October 23, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Diwali

Zeb the Duck here and want you to know that today, October 23, 2014 is the first day of Diwali. I just learned this. Diwali is the Festival of Light! Diwali, or Deepavali, is a religious holiday observed by Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain cultures. It is a celebration of the victory of good over evil the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of life.

To celebrate the five days of Diwali, people decorate their homes with lights, watch fireworks, wear new clothes and distribute gifs to friends and family members. It is also a time for prayer and religious rituals. Often the decorating lights are small oil lamps called diyas.

We learned this at www.punchbowl.com/holidays/diwali Thanks to punchbowl for teaching us about new holidays.

October 22, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Best Chocolate in Denver–4 years straight

We love chocolate! Zeb the Duck here and I just returned from Roberta’s Chocolates.

Roberta’s Chocolates in Denver

This store has everything. You can see they have the unusual also. It is close to Halloween, so this is a warning.

Yes. We want to enter

We dared and we entered. Look at this candy with Halloween decorations.

Happy and Sweet Halloween

Everywhere I looked I saw tempting treats. You have to see this and buy some.

Yum

You will love it. Roberta even has Bronco themed candy.

Always a reason for chocolate

You know that the Denver Broncos are having a great football season. Sunday Peyton Manning, the quarterback, shattered the record for the most touchdown passes in NFL history. So Bronco candy is a sweet success.

Near this ghost and scarecrow, you can drool over the selection of fudge.

Even the ghost and scarecrow love this creamy fudge

We received some of this fudge as a gift a few months ago. It is delicious. A few weeks ago we sent some of Roberta’s fudge to our Alaska cousin, Eider Duck, in North Pole, Alaska. Eider and the humans loved this fudge. You should know that all the candy is made right here in this building. Roberta makes some candy. While we were there she had 2 employees making candy. Fresher is better. The selection of truffles (on the left) is large and delicious.

Pick your favorites. Truffles on the left, creams and nuts on the right

On the right you can see the chocolate creams and nuts. This store has so many different kinds of chocolate. Everywhere you look is another sweet treat. Roberta has been satisfying the chocolate cravings of Denver since 1995. Roberta’s Chocolate won the Best Chocolate category in the Denver A-List competition—for the 4^th year in a row. The people of Denver vote, so we definitely think this is the best chocolate in town. When we were here a few weeks ago, Roberta told us she recently signed another multi year lease. We will be enjoying Roberta’s fresh chocolates for many years to come.

This sign made us smile,

So true

and it is so true. Roberta said I could sit on her car.

What a fun car

This is a great car for a great product. Of course we did not go to Roberta’s just to tell you about it. We brought some wonderful chocolate home. One box is a gift and one is for us.

Home sweet home is sweeter now

For more information, visit www.RobertasChocolates.com or even better, visit Roberta’s Chocolates at 4840 W 29^th Avenue, Denver, Colorado. You will be so happy.

October 20, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Riverside Park in Fort Morgan, Colorado

I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck stopped in Fort Morgan, Colorado.

Fort Morgan in eastern Colorado

We discovered Riverside Park. Trees, a lake with a fountain and many geese and ducks, lots of green grass, a playground and picnic tables. All this peacefulness is just a block from I-76.

Lake with fountains

When driving on I-76 stop here, relax, have a picnic, enjoy this park.

These ducks came out of the lake to meet us.

Ducks meeting ducks

When they realize we were not lunch, they became our friends. We like the picnic tables by the lake, but if you want shade or shelter from rain,

Eat in the shade on a hot summer day

this pavilion is perfect.

Little humans have so many choices for climbing and playing here.

Great playground equipment for small humans–and 2 ducks.

We tried the slide. It is fun!

This is fun!

There is a swimming pool, closed for the season, and a basketball court.

Many slides for this swimming pool

We really like this park. So do our distant relatives.

So many birds to watch

We hope you enjoy Riverside Park, either as a destination, or driving through on I-76. Stop for a break here.

October 18, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Little Man Ice Cream

Humans love ice cream and so do ducks. I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck went back to the Highlands neighborhood of Denver and we ate ice cream. We stopped at the 27-foot, 7 ton, cream can.

Little Man Ice Crream

This is Little Man Ice Cream place. The ice cream is very smooth and tasty. The humans were all smiling as they ate. They have some unusual flavors.

Ice cream flavors

We sampled and then purchased Salted Maple Pecan. Remembering the creamy texture and great flavor makes me want to go back now.

Little Man Ice Cream opened in 2008.

