As 2020 began in our family, Matt and Ika returned to their wedding venue, Aspen. There was much to celebrate with the new knowledge that little Hanna was on her way. What a blessing for the three of them, although it may take Brother Bo abit to fully appreciate the newest member of the household:) February brought Mardi Gras to Galveston, with more floats and parties than ever. Little did we know at the time that it would be the last gargantuan gathering we would share for the remainder of the year.

As word descended on us shortly thereafter, the news of the COVID virus sank in slowly. The first thing that came to my mind was “mad cow disease” and “swine flu”. In my memory banks, I reviewed the previous viruses and flus that didn’t seem to affect America significantly. As word spread of outbreaks in New York and California, it still seemed so far away. Life in Galveston and Golden both seemed to continue normally, at least for our family. Outdoor activities became more popular for everyone, as it seemed safest. Matt guided me in purchasing a mountain bike, which became a favorite sport during the summer in Golden. So many trails available, one could never get bored with the same scenery.

As fall came to Golden, with cooler weather and even an early snow in September, the family hiked as often as possible. Ika was great with child, but that didn’t slow up the Swede:) We discovered many trails near Evergreen, with open pastures and lowing cattle as well as bubbling streams. Crownlake became a favorite as the birdlife (especially Canadian geese) found their home there. Moose were a concern during breeding season; as precious as they are, they really can’t be trusted at that time of year:)

There were, of course, concessions made due to the virus. Laura began at-home schooling for the Austin grandangels. Masks were necessary for any indoor shopping, and some even wore them on the trails. Our family has been blessed so far with freedom from illness. I’m starting to think the masks, and social distancing has kept us from the common cold even. Our step-mom Carol, wife to my Dad for over 40 years, passed away this year from non-COVID related illness. This left our Dad, at 92, alone for the first time in our recent memories. His children took up the banner, traveling from Tennessee, St Thomas and Golden for visits. Sister Ruthie is building a home outside of Knoxville, with a special master suite designated for Dad. He will be there to see spring arrive in the smokies.

While every American family has their own stories of loss, be it from a passing family member or friend, or the loneliness of much smaller family gatherings; we have continued to remind each other how important each precious moment together is. As we look to the silver lining in this dark cloud, the Christmas Star appeared as Jupiter and Saturn crossed paths, blessing our holidays with hope. The final full moon over the rockies on New Years Eve reminded us of the beauty our world offers, just stop and look. The vaccine is here and our future is bright!

Christmas 2020 has been different for everyone, world over. We all miss large family gatherings, but are concerned with the virus, so forego seeing many of our loved ones. For our family, it is the first time we will miss the Austin Wilcox’s, but at least were able to open presents via Facetime. Food became a focal point in the Colorado household, as we had so much time to prepare. Breakfast began with our favorite stocking stuffers, chocolate coffee beans, bourbon coated popcorn, granola, and an assortment of chocolates. Of course Bo had something a bit healthier. A new family tradition began this Christmas, as we let Ika, the Swede, provide a traditional Swedish lunch. For dinner, Matt and I did the usual turkey, dressing and green bean casserole (in front of the tv of course:) Pictures of the dinner were pretty much the same as Thanksgiving, so I’m providing pics of the Swedish traditional dishes. We had potatoes prepared in a cream sauce with anchovies, marinated salmon, tomatoes with burrata cheese, and vortbread (sooo sweet). The tree was a minimalist style where the trunk was more evident than the branches. Hanna and Bo weren’t sure what to make of it all, but Bo did get pretty excited about his first scooter. I can’t wait to see him ride it in the cul de sac:)

Of course we had to work off the calories at the end of the day. It was a warmer than usual Christmas with highs in the 50’s, so there were only the remnants of snow, but Clear Creek was still frozen along the edges. It made for a refreshing walk as we soaked up the last rays of sunshine. All in all, it was a wonderful day, even if we did celebrate on the 24th. Matt flew many people to their destinations on the 25th. So proud of him for providing safe travels for the folks who need to see their loved ones. Next year we hope to all be together again for a big family gathering. Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise:)

