tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55112328222488206762024-02-18T21:55:25.646-08:00Curiosity and Conversation with CarriNever a dull moment. Find the in's and out's to adventures all over Denver and surroudning areas, you will find a little bit of it all. Spice up your day or night and start reading!Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-83037028446257827202011-09-01T10:54:00.000-07:002011-09-01T10:55:26.859-07:00Carri's New Blog SiteHey! My new blog can be found at www.catchcarri.com <a href="http://catchcarri.com/"></a>Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-51334952301431066512011-06-22T00:11:00.000-07:002011-06-22T00:14:33.868-07:00Boulder Beach Palooza<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EQLYr7xOr-Uj5btaa4NC-KakeeQMnC7_ygqrFJn1APnaoJTOF0g0yI1Tfg5RYW_s9C1qwrZ7eePgJwllfPCx_d7xNft236W0lH2_4Gq156OFI1iFYZ0g__quXfaJQO5zu4RkTY7DfJEv/s1600/DSC03514.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 112px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EQLYr7xOr-Uj5btaa4NC-KakeeQMnC7_ygqrFJn1APnaoJTOF0g0yI1Tfg5RYW_s9C1qwrZ7eePgJwllfPCx_d7xNft236W0lH2_4Gq156OFI1iFYZ0g__quXfaJQO5zu4RkTY7DfJEv/s320/DSC03514.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620938861004593634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbud99G8Ddk/TgGWGlsHfhI/AAAAAAAABKQ/km1-6PaDnIM/s1600/DSC03507.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbud99G8Ddk/TgGWGlsHfhI/AAAAAAAABKQ/km1-6PaDnIM/s320/DSC03507.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620938849875623442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FMKw3Noro4/TgGWGXHYW5I/AAAAAAAABKI/f2PzM_-iVGc/s1600/DSC03520.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FMKw3Noro4/TgGWGXHYW5I/AAAAAAAABKI/f2PzM_-iVGc/s320/DSC03520.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620938845963443090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hQHDDH6el67fQ8-jXhSofqjWXqACcqXE9KVup5jol5Pzh8T1LEcs-RKRtWJ3TMXwbHvDDSDDD5niWikh39ZM6uA9c9LTm8MNAb8rAucGMNcKu35ix_V6GfcCYfrEKJ3gmFHvTNPdZJMW/s1600/DSC03510.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hQHDDH6el67fQ8-jXhSofqjWXqACcqXE9KVup5jol5Pzh8T1LEcs-RKRtWJ3TMXwbHvDDSDDD5niWikh39ZM6uA9c9LTm8MNAb8rAucGMNcKu35ix_V6GfcCYfrEKJ3gmFHvTNPdZJMW/s320/DSC03510.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620938843323671170" /></a><br />It’s hard to say what drew me in more to the Boulder Beach Palooza; the pineapple hat or the series of obstacles lining the course. Good thing you can have both if you decide to become a paloozer. This race was held at the Boulder Reservoir June 11th. <br /> <br />Here you can break the bounds for 3.1 miles as you crawl up walls, across ladders and hop over makeshift wooden lily pads. Not enough? No problem. There’s also a noodle forest made from those bendable fluorescent noodles we used to stay afloat on as kids, and heck even as adults.<br /> <br /> My favorite obstacle was the bigger than life pit of beach blow up balls that must have taken an army to inflate. Then get ready to take a running start and maneuver through the stacked pile and you soon separate yourself into the paloozer category. Well, almost. I think the true test comes when and if you decide dive into the water wit and finish by army crawling under the ropes. With that you can sprint with whatever energy you can muster up to get the pineapple medallion.<br /> <br />And I would roll the dice and say most people were ready to keep paloozing right on into the better part of the afternoon. Participants and friends from the race joined in the sand for awards, costume contests and a great band that had everyone jamming. Combine a race, obstacles, good cheer, music and what better way is there to spend the afternoon that all this with a spiffy pineapple hat on your head.Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-74506241804470926722011-06-22T00:05:00.000-07:002011-06-22T00:09:48.936-07:00Do at the Zoo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGG_RKBz67zmrTQ59519GvjF8Qjo-o75BcRY440ZCjTsF6MIeZ5-5uby1T8QNLzuzmAOZri6og6JP3Mm4wbqDZx-rD0tf26jV3k5qEc9m5VoYZfiFMBeQOujuSRcOdznjcAHq0CxW1YgHe/s1600/DSC03575.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGG_RKBz67zmrTQ59519GvjF8Qjo-o75BcRY440ZCjTsF6MIeZ5-5uby1T8QNLzuzmAOZri6og6JP3Mm4wbqDZx-rD0tf26jV3k5qEc9m5VoYZfiFMBeQOujuSRcOdznjcAHq0CxW1YgHe/s320/DSC03575.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620937322347655250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swN-8i9LoSY/TgGUshIMR8I/AAAAAAAABJw/SPr33eWY7Rg/s1600/DSC03572.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swN-8i9LoSY/TgGUshIMR8I/AAAAAAAABJw/SPr33eWY7Rg/s320/DSC03572.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620937302462973890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZuRD_BCM-o/TgGUsGmPJ5I/AAAAAAAABJo/Dzd57en9mhk/s1600/DSC03581.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZuRD_BCM-o/TgGUsGmPJ5I/AAAAAAAABJo/Dzd57en9mhk/s320/DSC03581.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620937295341234066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWhmrffNVDCMt5fCgfVqlrjTtnbCuNCI5I-J6nY9499xrSwnnKoOqJpwEi6OiNdhJvcWQxyR4ZxUsymTVRZMrOufLhvd97DTRSpB0Q0OOud3Ig8FB-xx-H3bU82Tt-2_GgqNjeiT1wSpH/s1600/DSC03578.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWhmrffNVDCMt5fCgfVqlrjTtnbCuNCI5I-J6nY9499xrSwnnKoOqJpwEi6OiNdhJvcWQxyR4ZxUsymTVRZMrOufLhvd97DTRSpB0Q0OOud3Ig8FB-xx-H3bU82Tt-2_GgqNjeiT1wSpH/s320/DSC03578.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620937286163866162" /></a><br />The highly anticipated Asian Tropics at the Denver Zoo becomes closer to opening every day. The exhibit gives a home to endangered Asian Animals such as the one-horned rhinos and Malyan tapirs. One goal is to educate the public on a global effort to save these endangered species.<br /><br />The progress is helped by fundraising events such as Do at the Zoo. Already raising 3.5 million dollars for the exhibit since 2006 is only part of the fun. 60 restaurants set up shop passing out tastes from Denver's Top Restaurants.<br /><br />This event showcases an array of restaurants, entertainment and drinks right to your senses. Sun dried tomato gnocchi, peaches and pound cake, grilled tenderloin, and crostinis with sweet pea are yours from restaurants like Black Pearl, D Dar and Duo Restaurant.<br /><br />Local bands play in the background and animals roam from zebras, hawks and the occasional peacock. It's a cocktail affair for some with fancy animal print dresses and for others it's a little more casual with safari shirts and khaki shorts.Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-56022212019993881552011-06-13T13:08:00.000-07:002011-06-22T00:17:23.199-07:00Film on the Rocks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwzUuuxMxcOlIm0QUC1rLl3CZykB_8ykEbXUaNO9Ed4e4VfUgMydOGWCep9IDD2KeBobrAJsYsAdAUJd2qX-f_3LWyKgiUMGjjdQ_BcR4xcQ0yTKZa2mEqq-vovUbXuLXksiUvC60mmje/s1600/DSC03499.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwzUuuxMxcOlIm0QUC1rLl3CZykB_8ykEbXUaNO9Ed4e4VfUgMydOGWCep9IDD2KeBobrAJsYsAdAUJd2qX-f_3LWyKgiUMGjjdQ_BcR4xcQ0yTKZa2mEqq-vovUbXuLXksiUvC60mmje/s320/DSC03499.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620939507135587826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gxyfRC-NNMc/TgGWsrUQ3kI/AAAAAAAABKo/AbUyaQ5tTV8/s1600/DSC03497.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gxyfRC-NNMc/TgGWsrUQ3kI/AAAAAAAABKo/AbUyaQ5tTV8/s320/DSC03497.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620939504221216322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14WvltdyJRSqP2F5xu9XUqDwFynm4JOQgOBxlb7GhEb0I9B0w9gMU5wikpGvgNsJAsRmOWdVYQw8eeJShYA9NO1uok-vIatcKi_dXMtQWdRbEQfcdHtObrwqX8tNJAiGGw831BOOXVGIW/s1600/DSC03495.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14WvltdyJRSqP2F5xu9XUqDwFynm4JOQgOBxlb7GhEb0I9B0w9gMU5wikpGvgNsJAsRmOWdVYQw8eeJShYA9NO1uok-vIatcKi_dXMtQWdRbEQfcdHtObrwqX8tNJAiGGw831BOOXVGIW/s320/DSC03495.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620939497179037074" /></a><br />There is nothing that sings a summer night like Film on the Rocks. This is the 12th season and each year it becomes more popular. Some shows completely sell out the entire amphitheater which seats 9,450 people. And if it’s not sold out, it’s always a packed house. This year 13 films will be screened through August 22nd. <br /><br />Crowds take the theme of the movie seriously and often times dress for the occasion. Foot Loose played on June 6th and you betcha leg warmers stacked up against each other as people stretched their legs out along the over sized bleachers and had already kicked off their Sunday shoes. Or in this case, Tuesday shoes. You know this is an audience favorite by the hooting and hollering of the crowd when Kevin Bacon takes off for his dance solo in an old warehouse. Funny comments are belted throughout the show and it seems like everyone watching is a big group of friends.<br /><br />Show nights vary but before every movie there is a chance for more entertainment. Concerts and comedians kick off the show shorty after doors open at 6:30. At dusk it’s time to tuck into the blanket or soak up the breeze. Food is welcome inside, just no glass containers. Tickets for the movie only are twelve dollars. If you have some extra dollars sitting aside you can take a party bus there for 50 dollars, or pay 30 dollars and that includes a pre-party complete with cocktails and dinner at the Trading Post.Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-63000205052114920302011-06-13T12:59:00.000-07:002011-06-13T13:05:00.168-07:00Louisville Half Marathon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIA76U97W1E/TfZtXTPauOI/AAAAAAAABJY/EoVy4O8hVsQ/s1600/DSC03477.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIA76U97W1E/TfZtXTPauOI/AAAAAAAABJY/EoVy4O8hVsQ/s320/DSC03477.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617797832260630754" /></a><br />There is a half marathon that makes you feel right at home. The Taste of Louisville Half Marathon and 5k saw over 500 finishers this year for the second annual run. There was enough people to feel the spirit but not so many you are overwhelmed.<br />Both races start by running through the Main Street of old town Louisville. You too may be taken by the rustic wooden buildings that are current mom and pop shops in this frontier feeling town. You realize this is not just about running, it’s about the destination. And of course the friendly locals on their cozy patios to cheer you on, and run you through the hose if you are lucky!