So much gratitude for time spent in southwest Colorado with Rose & Steven at their new home in Lewis, Colorado- which is between Dolores and Cortez- a few miles from Mesa Verde and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
I got to their new place right before Christmas. On Christmas Eve we volunteered at the Cortez Community Center preparing meals for over 400 people on Christmas Day. We hiked around the property on Christmas day and I got some metal detecting done the day after Christmas.
THEN, the snow stated! Over the next three weeks over 6 feet of snow fell in the Four Corners area. Shoveling became the normal and we were actually snowed in for 5 days- January 16-20. We were dug out on the 20th by three snow removal vehicles- an ATV with plow, a tractor with a shovel and a Bob Cat snow plow.
After checking the weather and roads I left January 21st. It was clearer to come home through Moab and use 1-70… I got back to Lakewood and MORE snow…. While the metro Denver area has had a couple of warm sunny days the weather here has been full of snow and COLD weather. Plus the Four Corners have continued to get more snow- the drought is in the past for the area! And more is coming this week! Luckily, the kids left for a warm winter vacation on February 7th.
I had a lovely Christmas and a quiet snowy 70th birthday with chocolate cake and macaroni & cheese upon request! I am looking forward to SPRING!
I am trying to restart this blog which had had some technology issues. I am posting a blog I wrote and sent out in August again- not sure this post was ever really posted and the words DO share where I have been during 2022.
Since this is basically a test- please comment if possible- so I know what is working and what needs to be fixed. Thanks
Hello from Lakewood Colorado! I apologize for walking away from LIFE. I have spent the last 7 months healing. I give thanks & gratitude for having time and patience to allow healing.
Physically- while spending time in the Arizona desert (7 weeks in November & December) I found myself cold to the bones- literally. The unexpected cold weather while camping in a tent found my bones- my teeth, back, hips, neck and shoulders kept me in pain. I came home to Lakewood the beginning of 2022 to find physical & emotional relief.
My dentist, regular doctor and chiropractor along with massage have been busy helping me recover. My urologist along with kidney stone symptoms and recent surgery have also been a part of my life. My mental health therapist has been kept busy along with spirit friends helping find the LIGHT!
Depression regarding this wonderful body was keeping my spirits at bay. I was sad, confused and wondering why this body was NO longer responding in the manner I was accustomed. I no longer could push my body without consequences. I was resenting getting OLD!
There is light at the end of the tunnel. The tunnel is now opened into a new track- I have a NEW normal!
Physically, I am feeling better. My teeth are better with a night guard to minimized stress. A new bridge gave stability to the left side and the promise of a right side bridge is a good feeling. My shoulders and neck are back to feeling fine- now allowing my old hip injury to be heard. Kidney stones are part of my life- prevention and awareness are key. I am doing NIA (dance) at least once a week and have hula hooped a few times. I have several gardening jobs- helping with cleanup!
I know I am not the only one with social anxieties after more than two years of pandemic upheaval. My mental health has its ups and downs. Currently, using breath, meditation, quiet time, and outside activities (mother nature) to find mental relief.
My spirit is open to new awakenings and pleasures. Gold Prospecting in rivers & mountains- found gold along Chalk Creek near Mount Princeton. Rock hounding with the Colorado Mineral Society- quartz crystals near Conifer, Amazonite and smoky quartz near Lake George. Metal detecting with the Eureka Club and dowsing with Mile High Dowsers. I am involved with the Golden Anti-Racist Society- Check out “A Decent Home” documentary on trailer parks. I have been taking short camping trips-went down to view the Sand Creek Massacre memorial as well as the Japanese internment camp near Granada, Colorado. Also getting to visit Rose & Steven at their summer hosting gig at a fish hatchery near Buena Vista.
I back on the path to selling Pstyles. Got a Facebook page and looking towards selling at rock, mineral, gold shows. I have found the pStyle so handy when hiking, traveling and using porta potties/ rest stop toilets, etc. Always purchase the cloth bag with the plastic pStyle- easy to wash and no toilet paper needed.
My choice for peeing-Sometimes known as an STP (stand to pee device), or a PUD (personal urination device), the pStyle is a simple design that works exceptionally well. Because it is made of rigid plastic, it is easily maneuvered through clothing, without removing gear like backpacks and climbing harnesses. The unique funnel shape directs the flow of urine away from the body, while the rounded back edge can be used to wipe, so there are no drips!https://www.thepstyle.com/ Use code CCC53 for 10% off order Take it with you… hiking, camping, rock climbing, boating, horse back riding, farming, building, landscaping, serving in the military or first responders, outdoor events, music festivals, night clubs, road trips, international travel, bird watching, cos-playing, caving… https://www.thepstyle.com/ Use code CCC53 for 10% off order
Tennessee is beautiful! The meandering Tennessee River is awesome. Smoky Mountains breathtaking!
Connie and Esther
Connie, Esther and Beverly
My childhood friend, Beverly, made sure a good time was experienced. We were teenagers the last time we connected. Bev’s mom Esther is the last living friend of my Moms – a big smile came to Esther whenever she was told (reminded) “Marilyn Crossmans daughter Connie”. I enjoyed being around this sweet family! A nearby fire was big news – bring on autumn allergies. Downtown Knoxville was fun and a trip to a nearby cemetery made my day. Joined a water aerobic class – lots of good exercise. I need to come back for a longer visit – so much to see in the area.
I spent several days in St Joseph, Missouri at the AOK RV Camp, owned by former Colorado residents. Dale and Sandy have been so very helpful in sharing their knowledge on RVing. Dale showed me how to manage my water- drinking, heating, filling, etc. Plus he showed me how to use the DREadED black & gray water systems. Also replaced an alarm sensor. Also more info on leveling – got apps on my phone now. I cut out window shields from shiny silver material that now keep light, cold and heat out or in. I left the camp because they were totally full and I did not have a reservation for the week end… I am now in Bloomington, still trying to figure out the next leg of my trip – possibly Kentucky and Tennessee. Maybe Virginia to see my nephew and his family. I will be back in Colorado by October 2nd and will spend most of the month house sitting in Lakewood. Going to spend the morning making appointments for October….
I am hitting the road- on my way to Thermopolis Wyoming. Thought I would go SOUTH but friends were busy with the holiday. I will keep you posted on my adventures. In Wyoming I will be soaking in mineral waters and sharing a sweat lodge on Sunday. MollyG is ready for travel. She has had major work done- transmission, rear and front end work, new tires and the entire RV checked out! I am headed to Bloomington the last week in September so I have a lot of time, space and travel to keep my heart open and my head interested!
More of Written by Connie C coming soon!
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Saturday, June 8th found me on Lake Monroe in a BOAT. Got to spend over 7 hours hanging out on the lake. I was in a very HAPPY place. I LOVE water and boats! And I love my friends who HAVE boats! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Title photo: Elijah, Connie, and Daniel living the good life!
Today I left Colorado and stopped in Oberlin Kansas to spend my first night on the road in my new “old” camper van. The truck ran great! Doesn’t like going over 73 mph – the entire truck shakes – kept hearing MONEY jangling. Now I know it was coins in a plastic container.
I saw a real red phone booth in Joes Kansas sitting in a field. I wish I had taken a picture. Maybe Doctor Who was around?
I am driving on Hwy 36 instead of I-70. This was the road Bruce, Rose and I would take to Savannah, MO to see family.
I am all packed and ready to fly back to Colorado. I have enjoyed being in NYC for over two weeks. I have had the time to visit the sights and to relax. I have been surrounded by friends and had days of solitude. Wish you could have been here with me!
