The hills are alive…

They really are! Here are some photos to update you on the majesty of the mountains.

This is a photo taken in October 2011. The aspens were blazing near Lake Estes, the water was a mirror, and the elk were bugling. It was perfect!

This photo amazes me! It had snowed earlier that day, and the storm clouds were so thick I was able to take a picture looking directly at the sun! The lighting also gave the photo a feel similar to photos taken with a Holga – very 1980s vignette, with a bit of a fisheye perspective. (Photo taken in Moraine Park, RMNP; late Feb/early Mar, 2010.)

Tags: autumn, Estes Park, photos, snow

Views!

Okay, so you probably I had abandoned this blog. The truth of the matter is, life in Estes Park has been immensely wonderful and unexpectedly busy, more than I ever imagined!

With that said, I didn’t want to leave you hanging. I’ve promised pictures, reviews, news, ideas, essays – a blog, for John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” sake! (Okay, pitiful idiom.)

For now, please enjoy these photos as my apology for not keeping up with you all. Hopefully these photos will assure that I have been doing more than sleeping, hiking, working, cooking and baking, fellowshipping, and enjoying the cutest little dog ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I couldn’t let you leave without seeing my new little girl! Say hello to Lily. A six pound bundle of energy, she is my sweet cuddle-bug, and a real terror to man and beast. (She really is. Don’t come to my house unannounced or she’ll bark you into early deafness!)

Tags: Lily, morning, photos

All moved in!

I moved in Friday, February 18. Now nearly a week has gone by.

Here is what I am greeted with today:

6 to 8 inches of snow by this evening.

To top it off, my car is in the auto mechanic’s shop and won’t be done until Saturday. I am thankful my sister has co-workers who are so gracious to bring me home from Starbucks.

While I have not been a resident of EP long, I will tell you that there are several essential items for any girl to survive the snow, wind, and cold in some semblance of fashionability.

1. Uggs, preferably in something like a nice foggy gray or delicious chocolate brown. Tan is more basic but not as sophisticated.

2. Cashmere! It’s not optional, nor is it beyond anyone’s budget. You can pick up a cashmere scarf for under $50. (I scored a beauty at Goodwill for $1.99) Did I mention it doesn’t scratch or itch?

3. Gloves or mittens. Non-negotiable. Optional: knit yourself a pair out of wool in a traditional Norwegian pattern.

If I can knit them, you can too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Chic coat. Need I say more?

Swing coat in plaid. (Garnet Hill, Winter 2010)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Top it off…with a great hat! The fact that people hardly wear hats is one more reason to pull out a darling little something to finish your ensemble.

Go daring! Go red!

Yep…I really do get decked out for winter in EP. You should too. Don’t schlep around in ugly winter wear. Enjoy the snow in style.

P.S. By now, you may be disappointed. You were probably expecting spectacular photos of snowy mountains and building drifted in. Seeing as how I forgot my camera at home, and noting the limited perspective of my cell phone camera… you get a little fashion advice today. Enjoy!

**Next up: a little photo parade of a few of my favorite eats**

EP

Estes Park. I have been visiting and vacationing EP with my family for nearly 20 years, my father has visited it for 52 years. EP is our second home. So it was a natural thing for my sister to take a job and relocate there. Likewise, it is equally natural for me to follow her trail and live there myself.

I am a Midwestern girl, born and raised. Aside from our yearly EP vacations, there were no mountains for me, not even any hills. However, the homesick feeling I experience hasn’t left: I miss the mountains.

By God’s remarkable providence, I find myself headed for a life in Estes Park, Colorado. I have not doubts that my time there will be rich, adventurous, and interesting. And I want to share my experience with you all.