BARKLEY

the NBA Finals). I’m going to give them to you. Get my num -

Because of this, annuals are more affected by precipitation which can supercharge growth and lead to super blooms like those seen this spring and summer in California and other southwestern areas.

“In those deserts, it really is as simple as when it rains all winter, the flowers are crazy,” Johnson said.

Perennials, on the other hand, typically have a shorter bloom season and are more impacted by several years of weather rather than a single season.

“There’s sort of legacy effect from previous winters and previous summers,” Johnson said. “Just speaking for this winter, if all of those plants were fat and happy last summer, then they’ve got more resources to bloom again this spring. So it’s a multiyear legacy.” ber, send me your info.’ It was the morning of Game 2 and I got a text from his assistant. I had the tickets within five minutes. The seats I got were going for about two grand a piece.

As peak bloom approaches, Johnson said there are endless ways wildflowers can be used to enhance the exploration of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain region. Much of that can be found in the sheer diversity of growth across the High Country.

Q. How was Ahmad Rashad?

“Even on the same hill or the same mountain … it can be a completely different plant community,” Johnson said.

“I actually really enjoy trying to figure out why certain plants grow in certain places. So it’s much more of an ecology view for me,” Johnson said. “Why is that plant really short on those goofy rocks, whereas there are tall ones just 20 feet away? Why are those plants so different?”

For an introductory book for identifying wildflowers during an excursion, Johnson recommended “Plants of the Rocky Mountains,” by Linda Kershaw. For something more technical, Johnson advised the book “Flora of Colorado,” by Jennifer Ackerfield.

He also said several apps, such as Leafsnap, are “remarkably accurate.”

Searching for wildflowers, Johnson said, “does give you maybe a more complete experience to look at the land around you rather than having a goal.

“Stop and look at a flower. Ask, ‘what do you see?’ What color

Ahmad was so cool. I grew up watching Ahmad Rashad on NBA Inside Stuff. I know you did, too. He was talking about Michael Jordan’s course. I mean, he lives on the Grove, Michael Jordan’s course. Ahmad Rashad is like, best friends with Michael Jordan. It was just nuts to listen to them talk and just be immersed in their lives for a few hours.

Q. What happened on the 11th hole that day?

We’re sitting on the fairway. He’s sitting in his cart, I’m sitting in mine. We’re waiting on the others, and he looks over at me and he’s like ‘Where’s your phone? Get your phone. Put my number in it. Send are the flowers? Are the leaves scratchy or are they smooth? Is it tall or is it short?” Johnson said.

“You can really reinforce some basic observation skills into something that is tangible and real.”

And finding wildflowers doesn’t have to be a strenuous activity. Johnson said ski resorts, many of which grant access to mountain peaks via gondolas, are great for wildflower viewing thanks to constant snow activity that moistens the terrain.

“A lot of the more developed ski areas, Winter Park, Aspen, Vail, have a ton of summer activities and they’ve got a really well developed summer trail system,” Johnson said. “It’s a really easily accessible way to get a normal person to 9,000 feet, 10,000 feet, to see wildflowers.” me a text.’ So I sent him a text, just thinking he’s being nice or whatever. But a day or two later, he sends me this thank you, just thanking us for showing him such a good time. And he thanked me again for my admiration for him. equipment upgrades/add-ons, and certain other add’l fees & chrgs. See directv.com/directv-fees/ for additional information. $10/MO. AUTOPAY AND PAPERLESS BILL DISCOUNT: Must enroll in autopay & paperless bill within 30 days of TV activation to receive bill credit starting in 1-3 bill cycles (pay $10 more/mo. until discount begins). Must maintain autopay/paperless bill and valid email address to continue credits. DIRECTV SVC TERMS: Subject to Equipment Lease & Customer Agreements. All o ers, packages, programming, promotions, features, terms, restrictions and conditions and all prices and fees not included in price guarantee are subject to change without notice. Package, Advanced Receiver Service Fee, Regional Sports Fee (varies by zip code) and equipment fees for TV connections are included in two-year price guarantee. Taxes, surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), protection plan, transactional fees, and Federal Cost Recovery Fee are not included in two-year price guarantee. Some o ers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Di erent o ers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling unit. Visit directv.com/legal/ or call for details. Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your DIRECTV log-in credentials. Visit directv.com to verify/create your account. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change. Requires account to stay in good standing. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to HBO Max. If you cancel your service, you

Summit Daily News editor Andrew Maciejewski contributed to this article.

This Summit Daily News article via The Associated Press’ Storyshare, of which Colorado Community Media is a member.

Q. What a memory. You were about to get married later that month also, right?

Yes. I got married on the 23rd of June. So, I was only a couple weeks out from getting married. A few days after the event, he wished me the best for my wedding. To go even a step further, the next morning (after my wedding), I had a text from Chuck to congratulate me and my bride.