Colorado Uerlings

May 15, 2008

2008-05-15T07:46:00.000-06:00

More of Blue Mesa

Erica took this picture of sand stone ledges that are normally
thirty to forty feet below water level.

Getting in a little beach time. In a a couple of weeks the big melt will probably be in full swing
and there will be less and less beach for a while.

We were below the normal waterline when we took this picture
looking further down on some others at the waters edge.

Good morning May 13, 2008 in Gunnison, Colorado!
Spring? Yeah Right!

Cinco De Mayo-the final chapter!

2008-05-05T22:10:00.000-06:00

Drain it and it will come!

BLUE MESA RESERVOIR

The largest reservoir in Coloraado. It has been systematically
drained to efficiently make electricity and to create space in the
basin for the spring runoff. Looking at the buttes in the background
you'd wonder...what runoff!
Well, they are trying to plow through Independence Pass between Aspen and Leadville.
They have encountered 25' snow depths through there.

A few small watercraft could still be found out on the lake indulging in some ice-free fishing.

Here I'm standing about four feet above the current
water level with my foot on an old, long ago submerged tree stump.
I'm at least 40 (maybe more) feet below the level the lake will be at in a couple of months!

If you look real close you can see Sue standing up at the top of this boat ramp.
I was about the length of a football field, plus the endzones, down the ramp from her.
While there are a number of little runoff creeks that will direct meltoff into the lake,
the vast majority of it comes down through Gunnison, from above and beyond Crested Butte and the Schofield Pass area which still has over 12' feet of snow yet to melt and run down stream, Taylor Park ( even deeper in some areas), and back east up the valley toward Monarch Pass and down Tomichi Creek, there is plenty of snow to melt and runoff down through the Gunnison Valley.
Hopefully, not all at once!
Or we will become the proud owners of a boathouse and will be changing our address
to Sapinero, CO at the other end of Blue Mesa Reservoir!

Cinco de Mayo - Cont'd

2008-05-05T21:44:00.000-06:00

The moon kept rising over Tenderfoot ('W') Mountain.
The 'W' obscured by the blanket of snow.
Note the wire fence line, thus the reason that Texans' often wondered why Colorado ranchers built such short fences!

Easter came and went early and quickly this year. We thought briefly of hiding eggs in the back yard, but they definitely would not have been found until late April.

Oh yea, that's right, we DO have a deck out back!

We're not sure, but Peanut was either trying to remember
if she had buried a bone in the backyard or do was there even a backyard
to bury a bone in! Hmmm!

Cinco de Mayo!

2008-05-05T21:32:00.000-06:00

CINCO DE MAYO!
Sorry folks! Time got away from me here recently.
These pictures show the snow on the ground
just a couple weeks after it had reached it's peak
down here in the Gunnison Valley. At this time, mid March,
there was still a level 24" sitting on the ground.
Nothing compared to the higher elevations where there
was 12-15 feet of snow on the ground.

Not much of a view from the front door for a while there.

These piles of shoveled snow had been too high to even snow blow over the top.
Honestly I was surprised to see the snow disappear as fast as it has.
Currently, the only snow left is in front of the house, a relatively small pile about five foot high
by eight foot square. (A sledding hill back in Nebraska!)

February 10, 2008

2008-02-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

Snow Shoe-ing Retreat

Sue went on a retreat with her ladies' bookclub and bible study group up along the Spring Creek area north of Almont, CO.

A great time was had by all! This was Sue's first attempt at snowshoeing and had a wonderful time.

After following along a road pathway, the group attempted to traverse an open field area.
When Sue dropped down into snow up to her... well lets just say it was DEEEEP!
After several minutes of group effort, she, along with several others, was extricated from the snow and decided the road less traveled was not for her and returned to the roadway path.

They then worked their way back to the rustic retreat cabin when they only had the bare essentials for survival.
Yeah, Right!

February 10, 2008

2008-02-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

Sue zips down the slope. I asked her to go a few feet so I could take her picture and the next thing I know she's clear down the slope!

So I had to catch up, get downslope from her and wait for her to catch up so I could get this picture!

Then Sue got hold of the camera so she could turn the tables on me!

Easy does it ol' man!

February 10, 2008

2008-02-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

Erica's learning to ski. Progress is being made!

She has graduated from the 'magic carpet' to the t-bar!
And lessons continue through the blizzard!

February 10,2008

2008-02-10T16:44:00.000-07:00

ICE CLIMBERS IN OURAY, CO

We were a weekend late for the International Ice Climbing Event
in Ouray, Colorado. But there were still plenty of folks to watch .

This fellow is about halfway up the ice fall.
And nicely framed between the flags, if I do say so myself!

