In the loop

I now have my own hula-hoop! Neighbor Robin made me one yesterday. It's surprisingly easy:

1. Determine the proper size of the irrigation tubing (the circle should come to about mid-waist).
2. Cut the tubing where you want it (Robin has cool ratchet shears).
3. Place one end of the tube in boiling water to soften for insertion of the coupler.
4. Insert the coupler (a step I failed to photograph).
5. Place a handful of dry beans or popcorn kernels inside for the "swoosh" effect you loved as a kid.
6. Place the other end of the tube in the boiling water and attach to the coupler.
7. Cover your creation in fun electrical tape (which I haven't done yet) and you're ready to roll!

Round and round

Our neighbor Robin made hula-hoops (irrigation tubing, coupler and tape). Last time I'd tried one as an adult, it didn't go anywhere, but I seem to have gotten the moves back. It's exhausting, but I'm guessing great for the abs.

Mascara tears

Her PTL past aside, you've gotta love Tammy Faye. And if not, check out the documentary "The Eyes of Tammy Faye." The woman was self-deprecating and nonjudgmental and showed a lot of chutzpah. And she developed a seemingly genuine friendship with porn star Ron Jeremy, her polar opposite. I don't think even I could do that.

Kicking out the jams

As we do with most of our visitors, we took a recent trip to nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Our friend Dan came to see us after a family reunion in Utah. While at Red Rocks, Michael decided to try out an interactive exhibit and jammed with some kids. Behind him is a photo of one of the earliest performances at Red Rocks.

Colorado sunset

Playing a bit of catch-up. This is looking out of the window of the rooftop patio of the Buckhorn Exchange, billed as Denver's historic steakhouse. Mom wanted to eat like the Denverites do, so we took her there during her visit last month. She had elk and buffalo. Michael had baby-back ribs. The only "meat" on the menu that I probably would ever order was the salmon, though it didn't appeal to me that particular day, so I had a baked potato and salad. I have to say, they have fantastic ranch dressing, buttermilky just like I like it.