Today's tea talk is brought to you over a cup of (gulp!) coffee. There's no denying 2020 has been a strange year. Grab your drink of choice so we can get started. I'm especially excited to tell you about some things I learned this summer.
On the last day of June, I packed my car, visited my chiropractor and headed out on the open road toward Kansas. In one day, I drove all the way to Pueblo, Colorado. It was a long trip with stops only at gas stations (And one McDonald's drive thru.). Also included was mask wearing and hand sanitizing the entire way. Staying in Pueblo with my brother during this time brought me new insight about some differences between Pueblans or Puebloans (Thanks Pueblo Chieftain for not following the rules of grammar and creating a new name and controversy.) and the rest of us. So here's a few tips I picked up from the people of Pueblo.
#1 Grow Something Pretty
The people of Pueblo love to grow pretty plants. And it's quite amazing because they have to water ALL the time. This is real work, but boy does it pay off. Walking around Pueblo, I feasted my eyes on many beautiful flower gardens that I know took extra effort to maintain.
These hollyhocks reseed themselves in my brother's yard. And it still amazes me that he doesn't even put much effort into his flowers. Or so he says.
From cactus and yucca or salvia and daisies, Pueblans (Puebloans) know how to make their outdoor spaces pretty. They may use hanging baskets or fill up the parking area with a little garden. No matter how they do it, they surely bring joy to their lives and mine.
#2 Be Kind
I live in southwest Missouri. I'm used to waving at people and smiling at people. Always the people of Pueblo have been nice to me. When I'm walking around and pass people, they give me a good morning. One lady waved to me from her window as I was taking pictures of the house above. It takes little effort to be kind, but the rewards could be many for you'll never know how much your kindness may travel.
#3 Take Care of Nature
This can be as small as a bird bath. Other animals appreciate the water. Bees, squirrels and birds can share in this simple waterer.
Taking care of nature can also include building a levy to keep the Arkansas River flowing, but not destroying. The water is high in this photo. The nature areas in Pueblo are many and very accessible.
#4 Wear a Mask in Public
I'm not going to lie; my anxiety over Covid 19 lessened during my time in Pueblo. And most of it had to do with the majority of people wearing face masks in buildings. Mask wearing wasn't mandated by the city, either. It's a simple thing to do and also falls under the kindness tip.
#5 Enjoy the Shade/Breeze
It's hot in Pueblo during July. It's hot in Missouri, too. The first difference, Pueblo looks at temperatures in the 100s daily. The second difference, Pueblo has humidity levels that hover between 15% and 35%. You can set up your own umbrella for shade or use the shade of a big, old tree. Nothing beats that heat like some shade and a breeze. While you are enjoying the shade, make sure you have some ice cold water to keep you hydrated or a Gatorade to keep up those electrolytes.
#6 Appreciate the Past, but Live in the Present
Pueblans (Puebloans) know their past. They built the Arkansas River levy to prevent another flood, like the big one of June 3, 1921. Historical markers are all around Union Avenue and many old signs still place prominently on old buildings. Of course those old buildings might be housing a modern gym today.
The Pueblo's Union Depot still stands as a reminder of the bustling place people gathered to catch a ride out of town. Even though it is used for modern businesses, the old waiting room still boasts reminders of it's former use.
#7 Treat Yourself
It's a tough world out there. So whenever you find some spare time, take a break. Pueblans (Puebloans) know how to do that. It might be as simple as visiting the park for some outdoor activity. There's plenty of places for outdoor fun.
The Historic Riverwalk provides walkers, joggers and strollers with miles of inner city trails near the water. Some may even cool off in the fountains. After an outdoor adventure, you might want to treat yourself to some local flavor. Pueblo county has some of the finest produce, including the Pueblo Green Chili. Get some fresh roasted on site. Or maybe drop by Walter's Brewery for a glass of suds. Find what works for you and treat yourself.
#8 Enjoy Good Food
This is half of my Slopper. It's a hamburger sandwich covered in green chili, cheese and diced onions. I've only eaten them from Gray's Coors Tavern. They are mighty delicious! You can also find some Italian grinders. This would be an Italian sausage sandwich with all the fixings including your choice of cheese. Gagliano's Italian market and deli make their own sausage for their sandwiches. Passkey is also a popular grinder joint.
