Month: November 2007

I live at sea level, happily breathing in moist salt air year round.  In order to visit our youngest son, we have to fly to Denver (elevation 5600), and then drive up a mountain pass to Winter Park (elevation 9000).  That’s almost 2 miles straight up from the beach!

I had never heard of altitude sickness before 1st traveling to Colorado- not a common problem along the east coast.  But I now know more about it than most…because it’s an issue each time I visit.

Not sure why people actually live in this environment- no ocean nearby, the temperature is below zero on a regular basis, you need a hat and gloves even in the summer, and the humidity level is so low (the famous “dry cold”) that your nose bleeds and skin peels.

The scenery is beautiful, and the sun shines more there than here…yet, it’s still hard for me to understand the appeal.

But, Colorado is the home of our son and his family (including our new grandson- just 3 weeks old), so I am determined to find a solution.

http://www.homeexchange.com/       If you enjoy traveling, and prefer to stay in a home rather than a hotel, you will find this web site interesting.

It’s a great concept- especially for those of us with a house at the shore.

The key is to find “like minded” exchangers.  I am fussy (okay, obsessive) about my home- and thankfully, there are other owners out there who live in interesting places and appreciate that quirk!

My husband and I just completed our first exchange- with 5 additional trips planned over the next 2 years.  We are traveling to locations from our wish list, and a few others that weren’t even on our radar until a request arrived.

An exciting way to see the world!

I understand I am allowed this one pass to brag.  Our son and daughter in law welcomed their baby boy to the world this afternoon!  8 lbs, 6 oz, and 22 inches “tall”. They live in Colorado- so we have to survive on pictures and phone calls for now…until our planned visit in 2 weeks (it will seem like forever!)

“Nan and Poppy” are thrilled to enter this new phase of our lives.

      Jenny and baby!