Meadow Loop and Ridge Trail

Yesterday, my friend Josie and I went hiking FINALLY! We talked about hiking last year and even though we made plans something always happened to ruin them. Not this day! Though, when we first made plans to go hiking the weather report was different a week prior than the day before, so I was a bit nervous I would turn into a puddle of chocolate.

Thankfully, I did not, however, my friend who does not have nearly as much melanin as me, turned into a bit like a lobster. She brought her sunscreen...but forgot to put it on. Yeah......I"m still laughing at her for that mistake. It could have been worse.

Anyway, the day started off as windy but not cold which I liked. We had beautiful views of the reservoir in Dillon, CO as we walked on the Meadow Loop and Ridge Trail. We were so caught up in the views of the mountains and people on the lake that we missed the turn for the trail! We walked all the way to a dead end!

Josie brought her dog, Autumn, who did very well on the hike, I thought. Like most dogs, she wanted to stop and smell EVERYTHING. I tried not to walk behind her, but whenever I did I almost ran into her because she stopped randomly and abruptly. Sometimes I wondered if she was doing that on purpose. Or maybe she was just checking that I was still behind her. Who knows!

Autumn does have a funny habit of laying down whenever she sees another dog. It was interested to watch. Sometimes she would go over to the dog but most of the time she just watched them.

I was glad to have time with Josie to catch up and just talk about what's been happening with BLM and possible re-election of President Trump. I learned a lot about her and am glad she's my friend. We met at a Deaf event maybe two years ago and we hit it off. We are both silly and love swapping crazy stories. While some of our conversation was heavy and sad, I enjoyed hanging out with her and taking in more of Colorado's beauty. Can't get enough of it.

Paint Mines

Yesterday, my friend and I went exploring through the Paint Mines Interpretive Park. It was amazing! I have never seen so many different colored rocks. The park was kind of an adult playground. You can bring kids, but be mindful of where you are stepping. The view from the tallest peak of the park was breathtaking! You could see the city of Colorado Springs from where we were, which was a 30-minute drive from the city.

There were tunnels and caves you could explore. To get to them, sometimes you had to climb on all fours! So, we definitely got dirty!

We took a TON of pictures. I love that my friend was a photographer too, so we were constantly snapping pictures of each other being silly. We did girl power poses and fashionista.

Since we hadn't hung out since before COVID took over the world, we had a lot of to catch up on. From work-life to personal life, I enjoyed being with my favorite hiking buddy again. I look forward to our next adventure.

It was a gorgeous day for a hike. We started around 10am and finished at around 2pm. By then, the sun was getting brutally hot, so we headed toward the city for lunch which was CAJUN FOOD! Both of us are foodies, so it did take us a while to pick a place. I would definitely go back to Mamma Pearl's Cajun Kitchen. Even though I don't like seafood, there were menu options that didn't involve animals from the sea that looked amazing!

Overall, it was a fun day! Now I'm sore but I am grateful for the beautiful day I had with my friend at Paint Mines.

Pr Ron's 20th Anniversary

Yesterday, the church surprised Pr. Ron and Carolyn, his wife, with a car parade. We still wanted to celebrate this occasion and their milestone during the pandemic. We met at an elementary school parking lot nearby and decorated the cars with streamers and balloons. I think at least half of the congregation showed up. It was AWESOME!

I made this sign for Grammy and Grandpy's car since they picked me up for the parade.

I also made brownies! The first time I laid out the number 20 in MnMs, they sank! I was bummed, but thankfully I had just enough to do it again. YAY! Hopefully, they enjoyed eating them.

Overall, it was a beautiful day to do it and I got to say "Hi" to my church family that I hadn't seen in months! I think we were all excited to see each other!

Pr. Ron and Carolyn were overwhelmed with gratitude! I look forward to seeing everyone again :D

Excitement in Wash Park During COVID-19

Well, our neighborhood got some excitement this past Thursday afternoon. I think the whole neighborhood congregated on our corner when this happened. Let's be honest, this is the most interesting thing that has happened to us in almost two months.

I was on my computer when I heard a sudden screech of tires. Notice, I said I HEARD. The last time there was a car accident outside where I was living, I slept through it. At least, this time I was awake -- that does make a difference.