<br /><br />The volunteers are beaming with smiles, which makes it a little hard to run. I just wanted to stop and chat it up with everyone. Is there something in the water here that everyone is happier than any clam? It becomes seemingly apparent why this town was ranked as the number place to live by CNN at one point.<br /><br />After passing the main street you head through local trials and open spaces that are peaceful and serene making it a cinch to zone out. Volunteers zone you back in jingling water in your face to remind you this is a temporary dream. I nestled an orange slice in my mouth and headed back on the luscious trails.<br /><br />You almost don’t want the finish to come! But running right through the finish takes you to the next party. TheTaste Of Lousiville! Vendors blanket the streets with all sorts of tasty food. Plus many of the local businesses are waiting to rub their charm on you.<br /><br />The race might be over for the year, but seeing the success of the run put on by Human Movement, there will be another one around the bend. And I suspect you might want to experience something that seems almost too good to be true!<br /><br />There is a half marathon that makes you feel right at home. The Taste of Louisville Half Marathon and 5k saw over 500 finishers this year for the second annual run. There was enough people to feel the spirit but not so many you are overwhelmed.<br /><br />Both races start by running through the Main Street of old town Louisville. You too may be taken by the rustic wooden buildings that are current mom and pop shops in this frontier feeling town. You realize this is not just about running, it’s about the destination. And of course the friendly locals on their cozy patios to cheer you on, and run you through the hose if you are lucky!<br /><br />The volunteers are beaming with smiles, which makes it a little hard to run. I just wanted to stop and chat it up with everyone. Is there something in the water here that everyone is happier than any clam? It becomes seemingly apparent why this town was ranked as the number place to live by CNN at one point.<br /><br />After passing the main street you head through local trials and open spaces that are peaceful and serene making it a cinch to zone out. Volunteers zone you back in jingling water in your face to remind you this is a temporary dream. I nestled an orange slice in my mouth and headed back on the luscious trails.<br /><br />You almost don’t want the finish to come! But running right through the finish takes you to the next party. The Taste Of Louisville! Vendors blanket the streets with all sorts of tasty food. Plus many of the local businesses are waiting to rub their charm on you.<br /><br />The race might be over for the year, but seeing the success of the run put on by Human Movement, there will be another one around the bend. And I suspect you might want to experience something that seems almost too good to be true!Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-37646974108914615492011-05-31T13:16:00.000-07:002011-05-31T13:25:07.733-07:00Kemah, TX<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wLQzE3RBAXA/TeVOjuUVvzI/AAAAAAAABI0/2Ei5w7ifjaU/s1600/DSC03333.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wLQzE3RBAXA/TeVOjuUVvzI/AAAAAAAABI0/2Ei5w7ifjaU/s320/DSC03333.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612978886222921522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCjSWgKE2PJDL8mDDgRitMgkRysf2eSgU1k7FyjHmH1LnsYmTSHlL57KRqiTk1wAo1NJsbo8lanFDtABGaJwwDmD10_lYuEbSfWpuaMOjYXBmHBVOJBL-Ls7jHJt6K6s4f3Kg3E1sb-Y9/s1600/DSC03336.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCjSWgKE2PJDL8mDDgRitMgkRysf2eSgU1k7FyjHmH1LnsYmTSHlL57KRqiTk1wAo1NJsbo8lanFDtABGaJwwDmD10_lYuEbSfWpuaMOjYXBmHBVOJBL-Ls7jHJt6K6s4f3Kg3E1sb-Y9/s320/DSC03336.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612978880733750162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3d8KIuSbfH4TZbcXpc3bG45XqD3RyhSs8UZgPqnBrhglkNJgUN5ZRoLae5toF5lKloJvawq9vXWGPB8CBljZfGzTrnswCyB1noH8GExAP-gpT_YwcAgIdihE4u1gW2iBlEBzqTmyDOx0P/s1600/DSC03329.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3d8KIuSbfH4TZbcXpc3bG45XqD3RyhSs8UZgPqnBrhglkNJgUN5ZRoLae5toF5lKloJvawq9vXWGPB8CBljZfGzTrnswCyB1noH8GExAP-gpT_YwcAgIdihE4u1gW2iBlEBzqTmyDOx0P/s320/DSC03329.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612978059844510514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBHdC_jmrMv9YTtz37OWfuOhQcgbUy2eMn5r-PvymyVae4K_2O4iTvkGQmbpkH3I6_KNhlFjF7y9F8IW_dd_4uDtUqznryo5BePv89JXJbDL4ZpahxMdD7ka1OTpoTq0vtHwsJFnUj58Z/s1600/DSC03327.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBHdC_jmrMv9YTtz37OWfuOhQcgbUy2eMn5r-PvymyVae4K_2O4iTvkGQmbpkH3I6_KNhlFjF7y9F8IW_dd_4uDtUqznryo5BePv89JXJbDL4ZpahxMdD7ka1OTpoTq0vtHwsJFnUj58Z/s320/DSC03327.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612978051530298322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL24iYVqL5ncRxu-mREE9BpA11J0uKa1Nkq_yuf3WRV16vhEeB_FVNW9NUntHgmSfq3i52HECVotB6uehQNz03zjqzPfi8RiEDWic48KuVtHdbMDPJFfrU4G7sESdhAtggpahHi5eaH2qx/s1600/DSC03323.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL24iYVqL5ncRxu-mREE9BpA11J0uKa1Nkq_yuf3WRV16vhEeB_FVNW9NUntHgmSfq3i52HECVotB6uehQNz03zjqzPfi8RiEDWic48KuVtHdbMDPJFfrU4G7sESdhAtggpahHi5eaH2qx/s320/DSC03323.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612978046668377602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFKMXNOf4f2uDsIP2sFaJFWchIgvjgNerV3OaBOAgAV8AFY37FRVZf4I8K19Bc73AJ1n24gicwffwf7cuhko6IuJiwfPxIIJrNdDRczb0uTJGsnn6ukuFYI4T20uuu5nvHlBLPR2QDRJC/s1600/DSC03317.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFKMXNOf4f2uDsIP2sFaJFWchIgvjgNerV3OaBOAgAV8AFY37FRVZf4I8K19Bc73AJ1n24gicwffwf7cuhko6IuJiwfPxIIJrNdDRczb0uTJGsnn6ukuFYI4T20uuu5nvHlBLPR2QDRJC/s320/DSC03317.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612978043407379938" /></a><br />Kemah is a town so small that many locals trade in their cars for golf carts. No interstates or busy intersections to cross so why not downsize into something so luxurious? Located on Galveston Bay the waterfront attracts many tourists and of course is a big draw for the people living here. The name translates to "wind in my face." Usually that would drive me a lot crazy but in a town so charming they can get away with anything here. The population of Kemah is just over 3,000 and the city hall looks like a beach house. There may not be a place to layout on the sand but you are still on waterfront property. Water sports, boating local shops and the boardwalk keep these residents happy.<br /><br />The boardwalk, owned by Landry's Restaurants, is composed of eateries and carnival type rides to thrill. Choose either an unlimited ride pass or pay for single pass. Either way, the boardwalk bullet is the ride I would say is a must. Middle school children were crowding the lines but we still nestled our way into the top cart. Good thing you are limited by height and not age!<br /><br />Hands in the air and our stomachs dropped with the first 92 foot drop. The coaster flies up to 51 miles per hour, but it felt faster than the interstate.<br /><br />The coaster sits on one acre which makes it the most compact wooden coaster in the world.<br /><br />If you are looking to break the chain restaurants<br /><br />there are plenty of local spots on the South End. I put Tequila Mia's to the test. The patio brings out the best seats in the house. Palm trees spring through the wooden floowing toframe the stage on the many nights theire is live music. The menu is simple, the portions are perfect and the atmophere will make you feel right at home.Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-38892274733766357142011-05-31T13:14:00.000-07:002011-05-31T13:16:10.928-07:00Waterwall Houston, TX<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IIuXxGkNBysGw7ctlqrvPakhyfxhSn_WFQemOXmAjOvsquSvKfjWd_fYGakIiB3H4pxNvalo7MHKqb7ZjujjVc99Itv4qR8QrDCt04Rmv3eawrGoFxWFCpAmZ4P06K987JI7RrmX_HBs/s1600/DSC03345.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IIuXxGkNBysGw7ctlqrvPakhyfxhSn_WFQemOXmAjOvsquSvKfjWd_fYGakIiB3H4pxNvalo7MHKqb7ZjujjVc99Itv4qR8QrDCt04Rmv3eawrGoFxWFCpAmZ4P06K987JI7RrmX_HBs/s320/DSC03345.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612976640948891474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheskFSCXuVK3cRpKnTmM-OCGfrncohcHA84lQVlSw0VBYJB3_aSx02vt7P4U7FBeug8_FXjXbKzuZCbegbLvTUqXGoegj0tcrSPsZEhRBxC7nuHCeYxT9GypVSW1iqFtnxlmdyA76dcHz9/s1600/DSC03354.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheskFSCXuVK3cRpKnTmM-OCGfrncohcHA84lQVlSw0VBYJB3_aSx02vt7P4U7FBeug8_FXjXbKzuZCbegbLvTUqXGoegj0tcrSPsZEhRBxC7nuHCeYxT9GypVSW1iqFtnxlmdyA76dcHz9/s320/DSC03354.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612976628265715986" /></a><br /><br />After strolling in the nearly 400 shops and five wings of the Galleria it was time to cool the jets. Even the air condition was starting to loose its effect. Houston's heat combined with the crowds and enticing store fronts really have led people to shop to the point off exhaustion. (learned from a security guard.) You can shop till you drop but I bet the Water Wall has allowed some people to rescue themselves. ..that and the indoor ice skating rink inside the Galleria. A fountain in the shape of a semi-circle will draw your eyes and eventually your body over to see the rushing water racing down the walls. You can get close enough to let the water mist on your face. This wall doesn't take many breaks pumping 78,500 gallons of recycled water about every three hours.Texas Oak, green fields and kids playing in the background surround the water feature. Standing 64 feet tall it's a perfect backdrop for the city.Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-78970618004632060392011-05-27T15:19:00.000-07:002011-05-27T15:24:23.829-07:00Stranahan's Assembly Line<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamio3-JY_jTkXToS9z0MTzX2Cbyev0KgS48ao-TZM0_-a_InttyeGgp__0_rvc-WOvnl7EHHeD6vA0zJ7boqN_R-BiosMUDBM8DKNhyphenhyphenADQAD_cJZ11Ly4Im0VealqduUpc4j7ywJpPKCr/s1600/DSC02178.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamio3-JY_jTkXToS9z0MTzX2Cbyev0KgS48ao-TZM0_-a_InttyeGgp__0_rvc-WOvnl7EHHeD6vA0zJ7boqN_R-BiosMUDBM8DKNhyphenhyphenADQAD_cJZ11Ly4Im0VealqduUpc4j7ywJpPKCr/s320/DSC02178.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611525284616479250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jn3eEfV_VL8S0e-7zgsRWcm5bxudVCMrPUOtoWLTDmAZUD0JncrsAD7jSKmXiYb6ZKakkX5CCR32-0T9wpzysxLxHQLUFEftLpnBK8AXo8WXA5DtEyXDHMV6Ccy7prJojB5k1hthPkws/s1600/DSC02172.