It’s about the time of year when Boulderites vacation by staying right here in the magnificent valley. It is still possible for us to another snow down here at mile high, and nights on Key West can still be rather cool. Neither will be true for long as summer rapidly approaches. Snow skis are being  replaced by water skis here at home. On this second most famous of the Florida Keys, with Key Largo being the most famous, sunsets are taken to a unique new level. People gather near Mallory Square to watch the sunsets. Schooners are chartered to sail back and forth parallel to the shore as the... Read More

A first Boulder date is always a challenge. Where to go? What to do? What do you want to come of it? Each of those questions can be cause for stress and pondering. Perhaps we can help with some concrete suggestions! Of course the zoo up the road and the Butterfly Pavilion just up the road are personal favorites. Both permit conversation in the midst of fascinating things on all sides. Here are some additional suggestions. For an unforgettable first date in Boulder County, you have a multitude of options that blend adventure, culture, and culinary delights. Here are seven highly recommended date... Read More

Kindness is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and unites people from all walks of life. The concept of ‘paying it forward‘ is a beautiful embodiment of this principle, emphasizing the ripple effect of small acts of kindness. In a world where negativity often takes center stage, paying it forward is a powerful reminder that even the smallest gestures can make a significant impact. This article delves into the profound meaning behind paying it forward and explores how these acts of generosity can create a ripple effect of positivity. The Power of Small Acts At the... Read More

Boulder has an ideal climate and geography for the formation of Virga. Virga is a captivating weather phenomenon in Boulder and elsewhere, that presents itself as streaks or wisps descending from a cloud but evaporates or sublimates before reaching the ground. This meteorological marvel occurs when precipitation falls from a cloud into a layer of air with significantly lower humidity, causing the droplets or ice crystals to evaporate or sublime into water vapor. Virga is not just a beautiful spectacle in the sky; it also offers insights into the atmospheric conditions of an area, such as air humidity... Read More

mm The solar eclipse viewed from Boulder was truly magnificent. Keeping in mind that the whole show is only possible because of a triple coincidence of planetary and star location. That’s some crazy stuff! Today’s eclipse had more going on than meets the eye. As the sun was covered, shielded by the moon, the temperature dropped significantly and suddenly. More unsettling and awesome was the silence! First we noticed that the birds had stopped chirping, and ALL were silent. Then we noticed that we were not hearing highway noise, neighborhood noise, and the other background sound that... Read More

If a picture is worth 1000 words, are we considering that the quotation is post-col0r photography? Yes! The phrase came AFTER the first color photograph. The short answer is “1861” and “1911.” Please  note that the answer is NOT “42.” If that does not make sense, please re-read “Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy.” 1861 is the first color photograph, and 1911 is a likely first publication or use of the phrase “use a picture, it’s worth a thousand words.” March, 1911, AFTER the birth of photography, some smarty pants journalist,... Read More

Lessons from Dad My Dad was crazy smart. I like to believe that some of that rubbed off on me. Of particular interest to me today, and what I want to share, are some of the most important and lasting lessons from Dad. This was his version, and therefore my version of being read stories as a kid. This is how I learned algebra, and a lot more. Three plus one. There were three key lessons in one session, and one key lesson in another. First, Dad told me that I was being a real… shall we say not a great person and not easy or pleasant to get along with. I still hear that from time to time. .... Read More

  Spring approaches The Boulder Valley going tourist. We become the avid tourists enjoying the sites usually enjoyed by our visitors. On the way to Estes Park we pass the well known  St. Malo’s Church on the Peak to Peak highway. If the weather report is right, warm weather is bearing down on us fast! Sunset Over The Boulder Valley Sunset Over The West The Sun Sets Through The Unusual Notch South of Longs Peak Lenny Lensworth Frieling Shared Knowledge Is Power!  Read More

  Ruofus Sided Towhee                           pic Lenny Lensworth Frieling I think it is a rule of Boulder birding that cool birds have cool names. For example, the Rufus Sided Towhee.   (“roofus” for pronounciation). The Rufous-sided Towhee, now often referred to as the Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), is a striking bird known for its bold plumage and melodious calls. Males are especially conspicuous with their black upper parts and white bellies, separated by rufous flanks, giving them their name. Females have a similar pattern but are... Read More

Living in Boulder, Colorado means being no stranger to extreme weather, but one phenomenon stands out as particularly awe-inspiring: thunder snow. This rare and dramatic event combines the intensity of a thunderstorm with the serene beauty of falling snow, creating a spectacle that captivates all who witness it. Understanding the science and experiencing the wonder of thunder snow is a unique privilege for residents of Boulder and a reminder of the astonishing power of nature. The Science Behind Thunder Snow Thunder snow occurs when a layer of warm air is sandwiched between two layers of cold... Read More