Pueblo Citywmn

This summer I’ve been hosting an open bar in my backyard. Eager for the free samples, patrons flocked in! And now, the Monarch Butterfly surveys* are in and their tasting notes have been organized.

The Butterflies, by a large majority, preferred the Cosmos flowers. “Nice balance of sweet and citrus. Instant energy punch. Rich, buttery sugar with lingering creamy texture. Easy proboscis draw. Intoxicating, like butterscotch. Welcoming petals. Exhilarating but gentle sway on thin stems adds excitement. Inviting shades of yellow complement my wings.”

Other Monarchs enjoyed the Zinnias’ boldness and variety of colors. “Bold flavor profiles. Protein punch is a strong nutritional choice. Warm fade. Steady perch on sturdy stems. Requires strong proboscis pull. Fruity afternote. Zesty. Easy cluster travel. Good height. Open petals for easy access.”

Coming in third, the smaller, tighter blossoms of the Marigolds were avoided by most although a few thirsty Monarchs did try them. “Landing petals were too small for a good perch. Too compact. Not welcoming. Too much proboscis work.”

*Non-scientific survey

After chatting for a bit with my plumber while he looked at my copper bathtub valves, I discovered that 1. the valves were about 60 years old and 2. he knows Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.

Actually, he knows somebody who knows somebody who probably knows somebody who knows Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. And now I’m on that chain as someone who knows someone, etc. That’s a solid connection chain as far as I’m concerned.

…and 3. it might be a good idea to turn off your swamp cooler if the main water valve is shut off.

A pair of Litter-Pickers were out one morning this week. Both Pickers were wearing sun hats and summer tops and carrying long grabber pick-up poles. One Picker was swinging a half-full plastic bag in her right hand.

Suddenly one of the Pickers veered over and crossed to the other side of the street. “Oh, no,” I thought. “They found litter on my street!” But, no, after a close look at whatever caught her eye, she rejoined her companion, and they continued chatting as they unhurriedly went on their way.

No work for the Litter-Pickers on my street!

“SIT!” says the Dog Bone Bench at City Park.

Whether it’s a set of iron steps zig-zagging down a building,

Or an open mountain road heading east,

It’s always good to have a fire escape plan.

2026: Common sense + peer pressure + stage 2 fire restrictions = Thoughtful, community, and intentional silence

2025: WHOMPWEEEEEEBOOMBOOMBOOMBOOMCRACKLECRACKLEPOP POP POP BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM POP POP POP POP BOOMPOWPOWPOW BOOMBOOM WEEEBOOM BOOM BOOMWHOMPWEEEEEEPOP POP POP POP POP POP BOOM BOOM BOOMBOOM POP POP POP WEEE pop pop pop pop pop POP POP BOOM BOOMBOOM WEEEEEE POP WEEEEEE POP WEEEEE POP WEEEE POP BOOM BOOM BOOM POP POP POP POP WEEEEE POP POP POP WEEEE POP POP BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM POP POP POP BOOM

I caught up with Michaelangelo (one of the fastest tortoises in the world) a few days ago at our zoo. Alas, our impromptu race had to be postponed again.

He was in his little home in the Discovery Room.

Fast asleep.

A recent article in the HuffPost described a study* involving a ChatGPT conclusion: Out of all the states in the country, Colorado is one of the top states with the least stupid people!

Granted, most of the article involved describing the flaws in this study: outdated model of ChatGPT, flawed method of prompts, flawed this and flawed that. Full of flaws, actually.

So, should we believe this (flawed) study? Yes, I think it would be the smart thing to do!

*https://www.huffpost.com/entry/these-are-the-states-where-youre-stupidest-and-smelliest-according-to-chatgpt-goog_l_6a184e30e4b0ddcc84688566

So, John, your letter says you want to buy my house. A cash purchase! Today! Or soon! As soon as possible! Plus you’ll give me a fair price…..an honest offer and no hassles!

You want to buy my little place with the cute porch light? The place with the backyard that’s big (but not too big); the place with all those perennials that after several painful years of trial and error are now finally living their best lives? A place that’s cool in the summer and cozy warm in the winter and has that little secret view of the mountains?

Oh, right, you want my little plot that’s right in the middle of the best neighbors in the world, that spot on the block where plates of cookies are traded at Christmas and everyone keeps each others’ sidewalks shoveled on snowy winter days and calls out “Good morning!” during hot summer early mornings?

My home, John, is not for sale.

I saw my mailman the other day when I was out and about. He’s a nice man, brown hair, medium build, average height. “Oh, hi, you’re my mailman!” I said.

“Hi!” he answered, smiling. “And….what’s your address?” After I told him my street and number, he immediately recognized me.

To my mailman, I am the porch with two steps and rectangular silver mailbox.