Thursday, December 12, 2013

Snowy Highlights


My neighborhood was as pretty as a Christmas card during the "arctic blast" cold spell we had last weekend. We did not get too much snow with the cold front, but it lasted longer on the ground than usual. Usually, snow melts pretty quickly here, as the high elevation we live it makes the sunshine very warm. Even when the temperature was in the single digits it was quite tolerable to be outside if you were in the sunshine. (Click on all photos to enlarge them)


This handsome buck was certainly enjoying the sunshine!


We had a guest staying at our house this past weekend. A friend was going skiing this week and came to Colorado a few days early to visit us and acclimate to the altitude.  We took him up to the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater for a sightseeing visit, as he's never been there in summer to see a concert.



The park was really beautiful to see with all the snow highlighting it.


The seats and stage were frozen with snow...



...and ice! Brrrrr!



Next, we drove into the nearby town of Golden.


We had hoped to visit Coors Brewery, but an evacuation was going on. We were not sure exactly why, but it may have been due to an ice dam break on the creek near the brewery that could cause flooding. So, instead, we went up Lookout Mountain.  The views from Lookout Mountain are always beautiful, and a visit to Buffalo Bill's grave at the top is a way to give tribute to the old West.


Speaking of the "old West," aren't you glad times have changed?



We went back to our community as the sun was beginning to set.  Can you see my house over the ridge?


We took a quick walk on one of the trails.  Since the sun was now low we could really feel the cold and decided it was time to finally go indoors. I'm sure our friend is having a great time on the ski slopes this week!


Thankfully, the temperature today is in the low 50's, so we are back to normal temperatures for this time of the year on the Front Range of Colorado!  Going through this cold snap made me realize how fortunate we are that the climate here is usually much milder in late fall and winter. I love the four seasons, but I don't think I'd like to live somewhere where it was sub-zero cold all winter. I know the cold spell we experienced also went to many other areas. How is the weather where you live?


I'm still decorating my house and Christmas tree--we bought the tree frozen solid and it took a few days of staying in our garage to thaw out.  Happily, it wasn't lopsided or scraggly when unfrozen! I hope to show you my Christmas decoration in my next post. Are you finished decorating?


Today is a very special day as it is our grandson's fifth birthday! Happy birthday dear "L"! You are the best five-year-old scientist in the world and you bring us so much love and joy each day!



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19 comments:

Pamela Gordon said...

Your friend got a great tour of your area from it's new inhabitants. Beautiful photos, Pat. I didn't realize that temperatures in the 50's is normal for there in winter. That sounds nice. It's going to be -18 C. here tonight which is zero F. I'm not liking it one bit but thankfully the sun was shining which sort of helps. :) 2 more days of this cold then we get some snow.

podso said...

A special day in your life. Our grandchildren are growing too quickly! It's fun being tour guides when our friends visit our new turf, isn't it? And maybe explore some new things to both of you! Stay warm! It looks beautiful.

Sheila said...

Thanks for taking us on a tour today. Glad to see it's warmed up for you. Your guest must have enjoyed the tour and it was interesting to see the Red rocks in the winter. Have a wonderful Christmas season, Pat!

ellen b. said...

5 years old already. That is such a fun age. Your snow photos are so beautiful. Snow makes everything seem so peaceful. Love that old west sign! too funny...
I'm done with all the decorating that is going to happen...

Vee said...

Gosh! Five years go by so quickly! He's a handsome lad in addition to being a smart one! So many beautiful shots, Pat. The buck is wonderful amd the quality of light at dusk.

Betty said...

Happy Birthday to your grandson!

Golden, Colorado looks like a pretty old town. Love that main street.

It was 54 here a little while ago. We haven't had a freeze, but it's been in the high 30's and 40's at night. That's cold to us.

The Gathering Place said...

It is sure cold, but at least the snow makes things pretty! Good luck on getting your Christmas decorations up. It's a busy time.

Nellie said...

Happy Birthday to your grandson!

We have had no snow here, though we are having some colder than usual temperatures.

No, I'm not finished with Christmas preparations. The tree isn't up, therefore no decorating of it has taken place.:-) I have been wrapping however, and most of that is done. I'm not sure that I'm finished shopping, though.:-)

Buttercup said...

Fabulous pictures. Colorado is so beautiful. We had the warmest fall I can remember and now it's cold. I think it will warm up some, but it's a balmy (not so) 25 degrees. The forecast for tomorrow is thirty-two. I've got a lot to do during the day, but can stay home when the temperature drops at night. Keep cozy!

Sarah said...

Colorado is such a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing these incredible post card perfect photos, Pat.
Happy Holidays to you and your sweet family! ~ Sarah

Lorrie said...

How beautiful the snow is lying on the hills. Your photos show off just how scenic your area is. I guess I would have thought you'd have freezing temperatures most of the winter.
Happy Birthday to sweet "L".

Pallavi said...

So glad times have changed:) The pictures are beautiful Pat! The snow makes the landscape look even more pretty! Happy birthday to your cute little grandson.. he is a handsome little fella :)

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

So very glad times have changed. Wow, what an advertisement. Times were hard though. Gorgeous photos Pat. It is gorgeous there and thank goodness for lots of sunshine.

Adorable grandson. I can see why you are proud.
Sam

Cindy said...

Oh my, your scenery only becomes more beautiful when snow is added. You are making me yearn to see Colorado again. It has been many, many years since I have been there. Your photo collage was gorgeous! I loved seeing the beautiful old homes and barns.
Hugs, cindy

Yvette said...

Wow, what gorgeous scenery, Pat. I love that shot of the rocks looking as if a giant hand had thrust them aside. I'm really liking all this Colorado atmosphere you're sharing with us, kiddo. Just lovely stuff. We're expecting a snow storm this weekend so maybe we'll have snow stories to share - so far it's been a relatively mild-mannered December here in the east.

Judy said...

I can't believe he is five already! How the years fly by! Happy Birthday to your precious grandson.

What beautiful winter wonderland photos...taken in your backyard! I'm sure you are mots happy to be able to call Colorado home these days. Great buck shot!

Sue said...

So happy to see you enjoying your new home....it sure isn't Brooklyn....I love when you post pictures of all the Deer....they are beautiful....Have a wonderful Christmas with your family....

Ola said...

it sounds like real winter came to your part of the world! the landscape looks amazing!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Those are great shots Pat, but the elk and the grandlittle shots are my faves!