A good weekend.

Yummy finger food....there was more on the plate but I was hungry.   Mixed a very spicy delicious hummus with guac for a perfect add to veggies and chips.    And always better sitting outside waiting for the main event.  

On Saturday, we wandered (well, it's kind of a long wander on an Interstate) east to Mike and Jenna's.   Aside from a grandmother fix ( only Alex this time ) and a Costco trip (always need 94 rolls of TP ), 

we had tickets to a Garrison Keillor show.     He started the show by addressing the dismaying  political and national/international  issues of the day, altho never mentioning anyone by name.    He received rousing support for  his timely and biting commentary and then led a singing of "God Bless America".     He walked the crowd several times and was well versed on the history and highlights of Denver and Colorado.    He sang a song about the many rivers of Colorado and I kept waiting for him to name our local and beautiful Uncompaghre River..... he didn't attempt that one....I guess it doesn't rhyme with much.      He told  touching stories and I was very surprised as he shared a very intimate (and I thought quite graphic) story of a first love.     And then, he  continued to  spill out  the story of attending the funeral this summer of this first love and meeting the daughter from that relationship that was given up at birth.   I was unclear if he knew of the child or if he acknowledged her and altho they talked briefly,  and it seemed as if they both knew the truth, he  did not indicate that either acknowledged their connection.   It was most interesting.   

It was good to get away and I always revel in the beauty of traveling thru the mountains.  

The patio is in the final stages of completion and the social calendar is full for this week and next.   The weather is perfect and the roses are stunning after a good feeding a couple weeks ago.   

Life is good out here in the West. 

August already ?

My patience has reached the tipping point.    It's been 2 1/2 months and this is where it stands.   I was told the stucco would be completed 2 days ago......Not!    The stain guy and the railing guy can't finish up until the stucco is done.    I fired off a text this morning and feel kinda bad since I really like Joe and we've been invited to his 60th BD party next week and he is a friend but...... 

On a prettier note,  the monsoon's are winding down but every so often we are gifted with a beautiful rainbow.    This one was absolutely brilliant but obviously the iPhone camera didn't capture it.    I wanted to run over and tell the Dixon's that the pot of gold was in their back yard.  I didn't change anything on this pic but the colors are quite amazing regardless.  

I've been exploring new recipes lately.    This one was tofu, spinach, spices  rolled up with sauce.   I could have used vegan mozzarella cheese but it didn't need it.    We use the vegan cheeses sparingly but they add a nice flavor for pizza.    I'm following several Plant based FB pages and the rage of late is the air fryer.    I did a lot of research but didn't think I needed another appliance altho this did sound appealing.     I ordered a Vegan Air Fryer cookbook and became more interested.     And then, I got a notice from Sam's Club that they are having a one day sale and the air fryer was $89 for the large one (5+ qt).   So we made a trip north to Grand Junction and picked one up.    I have to say that I am a bit impressed.    I made crispy flavored tofu cubes last night and added them to a stir fry....excellent.   I could have made them in the oven but this took less than 20" and the oven takes much longer.   Not that I have a time issue, being retired and all ..... I also did hash browns with red peppers and onions and it will become a staple for a snack or to tuck in a burrito ( yes with spicy beans and salsa and lettuce, it is a hit ).     They are touted as making quick and easy no fat french fries and that will soon be on my list.        My other very very favorite appliances are the Instapot (pressure cooker) and Blendtec high speed blender .    Use them almost every day.

 We have busy weeks coming up....all good stuff.    Weather is perfect, the golf game not so much.   I tried a new demo driver and have to say that it lived up to the hype.....but at $500, it ain't going in my bag anytime soon.      Unless I start a GO FUND ME page....... it's a thought !

Addendum:    As I write this on Friday morning, the stucco is DONE !,..... the painter finished the front door and is starting the staining of the upper deck and the railing guys will arrive soon.    I am no longer a grumpy old lady.  

Am I too busy or just lazy..............?

I'd gather that it's the latter.    Or maybe that there's just nothing blog worthy in our life.   

Weather is hot midday but refreshingly cool otherwise.    We are in the midst of a very active monsoon season with heavy storms in the afternoons and uncomfortable humidity most days.

Weather permitting, we head over to Ridgeway on Thursdays for the outstanding free concerts in the park.   The setting is perfect with the mountain views.    Two weeks ago, Willie Nelson's son, Lucas was the main event.    The place was wall to wall fans and many were hoping that Willie would show....he didn't but the music was great.  

