When you’re traveling, your senses are keener to the newness of things. Because what you’re experiencing hasn’t become routine, like your standard order T.G.I. Friday’s cheeseburger, you more consciously savor the flavor of a place. Driving along the fringe of Rocky Mountain Arsenal last night was a chance to taste.

I’m on the way to California for much of the rest of the month, first Napa for a conference and then San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

I’m sitting in my Frontier plane on the Denver tarmac now, waiting for departure. An extended 13 hour layover here was a blessing that gave me a chance to visit with family—my grandfather’s neice specifically.

It’s a beautiful part of the country.