For those who enjoyed last month’s edition of my cat sitting adventures in Michigan, (see Cooler Temps; Warmer Humanity), you’re in luck! This month’s duties took me to Denver for 10 days at the home of Miso and Kobe. Their parents have a nice condo in Cherry Creek close to several parks, a Trader Joe’s, coffee shops, and all kinds of other places to explore.
Much like I described last month, one of my favorite, unexpected takeaways from this new hobby/travel hack is getting a peek into another family’s life. I’ve learned about new cool litter box contraptions (did you know they make a Cat Litter Genie – kind of like my old Diaper Genie from 2002?!), ways people organize their fridge, and have seen perhaps the world’s largest shot glass collection displayed in custom wall-mounted frames!
This month’s stint in Denver didn’t disappoint. Cooler temperatures, plenty of day trips that were easy to manage from home base, and a few friends to catch up with during my stay helped keep my solitary time from feeling lonely. Here are a few of the ways I spent my time on this trip and things I’d recommend if you are around these parts (with or without feline roommates):
Boulder’s Pearl Street – This lovely area had many blocks of traffic-free outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment. Perk: Got to see CU Boulder for the first time (but no sightings of Primetime!). Bonus points to the city for being kind and only giving me a parking ticket warning when I “accidentally” missed the fact that I was in a metered area for the better part of the day!
Red Rocks Amphitheatre – TBH, this was the original impetus for my trip. I’ve always wanted to attend a Red Rocks concert, so when I discovered Brandi Carlile on the lineup for this summer, I booked it immediately. The logistics all came together with a cheap flight and a cat sitting gig, and the experience under the stars in the 70 degree weather couldn’t have been better if it’d tried. Bucket list – check.
The town of Golden’s Golden Mill Restaurant – The Coors Brewery wasn’t doing tours on the day I was in town, but the trip to Golden Mill was honestly worth the trip by itself. They have dozens and dozens of self-serve taps (you get a special card to use when you enter the restuarnat and it conveniently tallies everything for you and tabs you out automatically), walk-up stations where you can order BBQ, Mexican, Sushi, Ice Cream, and pretty much anything else you want to eat, roof top dining, fire pits, and a view of the mountains. Yes, please.
Layoff comaradarie – One of the silver linings from the recent round of IT layoffs is that even though I don’t get to keep the job, I do get to keep the friends and colleagues I made! Danielle lives in Denver and we got to do a little unemployment therapy as we hiked, enjoyed her beautiful dogs, and lunched together.
Estes Park – The closest I got to being hot during this trip was on a hike at Lumpy Ridge just outside of town. It was a toasty 81 degrees, and as I huffed and puffed up the steep inclines, I was often passed by 80ish year old looking runners who acted like they were strolling along a flat street in Dallas. I’m going to blame my pace on the altitude and stick to indoors Pilates workouts back home.
Totally 80’s Pizza in Fort Collins – If we are friends on Facebook, you’ve seen the entire camera roll, but trust me, it completely justifies the trip north to this darling college town. While CSU doesn’t get quite as much press as CU does (see above, Primetime), their campus and down town area are equally charming.
Church visiting – While a bit out of my comfort zone, it’s proving to be one of my favorite parts of visiting new places. In Denver, I visited the scrappy, quirky church founded by one of my favorite bloggers/pastors, Nadia Bolz-Weber, called House for All Sinners and Saints. Arriving on time to find that (of course 🤦🏼♀️) they were exchanging a potluck for their normal service on this particular day, I started inching toward the door. As I turned to leave, another shocked looking visitor caught my eye. We realized we were both awkward-feeling first timers and that together we could enter and be brave. We did, and I’m so glad. We met new, very authentic people, bagged rice and beans for a food bank, and left feeling buoyed by both human and Divine spirits.
Aspen’s Maroon Bells – I needed a solid day of off-gridness, and this did the trick. The drive to Aspen from Denver wasn’t quick (and I won’t again take the route that leads me through Independence Pass – knuckles are still whiteish), but the day spent in a cool, light rain hiking for many miles with enough people nearby to not freak me out as a solo traveler was completely worth it. I ate and did a little wandering Aspen’s downtown area and I now understand all the hype about this spot.
Highway 70 between Glenwood Springs and Denver – Yes, I’m including an interstate highway drive on the list of highlights. There is lots to be said for scenery that leaves you feeling small, young, humbled, and generally in awe. That’s how I felt after driving back to the city through the mountains. Every mile seemed to have a new surprise, and as I drove through clouds, tunnels, and areas noted for their wildlife habitat, considering the tiny, temporary space that I take up on this earth gave me a good dose of perspective.
Denver Biscuit Company – Miles, the girls, and I ate here 5ish years ago on a trip, and it still ranks as one of our favorite restaurant encounters. Saved it to my final morning, and it did not disappoint. Do a Google search for it and look at the long list of biscuit-geared creations, and book the next flight to Denver. You’re welcome.
Dinner with young adults who you watched grow up from babyhood – My oldest and dearest friend in the world is Marla. We had our children around the same time; she still lives/works in our hometown; and her son is a grown man now and has married the most lovely young woman. Due to life, I haven’t had a conversation with this sweet young man since he was approximately 10 years old. They live in Denver, so I got over my shy, introverted self for a minute and we met for dinner. So darn lovely. Seeing them starting their young married lives together took me back to Miles and me at that age – how much we’ve grown/how much we’ve stayed exactly the same.
Denver’s Botanical Gardens – Compared to the skill and determination it takes to be a gardener in Dallas, Denver plant people have it pretty easy. That said, this venue was still pretty impressive. I loved the many themed areas in the park, enjoyed watching the couples, families, and solo visitors wander around looking peaceful, and felt reassured that nature is still chugging along healthily as I watched countless bees doing their dances with flowers.
Pajama days – No, this is not a tourist attraction. It was a conscious choice I made in order to relax, read, write, daydream, nap, and generally reconnect with myself in a way that the pace of my life for most of the last 30 years hasn’t allowed. Highly, highly recommend. 5/5 stars.
This is the last cat sitting gig I have on the calendar (for now). The nasty Texas summer has (mostly) come to an end, and the prospect of flying home tomorrow has me excited. I’ve missed my people, my own bed, my own cats, and my life. I love being in a season which affords me the freedom to explore. I really love that I’m learning how to be alone without being lonely. I’m secretly grateful for the forced time off and space to catch my breath brought by the recent layoff. And I really love my husband and family for being supportive of a person who has grown to thrive with healthy doses of solitude.
In stillness lives wisdom. In quiet you’ll find peace. In solitude you’ll remember yourself. ~Robin Sharma
If you’re interested in using the Trusted Housesitter app to do what I’ve been doing, use my referral code and get a 25% discount!
The Second Half Blog 