Monday Musings

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood (did your kids watch Mr. Rogers??) The reports you heard of the horrors of Colorado's weather this past week-end happened mostly in Denver, Estes Park, and Colorado Springs areas. We got so much great moisture, but nothing that prevented events or caused accidents. This was what I saw when I got up yesterday - I love how the sun is creeping toward that one remaining little patch of snow, to gobble it up soon.




DC and I jumped in the pick-up (me still in my robe and slippers) to chronicle the beauty in the foothills and mountains before the sun changed locations. I'm surprised nobody stopped to take a picture of me taking pictures in that condition!

I love the panoramic view to the south.

DC says this is Round Mountain



Longs and Meeker Peaks

Closer view of the same

What is so great about this view of snow peaks is not only the beauty, but what it means to us this summer. The Big Thompson River and the Poudre River will be running full, which then fills up our reservoirs, and we have water for our needs. We also have water for the tourists who come to go fishing, swimming, boating, water-skiing and white water rafting. All important to our economy and existence. But the beauty is the most important to me.

We've been passing the germs around here again - it has been a winter full of minor illnesses for all of us. I have another cold, and Kristen and the twins have not felt their best this week-end either. I am not hitting the gym this morning, because I don't think it's good for me at this stage of the cold. We're pretty tired of it - I think this is my 4th cold this year.

I know a lot of churches have quit having what we call "revival services," but our church still has them twice a year - spring and fall. Our latest series began yesterday, and though I didn't feel very well, I didn't want to miss the services. So I went and am so glad I did. I need to be revived spiritually. We'll be going to church the next 3 nights. It used to be two weeks, then one week, now mostly it's 4 days. Turns out that our evangelist this week is Denise's former pastor. He's a great speaker and he and his wife sing beautifully together. So it will be a good week.

The company DC works for is a family company. I've written about them before - the big Family Reunion they did last summer for anyone in the world to come and visit, whether they were a product owner, distributor, sales person, or creator. Then we also have a Hymn Sing on the grounds there every July. It has been a great place for DC to end his working career after he was forced to retire from his 27-year position at a much larger company. He has enjoyed his last 7 years there. It has been a company that has risen to heights beyond anyone's expectations, very popular in countries worldwide.

Unfortunately, the economic downturn finally reached them. Two weeks ago they announced layoffs and a furlough. So everyone has an unexpected three-week "vacation." They have always shut down for 3 weeks in the summer, but this summer it will be 5-6 weeks. DC has been trying to decide when and if to retire, or whether to go part-time, so he is using this time as a kind of trial retirement. He is not one to sit around and wonder what to do. His list of things to do is long.

The rhythm of the day is so different. For so many years, we have had a pattern - you know how it is. The way of getting ready for the day is set. Changing it up is a challenge. I have always heard that retirement, where both are home, is a time of adjustment. I'm getting a sample of that right now. Not complaining - just saying, you know.

DC is a very methodical person, as indicated by the list. Cleaning the basement is on the list. I mentioned before that I've begun down there. I can only stand an hour or so at a time. I can't do it, obviously, when the babies are here. And I don't WANT to do it on the days they're not. So we have a conundrum. This morning, bright and early, DC asked me to set a day to do the basement. Here's the thing - I don't want him down there alone, because he'll throw stuff away at will. I take a lot of time deciding what to pitch and what to put in a bin for safe keeping - for whatever reason. I have this fear of him pitching something that I think should be saved, you know??? He's probably right, and I probably would never miss it if he threw it. But it's a control thing with me, I think. Maybe I need therapy!

The good news is it is supposed to be a beautiful week. The bad news is that I will probably be spending one of these beautiful days when I don't have the kiddoes - in the dungeon! I know, I know - it'll be great when it's done. But the process is very painful. Yuck!

Well, on that lovely note, I'll bid you all adieu for now - have a fabulous week!