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jn3eEfV_VL8S0e-7zgsRWcm5bxudVCMrPUOtoWLTDmAZUD0JncrsAD7jSKmXiYb6ZKakkX5CCR32-0T9wpzysxLxHQLUFEftLpnBK8AXo8WXA5DtEyXDHMV6Ccy7prJojB5k1hthPkws/s320/DSC02172.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611525272640132402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUUv3CF8qMDjK5H5gpYxjIbmB7dXOsZaQHjSmdH0aCR4Qbte6iIPixyJZ8tYDGmr0Zc_tiujOTD-7CsUF8CXwWjbjD2Oh2h_7bWL6OQeqkxcp0gjTb6rJXSbuqirMU7lu-VX5UvZcldEK/s1600/DSC02175.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUUv3CF8qMDjK5H5gpYxjIbmB7dXOsZaQHjSmdH0aCR4Qbte6iIPixyJZ8tYDGmr0Zc_tiujOTD-7CsUF8CXwWjbjD2Oh2h_7bWL6OQeqkxcp0gjTb6rJXSbuqirMU7lu-VX5UvZcldEK/s320/DSC02175.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611525269578812914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwq9BTpj-hdEXWTRKgEafi7T8WG-91WAwGv2ppjth8NtDfecVN2ueOV27Wt_6Z55O_5TP1NvzBdBBEB4xhqOgr2S3ug9QRNHrBMRgneEuelGQ0hR66Xy1TJ1lzSldzsCfQjlZSLT61i3mZ/s1600/DSC02177.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwq9BTpj-hdEXWTRKgEafi7T8WG-91WAwGv2ppjth8NtDfecVN2ueOV27Wt_6Z55O_5TP1NvzBdBBEB4xhqOgr2S3ug9QRNHrBMRgneEuelGQ0hR66Xy1TJ1lzSldzsCfQjlZSLT61i3mZ/s320/DSC02177.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611525260376844674" /></a><br />5,800 bottles of Stranahans whiskey were the way out the door. Shelves would soon be restocked with a fine Colorado whiskey. Something this big was done without the use of any automated machines, us workers were the machines for the day! 20 volunteers work the a.m. shift and 20 more come in to finish up the afternoon. It’s one day of bottling that happens once a month to make a complete human powered assembly line.<br />Empty bottles were filled, corked, labeled, sealed off and boxed! The assembly line was pumping out energy and filling case after case to fill up those pallets! I tried my hands at corking, then moved down the line to see if I had skills to sticker the bottles. Wellp, fumbled… bottles were getting backed up! These volunteers had it down smooth! The sticker was placed with pressure on the perfect point and slid on down the line. I had a few crooked ones that entered the reject pile...so I moved myself to a new department!<br />So why volunteer to work an assembly line? Well, for anyone who is a fan of Stranahans they are in for the bottle of free whiskey, and maybe the free pizza and VIP tour held afterwards! But I am sure for all of us; it was an experience and story to tell of Colorado’s first whiskey.<br />And owner and master distiller, Jake Norris is there working for the whole duration. And someone has to hand write on all those labels…thanks Jake!<br />*Uncommon knowledge: Stranahans can’t keep up with the demand. (Not surprising, I know!) The whiskey was once represented in 40 states, but now only in Colorado to make sure demand is met here. However, plans are in the making for this small time company to expand to branch back out. Which means the bottling crew won’t always be in existence the way it is now. Has to be a trade-off though, now the rest of the nation can re-discover the way Colorado does whiskey!Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-49904394115319260452011-05-18T20:07:00.000-07:002011-05-18T20:10:44.774-07:00Lucky Mile Racing Series<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgnGpIzdQbVkYa-L0BroC321x3NSovM-yzr5qI933y0hQmvICftnDJHZOjciuVKEef0gbAzqBKmif_Wu1j4S_bNhJO85Gv2WmdXDDzIUAaXJL8jD3HqwpkgOGrcsr50_YRXmf_8ufrHdM/s1600/DSC_7396-LM-1-SP%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgnGpIzdQbVkYa-L0BroC321x3NSovM-yzr5qI933y0hQmvICftnDJHZOjciuVKEef0gbAzqBKmif_Wu1j4S_bNhJO85Gv2WmdXDDzIUAaXJL8jD3HqwpkgOGrcsr50_YRXmf_8ufrHdM/s320/DSC_7396-LM-1-SP%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608258902362314066" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR0Jv31V4m15HcQbo_RJoayuZjYLX_0B327OGbktg87VttiHypL506Yw61d_WLxQyxfoi_yfpzMfsW-mCt06bvFsVv5wn9TIoZ_ATHLz9bpIQSr54W1Z6vhXzP6dtcuo4v455XYKednNl/s1600/DSC_7290-LM-1-SP%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR0Jv31V4m15HcQbo_RJoayuZjYLX_0B327OGbktg87VttiHypL506Yw61d_WLxQyxfoi_yfpzMfsW-mCt06bvFsVv5wn9TIoZ_ATHLz9bpIQSr54W1Z6vhXzP6dtcuo4v455XYKednNl/s320/DSC_7290-LM-1-SP%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608258898322855922" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvO5d0gArL4Rw5DhnBNn89J7-z0ubKhMTjprWOhyB7uAJwSMkBe6BBufkQ5WSle_cxDX4LywZZ5OnMY27SOUboGFPry-1jEQt6h3wO9rV-pLO5EjNOCe1Vjw5OFM5Yw_HkrUnjYwwyXzy/s1600/DSC_7277-LM-1-SP%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvO5d0gArL4Rw5DhnBNn89J7-z0ubKhMTjprWOhyB7uAJwSMkBe6BBufkQ5WSle_cxDX4LywZZ5OnMY27SOUboGFPry-1jEQt6h3wO9rV-pLO5EjNOCe1Vjw5OFM5Yw_HkrUnjYwwyXzy/s320/DSC_7277-LM-1-SP%255B1%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608258901816417282" /></a><br />Lucky meets lucky. One lucky has to do with running and the other pizza. The Lucky Mile Race Series in Louisville, Colorado an event you don't run across every day. It consists of four one mile timed runs held every Thursday night through the month of May. So yes the first two have passed but you can still get lucky on May 19th and May26th. Dig up your costume and come out in your Thursday best superhero costume or 80's outfit for the the following week. Awards are given at the end of the series. If you are over 21 you get a free prize even if you doddle the whole time..a free beer!<br />So where does the pizza come in? To some of your dismay it's not provided as fuel at the half mile marker. And the goal is not to see who can chow down the most slices without letting a side ache take them down. The race starts at the Lucky Pie in Louisville. This neighborhood restaurant joint has pizza so good it's getting runners to shave an average of ten seconds off their times because the thought of pizza is that good.<br />The race was started by Human Movement, an event management company who also runs Oktoberfest, the Colorado Relay and of course the Taste of Louisville Half Marathon coming up on June 4th. The race directors put this in mind wanting something simple.fast.easy. The race proceeds Louisville Elementary School but in more ways than monetarily. It gives kids the chance to come out every Thursday night and try to beat their personal best or race classmates. It's also a big draw for the community and really seems to bring what is already a tight knit community even tighter. But I will vouch..they are a friendly bunch...and you don't have to be a resident to get in on the mile, or the discount offered at Lucky Pie after. A win.win.Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-26499963914162839422011-05-17T23:32:00.000-07:002011-05-17T23:45:19.788-07:00Touring Stranahan's, Denver<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBEZAHP5YdFVXbt9159CynGanbYnVCu7zVuLrnGISJIwCc2IDt7nFsPwCVlTr8hlTcAcf7FqNzsjq0HXfDMEIz2ggm2oIht5rwTGiYVx_b8Xzmtt-gqdl_cWvaMnSY4jovLnbWHwHCoTu/s1600/DSC02127.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBEZAHP5YdFVXbt9159CynGanbYnVCu7zVuLrnGISJIwCc2IDt7nFsPwCVlTr8hlTcAcf7FqNzsjq0HXfDMEIz2ggm2oIht5rwTGiYVx_b8Xzmtt-gqdl_cWvaMnSY4jovLnbWHwHCoTu/s320/DSC02127.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607941292670311618"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoIBgf1B4MvSXV0ZBnO4CYWidGnme4Zu_Qbt17MdpawbOGGmJD1ssbliPQcf9KDdrr7t0xDA0DUpcmS4UvUcdnhTfQUBkQch7v5J29SjL4mPXbHR9aRvh0l68Dlb1eGeiHbaork6baZzG/s1600/DSC02118.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoIBgf1B4MvSXV0ZBnO4CYWidGnme4Zu_Qbt17MdpawbOGGmJD1ssbliPQcf9KDdrr7t0xDA0DUpcmS4UvUcdnhTfQUBkQch7v5J29SjL4mPXbHR9aRvh0l68Dlb1eGeiHbaork6baZzG/s320/DSC02118.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607941289128610914"></a><br />My cup looked as it was filled with GOLD! I followed our tour guides tip, breathed in with my nose and mouth and took a taste. It was smooooth! Yeeehaw! I was soon the newest fan of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey. <br />If you live in Colorado, have visited Colorado, or ever plan on coming to Colorado… you should tune in. This 94 proof whiskey is the first micro distillery in ‘Rado, pretty rad. Right? And, one of the first in the country. Take a sip on that!<br />Hustle on over to the distillery off S. Kalamath in Denver, and you will soon see how the whiskey starts with barley from the Northern Rockies, and water from the Rocky Mountains and ends up as a premium whiskey. After being distilled and aged in 50-gallon tanks, the whiskey basically hibernates for two to five years in white oak barrels. It’s well rested and ready to party after it’s bottled up!<br />Twelve barrels are produced a week, and after about three weeks, ten to twelve barrels (5,000 bottles) make the cut and are bottled by hand. And check this out…you could be bottling the next batch. Twenty volunteers come in the morning, and twenty in the afternoon to bottle and label. If you want to be apart of the assembly line, visit this link<br />https://www.distillerysolutions.com/stranahans/crew.php<br />When you are looking at a slier topped bottle of Stranahan's take note of the batch number (up to 65 right now) and the unique comments on the label, always different in every batch.<br /> Nothing mass about Stranahans, just about everything is done in house and local! Needless to say…they get the gold.<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw6tAry6JGx_fYECoGJHQjk2Ttf0nFcTABlA0i-UJdB4cdF06epv5YkJlonAcLi_jwMi4N6jMTK1u5_w6TecQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-28586777077499273742011-05-15T19:47:00.000-07:002011-05-15T19:50:52.161-07:00Create Denver<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DH-C3vrHbjyQS4R0A7jzQ5ihgzUSlxqMRO22Rx18QkSVCx1cqBG2CkO3YDeRuNHsRj74ZjnjxKVpV7m3L4IBKIC34vuNSJfaDmIDiHYRerpxQ-9zc624WZL5FmPzfuFgl8nMlWO_W6iP/s1600/photo-8.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DH-C3vrHbjyQS4R0A7jzQ5ihgzUSlxqMRO22Rx18QkSVCx1cqBG2CkO3YDeRuNHsRj74ZjnjxKVpV7m3L4IBKIC34vuNSJfaDmIDiHYRerpxQ-9zc624WZL5FmPzfuFgl8nMlWO_W6iP/s320/photo-8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607140991059781170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-iGMJtfOuWo7pLfm7abHI4cl-1ueNHIq92Y7oNV9lagmAV8wIK9Y2JfqaWwqyjzoJ3zSDsI1nGtb853M31m4b4U4EcVERQjRn4imtY2WM6aO9Am4UAPj4VDbC_GMSBVU-6Tqb9ue9e3W/s1600/photo-7.