Erica and Dad

Erica and Mom

January 19, 2008

2008-01-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

West Elk Mountains/Ohio Creek Valley

West Elk Mountains at Sunset

Sunset on Ohio Creek Valley

The Castles from Ohio Creek Valley

Sunset on the West Elk Mountains

January 13, 2008

2008-01-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

LET IT SNOW!

OK!
It can stop for a little while now. Gunnison has about 30" on the ground.
The higher elevations plenty more!

At least no one would get hurt falling off the trampoline!

Erica and her friend Sarah play out in the snow!

I think they started out as snow angels but became trenches as a snowball fight began to take shape!

January 13, 2008

2008-01-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
A new year has arrived and so has a ton-and-a-half of snow!
For the Gunnison Valley, there hasn't been this much snow since 1983-84.
The deer and elk are hit really hard by this much snow at the higher elevations and
move to lower elevations to seek food.

Here is a herd of elk north of Almont, and considering the slim pickings the hunters had during the hunting seasons
one would wonder where these does and bucks were camping out.

There were at least a hundred total in this group heading up the slope.

Here's a mule deer buck, he's also wishing there wasn't quite so much snow to trod through.

This herd of elk were only a few miles north of Gunnison. They're feeding on a rancher's supply of
livestock hay. There were probably 30 or so down by the road and another hundred working their way down the hill
toward the food.
The State of Colorado Wildlife Division plans to haul in hay for the elk and another food source for the deer.
They hope to keep the herds strong through the winter, and hopefully away from the rancher's stores.

November 29, 2007

2007-11-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

Erica and Colin along Cement Creek

Sue and Erica infront of the slopes at Crested Butte. Hopefully this scene will be much whiter after tomorrow. We're expecting up to 18" of snow in the Crested Butte area over the next three days. Much needed as you can see.
(There are T-shirts that poke fun at 'Crusty Butts', the condition of these slopes are refered to by some as Butt Floss! )

November 29, 2007

2007-11-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

XMAS Card Photoes that didn't make the cut!

Up along Taylor River!

Along Cement Creek !

Turkey and all the fixin's with Uncle Tom and Aunt Marilyn!

November 29, 2007

2007-11-29T20:54:00.000-07:00

The Holidays have Arrived!

November 17, 2007

2007-11-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Unusual Cloud Formation!

For lack of an official term, I'll call it a thermal hole!
This cloud formation could be seen over Gunnison Valley in Colorado earlier this week.
It appears to have a downdraft through it.

It was a very peculiar sight and drifted along with the clouds
toward the east.

November 17, 2007

2007-11-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Erica had her Choral Concert at school.
She did a fabulously wonderful job.

As usual, we are extremely proud of her! Later the same day were parent /teacher
conferences. And Erica's teacher was very much impressed with the level of work Erica has been doing.
She was well above the averages on many aspects. Reading, Writing, and Math!
WAY TO GO, BABE!

October 7, 2007

2007-10-07T19:23:00.000-06:00

Fall Colors!

Sue and Erica take a much needed break!

SILVERTON, COLORADO
Colin and Erica.
The sign above the door caught our eye!

Sue and Erica pose in front of ol' 481. It travels from Silverton, CO to Durango, CO. This photo was taken just moments before we were reminded, by a cool mist, that there is a reason why the steam coming out of the front stack on Ol' 481 is gray in color. Needless to say, it made the decision whether or not to do a load of laundry when we got home, a no brainer!

Just out side of Ouray, CO.

October 7, 2007

2007-10-07T19:14:00.000-06:00

Trip thru Southwest Colorado!

A little snow on the peaks!

Driving thru some higher elevation snows!

Fall Foliage nearing it's peak!

Colorado at it's most majestic!

September 25, 2007

2007-09-25T07:56:00.000-06:00

FROSTY MORNING!

Fall has arrived!

September 16, 2007

2007-09-16T23:15:00.000-06:00

Engineer Pass Trip!
The view from the top!

And believe me, we are just happy to be able to put these pictures on our blog. It means we got home safely!
You'll actually want to view the pictures of this trip from the start, up the pass, to here!
(Go down the pictures in the blog about 10 pictures.)

Getting to the top was breathtakingly beautiful!

We didn't take any more pictures after this because the final 10 miles were jeep wrenching, white knuckle, pry the fingers off the steering wheel at the end, bone jarring, exhilaration! And not necessarily a good exhilaration.
By the time we realized what the road conditions were going to be like, it was too late. There was no turning around, literally!
Besides, we were probably better off going mainly downhill than uphill.
We should have taken some pictures of the road, but they wouldn't have done the situation justice.
We were very glad to make it to the highway without any major damage. It's safe to say Sue and Erica will probably never want to take another even remotely less traveled road through back country again! (I'll even have to give it a lot of thought.)

