Going Against the Grain

Today was all about doing things I don't usually think of doing. 
For the past 8 months, or whenever they announced the grand opening for Ikea, I have had the date penciled in my calendar.  As I turned the page to July, back on the first, I got all excited because there it was, in pencil, that Ikea was opening.  I wrote that, "Ikea Opening" in the July 27th box.
I actually held myself to it.  I set my alarm for 7am.  Jordan, the night before, told me she didn't want to go.  I was glad because I knew that she would be a total buzz kill for my big day.  No offense but if you knew Jordan you'd understand.  She just doesn't have a good time doing the unknown and it's more stressful for her and big crowds, forget it.   Hannah on the other hand was a little wishy washy and didn't know if she wanted to go or not so I had Jack wake her up and ask her and she was up and adam and looking forward to it.  She grabbed her violin and put it in the car.  Hannah is so organized that she figured we could stop at the violin place and have it tuned and get the reed thing fixed.  I told her that Ikea was the priority and if we had time we would.  She rolled her eyes. 
We got in the car and drove down the driveway at 8:30.  It was cold out so we cranked the heat. It's July for cripes sake. 
The drive to Denver was quick and once we got to our turn off for Ikea the signs were directing us where to go.  It was all smooth and quick until we got in the traffic line leading into the Ikea parking lot.  What a slow moving drag that was.  And then you have your sneaks acting like they are driving past you on another mission only to try to jockey in front of you and get 10 or so cars ahead of the line.  Sorry old man and wife who was yelling at you.  I just couldn't sit in that line for 20 min and you just drive up and think I'll let you in.  I was on a mission too.  Plus, I was sweating like a pig, because I refuse to turn on the AC because I seem to have some weird thing against it. But I had not problem cranking that heat in the morning.   Hannah and I were singing and laughing and I told her to get her violin out and stand on the curb and make some money.  She kindly told me her bow was torn and it was out of tune. 
Finally, we got to park.  We got out of the car and the car next to us was a mother/daughter/baby team and I shut my door and Hannah shut her door and I said, "OH MY GOSH, Hannah.  I forgot my wallet!!"  I thought that other mother was going to die.  I thought she was going to give me her wallet she felt so bad for us.  I was teasing, of course, and we all had a great laugh.  I told grandma that we had just drove 100 miles for this.  She couldn't believe it. 
We walked in and the news was there.  We boarded the escalator with our handy Ikea loot bags and turned around and smiled and waved for the camera but they were taking them down.  We hit the bathrooms, after standing in that line for 10 minutes and we were ready.  It was so crowded. 
We started walking and everyone was bumping into us and it was hard to maneuver around.  We got some great ideas and kept walking and it seemed everyone was going to the same place.  I figured it was the food court.  After we got into the 3rd theme room I saw that there were arrows on the floor and we were walking against those darn arrows.  Of course Ikea would have one way to walk.  They are the King/Queens of organization.   We were walking Ikea backwards and not doing it right.  I figured, heck, I'm not turning my butt around to get cattle herded through this store like they want it.  I'm going to see Ikea the way I want to.  I already am doing the exact opposite thing I am comfortable with and that is shopping at a Grand Opening for a huge store and driving 100 miles to boot.  I am going to go against the grain and walk that damn store the wrong way.  So there.  
Well, we survived and we figured out how to see everything we wanted to see and we spent $37 on some fine items.  The check out line was the worst and Hannah was ready to pass out.  She was cranky.  We walked to our car and the funny thing is, The mother/daughter/ baby team were just getting back to their car too.  We had a good laugh with them again.   
We drove out of Ikea and headed over to Home Depot and had ourselves a hot dog and a coke and sat outside on the picnic table and enjoyed the moment. 
It was a fun day but I won't go to another Grand Opening again.  Unless I get some free schwag. 

This May Offend

This week has been a very busy week, work wise.  It's good.  The money has been great and I am getting hours.  Attitudes are good, although we are getting "short" with each other over the little things at work.  We're all like brother's and sister's who need to have a spat or two.  Nothing major but you can tell when we are busy and we are working a lot.  We get serious about our jobs and we turn into worker bees and get all focused on the task at hand.  Our humor isn't as free and the job turns into a job.  We have had nice people in with the occasional doink who just shouldn't go out to dinner, but we all have learned how to deal with those people pretty well. 
Tonight we had a huge banquet for 120 people.  Now, most restaurants can accommodate that many people no problem.  We can too when the weather is good.  We have the best patio around with views to die for.  Well, it rained on their parade tonight so it was a bit tricky to disperse 120 people for cocktails for an hour in our quaint lodge.  The fires were lit, as they are every night and the doors and windows were all open and the weather was amazing.  I haven't seen rain like that since we lived in Costa Rica last summer.  It was crazy.  And the lightning was incredible.  What a show.  We all were having fun and we were all laughing about last night. 
I, which everyone does eventually, screwed up my words at a table last night and it was funny.  I had a 4-top sit down and I went up to the table and did my spiel.  I told them about the bread, the wine list, and the menu.  I told them I would give them a few minutes and if they had any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.  They asked.  One of the men asked me what Fois Gras was.  That was our appetizer for the evening.  Fois Gras is duck liver but when you usually say LIVER to people they immediately get grossed out.  It's different than LIVER and it's amazing.  I love Fois Gras.  Anywho, the guy asked me what it was and I was standing at the table all proper and my reply was, "Well sir, it's dick lover."  I actually said dick lover to this guy.  I immediately knew I had just said dick lover and corrected myself and told him it was duck liver.  Then I proceeded to tell him how it just melts in your mouth and if he has never had it he should try it.  Well, he ordered the Fois Gras.  I went back into the kitchen told everyone what I had just said.  You can imagine the laughs I got and Chef loved that one.  We were all still laughing about it tonight. 
At the end of the night last night our kitchen crew, who are so nice, asked me how my night was.  I replied, "my night was great because I got to say DICK LOVER to my table." 
I love my job. 

