Colorado

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

I love the open space and tall mountains of Colorado. If I had to pick another state to live in, I might choose here. I love seeing the clouds and blue and grey skies and green fields.

We are here to celebrate Memorial Day with Jeff’s 93 (almost 94) year old grandfather and to remember his grandmother, who would have turned 90 today. Happy Birthday, MamMam. It’s so strange to be here without you. I didn’t want to sit in your chair and am feeling the emptiness of you not being with us. Still thankful to be with Aunt Debbie and PopPop and looking forward to a fun weekend together with Ken too and Megan and her family.

Happy Memorial Day weekend.

23Apr2014

MamMam’s Funeral

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

MamMam’s funeral was today in Colorado and we had to miss it. Jeff flew back from being with his family late Monday night and we would have had to return last night to make it in time. We decided to give the family time together to grieve and share the memories and to plan a special trip in the next month or so to celebrate her life and share stories together, once things have settled a bit. Thank you to all who have sent us well wishes and blessings. We appreciate you.

I usually do ok with death and understanding and accepting how life changes and flows, but for some reason, this one is shaking me a bit more than I would have expected. I truly loved the woman that she was and all that she represented. I admired her for all that she was and all that she gave to her family and friends. I loved that we shared the sisterhood of PEO too, that gave us a common bond.

I contacted her PEO sisters in Colorado after she died, and this was extremely comforting to me. I loved that we shared this connection and that the women there loved her so much. Suzy sent me several emails and told me that she and several other sisters attended the funeral today and sat with PopPop, sharing loving memories of MamMam. By her being there, I felt like I was there too.

I am thankful for family and sisterhood and this beautiful life. Rest in peace, MamMam and bless you PopPop and family as we take the next few steps in this life journey without beautiful Elaine Hughes.

Namaste.

Here is the link to MamMam’s obiturary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gazette/obituary.aspx?n=elaine-hughes&pid=170744363&

28May2012

Day 58: Frequent Flyers

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We have been at Denver International Airport for several hours now and are finally getting ready to go home. We had a great visit, enjoying our family and friends and celebrating Memorial Day together.

PopPop graduated from West Point in 1943 and shared many stories with us. We are very proud of him and MamMam.

At DIA, the kids passed the time shopping at the toy store and sampling food at Jamba Juice, Pizza Hut, and Itza Bowl, Itza Wrap. Enjoying food was definitely a theme for the weekend!

Day 59: Wishing Flowers and Alpacas?

We’re in Colorado this weekend and our only plan was to spend time with Jeff’s grandparents and his Aunt Debbie and Ken. It’s kind of nice to not have any expectations except to be with family. Seriously. So simple and easy and we are thankful they want to spend time with us.

We had breakfast at the hotel and then went over to the Air Force Academy to see the visitors center and chapel again. I love the open space surrounded by the mountains. It brought back memories of Nate’s graduation 14 years ago! The chapel was stunning.

After the AF visit, we had lunch at Freddy’s Custard and Steakburgers. That place was so delicious. Custard is like a creamier and richer ice cream with a yogurt like texture. Yum!

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We met up with our Sunnyvale friends – the Myles family, who moved to the Springs a few years ago. The boys had fun hanging out and swimming together.

We had a great dinner together and talked about the infamous haunted house next door. Oooohhh… We got out the ghost radar app and tried to see how close the ghosts were! WTH?? Should make for great bed time stories tonight.

Are you wondering about this face? Ken has two alpacas on his property and I tried to feed and pet one. I was fascinated by them even being there on the property. J and I had fun picking flowers and wishing on the wishing flowers. I wonder what she wished for?

25May2012

Day 61 – Packing and Pleasure

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Today was another busy day – the end of the school year is wrapping up with lots of festivities. J had a 5th grade pool party at Laurelwood Cabana Club. It was so cold and windy, I couldn’t believe the kids were in the pool. The chaperones were hanging out with our hoodies and hoping for sunshine to break through the clouds and wind! The kids didn’t seem to notice too much and enjoyed playing and swimming, snacks and pizza.

After freezing on the pool deck, I went over to help out at the Peterson Middle School Recreation Day. I found C playing basketball with friends and supervised the Aquathon – a mini bi-athalon with swimming and running. It was a gorgeous yet cool day up on the track. It was cool to be on campus and witnessing Junior High in action.

This is CJ’s favorite lunch time activity – today he got to play for 2 1/2 hours. He should sleep well tonight.

Check out the beautiful cloudscape – so pretty, right?

Tomorrow we are leaving for Colorado to visit Jeff’s grandparents. They are 88 and 92 years old. How cool is that? They are so wonderful and we are looking forward to visiting with them before we move to the Netherlands. There are so many people we want to visit before we move. Jeff is also planning on visiting his dad in Chicago. We have a trip planned to Thousand Oaks for a wedding and to be with family and a trip to Hawaii too. I’m hoping to see my BFFs too – you know who you are! Are you coming to see me or do I have to come see you?? As for places we want to go or see before we move – not that many, actually. I’d like to take my paddle board up the Elkhorn Slough and along the Santa Cruz coastline again. I’d like to eat crab at Than Longh in San Francisco, and I’ve never been to The Counter on Santana Row for burgers. That’s about it. Kinda a short list, wouldn’t you say?

Time to go finish packing – hope you enjoy Memorial Day weekend and kiss a veteran!! Our freedom isn’t free.