Dear friends and fellow adventurers,
Before diving into the vibrant details of our unforgettable weekend, my heart weighs heavy with thoughts and prayers for all those affected by the tragic events in Aurora. It’s a somber reminder to cherish our loved ones, hold them close, and offer solace for those we have lost. In these moments, finding joy and connection becomes even more profound, urging us to embrace every shared experience.
An Epic Denver Weekend: From Speakeasy Charm to Speedway Thrills
This past weekend unfolded into a magnificent tapestry of activities, blending relaxation, exhilarating entertainment, and heartwarming connections. From the bustling streets of downtown Denver to serene backyard gatherings, every moment was a testament to living life to the fullest. Join me as I recount the highlights, offering insights into some of Denver’s finest attractions and hidden gems.
Thursday: Unwinding and Giving Back in Style
Our weekend escapade kicked off early on Thursday evening, a much-anticipated escape after a particularly demanding week. Juggling kickball commitments, an essential meeting with an accountant, and a relentless cascade of work emails had left me feeling more than a little frazzled. The antidote? A much-needed happy hour rendezvous with my wonderful friends, Listy and Nick, at a local favorite, The Tavern. The atmosphere was exactly what I craved – lively yet comfortable, providing the perfect backdrop for catching up and unwinding. There’s something truly magical about a perfectly crafted Moscow Mule, its crisp, refreshing notes washing away the accumulated stress, leaving only a sense of calm and anticipation for the adventures ahead.
From the relaxed ambiance of happy hour, our evening pivoted to an event of immense significance. We made our way to The Burnsley Hotel to attend a fundraising event for Family Tree, a remarkable non-profit organization dedicated to offering vital services to families in Denver struggling with domestic violence and homelessness. Listy, an integral part of Family Tree, graciously extended the invitation, and it proved to be an evening filled with purpose and delight. The chosen theme for the night was “speakeasy,” transporting guests back to the roaring twenties with an elegant and playful twist. Attendees embraced the theme wholeheartedly, donning everything from dazzling flapper dresses adorned with sequins and feathers to sharp zoot suits that exuded classic charm. The air was filled with the soulful sounds of a live jazz band, creating an immersive experience that perfectly complemented the era. Beyond the captivating costumes and vibrant music, the highlight for me, besides contributing to such a crucial cause, was undoubtedly the photo booth! It offered a fantastic opportunity to capture playful moments with friends, creating lasting memories while supporting a community-focused mission.
Friday: From Recovery to Roaring Engines
Friday morning arrived with a gentle reminder of Thursday night’s delightful “giggle juice” consumption. Mr. B and I were moving at a decidedly slower pace, feeling the charming after-effects of our enthusiastic participation in the speakeasy festivities. We dedicated the early part of the day to a much-needed recovery mission, slowly piecing ourselves back together. While Mr. B focused on his work, I spent some time on creative “shooting” for the upcoming week’s blog content. Let’s just say there’s a delicious, tropical theme on the horizon – prepare for some fantastic coconut-inspired treats and ideas!
As the afternoon waned, our Friday evening transformed from serene recovery to high-octane excitement at the race tracks. Every year, the Mile High Nationals bring thunderous roars and incredible speed to Bandimere Speedway, conveniently located just about 20 minutes from downtown Denver. Mr. B was invited by a company he collaborates with, and lucky me, I got to tag along for the electrifying experience. The raw power of these machines, zooming by at incredible speeds of up to 300 mph, is absolutely mesmerizing. The ground vibrates, the air crackles with energy, and the scent of race fuel fills your senses. While the sheer spectacle of drag racing is impressive, the absolute best part of the evening was our impromptu, full-length recitation of the movie *Talladega Nights*. Every iconic line, every hilarious exchange – we quoted it all, much to our own amusement. Ricky Bobby himself would have been incredibly proud of our dedication to his cinematic legacy, making the Mile High Nationals an unforgettable blend of speed, sound, and shared laughter.
