Christmas in Connecticut

And then, after thoughtful pondering and double masking, we flew east.    First we drove home from AZ and hopped on a flight to EWR.   Yes, we know that there are flights from PHX to EWR but we wanted to drop off and pick up some stuff at home.   And altho it is almost a 10 hour drive, we're kind of used to it and audio books help.   Currently listening to "Project Hail Mary".   

 

It's been a long long time since I've hiked in the Connecticut woods.    Jon, Murphy and I did a 3+ miles wander in the woods....lots of rocky up and downs and slippery leaves covering the trail and roots and rocks   on the way to the waterfall.    We've seen it from the boat, but earning this view is worth it.  

  

In order to get to the waterfall, we had to traverse this looooonnnng log.   It had been smoothed at the top and covered with a mesh but the sides were slippery and it was very narrow.   It got even more narrow as I viewed it from the starting point.    I crept across, mindful that a fall would do some serious damage to my bones on the sharp mossy rocks.    I had a 'found' walking stick (a sturdy branch) which helped with the balance issue.     On the return from the waterfall viewing, I realized that I did NOT want to cross again.     It seemed much more daunting.    I had Mary Beth's old sneakers on (to keep my shoes from the mud)....Hiking boots with serious grids would have been wiser.   I took a few steps across and the stick slipped on the side and I wobbled.    And then I froze.   I literally could not move and was convinced I was headed for the icy water.    Of course, I survived and managed to put one foot in front of the other and made it across just fine but it awakened in me the thought that balance and confidence diminish with age. 

But it also told me that I'm still pretty agile and capable of adventure and I need to keep doing this.......    It has snowed since this walkabout so not sure if I'll get another chance to walk in the woods....I have NO plans of crossing log bridges.   

We have come to CT for Christmas for many many years.    The boys are the youngest grands and it's been fun to share in their excitement.   Missing last year only reinforced our determination to join them this year, despite the upside down world we live in.   

Dinner was a delicious combo of the old and new traditions.   A standing rib and vegan dishes.... homemade rolls and too many cookies.    

We've played board games most evenings.    We are terrible at Trivial Pursuit, (it was the 90's version and who remembers anything from that decade?), we suffered through Cranium, some wanted to play Catan while others preferred Scrabble.     Murphy demolishes every toy in minutes and eyed the new slippers under the tree.   

Santa brought the Ember mug.    It keeps your hot tea at a temperature you choose for 90 minutes , or several hours if it's on the charging base.    I  reheat my tea many times before I empty the cup.    I think it's going to be a favorite.   Plus, it keeps your hands warm while you hold the cup.   

 We're avoiding stores and crowds and meeting up with old friends.    And, altho there were tickets for "To Kill a Mockingbird" on Broadway, they were refundable and we made the decision to try another time.   

Wishing everyone a healthy and safe New Year.    

Arizona return....

We've been here about 10 days.    We're back in Wickenburg Ranch and it feels familiar and welcoming.   We really lucked out with our rental.    We started inquiries last June on Nextdoor Neighbor and considered 2 options.    We chose this one as it was bigger altho the other had better views.    As you can see, it has a pool and hot tub.    It also has a large outdoor kitchen, a lounge with fireplace and large TV and on the other end of the pool is a large firepit.   The owners started construction of the back patio in June and it has been a slow frustrating process for them with  delays and backorders and repairs even before it was finished.    But it is not our headache, thankfully, and we will enjoy it.    

 

But my favorite thing of all are the walking trails.    As you can see on the bottom left of the picture, the trail meanders about and offers a vigorous workout with the hills.....and the views are a plus.     I start out with a long climb up a hill and I feel so smug when I get to the top without stopping.    The altitude here is about 2500 so I don't have that  to contend with that like at home.   The other day, I began to cross the main road when a Jeep came flying around a rotary and I managed to scurry back to the side of the road.   I motioned him to slow down ....... and then, the car stopped and the driver APOLOGIZED to me.    He admitted to speeding and said he had a lot on his mind and was distracted.    I was shaken by the close call and still amazed by his response.      

My next favorite thing is this Par 3, 9 hole golf course.    There are speakers on every tee box blasting out great music.    Everywhere else I've played, there is quiet while your partners tee off.     Paul is teeing off on the 5th  to a green straight below that drop off in the foreground.   It's only 88 yards to the green but it is way down there.   The top of the white flag is barely visible in this pic.    I birdied it today..... and then we tackled  the next 4 holes and managed to lose 4 balls in the water.    But that's golf.   

