When it doesn't matter, a Y in the road can be a beautful thing, a fantastic adventure waiting to be taken on, the decision is easy, take the one never traveled and if you've never traveled either, flip a coin then hit the pavement....or dirt depending on where your Y lands you.
But...when the Y is an important life's decision, that Y can take on the appearance of a dark monster with snaggely teeth and huge horns. Tearing at us with fear and indecision.
So how DO you choose?
And does THAT even really matter?
What matter's is doing the best we can in this crazy, sometimes annoying, many times frightening thing we all live called LIFE! It's a road we all travel whether we want to or not, if we are here, we are on it, for better or worse, richer or poorer (sounds like marriage)...sickness and in health.
So making the right decision on which way to go when the "Y" in the road pops up is just as important as the journey itsself, so don't be hasty, take a bit of time and if you get it wrong, pick yourself up and LEARN! Learn, learn, learn....don't make the same mistake agian, don't let it define you and the choices you make and if something is not working, maybe that's a sign.....like 99.9% a sign that you need to change the direction you are heading. That might mean recreating yourself completely, and that's ok, sometimes we need that because sometimes people create a particular persona that they THINK is cool or will help them to make friends and get somewhere in life only to find out that it wasn't really who they were at all.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Friday, July 26, 2013
I feel more like the confused traveler than the excited one at this point. This ride has certainly been a wild one, and THATS an understatement!
We knew going into this that the road would be bumpy, but didn't realize the amount of HUGE speed bumps and potholes along the way and as much as we've both hated it and vow never to do again, I'm sure in the end it will be worth it. . . right? . . . . . I said RIGHT?
We have just 5 days before we close on our house here in Menomonie and STILL a bit unsure as to where we are going on Wednesday July 31st after the closing!
In a foreclosure there is such a ridiculously long line of people for a question to work it's way through in order to get an answer and a seemingly even longer line to get anything signed that days and days slip away.
There is always an opportunity for learning and growing in any situation we find ourselves standing within, however I am still blind to this one at this point because none of it makes much sense to me. We keep waiting for the other shoe to fall, to. . . . at the very last minute be hit so hard it knocks us off our axles. I hate that feeling and I hate not being able to shake it but too, what has been the theme of this entire thing has been, as soon as we relax, as soon as we feel that something is actually working out to our advantage we get hit, so you put up your wall of proverbial protection for that "just in case" the next shoe falls.
This all feels a bit surreal at times, because much as we both wanted to relocate closer to hubby's work, I never really thought we would, we talked so much about it over the last few years that it began to feel like just an over talked topic that wouldn't go any further than that....talk.
Now, here we are, with a house completely packed up, a garage and basement put into storage waiting until we can get the actual moving truck to haul out the rest of our belongings out. . . . to . . . . to somewhere unknown to us right now.
It reminds me of when we were young and some of the chances we took and the "no choice but" that we were faced with. Like the time that Mike had had enough with a job. We were young, our daughter was only a few months old, living hundreds of miles of what we considered "home" and he called me from work to inform me that he had just quit!
My stomach dropped, I went numb as the sweat overtook me, however as quickly as he told me that, he also informed me that the job offers were already there. Ok, back up the hill on this ride.
As I calmly hung the phone up to wait for him to come home, I felt ready to hit the road again, besides, that's what my life had been. We moved a lot when I was a kid. Born in St. Paul, moved to Maplewood, moved to Kansas, moved back to St. Paul, then back to Maplewood, at 9 yrs old we headed for Colorado. Once there we lived in three different places but still in the same town, even though having our "base" home in that town, we moved to the mountains for the summer where my father was working at the time until we headed back to Minnesota once again.
Marrying a man in radio has lead me down the same crazy road pretty much, there was one time we were going to move to St. Cloud MN. but we derailed it and went back to unpack all the boxes we had painstakingly taped up only a month before.
However we have been fortunate to live in the same town for the last 22 years. . . AMAZING! I have NEVER lived somewhere for that long, so while this move is exciting for me, it's also a bit shaky and the crazy bumps we have been experiencing don't make it any easier that's for sure and all we've wanted this entire time is to know where we were going. It's an odd thing to have your life dictated by others. Makes a person take a step back and be grateful for living in a country that for the most part we are free to do as we please.