Too Many Deaths

Another tragedy hit Summit County this week.  It's too much.  Another life was taken at too young of an age.  My heart is breaking for Carol and the kids.  They are friends of ours and they have 4 kids.  Billy was kayaking down the Blue River and died doing what he loved to do.  I had read in our local newspaper that someone had died on the Blue and they hadn't released the name.  Hannah and I dropped Jordan off at the movies, went to the farmers market in Dillon and I bumped into some friends and, of course, everyone was hoping it was someone we didn't know.  We were all talking about the death of the kayaker in the Blue.   Well, we do know him and now we are dealing with another death in our tight knit community.  The service will be Thursday at Copper Mountain.  The last time I saw Billy was at Leif's service in Keystone.  We shared a hug and some sadness. 
Life is way too short.  Hug your kids, your family, your friends, your pets, yourself.   

Amazing Race

My good friend, Deb, called me a couple of weeks ago and told me we are applying for the reality show "The Amazing Race."  Now, I'm not a big fan of reality shows but I do watch this one and I like it.  I've never imagined myself on the show, never had any desire to be on the show, never thought of myself as going through the trouble to apply.  I am the spectator and like sitting on my couch judging how everyone else does it and stating my opinion with my family while watching. 
Now, I'm making a video, filling out the application, with my good friend Deb, tonight, to be on the show.  This is something that she has wanted to do and she has already applied once, with another one of our friends but didn't get picked.  We won't get picked either but what the heck. 
My selling point will be that I am now off of my bio identical hormone creams because I can't afford them anymore and I am once again a crazy person that needs to win $1,000,000,000 so I can be a peaceful person again.  A million bucks could go along way in my life.
Our name, which Deb doesn't know yet, will be the BMW's, short for The Bitchin' Mountain Women.  Perfect huh?  I'm sure we would be dubbed The Bitchin' Moanin' Women at some point.  Maybe we could even be sponsored by BMW.  Do you get sponsored for The Amazing Race? 
 
So, send some good energy our way and cross your fingers that we will be picked for the Amazing Race.  It would be good TV.  I can guarantee that. 

So Much to Learn So Little Time

I can't get enough.  Everyday, it seems, something I see or watch on TV or hear in conversation is something I need to know more about.   I wish I were this way back when I was going to school.  The drive to know would have been a good thing for my grades in high school.  And, that day in college??  That was the best day of my life (ha) but I sure didn't apply myself to those books. 
Anywho, I love learning and the convenience of the computer has made my life so much easier to get information. 
Take, for instance, extreme couponing.  I watched the show because I decided I was going to save on our groceries and if I learned how to coupon effectively I could get everything I buy at the store for free.  Such a deal.  The show was extreme, hence the name.  Those people are crazy and eat like crap and have a hoarding issue.  Besides the point though.  I still wanted to save and decided to go to all of the coupon websites that looked reputable and get coupons at the click of a key.  Well, I am saving but my goal of getting my groceries for free is never going to happen.  However, I learned that I can download my coupons directly onto my value card.  Convenience?  You bet.  I love that. 



I look around my house and wonder how I can fix this or change that or better the other.  All I have to do is type it in and there are a gazillion you tube videos on it and more.  I am going to reupholster my wing back chairs, one day.  The herb garden I started in my pots, not doing well but well enough.  I'll google why they are suffering.  My guess is the altitude.  What essential oils will get rid of the critters eating my poppy's?  I looked that up and now my poppy's are almost ready to bloom. 
I woke up this morning with the goal of learning to play "Train, Train" on my harmonica.  I will you tube myself when I do.  But first, I have some coupons that are going to expire and I need to get them used up. 

