July.......already ?

I'm still in April.   

With a special dispensation from the city officials, 56 golf carts from our community drove down to Cerise Park one lovely evening.    The city dug deep and built this generous amphitheater and we've enjoyed several concerts over the past year or two.   This evening, it was the USAF band.    

We followed the bike path  altho we had to cross a couple city streets.    Of course, we stopped traffic but except for one irate, vulgar guy,( in a large truck of course ),   the journey was enjoyable.   And the evening was perfect and reminded us of our Sunday evenings listening to the West Point bands,  overlooking the Hudson.

 

 

And then Lizzie and her friend Tristyn drove over.     We did the rough and narrow shelf road up to Yankee Boy Basin.   It is a favorite ride up to 11,000 ft.   The wildflowers were perfect.    

My first drawings of Murphy and the cat are on display now above Jon's fireplace.   And joined by the antique propeller that my dad gave to Jon when he soloed at age 16.   My dad also flew small planes so I guess it's in the DNA.   I took lessons, thinking it might help me overcome my intense fear of flying, but never considered soloing...... never.   And it didn't really help.   So, they say, talk to a pilot...........!!

I did draw as a child and was praised by my teachers and given special assignments.   Then I wandered on to other things and in my 30's, I took up oils.   It was messy and smelly and I enjoyed it.   I had to paint at the dining room table, surrounded by 3 kids and various pets.  

 Later, I explored various media and took lots of lessons but no direction became inspiring.  

And then, at the ripe old age of 80, I take up animal portraits.   I'm still surprised.  

I have 4 more dog portraits finished and matted but not in their homes yet so can't reveal.    And always getting more ideas for my next one.   

I read a good book.  "You Are Here" by David Nicholls.   Now I want to walk across England.   Kindle books are expensive and a real extravagance.      As my roommate says, 'well, we don't buy meat ! '   I also reread many and I'm back to "Wolf Hall" and will probably read all 3 in the trilogy by Hilary Mantel.  I've always enjoyed British history .... and, if I walked across England, I could also see the castles I read about.    Now I'm enjoying Prime's "Lady Jane Gray" movie...   She was Queen for only 9 days before she lost her head and this is a witty, bawdy telling of her story.   

Feeling much better and back to walking my usual distances but still avoiding golf.   And I can get on and off the bike without pain so that is a plus.   

The news is dismal, depressing, frightening and makes me want to move to Finland where I could live among the happiest people.    

PS:    The nest on the front door remained empty for another day so we took it down.   The door was not as scratched as I thought.    Then for the next 3 days, we found smashed blue eggs in front of the door.   Was she flying by and just dropping eggs??   There is a roof over the porch so she had to be quite the acrobat to do a 4 egg bombing run.     

PPS:   I'm no longer moving to Finland.   I'm donating, voting and cheering loudly.   

Too much of a good thing......

A long story short..... I have been totally sidelined for over 10 days with severe S I joint pain.   After the 10K, I came home feeling empowered and proceeded to walk more than I should have and also walked the golf course twice with a push cart.   After a vigorous morning walk and a shower, I suddenly could not walk upright, get out of a chair or move much at all.    Ice helped but not much else.   Visits to a chiropractor ensued and gradually, I am moving again.      Today I did a short walk and will take it slow.   The inability to have normal agility and movement was very sobering.     

BUT, just to cheer me up....I got my stats from the BB.     I was 36,823 out of 43,333 finishers.   My pace was 19:40 / mi..... over 2 min off my usual.  My last mile was faster than my first (crowds !! ) and out of 17 women in my age group, I came in 8th.   I am so impressed with all the details, both before, during and after the walk.   

And another member of the family made some important strides as well.   Congrats to Mason on his solo flight !!   

So a mother bird decided our front door would be a good birthing place.   It's a large bird but other than that, I have no idea.    I'll check in a few days and see if there's anything in it.   She's scratched the door very obviously so a major paint redo will be needed.  

 Dog portraits have started up again now that I can sit comfortably.   Black curly fur is not my favorite.  

