Since I spent some time last weekend presenting, and then was gone most of this week, we decided to take a long lunch today and see the grand opening of the new E, F, G and H light rail lines here in Denver, CO. This is a really important step for Denver, and a long-awaited project completion by most of its citizens. At first we weren’t even sure we were going to go because we’re all sick. We really wanted to get out though, and after all, it was just going to be a quick lunch trip… Although the local news reported the trains as being open at 10 AM, as did signs along the highway, it turns out that the service didn’t actually start until noon. The two hours between 10 AM and noon were for the politicians to congratulate themselves. Standing around with a few thousand other folks, with a two year old that’s still getting potty trained, turned out to be quite a test of patience. Eventually the politicians finished and the trains were open. Both the “E” and “F” lines however, which go all the way downtown, were shortened for the opening weekend to stop at the Broadway and I-25 station. This meant more waiting for a transfer on trains that were packed. We did eventually get to the 16th Street Mall however and made our way to Marlowe’s for a quick lunch. We got a great patio seat on a beautiful day to enjoy our lunch. It turns out that Marlowe’s doesn’t have kid’s cups. This left Paige fishing for cherries at the bottom of her Shirley Temple and making an extensive mess in the process. After lunch we hopped a train back to the Broadway and I-25 station, again waiting for a transfer. We took the first “E” or “F” train we could board. Along the way that train turned into a “G” train which diverts prior to Belleview to go along I-225 to the Nine Mile Station (Parker and I-225). This meant getting off the train (again) and then getting on an “H” line back to Lincoln and I-25 (the closest station to home). It had become painfully clear at this point that the rail system still had a few “bugs” to work out. Conversely, we did get to see all of the new rail and their stations. I’m actually really excited about the Colorado and I-25 station which is next to the Dave & Buster’s, as well as the University of Denver stop which is a few blocks from the local ColdFusion User Group (CFUG) meetings. Overall, I don’t mean to complain either – I’m very happy that the rail is here and the T-Rex project is complete! Hindsight being what it is however, to avoid the six-hour ordeal we experienced; you might wait a week or two before giving a test of your own.

Anya potty seat hangs on the side of the cabinet when she's not using to avoid having an open toilet for her to throw things into. The step stool came from Target, and I wanted it for over a year before I finally came home with it. The cube shelves came from Walmart.com and are used to hold the handful of breakable or collectible items I didn't want Anya messing with now that she can reach the counter. I bought the metal shelf when we moved in for Anya's towels and added the two yellow baskets from World Market which hold extra toilet paper, washcloths, and Pull-Ups/Diapers now that most of our changes are done on or near the potty. The potty would also be why there is a clear jar full of M&M's on the counter...but at least I bought them in Easter colors to match the room!