What a Difference a Pharmacist Makes

Yesterday I had a very frustrating day dealing with a pharmacist.  I thought a pharmacist is suppose to be helpful, knowledgeable and caring, especially when you are on a serious medication.  Not the case the with new gal at our Target. 
I went to get a prescription refilled for my daughter last week and I was given a coupon for a free trial offer since the medication is $250 for 14 tabs.  Who can afford that??  Well, I went to pick up the meds and the doc hadn't called it in yet.  I asked if they could call the doc but no can do.  No problem, I would.  I made the call on my cell phone and docs office was on lunch.  Now, when I'm 'down the hill' it's a long way from my home.  I had to go to work so back home to get ready and get to work.  I send Jack to pick up the meds at 5, since he had an errand to do down there and told him that the last time I was in there the gal said to just give our name and they had the coupon for us.  Jack followed my instructions and they, he said, acted like he was trying to get meds that weren't for him.  He gave them the info, didn't have our prescription card, which is on file in their computer, and yet they sent him away saying they couldn't help him.   Yesterday I go back with coupon in hand, and prescription card and speak to the guy on the floor.  His name tag said trainer so I knew this would be hard.  He got the mean gal to help and she basically looked at me and said that the coupon I had didn't have any information on it and shrugged her shoulders.  I explained that this was day 4 now that my daughter had not been on her medication and what are my options because I didn't have $250 to fork out waiting for samples from my doc.  Not her problem.  Shrugging shoulders again.  I asked if she could call my docs office and ask them if they had any info on billing and I was doing my best to get her help.  Nope.  She could not call the docs office because in her words, "they don't know."  I looked at her and stared waiting for her to understand that this is now becoming a power trip and she could care less about the well being of my daughter.  My eyes started to tear up and I was shaking.  I said thank you very much to her and walked away with her and her co worker staring at me with little smirks on their faces.  She just would not help me.
I called the docs office and she offered to call this into another pharmacist.  I went now to the other pharmacy and got a totally different treatment.  The coupon was the same issue but she was not about to let me go without solving this issue and her main concern was that my daughter didn't go another day without taking her meds.  She called my docs office and the Target pharmacy to speak with the pharmacist about the prescription, only to be put on hold for 10 minutes and they never took her call.  She was helping me and clearly had compassion for the issue that my daughter was out of medication and it was an exorbitant amount of money that I didn't have.  Given the fact I had a free coupon for a 30 day supply she was not going to let that go unnoticed.  She ended up giving me one dose for the day and said she would call me today after she made some phone calls.  She did and she couldn't have been more helpful. 
Bottom line is that the unhelpful pharmacist was just that.  Unhelpful and she could have cared less.  The helpful pharmacist was just that.  Very helpful and she definitely cared about what she was doing.  I am thankful for her.  I made mistakes in this and the holiday weekend was not something I planned for.  I take responsibility for that and I did call the company directly to get the info for the billing.  Easy enough when you have a computer at your fingertips as the Target pharmacist did. 

It's done.  My prescriptions are no longer being picked up at Target. 

Are You Ready to Rumble?

Fourth of July is my favorite holiday by far.  No stress, no gifts, no cards, no baking.  Just grill something up, whip together a salad or two, cut up come watermelon and crack a beer.  It' that easy.  Oh, and did I mention, all you usually need to wear are flip flops and a sundress?  It's just bliss. 
Yesterday, I had a near perfect day.  I woke up at 9, poured myself a cup of coffee and enjoyed the sound of our river and the sunshine.  I knew it was going to be a good day.  Plus, I had the day off.    The girls rode their bikes to town and I worked in the yard and cleaned up a bunch of shit.  Literally, dog poop.  Not from Teller because ever since he was a puppy I have no idea where he takes his business.  He's very considerate though and must wander far off into the woods because it's never been a problem.  Scooby, on the other hand, is not so considerate.  He's now 3 months old and still comes up to our area to do his business.  We love Scooby.  He's our renter's puppy and now a part of our family.  He'll figure it out.  But I did spend the entire morning scolding him for digging up my flowers, running away with my glove, biting the hose, humping my back as I was bent over weeding.  I forgot how high maintenance a puppy is.  He was NAUGHTY today.  He finally had enough running around and being up to shenanigans and went to take a nap with Teller.  I got on my bike and rode to town to see what the girls were up to.  They had set up a lemonade stand at the only stop sign in town, smart, and were killing it.  After a hard day of selling lemonade they made $47.00.  Now, I don't know about you but when I sold lemonade I barely made anything.  They had to split their profit 5 ways and pay back the cost for the lemonade but still.  Good job. 
I rode up Puru Creek via the high road and it was gorgeous to say the least.  My legs were already killing me because I had worked out to P90X, legs and back, and got my bags packed.  Needless to say when I got home I was pretty whooped.  I got in the tub and soaked. 
The plan was, was to go to Dillon for the music at the amphitheater.  Well, once I got out of the tub, poured a glass of wine and sat on my beautiful deck for a bit it was 5 and no one was even home yet.  Jack and the girls got home at 5:30 and Jack's words were, "Hef, I love you lots but I am NOT going back down the hill to sit with 1000 people."  I agreed.  Our back yard is too beautiful and since we weren't here all last summer to enjoy it we sure are taking advantage of it this summer.  We built a fire and started the coals and grilled and had dinner in our back yard, by the fire, next to the river, just the 4 of us.  Can you say HEAVEN?
After dinner the girls set up the croquet set and I cleaned up and Jack chilled.  The girls wanted to roast smores and asked if we could call the neighbors.  Sure.  We did and some folks from town came up and we sat around the fire.  Greg came home and he had just purchased a few hundred dollars worth of fireworks so he went to the apartment and got a couple of boxes of his goods and put on a super great fire work show for us.  The kids, all 5 of them, lay on the grass and laughed and screamed and were being total kids in the summer.  It was awesome. 
All through the mountains you could hear the pop and booms and rumbles from fireworks.  We were livin' the dream, once again. 
Someone looked at their watch and it was 11 pm.  Time to let the fire burn out and get to bed. 
I posted on my facebook page that if everyday could be like this day, my life would be perfect. 
I love the 4th. 
Tomorrow, we will continue to Rumble.

