Randomness

Toad found in one of our basement window wells (holes in the ground that let light and air in our basement windows).

Luckily Gemma was here. She was the only one brave enough to pick it up. Gloves were used in case US toads are poisonous. It turns out that they're not. She released it in a dry ditch nearby. We subsequently found numerous other toads in our window wells and garden - a sign of a healthy ecosystem apparently!

Later in the summer, we found this handsome tiger salamander that had fallen into another window well. Notice his friend, the great plains toad, keeping very still. Salamanders are very greedy and eat anything they can fit in their mouth! They can grow to over a foot long and live up to 25 years.

We decided our critters could stay, so I renovated the window well to make it a bit nicer for them. This window is on the shady side of the house, so keeps nice and cool. It should also be a good winter home for them. Very convenient pets!

Eating a cricket. Now that I am feeding and watering Sally (although still unsure of sex), it seems to be a very happy salamander and is getting quite friendly. At least two toads are living there too, and there are signs of multiple burrows.

Chris and Dave (friend visiting from NZ) heading into Red Rocks Amphitheater for the John Butler Trio concert.

Gemma's birthday treat.

Full moon.

The John Butler Trio symbol on the red rocks.

It was a FANTASTIC concert in a very special venue. They are a bunch of very skilled musicians.

One day's harvest from our vege patch. The strawberries are missing, as they were eaten very quickly! Gemma made some great pesto out of all the basil.

Enjoying a foot drawing session! Try it!

The result!

The US Pro Cycling Challenge in nearby Golden, Colorado.

The Flatirons from the Boulder Reservoir.

Hot Summer Walks with Gemma

We had some nice walks with Gemma while she was here for 6 weeks in July/August...

On the track out the back of our subdivision. Now that we live in Erie, we're a bit further from Boulder and the mountains, but it's nice to get views of the mighty Rockies from afar.

Gemma kindly offered to look after Rylan while Chris and I went mountain biking at Hall Ranch. Unfortunately, we headed out too late in the day and the heat quickly got the better of us.

Gemma carrying 27ish pounds (~12 kg) of Rylan under the burning sun! We were a bit worried about them when we came across a rattlesnake sunbathing on the trail, but luckily they didn't make it that far.

Horses getting ready to ride over some interesting terrain.

Rylan telling us ALL about his adventure with Gemma.

Not sure how it happened, but that afternoon we bought a new car - 2011 Nissan Pathfinder.

Took it for a drive up the canyons the next day. It passed the test.

Having a nice walk at Caribou Ranch.

Ground squirrel.

It was our friend Ken's 50th birthday, so we went up to Eldorado Canyon to help him celebrate. Rylan unsure about the hummingbirds buzzing about Ken and Suz's deck.

The great view from their deck.

Eldorado Canyon in the evening.

A world-class destination for rock climbing.

With Rylan at school 3 mornings a week, Gemma and I got out for the occasional walk without the extra weight to slow us down. Here are the Flatirons from Chautauqua Park, always an impressive sight.

Sisters together under the Flatirons.

Another day, another hot summer walk.

This time on the trails at the other end of the Flatirons.

Sure is pretty.

Wizened tree.

Rylan - 16 Months

It was such a hot day, we needed something to do outside that didn't involve clothes... painting with chocolate custard! Lots of fun and tasty too!

Gemma arrived and Rylan went all shy. He soon warmed up, but this is him hiding from Gemma on her first day.

Going for a walk to the park.

Rylan loves the swings.

Checking out Pearl Street, Boulder. Yes, Rylan is picking his nose!

With the frog statue on Pearl Street.

Delight at seeing the kiddie train chugging down the street. Note the presence of baby mullet.

The long awaited and much needed haircut!
 

Farewell baby mullet.

Playing rugby at the Louisville Street Fair.

Action shot.

Trying some of Mum's gelato.

NOT happy when meanie Mum took it back.

Having fun in the sandpit.

Come here, I want to give you a hug!!

First day of school - loved it.

At the park (taken by Gemma lying on her back in the slide).

Playing at the splash pad, which was unfortunately out of order.

Helping Auntie Gemma on her computer.

Still mad about dogs ("goggies").