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-iGMJtfOuWo7pLfm7abHI4cl-1ueNHIq92Y7oNV9lagmAV8wIK9Y2JfqaWwqyjzoJ3zSDsI1nGtb853M31m4b4U4EcVERQjRn4imtY2WM6aO9Am4UAPj4VDbC_GMSBVU-6Tqb9ue9e3W/s320/photo-7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607140987629817186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sPKQCTWLe-pykRRPvZb8gMFKvHaeDCUQGwOEMbphSlTsiunExVAiwFho12srzARaCmaJMzIoltAhNqbEflU9v7I0JX7fZRa0k82rHC9VoJTsixVC1EoC-nOY8WJDSp4WYvXX3t66cjxB/s1600/photo-6.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sPKQCTWLe-pykRRPvZb8gMFKvHaeDCUQGwOEMbphSlTsiunExVAiwFho12srzARaCmaJMzIoltAhNqbEflU9v7I0JX7fZRa0k82rHC9VoJTsixVC1EoC-nOY8WJDSp4WYvXX3t66cjxB/s320/photo-6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607140451678922514" /></a><br />If you are familiar with Denver you know it’s easy to start rattling off a laundry list of reasons it’s one of the greatest cities. Another reason it’s at the top is because many people make the effort to support local artists and businesses. They run the gamete here and “Create Denver” is ready to capitalize on that. The event ran May 12th through the 15th. The goal is to support creative industries in Colorado from film, music, art galleries, graphic artists, fashion and any other artists! <br />Through the week the artists could come show off what they got from concerts, fashion shows or production. Today was the “Your Sunday Best.” Different artwork, clothing and jewelry were ready to be explored at the Grant Humphrey Mansion. Here any idea is worth a shot…or a full drink if it’s anything from Hula Moon. This company was started by two ladies who wanted to start concocting some more eccentric drinks…and they bring out something called the blueberry lavender lemon cooler—fresh lemon juice, lavender water, a splash of suga and fresh blueberry puree. <br />Denver is a place that encourages these enthusiastic artists to break the mold. Splashing flair on jewelry, pressing leather bracelets, or curving the paintbrush in a way that matches their mood further etches that art is to be appreciated. In Denver there are more than 120 art galleries, six art districts, 160 performance venues and over 180 film related businesses. There is no doubt we have the goods, now it’s just keeping alive what is already thriving. These creative enterprises help the economy grow and bring unique experiences to anyone whose willing to try. So how about that blueberry lemon lavender cooler? It’s even cooler than cool.Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-14745348488168184662011-05-15T18:31:00.000-07:002011-05-15T18:35:57.847-07:00Crater, Utah<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZGax3_cQF6D4nXInpN3g5UOLKFy_vz8u_mSGWf9UYmU2MnJWzGM6jSSc1NtqJysCuiKuGeQX4Lg3HLLhL7SLlhuEs0AByccvqeB6Y-17tnWR6r-aMpDTNpGXYkzW_qClDbrqUzXLqmy0/s1600/DSC01707.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZGax3_cQF6D4nXInpN3g5UOLKFy_vz8u_mSGWf9UYmU2MnJWzGM6jSSc1NtqJysCuiKuGeQX4Lg3HLLhL7SLlhuEs0AByccvqeB6Y-17tnWR6r-aMpDTNpGXYkzW_qClDbrqUzXLqmy0/s320/DSC01707.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607121580262403586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBT3luYTDRPtkIJgw25EHXIul_AlXInO1YI4KYrYuvwAnoTgQJhxnZAU_6kvyJhsChXNrc3h-NMJ4ho5t7rPENMmvr1qQhqLm7PNII_U35fNVh3G9gH_k6vGHSmJzvb5zMrpb3aNJJha39/s1600/DSC01703.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBT3luYTDRPtkIJgw25EHXIul_AlXInO1YI4KYrYuvwAnoTgQJhxnZAU_6kvyJhsChXNrc3h-NMJ4ho5t7rPENMmvr1qQhqLm7PNII_U35fNVh3G9gH_k6vGHSmJzvb5zMrpb3aNJJha39/s320/DSC01703.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607121571159481954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrB3zaebUwV2guHLWg7bZTIxiv-WSRzpSGIQfPPicygw845Q-8MurER8DmUUL9sL6WfKzWUm6Tt20CnsD4f1TfoZdeyZVPlneM-QywSSUgbAYPk4_IQeZcjCZA0mR9k46dpw9yKT6slvrK/s1600/DSC01702.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrB3zaebUwV2guHLWg7bZTIxiv-WSRzpSGIQfPPicygw845Q-8MurER8DmUUL9sL6WfKzWUm6Tt20CnsD4f1TfoZdeyZVPlneM-QywSSUgbAYPk4_IQeZcjCZA0mR9k46dpw9yKT6slvrK/s320/DSC01702.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607121566127975810" /></a><br />We have all heard it, “Get your Vitamins and Minerals!” Ok, ok, well it sure would be a lot easier if we could get those minerals simply by soaking in the mineral filled waters at the Crater Hot springs in Midway, Utah. A soak in the crystal clear waters sure sounds more enticing than a veggie platter and glass of O.J.<br /> <br />After driving by the crater I found myself frantically searching for my Epi Pen, the crater looks that much like the biggest and baddest beehive you have ever seen. How could you not buzz in for a quick look? I dipped my hand in the smooth waters and had to hold off from grabbing as much air as I could muster and cannon balling right in. You can only handle the heat of a hot tub for so long, but these warm waters are between 90 and 96 degrees and will keep you captivated!<br /> <br />Miners took advantage of the waters in the 1800’s. After a long day in the cold, or working hard in the mines they could soothe their aching muscles. Picturing miners in the crater seems historic enough, but the history of the crater started to develop 10,000 years ago. Melted snow from the Wasatch Mountain slid into the earth, and two miles below the earth the water was heated and sent back towards the blue skies. As it heated it was packed with minerals, which formed the limestone dome to reach 55 feet!<br /> <br />But the depth of the water is deeper than the dome is tall. A trip to the bottom will have you 65 feet underground; of course this requires the scuba gear. This is the only warm water place to receive your scuba certification in the U.S. so you most likely see some Scuba Steve’s on your trip, or perhaps you will be one of them, goggles and all.<br /> <br />The dome brought the community of miners together, where they could relax, soak and dream of finding riches, if they hadn’t already. Maybe some already had and cannon balled right in to celebrate!Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-68563648777189507612011-05-15T18:17:00.000-07:002011-05-15T18:31:36.789-07:00Alpine Coaster Park City<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pMJhJQln-OkI6hVjOcYkLKEE0eo-A1zEUwX8hROyE0lnxCh307GU4DmEKU8u2iKkrsvxtZGus3XMTq6zKTVqwo7B1gf9RacONxotAaGOQHZiGLzVPZybv6pJWDgPv3AeoWzA9LjLa0Ho/s1600/DSC01638.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pMJhJQln-OkI6hVjOcYkLKEE0eo-A1zEUwX8hROyE0lnxCh307GU4DmEKU8u2iKkrsvxtZGus3XMTq6zKTVqwo7B1gf9RacONxotAaGOQHZiGLzVPZybv6pJWDgPv3AeoWzA9LjLa0Ho/s320/DSC01638.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607119373265889970"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrhvhpl4F2sd2AK95TO8MpQ87qdt-GN0vLZnj_wYu7env0S14ga2WGk-7YJ6mIulyURRpEVjilKgMSAb0b3Rz8xWrd-aPr0OyYtyoSkDQcIF074fNFgt__zA_wwcq6RaHXPwIk_TKacnT/s1600/DSC01637.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 187px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrhvhpl4F2sd2AK95TO8MpQ87qdt-GN0vLZnj_wYu7env0S14ga2WGk-7YJ6mIulyURRpEVjilKgMSAb0b3Rz8xWrd-aPr0OyYtyoSkDQcIF074fNFgt__zA_wwcq6RaHXPwIk_TKacnT/s320/DSC01637.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607119367582017746"></a><br />If you find yourself at one of the most majestic mountains in the world, wouldn’t you want to ride down it? And have speed on your side? Yes, sure you could ski, or board down, and when that sun comes out again, hike or bike down… but there is something for all seasons! And that my friends, is the Alpine Coaster at Park City Mountain Resort. And believe me, you won’t just be coasting; you will one step away from questioning if you are flying.<br /> <br />At speeds of 30 miles an hour you are twisting, turning and gripping on so tight your knuckles will be as white as the snow painted mountains that you catch a nano second glimpses of at every corner. And take advantage…this is Utah’s only Alpine Coaster.<br /> <br />The adrenaline rush is only 20 bucks, and is a great way to experience the mountain magic if skiing and boarding aren’t in your plans for the day. Just remember…no brakes till you see the yellow flags at the end!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyjutzjBF2Ksqxt00Nsg2lmZCNCHF2I7KC47GrrPT9mglneZ88fV_9qzppi0W98vIltvsSrkY_lcvnH2DXMvg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-873117858804696142011-05-12T09:36:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:39:43.827-07:00CitySolve Urban Race<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vNa6X3MfVZ4cv-LjEt7QoW_6FQ23QzNEcI3YLJa-BiyB5X-zvPVAknKpbqprA8Hlv8l4GZA-O54HED-oX9xnKvbtgcL6kgzzysngUB9b6aVf5FfUINvGlkZdk1wqMOJ6nzCRCp-TWFKG/s1600/DSC03149.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vNa6X3MfVZ4cv-LjEt7QoW_6FQ23QzNEcI3YLJa-BiyB5X-zvPVAknKpbqprA8Hlv8l4GZA-O54HED-oX9xnKvbtgcL6kgzzysngUB9b6aVf5FfUINvGlkZdk1wqMOJ6nzCRCp-TWFKG/s320/DSC03149.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605874382388237314"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtd9UUMEZ3Qfg1L0pzhmju0IEC3MYGcxlbFQEiKRur_xes2KE6gE-_KDhnsnRyBNWebtyp9pg3xPmJhwJKGw7_BrFT5uqzAMfiQxBMlNDozw4hebEzdivbQ4JJDfB7u-xxsTkh9uiAExHQ/s1600/DSC03143.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtd9UUMEZ3Qfg1L0pzhmju0IEC3MYGcxlbFQEiKRur_xes2KE6gE-_KDhnsnRyBNWebtyp9pg3xPmJhwJKGw7_BrFT5uqzAMfiQxBMlNDozw4hebEzdivbQ4JJDfB7u-xxsTkh9uiAExHQ/s320/DSC03143.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605874378862337058"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsXFLgaNrrndNZPPQfR4W42DTdjyarEqO8zMUhScKPBgwf7yhDIGf8BdEHwaMsfb974A8zc4widZy22FDp-IfA3bMGg_z-aPrqf9bMYW3nCivcCuxpT6TzacjNVXJ2eGnVO46nmdIPSpV/s1600/DSC03142.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHsXFLgaNrrndNZPPQfR4W42DTdjyarEqO8zMUhScKPBgwf7yhDIGf8BdEHwaMsfb974A8zc4widZy22FDp-IfA3bMGg_z-aPrqf9bMYW3nCivcCuxpT6TzacjNVXJ2eGnVO46nmdIPSpV/s320/DSC03142.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605874368880067570"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXHEDzEDg5wfhznjP3NQfuVUr6ER7OqIGGfT0HL8Cis3kbbaALSF22p7Ikw8OdkbL4RaZujRBPzwoP0AyFvQrWO4GNOfsyti87AkFAYTOYrsy1P6IOsq3eutSEt7-28AmIwnKOkGCiRar/s1600/DSC03138.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXHEDzEDg5wfhznjP3NQfuVUr6ER7OqIGGfT0HL8Cis3kbbaALSF22p7Ikw8OdkbL4RaZujRBPzwoP0AyFvQrWO4GNOfsyti87AkFAYTOYrsy1P6IOsq3eutSEt7-28AmIwnKOkGCiRar/s320/DSC03138.