July 1st, 2011

It's hard to believe that it's already July.  It's the best month up here.  The peaks still are covered with snow but my yard is completely melted with the exception of a few piles of snow in the shady areas.  It's been in the 70's with an occasional 80 degree day.  The weather couldn't be more perfect.  I love summer. 
Here are some highlights already.

Jordan turned 15.
Survived a day taking 5 teenage girls to Glenwood Springs for a day at the pool then back here for a sleepover. 
Nana came for a visit.
Got our house stained and the trim painted.
After 9 years not having a washing machine in my house I finally have one.  Thanks Jack.
After 4 years of not being able to clean my oven or cook a turkey because the thing overheats and locks up, it's fixed.  I cleaned my oven yesterday for the first time in 4 years.  Thanks Jack.
Scooby, Greg's puppy (he's our renter), is growing and finally Teller and him are buddies.  It took awhile for Teller to tolerate him.
Hannah rode Blaire Witch. 
Rode the alpine slide in Breckenridge.  So fun.
Started working out to P90X. 
Made $260 at my garage sale and my shed has never been so empty.  But, I'll never do it again.  I'm not the garage sale type.  I love to go to them but not have them.
Got my Petunias planted.
Washed the windows.
Purged the clothes I haven't worn in over a year. 
Put away the ski clothes.  Why I do that I don't know.  We'll be skiing again in no time. 

These may not seem like highlights to you but they are in my life and it's only July 1. 

Happy July 1st.   

Playing Catch up

I feel like there is so much to write about.  I am a little overwhelmed at all of the things that have taken place in my life since May. 
After we hiked and spread John's ashes things have been crazy.  Since that was the middle of May we were winding down with school and getting ready for summer.  Getting ready for summer here is an oxymoron.  We call it mud season so there really is no spring and this year was the epitome of that.  We had so much snow this past winter that spring never came, aka, mud season.  It was winter up until I left for MN. 
I ended up flying to MN with Jordan for 4 days.  We arrived on a Thursday and the weather was perfect.  I met up with a huge group of high school friends at a local bar and it was warm and spring.  The rest of the weekend was rainy and there were two tornadoes.  One that touched down not far from my Dad's house.  Reason number 101 why I moved.    We had a ball with my Dad, brother's, cousin's, friends, etc.  I have a great family and a great group of friends.  Minnesota has never let me down and I wish I could incorporate it into my life more.  Reason number 101 why I miss MN soooo much.   
We returned from MN May 24th and it was the home stretch for the end of 8th grade for Jordan and 6th grade for Hannah.  The 8th grade graduation was a big deal and my little, baby girl couldn't have been more excited.  I can't imagine what high school graduation will be like. 
Now, we are in the melt down season and what a huge melt down we're having.  Last night I drove to work at 3:30 pm and when I got to work I got a call on my phone from a friend saying we could stay at  her house if we needed to.  I was confused because I hadn't heard of any emergencies and she explained to me that the town of Montezuma was on voluntary evacuation because of a culvert issue that may turn into the closure of the road.  If that would have happened, everyone in Montezuma would not be able to drive out and anyone heading to Zuma would not be able to drive in.  Not good. 
Well, work went on as usual with the constant wondering if we would be able to go home or not.  At 11:30, after our shift, we hadn't heard of any road closure so the 3 of us who live in Mtz, headed up the road.  We made it safe and sound and I was glad to be home. 
More later...

Summer, Kind of

Summer is here, I guess.  There is still snow on the ground in my yard but it's melting.  Yesterday I put up our hammock and after doing some yard work I took a little snooze in it.  It was a little chilly but I did get all cozy and fell asleep for about 10 minutes.  The river is absulutely raging right now so it was pretty peaceful.  Peaceful until I opened up my eyes and looked around at all of the dog poop on the ground, the carnage from all of the parties we had in the back yard, the firework trash, and the glass from our patio table that we never put away, the broken chairs from the heaviness of the snow.  ARGH.  We were so lazy putting away stuff last year before the snow came and now I'm pissed at myself for it.  That table cost me only $40 at Walmart one year and it was a steal.  I knew it was a good buy and we used it constantly.  It was an excellent, large table that is now history.  Bummer. 
I started raking and picking up and organizing and the dry part of my yard now looks pretty good.  I never cut back my flowers last fall either so I got all of that cleaned up.  I am super excited to garden since last year I didn't plant one flower or weed one garden.  I have a lot of work to do in my yard and I am looking forward to it. 

Welcome summer.  Stay for awhile.