     

We headed out for a wildflower fix last week.     Imogene Pass, from Ouray to Telluride, is a long rough ride.   This year we have had excessive snow and now rain so the waterfalls were impressive and the streams wild and full.

  When we're not jeeping or golfing or pickle balling, we're eating...... Olathe corn is now in season and it is very sweet and yummy.     Also enjoying TLT sandwiches with fresh tomatoes and bacon flavored tempeh ( a soy product with bacon flavors that cooks up crispy and delicious.....try it, you won't miss the bacon and the fat and the chemicals )       We use Just Mayo and find it tastes just like the real thing, minus the dairy and eggs.    ( This product has made a dent in the mayo industry and Helman's has sued to get them to take the Mayo out of their name....I don't think they won ).  

 The patio is sl-o-w-l-y coming together.   It is very frustrating but we are pleased with everything.  Hopefully in about 2 weeks we can call it done.

I now have a large room to call my own with my desks and storage and such.    IKEA provided the substance and it's been fun to fill up the spaces and have a place for everything.       And I have room for lots of yarn.   When I'm not knitting or drawing or organizing, I'm enjoying this colorful project.  I really don't want a crocheted throw but I couldn't resist the colors and the very reasonable kit from the UK.   And it arrived in a week via ordinary mail.  

Come along.......

Yesterday, 9 of us went on a phenomenal jeep ride high into the San Juan's.    A crystal blue sky and mind boggling views made for a wonderful day with family.    

 Using a biking app, Jon was able to make this view of our ride....enjoy.  (Click on the lower right to make it full screen)

 Andy and Mason, on their trip from CT to western CO,  first stopped at Mike and Jenna's and met Aspen and Tellie...both showing off their skills at sitting on a box.   Beautiful and lively dogs.

 After a few days with Grandma Rae and the rest of the family in Grand Junction, everyone headed south to Cobble Creek.   Jon and Mary Beth took Aunt Romayne's 1972 beetle for a ride..... It used to live at Mike's but came over to be garaged for the winter and hasn't left yet.   It's very cute and brings back memories of our first car in 1965.   Mary Beth also had a '65 in her youth.

And then we headed further south on Thursday to explore Corkscrew and Hurricane Pass trails.   Jon rented two jeeps (it's a very popular thing in Ouray but they aren't cheap and need to be returned CLEAN ).    We had our trusty Wrangler and we headed up....

 Chris and Susan (Mary Beth's brother and wife) joined us....

 Mary Beth determined to get a picture of a columbine .... later we found acres of them in more accessible locations.    The wildflowers are getting ready for their stunning display.   Note a partial view of Red Mountain in the mirror.

 We stopped for a picnic in Animas Forks.....click on to enlarge.

Hurricane Pass had only been cleared a few days before......

Must have been "take your llama to work" day......

Addendum to previous post.....

Apparently our offspring demand accuracy...... I stand corrected that Jeff's truck was RED, not white.

And there is also proof that we rented a red Jeep.   This trail doesn't look familiar except that it is deep in the San Juan Mountains.   

Thanks Jon !!

 

Touring.......

We are finally seeing some progress on the remodel of the patio........

We headed over to Ouray on Friday with 3 other Jeeps.    Cascade Falls was full and noisy from the spring melt.

The tourists have arrived both in town and in the mountains.   I had hoped we would beat the season rush.   

Some 29ish years ago, we enjoyed our first visit to Ouray.    Jenna was very pregnant with Nicholas and Mike had a broken foot.   Jeff brought his white Toyota truck and Jon brought his friend Chris (Jenna's brother).    We rented a Jeep, rode horses and took scary roads over the passes.   I said that I wanted to live here someday.    ( never actually believing my words).      This rock overhang on the way to Yankee Boy Basin was the scariest thing of all.    The road was MUCH narrower all along this shelf and I was terrified.   Today, it is much improved as there is an active silver mine beyond it and big trucks use the road.   But it's still not for the faint of heart and is one car at a time.  

 The trail is only partially open as the snow has been late and heavy this year.   We passed several snow slide areas....this one was quite massive and took out a long stand of Aspen.

 After climbing up to 11,000 ft on a rutted, rough, wet, washed out trail with required stream crossings, we came to the end of the cleared road.   There was quite a parking lot.    We saw several skiers/snowboarders who hike up the mountain and ride down.   They said the snow was too hard and they were waiting for a bit of warming to soften it up.   At that elevation, they are all young and tan and male and energetic.

 Not many places to pass....uphill has the right of way....and  on hiking trails as well.

