date night

One of the the first things that Rachel showed me during our first date [ SEE HERE ] was this flyer for an art show that her roommate was involved with. All the art was on skateboards and the benefit organization is called CHILL and they facilitate at risk youth getting involved in board sports....lots of snowboarding here in COLORADO, but they hope to soon implement some skateboard programs. So back on the first date, I said that I'd like to join her at the art show. Rachel's mom came to town and I didn't hear from her too much during the week. Come Friday we made plans to get a Marquis calzone before the show. Saturday we touched base and she invited me over to hang at her pad with some of their friends before heading out. I had to get to Food Not Bombs at 4, so I told her I be there by 6, hopefully sooner.

Rachel's friend Rachel & Rachel on the veranda

Scott {Rachel's roommate} & the two Rachels

Scott & Rachel's friend Rachel.

Elaine was proud of her pantry, Rachel was proud of her tea drawer!

Rachel & I took out on bikes and landed at a busy Marquis

 we decided on Denver Seitan, artichoke hearts, & green peppers

what a good sport....she's cool with a bite shot!

i love this one

yum yum

one last look cause it didn't last long

we walked up to the art show - Chewbacca caught my eye

I enjoyed this mix medium piece as well

 Ran into Michael Parris on Larimer. He was working the door at a club and offered to put us on the list. But we had other plans. I suggested going to an outdoor screening of THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN earlier in the day. I wasn't sure how into the idea Rachel was, but as it approached 9pm, she asked me if I was about ready to roll. Soon afterwards we rolled over to the Blake Street Tavern and just missed a few minutes at the beginning. It was lightly attended and there were plenty of patio chairs to utilize. We kicked our feet up, threw the blanket over our legs and settled in for some laughs.

found this framed pic of Bennett & Hosoi in the bar across the street

Steve Carell nailed this roll.

After the movie, we packed up and Rachel suggested we go dancing at a gay dance club she'd been to before. It was PRIDE weekend and I am not an avid dancer, but I agreed. We rode bikes out to the club and the music was bumping as we rolled up and the club goers were streaming in from all angles. One caveat that Rachel laid out earlier was that if there was a cover, we didn't have to go in. We got up to investigate and found out there was a $40 cover. Slightly dejected, we retreated to across the street and took up people watching and chatting. From here the evening took a turn........

Mealsharing.com

Earlier in the week Susan Benevich heard a story on NPR about a new website that focuses on building community through bringing strangers together over home cooked meals. She posted a link on my FB and suggested I look into it. I immediately looked into it and loved the concept.  Within minutes I was signed up and filling out my profile. I searched for a profile in denver and Aaron popped up who sounded like a good fit. The first step was to sending him a Meal Share Request and I suggested Friday. The following day I get a call from an unknown number. Turns out it's Robyn, Aaron's wife calling to confirm our meal. She is out going and excited and asks all sorts of questions about my diet and my likes and dislikes and we set the dinner for Friday @ 6pm. It turns out their house is an easy bike ride from where I stay at Rori's.

          Aaron, Sofie, Sage, & Robyn 

I arrived slightly early, right as Aaron was returning from work. Introductions were made and last minute meal preparations were finalized. The raw vegan meal was moved to the outdoor table and after a few Jewish prayers that initiate the sabbath, we proceeded with a lovely meal peppered with delightful conversation.  

Celery/corn curry salad & a 3 beet salad

Robyn slightly altered a Cafe Gratitude recipe for the raw burger patties!

       Dehydrated red pepper crackers

  The raw desert platter was outstanding 

Like Susan, Aaron heard the same story on NPR and immediately signed up just this week.  He was sorta surprised to get contacted so rapidly. 

Raw treats, tea, & gluten free double chocolate zucchini muffins. Top notch!

      Sage was fired up about dessert. 

I felt right at home. I learned a bit about Jewish traditions. They'd recently moved to Denver from Encinitas so we talked about life in San Diego county. A graceful chicken hawk made an appearance. It was 100% an pleasant experience. Thanks Susan for initiating me and thanks to Aaron & Susan for invitingly me into their home for a marvelous meal.

http://www.mealsharing.com

     Caught a good sunset in Wash park

Denver filler

up early to kill my 2nd Crestone watermelon

set up the workstation at Beet Box

apple cinnamon walnut donut from BEET BOX

Rori mugs it up with Hannah on Corona

cute and well behaved shepard at the bank

Sub Culture makes a terrific Tempeh Marinara Sub. Vanessa's tip

scored a lot of organic berries from Food Not Bombs!

LG came over for a porch sit

Milo takes a hit from the kittie

then Milo chases the kittie up the tree

 last year I was with Adam & Grey in NC. I slapped Grey so hard!

looking a lot like a prisoner

the denver zine library has this ZINE VENDING MACHINE

placed in an art supply store on Broadway

caught the Vegan Van at Civic Center eats / food truck roundup

had the Rock Steady salad

great to see so many community gardens popping up

lots of plots in this one

skate action recap

a collage of some of my loves in San Diego

Joshua

met up with Josh for lunch at the Vegan Van parked in front of his work

yea.....first lunch was a salad

Tim from Denver Seitan dropped off at order to Vegan Van

ran an errand to Beet Box with Josh

one last errand to GROW HAUS / a non profit hydro operation

Josh & John conduct some business

the old handoff

then we got a tour of the operation

it's a learning institution as well as a working farm

loads of lettuce all grown hydroponics

chard & those edible flowers that I'm not going to take a stab at spelling

then back to NOOCH where I got a 2nd lunch of chicken & waffles

Josh was off to help a friend move and I enjoyed a slow bike ride back to Corona Street