I carry my brown bag a block to the park and share a picnic table.  We overlook the river playhole - the kayakers surf and roll.  A 50ish woman carries her fiberglass Jackson boat, and I think "what fun!"  An 11 week old Papillon named Carla - or Sheila - or whatever your name is, the owner says, and the older Baby, a yellowish blue-eyed retriever type, head for the water.  The little girl with the butterfly wings attached to her backpack carries a wand.  Should I have on suntan lotion, it's pretty hot!  As I walk back, I run into the group sales director for Monarch Ski area.  Ticket sales are up!  Her office overlooks the river - what a distraction. Agent Mike from Salida Realty is bicycling on the Monarch Crest Trail - I'd like to do that, too, and have heard that other than the somewhat steep start, it is a mild single track.  This weekend kicks off the Aspen Salida Concert Series - we are the only community to be privy to outreach by the famed Aspen Music Festival.  When customers ask what it's like here, I wish I could bottle the smells, sights, friendliness and opportunities and really show them!   I'm blessed to be enjoying the day in Salida.  Warmly, Leslie.  P.S.  Stay tuned for my TV appearance, which was broadcast live a few weeks back - I'll get it on the blog soon.