September 16, 2007

2007-09-16T22:50:00.000-06:00

Engineer Pass Trip (Cont'd)
More breathtaking views!

September 16, 2007

2007-09-16T22:47:00.000-06:00

Engineer Pass Trip (Cont'd)

Only the two buildings in the background remain! There are a couple of homesteads nearby but what used to be the finest 'mansion' in Southern Colorado used to be here, but had long ago fallen into ruin and was finally razed back in the 60's.
But by looking at these photoes from this site, it's easy to see what the attraction was to the area. But this was a half hour up the valley from Lake City by jeep on an 'OK' dirt road. How they found this area to begin with is amazing.

Sept. 16, 2007

2007-09-16T22:41:00.000-06:00

Engineer Pass Trip (Cont'd)

Beautiful Fall Colors!

August 28, 2007

2007-08-28T08:44:00.000-06:00

BACK TO SCHOOL
The Start to 5th Grade!

Erica begins her 5th grade year today!

Heading out the door to catch the schoolbus.
Tomorrow she will officially celebrate her 10th Birthday.
Our little girl is growing up fast!
As she said this morning- 'Well, I'm off to college!'
That day is getting closer and closer...

August 27, 2007

2007-08-27T23:47:00.000-06:00

The Moon and the Fog

After a much needed refreshing rain during the day,
nighttime brought a full moon and valley fog.

August 25, 2007

2007-08-25T18:08:00.000-06:00

HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY, ERICA!

It's Cake and Party Time for Erica on her 10th Birthday. We celebrated a few days early on the weekend before her big day. Erica and three friends, along with Mom and Dad spent the night at LOST MINER'S RANCH near Gunnison. A great little getaway!

Sue had bid on the one night stay during the GAC Gala Fundraiser last fall. We're pretty sure that if they offer it again this year, they'll pay someone to out bid us. The stampede scene in 'City Slickers' comes to mind. Close your eyes, listen for the battery operated coffee grinder, take that sound x 4. You get the picture!

No...Sue's hand wasn't shaking from nerves, yet. We just couldn't get the four girls to stop moving even for one second!

OK! Maybe for one second!
But it wasn't because it was fun!

August 25, 2007

2007-08-25T17:53:00.000-06:00

Erica's 10th Birthday Celebration Continues...

Erica, with Cousin Zoe and friends Sarah and Sarah, are assisted by John, our rafting guide.

We saw several fly-fishermen along the way. The salmon are headed back up stream to spawn near Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery.

Watching for rapids so they can squeal with delight!

Drifting during a more calm moment.
Happy Birthday, Erica!

2007-08-12T20:31:00.000-06:00

Just a few sunset pictures at the end of our West Elk Loop trip.

With the light filtering through the rain it created a beautiful orange and pink glow on the clouds.

Here's a great view over Blue Mesa Reservoir from the crossover bridge.

Pink clouds over the mesa.

August 12, 2007

2007-08-12T20:24:00.000-06:00

We decided to take a little excursion out and around the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River . Down below this overlook is the bay where the pontoon boat turns around to start heading back up stream. Refer to earlier pictures of that trip. From the north rim of the canyon you can see out over the rim on the southside, overthere you can see the road we usually take to go to Montrose. It is interesting to look at from this vantage point because you would never know there was a huge river canyon over that ridge. A truly breathtaking view to look at from up here.

August 5, Cont'd

2007-08-05T19:21:00.000-06:00

More Pictures from Rainbow Lake Trip.

Colin & Sue with Peanut, too!

Beautiful panoramic views in all directions!

This gives at least a little idea of how high up into the high country Rainbow Lake is hidden.
A little sliver of Blue Mesa Reservoir can be seen in the center of the picture.

Simply breathtaking!

August 5, 2007

2007-08-05T19:10:00.000-06:00

Rainbow Lake
We didn't see any Rainbow Trout, so I suspect it is named for the numerous
showers that pass by on a regular basis. Likely creating the perfect conditions for ...
RAINBOWS!
Didn't see any of them while we were there, either!

In the meantime...
Erica tried her hand at skipping rocks on Rainbow Lake.

Sue, Erica, and Peanut at Rainbow Lake after short hike along the
lake's shoreline!

(Erica took this picture!)
Aspens! Aspens! Everywhere!
This will be an even more beautiful drive this fall when the Aspens start to change colors!

An approaching rain shower hastened our departure from the high country lake and aspen groves.
But we'll be back, soon!

July 17, 2007

2007-07-30T23:25:00.000-06:00

Boatin' down the Gunnison River.

