ravencajun....I've LIVED in Manitou Springs for 23 years now. Lived in Colorado Springs & Boulder, nearby, before that. There are NO gold mines. Maybe your thinking of Mollie Kathleen mine in Cripple Creek? There used to be a spa there in the middle of town, which is now where Adams Cafe is located. This was the epicenter of the flood last year.....due to the fires devasting the area around us. We are now making history as a town that sells pot.

Casey just had to say that is an awesome shot and one I envy...kind of LOL It is here -29 or so with the wind chill, I can't imagine what it was like at Cape Spear. Great shot....as are the others :)

socks, yes I do wear my pins. Of course I have favorites that I wear often and then some that haven't been worn for years. I have not read Madeline Albrights book. I remember putting it on my Christmas list at the time it was published, didn't get it then and had completely forgotten about it. Thanks Casey and socks for reminding me. I will be on a hunt for it. Alisande, great site your amber jewelry friends have. I found several things to think about for future gift giving. Lots of info on the site, thanks for posting it. Caflowerluver, love your Doxies too!

ha! My brain short-cutted through some letters and first read jim's description as manzanita trees, and I thought. "No they aren't." Love the twisting growth.