Our Last Day with John

Yesterday was an incredibly, amazing day.  It was a day to get together with friends, make new friends, and spread some of John Flanagan's ashes.  Jack and Tanner had been in contact after John's death and decided to have a day hiking and skiing and it seemed only appropriate to do just that in honor of John.  After all, that is what he lived for and we were going to bring him back to the tops of the peaks he so dearly loved with the biggest passion I have ever seen. 
Jack drove to the basin at around 6 in the morning to get a beach spot.  He was the first car in line so when they opened up the parking lot not only did Jack get prime pickin's, the honchos at The Basin set up some cones to save us more spots.  We got 5 spots in a row and by 8 the lot was filled and we were all getting on our sunscreen and getting our gear together.  People kept on showing up and we all loaded the lift and made our way to the top of the mountain.  We got off the lift on the top of Lenewee and started our hike up.  There must have been 40 or 50 people that came out to honor John.  We crested the first peak and now the pack was spreading out a bit.  It was a sight to see with every one's skis or boards strapped to their packs, everyone in their own thoughts.  People resting, people singing and talking, people taking pictures, people taking baby steps one careful step at a time.  I was breathing so hard but I wasn't holding anyone up so that made me feel good.  There were no ego's, nobody was aggro, it was just serene, happy, sad, beautiful.  We got to the top of Chihuahua and Tanner, John's son, had John's ashes in a box and he was taking handfuls and throwing them into the wind over the mountain.  Then, Tanner let anyone who wanted to, take a handful and spread some ashes.  No one was talking really.   It was quiet and there were some hoots and hollers, and words of inspiration and, of course, the bottles of Jameson were going around.  The wind was blowing in just the right direction so his ashes were whisked away over the mountain, in front of us so we could watch them disappear in the thin air.  It was pretty special. 
Now, it was time to ski.  The skiing was steep and vast and there were people ripping it up.  It was exhilarating to say the least.  The adrenaline in that valley was felt throughout everyone of us as well as the good energy.  It was a feeling I have never experienced.  We all got to the bottom of Chihuahua and the bottles of Jameson came out and plenty of pictures were taken.  After a bit it was time to hike up to the top of Marjorie Bowl for one more ski. 
Eddie, Jack, Whoosie and I decided to bust a move and get in front of the conga line.  The steps up the steep mountain were perfect and looking back at everyone below us, back in our own thoughts, songs, conversations, was amazing to look at.  I took it all in and kept snapping pictures of our conga line.  We were all slowly hiking up and up and up and I'm glad I remembered to look around a lot.  Sometimes I get so concentrated on my hike that I don't even lift my head and I miss out on the views.  Not this day. 
We all congregated on the top and once again, Jameson came around and Tanner brought out John's ashes and this time I got to take my handful and throw some of them into the wind and watch them disappear.  Some people were skiing back down for another hike up, some just hanging out on top taking it all in.  But we were all so happy and peaceful and thankful to have the one person who brought us all together to experience this moment.  After hanging out in the wind on the top we were getting cold and it was time to ski.  Marjorie Bowl is humongous and there were plenty of lines to be had.  Everyone waited at the bottom and when another skier would come down the hoots and hollers were abundant.  Again, the adrenaline was high and the energy was good.  That was it.  It was time to go back to our cars and relish in the previous moments.  We had a keg and 6 cases of beer donated to us, thanks to Greg and Pugs.  Cindy, John's ex-wife and best friend, showed up after a long drive from Telluride.  We told her about the hike and what a great kid her and John have.  Tanner has more itegrity and is the most humble person I have ever met.  What an incredible demeanor he has and he seemed so at peace with the entire day.  He was happy and surrounded by a slew of people who dearly love him and his family. 
I haven't seen Jack let loose like that ever.  He is not much of a partier but with the mood on the beach at The Basin it was pretty hard not to join in on the festivities.  John would have wanted nothing less.  The booze was plentiful.  I decided that I needed to be responsible and start delegating the driving situation.  I spoke with the honchos at The Basin and asked them if we could leave some cars up there overnight, seeing as there was no way some were driving.  They totally accommodated us and showed me where to start lining up vehicles so I made my rounds and took keys and parked trucks and cars and piled as many people into my car as I could.  The party was now going to relocate.  To, where else?  The Snake. 
It was a night to remember, and we ended up in our back yard with a roaring bonfire in the snow. 
RIP John.  What an amazing day you gave us yesterday. 

                                             Me, letting a handful of ashes go with the wind.

                                             One of the conga lines.

                                            Tanner with John's ashes.

                                             Eddie skiing down. 

                                             Tanner and others standing at the top, center. 

                                            Looking down at the crowd. 

                                            Eddie and Jack above me.

                                            Conga line heading up to the top of Marjorie.

John's Obituary

 http://www.summitdaily.com/article/2011110529880


John Flanagan, 1957-2011

Copyright 2011 Summit Daily News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. May, 25 2011 11:46 am

John Flanagan, 1957-2011

Summit Daily News

 

John Paul Flanagan

John Paul Flanagan, 54, courageously succumbed to a fierce, beastly illness in Nathrop, Colo. May 18, with his former wife, Cindy, and beloved son Tanner by his side. He was born on January 2, 1957 in Bridgeport, Conn., the fifth child and second son of Bernard J. and Mary E. (Bette) Hermes Flanagan. He grew up in the Lordship section of Stratford, Conn. and graduated from Stratford High School. Following high school he traveled the US, finally settling in Colorado more than 30 years ago. He worked a myriad of jobs, most recently being a professional truck driver in the mountains. Being an expert skier, kayaker, and outdoorsman he was always looking for the freshest powder, most challenging runs, and secluded waters in Colorado, California, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, the Dakotas, and Alaska.