Erica says ' I'd rather be doing Level 3 rapids in a raft.'

The wake may only register as Level 2 at best, but the scenery definitely registers as a 10!

Curecanti Needle is one of the most photographed land marks of the Gunnison River

Chopeta Falls!

July 16, 2007

2007-07-30T23:16:00.000-06:00

Sue' s Brother Mike is seriously into geo-caching. I think he found somewhere in the neighborhood of twelve to thirteen geo-caches while out here in Colorado visiting. He took us along to find one up Soap Creek, near Sapinero, CO.

This area was of particular interest because his father and grandfather, uncles and cousins
often used this fork of Blue Mesa to stage their Elk hunting excursions. The above picture depicts a rock formation where a suspected cache lies in wait. It made for a nice hike, but we were unsuccessful in finding the cache.

It was to be found in one of the many little caves that dotted the base of the rock formation.
But apparently, not this one!

OR ........
this one!

Bob gave serious thought to checking out one or two other caves too, but the distant sound of a lifeflight chopper brought him back to reality pretty quickly.
(Note: We did learn recently that the cache is still up there, albeit a little bit more concealed that originally thought.)

July 15, Cont'd!

2007-07-30T22:53:00.000-06:00

More pics of the majestic peaks.
(Oh yeah, the course, too!)
There are definitely places you'd like to go,
then there are the places where I usually go, in the 'fore' grounds.

July 15, 2007

2007-07-30T22:47:00.000-06:00

Family come to visit us in Colorado!

It's difficult enough to play my typical golf game on Colorado courses. Then they have to throw in the majestic beauty in the background and dare you to maintain your concentration.
They won!

You wouldn't know it from this picture, but we had to drive to the top of a plateau to find this course.

A fun course made even more fun by sharing it with family!

And the golf club has very cleverly trained some of the locals to follow folks around and make sure they are moving along at a proper pace. This little fella crossed our paths or fairways several times.

June 30, 2007

2007-07-02T22:39:00.000-06:00

Friends from Hastings came to visit!

We caught up with them in Denver and went to Cirque De Soliel-Corteo.
Here the kids get some water time in at the hotel pool.

Then they retreated back up into the mountains with us to Gunnison for a
couple of days.

Father's Day!

2007-06-20T23:48:00.000-06:00

It was inevitable!
An Uerling on a horse called Sterling.

This photo brought back memories of Moore -Dale Village.
Riding across the river on the old wood bridge.

There is definitely a little bit of cowgirl in her.
Here's Erica in command of her horse called Captain.

Hey! It was Father's Day!
A guy can dream, can't he!

JUNE 20, 2007

2007-06-20T23:32:00.000-06:00

Sorry! It's been awhile since these new postings.
Sunset over the snowcapped Rockies.

One of the locals checking us out.

Picnic by the Taylor River

Fifth times a charm, finally got Mother and Daughter to both look at the camera at the same time!

May 26, 2007

2007-05-27T19:20:00.000-06:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Views of the new humble abode!

Nicely Landscaped! Just needs a few additions and
of course extractions as well!

North side of house from back yard!

You'll catch this great view of the house for a split second as you approach the house from the north!
Blink and you'll miss it!

May 26, 2007

2007-05-27T19:13:00.000-06:00

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND !

Here are some pictures of our new house!
BIG backyard with beautiful views!

A nice porch to sit on anwatch the sunrise or the backyard views!

The views now include bouncing children on the trampoline, cows like to come watch as well!
We also have a small pond, compliments of the water table witch gets pumped out from below the house.
There is also a smallhole in the line which gurgles up in the middle of the back yard. I'm thinking
'little Faithful' (which goes off every ten minutes) might draw a few tourists for a few months out of the year!

Yet another view!

May 21, cont'd

2007-05-21T21:13:00.000-06:00

Erica and Peanut had a couple of friends over for a girls
sleepover in the new house.

Much to Peanut's dismay, Erica has befriended a neighbor's cat. I don't recall his name, but because he only has one eye, he's picked up the name of Popeye!

Thus endeth another day in beautiful Gunnison Valley!
Pictures of the house will follow soon.

May 21, 2007

2007-05-21T21:08:00.000-06:00

Hello, We're back on line. Peanut held a nap in protest about moving.
Something about being just fine where she was at.

However, once she saw how big her new backyard was, all was forgiven!
Erica even decided the horses for neighbors were OK with her.

Here is a view south from our back porch of Hartman Rocks!
It has great hiking and biking trails!

April 24, 2007

2007-04-24T08:10:00.000-06:00

Just a little Spring snow!

