Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Girl's Weekend in Den-vah!
Jane and I spent the long weekend in Denver. Weather was perfect. The Stock Show was in town but she was having none of it. The Zoo was free on MLK Day but alas she was having none of that either.
First,we fully embraced the wonders of the 16th Street Mall. So many opportunities to shop that free shuttles are dispatched to prevent your complete collapse while you try to take it all in. Bookstores, record shops, clothing, accessories, coffee shops, and a 15 theater movieplex were the call of the day. For all three days.
It was Jane's favorite part of the weekend. Hands down.
It didn't hurt that it was so pretty.
We were only a few blocks from the Statehouse building.
First,we fully embraced the wonders of the 16th Street Mall. So many opportunities to shop that free shuttles are dispatched to prevent your complete collapse while you try to take it all in. Bookstores, record shops, clothing, accessories, coffee shops, and a 15 theater movieplex were the call of the day. For all three days.
It was Jane's favorite part of the weekend. Hands down.
It didn't hurt that it was so pretty.
We were only a few blocks from the Statehouse building.
And, steps away from the replica of the Liberty Bell which resides in Denver.
So, apparently a Liberty Bell replica exists in every state of the Union. Am I the only person in the country who was unaware of this?? Sounds like a personal challenge to me - it just screams "roadtrips to photograph every one of those bells."
We were also two blocks from the Performing Arts complex but the thea-tah wasn't calling us either. This weekend was about sleeping in. Lots of walking. Lots of reading. The Hotel For Dogs. And, not learning anything if we could help it.
The verdict? "Mom, this was the BEST trip EVER!!!" Go figure.
c
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
She May Not Look It But She's Thrilled...
Jane met Jean-Michel Cousteau this evening. She arrived to the theater early with me and met him backstage not knowing who he or his father was and then sat through an hour and a half lecture enthralled.
Then she patiently waited for another hour until all of our guests secured their autographs and photos. She was the very last one. He told her that he was surprised to see her so late "you were there when I arrived and now you will walk me out!"
Now Jane wants to learn to scuba dive because her friend Jean-Michel said she should and because she is ten is now legally old enough to do so. And, then she can swim with whales and sharks and pink dolphins and help to save the oceans.
Because her friend Jean-Michel said she could.
And then she came home and fell fast asleep. And now I'm pretty sure she's dreaming about her ocean adventures. Because that's what I did when I was ten years old after watching Jacques Cousteau aboard the Calypso on my television. But I never imagined I'd ever meet him or one of his sons.
c
Then she patiently waited for another hour until all of our guests secured their autographs and photos. She was the very last one. He told her that he was surprised to see her so late "you were there when I arrived and now you will walk me out!"
Now Jane wants to learn to scuba dive because her friend Jean-Michel said she should and because she is ten is now legally old enough to do so. And, then she can swim with whales and sharks and pink dolphins and help to save the oceans.
Because her friend Jean-Michel said she could.
And then she came home and fell fast asleep. And now I'm pretty sure she's dreaming about her ocean adventures. Because that's what I did when I was ten years old after watching Jacques Cousteau aboard the Calypso on my television. But I never imagined I'd ever meet him or one of his sons.
c
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The New Rage in Fifth Grade: Chuck Norris jokes...
Chuck Norris doesn't get frost-bite...he bites frost.
When Chuck Norris does a pushup - doesn't push him self up - he pushes the Earth down.
Chuck Norris CAN believe it's not butter.
When Chuck Norris falls into water, he doesn't get wet - the water gets Chuck Norris'd.
Some people wear Superman pj's but Superman wears Chuck Norris pj's.
Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.
Chuck Norris doesn't sleep - he waits.
It takes Chuck Norris twenty minutes to watch 60 Minutes.
- more to come!
Jane
Holiday Concert at Putnam School of Science
This was taken at Jane's school holiday concert. They were singing Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree and were really getting into it! For some reason I couldn't meter this photo properly to fix the light in the school gym. [sorry it's so dark!]
c
Taken before leaving for school on Friday morning - check out the cool mountain woman coat and boots!
