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.  

Home

 Mother Nature is showing her finest colors in AZ and the views from our site at Cave Creek SP were splendid but I longed for the mountains.

 Nearing Moab on the 3rd day, we enjoyed the sandstone sculptures with the La Salle Mtns as a backdrop.   Moab was packed to the rafters with spring breakers, slick rock riders , off road vehicles and Jeeps.    The hotel building continues at amazing speed and I wonder how soon the beautiful back country will be over run and damaged.     The double waiting line to get into Arches NP at 9 am was at least a mile long.  

Our beautiful San Juans are magnificent from our windows.     The snow melt will be well into July and then the wildflowers will be bountiful and beautiful.  

   After 2 days of tedious unloading and cleaning, the MH was moved to it's favorite place, Centennial RV.     We hook up to electricity for a month or so while the temps are in the freeze zone at night and then will move to the storage area.     The new owners are very nice and motivated.    They have been totally booked for the summer since last fall.   We used to stay here on our trips west when we lived in FL and the views and proximity to the best of the west is perfect.      

Unbeknown to us, we had a hitchhiker on board.     Lurking in a hiding place, was this cute Oregon Duck !!    Our friends and neighbors in Palm Creek are known for their highjinks.    In past years, they have slapped colorful bumper stickers on the unsuspecting as they pull out and head home.  ( by colorful, I mean things you might not want your grandchildren to read about you ) .   They once attached a VERY large bra to the ladder on the back that flapped in the breeze going down the highway.    They hide things inside as well.     We were very fortunate to be recipients of the traveling Oregon Duck.    Most of the group are from Tillamook and the rest from Arkansas.    It's a fun group and we will show the Duck the best of Colorado and beyond.

I'm off for my first round of golf.    The course is in great shape from all the water this year but it is chilly out. (high of 44).    Yesterday it snowed lightly.             It's good to be home !!