Perhaps because of the COVID lockdown, or in spite of it, the neighbors around Golden lit up early with lights announcing the Christmas season. Matt’s hood was more spectacular this year than any other. Imagination ran wild with outdoor displays of Santa blowups, outdoor Christmas trees, and even our own Griswold-style house covered in an unimaginable number of lights with multiple themes. As you cruised down the highway coming to the neighborhood entry, the lights shone better than any lighthouse, guiding you in. The entry into the neighborhood was spectacular as well, with all the trees lining the mainstreet covered in starry white lights to announce the season. My favorite pictures, though, are when the crescent moon shone bright over the manmade decorations. Not to be outdone, Matt set up his “Captain Santa”, complete with runway and icicles covered the roof for effect. Being an SWA pilot, the theme was perfect.

Then we heard of an SWA pilot-friend of Matt’s who had used all of his engineering expertise to design a colorful scene, changing as the music piped from his yard changed Christmas songs. It was such an amazing display that a neighbor posted the scene on youtube for viewers enjoyment. You can find it at “Best holiday lights in the Galaxy”. Appropriately named, as the runway was perfectly correct according to Matt. He insists that next year he will upgrade his runway to match:)

On the way home from that spectacular engineering feat we happened across the most gargantuan display of all. I actually thought it was a commercial shopping center display, at first. As it turns out, it was just another “Griswold” wannabe:)

Across our great country, the traditional Thanksgiving looked a bit different this year. We were all ready for a celebration, but also keenly aware of the dangers of huge gatherings during the COVID environment. For our Golden family, it was the first White Thanksgiving. Matt cranked up the Green Egg (ceramic smoker) at the edge of the snow, pre-dawn. It was to be his first smoked turkey. Ika made sweet potatoes with marshmallows and cream cheese pumpkin pie, and I tried my hand at dressing with green bean casserole. It’s been years since we’ve cooked for this holiday, and in many ways it was a rewarding endeavor. This was the silver lining. Years past have been huge gatherings of our extended family at a dance hall called Courvilles just outside of Beaumont. Dad’s wife, Carol, always set up an extravagant meal by Rich Courville (local legend) while our blended family caught up with everyone’s latest news. The young ones brought their bikes, scooters, skates, and electric riding toys to share on the dance floor, which gave the adults time to visit. Our Carol passed this summer, and Courvilles will be a happy but distant memory for us as the years go by.

My home at Diamond Beach was also a gathering place for those who would venture to Galveston. The Wine And Dine overlooking the gulf offered an excellent venue for the crowd, when I was up for sharing the cooking duties with my sisters. Other times, we would gather in the condo for a small but cozy meal. The weather, as I remember, was quite a bit warmer than Golden that time of year. It was so nice to take a warm beach walk to search for shells and breath the fresh salt sea air, while the enormous meal settled on our hips:) All of these memories are special, because we shared them with those we loved most. That is the true blessing of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

I’m still amazed at the mountains surrounding Golden, waking every morning to sunrises over Mount Galbraith, discovering new trails to hike, and ending the day with sunsets disappearing behind the snow-capped Lookout Mountain. Our little Colorado family has developed a passion for the never-ending trails; more often than not we discover something new on every outbound trip. Yesterday we decided to stay close to home, just making the short trip up Lookout Mountain. Downtown Denver was so close, the skyscrapers were visible from the trails. I’ve been longing for an elk sighting, but in all our adventures haven’t been that lucky. As we hiked along Forest Trail Loop, I noticed some “elk droppings”, at least they were larger than Texas deer droppings:) Concentrating on the trail, I walked right past the most amazing sight. Ika signaled for me to come back quietly. There he sat in all his majesty. He was comfortable under the fir trees, maybe believing he was camouflaged. I slipped in as close as I dared for a shot. He looked at me like “great, just another hiker”. I’m sure he’s seen plenty of us in his time.