He leaves a son Tanner Flanagan of Jackson Hole, Wyo., daughter Kaitlin Bowers of Dillon, former wife/best friend Cindy Bemer Flanagan of Salida; six siblings: Diana Flanagan (Tom Harris) of Los Angeles, Carol (Roger) Salthouse of Stratford, Michael J. Flanagan of Milford, Conn., Sheila Flanagan of Milford, Lisa (Jaime) Garcia of Glenside, Penn., and Brian P. Flanagan of Bridgeport. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Patrick J. Flanagan. Memorial services will be held later this summer in Stratford and at Arapahoe Basin in Summit County.

We love you, John; you will be sadly missed. If anyone would like to make a donation one may do so @ Bank of the West, PO Box 648, Frisco, CO 80443, (970) 409-3018, c/o John Flanagan. The funds will be disbursed between Summit County Search and Rescue, and Angel of Shavano Hospice. Any questions, please contact ChristopherCrisler@ bankofthewest.com.

Rest in Peace, John Flanagan

This morning our dear friend, John Flanagan, died with his son by his side.  He will be greatly missed and our lives will definitely not be the same without him in ours. 
I will post pictures of him and tell another story or two about our times with him but tonight I am sad and I am sipping on a Jameson in honor of him. 
RIP my friend.  Thank you for all of the laughs.  We love you. 

May Day

Happy May 1st.  May Day, as some remember it.  I remember May Day.  When we lived on Estate Drive in MN, I used to make May Baskets with my friend and we'd leave them on the front door of our neighbors and ring the doorbell and run.  It was fun and it brings back good memories.  Especially remembering the weather.  I remember the weather used to be spring and spring in MN means warm, green, flowers, etc. 
Good Times.
 
Today, 3" new (that would be snow), 104" base (at Arapahoe Basin), 408" snowfall (for the season so far),  17 degree's, snowing. 
My facebook post read:  "May Day! May Day!  We have a problem.  It's still winter!"  And it is.  Big time.  There is absolutely no sign of spring in the air.  None what-so-ever. 

We went to the movies today.  We usually see one or, at the very most , two movies a year.  Today we saw, Soul Surfer.  Jack and I cried pretty much through the entire movie.  It was good.  I thought Jack was going to book a trip to Costa Rica the minute we got home.  He is so wanting the ocean right now.  We all are. 

After the movie Hannah and I went to get some groceries.  The store was crowded and we got out of there pretty painlessly.  We got home and didn't turn on the computer or TV and put on Bob Marley and did our own thinng.  I cooked, Hannah drew a picture and colored it, Jordan grabbed a board game and as she does a lot, she played the game alone.  She loves doing that.  Jack went to his man cave and worked on his custom skis.  It was peaceful and happy in our house.  It was snowing so hard when we sat down for dinner.  It felt like December. 

Life is good right now.  I'm not working and I'm getting exercise, Jack is happy skiing everyday, Jordan is in a good place and so is Hannah.  The pets are content. 
Thanks life. 

Skiing Corkscrew

Today I hiked with my husband.  We hardly ever ski together anymore and as he left the house at 6:40am, to get the kids to the bus, he yelled up to me to "get your ski gear on and be ready to hike something!" 
I sat on the couch, drinking my coffee and made my mind up that I was too tired.  Then, a minute later, I decided that I was lame and needed to get some exercise.  No excuses. 
He got home a half hour later and I was eating eggs, all dressed in my ski clothes, ready to go.  I think he was a little blown away that I got my act together at 7 in the morning.  Never happens. 
We left and drove down to our mailbox in Montezuma, parked the car on main street and started hiking.  The temp was 18 degrees and it was partly cloudy.  After 30 minutes, I shed my jacket, hat, and put on my spring gloves.  We got up to treeline and I felt great.  Jack kept on hiking and hiking, as usual.  Every time I thought we were there, he would crank out another 10 minutes.  FINALLY!!!  THE TOP!!!  It took us 2 hours.  Time to take off our skins and look at the situation and pick our lines and ski.  But first, we had to wait for a sunspot.  So, now, we waited.  The sun finally did come through the clouds and I went first.  The one thing about skiing Corkscrew is that once you get in there you are completely committed.  If it slides you are going with it and as I made my first turn I was just praying that the snow was stable and it wasn't going to crack on me.  I knew if it did sluff, it would be a surface sluff and I could go straight, as we talked about, and I would hopefully not fall.  I made 3 or 4 turns and the skiing was incredible.  I mean INCREDIBLE!!!
I was getting face shots every turn and the snow was perfect.  I felt safe and sound and happy.   I came around the corner and waited for Jack and he came down skiing getting face shots and hooting and hollering.  It was crazy good. 
When we got to the bottom we were blown away and both of us were looking up at what we had just skied.  We skied aprox. 3200 feet of fresh, deep, untracked powder.  Just the two of us.  What a day.  And, we were home by 11:30am.  I had to meet some friends for lunch in Frisco and called to let them know I was running a little late.  I got showered and dressed in 20 minutes and started driving to Frisco.  It was snowing so hard by the time I crossed the damn road.  It was surreal. 

