And here it is....the few days before Christmas where everyone (including Mike and myself) push the envelope to get those last minute gifts. I know I am. We went to another concert this week: Bela Fleck & the Flecktones and hopefully if I can get the video uploaded (I noticed the last post didn't work, I'll have to fix that) so that you can view the amazing musical talent this group produces; plus its a really cool version of the 12 Days of Christmas. Neat-o.

Like I said, I am trying to get my life organized for the 17 1/2 hr drive to my Old Kentucky Home. I'm really not worried about it, I mean really if I can drive the ENTIRE thing by myself with the dogs while following a huge moving van going 60mph, I can do anything. Plus, Mike will be with us and we'll actually get to 75mph (80 while going through Kansas), if the weather allows. But, as of now (and cross the fingers) everything looks good! And we're leaving at just the right time. The high in CO on Christmas day is only 20 degrees!! We're going to miss Nancy & James as they make their way South to Sanibel and we are heading East to Winchester...boo. But seeing them at Thanksgiving was pretty amazing.

Mike and I have been discussing moving into the Rockies.....relax. It's just a discussion. But who wouldn't want to live in the mountains in a mountain cabin with room to roam? Our little subdivision house is getting quite smooshed. Smooshed? Well, you know what I mean. We're cramped and feel suburbanized. Not exactly the Colorado experience we were looking for, but good golly, we love it here so much. So, just be prepared our year in CO might be extended to include a little more time. Just Sayin'.

I am so incredibly thankful for the amount of family/friends that we'll see during this visit!! From Louisville, Winchester, Sandy Hook, Huntington, and even catch some Henderson on our way home! We'll cover the whole state! YAY! Work is really slow right now (not complaining since I've got so much stuff to do at home) so I'll be done early everyday this week. Mike is still working his little buns off for UPS, that's done on Thursday. Still looking/sending in resumes for camp jobs...we'll keep ya posted!

Love Wins!!!

I have a dream...

To be on the Price is Right!!! Sounds a little absurd I know! But the SNF that I'm working at has it on almost every day, and you know how old people are about their Price is Right. Now, some are a little bitter that Drew Carey took over, but it was time for Bob Barker to go. Anyway. I'm trying to convince Mike to add LA to our list of places to go so I can get my chance to "come on down!!'". Basically what it comes down to is that I want to be on a game show. We all have our dreams, right?

Mike and I went to Vail this past weekend to see a free concert by Robert Randolph & the Family Band and it was AMAZING. It snowed the entire concert (which is a new concert experience in itself) and thanks to my toe warmers and dancing I stayed really quite warm. We can't wait to go up there and ski. Here we are enjoying the show:



Christmas is coming soon and I can hardly wait! I hope that you have been enjoying the Jimmy Buffett Christmas song on my profile. We are so excited to spend time with our family and friends. PLUS a true S & G farm bonfire is taking place and we all know what kind of fun that brings. Oh, I do hope we can keep the fire department away this year. I am not excited, however, about driving 34hrs within a week with 2 big dogs and lots of luggage. Pray for good weather and safe travels. Our Christmas shopping is basically done....and I'm getting Mike the COOLEST pressent this year. Can't pick it up until Christmas Eve but I'll post a picture of it. AH-mazing. Mike got me snow boots, fitting and appropriate don't you think??

Work is going well. Dogs are happy. Life is good. Home is calling. Love you!! Love Wins!

Here is a video of part of the show we saw on Sunday!!

Fuzzy Little Hippie Girl

I found a jewel of a YouTube piece and I've decided to share it. Heard this little ditty on the fine radio station here in the Denver area last night and just couldn't stop laughing/dancing/singing. Make sure you catch the nice group of "fuzzy little hippie girls" that dance on the stage in the middle of the song. I think this is enough for today. Life is good. Love Wins!

Do I have to go to work?

Good inevitively brings bad, right? After pondering all the good things that have been going on, the bad things seem to be lurking in the corners ready to pounce. As I prepare myself to go to work tomorrow, the thought crossed my mind that I haven't shared my most recent drama concerning my job.

