Mile High to Sea Level

It sadly feels a lifetime since we left Denver, the mile high city. We had a wonderful breakfast altogether at the Delectable Egg. I recommend it as even if you are not an egg lover there is plenty of others choices, however we tried out their eggs Benedict and pancakes. Thomas managed to get down the biggest breakfast ever of poached eggs, bacon and pancakes. Mariska, however, was shocked at the enormous size of her two blueberry pancakes, and that was after we reduced the order from three to two pancakes!

Stuart's foot was much better in the morning - maybe all the walking we had done the day before was actually good for him. Stairs are still painful, but at least he can get to the bathroom with out being on all fours :)

The Oxford Hotel was brilliant another strong recommendation if you are need a night or two in Denver. Inexpensive, but very pretty inside and out and located in the historical/downtown part of Denver. They had a wonderful book in the lobby of Denver past and present. There were quite a number of the old street destroyed by modern monstrosities, but there was also a large part of Denver with it original pretty buildings, and the Oxford was one of them. At the end of the street there was the Union Station - we all went for a walk in there to show Thomas the trains. However, we didn't see many trains (as you cant get out to the platforms), but the building, even though it had changed from its original state was still quite impressive. There were big pew benches in the waiting area, and because it was so well heated in there, everyone was asleep on them.

Sam and family's flight to New York was at midday so they went off after breakfast, while Stuart and I packed and checked out. This really old bell boy (he must have been at least 75) lifted our really heavy bag into the back of the car. I was fighting him for as I thought it wasn't right he should lift it in - anyway he did. We went off to see Di's house and waited outside for a cuppa - but no one was in !

I now have to have a moan about airlines - in our case Continental. We had to pay for all our luggage when we flew to Denver, but then we had to pay for it again coming home?! Surely you should just pay once - I mean charter flights do that so why don't bigger airlines. No only that we weren't given the option to pay for the return journey luggage when we checked in online before we left - so we couldn't get the online discount just to make us even madder. And then to top it off the automated baggage check in was so difficult in both directions, it took us longer than if we waited in the regular check in line. Moan over but just watch for this when you travel!

I was slightly worried that my car was going to be sprouting mushrooms, because we left it still damp inside having had it valeted the day before we flew. It was all fine and didn't even smell too bad! Last night we bought a bottle of champagne to drink while we opened our last presents under the tree :) Thank you Mum and Dad.

Work was naturally a struggle to get up for especially with the hour time change :))) I managed to get a fair amount done as there are only a few of us in this week. I have to say Sam has successfully passed on her cold so I am feeling decidedly bunged up. Instead of going swimming, Stuart and I went for a brisk walk along the bayou - it is nice to be back at sea level and not getting out of breath every step you take.