Fall Follies

Is it Thanksgiving Already?

Time seems to race by so quickly.  We wanted to post these pictures and commentary about what we have been doing these last couple of months--before Christmas is upon us.

Evelyn (l) and Abby (r) Kavinski

Susie's Promotion

After our Greek sailing adventure in August, we stopped in the DC area for a few weeks to see and visit with family and friends.

One of our most important visits was with our niece, Susie Lewis Kavinski and her family.

Susie receiving her promotion

We are so proud of Susie--she has made a wonderful career with the US Navy, as part of the Navy Band's Sea Chanters, a group of incredibly talented and professional singers. And we, of course, think she is the Best!

Recently Susie was promoted to Chief Petty Officer, a great honor and one that she has earned and well deserves, after more than a decade with the Band.

Susie and Jerry Kavinski

Before being promoted, Susie and some other "new chiefs" had to go through an incredibly strenuous six weeks of training, which included a lot of physical challenges and leadership training, but the most stressful part was being away from her family even more than usual.

The Kavinski Family

When she and her husband, Jerry, a hard working and talented musician in his own right, asked us to visit and help out with their two beautiful girls, Abby and Evelyn, we were happy to say yes.

It was a rough time for everyone, but Congratulations to Susie & her family! We were so honored to be a part of  this milestone in their lives.

Maryland Eastern Shore

The Bishop Family

Also while we were in the area, we visited with Sue's Brother and Sister-in-Law, John and Bonnie Roschy, on their farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. 

During that time they hosted a Bishop (Bonnie's Mother's Family) reunion--the first in more than 30 years.  It was fun to see Bonnie's extended family, some of whom we had never met. The crab feast in the back yard was an added delight.

Back in Denver (Finally)

Getting back to Denver at the beginning of October, Bryn helped us celebrate Sue's birthday at one of our favorite local restaurants, the Vesta Dipping Grill.

It was a gourmet treat and lots of fun being out on the town with Bryn.

More Adventures with Charlie

Kindergarten

First Day Ready

While we were away, we missed Charlie's first day in Kindergarten.  He's in the same school where he attended Pre-K last year, so for him and us, it didn't seem like a "Big Deal." Still, we are astounded that he is now a kindergartener.

Rocky Mountain Adventure

Opa and Charlie getting ready to ride

During the first week in October, we kidnapped Charlie for a Rocky Mountain adventure.

Our first stop was the Georgetown, CO Narrow Gage Railroad, a restored 19th century narrow gage railroad that once hauled silver out of the mountains to Denver and the world beyond.







It was a beautiful Fall day; the short ride is great fun, and as an extra added treat the "Naked Lady" butterflies were migrating.

They were everywhere and one of our fellow train passengers showed us how to attract them so that they would rest on your hand.

Fall in the Rocky Mountains on the Georgetown Train

Charlie holding a toy and a "Naked Lady" butterfly

Charlie and Oma havin' fun on the train

Our next stop was Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, where we stayed the night in our favorite funky "mountain cabin retreat." While there we had the opportunity to do some hiking and "rock climbing."  This was right up Charlie's alley. Fortunately, Opa could keep up (if just barely.) Oma patiently waited for the explorers to return.

Mountain Man

Serious climging

Very serious climbing

Meeting back up with the non-climber

Charlie's love

Returning from Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, we often stop for lunch in the little town of Lyons at Oskar Blues Brewery Restaurant.  This time we had the great fortune to have Annie as our server.  Charlie and she immediately bonded! So much so that on the way home he created a ghost story for her that he dedicated to Annie.

Two weeks later we made a special trip to Lyons, just so he could deliver the story to her.  Their bond continues.

In and Around Denver

New glass tower near  us, The Hines Bldg.

We are really happy with our decision to settle in Denver.  Of course, the fact that Bryn and Charlie are here, is an important part of that.


But Denver has so much to offer.


And it is changing incredibly fast, right before our eyes.

A year and a half ago, they broke ground on what will be the tallest building in Denver--and it is one block from our condo, Brooks Tower.

Myrna and Sue returning from a late night film

We read in the papers and hear on the news that 10,000 people are coming to the Denver area every month. With all of the building and the awful traffic on the Interstates, we believe it.

There's always something to do--the theater, opera, or going out to eat with new friends.

The Cherry Creek Walking & Bike Trail

Along Cherry Creek Trail

Confluence Park, where Cherry Creek meets the Platte River

One of the dams at Confluence Park

One of  our favorite activities is walking and riding on the Cherry Creek Trail.

We have had some beautiful days this fall; this trail is just a block from our house and the B-Cycle Bike sharing docking station is across the street, so why wouldn't you want to hop on a bike?

Oma and Charlie, ready for the show

Last week, Oma and Opa took Charlie to a production of A Snowy Day and Other Stories.

A three person ensemble presented this staging of four of  Ezra Jack Keats's well-known and much loved stories.

Charlie really enjoyed his "first" real live play and wants to go back again.  Since we love the theater so much, we hope this will be the first of many trips to see live performances.

Charlie petting "Willie" in the lobby after seeing "Whistle for Willie" performed


That's our catch-up for the last few months.  We have a lot to be thankful for as we prepare for Thanksgiving, so we wish all who read this (and all who don"t !):

Happy Thanksgiving