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605874363207246258"></a><br />So there is a race that tests wits and sheer brilliance over strength and endurance.The CitySolve Urban Race moves across the country and the city of Denver was lucky enough to get a splash of the fun. You will find your mind racing more than your feet as you try to crack and solve riddles along the way with your partner. The smart ones and most competitive come with maps of the city and also public transportation. The only way you are permitted to get around is on foot and city busses...no skateboards, roller shoes or roller blades so don't even try!<br />Between cross-word puzzles, clues and even some math you are led across the city to ten check points. There are also two bonus checkpoints to help make up for a clue you just couldn't wrap your brains around.<br />Landing at places like the Tilted Kilt was easy...here you get to pose with a firefighter fit enough to land a spot in the stations calender. Fitting as the proceeds of the race go to Fired Up For Kids. This organization benefits the children's hospital burn unit.<br />We even played a game of Yahtzee at one checkpoint and ended up at places like Fado's, JR's, Gov's Park...places you would just want to be anyways. Don't be afraid to grab a stranger on the street to ask for help or even call the smartest of your friends.<br />After collecting pictures at the checkpoints it was time to head back to the finish line at Stoney's with the over 300 teams.<br />If 5,000 dollars raises your brows you can enter for the grand championship in Las Vegas. It's not until November fifth which means you have plenty of time to prepare.<br />http://www.citysolveurbanrace.com/<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyG8IYLONlwuv2iJ8s5E1bcdtYIBElE8vsFxIbfuu-DIH0OTeyYt4R6dWfrhF5oNXGlxYXCm0iBXy_USGetGQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-49085802367392719532011-05-11T22:49:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:39:43.861-07:00Los Angeles Luncheon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb3IyiXdKXmbURmbAYQUf2h9iMymAGkt6p5CMynYOY0VgCZW3t0vqw4FPvwdAwLEj0EL45xL9r3LoGgvW5OaAcwzzhUJhfmGMrOCsCWdNoegr00XlAeYge0qdLHhm7gOPBeAt561zDeg7/s1600/DSC03094.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb3IyiXdKXmbURmbAYQUf2h9iMymAGkt6p5CMynYOY0VgCZW3t0vqw4FPvwdAwLEj0EL45xL9r3LoGgvW5OaAcwzzhUJhfmGMrOCsCWdNoegr00XlAeYge0qdLHhm7gOPBeAt561zDeg7/s320/DSC03094.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605704613729028418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdenDuAyJyMPAVa8Ez7JRTwY5jD7u50lUCwMcBs9gvGIVxSt_ForMczIA_4qftuM9Gdg_c_FtElij0JUc1gqoML0r68ewhzE2YwBGJVS-I1E75EgA_w6oFQsDg3XcUtHcxofc9rEVLsm3/s1600/DSC03084.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdenDuAyJyMPAVa8Ez7JRTwY5jD7u50lUCwMcBs9gvGIVxSt_ForMczIA_4qftuM9Gdg_c_FtElij0JUc1gqoML0r68ewhzE2YwBGJVS-I1E75EgA_w6oFQsDg3XcUtHcxofc9rEVLsm3/s320/DSC03084.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605704609749439618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnz4F1AFo4JoEYORv8PvWcb7i0ltuqjP1Jakmb9JOVuthMnPZSUO5O8H7vXEuIsiLu6QhGzfsyvWG0oJHJ2k_Kx2ff5mNW99S3jE2817FlRtHz6OoB9T-YTfHdF4inK9sp8mO_zJIpscx/s1600/DSC03090.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnz4F1AFo4JoEYORv8PvWcb7i0ltuqjP1Jakmb9JOVuthMnPZSUO5O8H7vXEuIsiLu6QhGzfsyvWG0oJHJ2k_Kx2ff5mNW99S3jE2817FlRtHz6OoB9T-YTfHdF4inK9sp8mO_zJIpscx/s320/DSC03090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605703445143844146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZZ2qP7BqhM-oNx-wNCA8rANhyphenhyphen2yt20SiliTysf7VmWVbPn6fCrFH7-rGOo-gJRi1hZNhHf9IrfrnMmbo07F5DMRY3KVrszxo47tM2EPfyJRW5FjZySffYGr-SV6LnUU9K54LR72a_8Ny/s1600/DSC03086.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZZ2qP7BqhM-oNx-wNCA8rANhyphenhyphen2yt20SiliTysf7VmWVbPn6fCrFH7-rGOo-gJRi1hZNhHf9IrfrnMmbo07F5DMRY3KVrszxo47tM2EPfyJRW5FjZySffYGr-SV6LnUU9K54LR72a_8Ny/s320/DSC03086.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605703443557386930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHngwmj29FkaDtAX-ckFD0dCSDX9_3ohXBAnS3JjdqB-2yLJUdf25m7UXTmYLviTPrcJH0I4RTr-57PQG4zCCjhsENBM61erZIQy0cgFlRKuSd1V_FhM2K1k0ulW2iatWnmegmiQwLrrPm/s1600/DSC03074.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHngwmj29FkaDtAX-ckFD0dCSDX9_3ohXBAnS3JjdqB-2yLJUdf25m7UXTmYLviTPrcJH0I4RTr-57PQG4zCCjhsENBM61erZIQy0cgFlRKuSd1V_FhM2K1k0ulW2iatWnmegmiQwLrrPm/s320/DSC03074.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605703439194597058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2ks5Bh2I6Yl3HNEUuIMd03UKbqSE7fc-myj2Ua_FHLRSDSRIMEMLrCXffjIPOav__k7jXcoxfYpw13X4ZKb_t4DPKNg-ezozO2VcKZVUsnuSQVSWioTuCQU9ubpqxaPMOUBrcdN0s2Qm/s1600/DSC03073.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2ks5Bh2I6Yl3HNEUuIMd03UKbqSE7fc-myj2Ua_FHLRSDSRIMEMLrCXffjIPOav__k7jXcoxfYpw13X4ZKb_t4DPKNg-ezozO2VcKZVUsnuSQVSWioTuCQU9ubpqxaPMOUBrcdN0s2Qm/s320/DSC03073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605703429704893858" /></a><br />We were singing Shalala lala in the morning and still Shalala lala into the sunshine and into the evening. The city of the angels was in sight. L.A., Los Angeles--the center of pretty much everything. Fashion, entertainment, technology, education...and always great people watching. You will tally the landmarks that pile the streets... the Kodak Theater, Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Boulevard, Dodger Stadium. I am sure you could add in a long list of more.<br />What draws so many people to this city? It seems that it is here that anything goes. One out of every six residents works in the creative industry. Boredom is impossible. Especially when are 54 film festivals a year here. That's more than one a week.<br />How can this city even keep up with itself?<br />You will be dodging traffic and at all hours of the day, night and sometimes even middle of the night. But it's all you can do to sit back and take it in. Who knows you might even find the handprints or the name of your favorite star somewhere on the sidewalk. But try to keep your head up from searching the sidewalk or they may just pass you right on by.Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-77324279142201387022011-05-11T22:48:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:39:43.788-07:00Huntington Beach<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzKstR7wuywAmTyZ4UVe-lE4SrdwwGhcKk9Wc-8JS8xnrDbaAUCQJ8E4ndSswbnF8wwj75NuTsZVgtMSmngEl7_ri8HqQplCncwc63sP9u9Z-Qd3KARHWZwv4V6EixbnYlfB8QtqHgeWc/s1600/DSC03059.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzKstR7wuywAmTyZ4UVe-lE4SrdwwGhcKk9Wc-8JS8xnrDbaAUCQJ8E4ndSswbnF8wwj75NuTsZVgtMSmngEl7_ri8HqQplCncwc63sP9u9Z-Qd3KARHWZwv4V6EixbnYlfB8QtqHgeWc/s320/DSC03059.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605702548801388754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CR4mgJfABuUNKLtZS77G9JhnrM1LwALtKQGxXZJcNgAvfEvYXkM-YVszkeXVU7a9mWq74ZVh8u0Q1nBa__VnksnmmRaOF9TKsNO6lXQHfJCyruvpco91RK_m8AQKZOyCxSp5RHCPDOFi/s1600/DSC03056.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CR4mgJfABuUNKLtZS77G9JhnrM1LwALtKQGxXZJcNgAvfEvYXkM-YVszkeXVU7a9mWq74ZVh8u0Q1nBa__VnksnmmRaOF9TKsNO6lXQHfJCyruvpco91RK_m8AQKZOyCxSp5RHCPDOFi/s320/DSC03056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605702542504073106" /></a><br />When you hear Huntington Beach any local would think 'rad surfing.' It's one place to go if you want to see some serious athletes take on the waves...and not just beginners struggling to find their balance. One reason the waves are so prime is because they come from distant hurricanes...something good comes from those winds.<br />Huntington Beach is the largest beach city in Orange County. If you run the length of the beach you would hit 8.5 miles, and then of course you have to return to where you started so you are topping 17 miles and by then you might as well just run a marathon. I mean if you were going to do it anywhere this is the spot.<br />Huntington Beach wasn't always the tourist destination boasting shops, restaurants and a pier that it is today. It once was used to her cattle. And later was used for agricultural purposes...mainly growing celery and sugar beets. The beets may be long gone but this is still a sweet place to stop by...even if you just zone out on the beachCarri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-45871384319651540752011-05-11T22:44:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:39:43.684-07:00Duke's Huntington Beach<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1IcpCXClaDaTOiHPRh_zP-v__nzsdE69IBl_s9T1KK-VUCL0A2hv4PfRo0IPznhfv0BQrsFgEdO_ZusTp8ypd9mlSENvR2MFVoNlMGVQ4APvnPwYpDJZG12FOC7vulG7_DHHi6cn5ZHV/s1600/DSC03062.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1IcpCXClaDaTOiHPRh_zP-v__nzsdE69IBl_s9T1KK-VUCL0A2hv4PfRo0IPznhfv0BQrsFgEdO_ZusTp8ypd9mlSENvR2MFVoNlMGVQ4APvnPwYpDJZG12FOC7vulG7_DHHi6cn5ZHV/s320/DSC03062.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605701552625844898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJHIhWp82ybEmj1HhTKd24cYrTXhPLRI9yiuy9dsEQ6QcthfpNs4wqhFTZzYTqs5_u6jVbpmpARin6j0dErPgJuXaes6WyoyRJAz-m_LtDL0dWR3tGZQzyPb0yuc6MhtpqCmZ5o__sAIW/s1600/DSC03061.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJHIhWp82ybEmj1HhTKd24cYrTXhPLRI9yiuy9dsEQ6QcthfpNs4wqhFTZzYTqs5_u6jVbpmpARin6j0dErPgJuXaes6WyoyRJAz-m_LtDL0dWR3tGZQzyPb0yuc6MhtpqCmZ5o__sAIW/s320/DSC03061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605701544522748210" /></a><br />We were on the waterfront at the Huntington Beach Pier.<br /><br />And to make it an extravagant evening at it's finest we were dining at Duke's. Some may brush this off as the name of a place where to fill up while enjoying the sunset and surfers slide into the waves. But to some Duke's is worth going because of who Duke is. He is one of Hawaii's most notable...he is the "Father of International Surfing."<br /><br />He won an Olympic Gold Medal at only 21 years old. And beyond surfing he has also gained fame for being a competitive swimmer. The hall of Fame has seen him twice for swimming and surfing.<br /><br />A creed he started is still practiced. To greet friends, loved ones and strangers with Aloha, which means with love.<br /><br />And the food also is made with some love. From every type of fresh fish spiced up to most any way you can imagine you will leave content and feel the same in the classy beach house atmosphere. And when it comes to deserts...don't be afraid to try them all. It's just science that if there are five people, you need five deserts. Right? And that of course includes the hula pie...beware you may break out in dance after indulging!Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-34987743161672205832011-05-09T10:26:00.000-07:002011-05-09T10:28:50.520-07:00Traces<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9jAgq_pdO5Ia9lOYUqTJzYGsSTj1hhuU4Oida8C6fBXerVN33OlhLZWQH3Wox9qWYQSi6hO51DSSZ3onGR91QdMW9zoapNCGrsPfu90qca8tJj2udPL_NGm19f9ML_m2DDYsblb5Wkgp/s1600/DSC03128.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9jAgq_pdO5Ia9lOYUqTJzYGsSTj1hhuU4Oida8C6fBXerVN33OlhLZWQH3Wox9qWYQSi6hO51DSSZ3onGR91QdMW9zoapNCGrsPfu90qca8tJj2udPL_NGm19f9ML_m2DDYsblb5Wkgp/s320/DSC03128.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604769513668246930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX9HXVj4d5Gc1iOYNbXsyIVE2ptc8JXd4i1Xb8ZxzjwbTqQaD2Nzqn7qAjvnOo-scG9c-mIwBmo32o34cw4E7zrFWIXyZk0d1bRN3iunb4W0-M74rBwkqZt76joVjTnKsl24yYH3AJAeV/s1600/DSC03134.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX9HXVj4d5Gc1iOYNbXsyIVE2ptc8JXd4i1Xb8ZxzjwbTqQaD2Nzqn7qAjvnOo-scG9c-mIwBmo32o34cw4E7zrFWIXyZk0d1bRN3iunb4W0-M74rBwkqZt76joVjTnKsl24yYH3AJAeV/s320/DSC03134.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604769509044824674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRaKxet3RvQ-PfGkfmFr_pC_sS-O4m2Xo76cjJ8igSBOuMpeQpAGlOk3cTPZl6Cf_3bQGHT3Nt8fPxhNjmUYU6lNzJ6XewzooA5wiJwbSSmRuXXc2ahgUAB3NmaZz08FVwomdFCJ-yXpV/s1600/DSC03130.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRaKxet3RvQ-PfGkfmFr_pC_sS-O4m2Xo76cjJ8igSBOuMpeQpAGlOk3cTPZl6Cf_3bQGHT3Nt8fPxhNjmUYU6lNzJ6XewzooA5wiJwbSSmRuXXc2ahgUAB3NmaZz08FVwomdFCJ-yXpV/s320/DSC03130.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604769500047960946" /></a><br />Meet Traces. A show that rivals Cirque du Soleil. If you get your kicks through acrobatics and circus style performances...take a seat. A small cast of six men and one lady will leave you astonished and questioning if they are all really human. They thrust their entire bodies thorough small hoops and land like it ain't no thang. Or maybe you will be more awed when they leap up sky high poles with such spark and energy you will have to re situate yourself...especially after they streamline down the pole with flying speeds..gripping only their feet to stop just a quarter of an inch before they would hit the floor. Or how about stepping inside a hula hoop as tall as the performers and spinning in every direction at speeds that would make any normal person dizzy.<br /><br />Pieces of their lives are incorporated as a microphone falls from the ceiling telling you things that are funny and honest. You start to get the feeling this group is tight knit..even when off the stage. And lucky for our group they stayed on stage at the Space Theater after the shows end for a question and answer. It was up close and personal to see the athletic performers and actors in their true element and answering questions exactly as they would to friends. My final question for them, "Are you accepting interns?" This type of performance can be contagious and I caught the bug.Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-55758837215499034622011-05-08T16:48:00.000-07:002011-05-08T16:55:20.478-07:00A trip down Broadway's Memory Lane<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuZRHokm806GeYJhsCM56KU3QQlK0heJ1MirLCeDfGCzVYeV_UknBhz9j5RKlz-oyYc_jQyVcbfr6VD3Y8jbU3pHuqjRNdh7fft-Z8c66TmXf8gaeLYDaITer4_x8rzvAng9KpeiOONZB/s1600/DSC01499.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuZRHokm806GeYJhsCM56KU3QQlK0heJ1MirLCeDfGCzVYeV_UknBhz9j5RKlz-oyYc_jQyVcbfr6VD3Y8jbU3pHuqjRNdh7fft-Z8c66TmXf8gaeLYDaITer4_x8rzvAng9KpeiOONZB/s320/DSC01499.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604498094192251986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFH51g6zYQdWWDnQyIwiqNhokO6guKbKLEDrJFsshcCBqW6oTgG-vWNAjI1JTrr6BJPv-jUtR3MRnUQ8Vy0bEg_a9WzY3c9B5S02Am6Ug0hjShhs9o9MswUS2VKHMAluRqsxIvmatmrwdU/s1600/DSC01492.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFH51g6zYQdWWDnQyIwiqNhokO6guKbKLEDrJFsshcCBqW6oTgG-vWNAjI1JTrr6BJPv-jUtR3MRnUQ8Vy0bEg_a9WzY3c9B5S02Am6Ug0hjShhs9o9MswUS2VKHMAluRqsxIvmatmrwdU/s320/DSC01492.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604497661681573970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTC2T0a6qqMZcJ_dNcRhFmGmRDWhHkwxcNbswePLu68y6ECnqeukvr5Hq4gUNMv4x1uBoo8GZOLA3nHuJN-w93_VOnkka5JgBUdQyqqZw6VHjGGbWH4A_AGnouHXQ2AatLudA1adbVo4Mm/s1600/DSC01494.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTC2T0a6qqMZcJ_dNcRhFmGmRDWhHkwxcNbswePLu68y6ECnqeukvr5Hq4gUNMv4x1uBoo8GZOLA3nHuJN-w93_VOnkka5JgBUdQyqqZw6VHjGGbWH4A_AGnouHXQ2AatLudA1adbVo4Mm/s320/DSC01494.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604497656502016434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_EA4jujDeEvrknk2rTU85Oj1nyyQAtofBtr6aSmryqo0Bd6lQrethUdsG3HAoKsBMYa44yMI_Rva_TgGdC0kA_APRGC4hUUDaZs_MM3faraAvtPH-g71nU2KK02cAMuBLnzgcss0FNlT/s1600/DSC01493.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_EA4jujDeEvrknk2rTU85Oj1nyyQAtofBtr6aSmryqo0Bd6lQrethUdsG3HAoKsBMYa44yMI_Rva_TgGdC0kA_APRGC4hUUDaZs_MM3faraAvtPH-g71nU2KK02cAMuBLnzgcss0FNlT/s320/DSC01493.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604497646326429474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegpDdCPgpLP6-WGWYZFVvDSQ92ZTdCWhpHdiBQMEfcB9dGLHv9wR-3rBAba-nzDdfZ6-7uYj35RwuSB-Jyu3gxvUj_gMB_6nj3L-HBAw6e87_TTbCf1qarHyiyq499VW_kO_RnZg0WXj9/s1600/DSC01497.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegpDdCPgpLP6-WGWYZFVvDSQ92ZTdCWhpHdiBQMEfcB9dGLHv9wR-3rBAba-nzDdfZ6-7uYj35RwuSB-Jyu3gxvUj_gMB_6nj3L-HBAw6e87_TTbCf1qarHyiyq499VW_kO_RnZg0WXj9/s320/DSC01497.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604497644211233202" /></a><br />I can’t imagine my life without my Mother Dearest. Taking a trip to Ashland, Kansas for her class reunion this summer was extremely enlightening. I stood a dirt mound that was once a swimming pool, and learned this is where my Mom learned how to swim. To walk down the halls of where she went to school, to stop at the locker she shacked up at, and to see places she played and ate brought in a lot of perspective, and You hear ‘You got to see it to believe it, ‘ but I would say ‘You got see it to learn it.’ <br /><br />Well, you can also see to learn by taking a trip to an antique shop. South Broadway houses enough that you could have your whole day planned, shop to shop till you really might just drop! Or just wander through a few stores with someone who is precious to you, and also at least a couple decades older than you ☺ and surely something old will be found to teach you something new. <br /><br />I watched as my Mom’s hands grabbed some metal plates that looked like a shoe could slide right in. Her eyes lit up as she looked at the familiar object. They almost looked like foot braces to me! Turns out I was quite off…these were some old time roller-skates! What a jam my Madre must have had on puppies similar to those. <br /><br />Or what about the creativity kids concocted? There were decorations made with the tops of coke cans, something my Mom also participated in. We even found similar antiques to what my Mom carries on from her parents. <br /><br />The technology is a changing and we have more turbo style skates now, but the stories remain, and they are definitely worth a look into. Whether an old time game like marbles, a dusty little book, or an old time kitchen utensil, I am sure you will walk out just a little bit closer with who you came in with.Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-53864664557812647162011-04-30T20:37:00.001-07:002011-05-06T15:46:33.883-07:00Friday Night Yoga Club<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytSafp6iDjQPwu3fW7PN4DxGZ8GseHiN_b3wpaXaiv8FM6FUQdLZdayLh9SiorwGQWo6yfj6RtIJAtHBRfHDILlngCY-yA80E4P_S_h5Rud04uFVF2NWo546Hm_BdR06qnxP3chK90b9r/s1600/Chanda+Hinton+at+FNYC.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytSafp6iDjQPwu3fW7PN4DxGZ8GseHiN_b3wpaXaiv8FM6FUQdLZdayLh9SiorwGQWo6yfj6RtIJAtHBRfHDILlngCY-yA80E4P_S_h5Rud04uFVF2NWo546Hm_BdR06qnxP3chK90b9r/s320/Chanda+Hinton+at+FNYC.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601590376056396002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicdQvCANdUcTEWiNfmK_lc-Hzs_FhtUENX4KvnbQlRbmi40qsQ9tVbaklP10xfU7TvpXXCtW-xK75zcwR8ZC2jckmctozt3B5mNv1hBZuu3K_fs2ZHK-XxT_tGtj0k1x4lWNTGKD73HMl/s1600/DSC02965.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicdQvCANdUcTEWiNfmK_lc-Hzs_FhtUENX4KvnbQlRbmi40qsQ9tVbaklP10xfU7TvpXXCtW-xK75zcwR8ZC2jckmctozt3B5mNv1hBZuu3K_fs2ZHK-XxT_tGtj0k1x4lWNTGKD73HMl/s320/DSC02965.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601588900321307778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJWs49TUjrmqArTs4dUatNQ_75jmcti2lZdnjUlmHUBdc114xH7ycOK6mz98Ykw0R1m4kEjrE9mHUnpFA8cNvz2Bl5wSYOg0gq5jQjPVz4e8sI2tRa5RWVn6xqULUo6FsRcKHf0o_MAOI/s1600/DSC02957.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJWs49TUjrmqArTs4dUatNQ_75jmcti2lZdnjUlmHUBdc114xH7ycOK6mz98Ykw0R1m4kEjrE9mHUnpFA8cNvz2Bl5wSYOg0gq5jQjPVz4e8sI2tRa5RWVn6xqULUo6FsRcKHf0o_MAOI/s320/DSC02957.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601588897664432562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxKuJtkeJwyRQdmFfXGAlFZgVgf1Io4-ld3NcS6NtY8z0cVkGQlvAEFehgQtx36Shzp1IG7EZ7eLmSlolW59SaB31ouQcSyCRcZ23MVuKKIC_6Th4YwHgpUC6gr1wOiaPvEVbda3UVCu6/s1600/DSC02955.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxKuJtkeJwyRQdmFfXGAlFZgVgf1Io4-ld3NcS6NtY8z0cVkGQlvAEFehgQtx36Shzp1IG7EZ7eLmSlolW59SaB31ouQcSyCRcZ23MVuKKIC_6Th4YwHgpUC6gr1wOiaPvEVbda3UVCu6/s320/DSC02955.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601588895237205106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8MtjXMHQLdw1s-FHrQwLNXZH1DLpKFzwJbKVrzbm4LEI0aHMyWYyiOgjpF39MAFwgx1PN-yi8nM3HLCfDy7zhuGCYY4fmUz_PE0Vge12ufN6hRzu4oggCGmCyqA45t2isbd2On2CDWPC/s1600/DSC02949.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8MtjXMHQLdw1s-FHrQwLNXZH1DLpKFzwJbKVrzbm4LEI0aHMyWYyiOgjpF39MAFwgx1PN-yi8nM3HLCfDy7zhuGCYY4fmUz_PE0Vge12ufN6hRzu4oggCGmCyqA45t2isbd2On2CDWPC/s320/DSC02949.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601588889388493650" /></a><br />I have quickly learned yoga can be a party. Make that a spectacular party. There is a key though and I won’t keep a secret. Its called Friday Night Yoga Club. As one participant put it best, it’s something different to try on a Friday night outside of movies, dinner, or happy hours. And it’s still social.