Weather hot but that's normal .... we did get some impressive storms with hail and wind and more rain than usual.   Need to get into the mountains  in the next few weeks to see the wild flowers.  

The BolderBoulder

Many months ago, Becca encouraged me to walk the BolderBoulder 10K with her.    This iconic Boulder 

tradition of 44 years is well known and runners from around the world enter.    And, many many senior walkers enter as well.    

I have walked (jogged in my younger days) regularly since I was in my early 30's.   I remember getting out in the early dawn to get it in before work.    And I have continued to pile up the miles as I've aged.   I still walk an average of 3 times a week at a good clip and manage 3-4 miles.   My walking app, Strava, informed me that it was time for new shoes after I had put 400 miles on them..... I complied and my current favorite are Hoka.   

It was a perfect Memorial Day..... Low 60's at the start with light breeze and Colorado blue skies.   

Yes, this is about 3 miles in and you could still reach out and touch your walking neighbor.   It was a bit frustrating at times as I tend to walk a bit faster than many in this wave (waves were made up of like runners, joggers, walkers, wheelchairs).    It's a relatively flat course.   I trained on the hills of AZ but that was not at altitude.   Boulder is a bit lower than Montrose so maybe that was a bit of an advantage. 

This race is known for its 'entertainment' along the route.   Homeowners and various groups provide diversions....slip and slides,  tequila shots, belly dancers, goats, blow up water slides, blow up swimming pools, lots of hoses spraying water ( which was appreciated later on)..... and music of all sorts.   Military bands, DJ's, amateur groups and Elvis and Neil Diamond showed up.     Queen was my favorite and kept me humming.     And, the gardeners displayed their beautiful yards...I even saw a huge yellow peonie and the ubiquitous red poppy and California poppy were plentiful.        There were frequent water/Gatorade stations and porta potties ( sponsored by a local urologist with funny sayings on the doors).       A Dorito display had staff holding large containers of Doritos....people just grabbed a handful with their grubby hands.    I said no thanks !!!!    But then followed up with. " well, if it was Cheetos, I'd get in line. !!"

Another BB tradition are costumes.   I considered a tutu ( there were thousands) but then my saner self said to act my age...... But others go all out....bananas were popular as were dinosaurs, family matching outfits and a hilarious chicken.  

The race ends at Folsom 

Field at the University of Colorado.    We had to circle the field to the cheers of the masses.....and the stands were packed.    Our bibs had tracking devices on them so Paul and Lizzie, in the stands, could follow our progress.   And  later we got an email with our splits and times.   

At the end, the world class elite ran ...... a record was almost broken.     I did the  10 K, 6.2 mile route in 2:02 and they did it in about 30 min.     I was hoping to do it in about 1:50 but I think the slow start and the crowds held me up.   I had no doubts I could do it since I had done it a few times before and I felt very good at the end.  

At noon, there was an impressive Memorial Day service with military sky divers and a fly over.   

I forgot to turn off my app at the finish so this time isn't accurate but is close.....

It was very special to have Becca at my side and Paul and Lizzie cheering us on.     And no, I won't do it again..... maybe..... I didn't like the crowds but thoroughly enjoyed the entire event otherwise.    I don't think I've ever been part of a group totaling over 47,000  happy people.      

 

May....

To the young, life at 81 might not seem that exciting or enviable.   But to the 81 year old, life is very good and might even be exciting now and then........... 

Love the color of these tulips which helped me celebrate my day last month.  

 

It's been a colorful spring with favorite birds returning.   I've got the Merlin app now so I can identify those chirps and trills and calls.   Mostly, we have finches and sparrows and red wing blackbirds.   The oranges are out waiting for the Orioles.    We see the fascinating kingfisher hovering above the steam before his steep dive to capture his lunch.    And we've always had an old weather-beaten heron that has been here as long as we have. But then, 

this new colorful heron dropped by.   He is quite magnificent.   

