Life on the High Plains

Yesterday northern CO had blizzard conditions.  Here is southern CO we only had cold, wind, and a dense fog that rolled in late in the afternoon. It seems like we've had more than the usual amount of fog this winter. I have nothing against fog unless it starts freezing.  I don't like it when my car becomes enshrouded in ice and the defroster can't keep up with it.  If the freezing fog is thick enough it also settles on the roadway and makes for interesting driving conditions. Last night's fog just turned into a beautiful frost on everything.   Early this morning when I went out to feed the horses I got to enjoy this beautiful sight made even more spectacular by the full moon over Pikes Peak. As the sun came up I got to enjoy this view on my way to work.  I love Colorado! Happy Skywatch Friday!

I got to spend some time in the barn with my boys this weekend.  After all the snow, ice, mud, and cold we've had the last few weeks they were looking pretty sad.  You see, they like to roll in the mud and sleep in the muck pile (because it generates heat).  Yucky, I know. I went out to the barn Friday night all prepared to give them a good grooming.  The only problem was that they assumed a grooming meant I wanted to ride them. Really boys?  It's freezing cold and dark outside and you think I'm grooming you because I want to go for a ride? I think they're becoming feral.  Doc looks a bit like a donkey in this shot. I went into one stall and they joined up together in the other stall.  Two against one...maybe I won't mess with them if they stick together. Oh well, at least their stalls got a good mucking out.  At least until the next day...do you know how much a horse poops each day?  About 50 pounds!  50 poun...

I'm totally in love with the Arizona desert.  I dream of some day living here although leaving my Colorado mountains behind would be a real sacrifice.  Maybe I can at least live there in the winter. The vegetation is amazing. These saguaros are amazing!  You don't really fully appreciate how big they are until you stand next to one.  They can grow to over 70 feet tall and can live for 150 years. Amazing! Happy Skywatch Friday!

I think it's time for a cute kitten/dog video. Sophie and Diesel continue to be best friends.  Sophie is going to be so sad when Diesel moves away this summer.  Diesel will probably only be sad because he's leaving his Grammy. We'll think about that later....for now we can just enjoy some kitten cuteness.

Just a quick update.... Everything went fine during the procedure yesterday except that they didn't knock me out enough.  I can remember everything about the procedure including the doctor's and technician's shoes, their conversations, and I felt every single needle going in.  They just kept telling me to breath deeply.  All I can say is "ouch"!  More drugs next time please! I went home feeling like I'd been kicked in the back by my horse, but Irv took care of me wonderfully.  For some reason I decided to come back to work for half a day today which was a poor decision, but when you have a boss who doesn't think anyone should ever take time off, that's what you do.  Today I'm just dealing with some soreness, nausea, and the hives and itching from my sensitive skin's reaction to adhesive. It will take two weeks to know if this procedure worked so please keep your fingers crossed.

This little white capsule has had an amazing effect on my life for the last several months.  I didn't realize just how much until a couple weeks ago when I had to stop taking it. Lyrica has done an amazing job of controlling the pain I've experienced for 3 1/2 years.  I saw a pain specialist a few weeks ago who wanted to do some testing on the nerves in my spine and he needed me to be in "maximum" pain so I stopped the Lyrica. All I will say is that the past two weeks have been almost unbearable made even worse by swinging  a golf club and participating in a 10K last weekend.  I can't sit, I can't stand, and I especially can't lay down without substantial pain.  I really don't know how I tolerated that pain for as long as I did and I really don't know how I manage to get up and go to work day after day.  Lyrica has really been a Godsend. According to the medial branch nerve block I had done two weeks ago, my doctor believes my pain was red...

Last week we went to Arizona for D's baby shower.  Let me start by saying that my daughter has some very creative and talented friends. This must be the right place!  (Sorry about the shadow!)   The home was exquisitely decorated with a purple and gray theme.     Both myself and A's mom had supplied photographs of the parents to be in their early years.  I love how they were displayed.     Look at these tables and the "shower" umbrellas hanging above them.  Amazing!     There was a special seat for the mama to be.   I love it when ladies set the table with the china and silver for special occasions.  I like to do this too, but my kids always make fun of me for using the good stuff on holidays.  What's the point of owning china and silver if you're never going to use them?   The lunch was simple, elegant, and delicious! The mimosas were festive ...