“Mr. Virgo’s Cross”

This is where I left Mr. Virgo’s lock of hair when I hiked into the wilderness this summer to say good-bye and leave him in the place he loved the most. As I have negotiated this path, I have come upon stumbling blocks which could have made me falter. It’s what we do with those stumbling blocks that determine our direction…up or down.

A few weeks ago, I realized I had not seen postings for awhile from a person I considered a friend and family member. After doing some investigation, I realized this person had not only unfriended me on FB, but had also disconnected from my children’s pages as well as Mr. Virgo’s. I was hurt and confused. I reached out, in the off chance that this was accidental and received no response. After giving it some time, I accepted that this person intentionally disconnected.

“Colorado Sky”

I took this photo this morning. I love how the misty clouds cling to the hillsides this time of year. We have had some rain but nothing like you are seeing on the news.

Please keep Colorado in your prayers as the Front Range braces for more heavy rain.

“TOW-Wanda in the Trees”

Well, the time has come. I have to put TOW-Wanda to bed for the winter. :-( I’m going to be traveling again soon and won’t be back till 10/20 for a week then off again. By that time there will very likely be snow, at least in the high country, and I don’t want to get stuck with her in front of my house. The snowplow dude and my neighbors would not be happy! So, sweet TOW-Wanda…let me thank you for a WONDERFUL first season as a trailer girl. You helped me more than I can say!

“Rest in Peace, Mr. Virgo”

Another milestone is here. It was six months ago today that the life I had planned came to an abrupt stop. Time, insight, prayer, and hard work has paid off. I am healthy, well rested, loved, and blessed with a whole new life. Not better. Different….and beautiful.

Grief is an amazing journey to the inside. We stop, nurse our wounds, evaluate our past life, contemplate our new life, then stand up to accept the blessings as they come. Life, however long, is too short. If we only had the insight at 30 that we have at 60, we would fill every moment with as much joy and laughter as we can.

“Key Lime Pie”

For my friend, Becky. A friend brought me key limes from Florida and we made this recipe. It was awesome! I am trying it today with the bottled key lime juice so I’ll let you know how it compares to fresh squeezed.

http://m.allrecipes.com/video/1360/key-lime-pie-vii/

“Putanesca Sauce”

This is a rustic, Northern Italian spaghetti sauce that is rich and spicy. Perfect for these cool days of Fall. Serve over pasta of choice and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese.

I always start with two or three jars of a good quality jarred sauce to save time. I pick spicy flavors because it enriches what I’m adding. Boulder Sausage Company makes a great Hot Italian Sausage in ground or links. I like the links. You can use any good quality sausage. Using kitchen shears, cut the links in half-inch circles Use the amount to your liking and to the size of your pot. I used one package of 5 links. Sauté a large chopped yellow onion and a box of sliced mushrooms in 1-2 T. olive oil. When the onions are pretty transparent, add the Italian Sausage and a teaspoon or so of minced garlic. Add a good handful of pitted Kalamata olives cut in half and a couple of tablespoons of capers, drained. Mash two or three anchovy filets (trust me, you will not taste these in the sauce as fishy…it just adds to the richness) and throw them in. Add red pepper flakes to taste. Remember, these get hotter as they cook. I used about a teaspoon. Then pour your jars of sauce over this mixture once the sausage is cooked. Stir well, cover with a spatter screen (this keeps the stove relatively clean while allowing the sauce to thicken) and simmer over a low flame for at least an hour or two. The flavors evolve if you refrigerate this overnight and heat it the next day. Adjust thickness with a little water if it’s too thick. I never cook with a recipe, so I have given approximations. This made a nice-sized pot of sauce that made four meals. You can multiply for a crowd. Also, the sauce freezes well.

“Western Sunset”

The firsts are always difficult. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Holidays…the first ones after a loss bring many emotions. Sadness at the loss. Fondness of the memories. Joy with the knowledge that he got to see Jesus already!

Mr. Virgo, you are missed by all who knew and loved you. We will meet again!

“Ginny in Sisters Regalia”

Oh, this is just too much fun! Sisters on the Fly makes girls out of women. What are you doing in your life that let’s your “little girl” come out to play?

“Stormy Colorado Sky”

I love the Colorado sky. I took this the other night and couldn’t believe how beautiful it was in every direction.

I’ve actually been home for the last NINE days! Wow…I think that’s the longest stretch since I started “The Grand Adventure” on May 10th. I’ve been a busy bee, nesting in preparation for the change of seasons. I didn’t get to do my spring cleaning this year so I’ve been playing catch up this week. Thank you Deisy, Liz, and Mama Elena for your help yesterday! I just finished shampooing the carpets and I’m doing laundry. It’s beautiful outside and I am so tempted by the Siren Song of the woods. Must…stay…focused!

“Sunset on Storm King”

Oh my, what a perfect day! I worked at the office all day, ran into some really awesome people, stopped at a cool new shop and she loved my jewelry! She wants to sell it in both her Basalt and her Aspen stores. And, there was a special treat on my doorstep. Yes, it was a perfect day! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!