After my 0'dark thirty conference call this morning I went out for a spin on my bike.  Rather than ride east, I went west.  Up, up and up.  I decided there was no time like the present to give Olde Stage Road, a notorious climb in Boulder, a try.  It's especially prudent given I've signed up for the Boulder Peak triathlon this summer.

Initially I spent a great deal of time gasping for air, but that quickly changed to gasping in awe at the beauty of the day.  All of my senses were engaged.  The lightest cool breeze was tickling my skin.  My eyes were treated to the rolling green mesa in the plains, an unusual treat in semi-arid Colorado.  Young aspen leaves twinkled against the bright blue backdrop of the clear Colorado sky.  The perfume of the pines was subtle, while the trill of the hummingbirds competed with the crickets, all with the backdrop of the river roaring down the canyon.  A brief stop at the friendly Jamestown Mercantile for a fresh backed muffin and cup of coffee was just one more special treat the day offered.

I don't believe I have ever had a more amazing day on my bike.  In many ways it took me back to the summers of my childhood.  Everything was so green, so beautiful, so new.  I think the glow of this mornings unexpected sensory experience will stay with me for a long, long time....

(Not that these pictures even due the ride justice...but since I took them here they are!)

View from Olde Stage across the plains, Boulder Rez in the background: 

 While many of Boulder's uber athletes charge up to Ward,  I did the smart thing for me:

 This picture would be sooo much better with sound:

Check out that blue-blue of the sky.   The aspen leaves were just dancing in the breeze.  

Today my mom mentioned that she was tired of London and reminded me I was quite overdue in updated my blog...so, like any good daughter here I am...posting. 

It feels like the month of May has been lost to me.  We had a big deliverable at work that has consumed close to all my time.  I'm not exaggerating...Maybe you are thinking, really Mountain Girl, even one tiny little bit?  Nope...working till 11pm many a night, full day's and then some on holiday weekends?  I'm not saying this to complain one little iota about my job, because I really do like it and I am just THRILLED to have a job, but to remove any doubt!

Ok, back on track.  May, pthh.  Gone. I'm still wondering what happened to April.  I know I did get a trip to London and a couple of free days (thank goodness!) and I did participate in the Bolder Boulder (painful!  lack of training) but I'm anxious to get my life back in balance.  We "delivered our deliverable" yesterday in a 27 hour trip out and back to the Bay Area and it went well (woo hoo!!  thankful that the hours paid off!!)

Today I'm working from home...relishing this perk more than you might imagine.  Running clothes, windows wide open with a beautiful breeze, unkept hair, basking in the unconditional love of the fur babies.   Yup, this is a nice start back to balance.  

And Mom,  I'll get some pictures posted soon of the garden!  I can't wait to see it myself after all the rain we had...

After a ten hour flight I landed back in Denver Friday night.  The trip to London was successful on all accounts....I had a couple of days to recover from jet lag and to see some sights, and then long, but good meetings.  

Here are some pictures of the sightseeing part of my trip -

First, Big Ben and the House of Parliament, and me... 

The Tower Bridge and the Thames:

 Winchester Cathedral

 Mill in Winchester

 More Winchester Cathedral 

6 YEARS AGO: This picture takes me back in time....we had some kind of "dress up day" at work (Emma was my accessory).  It was taken just days before I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer - which happens to have been 6 years ago today.

It's funny, even though the experience changed me so much inside, heart and soul, so much for the better, I don't look so changed on the outside...just a bit older. Oh, and I have hair again  

Please, no congratulations, just take time to reflect on how blessed we are to have this life before us...embrace it!!! Chase it, love it even on days that are challenging and frustrating.    

Please do me a favor,  if you aren't current, call today for your annual mammogram or PSA test.  There is  no time like the present to be aggressive protecting your health and life.  The only thing worse than finding out you have cancer is NOT  knowing you have it...

Hmmm.  Very interesting question.

Last night as I was settling myself in for the long flight from Denver to London, something was amiss.  I got to my seat, found the expected complimentary pillow waiting for me in 22A.  I stow my luggage, and start eye balling the overhead bins looking for a blanket.  After all, it's a long flight, and a blanket feels almost like a necessity.

As we are going through all the preflight preparation, the pilot announces that due to the Swine Flu (or whatever jumble of letters and numbers we are now supposed to call it), United has taken extra precautions to protect our health and removed the blankets.  Really, removed the blankets?  

Now, I know I am not an infectious disease doctor, but something is just not playing out for me.  Blankets, which are customarily used to drape over your lap, and yes, maybe on occasion tuck under your chin....these are removed.  But pillows, by the nature of their design, are most often used to support our head and neck are still available?  Last I checked, my mouth, which if I was infected with the flu, is the part of my body which would sneeze, thereby spewing flu germs over things right near my head ....duh, like the pillow!  

Now, maybe there is some totally rational explanation....it's just not clear to me....or maybe this is just what flying is about these days?  I feel as about "protected" by having the blankets removed as I do with taking my shoes off at security, and segregating all my liquids into a quart zip lock baggie.  Go figure.  

Anyway, off to see the Queen tomorrow!