A Day at a Colorado Dog Park

Colorado is infamous for its dog culture. I've seen dogs in bike baskets, in bike carts, and in backpacks. They are in the mall, the airport and usually in the front seat of the cars driving by. I've seen them hiking, swimming and running. The dogs tend to be big, active and loving. Truly, they are Coloradoan's first love, as people tend to have a dog before they have a spouse or a family. No joke.

Jackson the Wonder Pup has become a relatively new fixture in our household. He's young, cute and active. The anomaly here is he is also small. Really, he's a big dog trapped in a little dog's body - but he doesn't realize that yet! Jackson draws a lot of attention because he is not your typical lab, golden retriever or other typical family dog mix all too common in Colorado. People have offered to buy him right off our leash because of his distinctive look and spunky attitude!

 

Having Jackson has made us appreciate our doggy neighbors, available activities and access for dog-friendly getaway options. Most recently, we have discovered the blessing of a dog park. J-man is finally old enough to take to the off-leash parks and allow him to run. Being the big-dog-in-a-little-dogs-body kind of guy, he has zero interest in the small dog section of the park. So we let him run lose with the big dogs at the dog park located by the Aurora Reservoir.

The set up here is pretty sweet. There is a double entry gate to prevent dogs from slipping out of the park unbeknownst to their owners. If you aren't quick enough, you may have an extra pup join you in the transition area!

It's clear the state of Colorado and in this case, the city of Aurora, strives to make their canines comfortable. Aside from grassy patches and the amenities above, there is also a water pump for regular refills of the adapted dog bowls placed in the park.

The whole area is fenced in with picnic tables for the folks (or dogs) who need to take a rest.  There is an agility section, a small dog section and even a fire hydrant to encourage typically doggy activities. The park even boasts a shady section for man and beast to step out of the intense Colorado sun!

The park has a pretty strict set of rules - no food, no aggressive behavior, etc. And even better, the people seem about as happy to be there as their dogs. It's like the dog park social hour when you arrive, as everyone has something to say. Even better, you can take your dog off leash and just let him (or her) go!

A dog at the dog park is a happy dog. And after the park, they are a tired dog - which makes for happy owners!

Fall in the Rockies

There is nothing quite like fall in the Rocky Mountains. The days are warm, the nights are cool and the mountains are at their peak (no pun intended). It is my favorite time of year in Colorado and I love to share the beauty of it with others.

Last Sunday we headed out via Honda to cruise the mountains, determined not to miss one of the peak leaf peeping weekends. So into the car went boyfriend, teenager and dog, all because I simply asked if we could! Off we headed up I70, determined to find beautiful patches of aspens changing colors.

We took the road less traveled by heading up the Central City Parkway (http://www.centralcityparkway.com/). At first, I thought we might be a week too early. The trees were just showing a hint of yellow, but nothing like the bursts of color I was seeking. Not to be deterred, we picked up Hwy 119 and headed toward Nederland (http://www.town.nederland.co.us/). On that road, we found what we had been looking for. Gorgeous mountain views, yellowed aspen stands and very little traffic; a perfect combination for the stop-and-go of picture taking.

A little nature lesson... Colorado and Utah are home to the largest segment of aspen trees in the world. We boast enough aspens to cover Rhode Island and Delaware and still have some left over. They turn a beautiful golden color - sometimes with a hint of red - in the fall, altering the landscape of a typical Colorado mountainside.

In Nederland, we stopped for a bite to eat at the popular Whistlers Cafe. Although the day was cool, we opted to sit outside on the patio while the sun shone and so we could leash our Colorado dog to the fence around the patio area. I'm not sure who enjoyed lunch more - us because the food was delish or the dog, because he received love and accolades by the staff, guests and one little girl who went as far as to bring him water in a disposable pan. Talk about customer service! We were impressed. And Jackson (the dog) had a great time.

After lunch, we hopped back into the car, eyeing the front rolling in. Nothing changes quite as rapidly as Colorado weather and this day was no exception. The views were getting even better, but the gray, wind and eventual rain put a damper on the photography efforts at the best stops! We tromped on, knowing it would eventually it would clear out and the rain was to our benefit, as the other leaf peepers would clear out as well.

