Once again, I find that my clairvoyant ability has run smack into the wall of reality. Many years ago, I envisioned that I would spend my golden years (whatever that means) sitting in a turbo-charged rocker on the front porch with my husband and watching the sun set in the west. Well, my envisionment was just a bit off. First of all, and much to my surprise, I am no longer married. Secondly, the only time I spend sitting in a rocker is when I’m at work in Child Watch at the Apex Rec Center in Arvada, doing my best to sooth a distressed little person…usually a very little person.
The closest I come to anything turbo-charged is driving around (at close to the speed limit, of course) in my cute little Hyundai Elantra Touring vehicle. It’s sort of a cross between a hatchback-station wagon-SUV. I thought it was really sweet that it has high performance/low profile tires and that turns out to be true except when there is any snow or ice on the road. I have actually had to stay home on a couple of snowy days which, pre-Hyundai, was unheard of. So, I have a choice…trade in the car or buy snow tires. Thankfully I can procrastinate with that decision for awhile.
Some of my recent adventures have included celebrating my birthday for all of March and culminating with a trip to White Fence Farm on Apr. 23. I just love bargains and I discovered that if one joins the email families of eateries, they will regale you with free food for your birthday. White Fence Farm kindly agreed to extend the expiration date on my complimentary meal so that I could join my SNCW Social Club friends in a trip to the farm. Now, that’s great customer service.
In addition to my usual haunts of Red Robin, Chili’s, Ruby Tuesdays, Arby’s, Boston Market, Perkins, and Udi’s, I’ve had some fine meals at restaurants that were new to me. That list includes Sweet Tomatoes in Westminster and Moe’s Original BBQ in Lakewood. I went to Sweet Tomatoes with my son and granddaughter to celebrate her first job as a licensed hair stylist. (Victoria will be working at Supercuts in Thornton.) It was my first visit to the soup/salad/and much more buffet and I was extremely impressed with the delicious food. I must admit I got a little claustrophobic while trying to maneuver around the closely packed tables. Not withstanding, I’ll be back.
I went to Moe’s with my SNCW friends for our monthly “Adventure Dining,” so named because we try new places and we’re never sure exactly what the evenings will bring. There have been some interesting moments to be sure. Moe’s, I’m happy to report, landed solidly in the “Yummy” category. Great food, good prices and lovely company. That’s a recipe for a splendid outing.
And, how ’bout them Rockies? I have been to two games so far this season but I may need to stay away from the ballpark and watch the boys on TV. At this juncture, the Rox have lost only three games and the reason I didn’t attend all three losses is that one of them was in New York. I just love everything about this baseball team. It’s a class act from across the board. Top management is doing a fine job of everything from player selection/contracts to the new enhancements at the field. (Check out the pizza and gelato at the new Wazee Market on the main concourse.) The employees seem to take great pride in their organization. When I go in the employees entrance with Cathy Taylor (my Rockies insider and their group services coordinator), I always see the custodial staff and the elevator operators; up on the concourse, I visit with the ushers. To a person, they are pleasant and friendly.
Manager Jim Tracy continues to impress. And, from what Cathy says, he’s just as nice and down-to-earth in person as he is in the media. Cathy hasn’t washed her face since opening day. They had a meeting for the whole staff, including the players and she got a kiss on one cheek from Jason Giambi and a kiss on the other cheek from Todd Helton. Now, there’s a pair to draw to. Now she knows why she willingly spends countless long hours making sure the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed.
In addition to plenty of baseball, some of my upcoming exploits will include a number of plays. A brief list includes: “The Dixie Swim Club” playing through May 1 at the Vintage Theatre. I’m told this piece is especially appealing to women. Call 303-839-1361 or visit www.vintagetheatre.com. “9 To 5: The Musical” plays Apr. 26-May 8 at the Buell Theatre at the DCPA. The Broadway musical is based on the movie and features Dolly Parton’s music. Call 303-893-4100 or visit www.dcpa.org. Candlelight Dinner Playhouse (near Johnson’s Corner) is currently presenting one of my very favorite musicals, “The King and I.” Call 970-744-3747 or visit Colorado candlelight.com.
Also on my list are: Theater Company of Lafayette (TCL) opens “Inherit the Wind” on Apr. 29. Some members of the audience will be asked to be either members of the jury or spectators sitting in the (onstage) gallery. Call 720-209-2154 or visit www.TCLStage.org. Our friend and local guy Pat Payne is producing the second offering of the brand new Cherry Creek Theatre. “Side by Side by Sondheim” opens Apr. 30. The fledgling company is using space in the Shaver-Ramsey Oriental Rug gallery at 2414 E. 3rd Ave. You’ll get not only a fine evening of theater but you’ll have the opportunity to see the wonderful Shaver-Ramsey merchandise. Call 303-800-6578 or visit www.cherrycreektheatre.org. The Arvada Center begins a run of “The Lady With All The Answers” on Apr. 26. Alex Ryer is featured in the role of Ann Landers. Call 720-898-7200 or visit www.arvadacenter.org.
Until next time, I’ll see you around town.