Another two weeks

So the time finally came for Mormor to go home. These weeks have gone so fast!

Against all odds we had a good time. I say that somewhat as a joke but also seriously since my mom and I have a typical mother-daughter relationship and too long in the same room has not always been a good thing.

But maybe, just maybe I am growing up?!

So, what did we do while she was here? Besides forcing her to live in a construction zone while our kitchen got finished.. She also got to spend one day at my work, she got to hear more fighting from my kids than she had bargained for..
We had a lot of good talks, both about my growing up, how I am coping as a mom of four strong willed children, one a teenager, and also about politics.

I am also posting some good pictures. We took so many more, this is just a small sampling.

Mom and me at the top of pikes Peak. Man, were we lucky with the weather. I have not been up there since my dad and both sisters were here many years ago. That time we had a full blown snow storm on top, only saw snow.. This time.. WOW!!! 28 degrees, some snow, warm sunshine!


Monument on other side of cafe.
View. Pictures does not do it justice. As mom said, they are just too small and flat.

Another monument at the summit. This one to honor Katharine Lee Bates and the hymn she wrote: America the Beautiful. This is what she saw, and it inspired her to write about this beautiful country!!
Look at this!!
The cog railway depot in Manitou Springs.

View from the Cog.
Windy Point. There once lived a family here, husband, wife and children. Wife even gave birth here.. crazy..
Lake on the mountain side.
Mom at the top!!

We also saw this beautiful castle in Manitou Springs. Miramont Castle. OK, so it does not have the size of a castle-coming from Europe.. But how many houses have a gold ceiling??
Yep, it is gold!!
Mom and kids in the Castle stair.
View from the Miramont Castle.
Amanda, so beautiful!!
Miramont Castle. Worth a visit, for sure!!
Kids in the basement.
Dressing up in firemen 's coats.
Fall leaves at Helen Hunt Falls.
Helen Hunt Falls.
Helen Hunt falls.

Ok, so some background for the next few pictures. Decided to take mom to Bishop's Castle. It is south of Pueblo, a somewhat different man... is building his own castle.

On the way there we stopped at Isabell Lake. Look at this!!
Not even a cloud in the sky, and no wind at all!!
Bishop's Castle. This is build by one man, on his own. He started building in 1969. He has no plans at stopping.
One of the towers.
Another view. With my fear of heights, all you get from me are ground pictures, but google and you can see pictures taken higher up.
This is his plans, with a full wall around the property....
Dragon at the hilt.
More of the castle.
His signs... He has big signs everywhere. No entrance fee, only voluntary donations.
Castle from the road.
Isabell Lake again. So beautiful!!

Thanks for the wonderful month you spent with us, mom. I love you!! The kids love and miss you!! Hopefully it will not be another few years until we see each other again!!