8 Tips I Learned From The People of Pueblo

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.

Saying goodbye to 2017

Today's New Years Eve. The high here is supposed to be 15 degrees. Let's just say it's cold enough for some hot tea. :) What does everyone do on the last day of the year? They look back and look forward. I thought I'd take a look back at the year from my perspective.

I started 2017 looking at breast surgery to remove some abnormal cells. Not a great start to the year since I've never had surgery in my life. But all went well even if I did have to survive a wire sticking out of my breast for an hour or more. That's the big thing I remember.

January also included more fun; girls trip to Downstream Casino! This was the first time I got to see the hotel rooms, which are very nice. And if I remember correctly, I came home with extra moolah.

During winter I had to find more indoor pursuits of fun. Some of which included light sabers with my son. I'm a homebody most of the time, so you'd think winter would suit me, but I'm also prone to cabin fever myself. So work keeps me sane during the long winter season.

My granddaughter, Charlotte made a trip down south and I got to see her. Babies grow so darn fast. She'll be dancing around the room before the end of the year.

My niece and nephew stayed a week down here and boy did we have fun. It seems every time I see them they've grown. And they know how to keep their grandma and aunt busy.

In late April I had the honor of attending the wedding of my co worker's daughter. Let me preface that by saying, her daughter could have been a former student of mine, but I've had so many students over the past 20 years, I can't remember if she was in my class or not. The photo is my principal enjoying a few minutes playing with her sons. It was such a sweet moment, I couldn't help but take some photos.

May brought the end of the school year. This meant saying goodbye to my principal and another science teacher. I don't like change much at all and this was pretty sad. But I did get to see the ABBA tribute concert at Downstream Casino. They did a great job and I met a new friend, Terri.

After school I made my trip out to Pueblo, Colorado. I love getting away from home and spend time with my brother and my aunt. And boy when Allen comes over and has a fish fry it is GOOD. Allen is acting like an old man in the photo, but that guy knows how to fish. I think David and I tried out a new batter, instead of using Aunt Jemima's pancake mix and it was much better.

I went up for Charlotte's 1st birthday party. She was so sweet. I really was impressed how she shared her toys with all the other kids.

Summer also brought a trip to Dauphin Island, Alabama. It was so much fun to frolic in the ocean and search for shells and crabs with Mom, Amanda, Rob and the kids. We visited a museum, gift shops, walked and played in the water. A couple highlights were when our neighbor caught a baby shark and Amanda, Megan and I went swimming with a snake. Crazy times! :)

July also brought a get together with my former co worker and friend Lory. We ate lunch, shopped and made plans to attend a fashion show. We also had a nice visit in December. I have to remember to get her back to Aurora for a visit in 2018.

I also have to mention camping at the lake with some friends. This is where the big idea began to rent a beach house for summer 2018. This type of camping was awesome because my friend, Loralee has an RV. That's my kind of camping!

School started in August and not soon after we had an amazing experience. The entire school gathered at the football field to watch the solar eclipse. It was neat to see everyone, everywhere watching the sun together. I still have my solar eclipse glasses.

She had to cancel once, but finally Olivia Newton John made it to Springfield. It was a great concert. My friends and I had great seats.

Now that fall arrived, Mom and I took a trip to the lake to walk around and enjoy nature. I can't remember why, but Branson traffic was crazy that day.

When Thanksgiving came around Mom, Amanda and the kids visited for our feast. Later we decorated my tree and shot off bottle rockets because the cows were gone from out back. We may have taken it a little far with the ground flowers since my grass caught on fire. We managed to contain it, though. During their visit Amanda and I got some great deals at the Mall on Black Friday. We also played in the leaves at Mom's house and decorated Christmas cookies.

The beginning of December brought a trip to Park Central Square where we enjoyed Christmas music played on ukuleles and other fun adventures in town.

I love sunrises and sunsets and this year was no exception. Even in the cold months, the sun never ceases to amaze me. I hope I'm not the only one.

For the first time, I attended a craft party. My childhood friend, Debbie had several of us over to make crafts. It was really fun. We ate, drank and made some neat Christmas crafts. The next week she had her annual Christmas party. And that was fun, too.

Christmas eve was spent at Mom's house. Nick came down that evening after we drove around looking at Christmas lights. Christmas morning we watched Charlotte open presents and opened our own presents. We even got to watch David open his presents via Google video chat.

And now it's New Year's Eve. I thought I'd end with something a friend shared on facebook. It's nice to look back, but let's remember the future is ours. What are we going to do with it? I've got things I'd like to give up and things I'd like to do. I think those need to be kept continually on our mind during the upcoming year. You're never too old or too young to go toward your dreams.