And, this is what she wore under her mountain woman attire for her holiday concert. She was very sparkly!
c
Saturday, December 20, 2008
It's beginning to smell like snow!
Something strange happens to the trees here when it snows. Because the sun is usually full in the sky by 10am - they form an ice glaze if it snows the night before. The effect is breathtaking!
Not a lot of snow, mind you - just enough to remind us that it's winter and it will be cold on some days. It's really a nice way to spend the winter months.
And, then usually by noon it's all gone!
c
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Man, This Kid's Going To Have Some Autograph Book...
We just returned home from the first presentation in a series of monthly high profile speakers. That's right. Jane is with Morgan Spurlock in this photo. She was enthralled. Absolutely enthralled. After his presentation, we hosted a Meet the Speaker reception. She patiently waited to have him sign her program but was speechless when it was finally her turn. So, she did what any self-respecting Bennis does - she cracked him up!
Not a bad brush with greatness when you're ten!
c
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Jane Needs a Dog.
Meet Ralph. He's our year and a half old panda hamster. He's adorable and completely docile. He expects to be held, spoken to and pampered. Seriously. Kate named him after the mouse in the book, The Mouse & the Motorcycle. He is a completely and appropriately a little Ralph.
He does this when he notices the camera flash - climbs to the top of his cage and sticks his nose into the corners as if he's trying to smell what's going on.
Goofiest little creature on Earth. But, we love him. (Look at those tiny little hands!)
c
Jane's Sacrifice
For the second time in her life, Jane chose to donate her hair to "Locks for Love." She donated her almost waist-length hair to this charity who accepts donations of long hair to construct wigs for women and children affected by cancer.
The last time she did this was in second grade over Winter break. When she returned to school she discovered that the librarian completed a course of chemotherapy which resulted in her loss of hair so she returned to school wearing a wig in a chin length page boy - an exact match in style, length and color of Jane's new haircut as a result of her donation. She referred to the librarian as her "hair twin" for the rest of the year.
The last time she did this was in second grade over Winter break. When she returned to school she discovered that the librarian completed a course of chemotherapy which resulted in her loss of hair so she returned to school wearing a wig in a chin length page boy - an exact match in style, length and color of Jane's new haircut as a result of her donation. She referred to the librarian as her "hair twin" for the rest of the year.
And, looks so cute!
c
Friday, November 14, 2008
As Jon Stewart Would Say...
enjoy your moment of Zen.
Last of the fall colors in the "high country" (ie, the mountains) - never fails to impress. Never.
c
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Wow - We've Got Some Catching Up To Do...
This is crazy. I can't believe how long it has been since we've updated this thing. Yes, life gets in the way of blogging.
So much has happened since the tornado...so here's the Cliff's Notes version:
Weekend after the tornado, Kate's friend Meri came to visit for a long weekend. We drove up to Red Feather Lakes to see the Stupa. Walking back to the car I twisted my ankle in a rain crevice. I heard it. The girls heard it. I broke my ankle - specifically, I snapped the tip of my fibula off. Not a huge deal because it's only marginally weight-bearing but a huge bother all the same. And, had to wear a big, ugly grey plastic boot for eight weeks. Chic.
So much has happened since the tornado...so here's the Cliff's Notes version:
Weekend after the tornado, Kate's friend Meri came to visit for a long weekend. We drove up to Red Feather Lakes to see the Stupa. Walking back to the car I twisted my ankle in a rain crevice. I heard it. The girls heard it. I broke my ankle - specifically, I snapped the tip of my fibula off. Not a huge deal because it's only marginally weight-bearing but a huge bother all the same. And, had to wear a big, ugly grey plastic boot for eight weeks. Chic.
Attended the National Peforming Arts Conference in Denver for a week. Wearing my gross boot. Had an amazing time meeting people from all around the country. Attended a few fascinating workshops and performances. Mostly had a hard time navigating the Convention Center's escalators - no one seemed to know where the elevators were situated. Downtown Denver was great. But it was nice to be back in Fort Collins by the end of the week.
David's friend Andy spent the summer working and playing in Fort Collins before he had to return to Ohio for the new school year at BGSU.