Saturday: Miles, Monitors, and Memorable Meals
Saturday dawned bright and early for me, fueled by the excitement of reuniting with my running partner in crime, Listy. We had a formidable 12 miles to conquer, and it was nothing short of FANTASTIC to have her back by my side. Running alongside a friend makes the miles fly by, transforming what could be a grueling solo effort into an enjoyable, conversational journey. We had an endless stream of topics to catch up on, from the mundane details of our weeks to deeper reflections, ensuring that every stride was accompanied by engaging chatter. The fresh morning air and shared camaraderie made the long-distance run feel invigorating and effortless, a perfect start to the day.
After our rewarding run, the remainder of my morning and much of the afternoon were dedicated to pure relaxation and productivity. I found myself comfortably ensconced on the couch, alternating between resting my legs and focusing on some computer work. Mr. B soon joined me, settling into his own digital domain. It led to a humorous observation: with his extensive monitor setup, one can’t help but wonder, do you think three monitors constitute a crowd? It’s a testament to our modern lives, blending work and leisure seamlessly, even on a weekend afternoon.
The afternoon quickly melted away, and before we knew it, it was time for another delightful social engagement. We were meeting up with our wonderful friends, Eric, Jo, Ian, and Jerad, for dinner. Our destination was Lucky Pies, a charming pizza spot that had opened its doors a couple of months prior, but which we hadn’t yet had the pleasure of visiting. A leisurely stroll brought us to its inviting facade, eager to sample their offerings. The evening proved to be a resounding success on all fronts: cute atmosphere? Check. Delicious, freshly baked pizza? Double check. And of course, the perfect accompaniment to good conversation and great food: a robust red wine? Check, check, and check again! Lucky Pies certainly lived up to its name, delivering a fantastic dining experience.
Following our satisfying dinner, we embarked on a relaxed walk around downtown, soaking in the evening ambiance of Denver. The city lights twinkled, and the energy was palpable. Our stroll eventually led us to the York’s house, where we settled onto their cozy backyard patio for more engaging conversation. Even at 11 PM, the Denver air was still wonderfully warm, allowing for comfortable, late-night chats under the stars. These are the simple, cherished moments that truly define a perfect weekend.
Sunday: Lazy Mornings and Unexpected Splashes
With another late evening under our belt, Mr. B and I gratefully embraced the luxury of sleeping in on Sunday morning. There’s nothing quite like waking up naturally, without the blare of an alarm, to kickstart a leisurely day. To truly get our day started off on the right foot, I whipped up a couple of hearty breakfast burritos, perfectly complemented by crispy, sizzling bacon. A truly satisfying meal that fuels both body and soul. While Mr. B immersed himself in some work, I headed over to the York’s house to get the lowdown on the plans for our Sunday Funday. The initial idea was to head to Wash Park, a popular local spot, but the blazing hot weather had other plans. We collectively decided to “86” (a fun colloquialism for canceling) the park visit and instead, made the brilliant decision to purchase a couple of small pools for the backyard. Best. Decision. Ever. – until, of course, the skies decided to open up and it started to rain! A classic Denver moment, but one that added a touch of humor to our spontaneous backyard oasis.
After our delightful, albeit rain-interrupted, pool time, I headed back home. The thought of cooking seemed entirely unappealing after such an active weekend. The solution? Enter, sushi – the perfect, no-fuss, delicious dinner option. Mr. B and I then settled into our beloved Sunday night position: comfortable, relaxed, and ready to unwind. It’s a tradition we cherish, winding down the weekend with good food and engaging entertainment.
Speaking of entertainment, if you haven’t yet watched “The Newsroom,” I wholeheartedly recommend it. It is, in a word, completely brilliant. Initially, I approached it with the expectation that it would lean heavily towards a super left-wing perspective, given its subject matter. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The writing is incredibly sharp, intelligent, and thought-provoking, and it consistently maintains a remarkably moderate and balanced point of view, engaging with complex issues from multiple angles. It’s a show that sparks conversation and truly makes you think.
As this incredible weekend draws to a close, I sincerely hope your own days were filled with joy, relaxation, and memorable moments. May we all continue to find beauty in everyday adventures and cherish the connections that enrich our lives.
Until next time, take care!