I made sure to stop at one of my favorite overlooks, a little sad that one of my favorite fall spectacles was not evident. Typically on the peak leaf weekends, there are two young entrepreneurs sitting on the side of the road, selling lemonade and treats. They are social, smart and giving, as a portion of their proceeds always goes to the charities of their choice. They bake everything themselves, handle the sales and generally impress anyone who pauses by their table. I hope their lack of presence was related more to the weather than to anything else!

One of the things I love about Colorado is your round a corner and discover some treasure tucked on the roadside - abandoned mines, wildlife, church steeples... This ride was no disappointment, as we came across all 3!

As we closed in on Lyons, CO, we pulled the car off the road to stretch our legs and walk the dog. The rain was a mist, so felt refreshing as we milled around above the creek. The spot was beautiful, nestled between valley walls with the creek running through. I wish we had stopped there earlier in the afternoon, as I would have enjoyed more than a stroll in that area.

As we headed home, I felt content. While the Rockies don't offer me the colors of my native Appalachians, they are beautiful none-the-less this time of year.

If you are seeking drive options, here is a great site for reference: http://www.thedenverchannel.com/weather/4955659/detail.html

BeetleFest 2009

As some of you may know, Colorado is experiencing a tough time with the Mountain Pine Beetle, (www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05528.html) a pesky little bugger that is singlehandedly bringing down Colorado's evergreen forests. Also called the Rocky Mountain Pine Beetle or the Black Hills Pine Beetle, these little guys can kill millions of trees, effectively changing the landscape and upping the fire danger of previously undamaged areas. There is nothing that can explain the feeling of driving a familiar stretch of road and realizing almost all the trees along it are dead or dying. Or knowing that this death severely affects mountain fire hazards and the Western Power Grid (www.sqlspace.com/viewtopic.php?f+123&t=61506) But Colorado folks being who they are, what do they chose to do? C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E that silly bug. Welcome to Frisco, CO, home of BeetleFest 2009! (www.townoffrisco.com/events/beetlefest/)

Set on the picturesque main street of Frisco, BeetleFest 2009 is an awareness event regarding the beetle devastating the area around the town. Walking up, we spy people of all ages bobbing their beetle antennas, emitting a disco-like reflection in all directions. Evidently they had all participated 4k Beetle Stomp in the morning and were proudly sporting their beetle paraphernalia. And I must mention the dogs wandering by wearing their beetle-beads. Quite a site to behold!
We wandered the booths, taking in all the creative ways self-made folks were utilizing the beetle kill wood - dog dish stands, small trunks, chairs, bed headboard, wine racks and picture frames! Music played in the background, locally brewed beer was served and we opted to stick around for the "best lumberjack show in town." It was actually pretty cool, with all sorts of contests including ax throwing, chopping and log rolling! It was a cheap and cheesy (but fun!) way to spend an afternoon.

After leaving the festival, we decided to check out the Frisco Historic Park and Museum. This is probably one of the most pleasant hidden finds I've discovered in a while. Tucked right off Main Street, the town of Frisco has steadily collected original town buildings to develop a historical park. Each building is stuffed with treasures of yester-year and is free and open to the public. We explored the original jail, checked out children's clothes, wandered through the church and learned about how impactful the ladies of the town had been in history, and in recollecting historical elements. If you are ever in the area and have 2 hours to kill, I would highly recommend checking it out! (www.townoffrisco.com/activities/about-frisco/fast-facts/).

The next day, we opted to visit the town of Breckenridge. Known for it’s skiing, the town of "Breck" (http://www.gobreck.com/) as the locals call it is good-sized ski town, offering a plethora of restaurants, shops and the cutest Starbucks I've ever seen. The Blue River runs through it, allowing for a small "river walk" and stunning views. Being a tourist town, there are plenty of places to take a picture, take a dog or take some down time.

We opted to head to the Breckenridge World Market at the Main Street Station Plaza and check out the goodies. I left with the most amazing loaf of bread I have ever tasted. My "girl getting grubby" buddy left with some new tea and all of us left with a mouthful of yummy samples, including Jackson the Wonder Mutt Alexander, who got some beef jerky from the dog lover running that stand. We were all happy. After a delicious lunch at the Quandary Grille (http://www.quandarygrille.com/), we headed home, fully satisfied with our weekend!

