Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

The city of Covina (California) is having its annual Christmas tree lighting festival on Saturday, December 1, and Mozaic is participating as a festival vendor. We'll be selling our note cards, greeting cards, and some framed fine art photography.

Hours are 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Covina Park, 300 W. San Bernardino St., at San Bernardino and 4th, Covina. Directions are available at www.covinafarmersmarket.com.

First View of The Maroon Bells

We went to Aspen for legitimate business reasons, and once we were released from those responsibilities, we figured out how to catch a bus to the Maroon Bells. I thought Aspen was pretty spectacular, but I wasn't prepared for the magnificence of the Bells. It was a perfect day, and uncrowded, so you really got a sense of peace and solitude while on the hiking trail. Wildflowers were blooming, and there were plenty of birds to keep us company.

Up, Up and Away

One way to see the Rockies is from a hot-air balloon. We caught the journey of one, leaving from the Aspen area one morning just before sunrise. After launch, a van follows the balloon to meet up with it at its landing point some miles away. Then everyone has a toast with cheese and fake champagne.

Aspen Jeep Tour

One of the most rewarding things we did in Aspen was to book a Jeep tour of the surrounding mountains. Because it was spring, the two of us had the Jeep to ourselves (plus the guide), as well as whole blooming fields of wildflowers to walk through. Afterwards, we had a nice dinner in town with our knowledgeable guide. One of the nicer aspects to our trip.

Captive Wildlife

At an al fresco conference dinner in Aspen, we were treated to the presence of a couple of wildlife welfare organizations. Hawk Quest (www.hawkquest.org) is a Colorado non-profit that seeks to educate the public about eagles, hawks, owls and falcons. It was a unique opportunity to get right up close to uncaged raptors, tethered by their keepers. The birds didn't seem, um, ruffled by the attention of the public. This beauty (below), was rehabilitated by the organization after losing an eye.


On the other side of the outdoor event were a couple of wolves brought by The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center (www.wolfeducation.org), which also operates a public wildlife sanctuary in Divide. Yes, they look like dogs, at least until you see how rangy they really are, and how long and powerful their back legs are. This one was happy to get a drink in the polished fountain of the five-star resort. The wolves were also non-plussed at the sounds and distractions of the public, even pausing to give a friendly face wash to those who leaned down close and forgot they were putting their face near the teeth of a wild animal.