Problem:

SunHealthcare owns 3 Long Term Care/Skilled Nursing Facilities within the Denver area. I was working for 2 for about a month, driving back and forth daily, getting paid for my time between buildings and mileage. I knew this wouldn't last forever as the building in Aurora (called Sable Care Center) had developed a growing caseload that was definitely suitable for one full-time SLP. I just assumed that they would hire someone and I would return to Bear Creek Nursing & Rehab where I was originally hired on full-time. Another CFY from the 3rd building in the Denver area was also helping out at Sable and we talked daily how it was inconvenient and how they just needed to hire someone b/c the caseload was growing (that's a good thing!). Meanwhile at Bear Creek the caseload was dropping, quickly. They could barely keep enough work on for the 3 othe SLPs that were there and several days I didn't go into Bear at all b/c of the low caseload. It was all bad news from there. Last Friday the Rehab manager mentioned that the Regional Director of Rehab was coming into talk to us about the position and what the next step was regarding this crazy 2 building status. Basically, they brought me into a room, explained what a GREAT therapist I was and then told me that I was going to be at Sable full time. They made it seem like I was the better therapist between the 2 of us and like it was a good opportuinty for me to "spread my wings". Convenient that Bear Creek could not support me and Elm's Haven (where the other CFY works) could better "absorb" her time and productivity. *Heavens don't EVEN get me started on productivity* Options? none. This building, area and other therapists are a far stretch from what my original building is like. I would be the ONLY SLP (which is why I didn't take the job in SC) trying to build and maintain a caseload in a building which is having major Nursing and management issues. Great. Not to mention the drive is ridiculous and we rented this house b/c of the, duh, location close to work. Unbelieveable, and it makes me mad at this very moment just thinking about it again. Aurora is, well, very diverse and multi-cultural. I had my first only Spanish speaking dysphagia patient recently, for example. Now that was a good time.

Solution:

What is the solution anyway? What other option did I have? Either I take the job at Sable, or I don't have a job. Simple as that. So, I took the job at Sable leaving behind my supervisor, my other very supportive SLPs, great interdisciplinary team, clean and healthy building, and good Rehab candidates. My CFY is complete in March, but depending on how long Mike and I stay here why would I pursue another job? I have to keep telling myself it's a good professional move....something I can put on a resume of "building my caseload", "creating programs", etc. Who am I kidding. It sucks. I hate it. And I'm still mad at Bear Creek for hiring me if they knew they couldn't fully support 4 SLPs. Rah. Alas, the solution is to suck it up, be a big girl and learn something from this situation. I would gladly accept professional advice from those who have experienced lateral moves like this that turn out to be, not so lateral.

Do I have to go to work? YES....but..so does Mikey! He got the seasonal help as a driver helper for UPS starting tomorrow. That's a good thing! Hey, thanks for listening. Love Wins!

A very thankful Thanksgiving.

Much has happened since the last blog that I've made a decision regarding my blogging status; A weekly update is necessary. Do you agree? I guess I never realized:

1.) how many people actually take the time to read my musings, and
2.) how much stuff I have to say (how much of it is important, you can decide).

There is an unusual feeling of freedom after completing a blog that I consider quite an achievement considering my writing has declined significantly since I graduated from Grad School. I am thankful for the opportunity to create my own space that screams 'Lynsey'.

Moving on. Thanksgiving here at the Curry household was absolutely, positively, controlled chaos thanks to these very special family members that came to the Rockies for a visit:
YAY for my sister, James, Josie & Caleb! Dull moments just don't occur when you have 2 kids, 2 dogs and 4 adults in a house - don't forget all the love! We played, skied, toured, and ate - but high on the priority list was catching up on life. Those everyday moments that seem to pass by become so important when time is limited. We'll miss the Jaeger family at Christmas time since they will be heading South as we are heading East. Oh boy. Christmas is coming...and quickly! Anyway, we thoroughly enjoyed their company and we hope that their experience of Colorado creats a desire deep within to come visit again.


