We just returned home from Aspen, Colorado last nite. It was a glorious week spent with family that lives and works there year round and family members from other parts of the country. We’ve made this pilgrimage to Colorado for an annual reunion of sorts for at least 20 years, to enjoy each other in the glorious mountainous setting and ski ski ski!
This year, we stayed at my most favorite rustic cabin build in the 1960’s, in the woods facing Aspen (Ajax) Mountain. It started out as a modest cabin and over the years had undergone tasteful additions that have respected its original structure with fine handmade millwork. Owned by the Balderson family, the home is filled with original artwork from Herbie Balderson who passed away several years ago, and many other local artists such as Highland Woodworks and Spiro Lyon Glass. There is a calming creative energy that fills the house with inspiration each time we stay.
Taking the day off from skiing, we just had to visit the architecturally stunning Aspen Museum to see the newest installations which are always thought provoking. We experienced ‘simple movement’ by sitting in a swing in the middle of the room trying to ‘reach’ the mountains, a zombie-ghost installation and original artwork by Margaret Kilgallen.
Our last evening was spent at the T-Lazy-7 Ranch where my brother in law John Bakken was inducted into the Aspen Ski Club Hall of Fame. The structure itself was breathtaking with all of its log cabin details. The food and live music made for a wonderful last nite before going home, with this ‘Old Aspen’ local group of residents.