So this partial dream state we're traveling in continues and no doubt WILL continue until we sit down and put our signatures on the documents that state the house is ours because right now, I feel as though I'm on auto pilot going through the motions it takes to do so. And it will be a beautiful day when we can finally get settled in "somewhere" until the next crazy bump in life takes over temporarily, which they inevitably do, because that's just how life works, so enjoy the beautiful times you experience in life because you'll need them to get you through the rough times.
We knew going into this that the road would be bumpy, but didn't realize the amount of HUGE speed bumps and potholes along the way and as much as we've both hated it and vow never to do again, I'm sure in the end it will be worth it. . . right? . . . . . I said RIGHT?
We have just 5 days before we close on our house here in Menomonie and STILL a bit unsure as to where we are going on Wednesday July 31st after the closing!
In a foreclosure there is such a ridiculously long line of people for a question to work it's way through in order to get an answer and a seemingly even longer line to get anything signed that days and days slip away.
There is always an opportunity for learning and growing in any situation we find ourselves standing within, however I am still blind to this one at this point because none of it makes much sense to me. We keep waiting for the other shoe to fall, to. . . . at the very last minute be hit so hard it knocks us off our axles. I hate that feeling and I hate not being able to shake it but too, what has been the theme of this entire thing has been, as soon as we relax, as soon as we feel that something is actually working out to our advantage we get hit, so you put up your wall of proverbial protection for that "just in case" the next shoe falls.
This all feels a bit surreal at times, because much as we both wanted to relocate closer to hubby's work, I never really thought we would, we talked so much about it over the last few years that it began to feel like just an over talked topic that wouldn't go any further than that....talk.
Now, here we are, with a house completely packed up, a garage and basement put into storage waiting until we can get the actual moving truck to haul out the rest of our belongings out. . . . to . . . . to somewhere unknown to us right now.
It reminds me of when we were young and some of the chances we took and the "no choice but" that we were faced with. Like the time that Mike had had enough with a job. We were young, our daughter was only a few months old, living hundreds of miles of what we considered "home" and he called me from work to inform me that he had just quit!
My stomach dropped, I went numb as the sweat overtook me, however as quickly as he told me that, he also informed me that the job offers were already there. Ok, back up the hill on this ride.
As I calmly hung the phone up to wait for him to come home, I felt ready to hit the road again, besides, that's what my life had been. We moved a lot when I was a kid. Born in St. Paul, moved to Maplewood, moved to Kansas, moved back to St. Paul, then back to Maplewood, at 9 yrs old we headed for Colorado. Once there we lived in three different places but still in the same town, even though having our "base" home in that town, we moved to the mountains for the summer where my father was working at the time until we headed back to Minnesota once again.
Marrying a man in radio has lead me down the same crazy road pretty much, there was one time we were going to move to St. Cloud MN. but we derailed it and went back to unpack all the boxes we had painstakingly taped up only a month before.
However we have been fortunate to live in the same town for the last 22 years. . . AMAZING! I have NEVER lived somewhere for that long, so while this move is exciting for me, it's also a bit shaky and the crazy bumps we have been experiencing don't make it any easier that's for sure and all we've wanted this entire time is to know where we were going. It's an odd thing to have your life dictated by others. Makes a person take a step back and be grateful for living in a country that for the most part we are free to do as we please.
So this partial dream state we're traveling in continues and no doubt WILL continue until we sit down and put our signatures on the documents that state the house is ours because right now, I feel as though I'm on auto pilot going through the motions it takes to do so. And it will be a beautiful day when we can finally get settled in "somewhere" until the next crazy bump in life takes over temporarily, which they inevitably do, because that's just how life works, so enjoy the beautiful times you experience in life because you'll need them to get you through the rough times.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
FAST: Day Three
We made it!
Next, we walked past a women with the most horrid body oder we've ever smelled. It carried for several isles. This is getting almost ridiculous! As a matter of fact the smells were everywhere and they were not pleasant.
Three days and it really wasn't all that bad, as a matter of fact we're going to do it again in a few months because we feel so refreshed, lighter and clean!
The one thing that was really an opener was the fact that our senses were seemingly heightened. Especially our sense of smell and that wasn't made apparent until we went o the store to get groceries for the week ahead.
