Summer in Denver (Part I)

Sue at our local bike stand

We are enjoying Summer in Denver; especially since we have discovered the convenience of using B-cycles to get around. These are public use bikes that are scattered all over Denver. 

There is a station just across the street from us. We use it for short trips to the grocery store or to go to our Community Garden Plot. With our Medicare Cards, we were able to register to use the B-cycles for just $10/year.  What a bargain!

Elati Community Gardens

Watering our plot

 Yes, the community garden is one of our favorite bike trips.  Bryn and Rob laid out the garden and planted it while we were away in Mexico.

We came back to beautiful garden, just beginning to yield spring greens and lettuce.

The tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans are all coming along nicely and promise to yield in the next few months.

Garden view from our favorite resting bench

In addition to the 20 or so individual garden plots, there are some perennial and annual flower beds and a community herb plot.  After watering or doing some light gardening chores, it is always nice to spend a few moments enjoying this lovely setting.

What a nice gift from the city--they provide the land, water, top soil and mulch.  We provide a little labor and can enjoy fresh vegetables and a lovely garden setting.

Charlie with Teddy and his chalk sketch of Teddy

One of ours and Charlie's favorite haunts is  "the Spider Man Park" as he has dubbed it. It is just off the Cherry Creek walking & bike trail, only two blocks from our apartment. 

This trail cuts through the city for many miles and is linked to other trails that will take you to Boulder & beyond.  (We use it to go to the Community Garden.)

We were there the other day and Charlie struck up an acquaintance with a little boy name Teddy.  Teddy willingly lay down on the sidewalk so Charlie could trace him.

Once traced, Charlie gave him a Mickey Mouse Tee shirt and other decorations. Charlie was so protective and gentle with him. Teddy was mostly bewildered, but really liked Charlie.

Strong Man Charlie

Charlie is now almost five and half; and at other times he likes to show how strong and grown-up he has gotten.  Crossing the monkey bars with your hands is not such a challenge these days. Speaking of little ones, recently we had a visit from Elinor (and her parents, Mary & Aron).  

Elinor with Dad, Aron

Elinor was born three months prematurely and had to struggle during her early weeks, but she is really healthy and beautiful these days & weighs in at a whopping 8 pounds.

Larry, especially enjoyed the opportunity to once again hold a newborn. They are so soft and cuddly.

As you can tell she is the apple of her Father's eye.

Charlie "fishing"

Also on the Cherry Creek Walking Trail is a fountain where Charlie discovered that he could "fish" for salamanders and other creatures.  The water was ice cold, but not too deep, and Charlie and Opa had a good time fishing there.

Our sidewalk artisit

Charlie, the sidewalk artist.  Attending the Annual Chalk Sidewalk Art Festival at Larimer Square (two blocks from our apartment), Charlie decided to see what he could create with his chalks.  Although not an official entrant, he did a nice job--and his Oma and Opa think he is very talented.

Thistle

Opa likes to walk along the Cherry Creek Walking Trail, even if Charlie is along to entertain him.  

Earlier this month, there were a number of these interesting thistles growing along the path. 

Clearly not something you would want growing in your garden or yard, they still are very beautiful, if prickly, plants.

The Graduate

Miss Brown with Charlie at Continuation Ceremony

Dancing at the Ceremony

One of the first things we participated in upon our return from Mexico was Charlie's Pre-kindergarten "Continuation Ceremony." We can hardly believe that it has been a full school year since Charlie started pre-K.

Sue and Bryn

Oma and Mom were similarly dressed for the Ceremony.

Bryn, Larry and Sue at Red Rocks

Since we have been in Denver, we have heard a lot about Red Rocks from friends and family. A couple weeks ago, Bryn purchased tickets for us all to go see Dirty Dancing, the 1980's cult movie which was being shown at the Park.

Happy to have made it to the top !

Red Rocks is an incredible natural setting; just 20 minutes from Downtown. Once parked, though, it is a good 20 minute walk, much of it uphill, to the amphitheater where the performances are held.

On this night, it was clear with great views of the city, but with a cold wind blowing from the mountains.  We were happy to have our fleeces and blankets to bundle up from the cold.

The crowd at Red Rocks waiting for the movie to begin

Dirty Dancing is still very, very popular and the amphitheater was packed.  Seems like everyone in attendance knew the movie and would cheer during their favorite parts, especially when "Baby" rebels against her parents and learns to dance dirty with Johnny.

We had a great evening. Thanks Bryn!