A Drive to the Wildflower Capitol - Crested Butte, CO

I love Crested Butte, CO. It is the epitomy of a quaint mountain town, complete with beautiful scenery, cute little shops, eccentric townspeople and great character! Known for its great skiing at Mt. Crested Butte, deep snow fall and good food, Crested Butte's main economy derives from tourism (and mining!). Known as the Wild Flower Capitol, Crested Butte is full of lush greenery and patches of wildflowers all around during the summer months.

But even more then I love this fabulous town, I love the drive to, from and around Crested Butte during the summer months. This past weekend, I had the change to celebrate a friend's marriage in Crested Butte. My regular riding buddy had started a new job and was going to ride up later with friends, so I decided to round off a hectic week with a drive dedicated to just me. After all, as long as I was there for the wedding, who cared what time I arrived?

So off I went, battling the demons of Denver traffic before driving a huge sigh of relief as I finally made it into the mountains. Before I had left town, I had stopped to pick up my new camera in order to indulge my photographic obsessions. So I decided to crank up the picture taking while I took down my blood pressure by photographing the things I love to tell people back home about...

1st, did you know Bailey, CO is home to the Coney Island Boardwalk (http://coneyislandcolorado.com/)? There's nothing quite like cruising down a 2-lane mountain highway, passing what is essentially an intersection named as if it is a town and seeing a giant hot dog on the side of the road. Out of place? Yes. Fabulous find? Absolutely! This Coney Island treasure has been featured in tons of roadtrip type write ups and shows and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike! It always makes me smile and this time, I decided to take a picture before heading on my way.

2nd, Colorado is a fascinating state when it comes to religion. Home of Focus on the Family and other faith-based organizations, religious views are heavily marketed without much person-to-person discussion. I have my own brand of faith, but I must admit a sense of peace always comes over me as I pass Camp Santa Maria (http://ymcabv.org/ymcaweb/camp_santa_maria.html) on my wandering way up Hwy 285. Until recently, I had no idea this huge statue sitting high on the mountainside had anything to do with the YMCA, but I always appreciate the glimpse I get of it as I roll past. And this time, I appreciated how far my camera could zoom in on it! (and the fact that the undercover cop car tailing me decided to pull over the person in front of me - shew!).

3rd, let's thank the creators of South Park for bringing to the nation's attention such Colorado treats as the South Park basin (although in the show, it's a town) and of course, the infamous Casa Bonita! Without the help of Cartman and the gang, people would never assume the billboard above would direct them to the land of cut-out TV fame. http://www.southparkstudios.com/

4th, I had to skip stopping in one of my favorite other towns in the Rocky Mountains on my way to CB - Buena Vista, CO. I sighed as I headed past the turnoff to my beloved Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. But I'll still give them a plug, as I will probably devote a seperate post just to them. http://www.mtprinceton.com/. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend a visit to their soaking pool.

That evening folks in town for the wedding gathered at the Brick Oven and The Princess to hang out, catch up and relax before the big day. Saturday, we had time to kill, so some buddies joined me on my cruise up to Mt. Crested Butte.

5th, up above Mt. Crested Butte is the ghost town of Gothic, CO. I am not sure how much of a ghost town this really qualifies as - we were disappointed we couldn't wander around like some of other favorite haunts. But in the spirit of reduce, REUSE and recycle, the town of Gothic is home to the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (http://rmbl.org/rockymountainbiolab/index.html). But the picture taking was phenomenal and the views around town were...interesting. Evidently, had we been at one of the workshops offered, we could have explored a little more . Instead, we opted to take some pictures of the breathtaking scenery and mosey back towards the more lively town down the mountain.

6th, up near the Lazy F Bar Ranch (http://www.lazyfbarranch.com/), I realized I had camped in the area before. Pictures taken from the reception site are featured above and I was pleasantly surprised to realize we were essentially across from the trailhead (can't locate the name of it) I had hiked with friends and down the road from a beautiful mountain meadow we had one time free camped in. The area was so amazing at the time, I had joked that the glen we used as a bathroom had to have been the nature's prettiest restroom ever...but I digress. All in all, that area is amazing and holds a special place in my heart from that trip. If you are ever in the area, you should at least drive by.