The Ray LaMontagne show was, in my opinion, life changing. Music has always shaped and molded my inner being and to see passion, true passion, within an artist is inspirational. I caught myself closing my eyes and soaking in the beauty...like you do when you know you're in a "moment" while looking at some scenery, or visiting with a friend and you don't want it to end. I could have listened to him for days and never tire of his melodic licks and striking lyrics. Here he is, blurry and all because they didn't allow flash in this theater (which was unbelieveably beautiful). I've never, ever, been that close to an artist. We're talking close enough to identify difficult notes by the type of face he made. Close enough to determine which songs the artist jams to by the dancing of his feet. Close enough to see that his nose was rather large. Have to take the good w/ the bad, I suppose.

This is how it made us feel:

And now, for the wildlife section of my blog. ELLLLLLLLLKKKKK!!

This big guy, and his 3 buddies, were just hanging out grabbing a snack behind tons of houses in a little park. We walk this way almost daily and as Mike was walking the dogs last week he noted something a little odd. An elk was standing in the middle of the sidewalk. Holy Cow!

I'll admit, this was a very random blog to catch you up on life. Too many different stories and each needed its own posting. I'm slowly picking up on the ways of the blogging world. Final word: I'm thankful....for my life. Love Wins!

Now I'm really excited! Blogger allowed me to acutally upload a video! Here are our dogs enjoying snow-time in CO:

Sunday Mornin'

Good Sunday Morning. Here is what I woke up to this Sunday morning in November:



No complaints though. I'm up before Mike, enjoying some Ray Lamontagne , eating some oatmeal and watching it snow, snow, snow. The snow here is so white. So puffy. So extremely delicate that it hurts me to see cars drive through our neighborhood and damage something so perfect. It is quite beautiful, and quite different from snow in my old Kentucky home. This is only our 2nd real snow this season and I'm actually, whoah, enjoying it. But, to put it all into perspective, we still have 6 more months of winter. Really then, I'm just holding my breath until I develop cabin fever so bad that I long to desperately move to the beach. I know, right?

Things are moving along swiftly here in Colorado...time doesn't slow down, does it? My wonderful family is coming to visit this weekend!! This snow is really going to help the skiing we'll be doing a week from today! Josie thinks that there is snow on the ground all the time in Colorado; she wanted to know if "we can build a snowman when we get there." I think Nancy had to share the bad news that yes, there is an abundance of snow, but no, it doesn't snow all the time. Speaking of my family, S & G farm is now 2 less greyhounds. I shared a picture a while back with me posing with both greyhounds, Tika and Gracie when we went to visit in August. Here they are again:
Gracie passed away recently of old age and dad had to put Tika down as her cancer was starting to really impact her quality of life. Mom shared with me that the Skaggs/Jaegers spread their ashes around the farm this weekend. I couldn't think of another way to be more respectful and loving to a canine that was so respectful and loving to us. Espeically as both were rescued from the racetrack that could have likely ended their life much, much earlier. Remember that blog about separating emotions from logic, yeah. Just can't do it.

Friday the 13th came around and I kicked its butt! There is an awesome radio station here, 97.3 KBCO, that Mike and I are obsessed with. They play the awesome hippie music that we listen to and give away AWESOME prizes and such. I thought my XM would top any radio station, but there is really something to say about the local radio station. Anyway. I had been trying all week to win tickets to see Ray LaMontagne (his music should be playing on my blog, check him out on iTunes as well) at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on the 17th or 18th (2 nights!). So, like normal, around 6:30am was the "much too early for a question, question" where you have to be the 3rd caller and answer a question. I had developed a plan of taking my laptop upstairs by the radio along with both cell phones, dailing and searching the web for the answer (those question were HARD). No luck for Lynsey all week...until....you guessed it....FRIDAY! Totally wasn't caller #3, but lucky for me, he didn't know the answer. I answered correctly and won FRONT ROW TICKETS to see Ray AND a pair of tickets to see the Nutcracker!!! I've mentioned to Mike several times about how I'd like to see the Nutcracker, just to do something fun! Now, we get to go for freeeeeee! Happy Friday the 13th to me!

Okay, probably should get off this couch and go do something productive.....but I'm leaving you with a great little Ray LaMontange tune called Empty:




Love always wins!

