Colorado Boogie

A Walk Around Lilly Lake, Estes Park, CO

2010-01-26T19:03:00.000-08:00

A Hauntingly Good Time...

2010-01-26T18:26:00.001-08:00

The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, CO

There are mountains behind that wall of clouds!
Shot of the Stanley with the moon..

Wood work, mantle in the lobby of the Stanley Hotel..

We had a "private" room in the wine cellar for dinner!

well hello, ghosts!

View from our room

Driving in to Estes Park, CO

Lounging in the lobby of the Stanley

Heading up to the room...

The Stanley Hotel

Anniversary gift from my lovely hubby..

The next day, we hiked around Lilly Lake outside of Estes Park..

Walking in Memphis...

2010-01-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

Dope on a Rope

2009-12-02T15:37:00.001-08:00

Visit Dope on a Rope soap at www.dopeonaropesoap.net for great stocking stuffers!

Grand Canyon, Arizona

2009-11-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

Of course, this video does not do it justice!

Walk of Fame in Hollywood

2009-11-16T10:07:00.000-08:00

Jason takes us on a small tour down the Walk of Fame

Widespread Panic at the Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles, CA

2009-11-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

Dolphins Playing in the Pacific Ocean

2009-11-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

I took this at Venice Beach in California. Watch the bottom of the screen - it was a very sunny day & I couldn't quite tell where I was taping!

Dope on a Rope Soap goes to Venice Beach Boardwalk, California!

2009-11-16T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here's a short video of our experience selling soap on the boardwalk in Venice Beach, California. Sorry about the angle of the video, I'm not sure how to flip it!

Traveling

2009-11-10T03:42:00.000-08:00

We are in transit right now, promoting our soap, www.dopeonaropesoap.net. Pure essential oil marijuana leaf shaped soap, made in Colorado.

Columbus Day on Guanella Pass

2009-10-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

Dope on a Rope Soap!

2009-10-02T13:58:00.001-07:00

Please view our soap at http://www.dopeonaropesoap.net/ !

Snow continued...

2009-09-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

September Snow

2009-09-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

It's snowing here!

Updates...

2009-09-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Did you think we forgot about you? Never! It's just..so much has been going on, and honestly I haven't..had..time..to post!

My job with the Forest Service has been taking me in all different directions. I'm working as an archaeological aid based out of Canon City, in southern CO (about 2 hours from Bailey). Our main projects have been surveying land on Poncha Pass near Salida, CO, and surveying land on in the Green Horn Mountain area near San Isabel, CO. I really enjoy the work and finding pre-historic stones Ute and Apache indians used thousands of years ago. Below are some photos of Poncha Pass, and a pic of a projectile point base I found, said to be archaic, which dates it back 8500 years!

I have been staying down in Canon, Salida, or San Isabel (depending on where we are working that week) and take Hwy 285 home on Thursday eves. This pic below is driving thru Tarryall, right before heading up Kenosha Pass. What a beautiful sky!

Now...this is the unveiling to Colorado Boogie readers..of our new creation, Dope on a Rope! It's soap! I give credit to my wonderful husband for coming up with this genius novelty idea last Thanksgiving. We've been working on the idea ever since. One of our neighbors designed the mold for us, and all supplies are bought locally from a great soap & candle supplier we found, Peak Candle Supplies www.peakcandle.com . We also found a wonderful local supplier of essential oils, colorant, and dried herbs, Colorado Organics www.coloradoorganics.net .

Red Rocks amphitheatre has been our stomping grounds for selling the soap. The reactions and support for the soap has been overwhelming! We are getting a website going and hope to grow this in to a full time business. I just love seeing my husband in the kitchen, sprinkling calendula and green tea herbs into the soap molds, stiring the essential oils into the soap base..it's so cute!

Jason's brother Matt was in Loveland around the end of July for work & came to visit us for a few days. We took him to Breckenridge, then up to Frisco for some frisbee golf. Jason & I really enjoyed having him here & sharing Colorado with him :)

There are many good opportunities and happenings on the horizon, which I will save for another blog. For now, I can say we are still enjoying Colorado and our home, & looking forward to our next adventures with the soap and traveling..hope everyone is healthy and happy, much love xo.

Over the Rainbow

2009-07-16T23:17:00.000-07:00

No Sunset is Ever the Same..

2009-06-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

Deckin' It

2009-06-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

I came home the other day to find my husband had put up a hammock for me! What a relaxing surprise..

Nature..

2009-06-17T21:40:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend in Boulder

2009-05-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

We went to Boulder to see one of our friend's bluegrass bands play - no pics, but what a show! http://www.missedtheboatband.com/

Before we headed on to Pearl Street in Boulder, we found a disc golf course & played a round. Here are a few shots from the park..

We ended up camping in a parking deck in the RV - top deck! This was our view..

Missing everyone! xo

Family Reunion, Breckenridge, Frisco, more....

2009-05-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

Mom's Visit Continued

2009-05-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

Jason's Mom Visits!

2009-05-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

April Snow Storm

2009-04-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

Morning Farewell

2009-04-11T21:05:00.001-07:00

I had a small bon voyage party that had gathered at the end of our driveway when I was leaving for work a few mornings ago...

Rosalie Clouds

2009-04-11T21:04:00.001-07:00

Snowflakes

2009-04-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

A photo from one of our snow days

Colorado Boogie Revival

2009-04-07T20:37:00.001-07:00

I am so happy to announce the original Colorado Boogie Blog is back! It somehow magically appeared tonight, and Blogger asked if I wanted to "un-delete" the blog! Whew!

So here we are! Jason and I are keeping busy with the house, our jobs, and just enjoying Colorado. It has been a very dry winter for CO (except for in the high country, like Steamboat and Breck, where they are getting record amounts of snow!), but we have been having a couple of late March and early April snow showers moving through. I took a few photos of our "blizzard" we had two weeks ago, I had to leave my car at work and take a few buses home. I spent seven hours on a bus that day, but that's a whole blog entry in itself! These experiences are bringing me closer to becoming a true Coloradoan, I think... (hehehe)

Enjoy the photos of our most recent happenings. Oh, and please come visit us, our doors are always open, and we have plenty of room and cozy beds and places to lay your heads!

We're getting so excited for Jason's mom's visit in May!!

Much Love....

Pulling in to the neighborhood after a blizzardy day (Jason rescued me after my "bus day")

Staring out the bus window while we were stuck on the highway

Highway 285

I found this night stand on the side of the highway, cleaned it up, and viola! We love finds like this! Hey, another man's trash...is our treasure

The days are longer and warming up..

Mmmmm...oh, and the steak looks good too ;)

Warm cozy fires at night

Happenings...

2009-03-16T19:34:00.001-07:00

The beginnings of our composting in the mountains!

Our new Jacuzzi toilet! Elongated! Water saving! Isn't she sassy?

Sydney, a dog we'd like to keep...to bad she's someone elses!

And here's her brother, Harvey. We wish we could keep him as well...

Sea horse across from the DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM

Backyard Hike

2009-03-06T15:16:00.001-08:00

Thursday Drive

2009-03-05T13:21:00.001-08:00

Goodnight, Sun

2009-03-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

March 3rd, 2009

Goodmorning, Rosalie!

2009-03-03T08:12:00.000-08:00

~Expect nothing, live frugally on surprise.~

I Do! Islamorada, FL January 24, 2009

2009-02-23T19:25:00.000-08:00

Thank you to our dear friend Tara Fowler, for capturing these beautiful memories on our wedding day!

A few from our January in the Keys

2009-02-01T21:03:00.001-08:00

Havin' a good time..

We were fortunate enough to live on a houseboat in the Florida Keys (Marathon to be exact) for most of January!

We camped in our "nook" for a few days before finding the houseboat!

Welcome!

We wanted to spruce up our deck, and the day we moved in to our boat, we found a lovely patio table and two chairs on the side of the road with a "FREE" sign - wooohoo!

