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Coronavirus Pandemic

March 2020 - May 2021
  • Two to Travel
A 408-day adventure by Two to Travel Read more
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  • Two to TravelTwo to TravelCoronavirus Pandemic
    All set to make strawberry santas — Colorado Springs, CO.
    1Adding the mascarpone filling and eyes ... yummy — Colorado Springs, CO.2Strawberry santas! — Colorado Springs, CO.

    Giada’s Strawberry Santas

    December 22, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    Mui tried out a new Christmas treat this afternoon! Strawberries with a mascarpone/powdered sugar/vanilla filling and chocolate chip eyes.

    (The recipe called for mini chocolate chips, but Mui filled this week’s “grocery store shopping” quota before he found the recipe, so he used what he had on hand for this test run.)Read more

  • Two to TravelTwo to TravelCoronavirus Pandemic
    Mothers Church with Pikes Peak in the backdrop — Colorado Springs, CO.
    Frozen creek @ Rock Ledge Ranch — Colorado Springs, CO.Love the reflection on the pond with the ice breaking up — Rock Ledge Ranch ... Colorado Springs, COGalloway Homestead Cabin (1867-1874) — Rock Ledge Ranch ... Colorado Springs, CO.Outhouse @ the Galloway Homestead — Rock Ledge Ranch ... Colorado Springs, CO.Chambers Farm Barn (1867-1874) — Rock Ledge Ranch ... Colorado Springs, CO.Barnyard animals @ Chambers Farm — Rock Ledge Ranch ... Colorado Springs, CO.Orchard House (1907-1910) was built by the founder of Colorado Springs — Rock Ledge Ranch ... COS.Garden of the Gods ... Pikes Peak peeking out between the red rocks — Colorado Springs, CO.A "we are here" selfie @ Garden of the Gods — Colorado Springs, CO.

    When “Plan A” Fails ...

    December 25, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 50 °F

    Sunshine, blue skies, and temps ranging up to 58F ... best to get out and make the most of the day before the next cold front arrives after the weekend ... possibly with snow to follow.

    We set out mid-morning to do a hike at Sondermann Park, described as being “so well hidden that it feels like one of the State’s best kept secrets.” So accurate. We found one entrance to the park, but there was nowhere to park the car. Neither the GPS nor Google was able to get us to a better access point.

    So, we went to plan B.

    Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a very popular hiking area. It’s off US-24. We’ve driven by it several times. We know exactly where it is. But neither the GPS nor Google could route us to the parking area from where we were ... without going out of our way a considerable distance.

    So, we went to plan C.

    Garden of the Gods, with its beautiful red rock scenery, is a very popular place in Colorado Springs. We figured it would be hopping today with locals showing it off to their Christmas visitors. We were right. Vehicles were backed up from the road all the way to the parking lot for the Central Garden ... at least a mile.

    The good news? The GPS routed us the back way, well away from the crowds. Parking on the road by Mothers Church — near Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site — our plan was to do a perimeter trail at Garden of the Gods. When we noticed that the grounds to the ranch were open — and free since the buildings are closed due to COVID-19 — we detoured to wander around there first.

    The ranch is a living history farm and museum that depicts life in the Pikes Peak region from the time the American Indians lived here (1775-1835) to the early 1900s when the founder of Colorado Springs purchased the land. In between, homesteaders and ranchers eked out their living here.

    Our meandering walk eventually took us across the Garden of the Gods entrance road. Following the Foothills Trail, we cut across to the Dakota Trail, which connects to several other paths. Kludging together a bunch of pathways to keep ourselves away from the crowds, we eventually connected to the Galloway Trail, which took us through the ranch and back to our car.

    All told — we hiked some 3.6 miles and enjoyed a warm winter day walk.    Read more

  • Two to TravelTwo to TravelCoronavirus Pandemic
    Christmas cheer in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
    Christmas cheer in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Christmas cheer in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Christmas cheer in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Christmas cheer in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Christmas cheer in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Christmas cheer in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Christmas cheer in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Christmas cheer in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Christmas cheer in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

    Holiday Cheer!

    December 25, 2020 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 30 °F

    Christmas night, Mui and I hopped in the car to check out the holiday decorations in and near our neighborhood ... our only “holiday cheer” nighttime outing during the 2020 pandemic year.