Pros & Cons

I love nights to de-stress and examine life. A quiet house, quiet dogs, a good show on the tube and a good book in the works (The Time Traveler's Wife) make for a great evening. Well, almost a great evening. The weather people are calling for the first big snow of the season starting at midnight tonight and continuing through Thursday night. Up to 10 inches of snow will accumulate between these times. I have never in my life experienced a snow storm in October. Oh well, just chalk it up to living in Colorado. Mike and I are actually planning on going skiing next weekend if the snow continues up on the mountains (p.s. it's supposed to snow up to 2ft up there, yipes!). Staying positive, remember? Attempting to, anyway....there are always negatives that seem to engulf every attempt at a positive.

Like driving to the other facility everday from now until Christmas, arg. I heard that news recently and about flipped my lid. I thought I was hired in Morrison permanently, which is why we chose to find a house about 10 min away. Now, I'm driving a good 45 min to a building which should have a full-time SLP; however the SLP that was there previously only kept about 5 people on caseload and basically half-assed her way through. Now that she is gone, the company doesn't think the building can handle a f/t SLP, which is bull malarky. I am splitting the building with another SLP-CF and we have already identified and picked up 11 residents that need cognitive/dysphagia tx. That's within 3 weeks. So, what I'm hoping for is that they will see the need and hire someone earlier. But of course, there are always speed bumps, like the fact that SunBridge is being bought by SunDance Rehab. Not a big deal considering they are both under the SunHealthcare umbrella but basically all new hires are on hold. So, I'm stuck. Ok. Positive:

*The other 2 buildings in the Denver area owned by Sunbridge have had cut hours, Bear Creek has not. I'm still able to get 40hrs/wk...and I will get those hours as long as I travel to Sable. We are slow at Bear right now and I would be going home early. Positive.
*The experience at another building will be good for me. I have to learn how to deal with other therapists, CNAs, staff, and residents that are completely different than the ones at Bear Creek. Sable in Aurora is much more diverse and multi-cultural which is a good thing. Positive.
*Who am I kidding? It's just until Christmas. Ah! Christmas when I get to go home. Positive.

Whew, I often wonder if I am being a little dramatic about this whole situation. I just spent a good 3 paragraphs sifting through this situation so I think it's time I just let it go. *big sigh* Anyway. Mike and I went to church on Sunday which was a total blessing, but we just didn't get a good vibe from the church. It was only our second experience there, but, I can't really explain it, we just didn't like it (for a lack of better explanation). I've come to the conclusion that I miss my friends terribly and if I don't get involved in a small group I might go crazy. It really does make you appreicate the true friends that you've mad in your life. So, we'll try another church on Sunday and continue to pray about where we should be. My relationship with the Lord has been rocky lately anyway, doubt has crept it's way in and really clouded my view of Christianity. Anyone have any suggestions? Anyone been in the same place? I'm stagnant....and I hate that feeling.

Holy crap. Why am I being so negative?? Boo. Cheer up, Charlie. Life is ultimately good! The Lord is, get this, GOOD. Okay, so Mike found my dog the other day laying in his laundry basket. Ah, Chaco. Way to make my life smile. Love always wins. Let's leave it there for tonight.

Random Thoughts......

Happy Wednesday!

It snowed ALL day today. Not much accumulation since it was 74 on Sunday, but the snow covered our dish and Mike had to clean it off. What the crap! That's so not right. I saw on TV where Halloween costumes in Colorado need to work a parka into their wardrobe. I thought that was very fitting! We actually get to sit outside (or, not so much) and pass out candy this year. This is the first time EVER that I've done this considering S & G Farm is not a popular spot for Trick or Treaters. Last year I attempted to sit outside the Blackhawk Grille & pass out candy, but it was too cold and I wussied out. I think we'll have to sit inside this year, for sure. I wanted to dress up the dogs, Mike nixed this idea quickly. Don't you think Chaco would be a cute witch? I thought so too. Help me convince him!

