Emelyn Morris-Sayre, CRS, REALTOR Lakewood and Denver Metro homes

On friday, I participated in a DAR field trip to the Plains Conservation site in Aurora. Colorado history has always fascinated me, especially since my husband's family homesteaded here back in the mid 1800's. As a former member of "The Shady Ladies of Central City" I have spent many hours studying the roles of women in the settling of the West...from soiled doves to wives of military men...all trying to survive in a harsh environment. So visiting this preserved rendition of an old homestead had special meaning to me.

Touring the small home built of sod and mud, to sitting on the stiff, wooden bench in the one room school house, I could imagine the hardships our families endured as they set down roots in Colorado. Even as the suburban developments creep towards this beautiful park, you can look towards the horizon and transport yourself back in time.

All photos are copyrighted by Emelyn Morris-Sayre, 2009.

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend and help at the Daughters of the British Empire's Annual Victorian Tea in Denver. I am in the process of joining this distinguished group....my mother is Australian which qualifies me to become a member. My papers are in order and I have now met the additional requirements to join.

Being a part and helping with the event (even though I am not yet an official member) was a delightful experience. To see the epitome of manners, etiquette and hospitality was so heartwarming and inspiring...to know that we haven't lost these wonderful elements of civility...I am so impressed.

Here are a few photos of the day....

The Ladies gather just before the opening of the craft fair.

Mother and Daughter enjoy the tea together.

Members of the Daughters of the British Empire work hard in the kitchen to prepare wonderful food for all of the guests.

I am having a hard time embracing, much less understanding, the push for an additional tax on tickets to the Central City Opera, the ghost tours and such that is on the upcoming November ballot. I would hope the local government could work within its current means - and I do understand and appreciate that revenues are down - but most of the money spent on these items are already discretionary and to add to the cost just doesn't make sense in today's market.

My husband's family's roots go back to the gold rush in Central City, I am a former member of the Shady Ladies of Central City and the majority of my business comes from the mountain communities in Gilpin County. I want and continue to support the area, but I don't believe that adding this tax will help in the long run.

I would encourage the Central City Opera to work with the City of Central to co-sponsor events that would help off-set the reduced revenues....let's work together and make it a win-win situation.....for all of the people who frequent our mountain communities.

Or maybe, stop and take in the view. I had an early appointment today with a client who purchased a home up in the foothills of Jefferson County, just west of Denver. I hadn't seen them in almost two years and they wanted me to see what they had done to the home as well as get some advice of local lenders whom they could talk to about re-financing.

As I turned on to Highway 72 (Coal Creek Canyon) off of North 93, I was struck by the incredible beauty of the foothills and Flatirons. The sun was just in the right position to enhance the incredible topography that so many times we take for granted. I had to pull over and take a picture.