Once you get to Yankee Boy Basin, there are several options ..... one is Governor Basin which climbs and winds it's way steadily upwards to an old mine and breathtaking views.    The other is a favorite, Imogene Pass which goes over to Telluride the hard way.   It is long and rough but worth it.   Both trails are snowed in, probably until early July.     So we had to go back the way we came ....Ouray is down there in the valley.  

 Along the way, the waterfalls are plentiful.........

Today, the Montrose Botanical Gardens held their annual Garden tour of 5 homes.    Everything was in bloom but my favorite is always the poppies.

If it's June.....

..............it must be Pickleball tournament time.    Montrose Rec Dept hosts a popular event each year with players of all levels and ages.   And it's surprising how far some will drive to compete.    These two guys came really close to capturing the Gold in their division and proudly wear their Silver 2nd place medals.    The next day, he played in mixed doubles with Bev and did well but came home medal-less.    A fun two days, especially for me proudly cheering from the sidelines.   

Meanwhile, back at the homesite , the cement truck finally pulled up and discharged a patio sized amount of pebbly concrete.  After it partially dried, the guys washed it to reveal a textured dark grey surface.   

 At least we can  have chairs out and enjoy the evening sunsets.    I'm hoping the remainder of the project will be finished soonly.....but not holding my breath.  

It's been fun to see what pops up in the spring yard these days.     I'm not a gardener so don't always recognize a plant until it blooms.   The previous owners did a good job of keeping me surprised and happy.      We have a small lilac, many day lilies and other interesting colors of lilies.    The peonies are in full glory and I have given many bunches away.   And now the  many roses are in full bud and I can't wait to be awed.  

The golf game has improved dramatically altho the scores haven't.    Frustrating.   But I'm pleased and I'll keep at it.    We play Couple's golf on Monday night and that is a casual fun way to meet other Cobble Creeker's.   I play in a Lady's league on Tues and P plays with the guys on Thurs.   I also head out once or twice a week with   my neighbors.  

 Spring also brings out the baby ducks on the course.    There are a few geese and one couple have 4 goslings....cute as babies but not so much as adults.     The mallards are plentiful and I was surprised by this momma and her EIGHT little ones enjoying the view of the 1st green from their little rock in the Creek.    The picture is a bit blurred but you get the idea.     We have a great blue heron on our pond but not sure he has a mate.  

I had to get a new hummingbird feeder.    The bees completely took over the other one.    I got the saucer type of feeder and now everyone is happy except the bees.   This one is bee-proof.   I might have to get a 2nd as the little hummers are very territorial and aerial dog fights are frequent.

We've been pretty lazy and haven't been out on any of the twice a week hikes with the Club.    But, we did make the annual dinner and signed up for a couple hiking get-aways planned in the fall and next spring.     I'm sure it would be better for me to do a 5 miles hike than a walk/ride around the golf course.    According to my iWatch, I do about 3 miles when I play 18 holes.    If I could hit the ball farther, I wouldn't have to walk so much.  

AHH, Spring in the Mountains.....

This is the beautiful view this morning.....    We had hoped there would be the pouring of the cement on the extended patio  today..😕

On a brighter note....this gorgeous box of succulents appeared on my doorstep from Jeff and Jen....it arrived in perfect condition with lovely yellow and white flowers and mosses and my favorite succulents.    I think I can handle the care and feeding as it says, one cup of water once a month !    It came from a site called Urban Succulents and apparently, this is a favorite for wedding bouquets and such.  

 So, before the grounds were covered in snow, I was playing a lot of golf.    Not well, but thoroughly enjoying being outside for 4+ hours surrounded by gorgeous scenery and  having fun with friends.   The game has moments of brilliance followed quickly by deep frustration.....   I actually got a point in league play on Tuesday.....I think they are used in the Pro Shop when you get enough.   

Meanwhile, the Pickleball player is on the courts every day and gearing up for a tournament in early June.   Plus, he's signed up for golf with the guys so we will both be in great shape to take on Couple's Golf next month.    

 The snow started while I was at Mah Jongg.....we play upstairs in the Clubhouse with a wall of windows facing the mountains....I should have taken a picture as the  big flakes started.     The little hummers are quite amazing and they were feeding well into near darkness.  

As the wet sticky stuff accumulated , it settled on the satellite dish......My handyman figured out that  a hose was the best snow shovel.    I had to repeat the process this morning.

The house is coming together....and hopefully, the patio  will get back on track once the weather improves.    I have everything ready to put flowers in their pots but glad I looked at the forecast.