One day, while being lazy on the patio, I noticed a large bird heading toward the pond and extend his talons and swoop low.   He came up empty taloned but I was shocked to see that it was an eagle.   I have never seen one around here.   They are an hour or so away near the mountains but this was a great surprise.   

In years past, spring meant many baby geese and ducks on the golf course.    I think bird flu in the past years has really decimated them.   We have one Mallard family of 5 cute ducks and a geese family of 4 little ones.   That's all I've seen.   

Somehow, we ended up with a 60 year old son.   I remember that day vividly and many of his milestones and now he is a grandfather !    All the kids came to surprise him and Ashlee and Victor helped with the blowing out of all 60 candles.  It was a great weekend.     And yes, that table top is covered in pennies.  

And, as I write this,  son #2,  Jeff, celebrates 58 years young.   He is  also a grandfather and a talented golfer.   Those were busy years with 2 very active boys.  

I've been increasing my walking distance in prep for a fun event next weekend with Becca.  Stay tuned.   Great views and interesting audio books make for good walks.   

 

We came home from Mike's birthday gathering with a new toy.   I know nothing about 3-D printers but Mike and Jenna are so creative and they have made amazing things.   I wish I had taken some pictures.   She made a tower for hydroponic gardening and has about 8 plants happily thriving.   Ours is humming away making things that are functional....currently these cute clamps.   Stay tuned....

Meanwhile, this is the latest off the drawing board.   This is Kismet, Lizzie's cat.   She was fun to capture with all the bright colors.    I have finished another dog but it is not ready for public viewing yet.  AND, always waiting in the wings are the 2 black curly haired  dogs, Aspen and Tellie.   I have attempted them but I need more practice and confidence.   

I am still quite surprised that I have taken this sharp turn into animal drawings.   But it seemed to come quite naturally once I got the basics down.   If anyone out there among my hundreds of viewers is interested in learning to draw animals, flowers or people,   I highly recommend Bonny Snowden Academy.   She is on YouTube  and has her own teaching website.   She is the best I have ever used.     I started on my own, grew frustrated and sought out various teachers on line thru their Patreon pages but no one is quite like Bonny.  Plus, I think anyone with a British accent seems smart and appealing.  

My golf has improved.   I have no idea why.   Maybe I've relaxed more as I'm not playing the high pressured league.   I'm trying the 9 hole league group since the 18 hole group is getting younger and better and altho they are very nice, it can be intimidating.   I'm also going back to walking 9 holes and enjoying the scenery while I play.   

Until next time.......... 

 

Birthday month....

We had 3 birthdays in March and all were celebrated in Colorado.    Mary Beth celebrated hers on the slopes in Crested Butte with Jon and Mason.    I have no pics of them but they are as good looking as always.    

Overnight rain was predicted but we awoke to a pretty foot of snow.   In order to get to the mountains , Jon had to shovel the cars out.   The winds were ferocious the night before and we found the construction porta-potty from next door had wandered down the street and tipped over.    Fortunately, a phone call and it was promptly removed.    

Then, a week later, Jon and Andy flew out.    The non-stop from Newark during ski season is a real gift.  The boys had different spring breaks from college but we were thrilled to get to see them both, but not together.    Jon had his BD on the 13th.   Yes, it was Friday the 13th when he was born!    

 

We had to interrupt a Rummikube game to blow out the cupcakes.  

And then, on the Ides of March, we celebrated Andy's 21st.    Brownies with sparkler candles and later, ice cream.  

Usually, we play board games that really challenge my brain..... but since it was my house, my game, we taught Andy how to play Backgammon.    Of course, he mastered it in no time altho it was close up to the very last .   

 

And Ruby's portrait was finished and sent off to my sister Maureen.     I have yet to meet Ruby but I suspect she and I could be friends since I know every hair on her head.    

Weather is warmer and trees are budding and iris are coming up.    Life is good.  

Home

From this........

......to this !

 And we are back home after a month away.    Mostly, I missed my fireplace.     When AZ is cold, a sweater or warm socks just isn't the same.