I still can't believe we have these mountains literally out our front, back and side doors.   We are so lucky to get to enjoy them all year round.  Can't wait for mountain bike season.  I kept thinking of it as we were hiking today.  It's hard to see that summer ever comes.  We are still buried in snow. 

Skiing Cadillac

On Friday a friend and I went for a hike/ski.  She called me the night before and asked if I wanted to ski Cadillac.  Cadillac is this big, huge blue run in the sky.  The only way to ski it is to hike up to it.  Off we went.  I got ready the night before since we were going to get started at 8am.  It was 8:45 when we started hiking but it was cold so we weren't worried that by the time we got up to the top it would be too warm which would make the skiing more difficult. 
It's a steep hike, in many areas and a great workout.  We stopped for lunch after about an hour and a half and drank some water and ate some food.  I did manage to snap a few pictures. 
We got to the top around 2 hours later and took off our skins and put on our goggles and skied the most creamy, soft, fresh snow and the smile on my face lasted all day. 
What a great ski and the hike is well worth the ski. 

I love Montezuma.

Las Vegas, Day-3

It was our last full day and night in Vegas and we were looking forward to seeing something new.  Jack called the Mandalay Bay to ask if we could use the pool even though we couldn't check in until 3.  They said sure so we nixed the idea of driving to see the Hoover Dam.  We drove to the Mandalay Bay and decided to try to check in and it was 11:30.  We did and we couldn't believe how nice the hotel was.  The girls were extremely excited to be there.  We found our room and it was gorgeous.  We literally could have spent the day in the room it was so nice.  But, we didn't.  We went to the pool and it was sunny and hot and the girls and Jack played in the water for hours.  We lounged in the lazy river, caught the waves in the wave pool and, of course, people watched. 
After hours in the sun and water we went back to the room and enjoyed the room with a view.  I took a nap and the girls watched some TV and then we all got ready to walk the strip.  We hadn't yet done anything on the strip so we were looking forward to it.  Since the Mandalay Bay is at the very South end we knew we were going to walk and walk.  And we did.  There is always something to see in Vegas and we sure did get our fill.  We made it to the Bellagio and saw two fountain shows which were beautiful.  We were all tired and our feet were killing us because our flip flops were rubbing our feet raw.  Jordan, Hannah and I had to keep rotating flip flops because we were all in such pain.  Time for the walk back and it was a fun night. 
We all slept like babies and the next morning I woke up before the sun came up over the horizon.  I had left the drapes open so I could see the view and just then the sun came up and Jack woke up too and we watched the sunrise from the 19th floor laying in bed.  It was beautiful.
We packed up and drove away from Vegas with not even one penny gambled away. 
The drive was uneventful and we arrived back home having to put the car in 4WD to make it up the driveway in 2 feet of snow.  We ended up getting stuck at  the top of the driveway and had to walk up to the house in knee deep snow in our flip flops. 
Welcome home and we are back in winter.  80 degrees never felt so nice. 

Las Vegas- Day 2

Jack, naturally, got out of bed super early and left for some coffee.  The girls and I slept in and with the wooden blinds closed tightly it was dark and we could have slept until noon.  Jack came back with coffee for me too and we all slowly woke up looking out at the clear, warm skies.  We talked about what to do and see and I had so many of the free things planned out.  Jack really wanted to walk down to the Stratosphere.  Since no one brought any shoes except flip flops I knew the walk was at least 2 miles one way and even though that doesn't seem like far, for our tender, non-broken in for flip flop feet, it was.  We got in the car and drove and had breakfast at Denny's.  It was fine and the waiter was funny and I picked his brain on all sorts of stuff.  We had that waiter bond.
We walked from Denny's to the Stratosphere and like I thought, we had to pay to get to the top.  It wasn't cheap and we are so we weren't about to splurge nearly $20/person for a view of the city.  The girls were upset but they got over it quickly because they know that we just aren't the family that can pay for that and whining will definitely not fix that problem.  Back to the car and we drove to Walmart instead because we were on a budget and needed food for the hotel room so we wouldn't spend any more money on food.  Except for dinner.  But, with 2 for one's who cares? 
The Bussy's obviously don't get much in the culture scene because Walmart, in Las Vegas, was sure entertaining for us. 
We got back to the hotel after awhile and got on our suits and went to the pool.  Books in hand, it was relaxing and warm.  I slept and Jack read.  The girls got into a humungous fight and thank God they left the pool area.  We had our peace at last.  They ended up in the room.  After a couple of hours of getting sun we went back to the room and I took a nap.  It was great!!
Time for dinner and another good time on the street.  With all of the street shows, homeless people, and just everyday people watching we sure did enjoy ourselves.  We had dinner at a place called Hennessey's and the food was good.  We loved it.  We all got a good nights sleep and I was excited to get to the next destination the next day.  It was sure going to be a treat and I saved the best for last.  I didn't tell them where we were going but I did tell them we were moving for our last night. 
I love surprises.

