Discover Fort Collins

Decided to give my sister-in-law, Debbie, a tour of some of our favorite FoCo night-life spots last evening.  Keep in mind, we were home by 9, so "night-life" is all in one's perspective...  We started at the Mayor of FC, followed by the Crown Pub and The Forge.  We then crashed a birthday party at Coopersmith's Poolside.  Happy, Happy Birthday to Ray!  After that, we landed on the very lively back porch of the Equinox Brewery to find Blue Grama Bluegrass playing - not my usual genre of music, but very fun, none the less.  Doug apparently knows at least one of the band members - go figure...

Here's a link to their Facebook page.  If you enjoy Bluegrass, I was also able to find them on You Tube...

https://www.facebook.com/BlueGramaBluegrass

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTl6Sy47lCQ

"Take a Walk in the Park Day"

I couldn't find any information confirming that this is an "officially" recognized day, but, who really cares?? With the weather being as outdoor-friendly as it has been, there is no excuse not to get to the park for a walk. Daisy and I did just that yesterday...

iPhone Humor

I find these little gems on occasion that fit me to a tee - lol!  

My iPhone recently took an untimely bath,

but, following my daughter's advise to 

stick it in a bag of rice to dry out,

it is miraculously back to functioning properly...

What's Going Around the Internet - Helpful Hints

This one very much appeals 

to my sense of tidiness and organization!

Adhere a magnetic strip to the back

of your vanity door (or anywhere convenient)

and hang all the little essentials:  

bobby pins, clippers, tweezers.

Most of these should be magnetic,

so, provided you hang them back up,

you'll be able to find them next time

without the aid of Search and Rescue...

Political Opinion

I prefer to avoid political commentary,
but...  this pretty much says it all!

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

"A March born shall always be
Soothed by Aqua, gem of sea
This mermaid's treasured stone you wear
Will bring happiness, love, affection and care."

The beautiful lightly-colored Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone of March.  It represents faithfulness, courage and friendship.  

This necklace belongs to my daughter and is matched with earrings which were given to her when she "graduated" eighth grade.  It's a tradition in my family for the young women to receive a birthstone at that time.  

Happy Birthday, Brianne!!

Today my little angel turns 17...
Happy, Happy Birthday to her!

Kitchen Project - Phase 2

The countertop went in without a hitch! The installers were on-time, polite and even picked up after themselves :-)

Now for the backsplash...  Based on the samples that I brought home for Doug to look at, this is going to be a lot more challenging.  Looks like we're going to need a referee!!

Kitchen Project - Phase 1

We have been in our home for 16 years and this is the first kitchen upgrade that we have undertaken.  New countertops, backsplash and appliances are on the agenda.  I'm pretty excited!

First phase: Removing old countertops.

An Irish Blessing...

A world of wishes at your command.
God and his angels close to hand.
Friends and family their love impart,
and Irish blessings in your heart!

Welcome Spring!

Fort Collins has been enjoying some amazing Spring weather!  This is the Snow Crabapple Tree in my back yard just starting to bloom...  A very welcome site to my winter-weary eyes!  I love watching everything come back to life in the Spring :-D

New Food Find...

Although this place has been around for ages,
it was a new experience for me.
Located behind Bill's Casino in Las Vegas,
it's surroundings look a bit sketchy;
however, it is a favorite of the locals.
Authentic Italian - Bri and I gave it two forks up!

Their menu can be found at:
http://battistaslasvegas.com/

And We're Off...

I am a huge fan of colorful/unique/tacky luggage.  Call it what you will, but I can spot this from a mile away on the baggage carousel!  Plus, the major bonus, no one else is going to try to claim it :-)

Safe travels to all over Spring Break!

Happy Birthday, Dad :-)

This is my dad, Adair, age 5.
Yep - he's one day younger than my mom.
What are the odds?!?!

Enjoy your special day!
Love, Hugs and Kisses!

Happy Birthday to my Mom!

This is my mom, Judy, Easter 1942.
Check out that bonnet!
How cute :-)

Have a wonderful birthday!
I love you!!

I Want It!!

I have a very nice laptop...
and an iPhone...
and a great camera...
I honestly have no NEED for this...

I WANT this new toy!

The new iPad is being released March 16...
I seriously doubt that I will be camping in line
outside of Apple or Best Buy as
reason and practicality will take over by then.

I WANT it now!

I'm older than 4...
I cannot have a tantrum in the aisle...
Not that my mother EVER put up with that.
EVER...

Maybe I'll mention it to my husband...
He likes new tech toys...
I could use his...
Probably not.
Neither of us share well...

I still WANT one!

Monopoly

On this day in 1933, the Monopoly board was supposedly invented.  I say "supposedly" because I found differing information while trying to research.

Whatever...  Monopoly is probably the most popular board game ever invented. Mr. Darrow was really on to something when he went to Parker Brothers in 1934 with his idea (they turned him down the first time). After selling 5000 handmade sets his first year, he again approached them and the rest is game history.

Most folks love this game, but it isn't one of my favorites - I always lose :-P

Early Season Sun Worshipping

Yesterday was a stunningly gorgeous, sunny day,
with temps in the upper 60's, here in The Fort.
Daisy and I enjoyed our first outdoor sun worshipping session
since the start of the new year.
I figured we would stock up on Vitamin D before
Mother Nature remembers it's not officially Spring yet...

What's Going Around the Internet - Helpful Hints

This is one of those ideas where I thought "Why didn't I think of that??"  I can't help thinking of all the time this would have saved me in the past...

Next time you lose something small, like an earring, put a nylon over the end of your vacuum hose and, voila!!

We the People...

On March 4, 1789, the Constitution of the United States went into effect.  I can still recite the entire Preamble thanks to School House Rock :-)

Enjoy!!
http://www.schooltube.com/video/03f9c858260a4da9b582/School-House-Rock-The-Preamble

March Birth Month Flower: Jonquil

I love seeing the early-blooming daffodils come up each spring.  I discovered these in my neighbor's yard last year (none here yet - it was snowing yesterday).

The delicate Jonquil, also known as the Daffodil, is the birth month flower for March.   It's meaning is friendship and domestic happiness; however, in the language of flowers, sending these to someone tells them "You are an angel."

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

March roars in like a lion
So fierce,
The wind so cold,
It seems to pierce.


The month rolls on
And Spring draws near,
And March goes out
Like a lamb so dear.

- Lorie Hill