    I’ve attached a few photos here ... more can be found at this link:
    https://eenusa.smugmug.com/Other/Christmas-Chee…    Read more

  • Two to TravelTwo to TravelCoronavirus Pandemic
    A warm-day hike @ the High Chaparral Open Space — Colorado Springs, CO.
    A warm-day hike @ the High Chaparral Open Space — the Front Range ... Colorado Springs, CO.A warm-day hike @ the High Chaparral Open Space — Colorado Springs, CO.A warm-day hike @ the High Chaparral Open Space — Colorado Springs, CO.A warm-day hike @ the High Chaparral Open Space — Colorado Springs, CO.

    High Chaparral Open Space

    December 26, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F

    Another day with forecasted temps about 20 degrees higher than is normal for Colorado this time of the year. Blue skies. Sunshine. So, off we went again to take advantage of the conditions. Our destination this time was one of the many “open spaces” found around the state ... this one just a short drive from the house.

    The Colorado Springs website describes the High Chaparral Open Space as follows: ¨… prominent ridgeline vegetated with scrub oak, shrub land patches and mixed-grass prairie. Views from the crest of the ridge, the highest point in eastern Colorado Springs, include the Spanish Peaks and Wet Mountains to the south, the Black Forest to the north, and an uninterrupted view of Colorado Springs mountain backdrop to the west.¨

    What the description fails to mention is that the scenery is rather dull vegetation-wise … especially this time of the year. But there are expansive views of the Front Range. And Pikes Peak is a constant companion. Walking a bit down the trail, the residential neighborhoods surrounding the open space become less intrusive as well.

    We hiked both trails, coming across only a couple of people along the way ... mostly locals from nearby neighborhoods. All in all, we hiked about 3.5 miles by adding a paved path near the trailhead for a good cardio workout and some extra steps.    Read more

  • Two to TravelTwo to TravelCoronavirus Pandemic
    Prospect Lake with Pikes Peak in the background — Colorado Springs, CO.
    1Pikes Peak peeking through the tree trunks @ Prospect Lake — Colorado Springs, CO.Panorama of Prospect Lake with the Front Range as a backdrop — Colorado Springs, CO.Canada geese and other waterfowl enjoying Prospect Lake — Colorado Springs, CO.3"Snacking Squirrel" in a tree @ Prospect Lake — Colorado Springs, CO.Panorama of Prospect Lake ... boathouse on the left — Colorado Springs, CO.Looking across Prospect Lake to Memorial Park — Colorado Springs, CO.Panorama of Prospect Lake from the far end — Colorado Springs, CO.1A "we are here" selfie @ Prospect Lake — Colorado Springs, CO.Buffalo Soldiers Memorial with memorial to all who have fallen in the service of country (back) — CO

    1st Outing of 2021

    January 2, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 41 °F

    We like to start off the new year with a walk ... or a hike ... or doing something active. It’s a tradition we began years ago when we were living in Virginia.

    Alas, this year, we had to postpone that tradition to the second day of the year. Not because we were lazy, mind you. No, it was the gusty winds that added a chill to the already low temperatures kept us indoors yesterday.

    Today, the weather conditions were much more pleasant. It was around 40F when we left the house ... sunshine and blue skies ... not even the hint of a breeze. Perfect.

    Our plan, when we left the house, was to hike one of the trails at Palmer Park. Unfortunately, we neglected to consider the snow that was still on the ground. Snow that had melted and frozen again ... and again ... creating icy trails.

    So, we switched plans. Searching the AllTrails app for a paved walking path, we headed off to Prospect Lake ... the Front Range and Pikes Peak adding to the beauty of the setting in which the lake is situated. The adjacent Memorial Park, with monuments dedicated to all those who have fallen in the service of their country, was an added bonus.    Read more

  • Two to TravelTwo to TravelCoronavirus Pandemic
    Our second "frozen lake walk" of 2021 — Quail Lake Park ... Colorado Springs, CO.
    Quail Lake with Cheyenne Mountain as a backdrop — Colorado Springs, CO.Panorama of Quail Lake with its beautiful mountain backdrop — Colorado Springs, CO.1A "we are here" selfie — Quail Lake Park ... Colorado Springs, CO.The tip of Pikes Peak ... ever-present — Quail Lake Park ... Colorado Springs, CO.Interesting break-up points in the ice — Quail Lake Park ... Colorado Springs, CO.Quail Lake Park ... Colorado Springs, CO.Panorama of Quail Lake Park ... Colorado Springs, CO.Quail Lake Park ... Colorado Springs, CO."The Windmark" ... a rusty steel sculpture @ Quail Lake Park ... Colorado Springs, CO.

