March winds

                                                " March winds and April showers
                                                     Bring forth May flowers"

So, if this fable holds true, and based on the wind blowing today, we should have bushels of flowers in May!

This week began with the quick trip by Nancy, coming to stay with Gabi during her Spring break. I think she enjoyed time with the kids with no schedules and spoiled them like crazy while she was here.  And that's the beauty of being a grandparent! One can.  She returned to California Thursday evening, getting back just in time for the worst earthquake (Friday evening) she's experienced.  Thankfully, she is ok.

Friday morning, Brad and I drove to my 3rd eye exam (why does anyone really need three?) in Ft. Collins since my new insurance has no providers in Greeley.  Our plan was to leave there and drive to Manitou to continue my birthday celebration, with time spent with Pam.  Luckily, Brad was able to drive as my eyes were dilated and my vision impaired. We had a great time with a hike to the old quarry, followed by a drive into Colorado Springs to have wine at an old schoolhouse converted to a brew pub.

 We had another one of those quirky conversations with Brad, ending in a bet with Pam and I, followed by a phone call to Mom to check the information. His malfunctioning brain sure makes for some good laughs at times!  Saturday morning we drove to Florence (about 30 miles south of Manitou) and checked out a few of the blocks of antique stores, including one whose specialty was antique hats and clothing.

 Too bad I didn't have these pictures for "Wear a hat day for Cancer awareness".
We toured an old movie theatre that the town is trying to restore to become a performing arts location. The inside still held many of the original paintings and murals but with limited funds, the restoration may be a long way off.

 

 Our next stop wan Canyon City, where we went to a wine tasting at the Abbey.  Such a beautiful property, and wonderful wine.  (Pam treated me to a bottle of my favorite!)

 

 

 Nice to get away for a little bit.
Sunday was back to the old grindstone....laundry, errands, cleaning, cooking and getting the Easter decor done.  We had an abbreviated  Sunday dinner with just the Frosts as Curt and Amie were in Denver celebrating Heather's birthday.  We made some "copy cat" Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana for dinner , a sausage, potato, kale soup. Afterwards we played our favorite card game, "Shark Boots".  Interesting how we play every weekend and Gramma still can't follow the concept of a game

that 5 years excel at!