My memories instant recall function failed me a minute ago but upon reflection I remember that a number of significant things happened in the past week.

The first important happening was the purchase of a new computer. Leah and I decided that the ratio of our computer's performance to the amount of work that we do on the computer had gotten far too low. So a "new" iMac should be here tomorrow. Apple was selling refurbished models for a good deal less money than new ones so we bought one. Leah must have access to a number of design programs that have special requirements in terms of memory and performance. This new machine will certainly take care of her and allow her to do what she does best.

The second biggie was the one year mark for Leah and I. That was very cool. We give ourselves a two day period from which we can choose the most convenient day in advance. This worked out great this time because the date fell on Saturday. Leah actually had to work on Saturday so I went for a bike ride as usual. We celebrated by dining out at a new restaurant. The choice was Italian so we went to the highest rated Italian place in town. If it was up to us their ratings would go down a few notches. It was good but different. The sauces were very spicy and it was clearly Tex-Italian. Mounds of cheese and extra meat. We had a great time regardless and followed it up with some snicker-doodle ice cream. All in all a memorable and fun night.

Sunday started pretty slowly and didn't really speed up all that much as the time passed. We went for a walk at about 11am but we succumbed to the heat after about 15 minutes. As a result Leah went to the gym and I went for a mountain bike ride. That was about the closest to heat stroke that I've been yet:) Haha. It really is hot here.

The third and arguably most important happening was Leah being contacted by an art director at a design firm. The firm's name is Latinworks. They specialize in corporate advertisements for recognizable names such as Burger King, Budweiser and Lowes amongst many. Leah got put in touch with the art director through, I think, a friend of a friend of Leah's Aunt Doris. She is lined up to schedule a meeting sometime next week to feel out for any opportunities. We are crossing our fingers and hoping for good news.

Number four is that we just booked tickets to Denver for July 24-31. I have a break for about two and a half weeks and that will be it until Christmas vacation. We decided that it would be a smart and welcome time to go for a trip. Neither Leah nor I have been to the Rockies in the summer recently enough to remember it and I haven't even met Chris' son Riley. We will be hanging out with Chris in Denver for a couple of days and then heading up to Breckenridge to stay in a condo very graciously offered by Dr. Lane.

Other than those four items of significance, nothing major has occurred. Our plants are growing nicely. The trumpet creeper is still attracting a few clever and relentless ants that have found ways around my barriers. We may be smart and somewhat clever but insects have a mindless determination that is tough to beat. It has also attracted a hummingbird that visits regularly. Make that two hummingbirds, playing as I write. Reminds me of sitting at the cottage and watching the feeder in the pine tree...

With luck we'll be checking back in about a week with more exciting news.

Love Jay and Leah