I'm still here!

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. We're just back from a glorious week in Oregon, so I have lots of catching up to do. I've also been "tagged" by my friend Kat, which means I have to answer some questions about myself, then choose someone else. That will be my next post, but gimme a few more days!

Rocky top

To escape triple-digit temperatures last month, we took a drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, about an hour and a half away. It was about 20 degrees cooler, and at one particular elevation, I put on a sweater and pants. Notice my hot-pink Crocs. Ugly? Probably. But very comfy. Made in Niwot, Colo. The recent IPO was a smashing success.


The dogs weren't allowed on any trails in the park, but we managed to get them in a few photos. This one was taken by a middle-aged biker couple. We returned the favor and took their pic in front of the Continental Divide signage.


A beautiful view from somewhere around the top. I think the highest elevation we reached was right around 12,000 feet, about a 7,000-foot gain from Denver.


A little snow was left. During some parts of the drive, I was scared senseless because of the steep edges with no guardrails. I was literally almost in tears at one point, though I didn't tell Michael until later (he was driving; don't know if that made it better or worse for me -- I was on the side with the edges). Michael's uncle mentioned he didn't much care for that aspect of the drive either when he visited.


Angus was enthralled by ...


A chipmunk. They were cheeky and coming right up to people.


Esther had to sit out the chipmunk portion of the trip. Too much excitement for her little brain to handle, and I was afraid she'd jump over the edge going after one.

Ray of "Sunshine"

OK, if you never listen to anything else I say, please, please, please go see "Little Miss Sunshine" or add it to your Netflix queue when it comes out. It is a darkly delightful, perfect little movie. The kind that reminds you why the medium of film exists in the first place. Perfect casting in every way and a flawless movie. The audience actually clapped at the end. How often does that happen?

Side note: Denver band DeVotchka performs much of the music.