Sunday, May 10, 2026

Life Lately

I hope Mother's Day was a happy one for all! We went to scenic Golden, Colorado, and had a wonderful brunch at the restaurant in the Golden Hotel. 

They had a fun photo booth in the lobby, and so all the ladies took the photo above.

April and May brought beautiful spring flowers to our area, but...

...early May also brought us a cold front and a heavy, wet snow!

Because of our high elevation, we often get a few spring snowfalls in Colorado, and this one was well-needed, as our state has been in severe drought this year.


My husband and I braved the drive to Denver on that snowy night to attend Opera Colorado's beautiful production of Puccini's opera, Madama Butterfly


 In typical Colorado style in spring, the temperature rose to the 70s F (21.11 C) the next day, and all the snow melted!


Besides going to a Wildlife Refuge, a Mansion, the Denver Zoo, and the Littleton Museum, we have been busy over the past couple of months with our grandchildren's happy occasions — sports, prom, and music and dance recitals.


Spring has also brought more birds and baby bunnies to our yard, along with the usual hungry deer.


Look what we saw heading west on Interstate 70 recently--our first glimpse of a "Waymo" car!  Waymo is a fully autonomous driverless taxi, and it is currently in service in 11 states, with Denver, Colorado, now being tested as one of the many new areas where it will become standard for hire, 24/7.  Our daughter experienced riding in a Waymo taxi while on a business trip in Arizona, and she really enjoyed it and felt completely safe. The company conducts extensive testing to ensure safety and reliability in various conditions, and has been testing its ability to drive in snow and ice in Colorado. Right now, have been using drivers, just in case, until they are assured of safety in our city. Waymo will start the autonomous service in Denver and work toward expanding into the metro area and Denver International Airport sometime this year if all goes as planned.

Have you ridden in a Waymo? How was the experience?


36 comments:

Handmade in Israel said...

Not sure about the Waymo car, but I do like the spring flowers, less so the snow at this time of the year!

Cat said...

I don't know if there are any driverless taxis around here somewhere, but to be honest, I don't think I'd want to use one.
Lovely pictures!

Visiting from Weekend Traffic Jam

Laura @ Our Grand Lives said...

How fun to read a bit of your "Life Lately" - you've been busy! I have not seen a Waymo car in action yet, but my friends have when they were in San Fransisco. It will take some getting used to, I think! I loved al the photos of the grandkids! Wishing you a wonderful month ahead!

Carol On The Lake said...

Your family celebrations look so wonderful. Of course you live in a gorgeous area too! #MMBC

ellen b. said...

Such a busy month and another Spring snowstorm. Yikes, driverless cars, not sure how I feel about them. :) Madame Butterfly looks like a special treat to enjoy. Happy fresh week to you!

Melynda@Scratch Made Food! said...

So busy, but to my way of thinking that is EXACTLY what retirement is for! Visiting from #MMBC

Linda said...

I love your LIFE!!! Not sure about that car, though!

Joanne said...

So many wonderful goings on lately! Mother's day sounds like it was wonderful and how lovely to have a photo of you all. We heard much the same about water/snow melt in Utah too with them also experiencing drought like conditions. Hopefully that spring snow helped!

CraftAtticResources said...

What a delightful way to spend Mother's Day

Kim Carberry said...

It sounds like such a lovey Mother's Day and those flowers are beautiful! How shocking to get snow. Brr!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Pat,
The Mothers Day brunch sounds lovely, pretty photo.
The flowers, the snow, the birds, bunnies and deer are all wonderful. Take care, enjoy your day and the new week ahead.

Lowcarb team member said...

Thank you for sharing all your news and happenings, it's always nice to catch up and I did enjoy seeing your photographs . . . such a lovely selection.

I'm not too sure about riding in a Waymo car, it must take some getting used to!

All the best Jan

RamblingWoods2.com said...

The cars with no driver kind of scare me....Michelle

Sandee said...

