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 !!