December 29, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Denver had a White Christmas

Usually Denver does not have snow on Christmas day. This year, 2014, Christmas day started with temperatures in the upper 40 degrees. By mid afternoon, snow flurries arrived. This is what we saw the next morning.

Before the snow ended December 26, we had more than 6 inches

Even plants were covered with fluffy snow. There was more than 6 inches in our yard. So pretty.

Yesterday, I, Zeb the Duck, Soapy Smith Duck, and our Alaska cousin, Eider Duck, went through a couple of canyons. We went through Coal Creek Canyon and also Boulder Canyon. We just wanted to see some snow in the mountains and a sign that winter was on the way. Maybe a different day we will go to the ski slopes, but this was just a peaceful drive. These snowy trees welcomed the blue sky peeking through the clouds.

The sun is trying to clear the clouds

A little precipitation is starting now. We ducks all sat in the snow to admire this lake.

Winter lakes are beautiful

The lake is beginning to freeze, the temperature was 17 degrees, but the wind was cold. Snowy mountains form the walls of the canyon.

Canyon wall of rock with snow

We liked the snow partially covering these rocks.

Snow is accumulating on the mountain

Here, the beautiful blue Colorado sky provides a perfect backdrop for these mountains.

Isn’t the blue sky beautiful?

The rivers and creeks, with patches of snow, are beginning to freeze.

This creek will soon be frozen

Winter has arrived in the Colorado mountains. We hope you will enjoy this season.

November 10, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Veteran’s Day Festival 2014

Saturday, November 8, 2014 we went to Denver’s Civic Center Park for a festival. This festival was for American veterans.

Veteran’s Day

The parade was in the morning, followed by the festival. It was fun. We like veterans. They protect the freedom we all enjoy.

We saw military vehicles.

We like it!

This one should not drive on the highway.

This soldier was very nice to us, also

It is a M29C Weasel, from 1944, and built by Studebaker. It was used in World War II. Look at these tires.

This is fabulous

We liked all of these.

The people at Rocky Mountain Honor Flight had a great booth. They accept donations to take veterans, mostly World War II Veterans, to Washington D.C. to see the monuments dedicated to themselves, the American heroes. The veterans do not pay for this trip, and if necessary a Guardian companion is provided for them. This poster shows some veterans in Washington D.C. from prior trips.

Rocky Mountain Honor Flight

For more information about Rocky Mountain Honor Flight, visit www.rockymountainhonorflight.org.

More groups help veterans. We like people helping the veterans that preserve our life style. We saw and heard this band.

Almost cut his hat off

The played while many veterans were eating. Of course, I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck, and our moms also wanted to eat. We tried one of the food trucks. Look at these sandwiches.

We love big sandwiches

They were delicious. You may have noticed our new duck relatives. Our moms purchased them from another group that helps veterans.

Meet Candy Cane Duck and Gingerbread Duck

We welcome Gingerbread Duck and Candy Cane Duck to the family.

Saturday was a warm, sunny day for a parade and festival. We hope you had a good weekend and attended a Veteran’s Day activity. Veteran’s Day is Tuesday, November 11, but many cities celebrate the Saturday before the holiday.

We love America

November 1, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Day of the Dead

I, Zeb the Duck and Soapy Smith Duck, visited the Mexican Cultural Center on Leetsdale Drive in Denver. We saw ofrentas.

A large ofrenta

This weekend is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. People in Mexico and other parts of the world, welcome the returning spirits of deceased family members and friends.

Preparing for the spirit’s return, many people go to the cemeteries to be sure things are tidy there. At home, the ofrenta is set up.

Preparing for returning spirits

This is a tribute to the deceased. The ofrenta features the four elements of water, fire, wind and earth. Water is often placed in clay pitchers. Fire is represented by candles. The papel picado signifies the wind. Earth is shown through food, usually bread called pan de muerto.

The ofrenta also has things that the deceased enjoyed during their life on earth.

Ofrenta for returning spirits

Other food, other beverages, toys, cigars, tobacco, or cards are usually on the ofrenta. Sometimes photogaphs are displayed. There are bright flowers.

Ofrenta with skeleton person and flowers

The cempasuchitl, a type of marigold that is native to Mexico is the dominant flower of this celebration. This tradition has been carried on for over 2500 years. Some sources say almost 4000 years. This is a very important holiday for many people.

We, Zeb and Soapy, really liked seeing the ofrentas.

Celebrating Day of the Dead

The people are shown as skeletons. The people do not fear death. It is a part of the cycle of life.

Decorations

Typical decorations for this holiday include skeletons, particularly skulls. They make sugar skulls, often with a person’s name on the skull. This is a very festival holiday.

