first fall in colorado

where do i start?
colorado doesn't have the same spectacular fall colors as wisconsin, but it is wonderful in its own way. the sunshine is still strong enough that when i sit at the park, watching the twins play, it still makes my skin glow. but a step into the shade prompts instant goose bumps. sunday morning i experienced a typical colorado fall day. we hiked at youngs gulch - over streams, past wildflowers of every shade, and along spurts of golden aspen groves. it was freezing at the trailhead and blazing hot when we got back to the car five hours later.

it has been a wonderful fall thus far -
sept 20-21 was the 9th annual sustainable living fair - a solution based, hands-on, event designed to educate people about sustainability in food, energy, transportation, and the local economy. there were workshops, exhibitors, keynote speakers, planet youth games, a zen zone, and main stage entertainment. it was impressive to see the group of people it brought together - ed begley, whole foods, organic valley, clif bar, massage therapists, spoken word, breweries, food co-ops, local artists, etc. because i am still new to town, i used this opportunity to meet new friends. sunday afternoon i met five great people, individually, and within two hours i found out they all know each other. it's a small world after all. i was hesitant to come to fort collins because i thought i would learn more about green living in california, but they have proven me wrong - there are great people with great ambitions in this town. and lots of great beer.

this past weekend i was invited to go to a concert on saturday night. one of the guys i met at the fair invited me to have drinks at his house beforehand with some friends. he lives in a straw bale house - if you're not familiar, check out this site: http://www.strawbale.com/strawbale-faqs/ it's a cool new construction technique. after a few drinks we headed to the concert on bike. obviously. part way through the night we were invited to go up to the VIP lounge. another way i know i live in a small town. it isn't every day i get invited to hang out with some of the biggest names in town. and then after the concert i was able to meet chali2na! so it was clearly one of my favorite nights in fort collins.

what else have i experienced this fall?!
wednesday night i went to an event called green drinks. no, we are not drinking kale. people interested in all things green and sustainable gather at a local business and network over free beer and free food. sounds terrible, right?! thursday night i went to the new belgium brewery for the last bike-in movie of the year. it is just what it sounds like - they rent a big screen and speakers and create an outdoor movie venue. about 1,000 young people biked to the brewery to watch the big lebowski, drink good beer, and eat pizza. friday night i camped in the poudre canyon at ansel watrous campground with greg, justin, dave, james, and mike. saturday night i went to a concert at the aggie. sunday i hiked and hosted my dad and his friend frank. monday morning i drove to horsetooth reservoir and lory state park. that night we went out for dinner and beer at a pool house to send jv on his way. he left us tuesday morning after a good two-month visit! tuesday night we made dinner to celebrate sams birthday. last night i went to a french club at a local coffee house - trying to get connected to the local french-speaking community. i have also gotten into beading and knitting again. i have made two necklaces and two scarves. i am looking forward to nurturing these hobbies (especially the knitting) this winter.

that is assuming i will have time. i am working 40+ hours between the bike shop and the nanny job. plus about 10-20 hours for rolling spokes. we finally have llc status, we have a bank account, and a website! we have also started planning our first event. on october 25th we will be co-sponsoring an event in fort collins. we have a permit with the city to host a block party. there will be beer and live bands from 12-6pm as well as bike tag, slow bike races, pin the tail on the biker, bean bag toss into a helmet, and a raffle for prizes. should be sweeeet! at 6 everyone will break into teams of 5, get a list from the judges, and start a 3-hour scavenger hunt around town. when everyone returns there will be prizes for the top three finishers. good prizes, too. let me know if you're close and want more information.

peace and bike grease.