Memorial Day trip to Colorado Springs

Memorial Day typically signifies the official beginning of Summer in Colorado, but this year it seems like Winter has lasted longer than usual. It actually snowed just a few days ago in Vail and the A-basin ski area may be open on July 4th this year. In past years, we've been able to go camping in the mountains on Memorial Day, but this year it was just not possible.



Last year was colder than usual too so we went to Lake Powell in Utah and this year we decided to head down to Colorado Springs. First, we stopped at the Garden of the Gods and then drove to the summit of Pikes Peak. Most people can't imagine driving to the top of a 14teener, but not in America and the Pike's Peak highway is a good example. An old friend from Munich was in town and he joined us as well. Above are some photos.

Getting back into the Denver piano bar scene

I'm playing a lot more piano these days and I'm hoping to get back into Denver's piano bar scene. I like playing all types of music and especially enjoy playing at neighborhood piano bars. It has always been a remedy for whatever problems may be happening around me. It's so much fun to have people join in with their favorite Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John and James Taylor songs.



I contacted several piano bar owners and they all ask to see an example of my playing on the web. I've been playing my whole life and in the past, I'd always just show up mid-day, play a couple of songs and get on the rotation. So, I guess I need to record a bunch of songs and create a website now.



To start, I dug out some of the old video equipment I used many years ago. First, I wanted to see if it actually still worked. Second, I wanted to see how well it integrated with today's internet world. Here's two initial recordings using a single microphone; at some point, I'll create a link to a bunch of songs.

Dad celebrates his 90th birthday

This year my brothers and I flew into WV to celebrate Dad's 90th birthday. I think we surprised him, I called early in the day from Colorado to wish him happy birthday so he wouldn't have a hint of the surprise. It's funny, how a few hours later we were having dinner together.



I always look forward to spending time with my immediate family. Although we were perhaps a little too competitive early on in our lives; today, we celebrate our unique opinions. Dad was quick to get the spirited conversations going and then sit back and watch us battle it out. I love you dad!

Looking back at 2010: 525,600 minutes

I always enjoy looking over our family pictures during the Holidays. I like reminiscing the fun times I had with family and friends. This year we took several trips to the mountains and went to Lake Powell early in the year. During the Summer we went to West Virginia to see my parents and I visited with them again over Thanksgiving.



Every year we make a video on New Year's Day. Typically, its a skateboard video and I take the boys to a variety of skate parks around Denver, but it was just too cold this year so we decided to make a 2010 year-in-review video instead. It was so much fun that I think we'll plan to do it every year.