UP IN THE COLORADO ROCKY MOUNTAINS, WAY UP!

We have had many adventures here on our stop in Denver and Boulder, Colorado. My first stop was of course visiting baby Hagen who is growing like a weed! He is 2 months old now, smiling and cooing. His first love is of course Mommy and Daddy, but the ceiling fan comes in a very close second. Oh how I love holding him (away from the fan of course) and talking! He seems to have big blue eyes and what color hair we don't know, as the baby fluff is falling out fast! Looks very much like Mommy!

This is my wild and crazy friend Sue. We travel as Thelma and Thelma because no one wanted to be called Louise. Sue is standing at the kitchen door of her son's mountain house. He and his wonderful girlfriend live at 9,600 feet and are students at CU. Paul is also a gifted fishing guide during the summer months. Tory is just plain gifted at anything she attempts.

Yesterday we all went on a day trip up into the mountains with our guides Paul and Tory. We stopped at some wonderful spots just to look at the incredible scenery. Oh the places that God has made! These were a few of the craggy heights that were visible along the road. So high in elevation, it felt like my head would explode. We had to force the water down.

This was an amazing spot at the top of the world! The road took us to 12,600 feet, higher than our Mount Hood at home in Portland. Of course we were above the treeline, and as you can see, there is still snow. From these mini glaciers, comes the run off that eventually becomes the mighty Colorado River that runs through the Grand Canyon. It was a breath taking sight, literally!!

From the top, Paul took us down into mountain meadows with late blooming flowers, elk, deer and the stream that is the beginning of the Colorado River. We ate a delicious picnic lunch alongside the stream. The guys spent a few hours fishing while we 3 girls read and chatted. It was a rest for the soul. Sitting on Tory's handmade quilt, looking at the surroundings and just listening to the creek, water falling over smooth stones... the quiet made me realize how hectic I make my own life. Running here, rushing there, trying to meet this deadline, accomplish that goal... sometimes fulfilling and often just plain foolish. I thought this trip would be very profitable, collecting treasures from here and there to re-sell. Maybe the profit will be gained through the quiet of my surroundings, reflection with a good friend and treasures found in meeting new and interesting people who are struggling without all of the blessings that I have been given to make a good life.

More to come!

Eileen, my thoughts and prayers are with you today. Know that the Heavenly Father is walking beside you every moment.