Bracing Mountain Air

Did you see the brand-new blog category? DENVER. Because we’re in Denver now, visiting Hugo and Diana.

I’ve read that Denver is on a plateau in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, but that doesn’t really describe bumping into gorgeous views of the mountains as we stop for coffee or take a drive.  It’s amazing. With the Rocky Mountains where ever I turn, I feel a lot like I pioneers heading West. And, um, also because Stick and I are considering a move out here. Which means that every so often,  Hugo or Stick will begin singing “Go West! Life is peaceful there!” It’s a lot like playing Oregon Trail.

As you played Oregon Trail, you’d be going about your normal pioneering day, and someone in your wagon train would be struck down with deathly illness. Dysentery. Cholera.  This altitude sickness is a lot like Oregon Trail… We’re going about our normal business when Meg is struck down with nosebleeds. And dizziness. And nausea. And exhaustion.

Most of my memories of being sick involve missing school to lie in my bed and read books, which was kind of what I wanted to do most of the time anyway. I remember being Really Sick a few times. Once, when I had mono in high school, and once when I had Genghis Khan’s revenge in Mongolia, and now here in Denver, where the AIR IS TRYING TO KILL ME.

Turns out, I need oxygen. Who knew?