7th, we got to enjoy an unexpected car show in the town of Crested Butte the day after the wedding. Evidently they spent the weekend in Gunnison, CO and then do a breakfast cruise into Crested Butte. We got to take some time to wander past all of the cars (the flames were my fav!), sipping our iced yumminess (love that place!) from Camp 4 Coffee (http://www.camp4coffee.com/). My ride buddy was in love with the classic tear drop trailers attached to some of the cars on display. I simply thought it was a wonderful way to wrap up a wonderful weekend...

So all in all, we basically reveresed our trip on the way down. There are tons of other places I wish I had been able to stop at - Monarch Mountain Ski Resort for one. But maybe next time. This time, I was pooped and ready to get my dog and make it home!

Camping = True Colorado Culture!

Anyone who knows anything about Colorado knows Colorado is an outdoorsmen's (or women's!) state. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, rock climbing, rafting, hiking, biking and of course camping are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to outdoor activities in this beautiful state.

This weekend was my first camping trip of the season, albeit a little later then in other years. Due to my work schedule (pre-layoff) and vacation schedule (aww, shucks!) I simply haven't made it.

For this trip, we decided to keep it close to home and scooted up Hwy 119 to an area just south of Nederland, CO (famous for it's infamous Frozen Dead Guy Days activities - http://www.nederlandchamber.org/events_fdgd-home.html). Even though we left earlier then in the past, we fell into our usual routine of not being able to find an available campsite where we wanted to go in Golden Gate Canyon State Park (http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/goldengatecanyon) . So we decided to continue our trek along 119 and look for a place to crash. We ended up in the Kelly Dahl Campground (http://campincolorado.com/federal/arapaho_roosevelt_nf/kelly_dahl/kelly_dahl.html) in the Roosevelt National Forest, technically in Gilpin County - but just barely! It's not our usual kind of place. We generally prefer slightly off the beaten path, tent-only camping. But this fit our needs and for $17 a night, we settled in comfortably with our dog Jackson the Wonder Mutt. If you want to discuss the true Colorado experience, a dog is a must. But I will visit that in a later blog...

The campground was not large, but we were well surrounded by trees and has a view of a ridge with wildflowers across from us...once you looked past some of the RV's parked nearby. It was probably the most social camping trip I've ever had, as everyone who passed by had to comment and visit with the mutt. Camping always tends to help me tune out the world and even though this was a more social experience, it was no exception and exactly what the doctor ordered!

Friday afternoon we drove into Nederland to pick up firewood, which was cheaper by the bundle at the grocery store. Then we headed back to the site for a walk around the campground and a yummy meal. That evening, we immersed ourselves in another Colorado Culture activity - having our dog join us in the tent! He did well, even joining us in the sleeping bag to stay warm.

Saturday, we decided to hike at the Magnolia West trailhead. I can't tell you which trail(s) we were on, as they seemed to intertwine and ramble. I tried to pull up a site on this trailhead with no luck, but essentially it's about 3 miles south of Nederland. The trails started off heavy with mountain bikers, but once we made our first trail switch off the main route, we rarely ran into folks. The area was a beautiful lush green with all the recent rainfall and the area was gorgeoud - wildflowers everywhere! We discovered some great free campground sites and hiked for about 2 hours or so, before returning to our car with a super pooped pup.

Fast forward through an afternoon of rain and what became the equivalent of a 5 hour nap in our cozy tent as the storms blew through. That night we heated up some homemade chili we had frozen and enjoyed our small, short campfire before decided we were still tired and heading off to bed.

Sunday we opted to swing through Nederland, where our puppy stole the show and I got to pop into a few of the very cool shops in the quaint downtown (http://town.nederland.co.us/). We didn't buy, but we did stop to take a few pictures before rambling home via Boulder.
It was a truly relaxing weekend, Colorado Culture style. I was digging it!

Coffee Shop Heaven

I love coffee shops. I don't know what it is about them that attracts me so, but there is almost nothing better in my mind than the coffee shop experience - unless it includes a coffee and book shop! I love the smell, the sense of contentment when holding a hot (or cold!) beverage in my hands and the ease of conversation that seems to permeate the coffee shop experience.

