a sweet place to stop and enjoy the New Mexico feeling…

I love little vignettes like this in New Mexico...

The church on the plaza

It is warm enough for some patio time!

Shops in a courtyard

A window dressing

Another little New Mexico vignette

In honor of my 40th birthday, I decided to get a room at the Firesky Resort in Scottsdale. I usually stay in another hotel closer to Mom and Dad's apartment, but decided I wanted a little more luxury. The minute Rene and I walked in I thought, "I don't need to go anywhere-I can just stay right here!" The grounds are beautiful, the food is really good, and there is a lovely pool. We did take a little drive around town this morning and captured some of my favorite parts of Scottsdale.

Rene enjoying a little time in some water at the civic center park

Bougainvillea and a very green tree

Gardens!

Old town Scottsdale

The hotel pool (I can't wait to get in!)

In a little while I am going to go get Mom and she will hang out with Rene at the hotel while I have some pool time. She will also stay the night with us, allowing me some time this afternoon to go to my favorite museum and do some shopping. Tonight, Robert and I will go to our favorite little brewpub and then we shall see what tomorrow brings. Maybe a little more pool time, another scenic drive or nice walk…whatever seems to be relaxing is on the agenda for this little trip!

40!!!!

I officially survived my 40th birthday!

Thursday the 11th was the actual day, but I just took Friday the 12th off. I kicked it off with a party Thursday night at Lowry Beer Garden and had about 25 people come. It is always quite a treat to have all my nearest and dearest in the same space…everyone is so easy-going that it can't help but be a good time!

Friday I dropped Rene off at Mom and Dad's for her first overnight with them without me, and my first night away without her. I stayed at the Hotel St. Julien in Boulder, a most fabulous resort hotel where I used to retreat a few years ago. My friend Jill met me up there and stayed with me, and we met my friend Amanda for dinner. When I got to the hotel, Mom and Dad had sent up some little treats for our stay! It was so cute.

The bathroom at the Hotel St. Julien is remarkable. It is bigger than my own at home!

We ate at Bramble and Hare, a little farm to table restaurant Amanda recommended. Jill and I did some shopping both in the evening and the next day. Saturday when I came home I found Rene to have been excellent house guest for Mom and Dad! Later in the evening, the family went out to dinner at The Cherry Creek Grill. Robert and I always have to take a selfie when we are together!

I stayed the night at Mom and Dad's and came home this morning, to get myself together and get ready for the week. Oh, and to cap off the weekend with my Valentine…Rene!