Enjoying sunset at the Lorelei in Islamorada

Sunset from the deck of our houseboat

Took a few weekend trips down to our favorite place, Key West

Exploring the night streets of KW

Rum Runners bar in Islamorada, we loved this place! First night everyone started arriving..
We met up with friends the day before the wedding in Key West, they came down for the wedding from AL and TN - They're the best!

Hogs Breath Saloon - me, Tonya, Diane, & Christina

When did he grow those?

Sunset celebration at Mallory Square, Key West

When we arrived back to Islamorada that evening, I went over to Katie & Schuyler's condo for a fun impromptu bachlerotte party with Katie, Schuyler, Tonya & Trev!

Margaritas mmm..and thanks to the the gang for giving me my flamingo headband and "Spooning Leads to Forking" tank top in Key West :)

Katie surprised me with my very own homemade papertowl~aluminum foil veil! Thanks lady!

Scissors..crab legs..and Milo..

If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it! Shake it!

Dancing til' 2 am on the eve of your wedding ..priceless..

A few days after the wedding, Jason and I went kayaking out to Indian Key with Matt, his girlfriend Anne, Ginger, and Steve. What a neat place to explore in Islamorada!

Jason was presented this shirt in Key West by the gang (Jamie, Diane & Christina - thanks guys!)
But it's just beginnin!

The lovely Anne !

Trying to show Ginger & Steve we're a more athletic couple by running into them..

Indian Key

Havin a good time...

A High of 10 degrees

2008-12-14T12:44:00.000-08:00

Large campfire, anyone??

No need for a fridge...

Couple inches of powdery snow...

Caught in his most intimate moment...

60 Degrees in December?!

2008-12-07T11:47:00.000-08:00

Transitioning

2008-12-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

Welcome, Winter!

2008-12-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

Hello out there!

Apologies for the long update delay. I've had some camera issues, as well as timing conflicts - Colorado has kept us busy!

I plan to get back in to blogging at least once a week, I feel like I've lost contact with everyone out there (yes, you!) and need to get back in to blogging as one of my creative outlets. So, as a start, here are a few photos of our new home as well as what our weater has been like the past 2 days!

We're not avoiding you...

2008-09-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

....we just don't have phone service at our new house!

Luckily our internet was just hooked up and we're back in action. Jason just left on Saturday for Texas, they are in Beaumont, helping with the Ike cleanup. Missing him so much once again! He was able to spend 10 days here and we really enjoyed spending time in the house and getting a feel for it. We both agree, this is most definetly our Home ! I'm feeling very blessed these days...

The weather has been changing subtly here. Smaller Aspens are starting to change into yellow hues, & the days are growing cooler with that undeniable crisp "fall" scent in the air. I love this time of year! Last Thursday, a few of the higher elevations had some snowfall! Including Guanella Pass, which you will see in some of my photos. We are finishing up our season as the Trails Crew - I only have 7 official days of work left and then will dive in to projects closer to home for the time being!

I leave this Thursday for Birmingham, Alabama - my best friend Diane is getting married to my wonderful friend Jamie on Saturday, September 20th! Two beautiful people whom I'm so excited to see share their love together.

Leaving you with a few photos of my daily surroundings. Home pictures to follow.

We miss everyone and hope you're happy & healthy! XOXO

Deer in the Hood

2008-08-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

I am slowly but surely moving our belongings in to the new house - tomorrow is my GO day, I'm planning to work non-stop and get IN!

Here are a few photos of our neighborhood deer, as well as our love plant, Agnes, enjoying her new view again...

New Camera!

2008-08-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

Agnes is home and enjoying her view!

View from kitchen

Just the nice view from the deck, come see us :)

xo

Butterfly Surveys

2008-08-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

We have been doing butterfly surveys this week in the Trumball/Deckers/Hayman burn area. Here's a little about the Pawnee Montane Skipper we are surveying -

This butterfly is native to only one area of the Colorado Front Range. Its habitat is southwest of Denver, where the South Platte River drainage meets up with its north fork. It tends to inhabit dry, open Ponderosa Pine woodland with sparse groundcover at 6,000-7,500 feet. As of right now, it only has 37.9 square miles to call its home as noted by the Denver Water Department. This species' roaming area was bigger in the 60's and 70's, but with the advancement of housing developments and the expansion of Denver's boundaries, the skipper has lost its range and some of its food sources.

The skipper has two main plants that it feeds on. The larvae feed on Blue Grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis) and the adults get their nectar from Prairie Gayfeather or Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya). The adults have been spotted on Musk Thistle, but it is not their primary food source. Both plants are native to the front range of Colorado as well as most of the Midwest.

On September 25, 1987, the Pawnee Montane Skipper was listed on the Federal Endangered Species List as a "threatened" species. The reason for this listing was caused by habitat loss over the last 120 years of fire suppression as well as the growth of conifers and loss of grasslands containing their feeding plants. In 1990, the proposed construction of the Two Forks Dam and Reservoir was not approved by the EPA, because of the immediate threat that would impose on the skipper's habitat. If the construction of the dam had happened, 22% of the skipper's habitat would be lost, which would cause a 23-42% loss in population.

In June of 2002, the Hayman Wildfires charred 138,000 acres of land. This resulted in a 40% decrease in the skipper's habitat. Two previous fires in 1996 and 2000, Buffalo Creek and Hi Meadow, wiped out an additional 10% of skipper habitat. In 1987, Denver Water Department conducted a survey of the Pawnee Montane Skipper population and it was estimated that there was 116,000. Because of the loss of land and feeding plants, the population is estimated to be at least 50-60% less than the previous survey in 1987, but no official survey has been conducted since then.

The recovery plan for the Pawnee Montane Skipper was placed into effect on September 2, 1998. The recovery plan includes monitoring its habitat and removal of less than 5% loss of skipper's habitat to developments such as roads, housing, or recreational. A heavy planting project of the Blue Grama Grass and Prairie Blazing Star (density of 150 or more flowering stems/acre) is planned for. Along with the planting of feeding plants, the project is also aimed at eradicating noxious weeds like Mullen, Knapweed, Russian and Canadian Thistle, Hound's tongue, or any other noxious plant that will compete with the skipper's nutrient plants. The recovery plan is set to end in 2010 and the total cost for the plan is $330,000.

I'm really enjoying this & we have had really progressive results so far, with m the recovery of the skippers looking positive. And no, the butterflies do not actually sit down and fill out surveys for us on how their day was, how they are enjoying their habitat and how many of them there are :) If only it was that easy! We observe how many of the 2 species we see, observe the blue gramma and laitris plants, dead trees, live tress, etc.. The terrain we are traversing each day is pretty steep and we are walking through many snags, dead trees, thistles, and..bees! Unfortunately I was stung on my and a few days ago - my hand has been swollen for the past 2 days now and you can't even see my knuckles!

I have the next 4 days off and will spend my time working on moving & doing things at the new house! I just spoke with Jason for a whole 2 minutes and was able to fill him in on about 10 % of what I had wanted to tell him, I heard a few "mm hmm, ok"'s from him, then he had to go! They are still in northern Nevada on a fire - he did say they may have rains next week and will either change locations or come home :)I miss him so.

Lots to do today, I better get going! Incase you are wondering why I've been slacking on photos, my camera was left at a friend's house in Littleton back in June (after Widespread Panic weekend, go figure), and I have yet to get it back. Perhaps I'll treat myself to a camera for my birthday!

Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone!
xoxox

Closing Day, Hooray!

2008-08-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

Jason & I took today off in anticipation of our closing at 2 later this afternoon. Unfortunately, Jason was called out to a fire in Nevada on saturday morning, and won't be back for another 2 weeks! Wish me luck :)

xo

PS - Josie, if you read this - please email me at destinysjenny@aol.com ! I do not have your email and really want to catch up with you, miss ya!

Happy Days

2008-08-22T19:19:00.001-07:00

To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.-
Emily Dickinson

Especially blogging :)

Hello out there!

Jason returned last Friday from the Quincy fire and we have been busy with making closing arrangements on our new home!

