A few people have asked to see some pix from Boulder, so here we go!
In Boulder July 17, 2007
To celebrate our 15th anniversary, Brian planned a getaway to Boulder for just the two of us. On the drive here, we spent the first six hours meandering through all kinds of conversational ground – the kind of leisurely dialogue that can occur only when there are no dinners to be made, bathrooms to clean, work email to return, or clocks quietly admonishing us for straying far past a reasonable bedtime. One of the most fun discussions was hearing all of the places he considered for this trip – beaches, cities and various destinations near and far. Well, my man knows me well and found not only the perfect city, but dream accomodations as well. We’re into our second full day here and I can’t imagine anywhere else I’d rather be. Boulder is like an Austin in the mountains, though much smaller (only 100,000 vs. Austin’s 700,000). Our Inn is within walking distance of incredible restaurants and Pearl Street Mall and we’ve already explored the area on foot for hours at a time. Here’s a look at our visit so far:
- We took a 3.5 mile hike this morning that included a trail to the Royal Arch, part of the Flatirons. It completely wore us out, but there’s nothing like hiking to fully engage both your body and your mind – the mental game of getting to the top, thousands of micro-decisions of where the next safe footing is, the amazing scenery at every turn, and the sweaty, dirty, full-body exertion of scaling 1,600 feet.
- Wandering down Pearl Street in the evening is a little like being in the parking lot of a Dead concert (street performers, the smell of incense, colorful clothing) only with really great shops and food, along with a healthy dose of suburbanites sprinkled in.
- There are hardly any overweight people in Boulder. This is one bike and pedestrian friendly town!
- I’ve never seen so many Subarus.
- Too. Much. Good. Food. Really, really wonderful restaurants and not enough meals (or room in my jeans) to enjoy them all. Best meal so far was last night when I had a Mexican coffee-rubbed petite beef tenderloin and Brian had organic chicken with purple potato gnocchi.
- I think I’ve had about three naps so far.
- We walked a few blocks this evening to check out the Mork and Mindy house. It’s lovely, but I barely remember it from the show. Now the rainbow suspenders I used to wear as a 10-year-old are a different matter…
- The mountains continue to take my breath away. I love their quiet reminder of what a gorgeous country we live in.
Mountains, great food, plentiful rest and relaxation, all with the man of my dreams. What more can I say?
Scattered showers and thoughts July 3, 2007
- You know it’s a soggy summer in Texas when you use the umbrella stashed in your backseat more than the sunshield.
- This is the new time-sucker in my life. Way too many cute things out there!
- Yesterday Ben and I were taking a walk and passed by the middle school he’ll attend in the fall. The side of the building was wet in places, with some bricks dark and damp and others already dry. Ben’s comment: “It looks pixelated.” Perhaps a bit too much digital influence in that boy’s life. If he starts communicating in 0s and 1s were in big trouble!
- Just read my first ever Nancy Drew book, courtesy of a good friend who knows my love of juvenile fiction. Such a fun summer escape! I read lots of series as a kid (Trixie Belden, Bobbsey Twins, Cherry Ames, Sweet Valley High…) but somehow avoided the popular Ms. Drew. I tried to share it with Ben and read it to him, but he resisted – apparently past the limit for an almost-twelve boy. After expressing my interest in the upcoming movie (I know, I know, it’s supposed to be bad – everyone needs guilty pleasures) to him, he only conceded to watching it as a rental.
- We just rented A Bridge to Terabithia and watched it as a family. Wonderful movie, but I bawled like a baby – multiple tissues.
- After a trip to IKEA for some furniture and another store for a sleeper couch, we’re almost finished transforming Ben’s old room to the game room and our old guest room to his room. He kept very busy a few weeks ago making some coasters like these for his new digs – perfect boy craft! Now we just need to think of something clever for the big blank walls in both rooms.
- How many times do you think Will Smith’s kids are going to quote his lyrics from “Parents Just Don’t Understand” to him?