Earlier in the week we found a hikers paradise just a few minutes from home, winding between local cattle pastures. I had been missing the cattle in Texas, and was happy to learn that Colorado is still filled with that same western lifestyle. These happy cows were living the good life, free to roam, and all within sight of Denver. The weather was so warm, we had to shuck off the jackets and hike in tank tops. Few folks outside of Colorado know that the Denver area hosts more sunshine than southern California! This wonderful hiking experience sent us in search of a trail through horse pastures. It wasn’t hard to find, as some local nature-minded rancher allowed hiking trails across his pastures near Evergreen. His horses were beautiful, and clearly well fed. What a beautiful place for them to call home. I’m so happy to know that my grandangels will grow up here as well.

Two totally different experiences of the Halloween holiday, both fun in their own way; showcasing life in a condo versus life in a neighborhood. Diamond Beach is my condo home, and I do love the sunrises over the gulf, the down-the-hall neighbors so willing to help, and the special gatherings in the Theater Room. Decorating the front door in the hallway is important to me, because it adds charm to Diamond Beach as locals and renters alike saunter up the hall. This year our Monte McMillan turned 18, and we had a special celebration in the Theater Room, watching “The Little Shop of Horrors”. So appropriate for the season. My contribution was a bag of “ghost hands” filled with candy. The kids never get to old for candy:)

Moving on to Golden, just in time to share the celebration with the grandbabies. This was Hanna’s first Halloween, and Bo’s first time to really enjoy the celebration. Hanna went as a tutu-wearing pumpkin, Bo was a lobster, and grandpuppies Fritz and Frankie were crabs:) Of course, I thought they were the cutests in the “hood”, but as you can see imagination ran wild this year in Golden. We set out tables of candy on the sidewalk, as a precautionary step to prevent COVID, and all candy was store-bought, but it didn’t dampen the spirit of the day. Matt barbecued a brisket for any who stopped by. The heated garage was a popular spot as the night grew colder. Surprisingly, the local adults outdid the kids this year. Everyone has been feeling a bit of cabin fever the last few months, so it felt good to dress up and visit with each other (trying to keep a six-foot distance:) Some of my favs were The Alien Capture, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Luke Skywalker, Skeleton Man, Squid Girl, and last but not least Apeman. As we began to close the garage doors for the evening, a tricked-out Hummer truck cruised by filled with candy-hungry party goers. It was just the best Halloween ever, and did we ever need it!

Randy has been a fishing buddy, filleting expert, guide extraordinaire, and good friend to my sister Paige since seventh grade. While Paige lived in Galveston for a brief period, we met up in the surf on occasion to try our luck at the local fishing spots. When Paige left for an even more salty island, St Thomas; I inherited Randy as a great guide, fishing buddy, and now boat owner. It has turned into a great friendship. He provides the boat and expertise, I provide a nice marina to launch from, and the bait. I had never seen his boat till Paige left. It is an impressive 22 foot center console Mako. Robert and I owned a Mako one time. It was our favorite fishing boat. Gotta love the name “Cool Vibes”. He has a Bob Marley flag flying to add once launched.

My usual bait shop, Aunt Margie’s, was flush with fresh live finger mullet (a favorite food of redfish and flounder). I was running early, so took a moment to chat with the manager of the shop. It always pays to visit with the locals; there is an amazing amount of history to be discovered on this island. The manager and his assistant were the niece and nephew of the original “Aunt Margie”. His fondest memories of her were with fishing pole in one hand and cigarette in the other. They had recently added a tshirt with a caricature of Aunt Margie on the back. He had one left, which was slightly stained so he gave it to me for being a loyal customer. Surprisingly, the stain came out with a little “Shout” and a long soak.

