Horseback riding...twenty years later

As a belated birthday present (for me) Drew and I finally went horseback riding this past weekend.  I was a little nervous since the only fond memories flashbacks I have of horseback riding come from an ill-fated overnight trip at Woodward camp (a gymnastics camp in Pennsylvania) when I was eight or nine.  All I can remember is that I made the mistake of putting my hair half up (tight and on top of my head, because that was cool back then) and then having to wear a riding helmet.  A few minutes into the ride my ponytail holder was drilling a hole into the top of my head under the helmet with every bumpy step - and I was too shy to say anything about it.  So I lived with it, for the whole day.  The fact that I remember that detail tells you something, right?  I can't remember the horse at all but I remember the ponytail debacle, and that has been enough to keep me from riding for oh, about twenty years or so.  Why I decided to do this for my birthday, you ask?  I'm not sure - I just bet that pretty fall colors and mountain views had something to do with it (damn pretty colors...they get me every time).

Well after that intro you probably think that we had a horrible time.  We didn't at all - it was pretty fun!  Sure I was nervous at first, and I didn't wear my cowgirl hat 'cause I thought like I might look like I was trying too hard, and anytime we got to a canter I thought I was going to fall out of my saddle (luckily that wasn't all that often) - but overall it was great!  We did a half day ride and we were the only people who booked that day, so we had the trip, and guide, all to ourselves.  I think that made a world of difference - Drew has a hard time when he feels like he's in a "class" since he has the "I can do anything, even the first time" mentality - and he's usually always right.

So we went out with our guide Leah, and after a little horse recall at about a mile or so (apparently we got out before the owner got there and he needed a few of the horses we were on) we ended up with Merle in the lead (begrudgingly), me on Intrepid in the middle, and Drew bringing up the rear on Jonesy.  All beautiful, even Merle who was a donkey/horse mix.  He looked like a Merle, and acted like one, too.  Merle was stubborn and ornery, and we didn't know it at the time but he just truly didn't want to lead the show.  He did much better when Leah finally gave up the lead and let us go ahead.  Merle seemed to fall right in line after that, as if that's what he wanted all along and it was us (ridiculous people) who just couldn't get it right.  Drew took the lead on Jonesy and all was right with the world.  My horse, Intrepid, just liked to be up close and personal with Jonesy's behind - and seemed content to stay there the whole trip no matter how much space I tried to create.

So yes we were sore the next day, but the experience, and the views were well worth it.  We had incredible views of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, and even Turquoise Lake (complete with campsites - that's where we're considering taking the canoe one of these weekends).  I got over the whole ponytail debacle (no helmets this time, but I was prepared either way) and even had a fun time nuzzling with my man Intrepid afterwards before we left to drive back home.  I had the camera most of the time, so get ready for some pictures of the "behind the scenes" pictures.  Or maybe scenes of the "behinds".  Ha...

Lake Isabelle

So I just realized that I forgot to post any Lake Isabelle pictures!  Not that there's anything particularly interesting to our story, but it was a great hike with a beautiful alpine lake to cap it off.  If you are ever in the area, head up to Lake Brainard Rec Area and find the trail for Lake Isabelle.  You won't be disappointed, and it's only about 5 miles total (maybe 6) without any major uphill battles.  Not sure what it's like every year, but it seemed this year that July was the time to go - lots of running water, snow fields and even snow bridges up near the glacier (Lake Isabelle is fed by a glacier).  Lots of dogs on the trail - and why not, they've got a cool place to dip their paws after some hiking!  After all, it's part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness (those are the Indian Peaks behind Lake Isabelle in the pictures) which is open to dogs.

I sent these pics out in an email to parents a few weeks back - and my dad even commented that Lake Isabelle sure "is a belle"!  Funny, Dad.  ;) 

 See the waterfall in the middle of the picture above?  Yes?  That snow above is creating a snow bridge under which the water is flowing - overflow from Lake Isabelle!

