Spring Break

Jon and Andy and Mason showed up for a break from school and work.    Before they could play, I made them work.   Jon  transplanted 3 peonies and pulled out 4 roses.   It's too early to plant new ones but the nice deep holes are ready.    Andy power washed the front of the house.    I supervised closely to avoid stripped wood trim and broken windows.   I had done the back earlier in the week.      Then it was time for some playing around.    We got in a fun round of golf and Mason had plenty of time to drive the golf cart.     They are both avid Pickleball players (well trained and coached by their grandfather ) and despite the spring winds, they got in many hours on the courts.     We played "Ticket to Ride, Europe " most evenings

 and the competition was raucous.

And then they drove to Aspen/Snowmass for some spring skiing and Mary Beth flew in to join them.

Spring came to Colorado.    After a long long winter season of record snows,  the grateful well- watered trees and flowers came to life.    The aspen are opening up and the roses are leafing out, the peonies are poking through the ground and grass is greening.  

On the weekend, Mike and Jenna drove over from Denver and we drove the 2.5 hours to join the party.    It's been too many years for us to try it again, but we remember many many ski trips and fun times on the slopes.  

Mike got a few runs in as well and gave a shout out as he passed our rooms.

 

We had spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and ski runs.

 Spring skiing brings out the strange  costumes. Bikini tops and bare torsos were abundant.   And sunburns ......    Saturday night we went to a popular Mexican restaurant and took the required group photo.    The menu was a bit limited since they were closing the next day but we enjoyed  freshly made guac, chips and salsa and varied tacos and fajitas...... and despite being out of several brands of beer, we managed quite well.

Jon and group planned to leave on the early early flight to Denver..... But, without a crew, the plane wasn't leaving, so they came back to the hotel and we all sat down for breakfast together.    They were successful on their 2nd attempt to fly to Denver but their connection to LaGuardia was delayed by 2 inches of hail and severe weather.    They will eventually land about 6 hours later than planned.   Meanwhile, we had a beautiful drive back home, through the snow capped mountains and then the blooming fruit orchards near us.    

 It's been a good week !!

I noticed that some glitch in the blog has made it look a bit wonky on some devices.    I tried to fix it but my elementary skills are not up to the task.