<br /><br />There were seven Friday classes total, and none beat to the same drum. Offering different studios, types of yoga, instructors, and DJ’s. That’s right…DJ’s get you in that yoga groove. But there is a constant and that’s the familiar faces because it can become addicting. Each night sold out and usually topped off around 100 participants. This Friday night yoga club met at the Rhythm Sanctuary in Edgewater and was mat to mat. But what better way to make a new yogi buddy?<br /><br />The night is three hours. My first thoughts where ‘whoa yoga overload’ and ‘when’s intermission?’ But the night is about more than the mat. Dancing, eating delicious food from the sponsors and hearing incredibly motivational messages are mixed in.<br /><br /> You see, the night is about experiencing life, but also appreciating the extent at what you can do it. Over 1,000 dollars was raised to benefit the Chanda Plan, and Chanda herself wheeled her way on stage to talk about the moment that forever altered her life.<br /><br />She was only nine years old when she lost the ability to walk. A 14-year-old relative was babysitting her, when one of his friends picked up a gun and discharged into the back of her neck. In place of the many medications she was taking for the chronic pain she decided to try some alternative methods, one being yoga. Her foundation aims to improve the quality of life for anyone with a physical disability with alternate forms.<br /><br />Creators of Friday Night Yoga Club, Denise Coo and Erik Vienneau understand yoga is about physical and mental well being, and sees the way it has benefited Chanda. Cook is no stranger to the importance of community that automatically comes with yoga practice. The message Chanda brought connected the room. Any of us could have been in an unexpected accident like her. The way she has gone forward to live her life allows all us yogi’s to revert back to square one and center ourselves on our mats. The world may be a changing but attitude is still everything, and so is what you make of your experiences. And not being afraid to try a new one, because life really is that precious.<br /><br />And there is more to come from this group this summer with Yoga Rocks at the Park. Find more at www.yogarocksthepark.com<br /><br />For more images of the night please visit: <br />http://www.rcvisualarts.com/<a href="http://www.rcvisualarts.com/"></a>Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-1440163118299395882011-04-25T10:44:00.000-07:002011-04-25T11:08:04.031-07:00Museum of Contemporary Art Denver<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAo0BTJCgRt6yupFURUIkgJJIv5Z3tjcU1K68Gbepl1K_eRzjHHlNs4k8Guyk-YJ_ojqHXVL6pJwPiZa7akjQyzlx6mqVrhp44a7neFp4OTtn_YjRI9AOWxtqsUHHZf_MJ2_GsMuu1S4OB/s1600/DSC02632.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAo0BTJCgRt6yupFURUIkgJJIv5Z3tjcU1K68Gbepl1K_eRzjHHlNs4k8Guyk-YJ_ojqHXVL6pJwPiZa7akjQyzlx6mqVrhp44a7neFp4OTtn_YjRI9AOWxtqsUHHZf_MJ2_GsMuu1S4OB/s320/DSC02632.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599579761758116946"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5p-iwSCXuFQjTaIPaezkA3nZBgCo6KfmYs0jd3dwSv9E4n2sK5tDUBZ66sg3HpzQbcij99mSz41zl8c6gPgM4Vi1tL6Zh04Y71u3sGmNT9dH4EsDYtf7Yy0ctmRyYn7qQvfnyTgPIPM85/s1600/DSC02630.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5p-iwSCXuFQjTaIPaezkA3nZBgCo6KfmYs0jd3dwSv9E4n2sK5tDUBZ66sg3HpzQbcij99mSz41zl8c6gPgM4Vi1tL6Zh04Y71u3sGmNT9dH4EsDYtf7Yy0ctmRyYn7qQvfnyTgPIPM85/s320/DSC02630.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599579758991271026"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaIaeTI7bNhwVqskNZcSUPta7RufdEwE95rGpWRy5bUdwjgVdJbYpJ9GWaY8wM1W5kvkyGT42WIfvLVy6Jg06Pobi87SCWtQHhwcfALzWMP74KTboqNyq3d02nVU3zV7DyI-vOU1Eseto/s1600/DSC02635.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaIaeTI7bNhwVqskNZcSUPta7RufdEwE95rGpWRy5bUdwjgVdJbYpJ9GWaY8wM1W5kvkyGT42WIfvLVy6Jg06Pobi87SCWtQHhwcfALzWMP74KTboqNyq3d02nVU3zV7DyI-vOU1Eseto/s320/DSC02635.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599579752477217890"></a><br />There is a special nook and cranny off Delgany Street in Denver. It's called the Museum of Contemporary Art. There has got to be something there that strikes a chord in your imagination. My chords struck with a piece called "Defiant Gardens." For me it defined emotion. The artist, Dario Robleto, combined many materials...including pulp made from soldiers' letters sent home and wife/sweetheart letters sent to soldiers from various wars. There is also homemade paper, dried flowers from various battlefields, fabric from mourning dresses and various seeds. They all encapsulates a poignant time in history.<br />Another piece from this artist is called "A Defeated Soldier Wishes to Walk His Daughter Down the Wedding Aisle." Appropriate especially with everything we face abroad. The artist brings pop culture and music into the piece by using melted vinyl records to form the boots. A cast of a hand-carved wooden and iron leg sits in the boot as a painful reminder that some soldiers come out of war with a new type of limb.<br />This is only a splash of what is inside the museum. It's a place that you can find inspiration, a challenge and some new knacks for your mind. There is a cafe, library and of course many other exhibits that could spark something for you to take as you exit a special place off Delagany.<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyWniqtdJXCRZsZzljr6diQoUnDGg0-xNYCQ62rpM9gq3B-S-6Pm8eLOw6F1qFNrXAjnMjEcz1d2HOf8AWu5A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-22354334142193601882011-04-21T11:13:00.001-07:002011-04-21T11:28:17.658-07:00Doors Open Denver III<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtNf8zpmkistYPMrLy3DPBz0eOMw-NKXaRVjDE4A8IbrCHfoik7XbXsKb9WZtjCedL_GceEHD249nW_5l3ocsd4pdHtesbgIM7Py2L9btYrvOx8-JaLYWOhAcibxJ-1WzPmIYOUWixSgL/s1600/DSC03022.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtNf8zpmkistYPMrLy3DPBz0eOMw-NKXaRVjDE4A8IbrCHfoik7XbXsKb9WZtjCedL_GceEHD249nW_5l3ocsd4pdHtesbgIM7Py2L9btYrvOx8-JaLYWOhAcibxJ-1WzPmIYOUWixSgL/s320/DSC03022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598103963539729522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUS6vvi71IVp6Brzb1H_s6cLPuypGxcyDtgxjsz7_vomrteibab3ybTrOW1rHgbf8ouaEPajyaFMN8x09Lpx_nd0PoNTDfFRyG6cdGXFq6yHclMiA4Ze3X0K1-W4CvWnopekW07S3Qc3DV/s1600/DSC03020.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUS6vvi71IVp6Brzb1H_s6cLPuypGxcyDtgxjsz7_vomrteibab3ybTrOW1rHgbf8ouaEPajyaFMN8x09Lpx_nd0PoNTDfFRyG6cdGXFq6yHclMiA4Ze3X0K1-W4CvWnopekW07S3Qc3DV/s320/DSC03020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598103957269807954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTcv8b26ndDnvKtTEZKLRCqP8AqReOXgm2OYYYug54SDTnvfTgP_ap32oQX-iBJHAyZL1pYI2HTORkuyKjyn8nO-9r4p9dPUBlNtCe9Qkqoz_QCoe6zoVD8alpKpoeCFKceOY7TDTQsts/s1600/DSC03011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTcv8b26ndDnvKtTEZKLRCqP8AqReOXgm2OYYYug54SDTnvfTgP_ap32oQX-iBJHAyZL1pYI2HTORkuyKjyn8nO-9r4p9dPUBlNtCe9Qkqoz_QCoe6zoVD8alpKpoeCFKceOY7TDTQsts/s320/DSC03011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598103952043328034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG0lE4wGp3xAQum-KCco5H6fBKjShx9PCAwzQEmBdYqBre46SxwLvwfOQzZ4alDpoK4XHBLuTmSCrJ7fqqZ5mvDDzvtv1XUKAVYZg3U72LZDqhymohnaebna0hOi4A9R9Iw47wFLum4ye/s1600/DSC03007.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG0lE4wGp3xAQum-KCco5H6fBKjShx9PCAwzQEmBdYqBre46SxwLvwfOQzZ4alDpoK4XHBLuTmSCrJ7fqqZ5mvDDzvtv1XUKAVYZg3U72LZDqhymohnaebna0hOi4A9R9Iw47wFLum4ye/s320/DSC03007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598103030843670690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4RCYpi1KcobFP2Zs2kRZiyOBw7dzUmTN_Eap4GDbTvqMLDQEh-pfzaHmXKZAoq1_7ph3VvoVDOQWURbFW6U9qwCnmkDX6mW1ZpX3wyEWJdwrfTBiECvEffJuiONV_YaDCxL46444a7XE/s1600/DSC02998.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4RCYpi1KcobFP2Zs2kRZiyOBw7dzUmTN_Eap4GDbTvqMLDQEh-pfzaHmXKZAoq1_7ph3VvoVDOQWURbFW6U9qwCnmkDX6mW1ZpX3wyEWJdwrfTBiECvEffJuiONV_YaDCxL46444a7XE/s320/DSC02998.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598103012444954706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6b6e7C3jwhtOTY5mxYuIpfdY29JfnO4Jn-QRVtuB9ZEzcxm742ctReYWVZeLYXSmT18eP5DwHP0q1bPz_32PAV2nyvPG-pJSOjQlhc0N6MCHRbFZ3X7VNWN2m09VSTS6jX19Dw6HOiR0/s1600/DSC03004.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6b6e7C3jwhtOTY5mxYuIpfdY29JfnO4Jn-QRVtuB9ZEzcxm742ctReYWVZeLYXSmT18eP5DwHP0q1bPz_32PAV2nyvPG-pJSOjQlhc0N6MCHRbFZ3X7VNWN2m09VSTS6jX19Dw6HOiR0/s320/DSC03004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598103007847524162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vSVC3AZloJrE7N0oUdWRSvd5N-heeWuhSeLvhD6Y-xuZh8GHnXETEdcsNqfQjPP2RmIfNI5ctd_qhmgNOWXi0eVJJsj8Ec-Qh8xDL-rBG_9cYq13JjFTnlfmjnmQYU2zeDUou7gAAjgD/s1600/DSC02999.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vSVC3AZloJrE7N0oUdWRSvd5N-heeWuhSeLvhD6Y-xuZh8GHnXETEdcsNqfQjPP2RmIfNI5ctd_qhmgNOWXi0eVJJsj8Ec-Qh8xDL-rBG_9cYq13JjFTnlfmjnmQYU2zeDUou7gAAjgD/s320/DSC02999.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598102996882902882" /></a><br />And the doors kept opening. Many drive by D.U. and recognize it’s a beautiful campus…it may even make you want to head back to school. Or in my case learn to sing opera! Before your ears start screeeeeching…take a look at the Judy June Sawner Gates Concert Hall, and we may be singing together. The hall can seat up to 971 people, luckily none of the seats were filled when Doors Open Denver allowed me on the stage to test the acoustics. This stage can see up to 400 performances a year in this European Styled Opera House.<br />Last year D.O.D. brought in tours of the new Juvenile Detention Center off Colfax. Right across the street is the Lindsay Flannigan Courthouse, which was open this year. The lines were connected to see first where convicted criminals are housed to the underground tunnel they walk to trial. The location of the two facilities allows many less convicts to be bussed over. Inside there are 29 courtrooms, 300 surveillance cameras and 62 holding cells.Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-44665247644484277922011-04-21T10:58:00.001-07:002011-04-21T11:12:53.481-07:00Doors Open Denver II<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4s4A1YRHabIN70wcb9-GMtDwvZGQFhymSk327cPBU_7jwqtiQHvPNyR9gosWb2v1o-rSu1XDfrh8T3ullQbDrNcN9l8GYoSbrDv4OmJ1ddMwHlGqrw3BvoDgVtAlS1rJnmA_A87bWy9_3/s1600/DSC03015.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4s4A1YRHabIN70wcb9-GMtDwvZGQFhymSk327cPBU_7jwqtiQHvPNyR9gosWb2v1o-rSu1XDfrh8T3ullQbDrNcN9l8GYoSbrDv4OmJ1ddMwHlGqrw3BvoDgVtAlS1rJnmA_A87bWy9_3/s320/DSC03015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598100931645788770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gPbt_OuJGz32rfLB6pr_lXmlzgFJmzVmFG1zKiJG1f7emJK-RrIjjWb62VvfhJ5dqlHF4h9hA8oR-1WhyLuLhQygFhkCl47hAAXUklAHRlAnfjI-rh7meCT6Kjl74mm9GcxKP6vIeuGn/s1600/DSC03014.