Friday, August 2, 2013

My First Summer in Colorado


It is hard to believe it is August 1st, and that in another two weeks school begins again here in our community! Where has the summer gone?  This is one of our neighborhood community pools, and the first one that will close for the season in mid August. Would you believe I've only visited it once? It has been a busy summer!


When my brother and sister-in-law were here for my granddaughter's christening a few weeks ago, we took a trip with them up to see the nearby Red Rocks Amphitheater. You can read more about this spectacular outdoor theater on a  post about my visit this summer for a Josh Groban concert...click here.


...and then went on to one of our favorite breakfast places, the Country Road Cafe. Just look at the size of their pancakes--it takes up the entire plate!


My husband chose an omelet from their menu--another winner!


We next visited the charming city of Golden, Colorado...


..where we visited the Coors Brewery.


Next on the agenda was a ride up...


......Lookout Mountain, one of the taller foothills, at elevation 7,322 feet.

(This photo and all photos in this post can be enlarged for easier viewing by clicking on it once, and then again for full size)


Our ride this time was much less perilous than when we went with one of my husband's New York City co-worker in March. You can read that post on this link,.


This time the weather was beautiful.....


...as were the views.


 Buffalo Bill's grave is located on the top of Lookout Mountain.



I told you about our fun family excursion to the ski resort of Breckenridge on this post...


...but did not have a chance to show you the beautiful soft fields of South Park, that we passed on our way back home.  South Park is a high altitude grassland basin, approximately 10,000 feet in elevation in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado!


It was raining heavily at this time of the day and the misty pastures and hills of South Park...


...reminded me of Ireland!.


Back at home, we have been seeing mule does and their fawns that were born in May or June. A mature doe will often have twins, as this one does.


The bucks are now growing their new pair of antlers. During spring and summer, their antlers are growing at up to a quarter of an inch per day! Right now they have a velvety appearance, but soon they will harden to a bone like consistency. I saw these bucks in an open space field near my home.


They are a magnificent sight and one that I doubt I'll ever tire of seeing!


The real star of this blog post, however, is my sweet granddaughter, who is also growing by "leaps and bounds" this summer! As she grows, so does all the baby equipment that is all over my home. She is beginning to sit up on her own and began having her first taste of solid foods. I had honestly forgotten how much work taking care of a baby can be. It has been a full-time job for me these past months, as I watch her every day, Monday through Friday, while my daughter and son-in-law are at work, but I am loving every minute of it!  It may mean I have less time for myself, and certainly less time online, and this summer has been mostly about nap time and bottles, diapers and lullabies. Would I have it any other way? Never!


My two grandsons have also kept us busy, as my husband and I sometimes babysit for them on the weekends. Here they are playing with their Daddy's Matchbox cars--something I was glad I saved over the years!  It has been wonderful to see them often and watch them grow. Time passes too quickly. and I am savoring all these special times with my grandchildren.


My first summer in Colorado is slowly slipping away, but it has been a golden one for me so far and one I'll always cherish.  I am looking forward to enjoying more sights around this beautiful state before summer ends and I'm looking forward to seeing what a Colorado autumn will be.

Has your summer been living up to your dreams and expectations so far this year? I really hope so!


Please join my blog's facebook page on this link to see more of what I've been doing this summer.



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50 comments:

Proud Italian Cook said...

Hi Pat, You're creating a bond with your grandchildren that will last forever. I can't believe how fast they grow, maybe because I'm getting older time seems to be flying, a year goes by so fast! Our little one is almost 4, I hung out with her yesterday, I took her to the show, lunch and shopping at Whole Foods, she ended up staying overnight, I wouldn't change those special times together for anything!

Kris said...

Oh Pat, your photos are always a feast for the eyes! So happy that you are enjoying your new home. The babies grow so, so fast!!
xo Kris

Ann said...

Pat your first Colorado summer looks to have been so wonderful. I do love the state and I'm sure you will have many more seasons to travel to new sites. Your granddaughter is gorgeous and I know how much you are cherishing each day with her. Next time we are there I think we will make the Bill Cody Museum a must see.
Ann

Old Kitty said...

Where did all that snow go!?!? LOL! Awwww Colorado in the summer is something else altogether! Lush and green and with such stunning views and new life! Those deer are just gorgeous - the mama and her twin fawns! Adorable!

Awwwww but look at your gorgeous grandkids!! Your granddaughter's smile is so precious and it's great that the boys are loving their dad's toys!

Here the schoolchildren only broke up for the summer hols this week so I can't believe school will be starting there in two weeks' time!

But nevermind - plenty of summer left! Enjoy! Take care
x

Ola said...

