It's been a while since I last wrote, but I've been kept busy with several visitors. I was so happy to see everyone, especially so near my birthday. Jamie and Lottie came in two weekends ago to begin their simultaneous spring break. It was one of those weekends where we skied on Saturday (often w/o hats, coats, and gloves due to heat) and then took a long beautiful drive to Canyonlands National Park with the top down in the convertable on Sunday. They were able to hang out with me, as well as my other friends here in Telluride and then see some of the great wild west.

A few days later Barb and Mark, as well as my parents came in. The weather had turned slightly cooler and much wetter, but the family still seemed to enjoy the scenery and skiing. Thanks to my forgetfulness (which we've been blaming on the altitude) I don't currently have any pictures of my parents on the slopes. However, I expect to receive some from the lovely Aunt Barb and will post them as soon as I can.

Another Scenic Drive

Instead of a typical Saturday (skiing, apres ski apetizers and drinks, etc.), we felt like getting out of town. So we got up yesterday and took a round about way to Grand Junction for some shopping. The views were gorgeous!

(all pictures from my last two weekend trips are up on the Hasty homepage for family to view if they so wish)

The Million Dollar Highway

After a Saturday filled with skiing and relaxing with our fellow teachers, Jeremy and I decided to take a drive this bright and beautiful Sunday. We hopped in the car at a reasonable hour and headed south to visit Mesa Verde once again. There was quite a crowd for the free guided tour of Spruce House, but since it's one of the only ruins open this time of year, I guess that makes sense. After a little exploring in the sun and fresh air, we continued on down the highway through Durango, Silverton, and Ouray, making a complete loop of the gorgeous Million Dollar Highway. The roads were clear, except for a few spots where minor avalanches had yet to be cleaned up, and the mountains were snow capped and magnificent in the brilliantly blue sky. The drive up and over Red Mountain Pass was breathtaking but slow as we made our way up and down the mountains via switchbacks at 15-25 mph. It brought back memories of a family trip through the same area in which Jen turned an odd shade of green due to car sickness and Dramamine, which apparently contains lactose.

(not really Frank...but he reminded me of him)

Why does my brain never cease working? Sometimes I get tired of thinking abut the endless possibilities of what is going to happen.... you would think that eventually it would turn itself off just to keep from overheating (a brain IS supposed to be smart)! Then I might be able to get some good, deep sleep and wake up feeling refreshed...

My Boyfriend, The Lion Tamer

We were up in Mountain Village today and Jeremy was asked to do a favor for this lady...

Nature Upclose

Not the greatest quality, I know... but nevertheless they captured the moment.

I was leaving my place for dinner Thursday night when I encountered nature up close. It was that beautiful time of day when the sun was just going down... and when all of the hoofed animals are coming out to feed. I opened my front door and found two deer literally standing on my front porch! We stared at each other for a long while, before it finally occurred to me I should run and get my camera to record this odd happening. Of course, by the time I got the camera out and ready to go, they had moved on down to the snow covered ice rink that lies beyond my front porch, which is where they are in the above pictures.

Drastic Weather Change

After an amazing week of 50 degree temperatures allowing for wonderful hiking conditions, I decided to take the weekend off from skiing. After all, 50s may be great for hiking, but it was simultaneously melting the snow on the slopes which would then refreeze at night, creating icy conditions. Instead, I've spent the weekend catching up several aspects of my life (relaxing, cleaning, homework, taxes, etc.).

We spent Saturday journeying far and wide to the grocery store (a place I hadn't frequented in over 2 weeks, leaving my cupboards and refrigerator rather bare). On the way out, we stopped to take pictures of the storm brewing over the Telluride area (see below) which finally dropped another 6-8 inches of fresh snow on the mountain.