Tuesday, August 26, 2008

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!

15 comments:

Carrie said...

What a lovely day!!

Anonymous said...

Now that's what I call a nice day!!!!
Diane

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

That sounds like a beautiful (and delicious) kind of day. :)

When my daughter was just a baby, I looked forward to one evening a week when my husband would watch her while I went to a local restaurant and had decaf coffee, wrote letters (this was before the Internet), or just read awhile. It was only by doing this that I could go back refreshed.

Hmmmm... perhaps a visit to Colorado is in my future.

Joanne : The Simple Wife said...

Sounds perfectly lovely! I'm so glad you had a great day all to yourself!

Adrienne said...

Kimberly -
Your day sounds perfect! I'm so glad you were able to relax and enjoy time to yourself. A rare commodity for a mother of little ones. When my two were very small my 'hiding place' was the public library. One evening a week my sweetheart basically told me to disappear and leave things to him. And he always did 'night duty' one night a week when our daughter was tiny so I could sleep through an entire night once a week. Such a treat.
~Adrienne~

Teri H said...

What a wonderful day! And I was just thinking last week that I need to make an outing to Wash Park... hmmm... great minds think alike, huh?
=)

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful day. It all looks very beautiful.

Raquel said...

Sounds like a perfect day! So glad that you were able to enjoy a day out alone! I think every woman needs that once in a while! Anxious to see pics of petticoat! Much love, Raquel XO

Kelli said...

Thank you for sharing your lovely day with us, Kimberly! I have the new Victoria magazine too. Isn't it wonderful?!
~Kelli

Marqueta (Mar-kee-ta) G. said...

Hi there!

You have a lovely blog, which I discovered through "Eyes of Wonder"-Literally!

It sounds like a fun time you had, and the petticoat sounds like a dream.

~Marqueta

Anonymous said...

I'm trying to come up with a different word than others have used, but "lovely" just seems the best choice.
I hope you can have more days like this-how wonderful.
:)

Susan said...

Sigh.

:)

Teri H said...

My sister and I are going to the Sweet William Market this Saturday. Will you be there?

Teri

Kimberly said...

Yes!!!! My mom, the boys and I will come!

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, I want to know where in CO. the Devil's Food Bakery is and also Washington Park. I live northeast, near Fort Collins and would love to try the teas at the bakery. I am going to Berry Patch Farm tomorrow with my daughter, Carrie of Dumptrucks and Teacups.
Blessings to you Kimberly. My other daughter's name is Kimberly also.
Noreen

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