A Year of Change

After a busy day at work, for both of us, we made it to Denver around 4:30 pm and checked into the Ritz Carlton. They upgraded us as I’m a Platnium Member. About 2 hours later we headed down to try to catch a cab to the show. As soon as I walked around the corner to the lobby, I recognized a family standing there. Turns out it was Dave and Sue, the parents of Jag’s grade school friend and classmate, Enzo. They were shocked to see us and rushed over and gave us big hugs. We really like them and it was great to see them. Turns out their friend was here going to the concert so they gave us a ride. Great timing! They want us to come by tonight but I don’t think we’ll have time. We all vowed to catch up this summer and have them come up to Vail.

We walked into the show and had great seats right up front. Soon after we arrived, the show started. There was no warm up act, just Elton John and the band. Now most of you might know who Elton John is but his band is just as famous. They too were all in their 70’s but played just like they did, (or better) when I saw them in 1974 and many other times. My pictures aren’t coming through on my computer in our hotel so I’ll post some tomorrow. In one word, the show was amazing. I was texting Tom, Robi and other friends as it was just like being 18 again. It was so surreal and hard to explain. It was incredible, like a flash back to our youth. We decided we’re going to more concerts and the one to thank here is my beautiful wife, Lori. It was all her idea a few days ago to go. I don’t think she even knew how great it would be, maybe she did, ha. She’s pretty amazing herself.

This morning we’re off to get her hair done and then will hook up with Tina for some lunch and shopping. Around 3 we’re headed to the car dealer to pick up Lori’s Range Rover. Seems a weight had come off a wheel in the snow which put it out of balance at highway speeds. The night before last when I called the dealer, he gave me a number to call yesterday morning and within 90 minutes they had a flatbed truck at our house to load it up and take it to Denver to fix it, all at no charge. We’ll get it this afternoon, leave our truck in Mom’s driveway and then go get Jag at the airport. On our way back up the hill we’ll stop and pick up the truck which I’ll drive home while Lori drives the kids in her car. Now that’s service!

I think we’re going to see The Who September 29th. I found tickets in the 9th row so Tom you’d better decide now if you want to go! We can’t wait to see Jag tonight and Ty tomorrow. Again I’m so glad Lori had us go to the concert. It’s hard to explain all the feelings. Elton talked about how blessed he was and how this journey of life over the past 50 years had been so amazing. It was an older crowd but in many ways we were all alike for 2 hours. He was so honest and real and you felt like you were just hanging out with him at a party.

Well time to get moving, I wish the pictures would come up but you’ll have to wait until tomorrow. Time to get ready and get on the Yellow Brick Road! We can’t wait for The Rolling Stones! Hold on, one picture came through, we were close! God Bless.

Ok it’s cold up here but it doesn’t seem out of the ordinary, but in Denver I guess it’s cold. The news is on full mode storm coverage and schools are closed. We’ll see just how bad it is as Lori and I are headed down this afternoon to go see Elton John tonight in concert. We decided to go and her doc told her to take the day and go for sure. We’re on the floor right up front so it should be a good show. Hopefully she’ll get out of work earlier rather than later.

We found a room at The Ritz Carlton for a couple hundred dollars which is a great deal. Must be because we booked last minute. We’ll spend the night and then get Jag and Sami (Dr. C’s daughter) tomorrow night at 6:30 when they land from Mexico. They’ll sure be in for a shock coming from 80 degree plus weather to this.

Last night I noticed an engine light on in Lori’s car so I called the dealer who gave us a phone number and this morning they’re picking it up and putting it on a flatbed and will take it to Denver. He said they’ll even bring it back up to us but maybe it’ll be fixed by tomorrow and we’ll just get it. This means we’ll take the truck down this afternoon.

It’s 5:50 am now and we’re trying to get a jump on cleaning both boys rooms. Ty isn’t home until Saturday so we’ll try to finish up Jag’s first. So time to get going as we have lots to do. Talk to you all tomorrow, GB.

It just started up here with a dusting on the ground but it is warmer than Denver. The news says 8 in Denver and 18 up here. Lori is off to the gym and I’m 45 minutes behind her. No more news from the boys and as they said, no news is good news. Jag arrives home Friday night around 6:20 and Ty on Saturday around 2:15. We’re going to try to get their rooms straightened out before they get home. We did move our painters back to next Tuesday.

I have calls today at 9:30 and 1:30. Good thing I didn’t go to Chiacgo as the weather here and there today is not good. Not much else going on. They did raise tuition at school about 10% which means another $5200! Unbelievable. Guess they do it because they can. It’s not like everyone is going to leave and go to public school as they’re just not as good up here. Oh well, keeps us working, ha.

Have a great day and take care of yourself. God Bless.

My trip to Chicago was cancelled by United. I received a notification that they’re going to have freezing rain which would delay or cancel my flight today. When this happens they offer changes at no charge and recommend you change your travel plans. So that’s what I did. We have snow up here anyhow with more on the way throuhgout the day. I-70 is closed by Gypsum due to a rockslide and the highways are a mess so there you have it. I’ll do my business by phone which is ok and then will get out there in March when it’s a bit warmer.

We received an email from Ty’s teacher with some pictures that look great! They’ve done so much for only being there a few days. No word from Jag’s group though as they’re on an island with no power, water or anything. Hope he’s having fun.

Time to get moving, hope you all are well. GB

Another week, some more snow, lots of cleaning and a bit of travel. We stayed home for the game yesterday and that was a good thing as it wasn’t very good. The Patriots won again which isn’t much of a surprise.

