fall colors

The leaves finally changed on Jack's tree.

T planted some mums, which he referred to as "my flowers".

Jordy loves playing in the leaves.

stand up paddleboard!

Marie and I went stand up paddleboarding at Calhoun on Friday afternoon. It was great to be out on the water, and surprisingly easy to balance. We headed up the lagoon to Lake of the Isles, then through the lagoon to Cedar lake. We spent a few minutes resting on our boards, chatting before heading back. Super fun time. Even paddling into the wind on the way back. Phew. A lot of work!

I wish I had a picture, but I don't.


Marie found a yoga paddleboard class, which we are most definitely going to make time for yet this summer. How fun!

Colorado getaway, day two

With full bellies and a Starbucks in hand, we headed into the mountains.

First stop - Nederland, CO
We stopped in to pick up Michael and head further in and up.

Second stop - Brainard Lake (elev 10300 feet) The area was popular on beautiful Saturday, but not too crowded. I was ready to hike!





We decided to hike to Lake Isabelle. The first stop was at Long lake, which we didn't think was that long until we had to hike around it. Lots of wildflowers in bloom. Beautiful day.





We took some time to goof a bit too....



It was up, up, up to the glacier and Lake Isabelle (elev 10900 ft). The pictures really don't do justice to how gorgeous it was. Amazing!












We had lunch at the lake and goofed for a bit.






After lunch we wandered a little bit further, then headed back down.




On the way back, we went around the other side of Long lake, which offered more amazing views.






More goofiness on the way down....






I don't know how many times I asked "Is that smoke or is that clouds?" In this case it is smoke from the wildfires.




Third stop - Nederland
We made a quick stop before deciding to head back into Boulder for happy hour and dinner.

Fourth stop - Pearl St in Boulder
Up in the mountains we were treated to nice temps -- high 70s, maybe 80. Back in Boulder, it was 102F. Wowza. We made our way to Pearl Street to wander around, find a beer and a snack. Boulder Cafe drew us in with patio seating (right by street performers) and happy hour specials. I enjoyed a bbq pork slider with an Avery IPA.

Since T was enamored with the Avery Maharaja, we found a pub - West End Tavern - with it on tap and walked up there for dinner. The real excitement started however, when T read about the "Wing King" challenge -- 50 wings in 30 minutes. After much contemplation and consulting various friends and family, T decided to take the challenge.





That's ALOT of wings. He finished 35 wings in total before deciding it wasn't that fun anymore. So Michael and I tried to finish what was left. ....and there were still leftovers.



After that, we called it a night. T and I went back to the hotel to drink a St. Lupulin Extra Pale, which had been chilling the frig all day.

long run. in pictures.

I often dread the long run. Once I get going though, it is pretty good. Mostly because I realize how fortunate I am to have great running trails and such right out my back door. It is a great city. I love it.

Here is what it looked like on Friday -- 11 miles.

The trail is less of a trail and more of a bank here.

Still on the trail - heading downhill, dodging roots.

Construction at Lyndale bridge.

Oh, the Lyndale hill. It doesn't look that menacing here, but it never fails to offer a challenge - on foot or bike.

One of the water fountains that kept me going. ....this is Lake Harriet. I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to the water stop at Portland (about 9 miles in)

I think this explains itself. Or maybe not.

I found my zen while running...

This morning was just begging for a run. Granted, it would have been warmer if I had waited, but the morning was gorgeous - if cold.

Big, bright sun. A few clouds glowing with pink and orange. Pale blue sky. The squeak-crunch sound of snow with every footfall. A snow covered lake.

It was awesome.

yoga goal #1

supported headstand

I have been working tripod headstand for several months now. Most days that posture is kind to me. Supported headstand has presented some challenges. Yet there are a handful of days when I can pop right up. Patience.