Nice , White, Fluffy and Wet!
Received overnight, it will be gone by noon!

We are moving the first week in MAY to our new home.
We will update again soon, but the computer will be getting some quality downtime during the move.
See you all real soon!

April 8, 2007 Easter Sunday

2007-04-08T22:07:00.000-06:00

Happy Easter to All!

Sue, Peanut, Erica, and Colin on Easter Morning!
(After Coffee, Breakfast and Church!)
(But before the Egg Dying Festival)

THE EGG DYING FESTIVAL
Erica, and cousins Zoe and Zach
partake of the dye.
(The newspapers were just black and white when they started!)

The gallery discusses the topic of what to call the color of an egg that has
been dunked in all of the colors!
(Readers- feel free to leave your comments on that one!)
We sincerely hope all of you had a blessed and
HAPPY EASTER!

March 22, 2007

2007-04-07T12:09:00.000-06:00

Here are a few more views of the Colorado Monument area.

Mom, Dad, and Erica hiking along one of the hundreds of trails in the canyon.

This finger of the canyon is called Canyon within a Canyon
It's hard to see down front but at the distant open end of the canyon you can see the 'V'
of the lower canyon.

More rock formations. This is a Hiker, Biker, Camper
haven. A must see if you come to visit Colorado, over by the Grand Junction Area.

March 22, 2007

2007-04-07T12:00:00.000-06:00

We recently visited the Colorado Monument National Park.
Its like a miniature Grand Canyon with scenic overlooks and tunnels.
Beautiful rock formations!

Erica and Dad stand by the railing while Mom kept her distance to take the picture.

Mom and Erica .
In the background you vcan see where a large chunk of the canyon side has slid several hundred feet down.

The official symbol of Colorado Monument is this formation.
I'm not zoomed in nearly close enough, but there were rock climbers on the formation just above the ledge two/thirds of the way up the sunnyside of the rock.

ST. Patricks' Day

2007-03-18T22:08:00.000-06:00

OK!
Call it what you want! The luck of the Irish or what ever...BUT!
We drove 120 plus miles from Gunnison,CO to Grand Junction, CO on
ST. PATRICK'S DAY!
We'd been out shopping, decided to go to the Olive Garden to eat, but it is packed, with a long waiting list.
So I mentioned that there was an Applebees back near our hotel and so back across town we headed.
No sooner had we been seated and ordered, I told Sue " You are not going to believe this, but Darrell and HoneyLou Bonar are walking in the front door." And then they were seated right across the aisle from us.
Now, they had just driven over 650 miles from Hastings, NE to Grand Junction, Co and had chosen a hotel on the same exchange and had decided upon Applebees to eat also, despite several other possible choices of places to eat.

EVERYBODY SING! " It's a small world after all!
It's a small world after all! It's a small world after all!
It's a small, small world!

We had a great time talking to them and catching up on some Hastings events.

Unbelievable!

March 12, 2007

2007-03-12T07:49:00.000-06:00

Rock Hunting in Engineer Pass, near Lake City, CO.

Erica and her walking branch below a frozen waterfall.

Evidence of dynamite left an interesting fracture pattern.

Some locals out on a hike!

March 12, 2007

2007-03-12T07:40:00.000-06:00

Mt Crested Butte at dusk.

Sue & Erica mountain climbers extraordinaire!
Rock hunting Engineer Pass near Lake City, CO.

Taking in the view at Lake San Christobal near Lake City.

A fork in the River. Which way to go, through the cavern or down the canyon.

March 7, 2007

2007-03-07T22:06:00.000-07:00

Erica shows that she has the knack for photography
with this beautiful landscape picture!

March 7, 2007

2007-03-07T22:02:00.000-07:00

Erica performs with her classmates for their choral concert
doing the Gold Rush Rap!

March 4th, Continued

2007-03-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

And of course... the spectacular views! Nothing beatsthe sight of snow on the pines, white capped mountains and crisp blue skies above 10,000 ft.

March 4th, Continued

2007-03-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

Like riding a bicycle.... except for all of the white stuff!

The day was great, no lines, just hop back on the lift and keep going!

March 4, 2007

2007-03-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

We finally got in our first skiing of the season. Areas around Crested Butte received as much as four feet of snow over the past week. The skiing was fantastic, the weather perfect. Bright blue skies, mid 20's temp, little to no wind. We've just been spoiled!

February 25, 2007

2007-02-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

A Mallard Convention in the neighborhood.
For a moment we thought we were back at Heartwell Park!

February25, 2007

2007-02-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

Here are Sue & Erica a few miles south of town
near Hartman Rocks

February 25, 2007

2007-02-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

Here is Erica with her piano instructor, Karen.

