Musings From the Colorado

Driving out of the Denver airport, the Interstate Highway looked so big, smooth and perfect. I was stunned. The traffic flowed in a predictable, logical fashion. No wonder we drive unconscious in the US. It requires almost no thought because it is so orderly.

Where was a car driving without any lights when you need a little excitement?

I have been over joyed seeing my old friends. Absence does make the heart fonder. It is sooooo good to see old friends. Like putting on a well-worn pair of shoes---comfortable and supportive.

A couple of friends mentioned that I have been hard on Colorado in the blog. Hmmm??? It must be so since they mentioned it. I will have to take a look at that. I have not intended to be hard on my old state.

Today was a perfect Colorado day. Absolutely still. A calm I have only experienced in the Colorado mountains. Even though it was brisk, the sun warms you on one side while the other is chilled.

As I stood at the base of a mountain, looking east across the town, it looks brown, grey, tan...dry, dormant, bleak.

I turn and look up into the mountains and it is beautiful...verdant green with a huge, looming 14,000 foot Pikes Peak covered with snow against the bluest sky.

I was brought back to 1977 when I first arrived in Colorado. I was awed by this beauty. I couldn't get enough. Hiking in the mountains became my passion.

I have not experienced that passion and love for a few years. Somewhere along the way, my intolerance for the cold took over.

Today, the awe came back. I thought, "I love this day, this beauty!" I used to think this almost every day.

It felt good to be able to appreciate the state I lived in for 32 years, where I started and operate numerous businesses, raised 2 children and much more.

I'm not pulled to move back...simply to appreciate it once again.

I may have gone a little native in Panama.

I missed a promised time to meet my daughter last night at 8 pm. I only miss an appointment once a decade or so. This is not like me. I don't know what happened. It caused quit a little bit of trouble so I had to eat some crow.

Today, I went to her school where she teaches music. Yella and Katey are singing in a talent show for her school tonight so we rehearsed.

My of my, do they sound good together.

I went back for the first show this afternoon. I got to watch Katey work with the kids for a while.

She was born to do this kind of work. She makes them toe the line but doesn't dominate them. A perfect balance.

She was trained in her first two years in an Inner City school in Denver. They had no money, no books, no curriculum, no instruction. She was on her own in an over filled classroom of unruly kids.

In desperation, she started singing and they all stopped acting out, looked up at her in wonder. Her voice does that to people, no matter what age.

Most of you know how well Yella sings so now you can imagine how good they sound together.

I look forward to returning tonight for the main show.