If you remember correctly, my first contract on the house was to close on 9/11. I, in my ever positive, enthusiastic, optimistic way was absolutely convinced that would happen so, what did I do? Why, I packed all my winter clothes and shipped them off to WV, of course! And then the whole deal fell apart and we didn’t close till the 24th. Well…that’s cool. I’d still get to WV in plenty of time before I needed winter clothes, right? Ummmm…not so much. I drove to Denver last Wednesday in the snow, wearing the only winter clothes I had left…a sweater, a pair of leggings, and my black cowgirl boots. Chic, for sure, but not very practical. So, I stopped at the factory outlet stores on my way through Silverthorne and just picked up a few things. At least now there’s a little variety.

I took my second father-in- law out for breakfast yesterday. Bernie is a total hoot. He will be 90 in December and he really wants me to come back for his birthday party so I suppose I’ll be back in CO then. He has no governor between his brain and his mouth and he’s extremely hard of hearing. This made for some interesting general announcements to the entire restaurant regarding certain bodily functions. Like I said, Bernie’s a hoot! 😉

I came back from Denver yesterday and it was a gorgeous drive. There’s still plenty of color on the aspens and it was a blue blaster day. I visited my brother and some friends and went to soak in the hot springs pool for the last time for awhile. I had dinner with my former neighbors. Then I came over to my brother-friend’s house. I gave him the painting I did for him and then I sat and listened to him practice the trombone for the upcoming symphony performance. He’s first chair…I’m so proud of him!

Greg and I were on the HOA Board together shortly after I bought my house in 2001. We were at a board meeting and they were setting up the schedule. I spoke up to say I would not be attending the next meeting because I’d be in WV. Greg looked at me funny and the meeting continued. He came up to me later to ask why I would be in WV. I explained I was born there and would be visiting family. Turns out, Greg and I were born at the same hospital, delivered by the same doctor, and his grandfather was superintendent of my school district when I was growing up! It is such a small world. We bonded immediately and he became my little brother for life. He’s always been there for me and I adore him. We will miss each other terribly. Greg is that friend you can call in the middle of the night. He once got up to come over and sit in the trailer with me till dawn because I couldn’t stand to sleep in my bed. He’s awesome!

I’m going to the local Ford dealership today to trade in the Expedition for an F-150 and then…hopefully…I can pick up my trailer. I’m ever hopeful…but this extra week has been perfect!