February25, 2007

2007-02-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

We are very proud of Erica's first Piano Recital.
She played beautifully and even accompanied dear ol' dad on a song while he sang.
She thought it was pretty neat to play on a Grand Piano.

February 10, 2007

2007-02-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

Erica participates in the Jump Rope for Heart campaign
at school! Woo! Woo!

February 10, 2007

2007-02-10T21:10:00.001-07:00

After checking out the ice climbers, we felt compelled to take a dip in the hotsprings pool in Ouray, CO. Note the swim attire of our lifeguard in the top right corner. A parka and jeans.

While it was a tad cool for the lifeguards, the pool was excellent. Nice and comfortably toasty!

February 10, 2007

2007-02-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

On our trip to Ouray, CO today we stopped by to watch several people Ice Climbing. The city actually turns on water and lets it trickle down the southern wall of Box Canyon creating these beautiful ice falls for ice climbing enthusiasts. It is absolutely breathtaking to see.

February 4, 2007

2007-02-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

Since the dude who feeds and bathes me couldn't figure out the picture problems from a couple of weeks ago, I've taken over at least temporary blogging duties. Besides, it seemed to be the only way I could get my own picture on the site.

February 3, 2007

2007-02-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

The Penalty Box Crew!
They say they weren't kicked off the ice, but when would ever find this motley crew sitting together otherwise!

February 3, 2007

2007-02-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

A nearby herd of Deer

January 28, 2007 Cont'd

2007-01-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

Trying to figure out the camera phone!

Trying to figure out the camera flash!

Trying to figure out why the crazy uncle is taking his
picture, again!

WHO CARES?! I'm cool, and I know it!

January 28, 2007

2007-01-27T22:41:00.000-07:00

Brian's 50th a few weeks early at
Mahoney State Park

Checking out the ol' skating skills!

They said they were just resting, but we have it
from good sources that this was indeed
the penalty box!

Mother and Daughter
were just slip sliding away!

January 27, 2007

2007-01-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

In front of the INTERIORS new location in
Crested Butte, CO

A couple of Sled Babes out catching some rays!

ERICA WINS AGAIN!

In the Winner's Circle!

January 21, 2007

2007-01-21T18:21:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year to All!

I can't believe it's been over a month since I added my last blog. You are all probably beginning to wonder if we went one mountain too far or one peak too high! Here is a quick catch-up!

New vehicle, long story!
Snow storm!
Christmas!
Family reunion at Mahoney State Park in Nebraska!
Ice Storm!
Happy New Year!
Snow & Ice Storms!
Inventory!
Snow storms!

See a pattern developing here!

January 21, 2007

2007-01-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

December 18, 2006

2006-12-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

Oh....the weather outside is frightful,
and the skating was so delightful. But
let's face it, Scottie Hamilton has nothing to worry about from this skate troupe.

Here we find Erica and her cousin Zoe practicing some pairs routines.

The Ice Capades just wouldn't be complete without Zoe teaching Susie Ohmigoshi how to ice dance!

December 3, 2006

2006-12-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas.

Rockefeller Plaza has little on us here in Gunnison. A tree is brought in and put up near the main central intersection. It's about 45' tall.

The various classes in the elementary school each make an ornament to put on the tree and then a child representative from the class gets lifted up in a utility bucket and gets to put it on the tree!

November 26-a, 2006

2006-11-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Holidays!

Here are some photos that didn't make our Christmas Card final cut.

We are looking forward to 2007. It's been a hectic 2006. (We may be moving again after the first of the year, we are house shopping here locally!)

November 26, 2006

2006-11-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope this finds
everyone in good health. We are so looking forward to seeing all of the Uerling Families in Nebraska at Christmastime.

The snows of winter are arriving here in Gunnison on a more regular basis now. And we felt the time had arrived to put the local utilities to the test. Let the lighting ceremonies begin!

To all, we wish blessed and safe Holidays.

November12, 2006

2006-11-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to Colorado Uerlings!

It has been a hectic couple of weeks. Colin was part of the Gunnison Art Center( aka: the GAC) Singers this fall. Their concert was this weekend and it went very well, with appreciative and overflowing crowds both nights!

Sue has been getting ready for the GAC's big GALA fundraiser next week! After that things will settle down for a couple of minutes.

Even Erica enjoyed the concert and was impressed with Dad's ability to sing!

But Dad and Mom were more impressed by her First Quarter- 4th Grade Report Card. She came through with flying colors. YIPPEEEE!

And then of course there's the weather. So far it has been very comfortable. Definitely cooler earlier here, but very nice. We are expecting some snow showers over the next few days, but nothing too dramatic.

