Mature Readers

Two of my three faithful readers have suggested I change my blog's background. They've told me the color combo was difficult for more mature eyes. Well, I hope this helps. Do let me know if it's easier to read. Keeping two-thirds of my audience happy ... ~ Elaine

Wildfire Woes

The California and Utah wildfire smoke seem to be blanketing the Grand Valley. I took a picture this morning, and the haze is not nearly as bad today as yesterday. Yesterday you couldn't make out the Grand Mesa's outline. Today you can see the mountain.

Here's this morning's view with the haze.

Here's the same view on a clear day.

Oh, Donna!

I just wrapped up a great long weekend with my friend Donna. She told me when I moved that when she found a good-priced ticket, she was coming and that she did! We gallivanted about Grand Junction, did some shopping, saw a movie, loafed around and John drove us up on top of the Grand Mesa, which is on the east side of town, and through the Colorado National Monument on the west side. Here's proof ...

Donna getting cozy with the art Downtown.

Being wary of the bears at the Powderhorn Ski Resort on top of the Grand Mesa.


Testing out the cooler waters in the Grand Mesa National Forest.

Thinking, and trying not to laugh, at the Colorado National Monument.

Being our fab selves at the Colorado National Monument.

I know you can't get enough of me and John, so here's one more to satisfy your appetite.

Town Hall Update

Yes, John did make it to President Obama's Town Hall Meeting. But first he went to the opposition rally where around 3,000 folks gathered to talk about the proposed health care reform. Not wanting to risk security issues with taking his camera into the town hall meeting, John was sure to get a photo of the ticket.

The meeting was much more peaceful than those that have been held with Congressmen around the country. John likened it to behaving yourself and acting civil when the principal was in the room, but getting rowdy around your teacher.

Both sides of the issue were discussed. Grand Junction is a very conservative town compared to the rest of the state, but I believe the President decided on making a stop here because the area has a health care system very similar to what he is proposing - Rocky Mountain Health Plans. You can read an article about it in the LA Times.

On another note, John and I decided to drive to Rifle, CO, for an evening air show. About a half hour after we got there a storm began rolling through. It cut the show short, but it made for a pretty picture. At times I still can't believe I'm living in such a beautiful place!

Today: Obama in Grand Junction

President Obama is visiting the Western Slope today to campaign for health care reform. Since this is a town hall meeting-style event, it is being held at Central High School and residents could put their name in for the chance to get a ticket to attend. John put his name in, and so did his friend Mike. Mike got two tickets, so they plan to go together. I told John to take pictures if he can.

However, there's also an air show going on in a neighboring town. The lure of the airplanes may be too much for John and Obama will have to wait another day ... Stay tuned.

Birthday Bonanza!

OK, so "bonanza" is a bit of an overstatement, but John and I did have a great time on our birthdays. Poor John had been working nights a few days prior, including the night before our birthday! But we celebrated that evening with dessert. I'm so glad that we're both chocolate lovers and that neither of us will forget the other's big day ...