    Frozen Quail Lake

    January 3, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 45 °F

    With 50F forecasted for today, not to mention blue skies and sunshine, we just had to get out for another walk. This time, we drove 19 miles to Quail Lake Park, located on the west side of I-25.

    Quail Lake was formed in 1973 by damming a tributary of Fountain Creek. It has a beautiful backdrop of mountains ... the three peaks of Cheyenne Mountain being the most prominent. The tip of Pikes Peak is visible as well ... from certain parts of the dirt trail that rims the lake.

    As popular as this park is, I was surprised at how few people we encountered today ... a couple of people hiking the 1-mile loop that has a gentle, 300-foot elevation gain ... anglers fishing from one of the piers. And, oh yes, there was a young woman in a bikini taking a dip in a hole she found in the mostly frozen lake while her friend took a video to document the occasion!!!    Read more

  • Two to TravelTwo to TravelCoronavirus Pandemic
    "So Proud of my Children" ... N. Kadzungura @ the Denver Botanic Gardens — Denver, CO.
    Frozen pool @ the Denver Botanic Gardens — Denver, CO.Beautiful orchids on our way to the art exhibit @ the Denver Botanic Gardens — Denver, CO.Colorful orchids @ the Denver Botanic Gardens — Denver, CO.The Immersion Wall @ the Denver Botanic Gardens — Denver, CO."Parmelia" ... one of the pieces at J. Guralnick's "Prima Lingua" Exhibit @ the DBG — Denver, CO."Plants That Changed the World" by J. Guralnick @ the Denver Botanic Gardens — Denver, CO."Three Generations" by T. Ortega @ the Denver Botanic Gardens — Denver, CO."Cousins of DACA" by T. Ortega @ the Denver Botanic Gardens — Denver, CO.Al fresco dining with Sonia & Boris @ the Denver Botanic Gardens — Denver, CO.

    Denver Botanic Gardens

    January 23, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 41 °F

    Denver is some 66 miles from where we live in Colorado Springs. So, anytime we head in that direction, we try try to mix business — or errands, as the case might be — with pleasure.

    With delightfully warm and sunny weather forecasted for today, we arranged to meet up with our friends Sonia and Boris before heading off to Denver International Airport for our Global Entry interviews. Of course, this being COVID times, I suggested an outdoor venue for our get together.

    Winter doesn’t offer colorful flowers at the Denver Botanic Gardens ... especially since places like the conservatory remain closed. We knew that and were OK with that. Regardless, we enjoyed a meandering walk outdoors, chattering away like magpies as we caught up with the goings on in each others’ lives. We even found a warm spot in the sun where we partook an al fresco picnic with sandwiches that we brought from our respective homes.

    That we seldom ran into anyone else was perfect for these times that call for social distancing. Especially at the two art exhibits we checked out in one of the buildings on the grounds. We weren’t expecting that any of the indoor attractions would be open, so these two exhibits — each colorful in its own way — came as a lovely surprise.

    A beautiful day ... a great time with friends.

    P.S. And yes, we did eventually get to our appointments at DEN. Our membership in the Global Entry Program has now been renewed and we’re good until our birthdays in 2025. The process might have taken 13 months to complete — we submitted our renewal applications in December 2019, but then ... well, you know ... all that disruption due to the Coronavirus — but once we got in for our appointments, the interviews were completed in less than ½-hour.

    (More photos are at this online gallery: https://eenusa.smugmug.com/North-America-US-Can…)    Read more

  • Two to TravelTwo to TravelCoronavirus Pandemic
    Old Look ... disregard the blue tapes ... this is an old photo from the pre-closing walkthrough.
    Do It Right ... good motto for any project we tackle.1Ta da ... the finished look with glass tile backsplash.

    Vanity Tile Backsplash Project

    January 23, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 48 °F

    When we bought our house, we opted out of the tile backsplash for the bathrooms vanities. It was a pricey addition that Mui said he could do himself later.

    So he did.

    We had enough tile to do all four bathrooms, so he decided to tackle all four bathrooms. Now we have another ✅ on the “home projects list.”Read more

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