 Weather has cooled off and fleece feels good.    But we don't miss the snow coming down at home.   

Views

Aspen trees are not native to our altitude.    They are an amazing tree that thrives and shines in it's natural habitat.   They are almost synonymous with Colorado and there are great stands of them in the mountains.   But, at 6000 ft, they will not flourish.   Their happy place is over 8000 ft.      Of course, everyone plants them in their yards and businesses.  But eventually, they will start to put out long runners, sending up small trees in manicured lawns and garden beds and among the flowers.     And often, coming up in the neighbor's yard.   They are hard to eliminate and it's like a game of 'whack-a-mole'.       So far, we have had to remove several trees. After trying to reproduce by runners, the main tree dies off, limb by limb.    When you see a runner, you know the nearby aspen is in it death spiral and won't last but a few more years.       We have 2 left on the east side of the house and I see the changing seasons thru our windows.    But they are dying and I will really miss them,    Others, out of my vision,  seem to be doing OK for now.     Our HOA no longer allows aspen to be planted  and recommend the river birch which is similar but just not the same.  

The Uncompaghre River along the bike trail.

In the foreground  are the  cuttings from the heirloom 'Christmas Cactus' .   My parents inherited the plant from the previous owners in 1961 when they bought their house.   It was huge then and probably about 20 years old.   My sister Maureen took possession after my parents were gone but apparently it did not like the change and became despondent.    So, Sandy, the plant whisperer, took it to her house and it has thrived.    We all have cuttings from it and this is the result of 4 tiny shoots growing heartily for about 9 months.      In the background is my 2 year old  Home Depot "Thanksgiving cactus", vigorously budding, right on time.  

This is the mother plant, probably about 70 + years.   I read where they can live to be 100..... I think it needs to be in the wills.  

 

Not all golf outings have happy endings.     The master mechanic has identified the problem, parts are ordered and it will be functional once again......unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating.

 

Where did October go ?

Welcome to our newest great granddaughter, baby Rachel.   Grandparents Jeff and Jen and parents Rachel and Travis in Mexico.    Can't wait to meet her.  

And so, we've been enjoying the beautiful fall weather.  I walk most days, same route but the view always changes..... not a good picture but you get the idea of the mountains that are always at the forefront.    My mother walked every morning well into her 80's.   It's a wonderful time of day; early morning sun, greeting the neighbors and their dogs, noting the changing landscapes and the new houses on every street.   I also listen to audio books on my 3.5 mi walk (sometimes I stretch it to 4 )...currently my newest favorite is "Cloud Cuckoo Land" by the author of "All the Light We Cannot See"....... totally different and intriguing.

 

I do obey the speed limit !     

 We did get our boosters...    Felt kind of crummy but glad we have it before we head south next month.  Colorado, and especially the Western Slope, is having a resurgence of the virus .... our small hospital has more covid patients now that at any time and they've had to bring in traveling nurses.   This area is only 40% vaccinated and there is no mask mandate in schools or any public area.    We wear our masks indoors but see very few who do the same.    I do not understand.   

     

And then we went to Disney World......

It was a mini-family gathering.   The planning started early this year and because it was the first week of Disney World's 50th, everything required reservations.   There were limitations on crowd size and no one could enter without a reservation.   Becca and Lizzie worked for months juggling the tickets and the plans and it all paid off perfectly.    It was an amazing 5 days..... Somehow, I managed to take very few pictures. And w
e never did get a group picture of the 10 of us.....4 generations.    

The crowds were impressive, the weather was very hot and humid and the wait times were lengthy.   But, I would do it again.....just not this week.  

Of course, the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom were extra special and Tinkerbell flew through the air (on a zip line).

Ashlee picked out her uncle Alex as her very best friend.   She closed her eyes in sight of a camera.   At 2 1/2 years she outlasted many of us.    

The Star Wars area was very very impressive and I gave it a first on my list.    The Avatar Pandora venue was also impressive but the ride set off a bit of queasiness.    It's unique in that you sit atop a device (?) in a position like riding a horse.   Only you are riding a Banshee..... there are sensations in your legs and chest as you fly around and mimic controlling the direction of the large flying creature.   Of course, the graphics are unparalleled.      We also did some of the original rides , Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted House.   They've held up pretty well against the high tech rides.    

