11.30.14

Final Day of November
The Broncos had a late game tonight, so I had plenty of time to get my decorating finished...well almost finished. I still have the ornaments on the tree and everything in the basement. The weather outside today absolutely felt like winter even though it's a few weeks away.

11.29.14

Deck the Halls
Well, today is the day...out with fall, in with winter. Yes, I know that the official start date is still two weeks away, but the decorations have come out. The weather was beautiful so we got all of the outdoor lights hung. Found a "fall treasure" to enjoy while I was working.

We were finally able to get everything inside back to its place and cleaned after all of our flooring work, so most of those decorations will come out tomorrow.

And finally, who can resist a photo of a cute cat...I guess we know who runs this house!

11.28.14

The Day After
After all the yummy food yesterday, today is just a day to much on snacks and leftovers. Recently came across these two yummy popcorn flavors. Parked in front of the tv watching the CSU Rams and "How to Train Your Dragon 2." Trying to find motivation to clean and begin decorating for Christmas.

After I originally made this post, I ended up with a beautiful sunset photo...had to add it!

11.27.14

Happy Thanksgiving
I started off the day with my annual "Turkey Trot." With the great weather today, I had originally planned on attending an actual event...the "Turkey Rock Trot" here in Castle Rock. But with the bum knee I thought it best to stay indoors again...at least until I visit the doctor for my MRI results this Wednesday. Pretty happy, managed to set a new best time!

And then to the rolls...an epic fail!! Some of the sweet potato "rolls" turned out to be "cakes." The others weren't too great either, but at least looked like rolls! Needless to say we had to make a quick stop at the grocery store. (Too bad that at that point I hadn't realized I didn't have my pomegranate juice for the fun cocktail...come to find out it didn't even make it into my bag from King Soopers!)

The day turned out great...Renee and Dave did an amazing job of hosting and it was great to spend the day with family! Happy Turkey Day everyone!!

11.26.14

Thanksgiving
I'm not hosting this year, but I feel like I've spent just as much time in the kitchen today. We will be headed to the Kenyon's house tomorrow with: homemade rolls, deviled eggs (some with candied bacon!), artichoke dip, and a pomegranate cocktail in tow! Looking forward to a wonderful day with family tomorrow!!!

11.25.14

Writing in the Snow
Was going to post this yesterday...forgot...it was "HI" written in the snow on the fairway out back first thing this morning.

11.24.14

Gropple
Came out of work this evening and it looked like Styrofoam vomit everywhere. :)

11.23.14

Storm
Little taste of winter this afternoon.

11.22.14

Starlighting
The weather was great so I was able to talk Chad into going to the annual Starlighting Ceremony. Discovered the Handheld Night Scene mode on my camera and got several good shots. 

And of course I had to finish the evening with a drink...Breckenridge Bourbon on the rocks. (This is when I really need an ice ball!)

11.21.14

Old Pal
Saw a post from #theproofpub on Instagram Thursday, so I decided to break in the new RHRLGC drink glasses with a new cocktail...I think I'm really going to like these glasses.

11.20.14

Grandpa & I on a summer trip to Vail.

10:10:20
Eighteen years ago tonight I was sitting in the basement of our Englewood rental, watching tv and cutting out materials for my 1st & 2nd grade centers. The phone rang at 10:10PM and it was my grandma...my Grandpa Hartman had passed away. I consider myself to be so very lucky in the fact that I grew up "across the driveway" from him and I saw him nearly everyday. I rarely saw him get upset and he knew how to make everyone smile and laugh.

My grandpa, dad and Aunt Jana. (1954)

11.19.14

Boot Cuffs
I got my first "Secret Messenger" gift today...boot cuffs...and I LOVE them!! After going online, I've discovered that I need more! Not sure they will go with my "big girl boots" though.

11.18.14

Crafty
Erin was working on her staff photo craft today...couldn't resist a bag full of googly eyes!