I did not have any real summer so far, maybe in August I will be able to go out more often:) The food looks so tasty

pam said...

After 50 years of almost yearly trips to Colorado we are finally coming out in the Fall. I can't wait to see the Aspens and find some elk coming down out of the mountains. Love this post.

La Petite Gallery said...

Pat, you are so right it does look like Ireland. I like the views, years ago I was in Breckenridge. Being from Houston and 22 years old, I was scared of the roads..You look like you have been busy.
We are getting Fall weather this week, NICE!!Have a relaxing weekend, big hug to you.
What do you think of this 3-d Gun thing?
yvonne

eileeninmd said...

Pat, thanks for sharing all the lovely Colorado scenes. What a beautiful place you live. Your granddaughter is so cute! She has grown. I hope the rest of your summer is happy, have a great day!

Tracy said...

Red Rocks... have always wanted to go there! Those breakfasts are AMAZING... Nothing like big breakfast out in America. :o) Such fun to see your grandchildren. Life in CO looks sweet for you there, Pat... so glad for you! Happy Days ((HUGS))

xinex said...

Your grand baby is so cute! What a lovely trip to Colorado. Everything is society rescue and that breakfast, mmmm, it's making me hungry. We just spent a week in Park City, UT last month and I am imagining a similar scenery....Christine

Beth said...

Pat, your photos are just gorgeous. CO is a wonderful place. Your yard is pretty; I noticed the landscaping as well as the deer. The swimming pool photo is a real stunner. Hope you can make it at least once more before summer ends. Enjoy those grandbabies!
Beth

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

You are having such fun Pat. No wonder you enjoy living there, close to family and beautiful scenery. Lots of places to take guests who visit too.

I learned for the first time this year that deer often have twins. We've seen several and they are adorable - unless they are eating our azaleas and hostas :)

Have a good weekend.
Sam

black eyed susans kitchen said...

The views are stunning and so different from the city views of the past! I am so happy for you and your family ...so much love amid the changes in scenery!
Beautiful post Pat!!

Vee said...

Methinks you are going to be crazy busy for at least the next seven years! ; D I am always impressed with grandmothers who step up to this role.

Beautiful views of your corner...even the deer! (I am not thrilled to see them so close to the shrubs and gardens.)

Lovella ♥ said...

Hi Pat, I've enjoyed looking at your summer photos from July. Where did the time go? We are home for one night from camping and are heading back out again where wi-fi does not reach. We'll have a truck load of grandchildren coming with us.
It's lovely to see you enjoying your beautiful grandchildren too.

Barbara said...

Absolutely beautiful blog post about our home state. I have been to nearly every place you pictured with the exception of the Country Road Cafe -- which as been added to my "to go to" list!! Your photography is great and your descriptions say it just right!

Snap said...

Magnificent sights -- your grands and the wildlife. Very different from NY. Reading your posts take me back to my beautiful New Mexico ... another life. You are enjoying your new home. Wonderful!

Barbara said...

Pat, I have just now replied to the comment you left on my blog regarding the over-sized king bedspread, but just to be sure you see that, I'm putting it here as well.

I found this bedspread set at Bed Bath & Beyond for $400. The set included the comforter that is oversized, the bedskirt, and 2 pillow shams. Unfortunately, it is very heavy (thick) and for the summer we have had to pack it away lest we cook under all that heavy weight. I didn't like having to spend that much money, but I guess that's what it takes to get the size we need. I hope to sew a new quilt for our bed this winter, but we shall see....

ellen b. said...

God's country for sure! So beautiful. Now I am soooo hungry. The food is calling out to me...

Sheila said...

Hello Pat - I think your description of your first summer in Colorado would be a dream come true for those of us who don't have grandchildren yet. And you are reaffirming that there is a reason we've saved the special toys and treasures our children loved so much. My daughter's hand built three story wooden dollhouse is in a closet now but packed full of all the special things that I hope to share with my grandchildren one day. Enjoy the rest of the summer Pat. Your granddaughter is sweet as can be and she and your grandsons must light up your life!

Sheila said...

Hello Pat - I think your description of your first summer in Colorado would be a dream come true for those of us who don't have grandchildren yet. And you are reaffirming that there is a reason we've saved the special toys and treasures our children loved so much. My daughter's hand built three story wooden dollhouse is in a closet now but packed full of all the special things that I hope to share with my grandchildren one day. Enjoy the rest of the summer Pat. Your granddaughter is sweet as can be and she and your grandsons must light up your life!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh My Goodness... What a fantastic blog post. You are SO SO SO SO blessed to live in such a gorgeous place... NY/Brooklyn was wonderful ---but OH--how I love Colorado and those mountains... Think I could move to that area in a heartbeat--although I still love our Smokies here....