We were happy to be able to come over Lizard Head pass, near Telluride instead of the extra 90 min to go thru Moab.   It makes a big difference in a full day of driving.      We always take PB&J sandwiches, a few snacks and keep our stops to a bare minimum.   Yes, I missed the fry bread but I have pictures.    

After I get my hair cut this morning, I plan to tackle the kitchen.   There's nothing like putting away your few AZ groceries and freezer items to realize that maybe those spaces could use some  "Marie Kondo-ing".     And then I will sit by the fireplace. 

I have another family pet on the art table but I'll keep it hidden until it is gifted.   It has NO long hair.  

As we drove thru the desert, we listened to Kristen Hannah's new book, "The Women".   About Army nurses in Vietnam.   It got rave reviews but to an older generation, I think it will bring back some difficult times.  

I'm also listening to "Demon Copperhead" on my walks.   Not very upbeat.     

AND, I easily did a 6.3 mile walk on the favorite AZ hilly trails in under 2 hours .   So I have no doubts I can do the BolderBoulder.   My partner in all things is upping his mileage as well AND, he gave in to my constant nagging and got a pair of Hoka's.   And he likes them.  Strava, my walking app, is telling me I need new shoes but I think there's a few more miles in them....and me. 

And now it's time to hug my Valentine 💗

  

A month of mostly sunshine.....

And then we came to Arizona .    Our usual trek is 11 hours of mind -numbing driving.    This year, and NOT because we are older (well, maybe), we broke the trip up into 2 days.   It was kinda hard to spend time in a hotel, knowing that we could have gone all the way.  But the 2nd day felt short and more relaxed and we arrived in a mood to actually unpack the car and put everything in its place.   

We stopped in Kayenta, on the Navajo Nation and stayed at the Hampton Inn which just happened to have the best reason for stopping.    The decor, the staff in native dress and the fry bread.   Oh my, as sinful as it must have been, nachos on fry bread is a reason in its self to stop.  Plus ice cream and hot apples on fry bread !

The owners of the house are the same as previous years but they bought a larger home, overlooking the golf course and open space.   We kind of rattle around in it and could easily host several family in the bedrooms and casita.    Weather is much improved over last year and my trail walks are a favorite part of 

our stays.    We'll only be here a month this year. 

 

 Younger, but not by much, sister Sandy, came to Prescott to see son Patrick and Julie while Matthew and Maribel drove up from Yuma.  So it was a nice family gathering and great to catch up.  

   Since it was Sandy's BD,  of course, I had to capture Charlie and his duck.    He is departed but is fondly remembered. He was almost fun to draw altho I'm swearing off long haired animals for awhile.  

Celebrating.........

It's been a month of celebrating.  

  Becca and Michael eloped to the coast and we are so happy for them.   They are a beautiful couple with a great future ahead of them and we are just delighted.    

 

And I'm celebrating the completion of these two animal portraits.    Murphy is a handsome dog and I think I captured that.    These are both unframed so obviously a bit unfinished looking.  And the smudges on the cat background came off easily.        I am pleased.   

Both portraits went to live in Connecticut, where Murphy calmly waited to open his stocking.

  

 We made it to Connecticut to celebrate Christmas and I took not one picture of the grand boys.   Some had colds and coughs but neg for Covid.   Despite my best attempts, I did bring it home and slowly getting my energy back.  But at least I was fine while there.    CT in the winter, minus snow, is drab and gloomy.    We managed some good walks but sun would have been nice.  

And now we gear up for our trek south to AZ.    Watching the weather before deciding which route to take.   Last year, we had to go thru Moab to avoid snow in Telluride and the passes.    I keep hoping it will be warmer in Wickenburg but so far, I'm not optimistic.  

I'm excited about starting more pet portraits.   Despite my years of botanical illustration classes/and drawings, I really feel a strong affinity for this new venture.     Never too old to explore something new and exciting.   

AND,   I'm celebrating that I've registered for the BolderBoulder happening on Memorial Day.    It's been on my list for years and I'm finally old enough !!!!

