Mountain Pines Lodge

Matt's urn on the hearth
Originally uploaded by lynnikins.

I will always be grateful to Paul for finding us a gorgeous place to stay during our Colorado visit. The Lodge is in beautiful, cool Nederland, just a few miles from Mom and Paul's house in Rollinsville. We enjoyed the spacious living areas, elegant tiled showers, funky deer antler decor, and the large working kitchen and dining area perfectly suited for people who love to cook and eat. The Lodge served as Party Central for our family, with Mom and Paul creating wonderful feasts every night: Paul's smoked ham and ribs and homemade bratwurst, and jalapeno-spiked cole slaw; Mom's pizza marathon, sauerkraut and apples, and killer giant-sized chocolate cookies. The Thiel/Stewarts and Barones stayed here for about a week, and we had plenty of room for Eric, Faith, and Alice to spend the night on Friday before Matt's service.

Matt's ashes sat on his baby quilt on the fireplace hearth throughout his last days above ground--it was neat because it was so great to play and sing music every night in the living room. The Lodge was a perfect temporary home for our family as we gathered to celebrate Matt's life. I'll always have a soft place in my heart for this lovely space in the world.

[Note: I double-posted this entry to Not forgetting Matt, since that's really where it belongs.]