Coffee shops always seem to host a wonderful mix of students, 1st time dates, girlfriends and business liaisons. It makes for fascinating people watching. And if you are smart, it can be a cheap form of entertainment where you can kill hours looking at art work, reading or conversing with colleagues, friends or significant others.

I admit I am not a coffee shop snob. I will sit at a Starbucks as easily as I will visit an independent shop. And truly, I am a tea lover if I have my druthers. But I do have a special place in my heart for supporting small businesses and some of my favorite Colorado shops include:

St. Mark's Coffee House - http://www.stmarkscoffeehouse.com/ - St. Mark's is an eclectic coffee place on 17th and Race, near the Thin Man. They have a small patio out front and a crazy mix of chairs and tables (even a pew!) inside to host anyone who needs a place to sit for their coffee consumption. You'll notice a lot of the patrons walk or bike to St. Mark's, which is great because occasionally it's a pain to park there.

St. Mark's seems to be quieter during the day - at least that's been my experience - and busier at night. It's a great alternative for hanging out if you need a break from the bar scene and tends to attract a more alternative crowd over a lot of other coffee houses in the area. I love to go with some of my more creative friends for a good drink and great conversation - St. Mark's seems to invite that kind of unique experience.

One of the other things I enjoy about St. Mark's is they yummy snacks and interesting artwork on the walls. So get a steamer, grab a seat and take a gander at all St. Mark's has to offer!

Stella's Coffeehaus - http://www.stellascoffee.com/ - Now that I am - gasp! - getting more mature, I find I spend a lot more time lately at Stella's on Old South Pearl. Not to say that Stella's only attracts a more mature crowd as you will always spy the requisite college students in there, but it does seem to attract a slightly more down-to-earth crowd than other coffee houses I visit regularly. Now, by mature I do not mean stodgy. I more mean the type of folks who seem to live a more holistic lifestyle and listen to NPR. For example, I had an interesting conversation today with a gentleman who felt strongly that Stella's would make a great segment on This American Life. Taking a good look around through his eyes, I'd have to agree.

Stella's is typically very busy any time I go by, but the rambling rooms and large deck areas offer a plethora of seating so I've never not found a place to park myself for an extended period of time. And each area seems to have it's own vibe - study areas, a meeting room (reservations can be made!), in the sun, out of the sun or in the huge side room filled with tables and complimented by the oddest little bathroom. The toilet sits slightly crooked so that your knees don't hit the sink and the trash cans sits in what used to be a little triangular shower.

Yep, you guessed it - Stella's used to be an old house, converted to cozy coffee shop. It's got bookshelves in odd corners, tables, chairs and couches stashed everywhere and appears to be extremely supportive of independent businesses and community activities (check out the main hallway and areas around the bathrooms!). Nothing like a little local culture to soothe the soul and stem the need for caffeine!

Cafe Europa - http://cafeeuropa.givingtechnology.com/ - Cafe Europa is in a sweet spot of Denver, tucked away on South Pennsylvania Street by Carmine's on Penn and The Spot. There's limited outdoor seating, but the space inside is plentiful. There's a nice mix of tables and random velvet couches making up seating vignettes. And don't forget the pet goldfish hanging out by the counter! I came to love Cafe Europa the last time I was unemployed, as I killed hours there and escaped the prison that was my apartment. My love affair continued during the winter of the blizzards, as it was easy for me to get to and feel like I was "getting away from it all."

Cafe Europa also has more than the typical coffee menu available. Their food is typically delish and the atmosphere is just funky enough to feel off the beaten path of chain coffee shops. The artwork changes regularly and feel free to grab a little blanket if you have a chill!

Longs Peak Coffee and Paper House - http://longspeakpaper.com/Location.html - As a little deviation from my Denver haunts, I'd like to also mention my favorite coffee house in Estes Park, CO. About an hour and a half from Denver, right off the riverwalk between Riverside Dr. and Moraine Ave. in downtown Estes Park there is an unusual little paper shop that has a coffee bar as an asset. The space is tight for seating (make sure to head upstairs once you have your drink!), but the feel is homey and the variety of goods for sale is fascinating. If you are ever up in Estes, I highly recommend you check it out!

Other honorable mentions for coffee and tea - Java Creek in Cherry Creek North! I have a hard time getting there when their doors are open, but the delicious chai and delectable dishes make it a place I like to frequent on a lazy weekend!

