dual personalities

I really do love Colorado. A lot of our family history is tied up in the state and quite a few ancestors were buried there in the 19th century. I didn’t get a chance to do any genealogical work while I was out there last week, but being there did whet my appetite.

However, I was able to get out into the fresh air and “smell the pine in my nostrils”–literally.

One morning I ventured to Seven Falls which is located less than one mile from The Broadmoor and is “one of Colorado’s most captivating natural wonders.” This magnificent series of waterfalls is situated in a 1,250-foot-wall box canyon between the towering Pillars of Hercules. I walked up the trail to the base of the falls…

…but I admit I did not climb the “challenging” 224 steps to the hiking trails. Since I had knee surgery ten years ago, no way, and I am not ashamed to say I know my limits.

I rode the elevator up to the observation deck.

It was challenging enough, thank you.

I mentioned yesterday that we went to the art museum at Colorado College.

It had a nice collection of American Art and I enjoyed it and, as you know, I am always ready to visit a college campus. But I have to say, the collection of Western Art at the Broadmoor was every bit as impressive.

Maxfield Parrish’s own rendition of Seven Falls–he climbed higher than I did!

This is just a sample of the wonderful art on view at the hotel. C’est magnifique, n’est-ce pas?

And what about this from the Small World Department? The Mighty Pines band, who played at one of the evening events we went to at the OM’s conference…

…are from STL! We thought they were great, and when we went up to tell them so during one of the breaks, we found out that they know our good friend Gary and that they consider him a “mentor” and good friend. In fact the lead singer is a cousin of a girl with whom daughter #1 went to school. What d’you know, right? We are cooler than we thought.