Black Canyon of the Gunnison

We recently had the chance to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison. I hadn't been there since I was a kid. It was just as spectacular.

The pictures don't capture how grand and surreal this place is. Hope you enjoy them anyway. It is truly a magnificent destination. I recommend staying in Montrose. You'll find good food and reasonable lodging.

Enjoy!

After looking at these pictures, I want to get outdoors. I see a hike in my future.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

We passed the Curecanti National Recreation Area on our way to Ouray. The Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest body of water.


It's amazing how the landscape of Colorado seems to constantly change as you're traveling through the state.


As we're leaving the Curecanti area, we can see the San Juan mountains ahead. I'm like a little kid again when we start to get closer to the mountains. I just can't wait. This is where I feel most at home.

Trip to Ouray

Last weekend we took a much needed long weekend to Ouray, Colorado. What a beautiful mountain town. It's still the Ouray I remember as a kid - there are more shops and places to eat now. But, the charm is still there - and the scenery. I have no words for the scenery. I'll be sharing some pics with you. Join me on a virtual getaway.

We tried to do quite a bit of hiking. We took a great, small hike to a gorgeous waterfall called Cascade Falls. The pic below is the trail head. I'm looking away from the trail and back into town.

We can see the foot of the falls ahead

The canyon was filled with mist. Check out the cave. They always intrigue me.

An afternoon storm was threatening, so we headed back to town.

After looking at the pics again, I'm ready to go back. I miss the mountains.

Banana Pudding Recipe

I don't have any pictures to post this evening, but I will leave you with a fantastic recipe. My mom makes banana pudding from scratch. BUT, when she is short on time, she makes this quick and yummy version. Enjoy!

Ingredients
1 pkg Vanilla pudding (instant/large)
1 can Eagle Brand
1 can Cool Whip
4-5 bananas
1 boxes Vanilla Wafers

Mix vanilla pudding according to package directions. Mix in Eagle Brand milk. Fold in Cool Whip.

Mmmmmm!!!!!

The Pics I Promised

A few posts ago I said that I would take more pictures of Victor, CO. I was short on pics, because it was so rainy the day we were there. Recently, my parents visited from Texas, and we took a trip to Victor.

You must go to The Fortune Club to get a great burger and something special from their old soda fountain. I recommend the raspberry soda. Their milkshakes are huge and equally yummy.

The Merchants Cafe has great coffees and the most tasty home baked treats. I'm not kidding you. The goodies are made with organic ingredients, too.

This is my dad checking out the huge antique mixer. Wow

Goodbye Victor! I hope to be back soon.

An Iris or Two for You

We have an iris garden in a small field beside the library where I work. Irises are such odd and strange and beautiful things. I only wish they bloomed throughout the summer. But, that one burst of color and blooms is quite amazing, don't you think? Take a walk with me through the garden.

Have a beautiful weekend!

YANNI VOICES

Last night we spent a fantastic evening at the Yanni concert. It was so wonderful to see Yanni live again. I wasn't sure how I would react to hearing vocalists put lyrics to his music. Then I remembered that Yanni gets the most talented musicians in the world. Once again - he did not disappoint. If you have a chance to see Yanni Voices, I HIGHLY recommend it. So moving. So beautiful.

We did get to have a meet and great with the vocalists back stage courtesy of PBS. These young musicians were so warm and welcoming. It made me enjoy the concert that much more.

Nathan Pacheco, Leslie Mills, Ender Thomas, Chloe

BRAVO! BRAVO!

PPLD's World Music Series

Friday night we spent a beautiful and relaxing evening listening to Quetzal on the Colorado College campus. The concert was sponsored by Pikes Peak Library District, Colorado College and KRCC.

Check out Queztal's website

In the middle of the concert - the clouds started building then the sky opened up. What a downpour. Then, as with most of our rains, we were treated to a beautiful rainbow when the clouds moved on

The next concert in the World Music Series will be on la fanfare du Belgistan on July 17.

Hope to see you there!

Support Local Farmers!

This morning we went to one of the local farmers markets in historic Old Colorado City. It was a beautiful day in Bancroft Park.

Check out the goods! We got everything you see here for $10. Asparagus, new potatoes, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, anaheim peppers, onions, tomatoes, acorn squash, zucchini, cucumber - Mmm!

I encourage everyone to eat and buy locally - or better yet - plant a garden. The food you eat will be more nutritious, and you will decrease your carbon footprint.

And...the dishes you make using your fresh produce will be beyond yummy!! Check out my husband's pico. It was fantastic!

I challenge you to grow some of your own food. Container gardening is a great way to start. If you simply don't have the space, support local farmers! You will be glad you did!

Emily - The Ham

Emily is the baby kitty. Well, she's the youngest. We think she's around 8 years old. She is so spoiled. She was very sick when she was a baby. Several years ago she became very ill again, and we found out she only has the use of one kidney. So, yes, she does get special attention. And, she works it! I'm telling you - she really does. She is a sweet. And...she is a ham.

Backyard Scenes

Saturday and Sunday we spent quite a bit of time in the backyard. The girls (the kitties) were allowed to roam around - supervised, of course. They had a ball.

I love this time of year. I can't wait to have flowers in the yard! I did add salvia last year and two honeysuckle bushes this year. I would like to eventually add some rose bushes. I have the perfect spot for them. The clematis vines are full of buds. I will definitely post pictures of them when they start blooming. They are really fantastic. What are some of your favorite flowers to grow?

Garden of the Gods

Friday evening after work I shot some pictures at Garden of the Gods.  We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful park in CO Springs...and it's free!  There's great hiking and climbing in the park.  If you visit the Springs, this park is a must see.

Day Trip to the Mountains

Saturday we drove to the mountains. Something that we should really do every chance we get, since we live so close.

We had a late breakfast at The Pantry in Green Mountain Falls, CO. Fantastic breakfast served all day. And, yes, you can get a Bloody Mary. And, yes, I did! They have a beautiful outdoor dining area for dinner. The cute lake and gazebo are just across the parking lot. There were two weddings the morning we were there.

To burn off our hearty breakfast we hiked to the falls. A beautiful hike. It's very steep, though. It's rated a double black diamond. Just bring plenty of water, and you'll be fine. I actually made the trip in my flip flops. Yep - left my hiking boots by the back door. Silly me.

We still had most of the afternoon left, so we decided to drive to Victor.

This picture was taken May 30! It dipped to 46 degrees in the mountains that afternoon. Remember - the elevation in Victor is 9708 ft.

We hiked around some old mines just outside of Victor.

The mine in the pic below is one of the newest old mines we hiked around. It was re-built in the '60s after the original mine burned.

If you do ever have the chance to visit Victor, you MUST stop by the Victor Trading Company. They have a few antiques, and they make fantastic things! Gorgeous brooms that I can't bear to use - I have them hanging in my kitchen. Homeade candles. Amazing cookie cutters. Please check it out online: Victor Trading Company

I've always loved their broom wall

It was so rainy the day we were in Victor. I didn't have a chance to take all the pictures I wanted of the downtown area. Although tiny, there are some really neat places to visit. So, I promise next time to include pics of The Fortune Club (great place for a burger! They have an old soda fountain!!) and The Isis, an old theater which is now an antique shop.

I'll leave you with another shot of the mountains on Ute Pass. This was our view from the summit of our hike to Catamount Falls.

Get out and enjoy nature even if it's in your own backyard. It does a soul good. Have a fantastic weekend!