Thanks for such a fabulous post.. I loved ALL of it.
Hugs,
Betsy

Buttercup said...

I am savor inch all of your wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing your new state and your beautiful grandchildren.

Michelle said...

It all sounds so wonderful Pat. Glad everything seems to be falling into place for you. Your pictures are making me feel like I need to visit CO again!

Cathy said...

Isn't it wonderful living so close to grandchildren? Love that I can see two of mine several times a week. You live in gorgeous country, Pat. What fun to see deer up close but I know they can play havoc on the landscape. Wonderful photos.

Pondside said...

I can't wait to babysit when our daughter's baby arrives - soon! Our little grandsons will arrive mid-month and we look forward to sending their parents off for a hotel treat and to caring for them and the twins. Our house resembles yours when the little ones visit!
There's a Golden here in British Columbia too - and the surroundings are a lot like Colorado.

The Gathering Place said...

I'm glad to learn so much about Colorado. If I ever head out that way I will know where to explore! Your breakfast looked heavenly and your grand daughter is darling. Life seems happy and satisfying.

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

It is so sad to see summer wind down. Didn't it just begin a couple of weeks ago? Lovely photos of beautiful Colorado, Pat.

I have to give you a lot of credit for taking care of your granddaughter every day! We have our two grandsons once a week and we're exhausted at the end of the day :)

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I so enjoyed seeing your wonderful photos of beautiful Colorado! It's so nice that you are near your loved ones. Have a happy weekend!

podso said...

PAt what a wonderful review of your summer. I'm glad you linked to the red rocks JG concert as I missed that post while I was away, What an evening that must have been, Your energy continues to amaze me as you tour on the weekends and keep so busy during the week! Enjoy these last summer days!

Beverly said...

Happy Pink Saturday, Pat. It is so beautiful where you live. I know you must be so happy.

And, yum! That omelet looks delish!

Willow said...

Your photos of Colorado remind me of our trip there in 1990! That's a LONG time ago. It's time to visit again, I think :)

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Pat - Seems like there is no shortage of beautiful places to visit near you. I love the photos of your grandchildren too, and you are so lucky to be near them and healthy enough to help out.

diane b said...

There are so many great things to see around your home, beautiful mountain scenery, lovely wildlife, gorgeous grandchildren and yummy food.

SmilingSally said...

You are wisely investing your time with your grandchildren and enjoying the sites of your new home state.

Have a good Blue Monday, Pat.

Anonymous said...

Summer in Colorado looks like fun for you ~ Love dear/elk mosaic and the dear grand children ~ beautiful photography ~ thanks, xxooo

Noel Morata said...

what a fun place to visit and I love those huge breakfast plates!

I'm inviting you to link up with us for Travel Photo Mondays, come join us, its up all week

Unknown said...

Great tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

Oh WHY oh WHY did I click on this post when I am beginning to get hungry for dinner later on. Now I want breakfast for dinner...imagine that! :)

Sylvia K said...

A wonderful tour of your new world!! Thanks for sharing!!

joyh82 said...

Food looks great. My Dad used to drink Coors. :)

Unknown said...

My husband used to live in Colorado Springs and looked over my shoulder while I read this and enjoyed all the photos! Just stopping by from the GRAND Social Linky Party. Hope you get a chance to do the same!

Al said...

I'm glad you're enjoying your first summer here, lovely shots. I live in a higher foothill at 7,500 feet :)

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

You've certainly had a great summer in Colorado. You saved the best for last. Your granddaughter is wonderful.

Lorrie said...

You are really embracing life in Colorado - so different from New York. The scenery and wildlife shots are stunning. I love those high meadow shots where it seems like the sky goes on forever.
Sweet grandbaby and boys.

Lisa @ Grandmas Briefs said...

I love seeing how much you're enjoying Colorado. Thank you for sharing this in the GRAND Social.

My name is Riet said...

Hi Pat. Yes you have a busy life now but it will keep you young. Wonderful to hav your grandchildren around almost every day. Enjoy it while you can as in a jiffy they are older and go there own way. Time flies.
I dom see your posts on facebook and I love seeing them.

Just a little something from Judy said...

I love the pictures you shared in yet another beautiful post! Every picture was so interesting to me! Your photography and way of writing makes your blog a most enjoyable place to visit! Your little sweet granddaughter is adorable! Thank you for sharing.

Unknown said...

wow- love your photos- that red rock amph. is amazing!
Karen

Maria's Space said...

These photos make me want to go there badly. BTW...that breakfast is making me hungry Here are mine if you care to check them out http://www.mariasspace.com/2013/08/my-day-at-bay.html