Story behind Little Man Ice Cream

This sign tells a little about them. During certain times, this mobile unit is helping more people enjoy ice cream.

Ice cream on the go

Little Man Ice Cream serves many people. Plenty of seating is available.

Cozy seating

Since it is now October, the seating areas are decorated with bales of hay or straw and many, many pumpkins. It is so festive! We loved it at Little Man Ice Cream. The seating area away from the street featured this great mural.

Ice cream and a great mural

Human kids even have a slide to play on after eating ice cream.

Slide and ice cream for young humans

There is a lot of seating, but it is separated so each area is cozy and friendly. This place is great.

The Scoop for Scoop Program means for every scoop of ice cream sold here, Little Man Ice Cream donates a 3-ounce scoop of rice/beans to developing countries around the world. As Little Man Ice Cream says, “Making a Difference Has Never Tasted So Good.”

Little Man Ice Cream is a great place.

Visit Little Man Ice Cream this autumn

When you are in the Highland neighborhood of Denver, be sure to visit. For more information visit www.littlemanicecream.com

October 17, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Pope Farms Pumpkin Patch in Wiggins, Colorado

It is October and we have many pumpkin patches to visit. I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck, went to eastern Colorado. We stopped at Pope Farms in Wiggins, Colorado.

Pope Farms in Wiggins, Colorado with Zeb and Soapy

There is a pumpkin patch here. This is also a real farm. They sell fresh vegetables here. But in October things are ready for Halloween. Look at all these bales of hay and so many pumpkins.

WOW Hay and pumpkins

This smaller tractor pulls these cars, painted like cows, and small humans can ride in them.

Small humans can have so much fun here

So much fun. You can see that the corn is real tall.

Tall corn back there

Just perfect for a corn maize. The bigger tractor pulls this wagon,

Humans can have a hay ride

usually lined with hay, for a ride around the farm. These pumpkins are still growing.

Orange and white pumpkins still on the vines

It is a good thing that they are big and bright colors. Humans can easily find and pick them. Look at these bales of hay.

Zeb and Soapy are on the ground in front of this hay.

Just to show you how big they are, the yellow spots on the ground are us, Zeb and Soapy. Hope they do not fall.

We hope you visit a pumpkin patch this October. This is a nice one, but if you don’t live here, visit one near you. They are fun!

Autumn fun!

October 15, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Colors of Autumn near Denver 2014

Today, Tuesday, was a beautiful fall day in Colorado. I, Zeb the Duck, was in the car with mom as she drove around town doing errands.

Fall colors with mountains behind

We stopped to take some pictures, but I did not get in any photos.

Spectacular view today. New snow on Continental Divide.

Just scenery shots today. These photos are northwest of Denver, and probably within 5 miles of downtown Denver.

We love to see this every day

We like to show you the beauty of Colorado.

Street in Denver suburb. We love the snow capped mountains.

These trees are turning colors and as you can see, most of the leaves are still on the trees.

Looking up

The fall mums add more color for the season.

Bright mum planted on a street corner.

A few more photos near Indian Tree Golf Club in Arvada. JB Duck’s dad and his friends have golfed here.

Indian Tree Golf Club

Pond and fountain near Indian Tree Golf Club

The sky is so blue.

Golf courses are pretty

Leaves turning and blue sky

We have not had a hard freeze or heavy snow yet, so the leaves have not been damaged. So far, the snow and freezing temperatures have been limited to the mountains. Tuesday was sunny and 70 degrees. Wednesday, as you read this, we expect to reach 80 degrees with sun again. We encourage you to look for fall colors and enjoy the colors of autumn everywhere.

October 13, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Columbus Day 2014

Today, Monday, is the official holiday of Columbus Day. The traditional holiday is October 12. Columbus Day commemorates the arrival of the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria ships in the New World.

Sailing toward new lands

Crossing the Atlantic Ocean

We, the Colorado Traveling Ducks, and our humans, wish you a very good day!

October 11, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Elk Fest 2014 in Estes Park, Colorado

It is Elk Fest time. I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck with our moms and Soapy’s dog Steve, went to Estes Park, Colorado.

We love Estes Park, Colorado

Elk Fest is a great time in Estes Park. The elk often come right into town. It is also mating season for elk, so sometimes we hear elk bugling. Estes Park has a couple entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park, so the setting is gorgeous and the wildlife plentiful.

Estes Park is also home to the Stanley Hotel, featured in the movie The Shining.

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado

The hotel is very nice, but why so many cars here today?