We brought Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to town as the closing performance for the first jazz festival in Fort Collins. It sold out. It was amazing. They are incredible musicians and gentlemen. Saxophonist Walter Blanding was born in Cleveland where he lived until his family relocated to NYC. So that was pretty cool. Walter spoke to a group of star-struck student musicians studying jazz from town. Wynton was very soft-spoken but hysterically funny. I hope they come back when we open the amphitheater because it would be amazing in an open air venue and we wouldn't have to charge $85 a ticket.
Hosted a Peace Corps celebration the weekend before the Democratic National Convention. Not a sellout but was well-received. Highlights included Symphony for 1,000 Drums, an up-and-coming bluegrass act called Cadillac Sky and the Kingston Trio.
Jane started school at Putnam School of Science. She was a little worried about the "science" part but has really adapted well and is in the full swing of school. She's decided to become the valedictorian of 5th grade. Joe and I are both on board with that. She attended Eco-Week at Colorado State University's Pingree Park campus and returned a mountain-adventurer. They did a ropes course that included repelling, wall-climbing and a zip-line; hiked for miles in the mountains; camped out in cabins; journaled their scientific observations; and, learned approximately 7,000 camp songs. Not bad for a few days work. She came back with ten (or so) new best friends.
And, Halloween was a big deal at her school with a parade and classroom parties. Jane was Alice in Wonderland. [Check out the science teacher!]
Another Tour de Fat has come and gone. This time Kate and friends dressed as furry woodland creatures (skunk, squirrel, cat and yeti...don't ask) and rode in the parade. I received a text message from her mid-parade that said: "it's official. I love this place." She is also a reporter for the school daily news and finding her path as a writer and building her portfolio.
Jane's school had a skating party fund-raiser and it was the first time she had skated at a rink. Now she goes whenever we can work in an open skate - mostly with Kate and Kate's friends.
David is hard at work and still trying to decide what to study. He is sharing a house with a group of friends and learning to be self-sufficient. He has a nice group of friends - all quiet hardworking guys. A lot like Dave. He also rides his bike EVERYWHERE like a true Coloradoan.
This month we hosted a celebration of NASAs 50th anniversary with the Youth Orchestra of the Rockies, 4 astronauts, some of the 50,000 images taken from space, and a special viewing of In the Shadow of the Moon. Amazing documentary.
Our trivia team - the Creative Geniuses - won the 4th Annual Brainiac Bowl. That's right our motley team of artists, dancers, writers, marketing geniuses beat out tables of systems engineers from HP, surgeons, attorney, accountants, college professors, etc. Don't EVER doubt that the cultural arts makes you smarter...or that the wife of triv-guy will prevail. Our prize:
the coveted luminous brain trophy. (complete with pink and blue plasma action!)
And, house in Lakewood still not sold.
David's friend Andy spent the summer working and playing in Fort Collins before he had to return to Ohio for the new school year at BGSU.
We brought Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to town as the closing performance for the first jazz festival in Fort Collins. It sold out. It was amazing. They are incredible musicians and gentlemen. Saxophonist Walter Blanding was born in Cleveland where he lived until his family relocated to NYC. So that was pretty cool. Walter spoke to a group of star-struck student musicians studying jazz from town. Wynton was very soft-spoken but hysterically funny. I hope they come back when we open the amphitheater because it would be amazing in an open air venue and we wouldn't have to charge $85 a ticket.
Hosted a Peace Corps celebration the weekend before the Democratic National Convention. Not a sellout but was well-received. Highlights included Symphony for 1,000 Drums, an up-and-coming bluegrass act called Cadillac Sky and the Kingston Trio.
Jane started school at Putnam School of Science. She was a little worried about the "science" part but has really adapted well and is in the full swing of school. She's decided to become the valedictorian of 5th grade. Joe and I are both on board with that. She attended Eco-Week at Colorado State University's Pingree Park campus and returned a mountain-adventurer. They did a ropes course that included repelling, wall-climbing and a zip-line; hiked for miles in the mountains; camped out in cabins; journaled their scientific observations; and, learned approximately 7,000 camp songs. Not bad for a few days work. She came back with ten (or so) new best friends.
