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!