We are calling it The Rosalie House, because we have some great views of Mount Rosalie in the distance. "Excited" is putting it lightly when trying to put in to words how we both feel right now! This is such a wonderful house with great land as well. I really can't wait to have family and friends out here to share this home with us. Our door is always open.

Lastnite we went to Red Rocks amphitheater to see one of our favorite bands, My Morning Jacket. Aside from the fact that we were in one of the most beautiful places in the world to see a show, the band completely blew us away! It was our first MMJ concert, and was everything we hoped for and more. The crowd was full of energy, which the band absorbed and played off of late into the evening. Lots of dancing, smiling, and good ol' rocking out!

A little about My Morning Jacket - My Morning Jacket is an American rock band known for their reverb-heavy sound, their eclectic mix of country rock, indie rock, funk, psychedelic, and southern rock styles, and enthusiastic and energetic live shows. Formed in 1998 in Louisville, Kentucky, the band signed with ATO Records four years later.

The band's moniker comes from a discarded coat lead singer Jim James found while sifting through the remains of his favorite bar after it burned down. The coat was embroidered with the letters "MMJ". Their musical influences include Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and the Velvet Underground.

Before I close this blog entry, I need to let you know that I hiked through 6 inches of freshly fallen snow last week at work. That's right, it snowed on Guanella Pass and other CO areas last weekend! Snow, in August! That makes me want to say "Now I've seen it all" but for some reason, I have a feeling Colorado will hold many more chances for me to speak that phrase...

Much love.

The Rich Fire

2008-08-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a little about what's going on with the fire Jason is at. It's about 20 miles west of Quincy, CA - northern part of California.

Rich, Plumas NF. IMT 1 (Hoff). Twenty miles west of Quincy, CA. Timber.

Smoke in nearby valley bottoms is a result of the burnout operations that are currently being conducted to strengthen fire lines. Fire officials report good progress is being made with the construction of line around the fire's perimeter and with the burnout operations.

10 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand have been assigned to the Rich fire after cimpleting an assignment on the Butte Complex.

Highway 70 been has re-opened to public access; Cal Trans is providing 1-way traffic control with pilot car escort from 2 miles east of the town of Rich Bar to 6.5 miles west of the Jct. Of SR 89 (Butte Co). Evacuation orders issued by the Plumas County Sheriff's Office remain in effect.

• Power transmission lines that feed the Quincy area were re-energized yesterday as fire intensity decreased in the vicinity of the lines.

• Firefighters will be conducting burnout operations on the north and south sides of Hwy 70 today and on the north side of Hwy 70 this evening. Expect to see additional smoke due to the burnout operations.

RICH FIRE STATUS: 5,199 acres, 15% contained, $2,204,000 costs. The Rich Fire was fairly active yesterday, spreading to the northwest and challenging existing fire lines. Fire managers reported that shaded fire breaks created by the Plumas National Forest helped to slow the fire's advance. The fire was particularly active in Deadwood Canyon.

Last night's operations: Firefighters took care of 2-acre "slopover" that breached the line on the portion of the Rich Fire that is south of Highway 70. On the portion of the Rich Fire that lies on the north side of Hwy 70, firefighters constructed dozer line on the east flank, improved and held line on the northeast corner, contained numerous spot fires on the northwest corner and prepared and completed a successful burnout operation on the west flank.

Today's operations south of Hwy 70 (south of the East Fork of the Feather River): Today, crews and equipment will complete ongoing burnout operations and begin mop up efforts.

Today's operations north of Hwy 70 (north of the East Fork of the Feather River): Crews and equipment will continue will mop up and complete control lines, prepare the 22 Road from Deadwood Saddle to the 67 Road for burnout and burnout the 22 Road as necessary on the southeast flank. Dozers will continue to construct line at the head of the fire on the NE corner with support from engines. Crews, dozers, with support from engines, will focus on establishing dozer and handline down the No Name Ridge. Engines and dozers will work the unburned area above Hwy 70 on the southeast flank. The structure protection group will continue with perimeter control actions to protect structures along Hwy 70 and the Rich Gulch area and make further evaluations on needed structure protection along Hwy 70 to the east.

Tonight, crews and equipment will provide perimeter control structure protection and coordinate the continuation of suppression efforts with today's operations, including burnout operations on the north side of Hwy 70 and the east flank of the fire.

Introducing, Holt!

2008-08-01T22:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my twin brother Schuyler and Katie - introducing, our new nephew, Holt James! xo

It's Friday!

2008-07-31T17:19:00.001-07:00

It's friday..at least, for me it is! We work 4/10s, meaning we work 4 ten hour days, and have three day weekends. I have really come to love this schedule and enjoy having a weekday off to get errands done while businesses are open.

We began working with the Rocky Mountain Youth Corp this week. Here's a little tid bit about the organization -
The mission of Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, "Linking community, education and environment through service" drives our programming and organizational objectives. RMYC helps youth and young adults make a difference in themselves and their community through meaningful service opportunities and educational experiences. RMYC is part of a network of over 100 youth corps nationwide working to improve communities, the environment and the lives of youth and young adults by putting them to work on public lands and open spaces. RMYC strives to meet the needs of the community of northwest Colorado by offering long term mentoring for middle school students and summer conservation corps participants. Participants, called corpsmembers, work on crews to complete service projects for multiple city, state, federal and nonprofit agencies. RMYC is a member of the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps and the Colorado Youth Corps Association and is the only accredited youth corps serving northwest Colorado.

The City of Steamboat Springs Parks and Recreation Department established Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) in 1993 in response to a demand from the community for more summer job and recreational opportunities for teens and at-risk youth. Rocky Mountain Youth Corps obtained non-profit status from the IRS in October of 1999. Privatization has allowed for more funding opportunities, a larger geographic area from which to recruit youth and projects, and greater capacity for programmatic changes in response to fluctuating demands.

RMYC GOALS
RMYC strives to:

Provide life skills through a healthy lifestyles model
Provide educational success in youth and young adults
Provide job skills through enhanced employment opportunities for young adults
Engage young adults in meaningful conservation work
Forge partnerships with local land management agencies, community service and non-profit organizations
Promote an ethic of service to communities and the environment
Employ a diverse mix of ethnic, economic and social backgrounds

The group we are working with consists of 7 crew members ( 2 girls and 5 guys, ages 18-22) and their crew leader, Lauren. These kids are from all over..Wisconsin, Maryland, CO, Florida, Virginia..they are basically spending their summer camping and working outdoors..most sign up for the 9 week session, and some go on to "fall session" and will continue working for another 8-9 weeks or so. They will be working directly with us for three more weeks.

Our first week with them went really well! A great group of people. We are mainly working on the south park trail on Guanella Pass. This will be our main scenery for the next few weeks -
Square Top lakes we hike by each morning

I'm really dedicated & enthusiastic about the work we're doing up there, these trails will be used for many years by thousands of people, which really excites me!

Denver has been having record-high temperatures, breaking a 100 year old record of consecutive days with 90+ degree temps. The last record, set back in 1901, was 18 days. Luckily, the elevations we are living and working at provide cooler temperatures, usually 10 degrees below Denver..Guanella Pass usually hovers in the 70s, depending how high up you are.

Jason and the Platte Canyon fire crew has left for California once again - this time, they will be stationed in Quincy - northern California. He is thinking they will "re-up", which will mean they'll stay out there for about 4 weeks..I can't imagine being without his presence for that length of time! I'll have to learn to deal with it though, cell phones and Ben & Jerry's ice cream help immensely :)

Katie (sister-in-law) is in the hospital as I type, she has minimal dilation, enough for the doc to admit her to a room and wait..the baby's due date is Aug. 1st, so he'll be right on time!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone xoxoxox

Marmots, Fires, and Preggers

2008-07-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for the Youth Corp, a group of around 10 kids (well, 19-23 yr olds) whom we will be doing projects with on Guanella Pass for the next month. Andrew & I hiked half of the South Park trail today, and spotted a few marmots!

