and i just wanted to note that while i was posting, only minutes ago, a skunk trotted under my feet. haha. colorado life is so unpredictable.

come see for yourself!

Random's tonight.

It's the end of summer. For some, the actual date of September 23 accounts for a season change, for others: the start of school. I hereby, AM one of the others.

Tonight, i sit outside, back porch highly vacant, with one of the boldest and freshly ground cups of coffee; only second to the cups by the Whidbey shores. Black. Bold. and Bangin'. All this while Mr. and Mrs. Kimbell to the right have lit up their back yard with string lights and tiki tourches. Bonfire crackles and warms our yards too.

I want to share my heart with you. Loved. Since coming back to Maplewood Dr., my neighbors have blessed me by being simply neighbors. We have shared stories, exchanged vegetables and hotdog chili, advice, and time. Before coming home, I remember wanting so deeply to know them better, for longer, and with more gentleness and love. They have surpassed any attempts i could have made. I'm sure Raleigh would agree in part. She's a hotdog fan, and surely is ready to bust out some of ole' Oscar's Chili.

It's been nice to hear about how other people are doing. Mom and Dad are still remodeling and working to move back to Groff St. Leslie is about to hike for a while, then we'll meet for Lana's wedding in a month. My neighbor Chris just finished boot camp at top of his platoon and you talk about having a proud daddy; that man is proud! Raleigh's team played a weekend ago and went 2 for 2 (it was a sweet weekend all together.) Cabarrus county flooded for a couple days, but fortunately receeded. Crazy though.

Most refreshing ice cream all time: mint chocolate chip.

Latest colorado predator: skunk.

Cutest colorado predator: skunk.

Hilarous babysitting quote: (while slicing an apple) "You cut an apple well for being half kid and half grown up." - Celia

Campfires smell like heaven. Hopefully...or bacon.

Lastly, jalopenos spice up your life, not just your food.

ehh.

i think that my neighbors breed dogs. i've come close to vomiting multiple times. A divine blessing was sent from above when i was reminded that i have a radio that can be played loudly. and that i also own whitney houston music. not that any of her music sends a message "i will always love you", "when you believe", ....hmmm, maybe "heartbreak hotel."

i pray this sad happening for no one. i also pray that the rest of the neighbors are at work...or this is going to be one nauseated street.

to stay out of trouble.

p.s. there is more, Margie. I haven't forgot! So here is one till later.

you crazy gals!

Summer Trip 1

There is a cold front that's moved in for the weekend here in CO. I'm shivering in my house with a brand new cup of hot english breakfast tea.

It's time to reminise over these past four weeks in places that know no such things as cold front i think.

I was in NC for a while. Somewhere around 4 weeks. And even though i didn't get to spend lots of time with everyone, sometimes it is just good to be with friends and family for a bit. It's refreshing to sit and be with ones that i love and love me.

Because we are meant to be an honest people, i'll admit i didn't know what to expect or how to prepare for the time ahead. I knew that i wanted to see my friends and family, i wanted good time with mom and dad, and i wanted leave having cared and loved well.

After spending some time in Wilmington and with the padres, i went to WV to see my friend Merilee. It's good to get to know someone better by just being with them. It seems like every day brought something new. We talked and ate together and with friends, berry picked and riffle hunted, took a long walk and run, and even tried to take home stray dogs (she is pretty darn brave).

I look forward to continue thinking about and understanding more of what i learned in just a few days in WV. About friendships, hospitality, justice and poverty, Jesus, and compassion. Also, baking wonderful coblers and cookies. I'm thankful to have been welcomed with such open arms.

merilee and bobbi working on his truly exceptional batting skills.

Pastor slicing the pieces for the watermelon eating contest.

beanie (her awarded name) and i.

Here is a natural spring Merilee told me about. Water so cold, so pure tasting.

when you have a dog like Oso (means bear in espanol), you only need one dog.

Other moments included the surprising time that Mom, Dad and I got to spend with the Long family:

Dad, Mom, Avery, Tana, and Morghan fightin' the flies for the best corn and chicken i might'd ever had.

you should see this girl eat. talk about technique.

Madelyn and Avery joined us for a morning of jetti wall fishin.

and when i mean technique, i mean TECHNIQUE!

dad was proud of avery for eating so many crab legs.

rollin.

big wheels keep on turnin'
and the proud mary keep on burnin'

-tina.

to the 6th.

i'm tired. mostly from eating wonderful food, but partly from early mornings that lead to fun-filled days and HOTNESS.

so much has happened in the past 3 + weeks. all of which has pictures and commentary.

right now i watch as my mother prepares for the feast of tomorrow. no time waste around here. that is why she is taking off work again. her and dad both. which gives explanation why perfect attendance was never an option for me.

tomorrow is special. i'll have lived 21 years. and there is one thing that i was sure that i wanted to do in celebration: play golf. 18 holes of driving, chipping, putting, and quiet. however that quiet may be interrupted by mine or dad's incredible gift of missing the fairway and taking out trees or wildlife.

cheers.