Introducing Josie - and Baby Reese!

Hello, I’d like to introduce myself – I’m Josie Parden, Chelsea’s assistant.  I thought it might be fun to add a blog from a different Durangoan perspective.  Some of you may know that there is a new addition to the Krueger family.  Baby Reese and mom are both healthy and happy, and taking a little time to get to know each other better.  Meanwhile,   I’m helping out with her business along with Stuart Way, a colleague of Chelsea’s and fellow real estate broker here at The Wells Group.

The Krueger girls

The Krueger girls

 

Here is a little about myself.  I’ve been working at the Wells Group for 2.5 years.  I am a transplant from New Orleans, Louisiana.  I have a passion for photography and the communication arts.  If you list with Chelsea, we will make sure your home is photographed and marketed in a way that will gain it maximum exposure.  Working with Chelsea has been such a pleasure because of her easy- going personality  and knowledge in her field, but she also has an great eye for aesthetics which is something I really appreciate coming from an artistic background myself. When it comes to marketing, open houses, home staging, etc., she really has a great vision. While she is taking some time out of the office I’m glad to be assisting her to maintain that vision.

 

Since I’ve been in Colorado, I’ve found Durango to be a very special place.  It can give you that cozy small town feel with wide open spaces, and at the same time you can enjoy a vibrant evening downtown full of fantastic restaurants and bars. It seems like there are so many new places popping up.  I’ve really enjoyed Grassburger, a new restaurant serving burgers made with local grass- fed beef.  Check out their website.     

 

The summer is winding down, but the weather is still great here.  Coming from New Orleans where the temperature is in the 90’s with 85% humidity, it really does seem like heaven here.  This September the Rochester Hotel will continue to host their summer concert series on Wednesday evenings in the garden.  Some more fun events are coming up as well.  In preparation for Snowdown 2015, there will be a Steampunk Fashion Show Luncheon on  September 19th  to benefit Durango Friends of the Arts. You can email mharp4@bresnan.net  for more information or to reserve a seat.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with Snowdown, it’s an iconic festival here in Durango.  You should check out this link.  It will fill you in on the history of the festival and give you a few ideas for this year’s theme.  Sutcliffe Vineyards, a local southwest Colorado vineyard is having their annual Harvest Dinner on September 8th where Sutcliffe wines will be paired with 7 delectable courses prepared by the Ore House. Many Durangoans make the journey to McElmo Canyon for the event and this year they are even offering a shuttle service to discourage drinking and driving.  Maybe I’ll see some of you there!

Harvest Dinner 2011  © Josie Parden Photography

Harvest Dinner 2011  © Josie Parden Photography

 

I have enjoyed this summer so much, but I am looking forward to the crisp air and the changing colors from greens to yellows to burnt orange, and having a cup of spicy tea while listening to the crunch of the fallen leaves under my feet. But I won’t get ahead of myself – it’s still pretty warm out! Every season in Durango has something great to offer!

Some of the natural beauty that Durango has to offer - the view from Chelsea's listing 506 Mountain Memories.  

Some of the natural beauty that Durango has to offer - the view from Chelsea's listing 506 Mountain Memories.  

Summer in Durango

Living in Durango is a conscious choice by many. People don't typically "end up" here, they often make it a goal to live here and figure out the housing and job equation later. Some of the things I love about Durango in the summer are the Farmer's Market, the local, organic produce, and the river! 

Here's a picture of my recent score at the Farmer's Market from Cartwheel Clothing. Jennifer makes some awesome kid's clothes!! Baby Krueger will be stylin'!

We also joined the Twin Buttes CSA this year. I've been really pleased with the quality of the produce. Their salad greens are delicate and delicious. We often get a nice variety of herbs (cilantro, basil, dill, garlic and garlic scapes), Swiss chard, baby romaine lettuce, radishes, green onions.... the list goes on. Right now Twin Buttes has opened their CSA to 40 members that don't live in the neighborhood, but soon this community garden will be shared with residents only. They also have fresh eggs and honey! 

If you don't know much about Twin Buttes, you should check them out here. This community is located just west of Durango and offers a sustainable, energy efficient lifestyle. They have miles of awesome riding and hiking trails and their amenities will include things like a farm to table restaurant, a holistic healing center and much more. So far they are taking reservations for vacant lots and will be closing on them sometime in the next 6 months or so. Vertical construction will likely be happening in 2015. This neighborhood will create about 300 new home sites for people who are wanting to be close to town! 

A couple Friday's ago we decided to walk down to the river with our paddle boards to cool off. Ryder's favorite part is using his squirt gun!! The water is still pretty chilly, but I am happy to report that the current level is at about 900 CFS. It has come down significantly in the past weeks, but it appears to be higher than 2012 and 2013 at this time of year. Check out this cool graph, courtesy of Durango Herald. 

If you have any good ideas for activities this summer in Durango, let me know!!! 

 

Welcome to my Durango Blog

Welcome to my Durango Blog

Welcome to my blog! Thanks for stopping by. Here I plan to post about our Durango community and my adventures with family and friends.  I feel very lucky to live here in Southwest Colorado - there are open spaces, endless possibilities for outdoor activities, great restaurants, festivals, and a lively historic downtown area.