Hollyhocks

 We donned our antennae and played our best in the annual Lady Bug golf tournament.   It's a popular Cobble Creek event and draws women from around the western slope.    This year, the numbers were down but the enthusiasm was high.    We had fun,  met  new people and we were one stoke away from the $$$.....

 Still baking bread..... still eating bread.

A couple years ago, an errant seed blew into our yard and took root.   I thought it a weed but since I am a first rate procrastinator, it grew and grew.....and then blossomed.    What a surprise to see these old fashioned holly hocks.   In my youth, the neighbor's yards were full of these, especially along fences.    Here, in the high desert, these seem to flourish in a multitude of colors.

















I don't think I saw them anywhere else that we have lived....CT and FL...and my first glimpse brought back memories of making flower ladies in their colorful ball gowns.     Creativity and imagination helped us pass the summer days.


I'm finding the future gloom and doom is starting to drag on me.   When I think of last year and the trips, the grands visits, the West Point concert, the theatre in Denver and Christmas, Arizona.. I know that this year will be much different.    I know that we are so much better off than many and we are grateful for our ability to stay safe.   And we don't have reservations to cancel, or family gatherings to reschedule or anyone in harm's way (well, except for the Dr and the pilot).  

I try and think positively but with our leaders doing their level best to look the other way and to not be making a herculean effort in every way to make us safe ..... it is frustrating and scary and baffling.    

Meanwhile, I walk, I ride my bike, I read , I knit and we play a lot of golf and pickleball.    And we live in a most beautiful part of the world.

Making the best of hibernation....

Finally, we can watch this brilliant production.      We signed up for Disney Plus and have been absorbed in "Hamilton".     Just an unequaled  event.    There's so much depth to this and I understand more with each viewing.    I knew the words/music quite well but then realized I had the wrong people singing them and now it makes more sense.    And isn't King George just the best !

And now I want a bigger TV !

 I've always wanted those flag banners but never think about it until right before the holiday.   This year I was prepared.     We also lined the golf course border and the front of the house with small flags.    Very festive.   No fireworks this year.  

And then we headed over to Salida to meet up with Mike and Jenna for a picnic.   It was a 2.5 hr drive for both of us but it seems as if all of the Denver Front range decided to head west so it took them forever in slow traffic .      We sat in the park along the Arkansas River.    This area of the river is designed as a safe place for kayaking and paddle and body boards.   It's only about 2 ft deep with large rocks for sitting and watching the fun.      Farther along, the river gets very serious and is known for it's white water rafting.     I was pleased to see so many families wearing masks.     It was a great getaway and a chance to catch up.  

I find the news to be so appalling and frustrating and somedays wonder if I'll ever see a return to what we used to think was normal.       We are still hunkered down.   I miss Target and know I could mask up and wander about ....but like so many other things....is it worth it?
But the wonderful Colorado air feels perfect and we golf ... a lot..... and never tire of the mountain views out back.