Grand Mesa: Color Sunday

Here we are, last week of September and the Aspens on the Grand Mesa are amazing! They even have a day for people to come out and see. Take a ride on the gondola to the top of the ski slopes and back down. Hike or bike through the trails. Stop by the community center for Turkey dinner and craft fair and several yard sales along the way. There were so many people, so many cars, just loving it up! Honey, Max and I were among the million of them!

Two weeks ago we went to Crested Butte, light traffic, dirt roads…TOTALLY different feeling. The Mesa, tons of people and asphalt tops, if you pay attention to these things, your body is telling you, you need to get back to nature, reground yourself, let go and boy do I miss those days! Don’t get me wrong, the Mesa was great and the trip to Salt Lake City, just have had different effects on me. Total different experiences.

So off we go!

Check out the colors of the day!

 

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There is a time in the last few days of summer when the ripeness of autumn fills the air. Rudolfo Anaya

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DK

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It’s Another Pizza Review

Pizza
Cheesy goodness
Marinara heaven
Crusty bread
Toppings galore
Tasty fullness

I  conceive the notion of pizza being an intricate part of life.

To me: Pizza being just another word for life! 

 

With all that nonsense said, it’s time for yet another pizza review. Seems as though we have started some kind of tradition. Take a Sunday drive, find a “whole in the wall” pizza place. You know, not the chains; the mom and pop places! 

 

Pie-Zan’s 

Address: 730 N Main St, Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone: (970) 641-5255

 

Honey got a recommendation from one of his customers, this was one of the best pizza’s in town. Being that Gunnison is a college town, I was sure we would be able to find at least one great one! I was excited to try this place out. 

 

I have to say, I was not at all impressed with the decor: dated and cluttered. The only people besides honey and I were 1 cook, 1 waitress and not sure if the other was a dishwasher, but that was it. It was a Sunday afternoon around 4, expected more people. 

 

The Cheazer Pleaser

We choose the Cheazer Pleaser. Ricotta base (no marinara), Mozzarella and Parmesan. We had been in the car most of the day, so we really didn’t want a whole lot more. However, I would have liked to have tried the Garlic Knots. Our pizza came to us in good time and it LOOKED and SMELLED fantastic! It was hot, it was fresh and it had to ooze of a great cheese pizza. Until it cooled off. All flavor seemed to have gone away and the cheese wasn’t quite some oozy (which is somewhat normal) and the crust started getting oily from all the cheeses. Never the less, Honey finished the pizza and Max enjoyed his few pieces of pizza crust. 

 

I have found many restaurants have started to NOT be on top of refilling drink glasses. Honey had water and I had a Soda, I would have never gotten a refill if we didn’t have to get her attention when another guest walked in.

My thinking place 

 

So, when you ponder the meaning of Pizza think about it being another word for life.  This pizza (the day) was hot and fun and full of excitement, until it had time to cool. Sounds about how some of my days go. Great fun, lots of things to do, and then whoosh! You’re exhausted! Lifeless. Tired. 

 

In all, I would give this pizza place a 2 star rating, however, I feel if the place had been busy, things may have been quite different. 

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Lighten up, just enjoy life, smile more, laugh more, and don’t get so worked up about things. Kenneth Branagh

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DK

Fall Colors: Crested Butte, CO

Fall is my most favorite time of year. With summer done here in Colorado (thank you drought…), the fall colors are coming early and in some places even already gone. Last year, we took the fall drive over the Grand Mesa, this year we took a (long) drive to Crested Butte, CO. Summer is supposed to be awesome up there also, they have a wildflower festive and the whole mountain is to light up with wildflowers. We had planned to see that, but…it was hot. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

So, we gassed up the SUV, grabbed the dog’s collar, leash and the dog and headed east. For…three…hours!!! Don’t worry, I did get a nap and woke up in time to see a moose!!! However, there is no proof, other than my word and that my hubby also saw it…

Let’s chat about Crested Butte:Elevation: 8,909 ft
just a mere 4,312 ft higher than Grand Junction…Which means…COOLER WEATHER!

Founded: July 15, 1880Industry: Ranching, coal and silver mines. As the silver mining began to decline, many of the surrounding towns began to fail. Crested Butte survived as it served as a supply town to the surrounding areas.

Crested Butte is a mountain resort town in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. You can enjoy downhill skiing, mountain-bike trails which crisscross the slopes of the Crested Butte Mountain Resort and then take the Nordic ski routes throughout the town.Shop at the wooden shops and restaurants which line Elk Avenue in downtown Crested Butte. We weren’t there for shopping…We were there for colors. Lots and Lots of Colors of the Populus Tremuloides kind.

We were NOT disappointed. 

Just what are Populus Tremuloides? Well, they are Quaking Aspens and they are one of the largest living things. Quaking Aspens are a stand of aspens which are actually only one very large organism and normally grow in large clonal colonies from ONE single seedling, reproduce and then spread by root sucker. This continues until a whole stand, of what look like individual trees form: in reality it’s a clonal colony, one living, single organism which can cover 100’s of acres and weigh 1000’s of tons.