And, Halloween was a big deal at her school with a parade and classroom parties. Jane was Alice in Wonderland. [Check out the science teacher!]
Another Tour de Fat has come and gone. This time Kate and friends dressed as furry woodland creatures (skunk, squirrel, cat and yeti...don't ask) and rode in the parade. I received a text message from her mid-parade that said: "it's official. I love this place." She is also a reporter for the school daily news and finding her path as a writer and building her portfolio.
Jane's school had a skating party fund-raiser and it was the first time she had skated at a rink. Now she goes whenever we can work in an open skate - mostly with Kate and Kate's friends.
David is hard at work and still trying to decide what to study. He is sharing a house with a group of friends and learning to be self-sufficient. He has a nice group of friends - all quiet hardworking guys. A lot like Dave. He also rides his bike EVERYWHERE like a true Coloradoan.
This month we hosted a celebration of NASAs 50th anniversary with the Youth Orchestra of the Rockies, 4 astronauts, some of the 50,000 images taken from space, and a special viewing of In the Shadow of the Moon. Amazing documentary.
Our trivia team - the Creative Geniuses - won the 4th Annual Brainiac Bowl. That's right our motley team of artists, dancers, writers, marketing geniuses beat out tables of systems engineers from HP, surgeons, attorney, accountants, college professors, etc. Don't EVER doubt that the cultural arts makes you smarter...or that the wife of triv-guy will prevail. Our prize:
the coveted luminous brain trophy. (complete with pink and blue plasma action!)
And, house in Lakewood still not sold.
Friday, May 23, 2008
The Calm After the Storm
Morning after the tornadoes couldn't be more beautiful. Sunny, bright blue skies, everything is bright green following a day filled with so much rain and humidity and the temperatures are comfortable and crisp.
No indication or signs of the previous day's destruction.
c
No indication or signs of the previous day's destruction.
c
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tornadoes Hit Mid-Afternoon Today
Apparently, tornadoes are a rare occurence so close to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. In the "banana belt" where we live the really big storms that kick up in the high country (mountains) usually pass right over us at altitudes so high that we aren't affected.
Today, strange cloud activity combined with unusually high humidity for the region created the perfect conditions for SEVEN tornadoes. A few of which touched ground in Wellington (just north of us), Windsor (to the east of us on the other side of I-25) and Greeley (slightly to the south east of us and on the other side of I-25).
Lots of destruction, hail, rain and insane wind.
Today, strange cloud activity combined with unusually high humidity for the region created the perfect conditions for SEVEN tornadoes. A few of which touched ground in Wellington (just north of us), Windsor (to the east of us on the other side of I-25) and Greeley (slightly to the south east of us and on the other side of I-25).
Lots of destruction, hail, rain and insane wind.
The tornado that passed through Windsor was estimated to be a mile wide.
The oddest part of the storm system experience was to see people in Old Town come outside to stare at the sky to watch and photograph cloud formations.
The oddest part of the storm system experience was to see people in Old Town come outside to stare at the sky to watch and photograph cloud formations.
c
'Ello Guv-nah!
So Governor Ritter was in town to sign the bill that guarantees the construction of our amphitheater - all 4,000 seats of amphitheater!
The most amazing part of this was how relaxed and informal our legislators were: governor, senators, representatives. All cool and approachable.
I had the opportunity to thank the Governor in person for supporting the tax increment financing extension. We had a lovely chat in the morning sunshine.
c
The most amazing part of this was how relaxed and informal our legislators were: governor, senators, representatives. All cool and approachable.
I had the opportunity to thank the Governor in person for supporting the tax increment financing extension. We had a lovely chat in the morning sunshine.
c
Best. April Fools Day Prank. Ever.
These photos were taken at 5:30am on April Fools Day. Apparently the City parks crew arrived to powerwash the plaza only to find one of the best April Fools Day pranks ever. Someone decided to load the Old Town Square fountain with detergent overnight.
Yep. That's not snow. By 8:30 the suds had expanded to overtake the fountain - you couldn't see the boulders and geese in the center of the fountain. It tooks days to clean it up.
c
