Fat Flakes

This morning started out pretty warm. I even went for a run with Zulu!

We had to run a few errands in the afternoon after dropping Jordan at his friend's house.

Driving out our neighborhood we were doused with 'snail' which Warren coined as the word for a combo of snow and hail.

The 'snail' quickly turned to sleet which turned to fat flakes that looked like ash falling from the sky.

We came out of the store and crossed the street to the car and in no time were covered with the ash-like flakes of snow.

Warren had the camera while I drove so he took a few shots out the window.

Ice on the windscreen.

Sunroof.

Sunny at first, overcast, 'snail', sleet and then fat ash flakes.

A weird day!

First Run of the Year

Its time to get fit again. I decided to try out the new Zumba class (a big craze right now) at the rec center.

The unfriendly lady behind the check-in desk informed me - in a tone that implied we had leprosy - that our "entire household is inactive". She implied that either we hadn't paid our quarterly fee OR our house had an exterior violation of the Highlands Ranch Association Rules and Regulations. Say what??

I flicked a few leprosy scabs at her and left in a huff.

I was already in my workout clothes and mentally psyched to exercise so when I got home, I grabbed my running sunglasses (coz I used to run ya know) and the dog's leash (she nearly peed with excitement) and headed out the front door.

I had intended on a very casual walk/jog but Zulu was so happy to be free of house arrest that she pulled me into a run.

It snowed yesterday so the roads and sidewalks are either covered with mushy snow or ice. We managed to stay on the dry patches for the most part.

I am sorry I didn't have my camera with me (who carries a camera while running? OK, I will next time) because the field in the park was littered with Canadian geese and they looked so pretty waddling around in the snow.

(I took these photos after the fact on our way to run an errand. Geese were gone though.)

I decided to take the downhill route only to remember as I looked up the steep mountain I had to run up to get home that "what must go downhill, must also go uphill"

Zulu & I skidded on some ice which meant the neighborhood heard Zulu's screams (OK, they were mine!) and so I adopted the careful attitude of stopping 100 yards before an ice patch (I know, a good excuse to walk.)

Warren has put a cheque in the mail for Highlands Ranch Association (I guess we didn't pay the fee) and so I can go back to try the Zumba class next week.

This in our front yard. The berries came out thinking it was spring and then we finally had 'winter' in January and February. They are now shriveling away, regretting their decision to make an early appearance.

Date Night

When we first moved to to Denver we tried J Alexander's Restaurant near Park Meadows Mall and we the enjoyed the atmosphere and food.

While waiting for our table we watched the kitchen staff get the food ready and they were impressive. They knew what they were doing so I knew my order was going to be in good hands.

The head chef was there to make sure every plate that left the kitchen was perfect. He also gave me the "oh look, a tourist!" smile while I was taking the photos.

Before we even arrived at the restaurant I planned to have the BBQ baby back ribs. Seeing the salmon on the grill almost made me change my mind.

I nearly jumped over the counter and grabbed that bucket of fries...yum, I love fries.

We were famished and we had alcohol in front of us. I knew I needed something to eat otherwise I'd be asleep on the table after a couple of sips. That's the heavy drinker in me.

Empty stomach + 3 sips of alcohol = passed out on the table, snoring and drooling out the side of my mouth.

First to arrive was this loaf. Diet books and programs always say to skip the bread but come on, this bread was warm, golden brown and fresh out the oven. Skip? I nearly shoved this whole thing in my mouth the second the waiter walked away.

I had to share this plate with my date. I'm the sharing type.

We made short work of both plates of food although we left a little of bread so we didn't look like complete pigs.

This is my plate. Gorgeous, succulent BBQ baby back ribs with amazing cole slaw and THE most divine macaroni & cheese. I'm salivating from the memory of it.

This is Warren's plate. Ribeye steak (a little too rare for us but still good) and 'smashed' potatoes.

This is the mac & cheese again.

This is the mac & cheese dripping with high cholesterol goodness.

I looked away one time and this is what happened to the 2nd half of my ribs! I didn't have smashed potatoes on my plate and my fingers don't look like man's fingers. Thief!

It didn't take me long to get this far with the mac & cheese and I savored every bite. I left a bit for Warren. I am the sharing type (did I already mention that?)

We took half the food home and I'm so glad the smashed potatoes made it to the doggie bag.

It was pretty early so we went to the mall and walked around for a bit. I love the mall. Its full of interesting stores and people.

It also has a Starbucks.

I had the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate - 360 calories - to add to my already 7,000 calorie dinner.

The mall is very pretty.

It has a massive fireplace that I'd love in my house except I think my house could fit inside this fireplace!

I love the window displays. They can be quite creative sometimes.

If I was skinny, I'd wear these clothes.

Urban outfitters is one of my favorite stores.

As is the Loft.

We walked past one of my favorite restaurants. The cheesecake here is to die for as are the pasta dishes. They are loaded with calories and heart attack-inducing creamy sauces.

Aaagh, Borders. Look at all those bookcases stuffed with books.

I love books. I used to spend loads on books and then I came to my senses and got books from the library for free. I still go to the bookstores to open new books, to smell them, to hold them. What can I say, I love them!

There is astroturf at the mall. I'm not sure why. Maybe its a maintenance thing - no mowing required. The green looks weird in the middle of winter.

We stood by the fire to warm up and it was really nice.

A couple who was doing the same thing as us offered to take our photo but it turned out a bit blurry.

The promenade looks really pretty at night.

The water was no doubt cold. Snow and ice can do that to water. I like ice in my water in the middle of summer. I do not like ice near me in the wintertime.

Ice...

Ice...

And more ice...

(No Photoshop here Charlie! :)