And where can you find one of these? Kebler Pass is home to one of the largest aspen groves in the United States and one of the best displays of fall foliage found anywhere in the North American continent. However, we didn’t study before we left and cell range was in and out, so we missed the turn off for the Pass and just kept going up the Gothic Road to the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory.

 

Here is a look at Colorado in the fall! Enjoy!

 

 

 

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Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.
Albert Camus

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DK

Day One…New Job

Day one…6:45 AM….IT’S STILL SOMEWHAT DARK OUT! 

 

I survived. I didn’t sleep the night before and I had the shakes real bad, but I survived! In fact, I had a really good time! 

It was only orientation day, what could go wrong? 

 

Well…

 

Nothing major… Before I left the house, I had checked the documents list of the forms of ID I needed to bring: CHECK, they are in my wallet! When I was asked for them; they are not in there, I should have checked my wallet, however, I wasn’t alone in this faux pas, I company. That was the end of MY issues for the day! 

 

When you get hired for a job, no matter what kind of job it is, they have these things called policies. 

 

Websters Dictionary 

Definition of policy

plural policies

1a : prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs

b : management or procedure based primarily on material interest

2a : a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions

b : a high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a governmental body

Things that make you go hmmm…

• Employees may not have facial jewelry…sitting across from a gentleman with two nose piercings. More than five other employees had some kind of facial jewelry as well. Spacers may only be used for a tongue piercing and band aids my not be used to cover up piercings.
• Undergarments must be warn…um…this needs to be said????
• Personal cell phones must not be warn or used during work time…I don’t think there was an employee who DIDN’T have their cell phone ON them.
• Personal pages may be worn…do they still make these?
• Employee name tag…employees are not required to use their legal name & may use any name they are normally addressed by which is not offensive, disrespectful or inappropriate… I wonder…Can I use Grumpy on mine?

 

I get these, I do…but I have to say, if you are going to put these in the policies, they should be enforced. Just a rant I have. 

“The code is more what you’d call ‘guidelines’ than actual rules.” – Hector Barbossa

I just like this quote and it seemed to fit! 

In order to get familiar with the store, we were given tasks and a scavenger hunt, my thoughts on this BRILLIANT! Except when you have your name tag on and customers want to ask you questions and you have no answers. But, the three of us newbies, made it work though. Until we got to a spill. I never realized just how long 10 minutes were, until you are waiting on a cranky maintenance gentleman to come clean it up and you have to stand guard. Then to hear him tell you, “it’s not my job”…Like fingernails on a chalkboard for me. YES!!! Safety IS your job!!! It’s EVERYONE’S job!

We also got to see some great videos, including one for Active Shooters. Now, I KNOW this is something you have to be aware of and don’t deny people need to be aware of this, but it’s a sad sad day when it has to be taught at work, but more so schools! What has this world come to? 

Finished the day with our new schedules and a gift card for lunch. Can’t beat that! I am totally stoked about this job! I am really looking forward to it. And on the one of the many plus sides, I slept like a baby last night!!! I tired myself out for sure yesterday. 

Tomorrow I take on the cash register. Wish me luck and hopefully, I will have shenanigans to report. 

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I will remember this word,” he said. “Shenanigans. It is a good word.
John Flanagan

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DK

 

 

 

 

 

New Job

Well, now…I went and screwed up my leisurely days of sitting at home, staring at the computer, wondering if I should get dressed or just spend the day in my pj’s. I got a job. Yup, went out for the interview and they were either really needing people or I am just that good! I am going to go with the later. 

 

I had a couple of choices…this box store, that craft store, this supermarket or that home health care. OK, the home health care, not so much. I am totally not good at things like that! I am, however, extremely happy with my decision on which I went with and just as nervous as what my body will think. We will need to have a sit down and talk about this body throwing fits and monkey wrenches into my plans. It HAS to behave, this time! As I am sitting here with pain in the back which feels like kidney stones revolting. GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT!  This WILL NOT happen!!! 

 

So tomorrow, I start my day at the crack of dawn (not sure if it will be light yet or not, I haven’t seen this time of the morning in a very long time), get myself ready and then drive myself across town for a five hour orientation! I am hoping I will have new friends there with me, I don’t want to spend five hours with just myself, I can do that at home! 

 

I start at just part time, which is great! I will have money to pay more of the bills, instead of just scraping by AND maybe even start saving for a great vacation or a place for hubby and I! 

 

So, wish me luck, hopefully, I will be back tomorrow evening to share my fun filled day! 

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Starting a new job can be nerve-racking , but it’s also exciting. You’re embarking on a new future, positioning yourself to write a fresh story on a clean slate.
Adena Friedman

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DK

Fall Bucket List

WOW! It’s September 1st, where does the time go? Where did summer go? Oh, I remember, it was hot and smokey and I stayed inside most of the summer. With only one pool day under my belt this summer, I am totally bummed. But, I did learn a new craft, got poked, prodded and evaluated most of the summer for this chronic cough, nobody seems to be able to give me a definite answer or solution.