Elk herd at the Stanley

Now we know. The elk herd is lounging and grazing at the grounds of the Stanley. This one huge bull elk guards the many cows, or girl elk.

This bull is in charge of the herd. Busy guy!

As you can see, Colorado Division of Wildlife has tagged some of the elk.

Elk are being monitored

We loved seeing so many elk in town today.

During Elk Fest there are booths and entertainment. These Indians were entertaining today.

Dancing and singing today

This is a sample of beadwork for sale.

Nice beadwork!

We expected to see elk and other animals, but this…

We loved this cow! Was near booths and entertainment.

We spotted the remains of a stone building on a hill, but this was at the beginning of the trail.

Must always be alert in mountains

With Steve on a leash, 2 ducks and 2 humans started up the mountain trail.

Over the bridge and up the mountain trail

The ruins were nice to see.

Very picturesque. Love the fireplace

The hike was fun.

Beautiful area

Several other humans and dogs were visiting the area also. Heading back to the car to leave, Steve stops to look at the river.

Stevie is such a good girl!

Even though Elk Fest was last weekend, the elk still come into Estes Park and many shops are open. If you can, visit Estes Park soon. The elk will probably be in town and the scenery is spectacular.

Plenty of wild elk in the area. Come see them soon.

October 10, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Dachshunds wear party hats

We had a birthday this week. JB Duck’s dad had a birthday Wednesday. His two wiener dogs (or dachshunds) wore party hats for the celebration.

Frank with her party hat

Hickory with his party hat

The moon also celebrated the birthday. Early in the morning, just before sunrise we saw the blood moon. We were outside at 4:45 a.m. looking at the Blood Moon. But, mom’s photos were terrible.

Blood Moon photo from internet

This photo was on the internet, but it is what we saw early Wednesday morning. Blood Moon is the name for the lunar eclipse where the light and shadows caused the moon to look red. Then Wednesday night, we admired the full moon.

Full moon for birthday evening

This was all a celebration for JB Duck’s dad’s birthday.

October 8, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

The Mask Project

Denver Hospice’s major fundraiser is The Mask Project displayed at Cherry Creek Shopping Mall. I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck went with our moms to see the masks.

About 580 masks were displayed

These masks are made and donated by celebrities, sports figures, politicians, artists and recognized members of the community. This charity art auction was conducted online. The bidding ended Sunday, October 5, 2014. Some of the masks may still be viewed at www.TheMaskProject.org

Soapy with a few masks

We, Zeb and Soapy, want to show you a few of our favorites. Some of the photos were taken at the display at Cherry Creek Mall and some were from the Internet. This mask of the elephant is by Carlie Wagner.

By Carlie Wagner

Carlie is a grief counselor and art therapist at Denver Hospice. Carlie works with children and adults who are grieving.

Charo donated this mask. Charo is one of a few people in show business to be recognized by one name. She is a musician, singer, comedienne, stage and screen performer. Charo is an integral proponent of contemporary Latin music. Charo’s complete name is Charo Espana.

Donated by Charo

We really like this bright mask.

This friendly dog mask was created by Darrell Swink. Darrell is a graduate of the Colorado Institute of Art with a degree in Graphic Art/Design.

Donated by Darrell Swink

The mask highlights the dog’s spirit of play and happiness.

Pauline Savage created and donated this mask. We like the feather on the hat and the glasses.

One of 4 masks donated by Pauline Savage

Pauline brought her business, Savage Design Studio to Littleton, Colorado. Pauline created and donated 4 masks.

Dennis Leczinski, a fulltime interior designer in Denver has been painting with stamp collage concepts since 1967. This mask, created and donated, by Dennis Leczinski comes with an additional premium.

One of 3 donated by Dennis Leczinski

The winning bidder also receives a travel certificate for a 6 night South African Safari at a Zulu Nyala Lodge in South Africa.

This mask, Digital Forensics, was created and donated by Mitchell Morrissey, Denver’s District Attorney.

Digital Forensics donated by Mitchell Morrissey

Mr. Morrissey is known for his expertise in DNA technology. Digital forensics is the forensic science, which enables the recovery and analysis of material found in digital devices. This science helps to unmask perpetrators and expose criminal behavior.

Dr. Ted Parks, the creator of this mask, is an orthopedic surgeon and inventor in Denver.

Donated by Dr. Ted Parks

This mask shows beneath surface beauty there are complex and fascinating systems at work.

We liked seeing all the masks, about 580 of them. This event is held every two years, so we hope to see you at The Mask Project in 2016.

Join Soapy and Zeb in 2016

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