Golfing with the Boss

Joanne and I just got back from the Palm Springs area on our annual golf trip with Bruce and Darla Evertson.

The weather was cool and rainy one day, but the only two things that were a bummer is first - Joanne might be fighting a kidney stone, and second I forgot my camera in the car.

I did manage to figure out how to take pictures with my phone's camera and a couple came out.

On the rainy day, Joanne and I borrowed Bruce's car and drove through Joshua Tree National Park.

It is a big desert, and we went on a 3 mile hike to see an oasis tucked into a tight mountain valley.

I attempted to take numerous pics with my phone, but was mistakingly taking shakey videos instead.  :(

Our golf game has certainly improved since our first trip six years ago, but is still nothing to brag about.  

It is always fun to play on the beautiful courses out there, enjoy some sun, take in the lush green colors, and laugh at some of our shots.  Bruce and Dar are gracious hosts, we eat most of meals at their vacation home, and they put up with our marginal ability to play golf.

Maybe this year, Joanne and I will actually play some more golf.  However, it is hard to turn down a mountain bike ride when the weather gets warm!  :)

Cooking Class

Joanne and I were invited to an event that was held at the Cook Street School of Fine Cooking.

Joanne has been to the school before, but it was a first for me.

It was a little intimidating to me, since I don't cook and only heat things up.  However, since it was an event, the cooking class part was abbreviated and easier than a normal cooking class.

The instructor / chef was excellent and I really enjoyed the event, and I think Joanne and I will come back in late spring for a class on outdoor grilling.  :)

First Ride up Lookout - 2011

The snow was melting at a pretty good pace on Sunday, with a forecasted high of 62!  :)

So, I put the fenders back on the mtn bike and took off for the bike loop around SW Denver.  However, the C470 bike path was not cleared and still had about 6" of snow.  So, I headed back home.

While heading back, I decided to make the first journey of the year over Lookout Mtn.  I was really glad I did!

Lookout Mtn is such an EPIC ride to have so close to our home.  As usual, there were many riders pushing there limits to get to the top.  The guys grimacing and the gals smiling.

The ride down overlooking Golden always puts me in a GREAT mood.

I came home to Fritz and Rex ready to come in ( but not ready for a bath :) 

A quick bath, a little snack, and they are now upstairs already in their bed.   Probably dreaming of chasing Julio, the neighbors big black cat who comes over to talk "smack" during week!

Yuck !

Looks like outside riding is over for a while  :~(

We are lucky to have great indoor bike trainers, and a nice TV to watch when the weather gets like this.

Dry Roads but still Cold Riding

We have enjoyed dry roads on the weekends lately, but it still has not been very warm riding.

I have been doing a 55 mile loop on bike paths around the south end of Denver.  Every time I have done it this winter, I have delusions of grandeur and think I am going to finish the ride with a trip up Lookout Mtn and back.

But, by the time I get close to Golden, I am freezing and I blow off a trip up Lookout. 

Today was no different, I have no delusions on how cold it will be to coast down!   Better to wait for warmer, sunny days.  :)