Anyway, I looked out the window to find a motorcycle lying in the middle of the road. The guy who had been riding it was standing off to the side. At first glance, he appeared to be fine since he was walking but the commotion stopped everyone in their tracks. Since most of us are working from home, many in the neighborhood were walking their dogs, jogging, or just simply out for a walk to stretch their legs. Being cooped up inside all day is super stressful. I typically take my walks just before lunch which is why I was looking out my window instead of being on the street.

About 15 or so community members stopped to see if either the driver or motorcyclist needed help. Within a few minutes, a fire truck appeared with firemen all geared up, including masks. Being a nosy child, I went from the living room window to my bedroom window several times to see what was happening. People were peering down from their balconies too in other buildings surrounding the intersection.

From my vantage point, it looked like the jeep tried to make a turn and possibly didn't see the motorcyclist or someone was going too fast down Emerson St, which people do... It is extremely hard to take a turn from Ellsworth to Emerson since it's hard to see past parked cars.

Within an hour, the police and firemen had left leaving the neighborhood eerily quiet, yet again.

BTW, I found out how the firemen got here so quickly. My roommate immediately called 911when she heard the noise and was apparently the first caller. #NeighborhoodWatchAtYourService

COVID-19

It's been a rough month especially the last two weeks.

The first two months of 2020 got off to a great start. While my new job was overwhelming, I was starting to get the hang of things in February. Sure, there's still a lot to learn but I was definitely loving this position better than my last.

As of the 16th of March, Dental Lifeline Network switched to remote. Apart from two people being in the office everyday to handle logistics, the majority of the staff were working from home. Soon after, the entire city was working from home apart from essential workers like post office employees, grocery store clerks, gas station attendants, etc. Now, when 4 P.M. hits, everyone is outside walking or riding a bike. We are all tired of being cooped up inside all day and need some FRESH AIR!!

Sure, there are benefits of working from home like when I take a break from work I can do laundry, or clean. I don't have to figure out what I'm going to eat for lunch while I'm making myself breakfast in the morning. There is no commute -- unless you count the 20 steps it takes from my room to the dining room table. The downsides are that I hardly ever come close to my 10,000 steps goal everyday. The gym is closed so I do workouts on YouTube in my room -- not ideal. I kind of like getting out of my apartment and doing things.

I know I shouldn't complain since so many have lost their jobs. Others are in the hospital with COVID-19. Life could be worse. I'm a healthy 20-something and have the opportunities to ride my bike down the Cherry Creek Trail. I can go to the grocery store. I can write on my blog or work on a short story. I can watch movies.

Who knows when life will go back to normal, but I think the important thing is to count your blessings. Now more than ever we need to lean on each other, instead of pointing fingers and snubbing each other. We are ALL in this together.

Western Stock Show Parade

Bulls, cows, horses strolling down the streets of downtown Denver leaving the musty smell of farm animals in their wake....as well as poop. That's nature for ya!

I remember the first time I saw this parade. I was walking to the bank and all of a sudden I see cowboys riding horseback while hundreds of onlookers clapped and took pictures. Where in the world did I move to? Denver is not like most cities...then again maybe other western cities do this?

Regardless, I enjoyed it and since that day I literally ran into a crowd of people watching horses parade down 17th street in downtown Denver, I look forward to this event.

This year, I had thought I was going to miss it since the parade is in the middle of a workday at noon. My boss came up to me and said, "A bunch of us are going to watch the Stock Show Parade if you want to join." I've never been more excited in my life. Ok, I probably have but you get the idea here.

So about six of us from the office went to go see it. I didn't realize it started at Union Station which is about a five-minute walk. About halfway through, everyone left to go eat so I got to roam around to find different vantage points for taking pictures.

While watching, I was reminded of my days at horse camp. Minus the bullying and the annoying little kid who kept smacking me blaming the "mosquitoes," I enjoyed being around horses. I think almost every 12-year-old girl's dream is to own a horse. Doubtful it will be in my near future but maybe when I retire or am able to live off of the royalties from my published work, I'll buy that ranch in New Mexico with horses roaming around the expansive fields. Who knows?