2020: A Year of COVID and Masks

I thought 2016 was the worst year of my life, because both my parents died that year. 2016 was just the start of things to come, because in the four years since, America gained a dictator and I had several other personal setbacks.

That led into 2020, where the political upheaval continues, and the COVID-19 pandemic hit us all hard. I thought wearing a mask would only be a short time, but as it turned out, it hasn't. What started as a hindrance has become a daily fact-of-life routine. I don't  leave my apartment without a mask, and rarely take it off in public.

Attached is a picture of my ever-growing, 30+ mask collection. Depending on what I'm wearing and my mood, my masks have become a reflection of me, since people can't see my facial expressions. Sometimes the mask conveys what I'm thinking about them!

The Science Behind Pixar - Part Deux

The first time I saw this exhibit was in Minnesota in 2017 (see The Science of Pixar post dated August 3, 2017) with my friend, Sara. A lot has changed since then, as well as a few more Disney/Pixar movies.

The updated exhibit reflects that, two + years later, it still remains fun. There are so many interactive stations, you really can spend as much time as you want learning about what goes into making a Pixar movie. I love hearing stories of Pixar Cast Members, which can be found throughout the exhibit.

And as usual, there are plenty of photo ops. Witness those below.


The Science Behind Pixar is part of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and runs through April, 2020. To read more about it or to get tickets, click this link:

https://www.dmns.org/visit/exhibitions/the-science-behind-pixar/

DeVotchKa

This is the second year I've seen DeVotchKa, which means 'girl' in Russian, for their New Years Eve concert. They are from Denver, so they always come home for the holidays. The Bluebird Theatre is a great venue, and this year I was second in line, so I scored the same spot where I stood last year. 

I love all the band members, but Jeanie Schroder impresses me the most. She plays the tuba, bass, guitar and flute. What a talent!

To see the 2020 touring schedule for DeVotchKa, click here. 

I should also mention that I'm impressed with lead vocalist, Nick Urata. He plays the theremin! (You've heard it before in music by Disney, Star Trek, The Beach Boys, and many, many other examples.)

It's Not A Myth

The last Yelp Elite Event for 2019 was at Mythology Distillery. Founder Scott Yeates spent time talking to individual tables as well as to the group. It was cool to hear about his vision and how he plans to expand his market presence. He even served us drinks! 

Be sure to support this local business, and partake of the free distillery tour. Discover your spirit animal. Mine is rum!

https://www.mythologydistillery.com/

Just Around the Riverbend

Look what Pocahontas found! What are the odds?

Over the Shoulder Bouldering

A friend played hiking guide for a Sunday hike near Bailey, CO. About halfway into our hike, he surprised us by telling us we would be bouldering. I've never done that before, so I was a little nervous. While we didn't go all the way to the top, we did get a fair bit up, and the views were spectacular.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/rolling-creek-trail-via-colorado-trail

Thankfully, I had another tour guide who helped me along the way.

Walk, Don't Run!

This was my third 5k, but don't be impressed. I walked and didn't run. It was brutally hot and humid in the Texas sun. I only did it for the free sausage at the end of the walk!