By the time Randy and I launched, the wind had picked up a bit. A norther had passed through and Offats Bayou was white capping. We decided to stay close to shore and search for the famous “blue hole” where many fish winter. We found it with ease, but the wind made it a lousy choice, so onward and upward. We finally holed up behind a sandy island along the edge of the intracoastal, on the leeward side. Evidently we discovered a breeding ground for thresher sharks. The elongated tail was its signature, and when large enough they whip their prey with it to stun the fish before gobbling it up:) These were babies though, less than 2 feet in length. Fun to catch with that big tail, they put up quite a fight. Ever the conservationist, Randy tenderly unhooked each one and placed it gently back into the bay where it swam away easily. Then came the big catfish. We were beginning to think this was a “trash fish” kinda day.

After patiently repairing our rigging from shark attacks, the payoff finaly came. It was a redfish to be proud of. It took both hands for me to net this beauty, and I’m guessing it was at least 5 lbs. Randy was happy with the day after that. I’m guessing I can count on another fishing trip in his magnificent boat, since he went home with dinner.

Back at the marina, owner Bill Cochrane rode up in his golf cart to checkout the catch. Randy was happy to retell the fishing tales of the day. As Randy left with his catch, Bill looked at me knowingly and said “so would you like a few red snapper from my latest offshore trip?” Needless to say, he didn’t have to ask twice. I went home with dinner too!

With the Rocky Mountains as background ambience, the Golden Farmer’s Market provides a special shopping experience every Saturday morning that Ika and I found irresistible. There are peppers, cheeses, eggs, homemade coffees and pastries that make it difficult to walk away without a cart full of prizes. One wise local brought his horse-sized dog pulling a cart for an easy trip home.

This little mining town has so much to offer, especially during this time of concerns over indoor shopping. Colorado in general shows a healthy respect for mask-wearing and distancing, so the experience feels very secure. Ika and I have a few favorites we frequent whenever at the market. She loves the pastries and breads that remind her of her homeland, Sweden. I have a particular passion for the homemade pastas. The pasta lady offers an incredible variety of linguines, spaghettis, shells, and swirls made of exotic flavors. The dark chocolate pasta is my favorite. Ika serves it with caramelized butter and toasted almonds, but we plan on trying it with simple vanilla ice cream on top very soon! The is also a portobello mushroom linguine that is just to die for:) For us, the grand finale was the Golden Chamber of Commerce booth. There were art pieces available from past events in Golden at incredible sale prices. Two caught our eye, one was a red barn reminiscent of Swedish country scenes; and the other was of a local railroad museum scene. I can’t wait till my next visit to see what delectable treats wait for us in Golden.

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And so the weekend began with the traditional outdoor barbecue with the neighbors. Matt hosted this time, as he had finally completed renovation of the garage. It was the envy of the neighborhood with epoxy floors, textured walls, ceiling fans, complete with a/c and heating. Perfect timing for an outdoor barbecue with all the trimmings. He cooked and they came, to sample Texas-style brisket with locally brewed Coors to wash it down, of course. As the cul de sac neighbors visited, the wind picked up, and the temperatures dropped. By the end of the night, everyone’s yard was coated in a winter wonderland from the first snow of the season. In fact, the temperature spiraled from a balmy mid-90’s to low 30’s in just a few hours. Bo and Hanna woke the next morning to a wonderland of sledding and snowmen.

The house was so warm and cozy by the fireplace, it was like a new and different world from the 90 plus degree heat we had been dealing with for months. Just one small problem, Mamou (that’s me) only brought shorts and sundresses. Ika and I didn’t mind a shopping trip to Colorado Mills Mall for some warmer attire. Eddie Bauer had a 75% off sale! What perfect timing for new jeans and a great new fur lined coat. After everyone suited up for the snow, Bo insisted on his swing time, regardless of that cold white stuff he had to sit on. He’s definitely a Colorado kid. Can’t wait to strap some skis on he and his sister Hanna. With any luck, they will get their mama’s talent for skiing, not their Mamou’s:)

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