October 29, 2006

2006-10-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

H A P P Y H A L L O W E E N !

The bewitching hours are almost upon us!

We hope everyone has a safe, fun and

'Wicked' Halloween!

October 22, 2006

2006-10-22T21:13:00.000-06:00

Extreme Sledding at Mt. Crested Butte!*
*(DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME, or Heartwell Park either! These folks have no clue what their doing. It is called Extreme Sledding for a reason. We had to go to extremes to find a patch of snow to do sled on.)

Here is Sue, the Queen of Extreme, preparing for her first boogieboard run of the day. Definitely setting the bar high for the rest of the competition.

Here is the Princess of Excess, Erica, looking to dislodge the Queen from her throne. She shows that she can boogie down the slopes with the best of them.

And then there comes Cool Shavins' Colin, the Court Jester. He doesn't care how high the bar is set. He's willing to cut his own
path in this highly competitive sport and doesn't care where he places as long as the bar is open when he finally hits bottom

The first snows of the season have hit the area, it's just a matter of time before the sledders will be forced to give up their turf to snowboarders and skiers.

October 15, 2006

2006-10-15T19:51:00.000-06:00

Our latest excursion took us up Taylor Canyon north of Gunnison. With the seasons starting to change the Aspens have lost most of their leaves and we are seeing more and more snow on the higher peaks. A-BASIN opened for skiing this week with a 20" snow base. Rumor has it that we can expect warmer temps and above average moisture this winter. (Oh Goody, 120" of snow but only -20F degrees.)

Taylor Reservoir is up over 9300 feet in the Rockies and the Taylor River feeds down into the Gunnison River. The area is a popular destination for elk hunters and salmon and trout fishers. You can see the Continental Divide in the background.

We saw a few of the area inhabitants making their way south to lower climates. We've been looking for and finally saw some Big Horn Sheep. We also saw deer, elk, a Bald Eagle and a chipmunk.

(It's a small world story: While viewing the Big Horn Sheep, another couple traveling through stopped to watch also. She had lived in Grand Island, NE. Just 30 miles from our old home in Hastings, NE)

We have spotted several deer in the area. This fine fellow was in someones yard just outside of town, near the river. Looked to be a six pointer (But I'm no expert!)

Dad has been forwarned, Erica wants to go fishing sometime. Grandpa Bob, needs to be forwarned, Erica has been practicing her big game hunting on a local arcade game. She wants to go hunting with Grandpa. I would highly recommend staying behind her. She's pretty fast on the draw and usually hits something. (But let's just say the elk weren't exactly running scared.) But be sure to bring plenty of ammo.

Erica is definitely WonderWoman. Here she is 'wander'-ing on the rocks in the river. We were just wondering what she was thinking. (I think she bent the tree down in the background,too!)

September 28, 2006

2006-09-28T22:36:00.000-06:00

Here are some beautiful scenes from Ohio Creek, north of Gunnison, CO. The first snows have fallen in the area. The aspens are changing colors and the Elk are starting to moo(!)ve
down from the higher elevations.

Western State College in Gunnison boasts having the worlds largest collegiate letter on Mount 'W'. For homecoming they light it up with fire.
It looks pretty awesome!
Sorry, these are domestic cattle, not Elk! But it was pretty neat, hile hiking, we could hearthe elk bellowing in the distance. The cattle would often respond.

September 19, 2006

2006-09-19T21:58:00.000-06:00

We went to Lake Irwin this past weekend, a small, very secluded lake. Our intent was to see the changing colors of the aspens, but we ended up with even better memories for a little trip.

Our trip started bright and sunny in Gunnison. We stopped for brunch in Crested Butte, Erica had some steak, eggs, hashbrowns, and a vanilla hot fudge shake.

It's definitely the changing of the seasons here in Colorado You can see the aspens changing colors and snow starting to collect on the high peaks. And, as we were soon to find out, some not so high peaks.

We then headed in to the hills to see the aspen. We saw a sign for Lake Irwin and decided to investigate. It was absolutely beautiful. Not heavily developed but with a neat camping grounds area. As we headed a little further uphill we were greeted by a sight that made us think we were in the Swiss Alps.
Sheep!

Then while trying to get a picturesque view alittle higher still, we found ourselves being enveloped in snow showers. Our first Colorado snow! It was just so cool (Literally!).

September 12, 2006

2006-09-11T23:11:00.000-06:00

Hello to All!
A little up-dating is required. Thanks for checking up on us. Erica has gotten over her anxiety about the school buses and her new locker. These were worrisome moments for all, believe me! School is going well and she is getting ready to start piano lessons again and learning volleyball basics. She got a chance to see her cousin Nikki play for the UNK Lopers in Denver this past weekend and hopefully she picked up a few pointers.

