a great weekend comes to a close

sunset over Green Mountain

In spite of necessity and guilt, I managed to sneak in some fun this weekend. After a friend went through the math and informed me about how many days I might have left in life, I made a few commitments to change. After all, all we really have is now since the past is gone and there are no guarantees of any future.

Like many, I am overwhelmed with too much work (but always the threat of no work at the same time - it's a double whammy!!) I fall into the trap of ... when I get caught up, I will do .... such and such. Well, I am tired of waiting until I catch up! I am becoming a master at knowing what can slide and how long it can go before unpleasant things start happening.

clouds put on a show for those who take the time to look

I set aside the work for some hours and hiked Green Mountain and took a bunch of photos, two sunsets and the hike. I am tired and ever so slightly satisfied and ready or just about ready to maybe get some work done. (aaahhh the fine art of procrastination)

Also, I am making an official announcement that I am trying to get back into shape. I have hit rock bottom, I don't have the energy I need to get my work and fun done. Oh and the fact that my son (the one studying in Paris) is coming home for Christmas and he sent me an article today about the town in West Virginia with the highest rate of obesity. I don't want him to see me and think of that article! So today, I started back hiking.

my pre-hiking physique :)

It was a glorious November day, low 60's and sunny. With cold and snow lurking just a forecast away, hundreds of people were out exercising and enjoying the weather. For once, I didn't mind being part of the crowd.

the tower is the goal

Now, Sunday evening, I am feeling that old familiar apprehension about all that I didn't get done. It will still be there tomorrow, have no fear.

yesterday's sunset over Crown Hill Lake - hundreds of Canada geese come home for the night

rainy night in Denver

Tonight, Denver sits at about 50° with rain falling off and on since yesterday morning. It poured while I was picking up my peaches this morning. During a lull, I went out and bought a bushel of roasted green chile. After forgetting to buy any last year until it was too late, this year I jumped at the first chance. All you have to do is head to Federal Blvd. north or south of 6th Avenue and stop at one of the many chile roasters set up along the way. They roast them for you on the spot – it just takes a few minutes.

off to New York City

racing to get ready - excited for the adventure

dragon boat festival

Today I went to the Colorado Dragon Boat Race festival at Sloan's Lake in Denver. I have wanted to go for years - I never seem to get around to it. All of a sudden, here it was and I decided to go and take photos. The festival always seems so colorful.

best seat in the house

It wasn't at all what I expected! The whole weekend was rather cloudy and threatened to rain off and on. Expecting lots of color, I was surprised at what I found. For me the beauty was in the sheer physical effort of the crews as they raced to grab the flag at the finish line, the enthusiasm of the spectators and .....the clouds. The color of the boats and the crews was reduced to shapes against the backdrop of spectacular skies. I posted my favorites on flickr.

bringing in Mooo Dragon