First, I’d like to apologize to all of my loyal blog readers for not posting since last month. They took down the wireless adapter for my cabin because they will be bulldozing it in a few days. I had simply become to lazy to walk down to the administration building to use the wireless access there. Of course, I probably don’t need to be apologizing because the only “loyal” blog readers I have are my parents, and they are the subject of this post.
My parents came to Colorado to visit me for my birthday!! I drove down to Denver to pick them up from the airport the morning of August 5th. We then drove straight to the US Mint where we went on a free tour. The tour was fun, and mom was able to buy Arizona quarters to give out to friends at church who count the collection with her. We ate lunch at the local Johnny Rockets, and then drove up to Boulder for dessert. Dad had googled a local ice creamery named Glacier Ice Cream, which boasted to have over 80 flavors of ice cream and gelato at one time. I had a blackberry cream pie ice cream and it was delicious! Mom had the same, and Dad had Junior Mint ice cream, with the real candies mixed into the ice cream. That evening, we ate dinner in the Ponderosa dining hall (where I eat all my meals) and then played board games in Sweet Memorial (where I work).
The next morning, we woke up bright and early to go on a drive in the National Park. We drove past the alluvial fan waterfall, where Dad got some pictures. Next stop was Chasm Falls along Old Fall River Road. Below is a picture of Mom and Dad together at the Chasm Falls trail.
Old Fall River Road dead ends at the visitor center on top of Trail Ridge Road. We shopped for a few minutes, but then all agreed to leave because the altitude was making us feel lightheaded. We drove down Trail Ridge Road, which is the highest continuous paved road in North America! We ate lunch in the Ponderosa, then took an afternoon nap. That evening, we went into town to celebrate my birthday. We ate at Poppy’s, a local pizza place that reminded us of California Pizza Kitchen. It was a very good birthday.
The next day we decided to take it easy, as both of my lowland parents were having trouble with the high altitude. We started the day by playing miniature golf–I beat dad by two strokes. After that, we went into town to see a matinée of Forever Plaid. The show was exceptionally good for a locally produced show in a small dinner theater setting. The quartet singers were amazing. At the beginning of the first act, the group sang “Heart and Soul”, and then casually asked the audience who knew how to play the top part. I raised my hand, and the next thing I knew, I was pulled on stage! I played the top part of “Heart and Soul” and then danced with the quartet on stage. To thank me for participating in the show, I received a certificate that makes me an honorary “Plaid Performer”, and also some floss covered in plaid fabric. What a great birthday present!
I am a loyal blog reader too!