The pool and a cool drink .........   

Animal Kingdom with the Tree of Life in the background.   

Guardians of rainbow Minnie......

 

According to my Strava app, I walked over 30 miles in 5 days....We relied on the monorail and the ferries to shuttle us.   Luckily, my sneakers were very very comfortable.   I can't imagine if I'd had to add blisters or sore feet to the mix of sweat and sun.  

And then we packed up and headed to the airport..... again, massive security lines but by now we were used to waiting in line.      Unfortunately, our flight was delayed (broken part=new airplane brought in) but we didn't get to Denver until midnight and our flight home had left hours ago.    So we spent the night in a hotel and caught another the next day.     United was really quite amazing throughout it all.   They gave us frequent and detailed updates  and food vouchers and a voucher towards another trip and for those of us with missed connections, a night in a hotel.  

When all the planning was initiated way back 8 months ago, it was expected that the virus would be better controlled.    Since it isn't and we were going to FL, I gave some heavy thought to the wisdom of doing this.    We masked up (required indoors everywhere) and used the well placed hand sanitizer stations and tried not to stand too close to anyone but we were still among the masses.   

And now we are home and it is cold and rainy and windy and the mountains are glorious with their new heavy coating of snow.   But we have many many warm memories of time with family.          

If not now, when........

More sock knitting.    I do work on other projects but I always revert to socks for

 meditative knitting.   

And company came for a visit.   Brother Tom, Regina and the talented and smart grand niece Jesse Ann.   How fun to catch up on old memories.   Tom toggled my brain about places and people that I had long put away in my memory bank.   We are 8 years apart so didn't have equal memories of growing years but 

interesting to hear another side of things.   

And then we did the almost 6 hour drive to the east to see the grand girls.    Lizzie had asked me to join her and Becca in getting matching tattoos.   Lizzie wants to get a matching tattoo with her siblings and parents (I want to be around for that one when Michael agrees !!  )   I didn't hesitate and said I would.   Altho I have never considered one before, I had no strong opinion about it for others....altho I do wonder if those young persons with their arms , necks and other body parts covered will ever regret that much "art" someday.    I think some can be tasteful and artistic but my 78 year old opinion is that a little sometimes goes a long way.      Anyway, the tattooist is booked at least 3 months in advance.    She is very talented, the studio was spotless and her disinfecting between clients is meticulous.   And it was not as pricey as I'd expected.    It took all of 10 min with just some pin pricks.   I didn't get pictures of the others but here is 

 

my tiny bumblebee.   It's cute .... you need to look sideways to really see it. 

  

And if you ever need an excuse to visit Colorado, this is what you'll see....... I took this a couple years ago but it returns every fall.        This is about an hour from the house.   (It's right out of the camera, no adjusting of color)

A good trip......

It was a memorable week.      We headed East once more.    Mason, a Jr,  stood tall for the annual 1st day of school pic.   

       The tree is no longer a tiny shrub either.    Usually there are two in front of that tree but

this year, Andy left  for college.....just how did that happen !!!

We've seen 4 other grands go off to college and each time they are still only 4 years old in my brain.....Andy is no different.    He and his red car will be at Clarkson University up near the Canadian border in NY.   

Prior to flying out of Denver, I did some dog walking..... Aspen preferred the comfort of the recliner (love that face) while her sister Tellie, made a marginal effort to walk with me.   I finally had to call the sag wagon to pick her up as she sat and refused to budge.    I know how she feels but I had new walking shoes 

and had to keep going.  

   

Once we got to CT, I continued the dog walking.

  

I was almost pulled off my feet when Murphy spied a deer ....it was well camouflaged but he saw it and refused to budge.   

He liked the boat but I think he prefers cars.      

 A nice respite at Denver Botanic Gardens.    

Quiet days

   Summer flowers in their finest colors.....even the roses are finally showing off.

I finally reached a milestone on my bike.  I should have managed this a month or two ago but did more walking and golfing than riding.    This took about 18 months.   I hope to double that in half that time.  

Still stuck in medieval British history but branching out to catch up with more Louise Penny mysteries.   I've discovered that I can listen to books on my bike.   I was afraid I would be distracted but it just makes the miles go by faster.   I only wear one Airbud.     
 

