Introducing Leo...

Last night Joel and I adopted Leo, a nine year old Maine coon mix. Joel thought it was time for Reina to have a companion, and after a couple of days of looking, Leo stole our hearts. He is giant, outweighing Reina by at least 10 pounds. He is a snuggle-bug at heart, and despite his size, he loves to love! I haven't quite figured out how to hold him because he doesn't fit in my lap, but all he cares about is being close. What a sweetie!

First Day of School

Today I made my entrance as a West High Cowboy! The first day of school is always hectic, but I was especially aware of my nerves this morning. Being in a facilitator role adds to the pressure of classroom teaching. I am not just teaching students, but I am now coaching my peers. I have to admit, though, after two years of being out of the classroom, I felt right at home today.

It was a relatively "easy" day, as we only had freshmen on campus. I have two freshman English Lab classes (basically an intervention class for struggling learners), and tomorrow I will meet my juniors for the first time. There is a special place in my heart for the ninth graders; they are my favorite. But I am sure my juniors will be great too!

Here is a link to West if you'd like to see my new home. http://west.dpsk12.org/

Summer Fun!

What a fun summer we are having! The weather has been amazing, as we are just now reaching 90 degree days. Afternoon showers almost everyday cool us down and provide much need moisture for the yard and garden. Our bulbs are now up, and the lilies are beautiful!

They didn't bloom much last year so I was delighted to see the variety of colors. The veggie garden is taking off, though the roly-polies wreaked havoc on the beans, the red-wing blackbirds got the berries, and I had to replant the cantaloupe. Our corn, surprisingly, is as tall as me! We should be getting tomatoes just in time for our July and August visitors.

My friend Vanessa from Irving came to visit and we travelled to the south-central part of the state to Royal Gorge and then back through Colorado Springs to the Garden of the Gods. The Royal Gorge bridge was built in 1929, and it is the highest suspension bridge in the world. Wood planks make up the flooring so crossing was a bit scary because we could see the river far below. We stopped at the Air Force chapel (pic below of the organ), which is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen.




































Joel was off on the Friday of the 4th of July weekend and has normal hours the rest of the month. We went to a friend's house for a Colorado BBQ and ladder golf. Since I am not known for my sports prowess, I must brag that two of my teams won....and one of them beat Joel's! Joel We also saw Wilco at Red Rocks. Okkervil River opened for them, and they played California Stars together. Two of Joel's favorite bands are becoming mine too. They put on a great show, but it's hard to beat any concert at Red Rocks.

We have a full house the rest of the summer, but would love to have more visitors. If anyone needs a weekend vacation, call on us!