Food, photographs, and a butterfly bush
I went down to Pueblo this past weekend to spend time with my family and to go on a photo walk with my mom. Ever since I told her about the organized photo walk in Estes Park, the idea started formulating to do our own photo walk in the historic Union Depot district of Pueblo. I also wanted to squeeze in some time with my dad, so I did the usual bounce between the two of them several times while I was there.
As always, there were plenty of opportunities to eat down there. I don’t know if it’s because I grew up there, but I seriously believe that some of the most delicious food in Colorado can be found in Pueblo, and not just Mexican food either. There are so many unique places, privately owned, that have been in business for as long as I’ve been alive (most much longer). And it’s all quite unique and quaint. So quaint and loved by the city that the majority of places don’t have a website, because they simply don’t need one.
The photo walk itself was really fun. We mostly walked up and down the Riverwalk, which I had never really done before. It was built only about ten years ago, after I had moved away. After a little exploration, I was surprised to find that it turns into a heavily wooded path, with great shade and grassy riverbanks. There was also some interesting wildlife to shoot. No elk or hawks like in a national park, but lots of butterflies and adorable ducks. We even popped a squat next to a bush full of bumble bees. Only me and my mom could do such a thing, since the rest of my family is terrified of bees.
Right after the walk, I bounced back to my dad’s house and we sat on the front porch and watched the summer rain come down while enjoying some smoked cheese, grapes, and wine. It was the perfect summer day. My trip ended with one of the more delicious meals I’ve had all year at an Italian restaurant. Their Chicken Piccatta was to do die for. Just writing about it makes my mouth water.
Here are my pictures from the photo walk:
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I’m already making lists like crazy. I think it’s exciting because I never really buy accessories for myself. I rarely buy new clothes, I hardly ever buy shoes, and I certainly don’t buy bags of any kind. But I have needs now, so I can justify it all. I’m definitely going to need new shoes to start off with. When I was in Ireland I was obsessed with footwear. Brian and I packed wore New Balance tennis shoes. We stuck out like a sore thumb. Everyone around us wore much more stylistic footwear, that was still perfect for walking, but not their gym shoes. I refuse to do that again. So now I’m planning on going to the Walking Company and getting a couple of pairs of shoes. Also, I’m going to need some new clothes by then. Not a ton, but a few pairs of pants and maybe a jacket. Hopefully, I will be an even smaller size by then. I’m already wearing older clothes that didn’t fit me when I began losing weight. That’s been great, but I can even sense that they are going to become too big. Finally, I’ve been thinking a lot about a backpack of some sort. Since I’ll have more camera gear, I need something a little more substantial than my purse. But I don’t want a big bulky backpack either. I want something stylish, but practical too. Well this morning I went to the campus bookstore and ended up finding an awesome little backpack. It’s got a million compartments and lots of nice features. Not only can I use it on my trip, but I can try it out on my photo walk too! 



















