We had a very good time.  The weather was hot and sunny and the kids played well together (mostly).

So, we explored the hyper-hip and extremely fit Boulder community.  We were impressed and immediately started fantasizing about what it would be like to live there (relax – this is a frequent mental exercise and only leads to moves every 3 or 4 decades).  While there were many attractants, we only resolved to come visit again.

So, we got to explore a cool city with open eyes and visit with recent transplants that we knew pretty well.  We really liked the liberal attitude, the lower environmental impact, and the old neighborhoods with mature trees and well manicured houses and yards.  Pearl Street was very fun and provided street entertainment for all.  A surprise for me was a Tesla dealership.  I’d not yet seen one in person and was impressed, despite the lack of a test ride.  I covet yet another thing I’m very unlikely to possess.  Oh, the life of a technogeek, desiring many shiny, technologically advanced new things.

One of many impressions I had was that the people of Boulder are extremely fit.  I swam a Master’s workout on Saturday morning and there were many women there with far less body fat than I have.  I could see a solid looking six pack on women with “guns” that would intimidate most folks.  I moved down several lanes toward the slower folks, as the fast folks were much faster than the folks I usually swim with.  I was feeling very old and fat.  At 46 and a few lbs past what I desire, in Seattle I fit in.  In Boulder, I was tubby and aged.

My experience in Jackson didn’t leave me feeling so inadequate, despite my sister’s and brother-in-law’s creaming my behind on mountain bikes.  Without significant changes, Boulder is unlikely to have me, never mind Jackson, WY.

We don’t get to see them as often these days and this weekend was a real treat.  They put us up in their MIL upstairs which they rent out as a vacation retreat.  Thanks, guys!

We enjoyed good food and good wine (Walla Walla is known for the latter), and most importantly good company.

There was a side trip to see Waitsburg and Dayton, which are both in the southern end of the Palouse.  I enjoyed seeing both small towns, as I’ve been very curious about them.

Spirit was welcome and that was very nice.  We didn’t have to worry about getting a sitter for her and she joined us for the weekend.

Both Kasey and Lucy accepted.  It was planned for a Thursday, so I supervised.  They started the play date by pulling 27 buckets of weeds from the garden!  I didn’t ask them to do it; I merely said I had to do some work on the park (on a computer inside) and they entertained themselves in our vegetable garden by pulling weeds.  You would know how remarkable this is if you understood how hard it is to get the kids to do small chores around the house.  Later, I realized that Camille was, in part, motivated by a standing offer of $0.25 per bucket of weeds pulled.  This netted each girl $2.25.

Then after a bit, we headed to Than Brothers for pho.  After the cream puffs (it must be the French influence on Vietnam), we headed to Golden Gardens for some sandy fun.

Lucy, Camille, and Kasey enjoy pho

Lucy, Camille, and Kasey enjoy pho

beach time at Golden Gardens

beach time at Golden Gardens