Sunday May 16, 2010
Boulder, Colorado
Sun – that's 2 days in a row!
I had a business trip to Denver so decided to work in Boulder last week. Of course, the weather was perfect before I arrived and turned when I got to Denver. Rain, snow and sleet.. again. I've never been to Boulder when it hasn't snowed. But it's always good to see my nephews. Spent Thursday and Friday working from my sister's house but had the weekend and to enjoy some family time.
Last time I was in Denver, I rented a car and drove to Boulder in the snow which was a mistake so this time I decided to take the bus. It was great. For 4.40$, you can't beat the price and the bus was comfortable and clean. It only took 45 minutes to get to Boulder and was stress free cuz although it was only raining in Denver as we got closer to Boulder, it turned to snow.
The Market Street Bus Station in Denver
I took the 3pm Express Bus to Denver
My sister and nephew Jackson met me at the bus station in Boulder. First thing I did when I arrived was to distribue presents. Jackson loved his Giant Robot hoodie and Billy got his T-shirt. I also brought some Japanese food for my sister as it is difficult to get Japanese ingredients for cooking in Denver
Jackson in his Giant Robot hoodie
The next day, I took a break from work and visited Billy's school. Both Jackson and Billy go to Waldorf. Billy is in high school and as part of the curriculum, he has an intensive 2 week course on arts. He chose painting and spends all day working on a painting. He chose to do a painting on basketball as it is his passion. I was amazed at his work – an 8ft painting! Can't wait to see what it looks like when completed.
Billy's work in process masterpiece
On Thursday night, we went to a new restaurant called Salt on Pearl Street. This was a treat for the kids as they usually don't go out during school nite. We had an early reservation (6pm) but the place was packed and the food was very good. Billy had the burger and Jackson had his first ever pork chops but we all agreed the best dish of the night was "Give Peas a Chance". An innovative "ravioli" dish served with fresh fava bean, sugar snap beans and a pea and lemon puree.
Oh and yes, I did spend time with Zuma!
Salt on Pearl Street
Jackson and Bill at Salt
Give Peas a Chance
Jackson's first pork chop
On Saturday, we went to the Farmer's market which was very cute. We had breakfast there as many of Boulder's restaurants had a stall. Billy didn't join us as he had to get up at 5am and go support his school's track team. Jackson, came with us though and had a pizza for breakfast which he shared with me. I loved the flowers from the market and also the abundance of fresh vegetables. I also like that dogs were allowed as the markets in LA do not allow dogs.
Scenes from the Farmer's Market
After the Farmer's Market, we went to go see Iron Man 2 which was fun. Jackson loved it! Only problem was they showed a very scary R rated preview which scared him before the movie. Why they show such previews before a kids movie is beyond me. Anyhow, we enjoyed the movie and then it was time for the hilite of Saturday – Jackson's baseball game. It's the first time I saw Jackson play baseball. It was very cute and fun to watch especially since Jackson got 2 hits! But a funny thing happened while watching the game. While my sister and I were sitting on the bench, all of a sudden, from the corner of the eye , we see a what we think is water being sprayed from a hose. We immediately realize, its a toddler who decided he can't hold it anymore and decides to drop his pants and pee from the stands! His father is mortified and carries him away but we had a good laugh! It was so funny!
Jackson practicing before the game
@ the dugout
Jackson playing 3rd base
Jackson at bat and get's a hit!
We took it easy on Sunday but Jackson wanted to take me to the Firehouse for lunch. It's one of his favorite places for sandwiches. It's founded by firemen and the restaurant supports firemen and firehouses. We had his favorite sub – beef and cheese brisket. Billy had work to do for his neighbors we got him the super large Italian sub to go.
Billy eating his Italian Sub during a break from his chores
And then it was time to leave. Although it is always sad to say goodbye to my family, I'll be back in a month as I'm spending a week there for vacation. Can't wait!