Annual Killian Salmon Derby

If you're a Killian family follower you'll be happy to hear that the Killian Salmon Derby of 2011 went off without a hitch - unlike last year of course, where we had to cancel due to bad weather and choppy water.  Nope, in 2011 there was hardly a cloud in the sky, the biting flies of past years found their lunch elsewhere on the lake, and per usual it was a showdown between Mom and Grandpa for biggest fish.  Wouldn't be complete without the Wesco coffee to wash down the Dramamine, and donuts all around, either.

Drew and I left Colorado on a Friday afternoon bound for Blue Grass, Iowa.  We made it in around 4am, and spent the next day at the Mississippi Valley Fair with Tom and Mary Janet, stuffed ourselves with Rudy's Tacos and Whitey's Ice Cream (when in Iowa...) with Kurt, Rachel and the boys for company, and spent some time rough-housing with William until we bonked his head one too many times.  (With such a tall uncle you gotta watch out for a low hanging, or really any, ceiling!)

Sunday we traveled to Michigan and made it in just a few hours after Jason arrived from the Detroit airport (the Killian's sure make every effort to get back for fishing!).  We spent some time reminiscing about old friends (Dad had just gone to his high school reunion the night before) and beloved dogs (for those who don't know, my parents best bud Duster just passed away).  We even game some thought to names for the newest Labrador (a black lab!!) set to join the family if all goes well with a litter in September.  Monday we went fishing, Tuesday we lounged and mom and I made some plans for crafting (why buy pillows when your mom has a sewing machine!?).  Wednesday was blueberry picking and Thursday we were already back in the car with Jason in tow for a quick meet up with Jen in Chicago.  After a quick dinner we left Jason in Jen's capable hands so they could spend some time together before a big weekend of activities in the Kreb's world (a wedding and a half-marathon!).  We landed back in Blue Grass again for some golf, visiting grandmas, the zoo, and another fantastic meal before heading back to Colorado.

I could detail the fishing, but pictures do it best.  And also as usual, there were almost as many cameras on the boat as there were people (sometimes I wonder if we're a fishing family just so we can take the requisite pictures).  Which inevitably means that I'm not as diligent at capturing the moments since I know someone else is getting them, too.  Here's our excursion from the lens of my camera - if Jason or Dad send me some of their best shots to fill in the holes (Like my monster fish, where's that picture!!!???  Or either of my fish!). I'll be happy to post them.  :)

I'll just say this - Mom caught the big one right off the bat (we were all left to only hope for something half as big), everyone landed at least two fish and several people limited out at three, I got to enjoy my once a year donut (glazed twist, it's the only way to go), and we made Dad and Denny blush with our 10 year anniversary book.  We left Denny smiling and showing off all the pictures over the years to all the other captains at the pier.  I think we just made his marketing that much easier...

You shall be the sander...

So two weekends ago we finally found a patio set on Craigslist worth looking at, and spending just a little money on.  It was really a steal, but it came with "sanding and refinishing project" included.  Of course...  As if we could ever not have a project.  Really, without a house to work on, we sort of miss the major projects that use to occupy our weekends.  We're not complaining though, the mountains suit us just fine on a Sunday morning...

And so we handed over a few twenty dollar bills and loaded it up.  And it probably took us a half hour longer than it should have since the family selling it was just so nice and friendly, and TALKATIVE.  I believe I had a five minute conversation with their 7 year old about how to maximize the potential of her lemonade stand (or, Lemonde, as she spelled it quite proudly!).  Going for those French "le monde" buyers perhaps?  I told her since they were going to the park that she should take a bowl and fill it up with water for all the dogs walking by.  Perhaps their owners would let them come have a free drink, and then would be suckered (er, convinced) to buy some Lemonde from the generous young girl who refreshed their pet.  Yes, no?  I've never really done this before - I was trying to help.  Her mom thought it was a good idea.

Anyways, back on track.  Our plan is to break down as many pieces as seem feasible, sand, wood glue, wood filler, sand again, stain, put back together, and finally seal the whole shebang.  It'll take awhile, I know.  Since I'm home during the day right now (ehhhhhh....) Drew crowned me Queen Sander.  He's more of a take apart kind of guy, anyways.