We honored a family tradition this past Sunday. On the afternoon of the Superbowl, come rain, snow, or shine we always go hiking. This tradition started almost 20 years ago when I noticed that it is one of the few days that the trails are predictably vacant from almost all human visitors. Living in a state that has an NFL team is also helpful and I rejoice the years that the Bronco’s are doing well. On those wonderful years, it is the whole season that is blissfully free from crowds anywhere on game days.

So, I dragged the whole fam out to “celebrate” and yep, there was nary a soul out. I was the only one who actually hiked though. The menfolk romped through the snow like a pack of wild dogs... such is life with boys. The cañon was pristine in its stillness, still lots of snow in the shaded northern areas while the southern exposures skirting the hogback I was on were almost bare of snow. Typical Colorado sun influence... and the reason why all the ski resorts have their ski runs on north facing slopes.

OK, so I DID make chili on Sunday... consider that my contribution to the Superbowl! I use ground turkey and cannellini beans - one of the only compliant beans for all blood types in my family - sans tomatoes, of course. I also like to add onions, carrots and bell peppers (green and red) to my chili - too bad for the A’s, I guess. I figure they can pick out the peppers if they don’t want them.

I also was able to see some wonderful Afro-Cuban drumming this weekend at two separate performances. Attending live performances is the part of my job that I love the most. Both shows were excellent and reminded me once again of the incredible talent I am so fortunate to be able to bring to audiences of children.