Introducing Anika Alice Smith, new to this world on April 28, 2008, weighing in at 7 pounds 8 ounces. We can't wait to meet you!!! Congrats Lisa and Jer! (Pictured in the last one is my sister Michelle)
Okay, so we're going to make a small amendment to the 52-hike goal, especially now that Jed and I are rediscovering the joys of road biking! We decided we will also include bike rides in our log if the rides are long and/or laborious and/or out in nature (i.e. mountains). On Saturday we took turns riding up (for me, laboring up) Lookout Mountain, a fairly precipitous and winding road that takes you to the top of a peak where Buffalo Bill himself is buried. Thanks to Jer for assembling Jed's sleek and amazingly zippy bike--I rode it too (with seat lowered) since mine had a flat. Jed made it to the top twice and I only 2/3 the way--but I plan on making it all the way next time. The view--encompassing much of the Denver-metro-area--was indelible, the ride demanding, gruelling, yet exhilarting!
We have a goal this year--it may be a tad unrealistic--but we hope to go on at least 52 hikes or long outdoor walks (average one hike a week). It shouldn't be too hard to hike during the warm weather, but what about 1/4 of the year, there in Denver, when it's snowy and cold?--you may ask. We often think of Jed's dad, Randy, and his love for this beautiful earth--even the aspects of nature that others may consider less-than-ideal. When the family lived in Park City, Utah, he was walking outside during a nasty blizzard one day. His friend stopped to offer him a ride. Randy politely declined, revealing that he was actually out enjoying the beautiful weather. We have taken this to heart as a little family and have tried to get outside, even when the weather is extreme. Though we get some interesting stares from onlookers, we have had some exhilarating times! And you know, if nothing else it is toughening us up and teaching our kids to not always crave comforts. Mostly we have sought to discern beauty where others may easily overlook it. Why should only verdant, lush landscapes and soft, blooming petals get all the praise? There truly is beauty in ALL of God's creations, not excluding brown, dry, prickly, barren, and yes, even (though it takes extra effort for me to write this) cold. And it is always there for the discovery--if we will only open our eyes to see, ears to listen, hands to touch, feet to trod.
Hello, anybody who cares to hear about the Rogers Rogues!!! I'm finally figuring out how to do this crazy blog thing. Whoo hoo! So please excuse our dust until I get everything settled. We had a nice March! Except that I have had an insane case of spring fever and the weather has been SO uncooperative--teasingly warm one day only to snow that night. Goodness. And for the first time I am uncharacteristically ecstatic about growing a garden! Maybe it's something about being 30. Or maybe the rising food prices! Or could it be because we're vegetarian? At any rate, since we're renting our house I am not allowed to use the yard (which is a crying shame as it's ginormous), but I do plan on growing as much as I can in containers on the patio and along the house and chain-link fence. But maybe it's a good thing I can't use more space--as it is, I'm still a beginner gardener and perhaps shouldn't take on more than I can chew anyway. (get it?) Last time I tried gardening, 3 years ago, the results were tragic--nothing grew except for one hearty zucchini plant (those things would probably grow in a war zone). But this year I am much better equipped! I have read from cover to cover a book called All New Square Foot Gardening, and that's probably why I am all psyched up about it. I have even dreamt of lovely cascading ruby tomatoes and squeaky yellow summer squash for several nights now. The book advocates using homemade boxes or containers and boasts that your gardening will be easier and more efficient. The method purportedly conserves space, water, seeds, and energy, and it doesn't require weeding or rototilling. The secret is in the soil. Anyway, I guess I shouldn't sing it praises just yet until I try it myself. . . but several people have vouched for it. And it's almost time to plant! Isaac is eager, too, and equipped with his own small pair of kid gloves. I will definitely post my progress (not that you care :). We're planning on lots of hiking, camping, biking, and wilderness exploring this year! Denver is beautiful and replete with lakes and walking/biking paths. Not to mention the formidable and stunning Rockies to our west (check your bearings, you Salt-Lakers). The mountains here seem to be more accessible and even more bounteous than on your side. Not to brag. :) Jed is planning on a visit to Phoenix in late April for dissertation stuff, and I'm hauling the boys to Utah at the same time to meet the boys' new little cute cousin, Lisa's daughter. We look forward to seeing loved ones soon!
