The Day Off

The day started off with Pumpkin waking up at 6:48 and making sure I got up as well. I was up and in his room without thinking and not really awake. I took care of him and hopped into the shower and was on the road by 7:30. My first stop was the Devil's Food Bakery.


I was early enough to snag a table outside where I could enjoy the coolness of the morning as I drank my French Blend Tea, a black tea with Jasmine, Lavender, and Rose. You've got to love anyplace with a four page Tea Menu. This is the wall separating the outdoor eating area from the alley behind it.

I decided to order something for breakfast that I had never had before, nor was likely to cook at home. I ordered the eggs and trout. (I've had trout before, but never for breakfast, just to clarify.) It came with scrambled free-range eggs, real breakfast potatoes, nitrate-free bacon, fresh baked bread and pan-fried trout. It was a lot of food, but delicious.

I sat visiting with ladies at the other table by mine and writing for a long time. It was relaxing, peaceful, and so nice to not have to constantly get up and get something for someone else. I can't remember the last time I was served breakfast--must have been just after Dumpling was born. Even when I have my own breakfasts in bed, I am the one who makes everything.

As I was leaving I picked up a cup of coffee and a fruit tart to go.

I walked around the little street looking into the shop windows and checking times when things would open. I then headed over to Washington Park.

I walked for miles around the park, taking pictures, sketching, and just enjoying the day. The flower gardens are amazing and such fun to amble through. It was warming up fast. After a few hours I decided to sit on a bench in the shade and just read and write for awhile. I have no idea how long I sat, just watching everyone go by, but it was wonderful.

I sat under this tree in the shade just relaxing, reading, writing, and people-watching. I also ate that tart and let me tell you, it was as good as it looked. Yum!!

After a few hours at the park I walked back to the shopping area and wandered through the stores. I then headed to another little district nearby where I enjoyed their shops and Farmer's Market and picked up some baby bok choy and a pot of rosemary.

After awhile I drove over to the antique district where I wandered in a out of shops I can't get a stroller into and had a ball. I found an exquisite antique lace full petticoat that fits me. Miracle. The handwork on it is amazing. I'll get some pictures, eventually.

Then I headed to another area just a few miles north that had seemed sort of "up and coming" a few years ago when I had last stopped by. It was however, now rather "down and out". I went into a few shops, but couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't too safe there, so I left.

I was on Broadway and Lincoln, so I drove through downtown. I got to see a few protesters there for the Democratic National Convention, but I think they were outnumbered by police and other security. After getting passed the crowds out for the Rockies game, I was finally back on the freeway and headed home.

I arrived at home at 3:30, just as the boys were getting up from naps. We played for awhile and I made calzones for dinner which we enjoyed while watching "Cranford". All in all, it was a wonderful day. Thank you, Sweetheart, for making it possible! I missed you!