Day of the Dead is very festive time

I hope you can see some events or decorations this weekend for the Day of the Dead holiday.

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 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 1, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Julia Blackbird’s New Mexican Cafe

I, Zeb the Duck, love to go out for lunch. I went to Julia Blackbird’s in Denver.

Julia Blackbird’s New Mexican Cafe for lunch

We met two of mom’s friends and my friend, Channel. Remember Chanel, the cute little bear. I met her in Cuba last winter. She ate at the restaurant with us.

Julia Blackbird’s is set back from the street. This patio is so nice. Channel and I, Zeb the Duck, are at a table on the right.

Nice patio

There is a small bar out here also. Perfect for a summer evening. If you are finished eating and wish to relax with a margarita, this looks like the spot.

Zeb and Channel waiting for an after meal drink

Entering the café this lobby is decorated with items from New Mexico.

Nice lobby

We entered the restaurant and chose a table near another fireplace.

We liked the decorations

It was a warm day so there were no fires burning, as we admired the decorations. Julia told us about trips to New Mexico purchasing the decorations. Yes, the Julia that owns this café. I like it when we talk to the owners because that indicates they really care about customers. Julia has owned and managed Julia Blackbird’s New Mexican Café for 15 years.

The bar looks very cheerful,

Bar for humans

but Channel and I did not order a margarita. Near the entrance to the café, we watched this lady cook our food.

Our food was freshly cooked right here as we watched

Very fresh! Here is our food. It looks great. Two ladies ordered Tres Hermanas, which were 3 blue corn enchiladas: One chicken with green chili, 1 beef with red chili, one cheese with chili Caribe with beans, posole and a warm tortilla. One lady ordered tacos that were 2 flash fried blue corn tortillas with beef and topped with lettuce, pico and queso.

Looks and tastes fabulous

Two ladies drank peach flavored ice tea and one had a diet coke.

We liked Julia and her Julia Blackbird’s New Mexican Café. We think you will enjoy your meal there also. The café is located at 3434 W 32^nd Avenue in Denver, Colorado.

September 29, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Denver’s Oktoberfest

I, Zeb the Duck, Soapy Smith Duck, our moms and Soapy’s dog Stevie went to Denver’s Oktoberfest.

Welcome to Denver Oktoberfest

A really great festival! We watched the keg bowling.

We like keg bowling

This man pushes the keg with wheels down the road trying to knock down the empty kegs at the end. He did pretty well, too. Look at these great signs put up especially for this festival.

New signs for Oktoberfest.

Now we can find things. There were a lot of people here and everybody seemed to enjoy this accordion music.

Accordions have a different sound–we like them

After 2 weekends of festivities, Sunday was the last day of Denver’s Oktoberfest. And the day featured the German wiener dogs. There was the Long Dog Derby. This is a wiener dog race. The dogs were divided into categories based on age and also a category for those with disabilities, such a cart for legs. One owner holds the dog at the starting gate.

Getting ready

Then the countdown and the dogs begin to race.

Well, some of them race

This guy is running to the finish line,

Adorable

but watching the crowd also. Another human is at the finish line urging the dogs to run faster and reach the finish line quickly.

Finish fast

Many of the dogs wore costumes. Here are just a few of the many adorable dogs we saw. Click on any photo to enlarge it.

In bikinis. Let’s go to the beach

Lounging at the information booth

Dressed to go out for the day

Patriotic dog with cart

So cute

His hat slid. Fantastic dog

Cute girl

Proud with his green hat

The winner of the costume contest

This dog, with a jockey on his back, won the costume contest. This guy was just too tired to walk further.

How about a ride

They do have short legs.

We saw, and smelled, wonderful food. There were trays of strudel, hundreds of brats, hot dogs, schnitzel, and those wonderful large soft German pretzels. Look at this pizza and those huge pieces of Rice Krispie candy.

We are hungry

This food is ready to eat! Our moms took us to the Ginn Mill.

We like the Ginn Mill

We could take our street food inside, order drinks and eat inside. We went to their covered patio to enjoy food and drink.

Great patio

And, they let Soapy’s dog Stevie come in with us. She ate some of our food and had her own bowl of cold water. This was a great day for us. Don’t wait too long to attend a festival near you.

Refreshments anyone?

Summer is over and soon we may see snow and cold weather. We enjoy being outside when we can and hope you do too.

September 15, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Festival Italiano

I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck went to Belmar in Lakewood, Colorado for the 11th annual Festival Italiano.

So many people. A popular festival

There was so much Italian stuff. This booth had art.

