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!

God is good. Beer is great. People are Crazy.

I could eat an entire box of Vanilla Wafers. Anyone with me on that one?

Oh! Long time no see friends. I have such good intentions of updating my blog more than once a week, but I just can't seem to get it together. Well, I have had some great visitors recently that have kept me busy:


My best friend from back home KY came to visit. We toured the Coors Brewery (yay free beer!):

And I cut my hair (finally)! It was driving me crazy so I told the salon to chop it off. I'm dealing with it okay, not having a ponytail is disturbing, but it's a good sacrifice. Anyway. We went hiking up to Mt. Evergreen and toured downtown Denver for a night as well. It was a fabulous weekend and I've had to savor the visit as our next visitors don't arrive until the middle of September when Mr. Michael Curry will be (gasp!) the big 3-0!!!! Ken and Becki are coming up to celebrate! "Celebrate we will, 'cause life is short but sweet for certain" -DMB

Until Ken and Becki arrive we are going to keep busy, I hope. This weekend, for example, we are going camping! It'll be interesting as we have to take the dogs.....but I think we'll car camp to see how they do and then maybe do some backpacking before the fall shows up. We are also planning on hiking a "14er" - a.k.a. a mountain higher than 14,000 feet in elevation. Pretty stoked about that too. The weather here has been absolutely fantastic! The no humidity thing is the one single reason everyone living in KY should move to Colorado. Everyone here says it's been such a mild and wet summer, no one is complaining! We've been on and off with the running and my lungs and legs kick me every time I wait a week to run. I think I've mentioned before how running improve my discipline with other areas so if I get that in check, everything else seems to roll easier. Don't know whats going to happen when winter arrives. Going to have to suck it up and pay for a gym somewhere around here.
Creepsters huh? That's what we thought, too!

Work is getting easier (kind of) and life outside of work is improving as I am more relaxed and confident. My first 3 month evaluation for my CFY is on September 9th. I cannot believe I've been there 3 months. That is absolutely ridiculous. I continue to be blessed as Mike and I have a place to live, food to eat, and a loving Savior who loves regardless of the mess I've made of my life. That's it up till now. We'll keep ya updated about the first camping trip in Colorado. I know for a fact that I'll pack the warm sleeping bag, it's getting down in the 40s at night here!!! I love you my dear friends. Love wins!

Welcome to Elliott County, Kentucky. Welcome to the Skaggs Family Reunion.....it happened exactly how I had imagined. The deep, deep roots of this family reside in this small, Eastern Kentucky town. I have never been more proud and thankful for a close knit family as I was this past weekend. AND I feel doubly blessed as my in-laws share the same values with regard to the beauty & dynamic nature of a family. It works together almost so seamlessly that I forget not every family is this blessed. So, today, if you are reading this, give a little shout out to the Lord and thank Him for the family in you life. You don't know what you have, truly, until you're gone (or move to Colorado). The creek (or, crick, if you prefer) seen in this picture is where my sister Nancy was baptized by our Uncle Roger. I mean really people, who can say that? I'm so proud, you have no idea.





I've quit playing my guitar for the most part, but busted it out for the family reunion and baby did I play those G, C & D chords perfectly! Ok, so maybe I threw in an F or A minor, but bluegrass music is so forgiving. And I really just sat in the background and marveled at my cousins and Aunt Tricia. I think I take after her:




I just can't stop thinking about how much support Mike & I have been given to make this transition. Although I think dad is the first to say once we have those "red headed grandkids" it is necessary to head on back home. And I'm okay with that. And speaking of my dad, I have seen an incredible change in him in the past few years, espically since Nancy had Josie. Okay, so maybe it's more me, but nevertheless, his heart melts for those kids and I can just imagine he was the same way with me and my sisters. For years I struggled with his Love Language, as it was much, much different than mine. An for years I never appreciated him as a dad, yes, he was the provider, the guardian, the rock that held the family together; but I never REALLY took the time to see the inside. The guts, if you will. And my folks, does this man have some guts. At 65 he still works with his animals, why? Because he loves it. Why? Because he understands what it's like to hurt, when to let go, when to give a little love tap, and when to be quiet. The beauty of an animal is that it can't express wants/needs and you have to observe its actions to determine the problem. For example, here are two greyhounds, one, Gracie is 15 (the oldest greyhound dad has ever seen) and the other is Tika who was recently diagnosed with bone cancer (I saw the xray, not good). Both dogs need extra TLC and dad does what he can to make their life comfortable. He understands, but he can separate the emotions from the logical and when its time to put them down, he will do so with grace and peace. Reason # 551000000 I love my dad.




Mike is on his annual Baseball and Brews Tour. Pray that he returns safely. Spending time with the boys makes me miss my Huntington girls! But alas! Sarah is coming to vist in like a week from tomorrow. Have I mentioned I love visitors? Have I mentioned I love my family? Oh, and I miss my non-working husband. Anyone have any connections to the Park and Recreation field in Denver? Anyway. I'm continuing to eat it up here, loving it as usual. Really hard to leave home though, I cried....but it's just goodbye for now, not goodbye forever. I can just picture our house now at my favorite spot on the farm :) Ahhhhh the future holds endless possibilities. I truly enjoy blogging, and I hope that you enjoy reading about life in the Curry (Denver Curry) household.

Love wins. Love you.

We are Family.

FAMILY ---------------------------------------------

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.

~Desmond Tutu

I have to say that I am so thankful for family. We had such an amazing week and I can't believe they are already gone :( But. We had an incredible time climbing mountains, drinking beer, watching baseball, joking & laughing, and truly enjoying each other's company. It was a well needed break from trying to make people like you at work just so you have someone to talk to. Life does go on. And here I am beginning another week of work fun and daily humbling experiences. Colorado has a way to rejuvenate you though, every weekend that I go hiking I seem to come back refreshed and ready to take on the week...I'm already planning outdoor weekends in advance. Like the trip to Taos, NM for Mike's 30th birthday! Exciting!

This weekend, however, is the annual Skaggs Family Reunion. Filled with familiar faces and names that only make it to the tip of my tongue. Smorgasbord of food adorns 10 tables pushed together and we all shake our head in awe of Cousin Larry's house. It's that first "Can I have your attention" by Uncle Wayne that truly brings us together; celebrating births, deaths, marriages and other achievements. Even though granny and grandaddy are gone, the family still grows. Out. and Out. Healthy. Happy. I am so grateful for my Eastern Kentucky roots.

"Lord I'm lonesome for Kentucky,

Dixie's Darlin' my pride and joy,

Yeah I'm lonesome for the Bluegrass Country,

'Cause I'm a Bluegrass Country boy.

I see those blue misty mountains in the moonlight,

And hear the sound of the wind in the pines,

the lonesome pines,

Lord I'm lonesome for the Bluegrass Country

And for the Bluegrass home of mine."

-Del McCoury Band

Ok, so back to the weekend. We dined for David's birthday:

We cheered on the Rockies Baseball Team:

We climbed a mountain:

And we visited the locals:

Oopsie, that one is crooky.

All in a days work, ya'll.

Basically, life continues to move on, whether we are prepared for it or not. Colorado keeps getting better and better.....but we know there are other places out there we want to experience. Love Wins! I need to update twice a week. I think that would be better.