The job front is holding steady with signs of improvement. Sue has kept busy with the Gunnison Arts Center and Colin weathered his first major sales event over Labor Day weekend. (Ya gotta luv retail!) The owner was impressed enough with Colin's first six weeks to strongly suggest a promotion is coming up. (Hopefully a job promotion and not another sales promotion event.)

Colin had a little excitement in the back country while ATV-ing with relatives. He picked up a few bruises when he took his ATV off a small embankment. Fortunately some small aspen trees slowed the decent, albeit, rather abruptly. A special thank you goes out to the inventor of the winch. Only a bruised ego and thighs to show for the mishap. Despite the slight detour, the area was absolutely breathtaking to see. A couple more weeks will only improve the views as the aspens start changing colors . We'll try to keep you posted on some of those views.

August 29, 2006

2006-08-29T20:58:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERICA!
Today is Erica's 9th Birthday! Yippee!
It is also her first day of school. While she is missing her friends back in Hastings, she is excited to meet new friends and learn new things at Gunnison Elementary.

Erica was excited to get her first locker, pretty cool. Now, with any luck, Mother and Daughter will figure out the combination sometime before Halloween.

Erica really likes her new classroom. And it's easy to see why! She managed to find a desk that faces a window. If Longfellow Elementary had a view like this, I would have never met 5th Grade promotion requirements. (It was iffy at best, anyway!)

August 26, 2006

2006-08-26T09:55:00.000-06:00

We continue to settle in here in Gunnison,CO. Sue is the Executive Director of the Gunnison Arts Center (GAC) and Colin is working for Interiors with Oohs and Aahs, a furniture company based out of Gunnison. This is Sue's office (right) in the GAC's historic building at the corner of Hwy 50 and Hwy 135 (Main Str.) It houses an art gallery for Colorado/local artists, a clay studio, dance studio, a community theatre. Sue's office overlooks the intersection from the second floor.

Here is Interiors, located in an old historic building on Main Street.

Interiors' is also building a new, state of the art appliance showroom across the street. Colin will probably be working there once it gets opened, hopefully in November.

Erica has enjoyed Tenderfoot Daycare, but is anxiuosly awaiting the start of 4th Grade. She managed to find a desk in her classroom that faces a window looking out at the Palisades Range rock formations. Her teacher this fall will be a 'Mrs. Ferguson', so she can't be too bad. She has met acouple of the girls she'll be sitting near and she gets to have a locker for the first time, too. She'll also be taking a class at the art Center and playing some basketball.

August 20, 2006

2006-08-20T13:18:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of the inside of our house!
This is Erica's Colorado Rainbow Bedroom.

These are pictures of our Great Room which include the TV area, Dining Area, and Entry.

Sue works on responding to some emails in our Den/Guest Room (hint-hint ;) !)

Here is our Kitchen area.
There are also two baths and a Double Garage.

Most of us survived Erica's Party of Five Sleepover. They played with water balloons, make-up, watched a movie, gabbed until past midnight, played at the park, had cake and ice cream, and the 'big hit' of the party was the pinata in Erica's likeness. (See previous pictures!) As you can see, they wore Penaut out!

August 19, 2006 - Update

2006-08-19T17:43:00.000-06:00

Well... some of us more acclimated than others. To her credit, Peanut has adjusted very well!

Speaking of hiking. We have enjoyed taking little trips out and around the area to see nature. Here is Erica on one of our hikes near the Taylor river. We are getting acclimated to the climate and altitude.Sue's parents, Bob and Ardy, came out for a visit. We planned to take them on a boat tour of the

Gunnison River near Black Canyon, but our ship didn't come in. ( More accurately, it had already left the dock. OOPS! But we did take them on a beautiful two mile hike to the dock and back.
Here is a view of our back yard. Some of the landscaping is compliments of Colin's artistic touch and now sore back. Beyond is property owned by Western State College of Colorado and Bureau of Land Management. So... no homes will be built back there. We're hoping to convince our lanlord to sell us the home, but not much luck there so far.
Here is a picture of our house. (Or as Colin likes to say, our garage with attached living

quarters!) It's less than a year old, three bedroom, double car garage, two baths, and as you can see, GRASS FINALLY!

August 19, 2006

2006-08-19T17:10:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends & Family!

We are finally getting around to creating a blog in hopes of keeping in touch better. Today, Erica is celebrating her birthday with four of her girlfriends so it is a good excuse for Colin and I to hide back here at the computer. Erica will turn 9 on August 29th, but since I have an artshow the weekend of the 26th & 27th, we just decided to go ahead and get it over with.