Villa Reale in Lucca, Italy by Emi Kanan

I really liked this painting of Villa Reale in Lucca, Italy by Emi Kanan. There were two stages with live performances. The Torino Stage featured Don D’Angelo with a tribute to Frank Sinatra.

Don D’Angelo singing Frank Sinatra songs

Don sang several songs made popular by Frank Sinatra. We liked him! At the other end of the street we found Milano Stage.

Rumble Seat group performing

The featured group was Rumble Seat. They were excellent. Mom liked the old songs and so did we ducks.

Walking through these balloons,

Balloons the colors of the Italian flag

we discovered the children’s area. Our favorite there was the Children’s Grape Stomp.

Such fun!

Young humans, with clean feet, get in the area with grapes and stomp to juice the grapes.

Stomping grapes

When the young ones are finished, they wash their feet here.

Clean up station

This event is sponsored by Balistreri Vineyards,

Balistreri Vineyards sponsored this event

a local, family owned winery.

This display was great. These are real people.

These people are alive

The people stayed here while the flag throwers from Florence, Italy performed. This area was really crowded. Like all festivals, there were many venders. Lots of really good Italian food and gelato. Mouth watering aromas were everywhere. Also we browsed in the craft area. We liked this pottery from Tesori Italian Pottery.

Tesori Italian Pottery available here.

We watched some of the Bocce tournament.

Our first Bocce tournament

You roll the Bocce, a 4 ½ inch ball weighing 3 pounds as close as possible to the pallino, a 1 ¾ inch ball which is rolled down the alley first. The bocce closest to the pallino wins.

This chalk art was good.

We like chalk art

We watched some of it being created. This was a great festival. For more information visit http://www.balistrerivineyards.com

August 29, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Swing Thai for Dinner

Soapy Smith Duck and I, Zeb the Duck had dinner at Swing Thai.

Great sign

There are 4 locations in Denver; we dined at 845 Colorado Boulevard. These are locally owned restaurants. Our moms went also. First we order a pot of Jasmine tea.

We love Jasmine tea

It was so good. While our dinner was being prepared, we admired this wall.

Tranquil and exotic

Our moms have visited Thailand, before we ducks joined the family. Soapy and I also loved the picture.

Here is our dinner.

We want to try everything

There is Massaman curry with tamarin, coriander, potato, onion and peanuts. The brown rice is added to the curry dish. We have chicken satay with peanut sauce. The chicken spring rolls are rolled in rice paper. Everything was so good. Tasty, but not too spicy. We sat in a booth for dinner, but there is a bar in the front of the restaurant. Soapy and I loved the fish lanterns hanging over the bar.

Great lights for the bar area

The people were so nice here also. If you have dinner at Swing Thai, you will really like it. Check out their website at SwingThai.com

August 27, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed Exhibit

Sunday I, Zeb the Duck and Soapy Smith Duck visited the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

We can learn about the Maya culture.

Sunday was the last day for the exhibit Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed, and our moms took us to see the exhibit. It was wonderful.

We liked this stela dedicated to the Quirigua’s most important king, K’ah’ Tiliw Chan Yo’at meaning, “Fire burning Celestial Lightning God.

Stela for most important Quirigua king

By holding a jaguar headed throne made at the dawn of the universe, he aligns himself with the creative powers of the Maize God. All the artifacts had signs explaining what we were seeing. Quirigua is a Mayan site in southeast Guatemala.

This is a Mayan altar.

Mayan altar. Used for special occasions

The altars commemorated important occasions and served as the settings for elaborate sacrifices, including human offerings, to the gods.

Another side of altar. Human sacrifices? Not duck sacrifices!

Throughout the exhibit, we watched short videos. They were very interesting.

This artifact was displayed in a case.

Maya King

The accompanying sign explains the importance of this statue. Copan ruins are in western Honduras near the Guatemala border.

About king from Copan

Did you know that the Mayan people invented the bouncing rubber ball? They did. The Spaniards were so impressed with the bouncing ball and the games played that they took a ball team to Spain to perform for Spanish royalty. The ball was made with liquid from the rubber tree.

Collecting latex from rubber tree

To make a bouncing rubber ball, the Maya cooked latex from the rubber trees with juice from the morning glory vine. Experts shaped the elastic mixture into spheres or pulled it into strips that they wound into balls.

This rubber ball is very heavy. It weighs 8 pounds.

8 pound rubber ball

We also saw clothing, cooking utensils, knife blades, tombs and jewelry. The Mayan exhibit has left Denver now and is going to Boston. If this exhibit comes to your area, you would like to see it. This was on the front of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

Promo for Maya exhibit

Please go to any exhibit that comes to your town. We see many of them and they are all very interesting. You will enjoy visiting these exhibits.

Museum exhibits are wonderful

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