Lots to See, Do, and Celebrate

The Flatiron Mountains from the beautiful drive between Golden and Boulder

      It's been another busy week, driving back and forth between Golden, Boulder, and the Denver International Airport.  We've made more than one 'wild goose chase' trying to take in some open houses.  Home prices were somewhat shocking, considering they were nearly double what we encountered in Phoenix.  And, while we did find one model patio home in Broomfield had a good deal of appeal, we were informed that there is a waiting list with a clear indication nothing would be ready for at least a year.  So we're more than discouraged at this point.

Downtown Denver -- State Capitol Dome

      Sunday, April 23rd, we decided to grab breakfast out at the nearby Denny's and drive into the city to attend the 12:30 p.m. mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.  We allowed ourselves plenty of time because we had read that parking was limited and the neighborhood was not the best.  The website left some confusion around parking with an indication we could park at 'Hall' weekends only.  So, while the basilica was difficult to spot due to being almost completely encapsulated in scaffolding, the parking lots across the street indicated 'no free parking any time,' so we drove around the corner and parked along the street.  

Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception exterior is being renovated

      It was a beautiful day.  The trees were beginning to turn from buds to leaves, and the State Capitol Building's dome, among some other interesting structures, was visible along our walk.  With the exception of a homeless man sleeping in an alleyway, we did not find the surrounding area at all uncomfortable.  We crossed the street, walked beneath the scaffolding entered into a French gothic work of phenomenal beauty.  The 75 stained glass windows are considered not only to be the most in any church in the United States, but of the finest quality.  Our cell phone cameras did not really do justice to the interior, and the scaffolding undoubtedly affected the amount of light getting in through the stained glass.

      To see the Basilica without scaffolding or to learn more about its history and architecture, the website is http://www.denvercathedral.org

Sanctuary Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Denver

Plenty of Confessionals but where are the sinners?

Awesome sounding pipe organ

Valerie & Yasmine in Golden

      Sunday evening Valerie met a friend, Yasmine Chapman, formerly from Kansas City, who has recently returned to Denver, which she considers home.  They enjoyed a wonderful visit and nice happy hour specials at the Table Mountain Hotel Restaurant and Cantina in old downtown Golden.

Table Mountain Downtown Golden

      Monday, April 24th, Valerie made a late night run to the airport to pick up her daughter who had spent several days working at her original Modern Point Acupuncture practice in the Twin Cities.  Valerie spent the night at her daughter's in Boulder returning on Tuesday to Golden for some much needed rest.

     Later on Tuesday, the temperature dropped, the clouds came in, and by evening we received a light dusting of snow.  By noon the snow had melted, and George worked from the rig while Valerie ran several errands.  We are practicing the mastery of traffic roundabouts, which seem to be abundant in the area.  Several of them would be absolutely impossible in the RV, but the Subaru manages to get us through.

      Thursday we celebrated George's birthday.  Our intent was to see the movie Gifted, but we managed, with the help of GPS, to arrive at the wrong movie theater and had planned to meet Valerie's daughter for lunch, so there were not many other options but to watch the other 1 p.m. show,  Boss Baby, which the grandkids probably would have enjoyed, but the birthday boy chose to sleep through. 

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

Cut out rock entrance into Red Rocks Park in Morrison, CO

Amphitheater at Red Rocks Park (Downtown Denver visible upper left)

Scenic Red Rocks Park

Beautiful sunset at Red Rocks Park

      After the movie, we met up with Lindsay at Mimi's Cafe, where George enjoyed some of his favorite foods -- french onion soup, a patty melt, and they provided a complimentary piece of cake. After lunch, Lindsay and Valerie took the Shelties out to nearby Forsberg Iron Spring Park to run off some energy.  Lindsay drove us out to another nearby attraction, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in nearby Morrison, for some spectacular views!  http://redrocksonline.com/about/history-geology

      Of course, George's birthday could not be complete without ice cream, so we stopped on the way home at the local Dairy Queen.  Happy birthday, George!