The Yellow-bellied Marmot (Marmota flaviventris), also known as the Rock Chuck, is a ground squirrel in the marmot genus. It lives in the western United States and southwestern Canada, including the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. It inhabits steppes, meadows, talus fields and other open habitats, sometimes on the edge of deciduous or coniferous forests, and typically above 2000 metres (6500 ft) of elevation. Yellow-bellied Marmots usually weigh between 5 and 11 pounds (2 and 5 kg) when fully grown. They get fatter in the fall just before hibernating. A marmot's habitat is mostly grass and rocks with few trees. Their territory is about 20,000 to 30,000 square metres (about 6 acres) around a number of summer burrows.

Marmots choose to dig burrows under rocks because predators are less likely to see their burrow. Predators include wolves, foxes, and coyotes. When a marmot sees a predator, it whistles to warn all other marmots in the area (giving it the nickname the whistle pig). Then it typically hides in a nearby rock pile.

Marmots reproduce when about 2 years old, and may live up to an age of 15 years. They reside in colonies; a colony is a group of about 10 to 20. Each male marmot digs a burrow soon after he wakes up from hibernation. He then starts looking for females, and by summer has 1 to 4 females living with him. Litters usually average 4-5 offspring per female. Marmots have what is called "harem-polygynous" mating system, which means the male defends 1-4 mates at the same time.

Yellow-bellied Marmots are diurnal like most mammals. The marmot is also an omnivore, eating grass, leaves, flowers, fruit, grasshoppers, and bird eggs.

Marmots are not hunted for sport but are sometimes killed by farmers.

Yellow-bellied Marmots include "toilet rooms" in their burrows as well as living rooms, bedrooms and eating rooms.

Very cool sighting!

~

I dropped Jason off at the fire station on sunday afternoon - we happened to be getting ready to go frisbee golfing when J looked out our apartment window & spotted a forest fire off in the distance - billowing smoke about 30 miles away. The Platte Canyon crew was called out to it, and the fire turned out to be pretty large ...

I haven't heard from him since I dropped him off, I was out in that area a few weeks ago & am pretty sure they do not have cell service. It sounds like the fire is contained as of tonite, so hopefully they will return home some time this week. :) Missing him tons.

DECKERS, Colo. -- A forest fire that has been burning since Sunday is now fully contained, firefighter said Tuesday evening.

The Oxyoke Fire burned 110 acres -- a figure downsized from an earlier estimate of 140 acres, which prompted the emergency evacuation of about 15 homes near the fire line.

All evacuations and road closures were lifted at 6 p.m.

Slightly cooler temperatures and increased relative humidity helped firefighters gain the upper hand on the fire.

Operations will be scaled down Wednesday morning to just five engines and two 20-person hand crews to finish mopping up and patrolling the fire. Smoke will continue to be visible for several days as interior fuels burn out, the Forest Service said.

The area is now open to the public but residents are asked to be cautious while in the area because fire fighters will continue to be in the area. Also, rocks and other rolling material could still roll out of the burn onto the road, especially after rains.

More than 225 firefighters helped battle the blaze, coming from local volunteer fire departments and the U.S. Forest Service.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation by the U.S. Forest Service.

The National Interagency Fire Center said the national preparedness level remained at five, on a scale of one to five, with five being the highest.

The
Maternity-wearing Maniac Mamma!

I leave you with this photo of my beautiful sister-in-law, Katie - Schuyler and Her are due with their 2nd precious baby, Holt, at the beginning of August, but from the looks of this pic, he could shoot out at any moment! xoxox Much love to all!

Updates!

2008-07-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

Whew, it's been a month since we last updated this blog, apologies!

We've both been on the go..Jason spent 2 1/2 weeks in Big Sur, CA with the fires. The Platte Canyon fire crew was featured on Yahoo! Here is the link - they are the guys with the green helmets.
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Calif-Wildfires/ss/events/us/052308cawildfires/s:/ap/20080708/ap_on_re_us/wildfires;_ylt=AlGIuywG0cuRwrRgSbj2WkRH2ocAphotoViewer=/080707/480/8d96cf3978a04a06aa82b839f2bcded5

Unfortunately, along with the satisfaction of starting the back burn that saved Big Sur, the boys also returned with bad cases of poison oak! Jason is still scratching non stop and there is not a remedy out there that will cure him! If anyone has any suggestions, please, pass them along ! I can't place my hands on him without being asked to scratch! I don't mind too much though ;)

My job with the Forest Service is going amazingly well. I truly enjoy going to work every day and working outdoors..each day is different and I have had the privilege of working in some beautiful places so far. Last week, Andrew (my crew leader) and I were asked to assist the American Hiking Society with their "Volunteer Vacation". This required camping out in the Lost Creek Wilderness for 4 days/3 nights. The volunteers consisted of 6 members of the AHS from around the country (we had ppl from AZ, TN, Iowa, Denver, & Maryland), all different ages (ranging from 30s-60s). They hiked in last Sunday and will be there until tomorrow. Andrew and I hiked in on Monday morning. My pack was 45+ lbs., and the hike in was about 3 miles, uphill! I have never done anything like that before, and my legs and shoulders constantly reminded me of that for the whole week :) We arrived at McCurdy Park around 5, just in time for a spaghetti dinner! The AHS had 2 ppl along with them who were our "chefs" for the trip. I didn't lose any weight on this trip, that's for sure! Good meals galore. Spaghetti, salmon cakes, delicious salads, chili burritos, chocolate cake, apple struddles.. A mule pack string had packed in all of the food and tools for the week. They even carried in some Fat Tire (beer), which was a nice little treat at the end of a long day!

Our days consisted of creating water bars and drainage on parts of the Brookside-McCurdy trail. We also cut out many fallen trees and pruned/cleared stretces of the trail. Since the trail is also used as an equestrian trail, there were certain guidelines for how wide the trial needs to be, as well as how low the clearance can be for horses to get through safely.

The weather was beautiful all week. 70s during the day with light breezes. We had a few sprinkles during the evening, but the pattering of the rain on my tent just helped me sleep even better. Once the sun set, the temps fell abruptly into the 40s, brrr! The only thing that coaxed me out of my warm down sleeping bag at 7 a.m. was the thought of strong coffee awaiting me down at the camp kitchen area.

The area we were in was absolutely stunning. The rock formations were mind boggling, and many people mentioned it was like a "whole other world" from the rest of Colorado. Here is a description of the area we were in -

The Lost Creek Wilderness was created under the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1980. The original 105,000 acres plus the 1993 addition of approximately 14,700 acres brought the total acreage to its current 119,790 acres. The entire Wilderness lies within Pike National Forest, split between the South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts. Unlike most of Colorado's jagged alpine wilderness profiles, Lost Creek is a land of fascinating rounded granite domes and knobs, split boulders, rare granite arches, and tree-lined mountain parks. Wilderness elevations range from 8,000 feet to 12,400 feet. Lost Creek, the wilderness's name sake, got its name from its numerous disappearances into rock piles and underground passages, only to later reappear further downstream. At its final reappearance, it becomes Goose Creek. Black bears, bighorn sheep, deer, elk and bobcats share the region. Vegetation in the area includes ponderosa, bristlecone, and lodgepole pine, aspen, spruce, fir and alpine tundra. About 130 miles of trails serve the Wilderness, including the Colorado Trail, which passes through the area. For more on Lost Creek Wilderness, visit Wilderness.net. History Although there are remains of logging camps and sawmills on the outskirts of the Wilderness, the heart of Lost Creek was too wild for much commercial use other than grazing. There was a failed attempt between 1891 and 1913 by the Antero and Lost Park Reservoir Company to dam Lost Creek underground at a site just below the confluence of Lost Creek and Reservoir Gulch. All that remains now near the site are a few old buildings and some rusting machinery. One of a set of three maps of the Pikes Peak, Plum Creek, and South Platte Forest Reserves (most of the current Pike National Forest), drawn in 1898 for the 20th annual report of the USGS, shows most of the southern end of the present day Wilderness as being "Badly Burned". In 2002, the Hayman Fire burned approximately 6,000 acres along the east edge of the wilderness. Fortunately, very little of the trail system, other than the short sections of the Goose Creek and Hankins Pass trails immediately adjacent to the Goose Creek Trailhead, were affected. Be aware of the possibility of falling snags, particularly on windy days. In 1963, the 15,120 acre Lost Creek Scenic Area was created under the precursor of the Wilderness Act, the “U-Regulations” of 1939. In 1979, it was also designated a National Natural Landmark. During the first U.S. Forest Service RARE process, Lost Creek received more comments recommending its wilderness designation than any other Colorado area. In 1980 the 105,000 acre Lost Creek Wilderness was created under the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1980. Approximately 14,700 additional acres were later added to the west end of the Wilderness under the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1993.