Speaking of sandwiches, the menu at Joe Tomato will have you wanting to try more than one. And of course, that's exactly what my brother did. There's nothing like picking your toppings and chowing down on a tasty sandwich.
If you're lucky enough to know a kind fisherman, you might be able to enjoy some fried fish and onion rings. Now that's my idea of some good eats!
Maybe you idea of good food includes sweets. Pueblans (Puebloans) know how to satisfy their cravings. I've seen lines outside bakeries and even the famous Taffy's (see photo). Taffy's sells homemade sweets, ice cream and my favorite- popcorn. Yes, I waited in line here for popcorn.
I know I learned a few life lessons from my visit to Pueblo. Hopefully, you learned a little something also. Let me know what you think in the comments.
#3 Take Care of Nature
This can be as small as a bird bath. Other animals appreciate the water. Bees, squirrels and birds can share in this simple waterer.
Taking care of nature can also include building a levy to keep the Arkansas River flowing, but not destroying. The water is high in this photo. The nature areas in Pueblo are many and very accessible.
#4 Wear a Mask in Public
I'm not going to lie; my anxiety over Covid 19 lessened during my time in Pueblo. And most of it had to do with the majority of people wearing face masks in buildings. Mask wearing wasn't mandated by the city, either. It's a simple thing to do and also falls under the kindness tip.
#5 Enjoy the Shade/Breeze
It's hot in Pueblo during July. It's hot in Missouri, too. The first difference, Pueblo looks at temperatures in the 100s daily. The second difference, Pueblo has humidity levels that hover between 15% and 35%. You can set up your own umbrella for shade or use the shade of a big, old tree. Nothing beats that heat like some shade and a breeze. While you are enjoying the shade, make sure you have some ice cold water to keep you hydrated or a Gatorade to keep up those electrolytes.
#6 Appreciate the Past, but Live in the Present
Pueblans (Puebloans) know their past. They built the Arkansas River levy to prevent another flood, like the big one of June 3, 1921. Historical markers are all around Union Avenue and many old signs still place prominently on old buildings. Of course those old buildings might be housing a modern gym today.
The Pueblo's Union Depot still stands as a reminder of the bustling place people gathered to catch a ride out of town. Even though it is used for modern businesses, the old waiting room still boasts reminders of it's former use.
#7 Treat Yourself
It's a tough world out there. So whenever you find some spare time, take a break. Pueblans (Puebloans) know how to do that. It might be as simple as visiting the park for some outdoor activity. There's plenty of places for outdoor fun.
The Historic Riverwalk provides walkers, joggers and strollers with miles of inner city trails near the water. Some may even cool off in the fountains. After an outdoor adventure, you might want to treat yourself to some local flavor. Pueblo county has some of the finest produce, including the Pueblo Green Chili. Get some fresh roasted on site. Or maybe drop by Walter's Brewery for a glass of suds. Find what works for you and treat yourself.
#8 Enjoy Good Food
This is half of my Slopper. It's a hamburger sandwich covered in green chili, cheese and diced onions. I've only eaten them from Gray's Coors Tavern. They are mighty delicious! You can also find some Italian grinders. This would be an Italian sausage sandwich with all the fixings including your choice of cheese. Gagliano's Italian market and deli make their own sausage for their sandwiches. Passkey is also a popular grinder joint.
Speaking of sandwiches, the menu at Joe Tomato will have you wanting to try more than one. And of course, that's exactly what my brother did. There's nothing like picking your toppings and chowing down on a tasty sandwich.
Maybe you idea of good food includes sweets. Pueblans (Puebloans) know how to satisfy their cravings. I've seen lines outside bakeries and even the famous Taffy's (see photo). Taffy's sells homemade sweets, ice cream and my favorite- popcorn. Yes, I waited in line here for popcorn.
I know I learned a few life lessons from my visit to Pueblo. Hopefully, you learned a little something also. Let me know what you think in the comments.