There's tons of other great coffee shops in Denver. This is just a small collection of my favorite places and a low cost option for some Colorado Culture.

Laid-Off - Living the Free Life

I was laid off from my job last week. It was both a good and bad situation, but ultimately I think it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. So much opportunity has presented itself and honestly, I look forward to seeing where I land! I had started this blog a while back (i.e. 2007), but got so busy I never really got it going. A shame I think, as I love to travel, explore and rejoice in all that is around me. So I got to thinking today; this blog is one of those "opportunities" that I haven't followed through on in the past. So here I go! Step one in my new life.

One of my first projects as a laid-off lass was to sit down and create a calendar of all the things to do in the Denver Metro area for free - or super cheap. Summer is a wonderful time in Colorado - the hiking, camping and cultural events abound, so what better time to take advantage of all there is to offer and save my funds for the doldrums of Oct.?

Below is a collection of some of my favorite free things to do in the Denver area during the summer months. I will continue to add to this list, but this will get you started! Please let me know if you have other activities you recommend - I'd love to add it to the mix.

City Park Jazz - http://www.cityparkjazz.org/- City Park Jazz has been the highlight of my week for the past 3 summers. There is nothing better than wrapping up a wonderful Colorado weekend - as you prepare for a busy week ahead - with some jazz in the park. I love packing a picnic, grabbing our camp chairs and heading off to join one of the most culturally diverse events in Denver.

Everyone comes out for City Park Jazz - the wealthy, the poor, Caucasians, Hispanics, African Americans, the healthy, the frail, the young and the old. Even the dogs! I have always felt there is a sense of unity in music and this event proves that point to me repeatedly. So clear your Sunday evening calendar and join us by the Pavilion in the City Park! I promise, you will only regret not doing it sooner.
Cost: Free Location: City Park

Movies in the Park - http://www.denvergov.org/Portals/626/documents/MIP2009%20(2).pdf - My first Movies in the Park experience left quite an impression on me. We took off one night to join a friend and her niece and nephews, expecting my boyfriend's daughter to hang out with the other kids watching "Happy Feet" while the adults got a chance to chat. No go - we all got to enjoy this family experience!

We stretched out on the hillside behind the clock tower in downtown Denver, comfy on our blankets and impressed with the entire set-up, including a huge blow-up movie screen. Then we discovered the free popcorn, sno-cones and cotton candy and we were hooked. This year, there are 10 screenings, additional park locations and a wide variety of movies to view. We'll be joining the community for at least 3 of them! That's a way cheaper experience than paying $40 (including popcorn and drinks) for 2 at a big screen. What a way to spend a weekend night!
Cost: Free Location: Varies

Colorado Free Days - http://www.scfd.org/?page=home&sub=4- There is nothing like being a Colorado resident. I say that for a variety of reasons, but one of my favorite things is the investment in culture! One of those investments includes the SCFD funds used to open up museums, botanic gardens, performances, etc. to the public several times a year free of charge. Summer tends to be a quieter time for the Free Days, but the Denver Museum of Nature and Science has several free days approaching, so check out the schedule and we'll see you there!
Cost: Free on designated days Location: Varies

Colorado Symphony Orchestra - http://www.coloradosymphony.org/ - I fell in love with the CSO experience a few years ago when they played at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. They were my first concert at Red Rocks and I swear, the 1812 Overture will never be the same for me. They take pity on souls like mine during the summer month and bring classical music to the masses with a series of free events. There are two events still scheduled in the Denver Metro area, so I highly recommend checking it out and coming out to embrace a unique musical experience! P.S. Want to get the schedule earlier next year? Sign up for their free newsletter!
Cost: Free on designated Days Location: Varies

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival - http://www.cdbf.org/ - If you can handle the heat, the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most unique cultural events I have attended in the Denver Metro area. There's nothing quite like sitting by Sloan's Lake and joining the crowd cheering their favorite dragon boat team across the finish line. There's food, store vendors, performers and of course the infamous dragon boats - totally worth checking out if you are looking to do something different at the end of July!
Cost: Free to attend Location: Sloan's Lake Park

I love Colorado. And Living the Free Life here is a great way to spend the summer in my beloved state!