Here is life recently:

We went to the NLDS game where the Rockies lost to the Phillies. Boo. But, it was one of the most exciting baseball games I've ever been to. We love Coors Field...might have to purchase some season tickets next year.















Holy Cow there were a lot of people!



Ha Ha! How does she get herself into situations like this? I swear the dog is made out of pudding.









YAY Evergreen. YAY for pretty days in October. YAY for hikes w/ the husband and dogs.



Work has been kind of frustrating again this week as I'm driving 40 min (50 min in traffic) to another building. Hopefully it's not a forever but just for now thing. I'll keep you posted. I HATE Denver traffic....there is NO way I will ever, ever, ever, live in a city; I don't see how people deal with it. Gross. Makes me want to build a house on S & G farm much, much sooner...or move into the mountains. Hummmmm.....Decisions Decisons. Love Wins! Love you!

I surrender all.

First, I'd like to state that I NEVER thought I would be one of these people, but somehow, someway, unconditional love snuck up on me.

My dog (that's all I have to say and I bet you know where I'm going with this). My psychotic, spastic, underwear eating, wallet demolishing, shoe chewing, and glove eating dog has done it again. This time, she hasn't ruined anything (not even the frozen chicken on the counter, although she's done that in the past). No, this time my dog has taught me something completely different - agape love. Growing up I was surrounded with animals, none of which were my own but belonged to the farm. I dealt with death often, heck, the cattle we raised were to be slaughtered. Anyway, I never attached my emotions to an animal, in fact, I often laughed at those clients my dad had that wanted to spend the extra $200 bucks for the surgery that MIGHT keep them alive. I gawked at those that dropped the extra cash to have my dad see them after hours when he clearly stated they would be okay till the morning. But now, now my friends, things have changed. I never thought I would allow myself to attach emotions to animals, why would I; I mean, they're just animals....right? They don't reason, they have no insight, mine has POOR problem solving, they're a pest, they take up a lot of time, they have too much energy, they are expensive, and they stink. Especially after a day of swimming. They're just animals, right? Welllllllll, within these past 2 1/2 years my dog has seen me cry, laugh, get married (get a brother!), finish graduate school, and move to Colorado. All of this while never leaving my side. Dogs completely rely on their owners to be responsible and trust willingly on a human being to provide every need. And if that doesn't relate to a relationship with Christ, I don't know what does. In addition, it made me think about how much I truly love my dog, despite those hideous cons mentioned above. You can't get mad at a dog when they do wrong, it does no good. Its best just to let life roll on. It's that agape love that a dog has for their owner and visa versa that has me baffled and concluded I've become one of those people that would go the extra mile for their, gasp, pet. How did I get here? Is this healthy? I've tried to cut the apron strings, but how do you get rid of that gut reaction when your husband calls you to say that your dog has run off, again. So, I guess my conclusion remains, my dog has successfully taught me how to love without condition. Neat.

ALSO! I have finally settled into my job and feel comfortable with the forms, evals, co-workers, doctors and building. Only to have to be transfered to another building in Aurora for half days this week. Boo. Anyway....I'll leave you with a picture of my adorable Chaco. Love Wins!

Is this Love that I'm feeling?

Taos, NM

I'm listening to some Bob Marley at the moment, trying to figure out how to recap my weekend. Picture Storytime :::

1. Chaco ate a bee & it stung her in the mouth. She had a fat lip for a couple hours...Mike said it looked like she had eaten something until he pulled out the stinger. HA! You have to admit that's funny.


2. We had to pull off the side of the road to take a picture of THIS! A full moon coming up in New Mexico, breathtaking.

3. We went for a hike; here's the Wrigglenator blazing the trail for us.

Happy Campers! The weather was perfect, warm in the daytime and pretty darn chilly at night. Everyone there dressed like a picture out of Patagonia magazine. I want to look like a dirty hippie all day and be okay with that. I've said for many years I'd like to have dreads. I won't, I won't...it's just one of those things I wish I could.

4. Sometimes I wonder if taking care of kids will be like taking care of dogs. Nevertheless, these are our kiddos for now, and they were looking pretty darn cute here. There is some color in the background, but that's about as red as it got. All the trees around here just turn yellow, and look dead (I guess essentially they are). Not exciting at all. But do you know what IS exciting?