It was such a great week, I really enjoyed roughing it..no cell phones, no electronics, no cars..just us and the great outdoors. The smells, sounds, sights, and insights I was able to experience made a big impact on me and I'm happy to be in a place and a job that allows me to do these things!

Below are a few photos I found on various websites of the area we were in - one of the volunteers is sending me her photos once she returns home next week, my camera was left at home..but this is basically what we were surrounded by while camping & working.

In other news, we are in the process of buying a HOUSE! More to follow on that (and the wedding!) - hope everyone has a FANTASTIC weekend xoxox J & J

Just another day in the office...

2008-06-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! We have been very busy bees up here, Jason with his job, and I with mine.
My job working for the Forest Service is wonderful. Here are a few photos from my day today - I will edit and elaborate later tonite - enjoy the photos for now :)

xo

My Ben Tyler Trail Hike

2008-05-31T18:06:00.000-07:00

Hello out there

2008-05-30T11:33:00.001-07:00

We went to Arapahoe Basin (known as A-Basin) for their closing 'beach' bash and a few more tries at skiing. I did a lot better this time and instead of trying to fall when I began going too fast for my liking, I just kept going..and going..to the bottom of the hill :) A small hill, mind you, but a hill, that I skied down without falling! I do have a wonderful and patient coach (Jason), which does help.

After A-Basin, we went and checked out the town of Dillon, where the Dillon reservoir is located. Very cool tiny town. Had dinner at a brew pub and then headed home.

I have realized in my short amount of time here that it is going to take me a life time to explore Colorado! There's so many places to visit, climb, learn about, hike, bike, and of course an endless supply of great live music streaming through!

Quick note - I landed a job I've been trying to get out here ever since I found out we were moving to CO! I'll be working outside under the bright blue Colorado sky all summer as a forestry aid on a trail crew, mainly working in Guanella Pass! More to come on that..for now, I hope everyone is doing well, and enjoy these photos from our road trip Memorial day weekend.

xoxoxo

Yes, that's a sign declaring we are entering an "Avalanch Area"

I would like to say I skiied down this hill, but we actually took this mini lift up (you stand on it, like at the airport)..and this is the view from the top of my hill I went down..

Arapahoe Basin..notice the Colorado license plate barely hanging on to the ski bum's red audi on the left...classic!

My fiance and world class instructor, pointing out that he is indeed #1

Giving me lessons on a $3 pair of Rosignol skis that are as old as I am. This requires skill. And patience. Lots of patience.

Taking a break and enjoying wearing short sleeves while skiing.

A kiss for being patient.

Driving home at sunset

The quaint town of Dillon, CO

Good Times

2008-05-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

I am back from graduation weekend. What a perfect trip! Flight went great, I was able to visit my wonderful Aunt Sandy, the weather was sunny and warm for the graduation ceremony, and best of all, I spent some much needed quality time with my parents and brothers! The only thing missing was Jason, and my sister-in-law Katie, & Eli- we all missed them so much!

Tennessee and North Carolina were both absolutely beautiful. Everything was in bloom and just bursting with life! A big change from the snow I had left behind in Bailey.

I finally have my car back and am feeling a little better about driving everywhere now, since my car is a little more fuel efficient than our Toyota Bandit (camper) I was driving around for the past 2 months. The highest gas price I ran in to was $3.99when I crossed the state line from Indiana in to Illinois. Eeek!

I hope people will take a close look at who's in office right now and then take a look at our economy and everything going on around us..and get out there and VOTE this year.
Below are a few pics from my camera, I took most on my brother's camera and will post once he email them.

By the way, if anyone is thinking about coming out to Colorado to visit, the next few months are going to be amazing! High in the 70s today with a refreshing breeze and sun, sun, sun!

xoxoxo

View from my parent's back yard in TN

Rest stop entering NC

Me & Dad at dinner after Trev's hooding ceremony

A sighting of the famous white squirrel

Mom & I at our golf resort in Brevard

Me, Trevor, & my twin bro Schuyler - celebrating after GRAD

Trevor, awaiting his hooding

Trevor, just hooded by his soccer coach and mentor, Coach Nelson

Kansas..wind turbines

You're Awesome!

2008-05-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

I would like to say CONGRATULATIONS to my little brother Trevor, who will be graduating from Brevard College this weekend! Congrats Trev, I think you've realized you're capable of a lot more than you ever thought you were. Always keep up that mentality and you will go far in this oyster of a world. :)

Tomorrow I will be flying from Denver to Nashville - I can't wait to see my family and visit beautiful Brevard, NC again! I am also picking my car up and driving it back to Colorado, should arrive back in Bailey Monday or Tuesday.

In other news, we woke up to about 5 inches of snow yesterday. Flakes continued to fall well into the afternoon. The weather is absolutely gorgeous today, blue skies, in the 50s. Tonight we have a 70 percent chance of snow/rain, same goes for tomorrow. What is today's date, you might be asking? May 14th. That's right. And it's snowing. We're not in Florida anymore, Toto!

Jason's birthday was Monday, he's been a bit under the weather so I made him a cake and we had our own little celebration here at the apartment. Pictures and more new later!

Much love xoxo

Our 5 o'clock Rainbow

2008-05-07T21:10:00.000-07:00

State park ranger interview tomorrow! Could this be a good sign?

Weekend Warriors

2008-05-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

Hello!

What a wonderful weekend we had. We were both ready to relax and enjoy our time off - I started a job at Camp Santa Maria, a ymca camp about 20 minutes away. I'm really enjoying my time there but it is...work. More about that later!

Saturday we darted into a yardsale at a local church and found some Rossignol skis that are about as old as I am, along with some boots, for $5! The boots fit great and the skis are, well, skis. Nothing special, but they'll get the job done. We headed back to Breckenridge in the rv and stopped in the great tiny town of Alma on our way. Here's some interesting history on Alma -

This mountain town sits at the feet of five 14,000-foot peaks. Located along Route 9, north of Fairplay and south of Hoosier Pass, the current town lies downstream from the original Alma, or Buckskin Joe, as it was known during the mining heyday. At one time, area mines produced over $1,500,000 annually, before the ore petered out and a smallpox epidemic all but wiped out town residents.Relics and spirits remind Alma visitors of the town's mining history. The Sweet Home Mine still produces world-class specimens of rhodochrosite, a mineral known for its beautiful pink rose color.Like oft-told tales of lost ore veins, Alma ghost stories abound, including that of Silver Heels, a mining camp dancer who stayed behind to nurse ill residents during the smallpox-induced exodus. Near the epidemic's end, she contracted the disease, which left her beautiful face scarred. She was never seen again, but to this day, residents and visitors alike claim to have seen a veiled figure walking among the graves of smallpox victims.Today Alma welcomes mountain-hiking enthusiasts, ghost hunters and tourists from Leadville and Breckenridge. Must-sees include Kite Lake, at a crisp 12,400 feet, the ghost town of Buckskin Joe and Alma's spooky cemetery.

Alma is also the 2nd highest incorporated town in the United States, at an elevation of 10,578 feet. The town held on to the number one spot until 2006 when Winter Park, CO became the highest incorporated town due to its annexation of a ski area. We stopped in at a great saloon and grabbed some food and drinks and made it just in time for some Derby festivities.

