Christmas in NC

A very merry Christmas with Mom, Dad and Clark in Durham!  This was taken on Christmas dinner at the McClays!

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree...

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you don't count the blow up tree (a Witzleben hand-me-down!) I haven't had a real Christmas tree in 7 years. On top of that- this first Christmas tree with Carson is very special.  From the prior post, you can see where we cut it down "ourselves" at the ranch- it has a couple more branches than the famous Charlie Brown tree.  It only took 100 lights and has a very minimal collection of ornaments (I counted 9 not including the filler disco balls) but we love it.  We also had extra garland for the mantle and Carson braved the snow last night to take some photos of the outside of our place.  I'm looking forward to a holiday gathering with friends later this week and of course home for the holidays in NC with my family.  Happy Holidays everyone!

Cutting down our Christmas Tree

Carson and I went to the Schmid family ranch to cut down our very own Christmas tree.  We got to pick it out from a patch of overgrown trees.  At first we wondered up to the 5 foot trees, but then we were directed to a patch of 20 foot trees.  After a brief moment of confusion on my part, we were told we would cut down the tree and then cut the bottom off to the height we wanted (keeping the top!)  We found a couple trees that we thought were nice (we were getting a friend a tree as well) and Greg brought over the chainsaw.  As you can see from the photos, it was a beautiful setting on Wilson Mesa with gorgeous views of Wilson peak.  We'll post more photos of our place and new home for the tree.  Tis the season!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carson's commute!

Here are a couple photos from today as I rode the gondola to visit Carson for lunch and a ski break.  Doesn't he have a beautiful commute?  I selfishly took a photo of the newspaper that a lot of folks in town pick up to read on the 13 minute ride.  The gondola is free to everyone and the only transportation system of its kind in North America (according to the Offical Vistors Guide).  The gondola climbs from the Town of Telluride at 8,750 elevation up to the top of Station St. Sophia (10,535 elevation) and back down to Mountain Village (where Carson works) at 9,540 ft.  My ears were feeling the change today!  It is as much a practical mode of transportation as a beautiful scenic experience.  These days since it's so cold, we're also taking the other free public mode of transportation- the "Galloping Goose" shuttle service that makes a loop around Telluride.  A little different from the buses and "L"s in Chicago... what is a ride going for these days?  I remember the days of $1.75 per ride and in 7 years it made it up to $2.25.  We love you Chi-town!

My new job!

Here is the Telluride Daily Planet location on main street (we're moving offices tomorrow to a bigger space which will be fun!)

Our new home!

We even have an outhouse!  We love our TeePee... come visit.  There is plenty of space and look at the views!

Where has a month gone..

For about a month now, I've thought of myself as a blogger but that's not the case. While I've intended to keeping friends and family posted on life here, I haven't posted that much. The truth is, there is too much to do here and my intent to blog has become less of a priority. Whether it is going for a hike or happy hour, I have been distracted and I will try to do better because this place is too damn cool, not to document all that is going on. There is ALWAYS something going on but don't be fooled- it's not the city that doesn't sleep :) I love sleep so much that our friends Beth and John have promised for Christmas they are getting us the "Hilary Sleeps on couches calendar!" They only have to take 9 more photos of me asleep on couches.

Every weekend has been an event... the first weekend I was here was Halloween where Carson and I dressed as the ever so popular couple "The Devil and Pippy Longstocking"... maybe next year we will coordinate. We had a fun time here in town at various parties. Two weeks ago was the ski swap where locals exchanged/sold ski gear and the proceeds went to the local radio station. And, last weekend which deserves a post all to itself, was Turkey Bingo where at the Elks Club, 12 of us in our group of friends didn't get lucky and win a turkey. We were busy blotting each other with ink pens and various other scandalous reports (none of which I've seen documented yet on film!)

Needless to say- we are staying busy and are extremely excited for ski season that starts on Thursday.

Winter wonderland...

 

 

 

 

 

SEACHANGE

My friend Beth has an exemplary vocabulary and has introduced me to the phrase- "Seachange" from Shakespeare's The Tempest. She has also introduced us to many other things like Speed Scrabble- a FANTASTIC game! Anyway- sea change is a good term to describe what I'm going through. It is defined as "a transformation" and at the same time I'm still the same Hilary. I'm finding myself open to trying new things like acupunture today. I don't have any results yet but I'll keep you posted

From 3 million to 3,000 (if that)!

On October 24 we moved from a city of 3 million people to a small town of 3,000 locals... Chicago to Telluride, Colorado.  It's definitely an adjustment!  Here are some notable differences:
Population- Chicago: 3 million in city vs. Town of Telluride: 2,500 locals (no more zeros)
Elevation- Chicago: 579 feet vs. Telluride: 8,750 feet
Price of gallon of milk- Chicago: $3.86 vs. Telluride: $2.99 (we love private label)
Average number of sunny days a year- Chicago: 84 vs. Telluride: 140
Time it takes to get across town- Telluride 15 minute walk, Chicago- depends :)
Average snow fall- Chicago: 38" vs. Telluride: 325"

The move... planes, trucks and snow tires!

Scott and his wife who drove our stuff

Leaving Chicago...

Moving is a strange thing- full of emotions but something that puts life into perspective. It has been a time in my life where I have been so overwhelmed with an outpouring of love and support from family and friends. Either people are really going to miss us or they are super excited about having a place to stay in the best ski town in America (or maybe a little of both!)

Just over a month ago, I decided to move to Telluride, Colorado with Carson. I guess it was a decision I had been making since we had been long distance the winter before and I visited Telluride 5 times. He has been in Chicago for 6 wonderful months in so we could be together in his off season April-October. We both love Colorado and decided to continue our adventure. During the decision making process, I had many sleepless nights and mornings where I would wake up at 5:30am heart racing with anticipation over the logistics but deep down, I knew I wanted this change.

I will not be a stranger to Chicago- I love life there. So many memories were made, friendships bloomed, seasons changed, winters dragged on, summers made me smile, professional lives thrived, families took me in, friends found love, volunteering was rewarding, brothers flew up for wintery birthday visits, mom and daughters walked arm-in-arm, dads took for bonding dinners, afternoons were spent in Wrigley, the sun glistened on the lake during morning bike rides, restaurants and bars were frequented, doormen gave hugs, teams were formed for flag football, softball and beach volleyball, blizzards fell, friends got married, picnics were enjoying during live concerts... I could go on-and-on about memories I will cherish here. And, we have made the most of our last couple of days here going back to our old stomping grounds. We've enjoyed a week of going away celebrations, lunches, coffees, houseparties, nights in dive bars, chili suppers and making time for one-more-hug. I promise to return. We've also promised to host in our second bedroom and pull-out-couch year round here in Telluride.

As my dad said, there are moments in life not to be missed, and I'm staring one right in the face. And now, as boxes fill the high rise apartment- my studio home for the past 7 years, I have a long couple days ahead. I'll treasure my last night's sleep here excited for the new life that awaits but sad to be leaving Chicago.