Colorado

I had a last-minute opportunity to head off to Colorado with my granddaughter Jordyn to spend the weekend celebrating the birthdays of my Denver grandchildren, Riley and Lexi.

I am a Denver native and a lover of the Rockies. While I have not lived in Denver for over 35 years I have always made several trips a year “home”. Until these last years, when I moved my mom to Texas and now with her gone, I have not been here since my mother’s funeral last August.

It was with some apprehension I agreed to join the celebration of the birthdays of Riley (6) and Lexi (4). I wanted to see my Colorado grandkids but was already reeling a bit from the first anniversary of my mother’s death and I knew a visit to my mountain home would emphasize not minimize my memories of my family.

Jordyn and I headed off yesterday afternoon. Arriving at my daughter Amber’s home, while things had changed it all felt so familiar. Much of my mother’s furniture makes it home now at Amber’s house. I was greeted by the sight of our family dining room table with the oil painting from Brussels placed prominently upon the navy wall. So many memories of holiday meals and family gatherings filled my mind.

The sight of Nellie, the current Irish Wolfhound in residence at Amber’s, brought memories of our big dogs from before. Jim always loved posing for pictures with the noble dogs. Nellie is a big girl with one of the best temperaments I have seen.

It was nice to sit down to a family dinner or pork roast and pasta. It has been a long time since Lauren and I have bothered with a real meal. I had forgotten how nice it was to enjoy great food and lively conversation.

Today preparations for the party started early (although not feed the horses at 4:30 early). The giant bouncy house arrived, then the caterers and then the guests. It was a beautiful day filled with fun, friends and family.