What beautiful shots and your Mother's Day adventures looked fabulous. I want brunch now.

Yikes on the spring shots and then the return of winter. Wow.

I've not been in a driver-less vehicle, but would give it a try.

Thank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.

Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday, Pat. ♥

Holly said...

What a beautiful place to live- you are blessed!

Jeanie said...

It sounds like a wonderful time in every way. Even though no one wants snow in May, I guess when you live in a dry area that has had little snow and you need it for water -- well, then you do! A splendid Mother's Day. I've not ridden in a waymo But if you haven't seen the Jimmy Kimmel prank on his aunt Chippie in a Waymo, google Kimmel Aunt Chippy Driverless Car. I watch it whenever I'm depressed!

Debra @ Life Captured said...

I have not heard of the Waymo car. Something I will be Googling! The spring snow in Colorado was on the news here in Kansas. Hopefully the melting of snow was soaked into the ground and no run off.
All the best.
Debra @ Life Captured

EricaSta said...

Madame Butterfly! I think it was wonderful. I love this too.
Thank you very much for sharing at MosaicMonday
Greetings by Heidrun ❤️

Sandee said...

Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday. ♥

Sandee said...

Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday. ♥

Jocelyn said...

Nice shots.

Michelle said...

Your family is having some busy times. Sounds like a wonderful gathering in Golden, CO. I am not sure about Waymo! I have used all types of transport, except that one. Thank you for linking up.

Tom said...

...Pat, I wish you some gentle rains to help you through your drought. Sunny days are wonderful and so are rainy days.

Photo Cache said...

Weather seems to be too quick to turn. Good to hear you had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Worth a Thousand Words

Shiju Sugunan said...

Your spring photos are beautiful, and that snowfall looks magical. Colorado weather certainly knows how to keep life interesting! It sounds like you’ve had such a joyful and busy season with family and nature all around you.

Jim said...

Wonderful.

Light and Voices said...

I haven't seen a Waymo except on your blog yet. I have seen a Google Map car this week. You were lucky enough to get a shot of the car. I didn't have time. BAM. Here is the car. BAM. Car is out of sight out of mind. Do you believe the luck? Did you enjoy seeing Madame Butterfly? I saw it on the movie screen but never as an Opera.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

You just go and go, keeping up with the family and attending things. I love it. Keep that snow in Colorado though.

Parsimonious Décor Darling said...

Wow, snow in May!! We need moisture here too, Pat...also in a drought! Beautiful flower photos! Madam Butterfly looks like a wonderful evening out. I have never even heard of a Waymo, lol...but how fast technology has advanced! I remember as a kiddo watching the Jetsons, lol...it's interesting how much of that has now come to fruition like video chats, etc. The grands look like they are doing beautifully, so nice to read and catch up with you. Have a wonderful weekend!

Amy Johnson said...

My husband and I love Golden Colorado! And how great that you got some spring snow. I know Colorado needs it.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Pat,
It is wonderful to capture the times with family, looks like a very Happy Mother's Day! Love the beautiful flowers, beautiful views and wonderful wildlife captures. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

Brian's Home Blog said...

It looks like you've been having lots of fun! Cool trip to Denver, I have two blogging pals that live in Denver.

Debbie said...

i love winter and snow...but this year, i was so happy to welcome spring. really cute critters!!

diane b said...

Love the photos. You have had a busy time with the grand children and the animals in your garden.

Jayne said...

The brunch at the Golden Hotel sounds wonderful, and I love the photo booth picture.
That snow looked absolutely beautiful too, especially over the trees. Colorado really does seem like a lovely place to live.
I have to admit, I’m still a little unsure about the whole Waymo idea, though!
Have a great week, Pat. #MMBC

Debra @ Life Captured said...

Hi, Pat. I'm back! Want to thank you for visiting and commenting on the post, From the Lens to the Pen: Welcome to Life Captured. Have a fun week!
All the best.
Debra @ Life Captured