Day 21: Three weeks in, and so far, the fantasy holds up!

Yes, Toto,  we aren't in Texas anymore.

It's been 3 weeks since we crossed the Kansas - Colorado border, and 3 weeks since we have been in a different world, not just a different state.   Every day has been a mini-adventure, and when we string them together they weave a story of wonder and awe.  And the daily physical challenges of skiing and cross-country.  All the while, I've been able to keep up the hectic pace of being an exec at a major US corporation.   It isn't impossible, after all.   It just takes discipline,  and a great team I can depend on.

Sometimes I ask myself,  "Self, why did you leave Colorado;  17 years ago?".  (17 years!  Has it really been that long?!?!?!)  The answer isn't very satisfying.  "Because "they" wanted me to." ("They" = HP/job/career/advancement/money).  Not that we haven't had an amazing life, living in Boston, Minneapolis, and Austin.  But there remains plenty of time left,  God willing,  to enjoy the wonders of this mountain place that feels so much like home;  as a visitor for now.  Perhaps as a returning resident in the future.  It's all good.

When we lived here in the 80's and 90's,  we had a vacation home in Silverthorne; ~15 miles from Breckenridge.   It was a family magnet that created volumes of memories and experiences and love.  In the short 3 weeks we have been here,  we are re-living that same magnetism and joy of family.   Kristin was here for 2 weeks,  and will be back after her 1st week of her final college semester at Colorado State University (Biomedical Sciences).   And the "Lange Gange" visited us to enjoy the snow and mountains, our niece and nephew having grown to young adults with amazing talents,  and their own sense of self.

After the Lange family left for home, we suddenly realized that this was practically the 1st day we had alone in our new temporary home.  I finished work (ok, I am technically "on vacation") around 3 and we went out to ski the trails.

After a hot tub, we went to an amazing restaurant in an old Victorian home in Breck; the Hearthstone. http://www.hearthstonerestaurant.biz/.  The food was a fabulous end to another great day of our adventure and fantasy-come-true.

We are so blessed.

-Karl