Dad's 70th Birthday!

Yesterday we woke up to a beautiful cool crisp fall morning. This view of Pike's Peak covered in snow, (sort of a symbolic gesture, I believe, for the other important occasion we were going to celebrate) was taken by my dad from his driveway yesterday...My dad's 70th birthday was marked with a dinner at Cracker Barrel and a few small tokens. Those of you who know Dad or his story, know what a great milestone this was. A good time was had by young and old alike.

Horsing Around

Today, I got to go to one of my daughter's riding lesson. It was the first one I had the chance to go to in several months. She has been learning to canter, among other things. As a bonus, today was a beautiful fall day to be out "horsing around" at the stables. It was truly theraputic for both the mind and the soul. Between the three dogs, two cats and half a dozen horses there on five acres, you can really feel a world away...

An update on the hand progress...I have been in physical theraphy three times a week for three weeks now...I still cannot make a fist, but I am making progress. I gained about 4 degrees in flexibility between my last two appointments, and was at 72 degrees. ( It is supposed to be 100-110) With a little luck and time, perhaps I will be back to normal by the end of October. Although some swelling remains, the pain is minimal now, except when I excerise it in PT or when the weather is getting ready to change, as it is today.

Labor Day Joys

What a terrific weekend! Too bad they aren't all 3 days long!

We were able to enjoy the balloon glow last night, and woke up to the balloons overhead this morning. Each year, the balloon festival signals the true end of summer for those of us in Colorado Springs. And, each year, the balloons drift near our home, and the kids get up early to see them. One landed in the field just east of our home. Then we drove about a mile west to Venetucci's Farm to watch several of them land. It is so beautiful, and fun to watch!

Then we took the kids on a 30 minute road trip down to Happy Apple Farm in Penrose to pick our annual fall apple supply. The kids and Lori picked 16 lbs. of apples - four different varieties! So, I know I'll be packing an apple each in my lunch for the next several weeks!