Staycation & Thanksgiving at GMom's

Staycation|stāyˈkā sh ən; və-|noun

1.  a period of leisure defined by not leaving ones primary residence.  2. an extended period of recreation, esp. one spent wanting to be away from home or in traveling but rather spent in ones 

backyard because one realizes that one has 

no monetary funds and/ or is so exhausted that one can not leave ones own doorstep: they took a staycation in their backyard | people stayed at home 

for a staycation [as adj. ]| a staycation home.

The Kirby's  Staycation (November 7-11) 

become a reality one evening when Stefan realized that by taking one vacation day off  from work we could enjoy a whopping 5 days a leisure 

KIRBY STYLE!  We baked bread (the best potato-rosemary bead he has ever made!),skied a Saturday afternoon away with the DuRoss clan, 

took in the local Hoogle Zoo  for the first time,  raked leaves, cleaned and winterized the house, watched Greta master her new walkin moves (that's right she's walking!) and even managed to move the rotting pumpkins off the porch to their final resting place, our backyard compost, to make  way for Christmas Cheer. The best part of the weekend was that we did not drive more then 15 miles from home and did not spend more then $20! It was a spontaneous, energized, relaxing, do nothing but did a lot, way overdue, time-off 

for the family.  

Thanksgiving took us to Montrose, Colorado 

to visit Stefan's Mom and Step-Dad.  The weather cooperated making the drive dry and uneventful...thankfully.  We filled our stomaches with all the goodies of Thanksgiving... the favorite being the "to die for" pecan pie (*of course Jess did not participate in the whole tradition of turkey day ... but was thankful that her conscience was clear). On friday, we attempted to shed a few of our newly acquired pounds by taking a walk along the Uncompagrhe River 

just outside of Ridgeway State Park. 

Our goal, to sneaking a peek at Bald Eagles who are

wintering in the area.  It was truly a sight! 

There must have been 30 of them perching in the barren trees boardering the riverbed. The rest of the long weekend was spent eating leftovers and watching Greta whip up imaginary cuisine between her toddling excursions around the house. 

It is amazing to watch how fast she is gaining strength and balance with each new step. 

 

Now we welcome December (which I can not believe is tomorrow...time sure has gone by fast lately).  It was a mild November...We're ready for winter! Bring on the SNOW!