Day 64: 60 Degree Days in January

Yesterday we went hiking at Ute Valley Park. In 60 degree weather. In January. That is most definitely something to love about the place we live. Having said that, today it is 27 degrees and snowing. And earlier in the week, this.

I've got to be honest. I've never liked January. It is entirely unreasonable of me, but after the New Year, I pretty much feel like winter should be over. After all, isn't the solstice, and hence Christmas, a celebration of the returning of light? I have limped through this first month of 2016 pathetically and moodily. You would think I would recognize the pattern, but most every January, I start telling Dustin we really should move somewhere warmer. This prompted my return to looking for things to love about living here.

Let's see what there is to love about the Springs in the winter, shall we?! What do you love about winter? Christmas doesn't count.

P.S. I kind of love that picture at the top that Dustin caught of us digging mud out of our shoes with sticks. Ha! Even though the temperature was fine for hiking, I guess it wasn't all smooth sailing. 

Day 56 - 63: September is Reason Enough

September anywhere is probably amazing, but September in Colorado is amazing enough to warrant 30 spots on my Colorado Love list for all the days inside of it. The landscape is a feast for the eyes, and the air gives the same refreshing feeling as drinking a glass of lemonade on a hot day. Sunflowers line the streets. Actually, entire fields of wild sunflowers bloom in surprise pockets throughout the city. Most of the leaves are still green, because technically it's not fall yet, and Colorado just really understands that.

Without further ado, here are a few reasons to love Colorado Springs in September:

1. Wild Sunflowers
2. Cool, crisp mornings warming to 75 degree days
3. Bluest skies of the year
4. The sprinkling of glowing gold trees that hint at a beautiful fall to come
5. Fresh new school year begins
6. Purple Russian sage bushes dotting the city
7. The deer grazing in our neighborhood in the cool morning
8. The clear mountain air positively caresses your skin. Not too hot, not too cold. With a slight breeze.

I could live in a Colorado September for eternity.