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gPbt_OuJGz32rfLB6pr_lXmlzgFJmzVmFG1zKiJG1f7emJK-RrIjjWb62VvfhJ5dqlHF4h9hA8oR-1WhyLuLhQygFhkCl47hAAXUklAHRlAnfjI-rh7meCT6Kjl74mm9GcxKP6vIeuGn/s320/DSC03014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598100116663998450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4KA-Xxm_eWBixzfp21phUUNFdEdY9MtITO4f3v5tuV0lTiMYu_3v0BJcObstY9GrQEb3P-4a2blyhxWsEykJfyVcVc_UnieKVazWpOSZr4OLAsQVtnZBWeeirpZ1aSDxldYfcpsng3hu/s1600/DSC03013.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4KA-Xxm_eWBixzfp21phUUNFdEdY9MtITO4f3v5tuV0lTiMYu_3v0BJcObstY9GrQEb3P-4a2blyhxWsEykJfyVcVc_UnieKVazWpOSZr4OLAsQVtnZBWeeirpZ1aSDxldYfcpsng3hu/s320/DSC03013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598099438448796370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-efExqIy8G1emBxp5n-ObLzFWEVpKdgewI3ehkoxQoc9GVQuH9T98J_Lj8rXdR7eLTQxc3yGfz80Q8ub2Npqckk3ZhEO4PXjFn_cAS1GWGJHSAQGIgD-vYT5Vbc7sphE9zHFcKDl4ok0i/s1600/DSC02993.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-efExqIy8G1emBxp5n-ObLzFWEVpKdgewI3ehkoxQoc9GVQuH9T98J_Lj8rXdR7eLTQxc3yGfz80Q8ub2Npqckk3ZhEO4PXjFn_cAS1GWGJHSAQGIgD-vYT5Vbc7sphE9zHFcKDl4ok0i/s320/DSC02993.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598099434279574146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMfjULFNpfpS_AtkVl7NWpZttcnYnIHuTnIBn5Mr1ikONvd97Kuovr0JZzjw6q_0-PKD6p7lBIomsWE2ZWAlVDdcRqP9S-hDsD35caWiwTq8zIF-f2V7nzFbEGjBQybmZzZMsYDqdnd8F/s1600/DSC02981.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMfjULFNpfpS_AtkVl7NWpZttcnYnIHuTnIBn5Mr1ikONvd97Kuovr0JZzjw6q_0-PKD6p7lBIomsWE2ZWAlVDdcRqP9S-hDsD35caWiwTq8zIF-f2V7nzFbEGjBQybmZzZMsYDqdnd8F/s320/DSC02981.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598099425574789938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE0Bt5mpOjczoN0KWcX2A-MWAgHHB08cLQF-yITyQBtuu0E_vXAnd_g67Wf3DNN-ksiFizR7HnClLH-CSX9BvosjsKyz0WKnWnugYdUwMCDm1v2BidsN_PennkTDfGNYOCPFeHEOIijD5/s1600/DSC02979.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE0Bt5mpOjczoN0KWcX2A-MWAgHHB08cLQF-yITyQBtuu0E_vXAnd_g67Wf3DNN-ksiFizR7HnClLH-CSX9BvosjsKyz0WKnWnugYdUwMCDm1v2BidsN_PennkTDfGNYOCPFeHEOIijD5/s320/DSC02979.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598099420280719010" /></a><br /> As I trekked on it was further for Doors Open Denver it was proven that you can never be acquainted with Denver enough. A trip inside the Waste Water Management Building may turn some people the other direction. But beyond the eye-catching Gothic Architecture you can see where street maintenance vehicles are stored and take off on those frost bitten mornings to plow the roads. You can’t miss a huge bee-hive shaped dome where these trucks load up with magnesium chloride to take the slick off the streets. And ohh ya…it’s here that sewer lines are maintained.<br />At District Three Police Station you are normally only allowed to walk into the lobby. But the doors were opened to get a little more acquainted with inside scoop. See where roll call for police officers is taken, the workout facilities and a lay out of the building. Currently there is no police officer museum in Denver…but when the day comes…this station has plenty to offer from old hats, a list of the old lingo, and the stamps used on old police reports. And if you didn’t know…each citizen can take one ride along each year. You can pick up your form here, so get ready to even see behind the doors of a police shift.<br />The Anchor Center for Blind Children was incredibly enlightening. It seems normal enough as you walk through the halls, but there are many special elements. The floors are made of different materials so when children knock on them with their walking canes, they can instantly identify where they are.<br />A walk on the Braille trail leads to a gardening area and a greenhouse that are used as a form of therapy for visually impaired students.<br />A mother who is deeply anchored in the school served as a volunteer for the day. She was told her six year old daughter would never see again but with much hard work her daughter has now graduated from the Anchor Center and has seen her way to Public School. Her eyes light up as she talks about the improvements her daughter has made, and even plans to join the track club later this year.<br />The architecture embodied to make this school allows kids to develop other senses to a degree most can’t comprehend. What these children lack in vision they triple over with the strength of their minds.Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-77659610555657384602011-04-21T10:48:00.000-07:002011-04-21T10:52:50.386-07:00Doors Open Denver<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_w_OAvjBk0z0OvsPna848o6tYi2LRb9BaEXnCZeV5d-C2pxRlz-Asyof7pRFQMizZR5nz0aLYXmI4pgJYLD3hkWqPwRCdmWqlDpfMb9bQFXdzPI_qx7qBRQWjXvC14pyzhhR-QwCjxKWk/s1600/DSC02977.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_w_OAvjBk0z0OvsPna848o6tYi2LRb9BaEXnCZeV5d-C2pxRlz-Asyof7pRFQMizZR5nz0aLYXmI4pgJYLD3hkWqPwRCdmWqlDpfMb9bQFXdzPI_qx7qBRQWjXvC14pyzhhR-QwCjxKWk/s320/DSC02977.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598096300115525618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBPbCK5BQ1Rbl-XuXUhWMxbycPBPzHEox-5XY-7bEwstyhrsnli0KgU3bnYQggzDW5dB3YWo7H98T9rp8uCFVeycvBYdfd0ZWKEY2bfbobJJn9x8IurqgGrnsRSqqxAnELp8DPBWIAwvc/s1600/DSC02972.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBPbCK5BQ1Rbl-XuXUhWMxbycPBPzHEox-5XY-7bEwstyhrsnli0KgU3bnYQggzDW5dB3YWo7H98T9rp8uCFVeycvBYdfd0ZWKEY2bfbobJJn9x8IurqgGrnsRSqqxAnELp8DPBWIAwvc/s320/DSC02972.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598096296514734402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2djOWZT2kGw_haiMKagneAOpSE3fbbxSvAn8vc9Z-PQ2dKhr1aYibE8lrsJZyYPQJFjDQPL5MOJEjSPZty6SuwrZ_GRe3V1fjhDwauiV5Y4GjP1IyH0bRlDHcxCWS9Fnqm44b4ozDW3vB/s1600/DSC02974.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2djOWZT2kGw_haiMKagneAOpSE3fbbxSvAn8vc9Z-PQ2dKhr1aYibE8lrsJZyYPQJFjDQPL5MOJEjSPZty6SuwrZ_GRe3V1fjhDwauiV5Y4GjP1IyH0bRlDHcxCWS9Fnqm44b4ozDW3vB/s320/DSC02974.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598096288619947986" /></a><br />Denver swung it’s doors open for the 7th year in a row this past weekend. Doors Open Denver is a two-day event that features seventy sites that are open for tours…for free. Some places are always open to the public but bring out the guides so you get a fill on information. Other stops are especially special because you can’tnormally just walk in and walk out with the down low. <br />There are surely a few places on the list that would peak your curiosity, or maybe you just didn’t know it until you entered. The theme for 2011 was architecture of the 50’s and Beyond. But of course it always goes deeper than that.<br />Scanning the list of the sites brought in visions of some of Denver most photogenic areas: The Denver Performing Arts Complex, 16th street Mall and a variety of buildings at Denver & Regis University. As well as hotels, parks and museums (MOCA, Kirkland Museum, The Cell) also topped the list. And also some unfamiliar areas like Cableland and the Platte Valley Trolley. <br />Finding a starting point was a decision to be made! My day started at a red brick building that sits quietly on Sherman Street. Surrounded by trees blossoming with bright white flowers The American Red Cross Mile High Chapter has been responding to disasters since 1917. This chapter has been running like crazy with so many wildfires recently striking Colorado.<br />You can see where disaster supplies are stored, where courses are set up and take look into the Red Cross truck that is stocked with food and water to alleviate victims. Old time Red Cross posters are pinned to the walls inside the building, taking you back to the early days of the start of such an important organization that has spread internationally.Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5511232822248820676.post-64520900253269412702011-04-18T12:43:00.000-07:002011-04-18T12:46:36.999-07:00Verso Wine Cellars<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRoZ0_fQL1K-NkofLrRdChJw5TeKXHYCNywhRUwXujoCDvMYbNR5jH4egTJc7xg2wgxnTbUPDjPBJcsIOIhmt2M1Qym8atk9M0pXIreMyAxsiyQVLFKrPWddnB9C5uTRZ5VC1Mf0cv3N9/s1600/DSC02581.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRoZ0_fQL1K-NkofLrRdChJw5TeKXHYCNywhRUwXujoCDvMYbNR5jH4egTJc7xg2wgxnTbUPDjPBJcsIOIhmt2M1Qym8atk9M0pXIreMyAxsiyQVLFKrPWddnB9C5uTRZ5VC1Mf0cv3N9/s320/DSC02581.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597012309544660226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUU8PGKVXu1IcUX5bSFvX0Fu_ae5wsXxpy-n4yuEo_1DQa4q7qYvmTjWkypPVju1gD-tY-uUNfe1i7BDc74sbD7nZJ_IPNgaYpipPeh4AWeSJB0jByCr5CzykioGl3IDcPpJizbgL57VRn/s1600/DSC02568.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUU8PGKVXu1IcUX5bSFvX0Fu_ae5wsXxpy-n4yuEo_1DQa4q7qYvmTjWkypPVju1gD-tY-uUNfe1i7BDc74sbD7nZJ_IPNgaYpipPeh4AWeSJB0jByCr5CzykioGl3IDcPpJizbgL57VRn/s320/DSC02568.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597012302090766962" /></a><br />Here’s a take on wine tasting that I have not tried before, vertical. I stood up straighter and questioned what the heck that meant as I looked at Paul Phillips, the owner of Verso Cellars. Well first off it means that I would only be tasting cabernet sauvignon. I hope I would still be standing vertically after four tastings. Was this meant to be a challenge?<br />Commonalities and differences occur in all the bottles.<br />Commons: They are all grown from grapes from East Orchard Mesa on the Western Slope. Also, all aged in French Oak Barrells. And all are really, really good.<br />Differences: The years the grapes were grown and of course the weather patterns of the season, which affects the flavors of the grape. And how much is left of each bottle…the 2003 is flying fast and only a select amount of bottles are left for sale.<br />I started with the 2006, to the 2005, then the 2004 and ended on the 2003. And I completed the challenge, still standing up right. And I tested my vertical jump out the door, it was four times higher than usual! <br />The challenge left at hand was finding a favorite of the four types offered! Challenge, never completed. Return trip, planned!Carri Wilbankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03611379864893316941noreply@blogger.com0