We proceeded on to Breckenridge, had a few hours of sunlight left and found a hill to hike up. We strapped on our boots and skis and proceeded to hike until we reached a decent elevation. It was so peaceful and serene up there..perfect for my first ski lesson! Jason taught me a few basics and all was going well, until I started going a little too fast for my liking and fell..the wrong way! Instead of falling to the left or right of my skis, I fell in the center of them, and pulled a tendon in my knee. It was growing dark out so we called it a day and snuck in to a really nice outdoor hot tub at the Beaver Run resort. My knee pains immediately went away as I floated around in the 100 degree water while the air temperature was about 30 degrees and stared up at the clear mountain skies. Camped in the rv that night and boy was it chilly! Jason claims I yanked the covers away from him all night long, which I have no recollection of..but wouldn't doubt it. ; )
The next morning we had a delicious breakfast and then proceeded to trot around Breckenridge and explore the boutiques and even went in to the Breckenridge museum and learned a lot of interesting background on the town. I never realized how much of a mining town it was before a ski town. On our way back to Bailey, we stopped in South Park City and explored. Here's a link you may want to check out on the city, another old mining town http://www.southparkcity.org/ghosttown_history.htm
Enjoy the photos! xoxoxox

Gone Hikin'

2008-04-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since I posted! Partly because it was a really busy week, and partly because our camera was out of batteries...this post will be pretty short, we went on a long hike today and I'm a tad exhausted!

Lastnite we went to Boulder and saw Medeski, Martin & Wood perform. Met up with some friends from Birmingham, Casey & Pete, who now live in Longmont, CO. I had never seen MMW before and enjoyed their acid jazzy crazy jams and fun crowd. Boulder is such a neat town, can't wait to go back and explore.

We went hiking today up Tanglewood trail. We were aiming to hike up to Roosevelt Lakes, about 4 miles up the trail, but made it up about 2 1/2 miles before we decided we had a good hike and would tackle the trail another day when we had more daylight. The trail was absolutely beautiful. We tromped through a few passages with knee-deep snow and made it up to around elevation 10,500 feet.

More later - have a wonderful week everyone, we're thinking about you (whoever is reading this..yes..you..)!

Our turn around point - victory! Almost!

Give me a 10 for Best Couple

2008-04-24T12:30:00.001-07:00

Give me a 10 for Best Couple

Breckenridge Fun

2008-04-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday we drove up to Breckenridge to see Robert Randolph and the Family Band, one of our favorite funksters. Jason laughed at my awe-struck faces when we drove into Breck - such a cool little ski town, I fell in love. We met up with our friend Bo (who we met at a concert in Ft. Lauderdale) and had an absolute blast. Below are some photos of the show, and driving up to Breck we went through some neat mining towns. Como was one of them. A brief history of Como - Como is an unincorporated town and a U.S. Post Office in Park County, Colorado, United States. The Como Post Office has the ZIP Code 80432.[2]
Located at the northern end of South Park, the town is a historic mining settlement founded during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush in 1859. It sits approximately one-half mile (1 km) north of U.S. Route 285, approximately 9 miles (15 km) northeast of Fairplay. It is accessible by an unpaved county road off Highway 285 leading northwest over Boreas Pass (to Breckenridge) in the Front Range. The mountains northwest of town form a dramatic background to the town site, which sits on the flank of Little Baldy Mountain. The town was named by prospectors and miners from Como, Italy who came to work the gold fields of the area.
In 1879 the town became the location of a roundhouse of the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad, which was extended over Kenosha Pass to reach the silver mining areas during the Colorado Silver Boom. The roundhouse served as a junction for trains going northward over Boreas Pass and southward toward Fairplay and over Trout Creek Pass at the western end of South Park. The town has many historic weathered structures, including the roundhouse, and has the air of a ghost town that is still nevertheless populated, by 500 people. It has a small commercial district just off the main county road consisting of a post office and general store. The roundhouse is currently under renovation with intention of turning it into a principal tourist attraction in the area.

We'd love to take a half day or so and explore these kinds of places along 285. Enjoy the pictures, and lots of xoxoxox's to everyone ;)

Old house restaurant in Como.
Look at the view from here!

Como.

Many of the old mining houses are painted funky like this pink house..

We were stuck for awhile behind this guy on a mo-ped

A great concert in a great town!

Robert Randolph!

View from the show.

Crowd next to the concert.

That's a mountain peak behind this building on Mainstreet!

Mainstreet, Breckenridge.

Snow Daze

2008-04-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

It was 82 in Denver yesterday, today, they expect to get 3-5 inches of snow! Higher elevations (such as ourselves) will probably see more. It began snowing around 1 this afternoon and has not stopped. The precipitation is a welcomed sight for the fires out here. Our thoughts are with the families of the firefighters and pilot that perished. Please check out this site if you have a chance http://www.wffoundation.org/index.html

Here are a few pics around the apartment I felt inspired to take.
We can't wait for warm weather!

Denver & Eggs

2008-04-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

A single word to describe us tonight: tired. Denver=long day. Jason's job=long day. Tomorrow=snow. The wind is howling outside..like a freight train. Below are a few pics I took today, and also a picture of a gift from one of our neighbors. Eggs! From her pen of hens & turkeys.

More tomorrow.

xoxo

Endeavors in Evergreen

2008-04-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

I love weekends. Weekends=Exploring. Yesterday we briefly explored the town of Evergreen. Evergreen is about a 30-40 minute drive up 285 and then north on 73, and well worth the drive! A little history on Evergreen -
Homesteader Thomas Bergen arrived in 1859, establishing a ranch and stage stop north of present-day downtown Evergreen. Bergen's Ranch was recognized as a settled area at the establishment of Jefferson County, Jefferson Territory. Subsequent settlers homesteaded south of Bergen along Bear Creek Canyon and the downtown area grew around the confluence of Cub Creek and Bear Creek. Fellow homesteader Dwight P. Wilmot is credited with naming the area "Evergreen"; his home has been preserved and still functions as a private residence across the street from his namesake Wilmot Elementary School. The town grew on the lumber demand for buildings in Denver and by the 1880s, the town could boast a population of 200 people and six operating sawmills. Improvement of the road from Denver up Bear Creek Canyon in 1911 and electrical service reaching the town in 1917 spurred further growth and the town became a popular summer destination for Denver residents. Resorts like Troutdale-in-the-Pines, Greystone Guest Ranch and the Brook Forest Inn opened and entertained Denverites and celebrities including film stars of the day and Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt, who both vacationed at the Troutdale. In the 1950s, improved utilities in town and the rising popularity of automobiles began to entice more future residents to stay year-round and the town became known as a commuter community.
During the 70s, Evergreen was a hotspot for hippies, artists, and musicians such as Willie Nelson.
Evergreen is surrounded by thousands of acres of land in the Denver Mountain Parks and Jefferson County Open Space park systems. The Denver Mountain Parks in the area are Bergen Park, Corwina Park, Dedisse Park, Dillon Park, Fillius Park, O'Fallon Park and Pence Park in Indian Hills. The Jefferson County Open Space Parks are Alderfer/Three Sisters, Elk Meadow, Lair o' the Bear, and Mount Falcon Park in Indian Hills. Evergreen Lake, a popular recreation area, was created by damming Bear Creek in 1927. It sits above downtown Evergreen, which includes a mix of historic buildings and local businesses, including the well-known entertainment venue and restaurant The Little Bear. In the winter, skiing and snowboarding is available at nearby Echo Mountain Park and ice skating is offered at Evergreen Lake.
Notable residents: South Park co-creator Trey Parker graduated from Evergreen High School in 1988. Much of the early show is based on Parker's experiences living in nearby Conifer and going to school in Evergreen. In the South Park episode Night of the living homeless it is discovered that the homeless in South Park had migrated from Evergreen. Space shuttle astronaut Jeffrey Ashby graduated from Evergreen High School in 1972. Country star Willie Nelson owned a ranch in Evergreen for several years. MLB player Kevin Kouzmanoff grew up in Evergreen and graduated from Evergreen High School in 1999. The scenes featuring Darryl Hannah and Danny Huston in the 2004 film Silver City were filmed at a house in Evergreen. Diane Mott Davidson, Anthony award-winning and New York Times best-selling author Joanne Greenberg, author of I Never Promised You A Rose Garden, currently resides in Evergreen. Larry Walker, Colorado Rockies outfielder Jamin Winans, film director of 11:59, graduated from Evergreen High School.
Thanks, Wikipedia.
Evergreen is such a beautiful place (I'm beginning to think there's not one ugly place in Colorado. Oh yeah, except Limon). Evergreen Lake and the surrounding park has a healthy population of Elk, otters, and all the birds you could ever wish for! We also discovered a very cool watering hole called Cactus Jack's. Not only do they host an open mic night every Thursday, the establishment is owned/run by Widespread Panic fans! http://www.cactusjacksaloon.com/ Check them out if you're ever in the area.
Jason's working this morning but if he gets home at a decent hour, we may trek down to the town of Florissant and check out one of the world's largest fossil beds.