5. A TARANTULA! I never thought I'd see one of them in the wild, but here he was just taking a stroll right in our path. Holy guacamole! Creepy, too? Right?

6. You know how I said that the trees were yellow, well, here is a picture that will make you appreciate yellow:7. Taos Annual Wool Festival was happening! Probably one of the coolest things I've seen in a long time. These people were crazy about their wool & yarn. They even brought their animals. Ever seen a rabbit like this?

Looks fake, right? Nope, it's real. Just like this alpaca, which I'm grateful for because it allowed me to purchase this kick ass beanie.


I think Chaco needs a beanie. Okay, maybe not, but the festival motivated me to investigate my creative side. Like, knitting. So, I bought some yarn and wooden needles and began to make a scarf.

8. Here's what I got so far, no laughing from the peanut gallery that consists of pro knitters. Definitely got a long row to hoe (don't think I've ever used that idiom in written form, is that right?).

9. Okay, one more handmade project that was birthed during this weekend: A collar made out of hemp! Won't be long before Wrigley has one, just have to convince Mike it's cool. Are we at #10 already? 10. Go to www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=2149384&id=48200753&ref=mf to check out the rest of the pictures. There were a bunch that I wasn't able to post on here. Overall, I love family road trips!! We've got to do them more often....I think our next trip is to Wyoming! Have I mentioned that Nancy and clan are coming to CO for Thanksgiving? Josie & Caleb are so excited and I think James and Nancy are as well....YAY family! Okay, thanks to Bob Marley I've made it past 11:00pm; past my old, knitting woman bedtime :) Love Wins! Love you!

Adventures with more Currys!

Ken and Becki came to stay with us! Again, I know I've said it before, it's so nice to have visitors. It was a beautiful day to be on a train ride and the Royal Gorge Bridge itself was way up above canyon. It was about a 3 hr drive to get to Canon City, but I'm convinced that no part of CO is ugly. We went to a Rockies Game as well, which happened to be on the same day that it snowed at work. Big wet flakes, but snow nonetheless.

SNOW! I don't think I've ever been this excited to welcome winter to Colorado, but I have good reason; Mike and I bought our ski passes this week! Which means - we can ski at Keystone, Breckenridge, and A-Basin unlimited throughout the season and we get 10 passes to either Vail or Beaver Creek. Yeah Yeah! We have our own skis now too....so basically we just make the 1 1/2 hr trek to the resorts, get out of our car, and hit the slopes. No rentals. No passes. No stress. I just hope we don't injure ourselves trying to be professional skiers. It has been a while since I've been on the slopes and they say skiing in Colorado is unlike anything on the East Coast. See, what I'm doing here is trying to stay positive and psyche myself up for a winter that people around here say is going to be brutal. Because last winter was so mild, this one is supposed to be really bad. It's at times like these that I wonder if I made the wrong choice of jobs. South Carolina weather sounds really good right about now! But, who am I kidding? We are so happy here...and that makes it all worth it. In fact, Mike got his CO drivers license and plates so he is a true CO resident.

Also, while Ken and Becki were here we drove up to the 14er Pike's Peak. I didn't know this, but apparently, Pike's Peak is where the inspiration for "America the

Beautiful". It was, in fact, beautiful (and cold, about 32 degrees up there).

Aren't we cute? The drive up to Pike's Peak was real sketch, but definitely worth it. We are such adventurers!

I am just amazed how life seems to move along rather quickly. It's almost October which means we have been here almost 4 months. Mike's birthday is Tuesday so we are heading to Taos, NM with the dogs next weekend. It'll be good to see other places while we're out here. Las Vegas is on the list next. The job continues to teach me humility....but....I'm learning more and more about myself daily. And it's good for me.

I am so blessed. I'll update after our weekend in Taos...hopefully we'll have some really cool pictures. Love Wins!

They think that happiness is a mat that sits on her doorway.....

