Colorado really is a different state of mind. The “Rocky Mountain high” jokes just write themselves.
We had a pretty great weekend getaway. Many highlights, but Built to Spill the first night had to be tops. We even got Doug Martsch to sign a concert poster for us. Had to endure an eye roll to get it, but that wasn’t particularly surprising given that Doug is the antithesis of a rock star. This is a guy who probably drives a 20 y/o Volvo and shops for boxed mac ‘n cheese at the Piggly Wiggly. The store brand, no less.
Dude can shred though.
Being inside the venue was like a blast from the past. All kinds of memories came flooding back. Helping fuel those was the fact that this was the seventh time we’d seen Built to Spill. Talk about déjà vu.
The Aggie Theater wasn’t all that different than Mississippi Studios or the Doug Fir Lounge in Portland. Tara and I went to so many shows back in the day, we long ago lost count of the number. If I had to guess, I’d say we saw at least 100 bands over a seven-year stretch. We lived and breathed live music. Moving to Rapid City, we knew concerts would be one thing we were sacrificing. Factor in COVID, and it really has been a long time since we’d gone to a show in a more intimate venue like this. I’d forgotten how much I missed the experience.
Before the show, we stopped by a Mexican restaurant for a bite to eat. Ordered a couple of tamarind margaritas, which were basically mind-blowing.
Saturday, we drove down to Boulder. We’d spent a little time there during our visit last September and really liked the Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall. It’s an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, bars, scenery, and entertainment. And the people watching is top-notch.
We came back to Fort Collins and spent the evening bar hopping. Our Best Western was located on the main drag, a little over half a mile from Old Town, which was both convenient and no accident. It allowed us the luxury of walking—or stumbling—around without worrying about trying to snag an Uber after drinking.
What can I say? It was a fun time. And a much-needed getaway.
Before heading home on Sunday, there was one last stop to make: Trader Joe’s, a/k/a, my happy place. We stocked up for the five-hour journey home.
The whole drive home, we stayed just ahead of the weather. Had we left an hour later, it would have been wet and stormy. Instead, those ominous black clouds were confined to the rearview mirror.
It started raining about an hour after we got home and continued all evening, bringing about a half-inch of desperately needed moisture. Tara made popcorn and we watched a movie by the glow of our lava lamps. Cozy AF, people.
Today is gloomy and showery. We traditionally fire up the grill on Memorial Day, and this year will be no exception, but we certainly won’t be hanging out on the patio. Too bad those ribeye steaks won’t be able to flip themselves.
Hope your holiday weekend has been equally groovy!
Mark My Words 
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