An April Stroll

2008-04-10T15:50:00.000-07:00

We received about 6-7 inches of snow, maybe more tonite. Jason's out working in this, while I've had the leisurely day of watching quality movies from the Bailey library, such as, "Club Paradise" (Robin Williams, Twiggy), "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble" (John Travolta's break out roll. Really?), and "Father Goose" (Cary Grant stars as a boozy beachcomber siting out WWII in peace..until..well, just go rent the movie).
The weather is expected to improve as the weekend gets closer, no snow in the forecast. I'm taking a little journey up to Denver on Tuesday for a job interview, going up early to explore a little.
Here are some photos of a stroll through the neighborhood, it really is as beautiful as it looks.
xoxox.

Jason going to work

Notice the bird topping off this tree

Check out the goat house next to the horses..goats have it so good!

How is this a Winter Storm Watch if it's Spring?

2008-04-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

Our weather forecast for the next few days goes a little something like this:

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DENVER HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON. RAIN AND SNOW SHOWERS WILL TURN TO ALL SNOW LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT WITH THE HEAVIEST SNOW EXPECTED THURSDAY MORNING. THE HEAVIER SNOW WILL THEN SHIFT OUT EASTWARD OVER THE PLAINS THURSDAY AFTERNOON. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 8 INCHES IS POSSIBLE BY THURSDAY EVENING. UP TO 12 INCHES IS POSSIBLE IN THE FRONT RANGE FOOTHILLS. REMEMBER...A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR A HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER EVENT IN AND CLOSE TO THE WATCH AREA. SIGNIFICANT SNOW ACCUMULATIONS MAY OCCUR THAT COULD IMPACT TRAVEL. STAY TUNED TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OR YOUR LOCAL NEWS MEDIA FOR THE LATEST UPDATES AND POSSIBLE WARNING CONCERNING THIS POTENTIAL WINTER STORM.
Quote:
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO 306 PM MDT TUE APR 8 2008 ...POTENTIAL SPRING STORM HEADING TOWARDS COLORADO... .A STORM SYSTEM DEVELOPING OVER THE GREAT BASIN WILL MOVE ACROSS SOUTHERN COLORADO ON THURSDAY BEFORE INTENSIFYING ACROSS THE CENTRAL PLAINS THURSDAY EVENING. SNOW WILL BECOME WIDESPREAD IN THE MOUNTAINS WEDNESDAY EVENING AND CONTINUE ON THURSDAY. RAIN AND SNOW SHOWERS WILL BECOME ALL SNOW LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND CONTINUE ON THURSDAY ACROSS LOWER ELEVATIONS. THERE IS STILL CONCERN OVER THE EXACT TRACK OF THE STORM...AS ANY DEVIATION WILL RESULT IN WIDE VARIED SNOW AMOUNTS ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS AND PLAINS. THE INITIAL WARM TEMPERATURES WILL ALSO KEEP THE MAJORITY OF THE SNOW ON GRASSY SURFACES. HOWEVER...INTENSE...SHORT LIVED PERIODS OF SNOW IS LIKELY TO IMPACT TRAVELERS ACROSS THE REGION.

White Wonderland in April

2008-04-07T08:35:00.002-07:00

Awoke to snow!

That's the beamer covered in snow.

Going jogging later, must..get...used..to...snow!

Wellington Lake and Rex Rock

2008-04-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

Today we had a late breakfast at the Cutthroat Cafe and then ventured down to Wellington Lake to explore and try out some trails. What a beautiful dream land! Castle Mountain sits behind Wellington Lake. I'll elaborate more on the area in future posts, but for now, the photos will tell our stories. As we winded towards the town of Pine, we came across a rock formation that locked like a Tyranosaurus Rex head. We attempted to climb to the top but I stopped just a few feet short..Jason kept going a little ways (brave, he is!)..I settled on a warm flat rock and we ate our lunch overlooking Mount Evans and gorgeous Ponderosa pines. On our way back down, Jason decided he had lost his wallet along the way and so began a thirty minute hunt down the trail for a small brown object. We trudged thru snow and mud..and still, no sign of wallet. Until we arrived at the RV. Yes...there it was, patiently waiting for us in the cup holder of the Bandit. We ventured on and came to a picturesque area where Jason decided to give me a brief lesson in fly fishing. What a rush, I did well and can't wait until we actually practice when there's fish in the Platte. Our day ended with drinks and an entree at a rustic yet modern restaurant in Pine Grove, called Zoka's. www.zokas.com Really cool place.

Below are some photos. I hope you enjoy. Love from us xoxo.

Our RV, The Bandit, traversing Wellington Lake.

Castle Mountain Mayhem...

That red speck is me, sun bathing :)

Fishin.

View from fishing.

Wallet hunt on T-Rex rock.

My view from flat rock.

Eating at 9,000 feet...gets messy!

Contemplating the meaning of Life..or what's in my sandiwich?

T-Rex Rock.

View.
The mickey elk strikes again.

Wandering at Wellington.

Castle Mountain.

Wellington with Castle Mountain.

Nostalgic Wind is a'blowin...

2008-04-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

Hello folks, not much to report today except that the weather was BEAUTIFUL! Blue skies, sunshine and warmth. Tomorrow's forecast, not so bright - lots of snow...we'll see, forecasters are about as predictable as Madonna's hair color. Today was wonderful - Jason had his second day at his new venture with the fire station, familiarizing and getting comfortable with the new personalities and settings that will surround him for years to come, and I took care of some "new place" business (electric company, etc.). I also went for a good jog, still easing in to this altitude, straining for oxygen up here at 8,500 feet. It's definetly getting better though, and will take time.

I applied for a job at the Red Rocks Country Club, which is in Morrison and right outside of the Red Rocks Amphitheater (featured below). I'm going to interview with them Friday - will keep the blog updated with any news ;) It's such a beautiful place and I would be honored to work in such an upstanding and historical site.

The photos above are some we took tonight. All are views from our apartment, and the inside view includes our love plant "Agnes", which our moms and few people know to be the first plant I gave Jason on one of our first dates. He has kept this plant alive since October - she hasn't been doing too well on her trip to Colorado, but we gave her a spring cleaning and she's looking brighter and healthier. Part of the reason she may be feeling off-kiltered is the cutting and spreading of her limbs - we cut and gave a small limb to each of our parents to grow and remind them of us and our commitement and love. I really hope Agnes pulls through!

Also included in the photo is a snow globe my best friend Diane (Diggy, Digglesworth) gave me on the night of my engagement and one of the last nights I spent with her. It's a snow globe of a crab under an umbrella, in a beach setting...she said it was to remind me of all the wonderful and good times we spent with each other while we both lived in Naples/Bonita. It will forever be one of my favorite keepsakes (little does she know :) I've known her since middle school and she is one of the most real and beautiful friends a person could ever ask for. I am so happy her and Jamie found each other and we look forward to sharing our life experiences, marriage, love, and family advice with them!

One more thing - Mamma D (Jason's mom) - your Love Candle is also in the photo to the left, although I had a hard time taking the picture without the flash obstructing the view in the window. We love this candle so much!! It smells like fresh cookies and muffins, such a homey and comfy feeling! Thank you and Jim, it is a special candle that definetly brings us closer.

