foothills life

When I moved to Colorado for the first time in 2002 with car full of belongings and no plan, I was a bit nervous. But not long after I crossed the border from NE to CO the Rocky Mountains came into view and I actually gasped. I remember saying out loud about the scene in front of me: "I will never take this for granted." I knew this was where I needed to be. And the next few years I hiked and skied and snowshoed as much as I could. I stayed in awe of the mountains. But after leaving and returning again to this state I have embraced the foothills. I've definitely spent more time in them than the mountains. Why are rocks and a slightly elevated ground so appealing? They just are. Living on the west side of town I get to drive along side them to and from work. On the weekends I can just zip up to walk around, breathe, or on this day- journal and admire and be thankful I live here.

god jul

A Merry Scandinavian Christmas this year. Even though our family has Norwegian and Swedish blood lines, most of us had never sampled some of the more traditional faire: sips of Aquavit and Glogg, creating a St. Lucia crown wreath, and herring both pickled and curried. But the family favorites were also represented: lefse, krumcake, Swedish meatballs, and of course, lingonberries.