Has anyone seen Stephen?

We saw this poster in downtown Colorado Springs this weekend (I kid you not!). It was hanging in an empty storefront window. If Steven ends up in your backyard, you'll know who to call!

September 6, 1986

25 years ago today, in Adelboden, Switzerland, Tim asked me to marry him.
(I said "Yes!") After he proposed, he carved the date in the bench where we were sitting.......

.....which over looked the beautiful Swiss Alps and Engstligen waterfalls.

Our beloved Adelboden which we visited many, many times during our years in Germany.

Balloon Classic 2011

This weekend we attended Colorado Spring's Balloon Classic, held every year on Labor Day weekend. Hot air balloons are launched very early on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning, weather permitting. We got up at 5:00 on Saturday morning and headed to the launch site, only to find it had been canceled due to high winds. We tried again on Sunday morning, and this time they were able to fly because there was very little wind.

At sunrise the balloonists begin filling their balloons with air. It is truly amazing to watch these colorful "bubbles" expanding and growing bigger and bigger all over the park grounds. Tim says it looks like they are waking up and getting ready for the day! They are huge once they are fully inflated.

Over 60 balloons were launched on Sunday morning. This happens in 2 shifts since there are too many to launch at once.


These two pictures (above and below) give you an idea of how big these balloons are when you see them beside the people.

Note the Canadian flag! This balloonist received the award for coming the greatest distance - from Edmonton, AB.










It was a spectacular sight to see so many balloons in the sky!





The second round of balloons filling with air and getting ready to launch.


There were lots of kids at the event, and they were thoroughly entertained!

Launching a Hot Air Balloon

It was fascinating to watch the steps for getting a hot air balloon launched. It really is a lot of work. We noticed how the balloonists waited until "the last minute" before beginning the process, because they have to get the green flag before they can fly. This is totally dependent on the wind conditions - up to a maximum of 11 mph. Above that wind speed they are not permitted to launch, at least not at the Balloon Classic where it is more challenging because so many balloonists participate, and the field becomes crowded (the sky as well). The mountains add another challenge because wind speeds can suddenly increase and wind direction can quickly change.
A large tarp is spread on the grass so that when the balloon is spread out it doesn't get wet.

Balloon in a bag

Propane tanks inside balloon basket

Spreading out balloon


Blowing hot air into balloon


Balloon inflating. Sun rising on Pikes Peak.

Getting bigger!


Air going into balloon is very hot!




Balloon starting to rise off the ground as it becomes fully inflated.


Ready for launch.

Up and away!