PARTIES & HOME

Though we enjoyed several excellent restaurants, occasionally we decided to stay in our hacienda and enjoy the talents of our excellent cook.

Susan Brickmen organized our whole trip and kept everything running smoothly.

Don Hemple displayed his talents at the stove when needed.

Cindy Hemple was always ready with a helping hand,

As was Bob Brickmen - though he cottoned no interference or help.

When we had a party it was with the full help of our cook, Lourdes

And the housekeeper, Gabby.

Gary Mitchell with his star pupil, Martyn Cooper enjoyed the party.

As did Gary and wife to be, Corrine.

Cindy, Jerry Brown and Sally Kull enjoyed their conversation despite Don's attentive ear.

Laura Werner, and

Sally Kull were two of our special guests.

The appetizers were delicious.

Served by Cindy.

As was the dinner, thanks to Lourdes and Gabby.

Getting a good photo of Bob Brickmen was a challenge, but I think I succeeded.

And Corrine, our very special, patient teacher - thank you.

And a very special thank you to my husband or 56 years, Chuck

We left our lovely home in Alamda Street and headed to the airport.

My last image of Mexico was of this couple loading their mule driven wagon with sticks. All I could think was how lucky we are.

THE END OF WINTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Several weeks ago at full moon the surrounding mountains were still covered with snow. The skiing was still good and spring seem far away. We made a hurried trip to Montrose, west of Crested Butte and at a lower altitude where spring always comes early.

The ice on Blue Mesa showed signs of weakening and striations of thinning appeared across the surface.

These two big horn sheep had come down from higher altitudes to seek food and water.

But they shortly headed back up to their home ground and away from our intrusion.

Heading back to home the first cattle drive was under way, moving the cows to greener pastures.

But there are always some that prefer the middle of the road!

Now ever Flat Top mountain sits atop a brown base.

The roads are clear and last year's grass is beginning to appear everywhere.

However the ski area is open for another week, the people are still flying down the slopes, wary of ice and bare spots, and children of all ages are enjoying the half pipe, visible from our living room.

Our yard becomes more bare of snow every day and we have begun our spring clean-up. Hello MUD SEASON!!

THE BEAUTY OF COLORADO

I have been neglecting my blog this winter, and my photography. Receiving a letter from cousins in California yesterday with the statement they she had discovered my blog has re-inspired me. How very nice it is to connect with the important people in my life. And how blessed I am to live in such a beautiful place.

The morning here are as varied and lovely as they could be anywhere in the world. In spite of the lack of the usual snow pack expected by February the clouds catch the colors of the rising sun and reflect them onto the snow that we do have.

Some mornings, looking out our window one really feels in the "pink".

On the way to "spinning class" at The Gym, the surrounding mountain top catch and reflect the first light.

Being a life long "cloud watcher" I am fascinated by the ever changing patterns in the sky.

Some of the clouds are reminiscent of the waves in the ocean during the summer.

On the way back home the bushes in the Slate River Valley still display their frosting of ice.

COLORADO CONTINUED

But the snow finally comes and fills up our deck, with interesting patterns created by the accompanying wind.

Loading the branches of our trees with a white coat.

And blanketing Snodgrass Mountain across the street.

Crested Butte Mountain shines again against the blue sky.

The trees on surroounding ridges are laden once again with snow.

But what I miss most are my foxes. I haven't seen one all winter only a very large coyote who seems to have taken over the area.

FINALLY SOME WINTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

We have been back in Crested Butte, Colorado for a month, and I have completely neglected my blog, partly because of the many Holiday and pre-holiday activities and partly because of what the following photos reveal.

Almost no snow!! The weather has been beautiful, clear blue skies, spring like temperatures (for the Rockies) part of the time, and skies full of stars at night. Who could ask for more?? The skiers!!

We now have bus service to our part of Mt Crested Butte, and I was beginning to appreciate it and the spring-like weather,

The Mountain though did a very good job with snow making and grooming (though we weren't taking advantage of it during the Holidays.) From our home we could see the half-pipe and watch the feats of the young snowboarders and skiers as they performed their maneuvers.

However, this morning we wakened to a different sight.

Our yard was covered with about 5 inches of fresh snow.

Snodgrass Mountain and Gothic in the background had a beautiful coating of white.

And the dried wildflowers and grasses in our yard had donned white hats.
Time to shovel the driveway!!

NOVEMBER ALREADY!!

Now that Thanksgiving is almost upon us, I am finally thinking back to the first weeks of November and decided to post a few images. As usual November weather was very changeable with a few warm sunny day interspersed between the fog, the clouds and Nor'easters.

Early mornings often had beautiful sunrises as the clouds passed through on their way to sea. And the Goldenrod and October Daisies were in full bloom, causing problems for those with allergies to the pollen.

The Monarchs, though were attracted by the blossoms as they passed through in great numbers on their way south.

The sandpipers accumulated by the ocean edge to store up on food in preparation for their migration.

Pestering this lone gull by their numbers he felt required to squawk his protest.

But as the waves came in the lifted off the sand en masse to find a better spot.

As the evening approached the fishermen appeared to try their luck under the darkening clouds.