So, let’s start fall off with a BANG! I love fall, love the colors, the cooler temps and the smells.

I am not sure whether the cleaning out the closet, dusting and washing windows would be on MY bucket list, but I suppose they need to be done.

Moist Pumpkin Bread

Servings: 1 loaf

Author: Kitchen Nostalgia

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
• 1 cup + 1 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon*
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice*
• 1 large egg or 2 small ones
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/3 cup water

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine both sugars, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices.
2. In another bowl, combine egg, pumpkin puree, oil and water. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
3. Grease one 9×4 (6 cups or 1.4 liters volume) loaf pan and pour the batter into it.
4. Bake at 350 F (175 C) for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool for about 5 minutes. Then take out of the pan and wrap in aluminum foil. Let it cool off completely.

Recipe Notes

*This Moist Pumpkin Bread is mildly spiced. If you like it spicier, increase the amount of cinnamon and pumpkin spice to your taste.

DIY Fleece Blankets would be great to tie in with the Random Acts of Kindness!

Leaf Crafts!   OK! I am gonna totally do a few of these and post! Show me your crafts!  Here is a link to more fall crafts!

Random Acts of Kindness 

Mosaic Tiles 

I hope you find some great things to do, I, of course, will be checking in with my items checked off my bucket list!

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By all these lovely tokens September days are here, With summer’s best of weather And autumn’s best of cheer.
Helen Hunt Jackson

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DK

The Top Five Places to Visit in Colorado

I have lived in Colorado my entire life. I have only skied once, won’t ever do it again. I have been to the top of Pikes Peak five times and I have never been to the Stanley Hotel (yet). Let’s check out what experts say is the top five places to visit in Colorado!

Sit back and relax! If you have visited and want to share your experiences, please comment below. 

1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison – I’ve been here and can’t wait to go back!

What: The Gunnison River formed the Black Canyon over 2 million years, cutting its way through the canyon forming sharp cliffs and steep spires. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience raw nature like you’ve never seen it before.

The Black Canyon was designated as an International Dark Sky Park in September 2015. These National Parks preserve some of the darkest skies in the country and In some areas it’s possible to see more than 15,000 stars throughout the night! Great for meteoroid showers!  Love camping? Come and sleep under those 15,000 + stars, look for the Milky Way, planets and shooting stars!

Entrance Fee? $20 per vehicle and valid for seven calendar days!

2. Rocky Mountain National Park – Never been, on my bucket list!

Where: Located in north-central Colorado between Estes Park and Grand Lake. Neither of which I have been to.

What: Rocky Mountain National Park and is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S. The headwaters of the Colorado River are in the northwestern part of the park. AND!!! it is considered a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.

With the high mountain peaks, blue alpine lakes, meadows, forests, and abundant wildlife (there is even an Elk fest in September) this is nature at its best. Included in the park: more than 100 peaks over 10,000 feet, including Longs Peak, the highest in the park, at 14,259 feet. But is it the highest peak in Colorado? Stay tuned

 

3. Mesa Verde – Never been, sort of on my bucket list

Where: Southwestern Colorado, located near the towns of Cortez and Manco

Mesa Verde (which means green table in Spanish)
Deemed a national park in 1906 by Theodore Roosevelt. It is a national park and World Heritage site which preserves ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and is great for history fans and nature lovers!

Cliff Palace

Here you’ll find the park has been inhabited since 7500 BC by nomadic tribes and experts estimate that the first pueblos were built in 650 AD. Come see the impressive Cliff Dwellings which were built in 1200 AD.

Cost: $5 per person for guided tours of some of the dwellings, however you are free to explore the rest of the Mesa Verde National Park

4. Garden of the Gods – been several times, however, don’t remember it.

Where:  Colorado Springs, Colorado.

This is a designated National Natural Landmark, which sometimes overflows with visitors from all over the world! When the sandstone formations were discovered by surveyors, they decided the rocks had merged the Great Plains’ grasslands with the woodlands of the Southwest and mountain forests of Pike Peak and were then declared it resembled a garden fit for the gods.

5. Vail – been through several times, not on my bucket list

Where: Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the tiny town is at the foot of the Vail Mountains and nestled in the White River National Forest.

Vail is one of the top ski resorts in Colorado and draws huge crowds in the winter, however, it is pleasant place to visit any time of the year. You can find chalet-style restaurants, shop and hotels which make you feel you are in the heart of the Alps. Vail doesn’t fit in everyone’s budget, especially during high season (winter), however there are several small towns that are more affordable.

Just a “fun” fact. Many celebrities have lived or live in Aspen.

Final answer…Mt. Elbert is the highest mountain in Colorado

This vast mountain rises just 14,440-foot (4401.2 m) above sea level is one of the fourteeners (a mountain peak with an elevation of at least 14,000 ft) and is the highest peak in the Sawatch Range and the second-highest summit in the contiguous United States after Mount Whitney. Mount Elbert is located in San Isabel National Forest, just southwest  of the City of Leadville in Lake County, Colorado.

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DK