So much for updating more than once a week. Somehow, I just find myself completely exhausted and thinking that writing my thoughts down would be way to taxing. But that's a lie. I've got to vomit up all of these thoughts rolling around in my head. You ask, what's gone on this week? Let me share:

1. We took a hike to Shelf Lake in bfe colorado....ended up hiking in sunshine, snow, sleet, and rain. All within a 5hr period. See, here sunshine:


















and here...winter:

2. I have reasons to be incredible thankful for my life....more importantly...reasons to be thankful for the family in my life.

3. Marriage, at times, is rough. Who labeled "happily ever after" anyway? Mike and I are reading a book called Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. It's really opening up some doors for us to discuss areas that walls grew around, without notice. No one tells you what to do when the mundane everyday sets in. Advice? Have I mentioned that I do love my husband? He just brought me some of our homemade ice cream. <3>day?? The entire situation is a humbling experience for me, and I'm okay with that. I'm actually very lucky to be studying underneath her. I'm going to (and have already) learn so much about my field. Staying positive here.

6. I love our dogs:

7. The in-law are coming!!!! Ken and Becki come in on Friday and stay until Wednesday! Our trip includes: Royal Gorge train tour, Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Rockies Game, Red Rocks, etc. etc. etc. Which reminds me, I've really got to do some cleaning.

8. I don't know if I mentioned this in the last post, but, we bought SKIS! And boots. And gloves. And goggles. The local sports store has a huge annual sale of last years ski stuff, and for that we are so thankful. Now we are offically ready for the CO winter. And from what I've heard, it's going to be quite the winter; apparently last winter was really mild. Bring it ON!

9. I miss S&G Farm. I miss Ale8s. I miss *gasp* Winchester.

10. Wow, I thought I would stop at 5. Look at me! Another reason to blog more than once a week. See, what did I tell you...thought vomit.

Until next time blog readers. I bid you farewell. Remember, Love always wins!

"It was Labor Day weekend, I was 17......

I bought a coke and some gasoline....and I drove out to the county fair.
When I saw her for the first time she was, standing there in the ticket line.
And it all started right then and there. Oh a sailor sky made a perfect sunset,
And that's a day I'll never forget."

Every Labor Day that rolls around makes me think about this Tim McGraw song...and the time in which it came out and I WAS 17. Where gasoline (and a car for that matter) was a huge deal. Not to mention the Clark County Fair was a pretty big event ;) Ah, the joys of growing up in a small town. Little did I know that 8 years later I would be WORKING on the only day that it's legal to miss work, just because. What's that about anyway? Another perk of working in healthcare, right? That's what I keep telling myself. Well, not going to lie, the paid 8hrs + the 6hrs I worked on top of that will definitely HELP the money situation at home. So, let's segway into the fact that money will be coming in from my other half...that's right! Mike got a job!!! It's a part time job as a climbing wall instructor (which he is waaaaaaaayyyyy over-qualified for) but hopefully it will lead into something full time. It's at the local Parks and Recreation Center down the road in Littleton. The facility has closed the climbing wall for 2 years and just re-opened it this summer; looking for some good programming...hey! I know someone who has TONS of experience in programming - my husband! It's the Lord. All that stress- all that worry- it's all relative now. He's still looking for another part time job, hopefully in the same facility in order to work there all day. We're taking it one step at a time. But at least we've got our first steps :)







So, a new job. Work on a workless day. AND our first show at Red Rocks! The Allman Brothers Band was amazing! We had a blast dancing like hippies in a crowd of...well...mostly hippies. It's quite entertaining.









The red rocks begin to come alive as people work their way inside the amphitheater...and the energy that the crowd brings is fabulous! It makes me so thankful for music & concerts. One of the many things that Mike and I truly enjoy together. I hope we continue to enjoy these precious moments that will shape our past.