Signing off for now! Love to ALL xo

Day 8..Sight of land..

2008-03-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

Not much to report today - I woke up early again to snow, then went back to sleep and by the time we woke back up (around noon - hey, higher altitude makes you sleeeepy!), the sun was shining and snow was melting.

We went Goodwill hunting again and finished up getting some basics we needed. Except for the red high heel chair, but I may sneak back to town and buy it tomorrow. Pictures to follow ;)

BTW, the Goodwills out here are amazing. So many diamonds in the rough. Tomorrow I will test out my new mountain bike... for $5! A Trek 990, which retailed for close to $1000 in its glory days. FIVE BUCKS!

Stopped in to Chilis on the way back to the Rustic Hole, and met some new fishing friends from Michigan, theyve been in the area for about 12 years, really nice folks! Everyone around here seems to be.

Jason starts work tomorrow, while I start hunting for work. It has been so nice having this last month off! How stress free people would be if they could live without having a time schedule and having to be somewhere at a set time every day. I will admit I'm anxious to start getting that pay check again, as the $$ is thinning out! Tomorrow I'll visit Wellington Lake, Chatfield state park, Eleven Mile state park, as well as a few other places I can apply for seasonal work.

It has been flurrying on and off today - mom I'll try and get a snowball pictures for you ;)

I'm leaving everyone with pics of our drive from Littleton into Conifer, the photos don't do this drive justice..actually my camera hasn't done an of this area justice! If anyone has any advice on how I can change my camera settings ( a Samsung S630) to correct whatever's going on in my photos ( looks like over-pixelation, is that possible?), please let me know what to do.

More tomorrow, Love to All xoxoxoxxx

The Rustic Rat Hole

2008-03-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

I awoke early this morning and peeked outside..only to discover it had snowed 2 or 3 inches overnight! Our vehicles, as well as the ground, were blanketed in bright white snow. I thought surely we were snowed in but apparently this amount of snow is child's play for Bailey. Tonite - 70 percent chance of snow and a lo of 15! (It started snowing as I was typing this)

We ate brunch at a delicious local cafe called the Cutthroat. Breakfast was under $20 which had become an anomaly to us, until we moved here :)

I was able to snap a few shots around Bailey, as well as views from our rustic rat hole. Enjoy!

Mickey "Jason" Mouse outside our little local eatery

Quaint country store next to cafe

View from bridge, walking to hardware store.

View as we trot through Bailey

Still trotting. Real estate office to the lower left.

The Rustic from the outside.

Kitsy the Kitchen

Our beautiful view from living room.

Outside of the Rustic.

What we see stepping out each glorious mornin!

Just Breath!

2008-03-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

We do not have Internet at our apartment yet so I am typing today from our local library. The library happens to be a 1/2 mile jog from our apartment which we will be taking advantage of but drove here this afternoon, as we have grocery stores, thrift stores and cell phone stores to visit in Conifer/Littleton once we leave here.

Our little apartment is becoming quite cozy thanks to our crafty furnishings and improvisational decorating! At first we called it the "rustic rat hole" but now it's turned in to a warm humble abode. This morning we awoke, had a leisurely morning that was spent stretching, drinking green tea and eating oatmeal, then went for a 2 1/2 mile jog (Jason jogged, I did a brisk walk..) around our neighborhood. When we stepped outside, it was in the 40s and bright & sunny - it felt wonderful and invigorating. We began jogging and lo & behold, it began to snow flurry! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be jogging in snow flurries at 7,500 feet at the end of March. Quite the experience. I do feel like I'm getting accustomed to the altitude little by little. Jason is having a much easier time, most likely b/c he's lived in the Rockies before and mentioned he thinks his body "remembers" the altitude. He took off up a hill today and disappeared around a bend, just kept running and running (yes, he reminded me of Forrest G.), as I huffed and puffed up the hill and then stopped because I was laughing too much when I saw him disappear.

Internet feigns we are! How did people ever function without it? We're hoping to have it tonite and if so, look for more pictures within the following day.

Much love to everyone XOXOX.

Brrrr...

2008-03-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

I was beginning to shrug off the tales of Colorado's unpredictable weather, until I awoke this morning to overcast skies and a mix of snow and rain. We were graced with beautiful blue skies and relatively warm weather our first few days in the state..I knew it was too good to last! I'm actually looking forward to these blustery days and changes of scenery. I did glance at the weather channel and had a tinge of home sickness when I saw the temps in south Florida ; )

We continued our house hunt yesterday and settled upon an apartment we can rent month to month until we decide what we want to do as far as buying or renting goes. The apartment is in a beautiful spot and right across from one of the fire stations Jason will be working out of. No pictures of the actual town (its more like a strip) of Bailey, but while exploring we stopped and ate our lunch (trout and vegetable wraps) on some rocks along the Platte River, here are a few pics -

It seems like there's a Kodak moment around every bend. Today we'll move in to our little apartment and spend the next few days running trails and getting used to running and climbing at these elevations. Would anyone like to join?

Red Rocks

2008-03-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this morning from our friend Jamie's house in Littleton, CO. He has been kind enough to take 2 homeless Floridians in until we find a place to rent in Bailey :) Our days so far have consisted of exploring Bailey and house hunting. We already feel like we know these roads better than any in Florida for some reason, probably because we've driven them over and over trying to locate houses for rent. I am seeing classified ads in my dreams. House hunt going slower than we'd hope but we have a feeling today is the day! We'll have an address by tomorrow! Maybe...

Monday we stopped in Morrison and ate breakfast at a wonderful cafe, then visited the Red Rocks Amphitheatre & park. Jason has been there a few times for some Panic shows, but I was in awe, being my first time in the presence of such majestic formations. Red Rocks amphitheatre is an outdoor theatre seating 9,450 people. It was built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is at an elevation of 6,400 feet in the 640 acre Red Rocks Park. It is known for having the best natural acoustics on the continent . The amphitheatre is absolutely breathtaking and I can't wait to experience my first show there. The park is open daily and we're anxious to start running/hiking the trails..once we can learn how to breath up here!

Here are some pics of Red Rocks - I have been so charmed by our little town of Bailey that I have forgotten to take any photos - will do today as our house hunt continues.
Much love!

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Jason climbing the incline to amphitheatre

Red at Red

Red...rock . Red Rocks consists of two natural monoliths, Ship Rock and Creation Rock.
Back of amphitheatre from trail

We Have Arrived!

2008-03-24T09:06:00.001-07:00

Home again, home again, jiggity jog! We arrived in Colorado yesterday morning after a smooth trip. Here are a few pics from our travels, I'll write a more in depth entry later - on our way to look at houses!

Goodbye, Hello, Will You Marry Me?

2008-03-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Tennessee!

Our farewell to Florida began with a beautiful proposal at the coffee shop...

Jason proposed in front of about 75 people by singing a song he wrote himself. It was one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard and of course, I said yes! It went a little something like this -

Genevieve, will you smile at me, Genevieve will you smile at me, Genevieve will you smile at me...Genevieve will you dance with me, Genevieve will you dance with me, Genevieve will you dance with meee..Genevieve will you walk with me, Genevieve will you walk with meee...Genevieve, Will you marry me..Genevieve will you marry me?..

(crowd errupts into claps and cheers, and I am blinded by camera flashes and my own stars I'm now seeing)

Of course, I would have been happy with a proposal in the parking lot of Wal Mart, being the simple girl I am, but this truly shocked me and I could not have imagined a more romantic and touching proposal, with many of our closest friends by our side to share in this most joyous occasion. Jason made me the luckiest lady in the World and I am so thankful and excited about our love and our life we are about to embark upon.

Many goodbyes were said and we set out towards Tennessee, him in his vehicle and me in the Bandit (RV), both packed to the brim with our belongings. We landed in Dellrose and have been visiting my parents for the past few days, and today we head to Crossville TN for a few days with his rents!

Sorry so short and scattered, but I wanted to get something up here for those curious folks who wondered what happened to us!

More from the road later - much love to everyone.