11.17.14

Cocktail To-Go
I've been nice...most of the time! ;) I think I need this and any other flavor they might have in my stocking. 

11.16.14

Swim & Snow
Made it to the Rec Center this morning for some laps. (Trying to get some exercise in that doesn't impact my knee as much.) I was surprised to discover that my punches can only be used at the old location and not the new center.

It was beautiful outside with the new snow, sun and blue sky.

11.15.14

Grounded
Was supposed to be headed up in a Bell 407 this morning over downtown Denver, but the fog and snow kept the helicopter on the ground. I'm hopeful that we will get to reschedule the flight for next week.

The snowy afternoon was a perfect time to finally enjoy the New Belgium "Salted Belgian Chocolate Stout." It was okay...nothing to rave about.

11.13.14

First Visit
Had an appointment with the Ortho today. Took a round of x-rays on both knees. One of the other views showed that my right patella was off-center...a definite sign of thinning cartilage. With the catching and locking I've been having, they think there might be a tear in my meniscus. I'll be headed in for an MRI and then back to the doctor the first week of December.  

11.12.14

Cold as Crap!
In the middle of an "Arctic Plunge" is a great time for my warm and fuzzy boots!

11.11.14

A Little Jar of Heaven!
So, I've had a number of friends share their love for the Cookie Butter from Trader Joe's. I finally made it to a store and purchased both the traditional and the Cookies & Creme flavors. Holy crap this stuff is AWESOME and DANGEROUS!! My favorite so far is the traditional flavor on vanilla ice cream. 

11.10.14

New Suit
Had to get a one-piece for laps at the rec center. Trying lower-impact exercise for my bum knee. The "knee journey" will begin Thursday.

11.09.14

The End?
Well, I think our first golf season at Bear Dance might have come to an end today...it's been a great time and I'm VERY glad we made the switch! You'll see the 10-Day Forecast below is not looking so good for future golfing days. I know my ski friends are excited for the white stuff, but this non-skier is not...unless it involves a snow day!

If it was my last round, I at least finished strong. I should have broken 80, but I ended up shooting an 82, hit 72% GIR and birdied #18. I end the regular 2014 golf season with the lowest handicap I've had since college - 8.6...not too bad! Sticking with the white tees at a 72.5/141 rating slope has paid off!

11.08.14

Waste of Time...for the Most Part
I had three options for today...the Code.org training, a free conceal carry class for educators, and golf. Decided to be a good professional and attend the code training. WRONG choice...about an hour in I was wishing I would have gone for the guns! My friend and I actually left at the lunch break. The only thing good that came from the day was lunch & margs at Benny's and my first adventure to Trader Joe's! 

Wrapped up the evening with a favorite.

11.07..14

Turkey Day
Made it to Bubbles for their wine tasting class...what to pair with Thanksgiving Day Dinner. Enjoyed a couple of them, but enjoyed my Crave burger afterwards even more!! It did start to get me excited for Turkey Day...might even make it to the Turkey Rock Trot this year since I'm not hosting.

11.06.14

Field Trip
Today I went with the 1st/2nd grade class to the Denver Botanical Gardens at Chatfield. Teaching these students animation one day and hiking around outdoors the next!

It was a beautiful day and the kids had a great time. Today was the first time that some of these kiddos had ridden a bus. One of them was asking me if I had ever ridden a bus before...so I told them about my daily adventures on bus #37. 

11.05.14

Workout Buddy
Came across this little guy/gal when I went downstairs to workout tonight. Hope he's a good spotter!

First Wednesday night of no golf league for months....sad!

11.04.14

Election Day
Dropped off the ballot yesterday...anxious to see what the results bring tonight!

11.03.14

New Oreos
Not the Red Velvet flavor that is supposed to be released before the holidays, but white fudge dipped...yum!

11.01.14

Leftovers
Got up this morning and was putting the pumpkins back out on the front porch when I found this...ninja sword sheath. Not sure what went down during trick-or-treating.