Today I need to get on the house before I leave for Chicago tomorrow. They say snow overnight so hopefully I’ll make my flight. I have a dinner and then a meeting Wednesday morning before my 2 pm flight home.

Hope the boys are doing well, we’re sure they are. Next week Lori is off to California and the following week I’m in New York. Then hopefully we’re both home for a while.

I guess Ali’s dad fell and broke his hip and is in rehab. Hope he’s doing well. Lots of computer work to do and I’ll probably drive Lori today so time to go. Have a good day and week. GB.

We received two emails, one about each class, letting us know the kids had arrived at their destinations safe and sound. Now they say no news is good news. All students must give up their cell phones upon arrival and no computers or other electronics were allowed. I did get the boys each a GoPro to record video of their trip. Ty said he was going to be a professional blogger and record a lot. For Jag we had to get him a solar charger so he could recharge during the trip otherwise he’d only have two hours of video. I’m sure they’re both having a blast, or at least we hope so.

Today is the Super Bowl. We don’t really care and will spend most of the day probably cleaning. We had a 3 hour meeting with Tom our builder yesterday. We cut some things like in floor radiant heating (except in our bathroom) which saved over $50,000! We also knocked out some windows, eliminated some stonework, changed some flagstone outside to concrete, swapped the closet and pantry, eliminated an upstairs deck off one of the boys bedrooms (which we determined no one would use anyhow), lengthend the garage and a few other minor things to finalize our design. Tom thinks we can start in March and could/should be in by Thanksgiving. We’re shooting for Halloween! Keep your fingers crossed.

Lori is sleeping and both dogs have had breakfast. No snow up here. I thought the news said it would be coming down hard up here but it must be south of us. Guess I’ll get moving. Be safe, be well and enjoy the day, and God Bless.

Ty made it to Costa Rica and Jag is at the gate getting ready to take off. Lori woke up right on time without a clock, must be the mother thing she has going on. We think Jag slept in a bit but received a text that they were walking into the airport at 5:40 and they were suppose to be there at 5:45 so they couldn’t have been that late.

Yesterday I had to run down to Denver and was back by 1. The rest of the day was spent getting Jag ready and packed to be picked up at 4. Rose (Sammy’s mom and Dr. C’s ex wife) ran late though and finally showed up just after 6! They then made it to dinner around 8 and went to dinner before getting a few hours of sleep. Luckily he didn’t oversleep, that much, and is about ready to go.

So now Lori and I are alone for a week, or at least the next 6 days. We have plenty to do around here and will start today. Around 11 we’re meeting with our builder to go over the budget. I’m sure we’ll be cutting here and there to stay within our price. Lots to do to build a house. It’s quite the experience but in the end hopefully it’ll all be worth it. The upside is you get exactly what you want. Sometimes though you don’t know “exactly what you want”, ha.

It’s 6:45 and we’re headed to the gym. Lori has laundry going and the dogs are fed. Hope everyone is well, have a great weekend and God Bless.

Here’s a picture of Jag and Emma from the other night!

I woke up at 4:08 out of the blue and we called Ty to tell him to have fun as he was at the airport. He took off around 5:30 for Houston and then will catch a flight to San Jose in Costa Rica. Jag leaves this afternoon and will also spend the night in Denver before catching his flight to Baja.

I need to run to Denver and be back by 1 at the latest. Lori has work and a headache, ugh. Looks like she’ll get an MRI today. No snow up here and it had to be 40 degrees yesterday. It’s 7 now so time to go. Hope you all are well, have a great weekend, GB.

Today is Mom’s birthday! Hope it’s a good day. Today Ty also leaves for Denver and then for Costa Rica at 5 am tomorrow. Then tomorrow Jagger leaves for Denver and early Saturday morning is off for LaPaz Mexico. More to come on both trips tomorrow.

We need to leave early this morning at 7 so no time to waste. I’m then off to Denver and need to get back up here by 3. Lori didn’t have a very good day off as Ty was home and needed to complete a lot of homework with him being sick. We did have a guy from next door come in and repair a bunch of dings and holes in the drywall so we have white patches all over the house. Next week our cleaning lady from Denver’s brother is coming up to paint most of the house. We can’t do the whole thing as I don’t have any place to move everything so they can paint, ugh.

Oh well, time to go as we need to leave in 30 minutes. Have a great day, GB.

Thanks for the comments Robi and Ali about Moms age. Thanks too for the call Tom. Looks like I now know how to get some comments from you all, just get Moms age wrong! More tomorrow on her birthday.

Ty is sick. We picked up a Z Pak yesterday but he might not be going to Costa Rica which would be too bad. For me it’s pretty cut and dry, if he’s better, he goes, if not, he stays home. There’s no middle ground as the last thing I want is him in a hospital in a foreign country. He’s up now with Lori working on a childrens book which he has to turn in by 8:15 this morning. I think he’s staying home today and Lori is off too so she’ll help him.

Ty made it to school yesterday but clearly wasn’t feeling well. Hopefully no one else around here gets the bug.

It’s cold up here but nothing out of the normal range. The rest of the Country though is in a deep freeze. In the midwest temperatures are well below zero and wind chills like 50 below or more. Flights are cancelled and the U.S. Postal Service is not delivering mail. So much for rain, sleet, snow or whatever they say.

Time to go as it looks like I’m going to the gym to take Lori’s spot as she needs to work with Ty. Hope all’s well, take care, be safe and Elderberry Syrup works wonders to help keep you well! God Bless, (you can get it at Whole Foods)