LFS: The Storyteller

©2013 Text & Photos by LeeZard Thursday July 25 – Denver, CO The State of Colorado actually did better than the rest of the country over the course of the recession and, according to a report from Chase/JP Morgan, its recovery is pacing that of the nation. Yet, Colorado’s unemployment in 2012 still hovered between eight and nine percent.  I looked up these figures before heading to Denver today and the State Capitol. Unfortunately my busy schedule did not allow time to interview Governor John Hickenlooper, nor did I have time to return more than 15 calls from his office (Ahem). I decided to "stakeout" the capitol's parking area for mucky-mucks with the hope of "ambushing" him. It's an old reporter's gambit.  Unfortunately  The Hickenlooper was a no-show but I was able to talk to some state employees on their way into the capitol building. Even though the state fared better than most over the course of the recession, at...

©2013 Text and Photos by LeeZard Tuesday July 23 – Superior, CO-Granby, CO The Colorado Rockies might be my favorite region in America. Maybe that’s because I’m here now but it’s always been special for me. I’ve driven through the Rockies many times; it’s always been on Interstate-70 – nice, but not like this. Today I am winding my way through the mountains on U.S. 40 twisting and turning upward to The Continental Divide at Berthoud Pass (elev. 11,307 ft.). There are spectacular views at almost every turn as the speed limit varies from 45 MPH on the safer curves down to 15 MPH on the hairpins.  I am heading for Granby, CO in Grand County, 93-miles west of Boulder. I chose Granby because it is the largest town in a county with a per capita income of $38,000 compared to Boulder County’s $52,000. And, don’t mistake “largest town” in the county with “large town;” Granby’s population today is 1,857, down from 2,080 in 2008. Winter Park, CO While only 20-...

©2013 Text and Photos  by LeeZard Friday July 19 – Rawlins, WY to Superior, CO I must drive Interstate-80 east for almost 100 miles to Laramie before I can get off the freeway and turn south  on U.S. 287 toward Colorado. Before leaving Wyoming, I see small oil operations and huge wind farms, reminders of the state’s economic underpinnings. Crossing the Colorado state line almost magically changes the scenery from the wide-open range to the beginnings of a more mountainous terrain. First small, then larger rock outcroppings appear on either side of the two-lane highway and soon the front range of The Rocky Mountains floats on the western horizon. I always feel at home in Colorado. I love the mountains and the lifestyle. I’ve almost moved here twice. I’m headed to Superior, near Boulder, to visit my nephew, his wife and their two sons. Of course, I will interview in several different, diverse communities. Frankly, I must stay in the D...