"Matrimony Dress Gala"

"Celebration of Marriage Vows and the Building of a New Life Together"

Today, was one of those most special days. On this Valentines Day 2011, our son Chad and his lovely bride Gina exchanged wedding vows on a mountaintop at the Loveland ski resort in Colorado. The mountain views were beautiful, the temperatures were in the high 30's and the prenuptial comments by the minister were both thought provoking and meaningful for the occasion. Afterwards, we all enjoyed a an outdoor reception complete with cake, sparkling cider and a dance contest, which Chad and Gina won, but were no doubt the best, given the decibel rating of the cheers. Their special prize was threefold, a honeymoon getaway, special dining and future lift tickets. Best of all, their dance moves were all captured on my video camera.

"Astronomy Capital of the World"

With clear skies and the absence of lights plus a low light ordinance, Tucson in many ways is the Astronomy capital of the world. In many ways, Arizona has had a long love affair with astronomy that goes back to native cultures and even with ancient peoples like the Anasazi who have left many pictographs with astronomical themes.

Surrounding Tucson, is a plethora of observatories located on different mountain peaks like Mount Lemmon, Mount Bigelow, and Mount Grahm. Probably the most well known is the Kitt observatory located 56 miles southwest of Tucson in the Schuk Toak District on the Tohono O'odham Nation.

Kitt Peak National Observatory, is part of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory, and supports the most diverse collection of astronomical observatories on Earth for nighttime optical and infrared astronomy and daytime study of the Sun.

With the low light ordinance in Tucson, the night skies near my home are very clear during the evenings. As a result, shooting stars and even space stations are quite prominent as they move across the sky.

"Back on the Slopes Again!"

After an absence of many years, I'll be returning to the ski slopes to attend my son's wedding on Valentines Day at the Loveland ski area in Colorado. Today, was spent gathering the necessary ski clothing and ski gear for this event. Now that I feel prepared, I'm ready to return to my skiing days of yesteryear. Luckily, the temperatures will be mild.

"Mountaintop Matrimony in Loveland, Colorado"

My son Chad and his bride to be, Gina will be taking their wedding vows this Valentines Day on the ski slopes just outside Loveland, Colorado in a event called "Mountaintop Matrimony". This is actually the 20th year of this event.

The Mountaintop Wedding is for couples getting married or renewing their vows and takes place at 12 noon on Valentines day each year at an elevation of 12,500 feet. The ceremony is a "mass wedding" done for all couples at the same time and lasts approximately 30 minutes. At the conclusion of the ceremony, all participants and guests will ski or snowboard down the mountain for a casual after party with cake, music and prizes.

In addition to this popular activity, the city of Loveland, which is known as the "Sweetheart City", also has a Valentine Re-mailing program, which is in its 65th year. Each year, people around the United States send valentines to Loveland so that they can be re mailed with a special cachet four line verse stamped on each envelope. The message is always one of love and hope to the world and a contest is held each year to select a new verse.

Now, I must be off to buy some ski clothing!!!!!