A couple of weeks ago I went for drive in the eastern plains. I started out in Greeley through Brush and Byers back home. I just needed to get out during this new normal.
It’s gone from summer to almost winter in Colorado
The first day of fall was at the end of last week but Saturday brought cold and rain to the metro area and snow to the mountains just as the fall colors were peaking.
It looks like it improves next weekend.
The good news is we got a lot of moisture.
Panorama Photo of Front Range
Love Summer in Colorado
Summer I’m Colorado is wonderful. It’s not as hot as the rest of the country and there are wonderful views and nature.
Can you own the rain…
A column in the Denver Post this morning by Daniel Fitzgerald asked that very question. Can you own the rain?
Kris Holstrom lives on the western slope of Colorado and wanted to capture the rain that fell off her roof to be able to water her yard and her burgeoning organic farming business. It wouldn’t have been that much and she applied to do that through the State of Colorado.
But the State Engineer said no and the Water Court of Colorado agreed. They ruled that the rain that fell on her house was tributary to the San Miguel River and thereby previously appropriated. She can’t capture rain and use it on her garden.
This is the same thinking that is causing water problems in the western United States, prior appropriation or otherwise known as first-in-time, first-in-right. This is the same rule that has applied to water appropriation since the west was settled.
Since there is a tremendous increase in population the consumption and need of water is ever-growing. We (the residents of Colorado and the West) need to start planning and developing innovative solutions to water management. Being stuck in the same ol’ ways will not help us, but hurt us.
Studies have been done in capturing water that runs off the roofs and used to water gardens and also for waste supply (like toilets) and it will save a lot of water while still returning it to the river or transpired into the air to fall as rain somewhere else.Â
Most likely, the water from this persons roof would not make it to the river. It would have either evaporated or transpired through the vegetation.
We in the West need innovative technologies and a new thinking of water management. If we don’t the water crisis will only get worse.
Washington Park Grille delivers good food and experience
I have found a new restaurant in Denver that is now on my favorites list and it is the Washington Park Grille.
My first experience was a couple months ago during restaurant week in Denver with my wife. Â We had a nice dinner, the food was wonderful, and the service top class. Â The steak and wine were perfect. Â We went on a Wednesday night and when we left the restaurant was still hoping and the bar was overflowing.
The second time I went was last Thursday for Project Angel Heart during lunch. Â I went with some co-workers and most of us had been there before. Â This time I had the buffalo meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and asparagus. It was wonderful.
This is a great restaurant in a great part of Denver. Â They have great service, great food, great wine, and look like they have great martini’s.
The only drawback is parking. Â There is not that much of it with the several restaurants and shops around on Gaylord Street. Â Added to the problem is that residential streets in the area have restrictions on them that require a permit to park in the evenings.
The only saving grace is that they have valet parking on Thursday through Saturday evenings.
Reservations are recommended. You can even make a reservation online through OpenTable.
If you want a really good, casual dinner with your loved one or friends, head to the Washington Park Grille. It is a great neighborhood gathering place that you will want to keep coming back to.
Douglas Bruce in trouble again
Representative Douglas Bruce’s tenure in the Colorado House continues to be a tumultuous one.
It started with him kicking a Rocky Mountain News photographer, using a remark against seasonal workers, and now being accused of sexual harassment.
In the latest issue, a complaint was filed against Bruce for sexual harassment.  But in an interview with KHOW’s Dan Caplis, Bruce said that he was only smiling at the woman. Continue reading “Douglas Bruce in trouble again”
Golfing on a wonderful Spring day
What a great day to play golf.
Mothers Bistro a great place to eat in Buena Vista
I was going through Buena Vista, Colorado for work last week and it was lunch time and a co-worker and I headed to Mothers Bistro. My co-worker had been there before and highly recommended it.
Well we weren’t disappointed. It was a great meal and a nice place to relax as we were driving back from our meeting.
My co-worker had the daily quiche and I had the ham and sharp cheddar panini. Let me just say it was delicious. In fact, all the food looked delicious and the staff was wonderful. It was almost like eating lunch at home.
The food is brought out to you, but during the day, you bus your own table. Something that I don’t mind doing.
It took all of our willpower to not get desert. It looked scrumptious.
So if you are going through Buena Vista, head east on Main Street from Highway 24 and stop by Mothers Bistro. You won’t be disappointed.
Non-smokers hit jackpot at casinos
Non-smokers hit jackpot at casinos : Updates : The Rocky Mountain News
Yeah! No smoking at casinos in Colorado. This is the main reason why we don’t go there. It was horrible to walk into a casino and be greeted by a wall of smoke.
The smokers are complaining that there rights are being violated, but what about my rights to breath clean air? I have that right to and I should not have to put up with someone smoking next to me.
The casinos are complaining that they are going to have a decline in revenue, but economic studies tend to indicate otherwise. Business will increase over time.
It was stupid for the legislature to exclude casinos the first-time the smoking ban was passed. I am glad they addressed it again and finally banned smoking in casinos.
Mile High Soapbox 