I'll start out with Becca and then we can go at our own pace.   It's a 10K and I'm certain I can walk that far in a decent time and not totally embarrass myself.    

And now I need to go for a walk !!

The Best of Times......

We enjoyed a few days having Thanksgiving with Mike, Jenna and Lizzie.....and of course Aspen.   She and Tellie are always nearby.    

And then we celebrated 60 years with comfortable seats to Kauai.    AND, of course, Jon alerted the Captain who congratulated us ( over the PA ) and we received a nice bottle of wine.   

It's a long flight, over 8 hours but we were well wined and dined and had some nice naps.  

We stayed at the Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu.   We did the hotel/car pkg thru Costco and it seems like the best deal out there.    We would definitely use that again.     We had a 'villa' which had full kitchen and washer/dryer...very very convenient, very clean and even the right TV channel to watch the Broncos lose early Sunday morning.  

It rained for 4 days.   But it was warm enough for families  to be at the pool and for us to do some exploring.   

Lots of gardenia and plumeria and chickens everywhere on the island.   

 The breaks in the rain and later sunny days allowed us to get out and do a beautiful trail along the ocean twice.    Partly paved by the hotels , it then meanders in the jungle for much of it and I had to use the AllTrails app to find our way....no danger of getting lost but the main trail is much better than the rocky and sandy side trails that often ended in cliffs over the water.   Fortunately no snakes on the island altho it looked like a perfect setting.    And no bugs.... few stray cats.  And always, the ubiquitous chickens.  

And now we are home and it is snowing and very holiday looking and I must get busy.    But we have great memories and need to do it again.

Anyone still out there ?

I'm not sure that a personal blog of an 80 year old is relevant in today's onslaught of social media.   But that is really not the point, is it.   Of course, we all want to be relevant to our family and our friends but otherwise.......nope.     

I follow a blog written by an 80 something woman in Boston.    She is writing about her daily life and it is a wonderful look at aging in a positive manner.      She is highly educated and continues to seek out learning opportunities available at the various excellent schools in Boston.    She was married for many years and her husband decided to leave life when his Parkinson's and infirmities became more than he wanted to deal with.    He withheld food but accepted Hospice care.      A few years ago they decided to move closer to one of their sons.    They sold their beloved condo, moved to a vibrant city, actively participated in the grand children and after a year, decided it just wasn't how they wanted to spend their later years and moved back....buying a condo in the same building if I remember.     She is an honest window into aging.  

Meanwhile, in this aging home, we are well.    We need to get out a bit more and travel more but sometimes home feels best.   I look at ideas for exploring and then maybe think we should be part of group if we go across the seas.... ( that age thing again).    We've been most everywhere in the US but a repeat of some of them would be fine on our own.    Somedays, I miss the RV life....not the BIG RV life but just something smallish.   An off road camp in the mountains or the favorite hiking places in Utah ..... 

My classes at the Botanic Gardens are over.   I could take many more but I learned what I wanted and certainly don't need validation ( a certificate ) to say I can do it.    I still enjoy capturing a plant but lately, I've discovered animals.    I have never had any interest but then suddenly I did.   I spend my days studying excellent sites for learning all the intricacies and capturing a dog or cat or bird or whatever.    I have practiced and spent hours trying to decipher dog hair..... it's not just brown or black.   For now, I won't show any results as they are family animals and I'm not ready to share with family.  

This kind of sums up learning a new skill......

And, here's our college freshman..... all dressed up for the UND Pride of the North marching band.   

 This week he has been on a bus band trip to a football game in Boise..... with stops in Yellowstone and assorted sites.    College sure is different from my days.    But so glad he is in a good place and appreciates his grandma's care package so he doesn't starve.  

And now I have to spend my afternoon wondering if the Denver Broncos really are new and improved...so far they have a lot to prove.      BUT, what about those CU Buffs !!!    I remember the old glory days of the Buffs and then the loooooonnnnng drought.....  it's fun to watch the turnaround and the circus that it is.