Autumn in crested Butte

Here are some of the photos we have taken recently on hikes around Crested Butte. It has been a beautiful fall in general although we have had snow on the surrounding mountains. The next couple of days are supposed to be glorious, so we will be leaving at the perfect time. I went on a short bike ride today: The colours are gorgeous and it is so peaceful since there is hardly anyone around. All I could hear was my laboured breathing!!! Guess we'd better soak it up while we can - sounds like Honolulu is going to be frenetic!!!





These photos were taken 10 days ago up Kebler Pass on the Horse Thief Ranch Trail and Dyke Trail. They leaves had only just got going, but the views were still great.

















Here is a photo Nick took of our resident fox..he just sat very still thinking that way we wouldn't see him - but his ears were flicking around all the time listening. He finally turned his head and Nick got this shot.






The view from our deck a couple of days ago. If anything it is now even more colourful with some dark orange and reds added in.









and some photos in town...told you the weather had been gorgeous!















The rest of the photos are from a hike up Crested Butte mountain. Another gorgeous day...the dogs are Finnbar and Chester. They provided great amusement throughout the hike as Finn constantly tried to lose Chester on his little short legs!

















Hope autumn is as nice were you are!!! Next stop Honolulu (after Denver, Las Cruces, Tucson and Rocky Point Mexico!!!)

Remodel frenzy...

Posts have been few and far between recently for a couple of reasons. First, we have been trying to paint and slightly redo the condo this summer; we have been trying to finish up the small studio condo to get it sold or rented; and three, we have been sorting through all our stuff (I know you know what we really call it!) so we could move out of our storage unit and get rid of some of it before we leave...yes leave!

In a few weeks we are heading over to Honolulu for the winter. We had a lot of fun last winter and the skiing was great, but we never intended to relocate to Crested Butte, just hang out for a summer or so. And boy was that winter long! Sooo, we decided that since we had sold the one condo in April, we could figure out a way to move on for a while. Spain seemed a little risky as we were/are unsure of Nick's job prospects. London would be fun, but we have to get all Nick's paperwork in order which entails visas, embassy visits and $$$$. Hawaii seemed like a great idea! We can both work and earn decent money there without jumping through hoops, I can teach...I have been a little out of the loop here, but it is still what I am passionate about and want to do... and perhaps most importantly, there is NO SNOW!!!!!! I am looking forward to hanging out at the beach and only packing summer clothes!

As always, if I have computer access I will post photos of our travels. From here we will head to Denver and spend four or five days there. Then we will head to Las Cruces, New Mexico and spend a few days with Toni. From there we are heading to Rocky Point, Mexico for a few days via Tucson. We will fly out of Phoenix on October 15th for Honolulu. I have been trying to drum up some contacts and have a couple of interviews and meetings when I arrive for teaching work, so am pretty excited to be starting with all that again.

In the meantime, here are some photos from our painting escapades...

We painted the bedroom starting in May. The condo was built in the 80s and all the wood was dark brown. We had to sand and prime it all before painting it white...it took a while but I think it was worth it when I look at the end result. Here some of the wood is painted and some still needs work.





The condo looks like it had never been painted, so we had a job ahead of us.











The first colour was a little neon as you can see (!!!): we tried to tone it down.







Here we are in our "birthday" photo. What a way to spend your birthday weekend...hey, no one ever said we didn't know how to party!!!








We are fairly happy with the finished room now, but still aren't too sure about that colour!!! We did finally manage to hang the tapestry we bought in Greece though which was an achievement - we've only had it two years!





And we had a book case built into the corner of the room to try and create more space...I've already started packing up books in this photo!
















After the bedroom , we tackled the living room, entry way, kitchen and study. Phew. No wonder we were busy! Here are the photos before we started...unfortunately we didn't tidy up before we took them!!!


























The new entry way floor and living room with the bedroom off to the side












The area around the fireplace looks like a completely different place! What a difference: we are definitely glad we did it so that's a good sign!

I'll keep you posted on our travels...

Nika and Rena

We spent the weekend down on the Front Range last week and finally got to meet Nika. Nina is in the process of adopting her and has been with her since December. She's a cutie. Very shy and quiet at first, but as you can see, she soon seemed to get over that!
She has fit in quite happily and Nina is loving being a Mom.
















We also managed to see Darren and Rachel before Rachel headed off for three weeks in Cambodia. She will be conducting cross cultural training over there...lucky thing. Although last I heard she had been caught up in the latest typhoon and had ended up with a night in LA and a night in Taipei. At least she'll be able to get some tea! It will be a very interesting trip for her being back in Asia. I think it will be a very interesting trip for Darren as well as he has to cope with his little barrel of energy all on his own for the next three weeks!

Here is Rena - she is just full of life - I think maybe a little too much at times for Mom and Dad!









Even Ginger Pie leaves the room when she hears the whirlwind approaching! I think she was trying to hide at this point, but it was a pretty fruitless exercise - Rena just wanted a hug!






A fun weekend with lots of visiting. We even got to make Chinese dumplings with Fee - and then ate them all - they are one of our favourite foods after all! Managed to stop in at the Bank too and catch up with people for the first time since April. I don't think anything ever really changes there!