Sol.

Sol, Soleil, Sole ... Sun!  It's one of my favorite things about Colorado.  Over 300 days a year of it in our backyard.

Yesterday we ate OUTSIDE for lunch in downtown Denver. And today I ran in short sleeves!  It's the end of December, and this is not Florida, and we ate outside, simply fabulous. The sun out here is so warm, 45 can feel like 70, no lie.  IMHO, a bluebird day in Colorado is like nothing else. 

Here's a pic of Lucy enjoying some rays!

Christmas Day Powder, Colorado style.

It just doesn't get any better than this, folks. Bluebird day, tons of never-been-tracked fresh powder, and my sweetie there to do some turns with me...

Merry Christmas everyone, and Thank You, Mother Nature for all that white stuff!!

Rome, James!

We all know I'm happiest when I have a trip planned, especially if I'll need my passport!  We are likely headed to Africa later next year for our longer 2 week trip - but we've just booked a short week in Rome in January!   Pompeii has long been on my list of places to see, and it's a day trip from Rome.  Our B&B is in the city center and we plan on walking A LOT and seeing all of the historical buildings - coleseum, pantheon, etc.  We'll also hop on a few trains for some day trips out of the city - Tivoli, Florence, and maybe other historical sites closeby. 

Needless to say, I'm looking forward to it.  With this being Tom's busiest time of the year, he's literally been working 7 days a week, and many, many hours a day.  So, this will be great timing for him to relax and for us to spend some time together after the holiday rush.

I'm also VERY excited to report that I have silver medallion status on Delta next year - first time ever.  All those trips home and abroad paid off - when combined with our AmEx points.  Score.  Hopefully it'll get us/me a few upgrades when travelling this year!

Merry Christmas everyone!  We will be headed up to the slopes for the day, then over to a friends' house for the evening. 

Here's hoping you find yourself surrounded by family and friends!

Timber!

This is what Tom awoke to today. Not the best morning greeting to have. It must have just gotten a bit off balance and then...wham!  A first (and hopefully last) for us. 

Thick blinds and seizure meds...

...are what their neighbors need. On the eve of hanging our Christmas lights, I now know what NOT to do. This is actually a house just down the street from us, I snuck this video while driving by tonight...oh...my...gosh.   Can you even imagine living across from them?

Long weekends and old friends.

Since we have no family in town, we will be headed up to the mountains to ski tomorrow!  Our friends are gracious enough to have us over for a turkey dinner tomorrow evening though. Looking forward it it, thank you Ceci and Bobby!

4 days off, good weather forecast, leaves to rake and Christmas decorating to do, should be a good long weekend...Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

In sadder news, Madison aka "Maddie", left this world last Wednesday. She lived 18 long years and was as sassy of a cat as they come. Her first home was in my college apartment, that's how long she was a part of my life. Unfortunately, cancer got her eventually.  She wasn't a loud cat, but the house seems quieter without her.  I miss her furry face and non stop purring. RIP Maddie, you were a good kitty. 

Wood for winter.

Well this fall has been exceptionally warm. It's mid November and the temp is in the mid 60s.  It's awesome!  Hopefully we will finish raking the leaves AND get out for a mountain bike ride later. 

Tom, in true beaver fashion, gathered the last of his winter wood from a huge tree pile we found in Craigslist. He's made at least 4 trips over the past week or two and this weekend he rented a hydraulic log splitter to finish it off. We have enough wood for at least a couple of years. 

However I'm undecided as to whether it's more manly to use a big ax or maul to split wood, or to rent a big hydraulic machine. Any votes?

The finished product.