My adventure started with a call from Justine asking what would I like to do for my 60th birthday. I said daddy already took me to see Brit Floyd in Columbus. She said she wanted to do something special with me. So that wonderful, generous, loving girl bought me a ticket to visit her in Colorado. Bill drove me to the airport. I checked in with plenty of time to spare so I took a walk around. There was Bar Symon, Michael Symon's restaurant right there in front of me! Well of course I went in. I ordered the Poutine which was delicious. Not a bad way to wait for my flight. 
Frontier Airlines is a "barebones airline" like Spirit. You pay extra for everything. That's OK, I had downloaded a movie to watch and had a bottle of water to drink. I was good to go.
Justine picked me up at the airport. It was so nice to see her smiling face. We went to her little home, talked for a couple of hours, woke up Meatball and Anthony then went to sleep, anticipating a great day for adventure tomorrow.
Anthony had to work so it was just us girls. We had breakfast at the Butcher Block Cafe, "just down the street." It was actually down a few streets, through a couple of lights and around the corner!
After a delicious omelet and hash browns I was ready to be on our way. We drove for about 1 1/2 hours to get to the parking lot for St. Mary's Glacier. It was definitely worth the drive. The views were fantastic. The hike was a bit arduous. I had to stop for "breath brakes" since I wasn't used to the altitude. Once we made it up the rocks, there was St. Mary's Lake. (We don't know if that was it's true name but it sounded good to us.) The water was so clear and cold. We walk farther up the trail to view the glacier. There wasn't too much of it there but it was still amazing to see snow and ice in September. 
After our hike we were hungry so we stopped in the cute town of Golden, yes that is where the Coors Brewery is. We did a little souvenir shopping then found Bob's Atomic Burgers. These burgers were as big as a small plate. I think Guy Fieri on "Diners, Drivins, and Dives" visited there. We didn't want to eat too much because we knew Anthony was cooking an Italian Feast for us that evening so we split a burger and order of fries. Oh my my it was delicious!
After a stop at the biggest liquor store I have ever seen in my life, we went home. We girls cleaned up while Anthony was busy in the kitchen. First the appetizer of heirloom tomatoes in olive oil with fresh mozzarella and basil with crusty bread. Then onto the gnocchi, Cesar salad, and Chicken Parmesan. All washed done with a refreshing whiskey drink. It was delectable.
We made plans to meet with Amy and Charlie at The Denver Bazaar. It is a flea market held at night. We tried some cider the went to Finn's Manor for a Blueberry Punch, I didn't taste any blueberries! I learned all about Ubers while I was there. Just use the app on your phone and they pick you up and take you where you want to go. So convenient, especially when you have had too much to drink!
On to the next day...Anthony went "down the street" to get us ham and cheeses croissants for breakfast. Teen drove the Jeep while Anthony took a long nap as we drove 2 hours up to Steamboat Springs. We listened to music, looked for yellow aspen trees, and enjoyed the drive. Our first stop was Fish Creek Falls. We took the upper hike and then decided to take the lower hike as well. It was worth it to see the beautiful views from the top and bottom of the falls.
After a look around the Farmer's Market in Steamboat Springs and a mostly healthy lunch we drove a little further to Strawberry Park Hot Springs. I was a little concerned since I had never been to a hot spring and didn't know what to expect. But once again, Teen delivered on another memorable experience. Yes, the water was hot! But they also must have added cool water to the other poos to make them perfect and relaxing. It was definitely worth the drive to get there.
My last evening with the kids, we wanted to go somewhere special.. Teen suggested Linger. It was a Tapas restaurant specializing in food from around the world. The food comes in servings of 3 so we could share what we ordered. I tried pork belly, korean bar b que, lettuce wraps, and wagu beef . It was one of the best meals I ever ate in my life. Seriously!
My last day ended with Church at Flatirons. I sure wish they had a church in western PA. The music was amazing and the message left me feeling uplifted and confidant that God is with us through anything and every thing. Thanks Jim.
Flatirons Community Church - Imagine Dragons, Khalid - Thunder / Young D...
We shared an order of nachos at the airport and said goodbye knowing that we would see each other again in 10 days.
Thank you Justine for a wonderful mini vacation and birthday present. You know me so well!
Father God,
I asked this day that Justine and Anthony will feel Your presence and know that they are never alone. You are with them every moment of their days. Protect them as the travel home and then to CA. Lead Anthony to a new job with good co workers and help Justine to find time to study and get her Master's degree so she will continue to make this world a better place. I thank You for all the blessings You have given to them and I ask that You guide them to heaven where we will all live with You for all of eternity. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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