We're waiting for the hoards of tourists to leave the trails and mountain towns so we can get back to quiet times in the high country.    Colorado is cutting back on  advertising to try and reduce the impact of too many people on this beautiful land.    It's hard to believe that reservations are now needed on many popular trails and destinations.   And just a short time ago, we rode our bikes in beautiful Glenwood Canyon and now it is covered in debris from massive mudslides.    For awhile, we were almost isolated. Roads leading east from here were closed from damage or construction  and detours were limited to a few hours or overnight.    CDOT finally stopped the construction areas so some roads are open.   But many are damaged from the heavy monsoonal rains that caused destructive flash flooding over large burn areas from last year.     Mother Nature is trying to tell us something.     

And now I must go add some more miles to that odometer. 

Early July and the "livin' is easy"....

I find it very frustrating to use this platform for my blog.....I'm too entrenched to change anything so it might just look like a jumbled mess of pictures.  

   

Like everywhere in the west, we are feeling the affects of the heat.   The mighty Colorado river is at record lows which means the farmers and ranchers are desperate to keep their crops alive and to have enough hay to feed the cattle.   It is very sobering to listen to the news.    We live on a high desert so without irrigation, we would look like Utah, without the arches and monuments.    The massive irrigation here is the life blood of the community and the county and the state.    I feel bad when I take a long

 shower....as more of us should.    

We drove up Last Dollar road.    The ranch barbed wire fences were covered in wild roses.   Similar but not quite the same as tony and manicured Martha's Vineyard.   But a rose is a rose and the smell is delicate  and delicious.  

 

Lupin and paintbrush and assorted wild flowers were carpeting the landscape.   

    

A quick pic  out the Jeep window of a distant view near Telluride.

And then there were sheep..... lots of recently shorn big ones and little ones.    They

poured over the road like liquid wool.....fascinating to watch.   I should have done a video.    The Mule's Ears were a mass of yellow for acres and acres.   

 And then I played golf.     The LadyBug Annual tournament is a big draw on the Western Slope.   It was hot and humid ( yes, sometimes we get moisture in the air).     Sheri found these shirts and others and their golf carts were appropriately adorned.     It is always fun despite my worst-score-ever.    Fortunately, we were paired with 2 others who had less than stellar rounds.    I haven't been playing much and it really showed.    I am determined to get back to my usual game.   

I just finished listening to "Project Hail Mary".   Quite a change up from my long foray into 12th century England.   The author  is the same as "The Martian".    I liked this one better and the audio version gives a delightful voice to the alien, Rocky.   The narrator sounds like Tom Hanks.     It's a great companion to sock knitting.   And a perfect ending.......

Part 4. Vermont

And then we went to Vermont.    It is very very green up there.     Jon and Mary Beth's  condo is perfect for skiing.    Just open the door and ski down the hill.     And in the summer, the trails make for great hiking.     We opted for the lazy route and rode the large 'bubble' chair lift to the top of Okemo Mtn....about 3100' at the top.   Also a place to get warm and eat and get ice cream in the summer (unfortunately, we skipped that part).   The chair has an orange plexiglass bubble that comes down when you start moving to protect you from the winds and snow and cold in the

 winter.    For our ride, it stayed up.    

  

But the best part was a chance meeting with an old friend.     Judy and I were in a quilt group, beginning over 25 years ago.     It was traditional quilting but gradually evolved into art quilting.    Judy is a brilliant whimsical artist who renders fabric into "paintings of the natural beauty and spirit of life".    She moved to Brandon VT and lives in a charming colonial on Main Street and has a thriving gallery all while giving back to her community.    I happened to pick up a brochure at the Vermont Visitors/Welcome Center and as I was paging through this catalog of Open Studios, I came upon one of her works.   I recognized it immediately and  was thrilled that this was the weekend of the event.    We drove over the next day and it was just wonderful to briefly catch up once again.    But, she was very busy with visitors so our time was brief . We will stay in touch and hope to meet up fairly soon.      Please check out her website at www.JudithReilly, com

And then we came home.     Although home is always welcoming, we have so many great memories of those growing grand boys, that delightful Murphy, the beauty of 'the Vineyard' and nostalgic memories of other graduations at Newtown HS.    And for our first trip more protected from the virus, it was the best we could have picked.    

Out here the mountains are still lightly patched with snow, the flowers are magnificent, the sky is magical blue and life is good.   ( and there is no humidity to make my hair grown exponentially with the dew point).