Anticipation

We can never know about the days to come

But we think about them anyway, yay

And I wonder if I'm really with you now

Or just chasin' after some finer day  

"Anticipation," Carly Simon

We are taught in Econ 101 that "value" is determined by "market forces," and when demand exceeds supply, worth increases. I think the same principle applies to autumn, as well as love. 

I'm flummoxed as to whether it's fall's color or brevity that makes this time of year so sweet. Probably both. As for love, well, you know what they say, "absence makes the heart grow fonder." 

Ms Autumn got off to an early start this year, a little seasonal foreplay, if you will, to build anticipation.

And tomorrow we might not be together

I'm no prophet and I don't know nature's ways

So I'll try and see into your eyes right now

And stay right here 'cause these are the good old days

Anticipation, anticipation

Is makin' me late

Is keepin' me waitin'

This is "Wedding Week." Yes, I said "week," kinda like the olden days in Russia, a la Fiddler on the Roof...

Tevye: He loves her. Love, it's a new style... On the other hand, our old ways were once new, weren't they?... On the other hand, they decided without parents, without a matchmaker!... On the other hand, did Adam and Eve have a matchmaker?... Well, yes, they did. And it seems these two have the same Matchmaker!

Oy vey...

Actually it's been fun! Caleb's fiancee, Kelli, is here with her friend, Arianne, from the Netherlands. Between wedding chores we have been taking them on hikes, of course :)).

Arianne is a delightful gal who's working on her Phd in Food Science. She travels a good bit but this is the first time she's been to America. Her English is very good, and it's a pleasure to listen to her Dutch accent. 

 

The timing for the wedding couldn't have been better. Autumn is in full swing and the colors are peaked. We've had several snows in the mountains so far, the last one reaching clear down to Lovely Ouray! 

We opted for a snow hike up to the Alpine Overlook, 3000 feet of elevation gain on a trail that winds through colorful aspen groves and oak brush. Arianne's hometown is all of 16 feet above sea level, but she is young and fit and adjusting nicely to being out of breath :).

A couple hours later we arrived at the "payoff," Lovely Ouray, off our boot tips... 

Have a good day... 
Mark and Bobbie, counting down the days to a wedding... and anticipating the blast off for Utah!!!