new friend in the neighborhood

Winter, in the form of a large spring snowstorm, returned yesterday. The totals varied widely but over here on the west side of Denver, we received almost two feet of wet, HEAVY snow. I ran out yesterday morning before work and put down some fertilizer on the grass. I am so pleased with myself!! In any case, spring is going to positively ERUPT after this deluge of moisture.

For several years I have bemoaned the lack of snowmen that appear after each snowstorm. What are kids thinking these days? Or maybe I am just not paying attention. So today, I resolved to do my part. I discovered it isn't quite like riding a bicycle - you do forget. The snow was so heavy and I was so impatient to 'decorate' that I threw the snowman together and thoroughly enjoyed the search for eyes and nose and mouth. I had fun and managed to avoid most responsible activity - although I did do a little shoveling. When the sun returns tomorrow, I won't have much to do to get out of my drive-way. But I suspect my friend won't stick around long!

Appia Antica

It has been ages since I posted. There has been a long period of too much work, too much stress and now... I feel myself entering a period of appreciation and happiness for so many gifts that I experience. The big story is my trip to Paris and Rome. Getting to this point was a nightmare - in some ways I thought it would never come to pass. It reminds me of the time in my life when I was pregnant with my older son. No matter how hard I tried, I could not imagine what it would be like. Of course, all things come to pass!

I experienced so many very memorable moments and sights on my trip that it will take a long time to process the information. My son took me all over Paris and Rome and we had many adventures. I took lots of photographs and am now sorting and identifying where I actually went. The days all kind of run together, so my photos will be the link that ties it all together.

Without a doubt, my favorite thing was our visit to the Via Appia, Appia Antica or Appian Way. I was excited to see some Roman aqueducts and they didn't disappoint but the lesser anticipated Via Appia stole my heart. I am so glad that my son suggested we go there. The road is narrow and covered with ancient stone. Some of the stones are older than others. They are all a bit uneven but clearly worn smooth through the antiquity of use. Apparently the larger stones are the older ones. The sides of the road are tree-lined with areas open to fields and wildflowers and vibrant green grass. Other areas are lined with ancient high walls. There are villas, ancient and more recent, archaeological digs, parks, monuments. The list goes on. There was almost no traffic the day we were there (except for the sheep & goat herd that crossed the road followed by the slow-moving Rolls Royce). It was a Monday and many things are closed. But we found one open estate/park where we talked with the caretaker (being with someone fluent in the language is invaluable). The villa had suffered damage in WWII and when that owner repaired it, he incorporated many ancient artifacts into the walls. Further down the road, we saw another house that had done the same kind of thing.

There was a time when I was a child that I dreamed of being an archeologist. I am not disappointed that I became a biologist but this visit has stirred thoughts about what I want to be when I grow up this next time...