So, rewinding to about a week before the show, Mike and I went to a Colorado Sky Sox game; the Triple A team for the Rockies. And lo and behold, my most favorite baseball player was on the team! MATT MURTON! He used to play with the Cubbies & is now with the Rockies....it was meant to be.....i mean, for me to follow his baseball career :)















Fast-forwarding until Labor Day weekend again, Sunday was a lazy day....and I loved it. And no, we didn't go to church. It makes me feel guilty. Finding a church has been incredibly difficult for us.....and I know I'm finding excuses. I am really understanding why people who haven't been to church, ever, don't want to go. Especially if they have had a memorable church experience (and i don't mean a good one). It makes me want to be on a welcome commitee when new people visit so they feel, oh, i don't know, welcome? But, I'm not going to complain, going to let the Lord & the Holy Spirit work through that passion to make a difference in someone else.

Anyway. A long note to say, that life, as always, is good. Interesting. Beautiful. And content. Love Wins, ya'll. Love always wins.

We conquored the mountain in epic fashion.

Via Michael Curry.....we did conquor the mountain and have 159 more to go in order to catch up with the 60+ year old man that PASSED US on the way up to his 160th summit of a 14er. So, as we huffed and puffed, moaned and groaned, labored and perspirated to the top, ye old man had summited Gray's Peak and was on the 40min uphill battle to Torres Peak. We waved and wished him good luck, one was enough for us at the time.

We camped at the trailhead Sat night in order to get a head start on the crowd of people that would accompany us on the way up (and down I suppose). By the time 6:30am rolled around we were half asleep working our way up. I love my Eagle's Nest hammock and I haven't had the chance to use it in a long time. I used this camping opportunity to bust it out and enjoy its lovely company.

Obviously, Michael has missed its company as well. Who can resist a hammock, really? The dogs were all about climbing a mountain and at first were a pain to settle down as they knew something very exciting was up. We had to keep them on a leash for fear that they would chase the mountain goats or bighorn sheep and get demolished. The mountain animals here aren't as docile as the deer in KY and WV. Chaco did manage to slip from my hand a couple of times in order to chase a Pica (we learned this from a veteran 14er), a rodent/rabbit type animal that lives in the crooks and crannies of this terrain. We were way past the vegetation line and the fact that anything lived this high up was amazing.

After many rest breaks and the use of most of our water (2L for each of us) we reached the top. Exhausted, but relieved, the summit was more than generous in its view as we made the last step onto the top. Another huge section of the Rocky Mountains appeard out of nowhere and made me feel quite small. The dogs were curious, as usual, to what was on the other side of the mountain but other people/dogs kept them busy for a while. We saw several kids summit this mountain as well....one, in fact, had to pee real bad. His mom kept saying, "Just point it that way!!!" As we passed, the father mentioned something like "Someone has already threatened to call Social Services on us!" And to this we all kind of scuffed and scrowled. He continued, "I would be harming my child if I let him sit on the couch all day!" I guess one hiker decided he would pass judgement on this family saying that they were harming their child by bringing them on such an extensive hike. Mike and I agreed that if the child was healthy, happy, and well hydrated that there would be no reason NOT to bring him on the hike. But, to each his own.

Anyway....here's the family photo of the summit of Gray's Peak:


August 23rd, 2009
14,270 ft.
9th highest peak in Colorado

"You know, Lynsey," Mike said, "Mt. Everest is twice this size. It's at 29,000ft." Holy cow! I thought I had to be on top of the world, but, I guess Mt. Everest would laugh in my face. After some snacks and more water, we started the hike down. My knees are still not happy with the downhill climb, but we made it down in 1 hr and 15 min faster than the way up. That should tell you something about the elevation gain. About 3100ft in 4 miles.

Here we are, happy to be back at the Jeep!

After showing the light of day to our feet, we threw everything in the back and climbed in the Jeep for the hour trip home. Mike came up with GREAT idea that we should stop at a brewery in Idaho Springs called Tommyknocker Brewery and eat some real food (and try a beer, of course). I agreed in full and we scarfed down the dinner and headed home. A 2hr nap was in store when we arrived home and a sore body joined me in the morning when I rolled out of bed.

Overall, it was an amazing trip and we are ready to attempt our next 14er. I must say I was a little nervous at first, but now that we have one under our belt, the best is yet to come! We want to live it up while we're here and experience Colorado to the fullest. Ski season is right around the corner, ya'll. Love wins. Love you!