The New Year brought plenty of cold temps to my part of Colorado. It has been a time to regroup, set goals, get the kids back to school, and get over a cold. I don't know which is worse being sick or having cabin fever. It was 12 degrees in Alamosa Friday morning and everything was wrapped in a blanket of fog making the trees white with frost. The need to get OUT won over need to stay home - cold or no cold. Sue McCullough and I were determined to find something to paint and tho' it was snowing on the road out of the valley, we pressed on and were rewarded with sunshine as we drove up LaVeta Pass. We turned the Cruiser off on Old LaVeta Pass road and it wasn't long before were into deep snow.
At the top of the old pass we found the little village of Up Top bravely holding its own against time. Up Top Chapel sits snug against the forest and we positioned ourselves across the road in front of a building that captured the morning sun and what warmth that could be had. We were met with passing cross-country skiers, craftsmen at work on old buildings and some friendly dogs - probably owned by the one or two actual residents. This little trip did not aid my physical recovery - Saturday I was in bed, but a day spent out in the beautiful winter landscape was a priceless mental tonic; SO worth it and the whole world looks better to me knowing a painting is in the can.
Happy New Year!