Welcome to a midday jaunt to Palmer Lake a week or two ago, the sky ultra clear, sharpening the edges of our vision. We wandered a bit, spying one of the best street names ever, walked around the namesake lake, sipped iced lattes at the Speed Trap, and had a rather nice bit of lunch. Our sweet Juni B. was a near secret diner (such fine table manners she has!) at The Stube, an adorable and delightfully delicious stop.

This morning’s sky stands in stark contrast – smoke filled from a host of blazes and completely obscuring Pike’s Peak. Heart broken at the devastation. Saying prayers for western rain and eastern calm. My beloved country is falling apart…