Boldly going into 2017

We're wrapping up the most low-key holiday we've ever spent together. I didn't get to travel or see much of anyone, but we do have a (relatively) clean house, a full pantry, rested bodies, relaxed minds from outdoor time and family games, and clean laundry. That's a pretty solid way to begin a new year, I'm thinking. Especially when that new year is 2017. Battle stations, everyone!

We've kept our pizza-movie night tradition ever since my co-worker gave me the idea back in 2013. Friday morning found Adele and me out grabbing some pizza-making supplies after getting (ok, almost matching) haircuts. On the budget we're on, I'm always grateful for any free, or nearly free, fun my town can provide. 

Hooray for the one-penny King Sooper's horse! 

And hooray for Adele's pink cowboy boots from Dad & Agnes, right?? Miles got em in shiny red. 

 Friday afternoon we gave our library state-park pass another go at Lake Pueblo. Again, I'm really grateful for the free experiences we're able to scope out wherever we live.

I remembered the beauty of this park, but I'd forgotten the strangeness of the very blue lake surrounded by dry desert bluffs.

The wintertime barrenness just accentuates this strangeness.

 We hiked up the Arkansas Ridge for the view.

I kept marveling, "This is Mars. I live on Mars." 

The cactuses are a weird substitute for trees, but not without charm. 

 None of us was happier about this trip than Koopa. We let him off-leash on the shore for a while, and he tore around like a maniac. His recall, as long as alpha-male Jon is around, is excellent. He just needs a whistle.

 We have made some resolutions, which I will detail in the next entry. We begin the year with an uphill financial battle, but we hope to end it very differently. We figure if we can get through last spring's Battle for the House, summer's move, fall's new job and final semester of grad school (including thesis defense), we're pretty much a match for 2017. I'm trying to install solar panels in my body to draw energy directly from the abundant Colorado sunshine.

 The dog is a great inspiration, too. He is our communal delight and joy and we do so much good good stuff because of him.

Waves and seagulls in the desert. With Pike's Peak. How crazy is this place? 

 We're planning a sweet family New Year's Eve party tonight, complete with Mario Party on the Wii. We wish you all blessings and joy in the New Year!

All our love, from Mars.