Las Vegas

For a city I once could only take for a day and a half I sure have a different attitude about Las Vegas. 

Our kids have been on spring break since last Friday and we had no plans to do anything.  Looking out at all of the snow I was becoming more and more antsy to get them some sun and warmth.  A good dose of vitamin D was just the answer.  Jack had unburied the camper and hauled the bikes out of our shed.  Except, Hannah still doesn't have a bike.  We gave it away last year before we left for Costa Rica because she had outgrown it.  I kept thinking of where we were going to go camping and even though it sounded great I knew it would be cold in the morning and night and I really didn't want to put on my down jacket, not even once.  Plus, Jack mentioned, casually, that the heater wasn't working in the camper.  I don't think so. 
I got on the computer and started looking for cheap hotel rooms in Las Vegas.  There were many.  Now, I had to convince Jack and the girls that the Bussys needed a good road trip.  I had stashed most of my cash tip money from the winter so I could justify the cost.  Which was not much considering I booked a hotel for 2 nights at $34.00/night for the 4 of us.  I sold my trip to the family, not easily mind you, but it sold.  We loaded the car at 8p.m. Monday night and drove.  Jack didn't want to drive the whole way on Tuesday so we drove to Grand Junction and got a good nights sleep. 
The next day we made it to Las Vegas and it was 77 degrees when we arrived. 
After spending a few hours on the computer at home looking for a place to stay I booked a room at a hotel downtown.  I figured we had never explored the downtown area.  Plus, I splurged and booked us a room on the strip for our last night.  I knew we could only handle the strip for so long. 
We found our hotel, The California, which was in a great location a block off of Fremont street.  We checked into our clean, non-smoking room and I was pleasantly surprised. It didn't smell like rank smoke, the hotel was clean, the room was big and bright and nice and the beds were wonderful.  So far so good. After getting off on the 13th floor I had my doubts.  I'm not kidding.  We were on the 13th floor.  Superstitious??  Not really. 
We decided to find the pool and get on our suits and lounge.  After all, we came here for the sun and warmth.  It was now 80 degrees after all.  The pool was a disappointment though.  It was ice cold and small but we enjoyed the pool  anyway and of course, the girls went swimming regardless of the temp.  It was nice. 
We went back to the room and got ready to explore.  I had done some research on the downtown area and I liked the thought of the Fremont Street Experience.  Not knowing exactly what that was we would soon find out. We walked the block to the pedestrian mall and it was all action.  Not many people but for us coming straight from Montezuma, the lights, shops, casino's, it was action.  We walked up and down and found a restaurant that was serving 2 for one dinners and decided on that for dinner.  We were still a couple of hours from dinner time so back to the room for a bit.  We all chilled and explored our hotel and found shops and the arcade and the 9 different restaurants and we were getting the lay of the land.   We were now ready for dinner and walked back to Fremont Street and things had changed.  It was happening.  There were people everywhere and street shows anywhere you looked and it was going on.  We were the rubber neck family and loving it.  We ate dinner and as we were walking back it was 3 minutes to 8 and Jack got a feeling something was going to happen.  Hundreds of people were standing, no one was walking anymore and all of a sudden  all of the casinos turned off their lights and the music started playing.  Coming out of the speakers throughout the mall was Don McLeans, American Pie.  It was in sync to the video that ran the entire distance of Fremont Street and the video was showing above our heads.  It was incredible.  If you have never seen this, go downtown and experience that.  It was so cool and I couldn't get over the fact that we were watching this amazing show.  We were just in awe over this.  Everyone was.
The Bussys were warm and happy. 

Complaining

It's Sunday and my kids are on spring break.  I'm feeling sorry for ourselves that we aren't in Disneyland or at the beach or camping or in Costa Rica.  It's snowing out right now and it's not even 30 degrees.  Wah!!
I got home from work at around midnight last night and today I slept in.  Unfortunately, I had to wake up to a snowmobile reving up its engine and it sounded sick.  For hours this guy was out there and after listening to the sick pig I got my coat on and boots and walked down the driveway to see what the deal was.  Here is this guy stuck in my yard with his fancy schmancy sled and there are 5 or so guys down there digging and shoveling.  I climbed up on the snowbank and threw up my hands clearly pissed off at these bozo's.  I told them I was sick of the noise and to get out of my yard.  What a bitch, is what they were thinking.  Well, after a huge winter and not wanting winter anymore I AM a bitch and would like not to hear anymore machines stuck in my yard.  So, I'm sure they all took a pee in my driveway and left.  I didn't stick around to see.  But I did leave my ginormous dog outside to intimidate them.  I love big dogs.  Except, my big dog barfed 3 times on our carpet at 7am this morning so that was actually the first thing I heard when I woke up this morning. 
I got on facebook to catch up on some reading, pathetic, I know, and it's depressing reading that so and so's family is flying South, such and such is in San Diego, blah blah blah is at the beach.  Woe is me.
Time to get over it and go out and shovel off some snow from the deck. 
Keystone closes today so the season is definitely ending.  After today we should see things really slow down.  This seems to have been the season that never ended.  Work is still busy and that's a good thing. 
Happy snowy day and for those of you who are at the beach, get over yourselves.