There was one gentleman that walked past us in which the smell of meat was overwhelmingly horrid! MEAT? REALLY? But not in a good way, oh no, no, no, this was. . . . ICKY!
He looked hot and sweaty and the smell seemed to ooze from his pores. It was nearly more than we could bear...in a bad way.
You'd think if anything our senses to food would be, oh I don't know, desirable?
He looked hot and sweaty and the smell seemed to ooze from his pores. It was nearly more than we could bear...in a bad way.
You'd think if anything our senses to food would be, oh I don't know, desirable?
Next, we walked past a women with the most horrid body oder we've ever smelled. It carried for several isles. This is getting almost ridiculous! As a matter of fact the smells were everywhere and they were not pleasant.
The other thing we noticed was that going through the different isles and seeing all the bright and colorful boxes, bags, cans and containers, we became hungry, really hungry for the first time since day one.
The lure of sight? Staying home and concentrating on what we were traveling through with this fast helped us immensely I believe, to get through it.
All in all we are both quite happy with this little trip through the unexplored and look forward to using it to our best advantage. We both lost a few pounds, which is obvious to happen, and it may very well come back, this wasn't done for instant weight loss, this was done for a reset, a mental reset, a physical reset, a healthful eating reset, a chance to see where we need improvement and how to go about achieving it.
I would advise anyone to give a fast a try, if for nothing else, just to test your willpower.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
FAST: Day Two
Woke up to a headache, I'm sure it's the lack of caffeine. Wasn't hungry at all and despite the headache, felt pretty good. Found Mike sitting on the deck enjoying the morning with a cup of Green Tea so I joined him for a bit.
The Green Tea was good, but hunger started in pretty quick, which was actually good for me because I can normally go half the morning without eating which is probably half my issue (not eating regular enough), so I had my shake and felt pretty good.
The second day is nearly finished and although there were some bumps today it's gone quite well. It's interesting too, how much food and eating are thrown into our faces...ALL-DAY-LONG! Commercials, tv programs, driving down the street and the abundance of restaurants all along the way.
The desire to "chew" is seemingly ingrained in us because just as pleasurable as it was to eat our salads for dinner, the sheer pleasure of just chewing became interestingly apparent.
My desire for a "fully leaded cola" made me fumble for about 15 minutes today and just like yesterday, it was at the same time of the day which I now will be able to use to my advantage. I was also made aware of "why" I wanted this soda. That too will prove to be helpful in my quest for weight loss, deeper spirituality and health.
Variety has taken on another meaning today as well. The boredom from the same food (minus the salads) has been, to say the least...challenging. Getting past that and I'm feeling healthier, lighter, and energized!
The Green Tea was good, but hunger started in pretty quick, which was actually good for me because I can normally go half the morning without eating which is probably half my issue (not eating regular enough), so I had my shake and felt pretty good.
Learning to discipline myself again is even better. Sometimes true power is in the ability to say no.
"Fasting isn't a trend.
It's one of the oldest therapies in medicine
and its recorded practice dates back thousands of years. "
The second day is nearly finished and although there were some bumps today it's gone quite well. It's interesting too, how much food and eating are thrown into our faces...ALL-DAY-LONG! Commercials, tv programs, driving down the street and the abundance of restaurants all along the way.
The desire to "chew" is seemingly ingrained in us because just as pleasurable as it was to eat our salads for dinner, the sheer pleasure of just chewing became interestingly apparent.
My desire for a "fully leaded cola" made me fumble for about 15 minutes today and just like yesterday, it was at the same time of the day which I now will be able to use to my advantage. I was also made aware of "why" I wanted this soda. That too will prove to be helpful in my quest for weight loss, deeper spirituality and health.
"We gain spiritual clarity of thought while fasting,
it allows us to hear God more clearly.
Fasting also demonstrates a profound need for God's help and
guidance through complete dependence upon him."
Variety has taken on another meaning today as well. The boredom from the same food (minus the salads) has been, to say the least...challenging. Getting past that and I'm feeling healthier, lighter, and energized!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Lets Fast!
trav·el /ˈtrævəl/ Show Spelled [trav-uhl] Show IPA verb, trav·eled, trav·el·ing or ( especially British ) trav·elled, trav·el·ling, noun, adjective - verb (used without object)
1. to go from one place to another, as by car, train, plane, or ship; take a trip; journey: to travel for pleasure.
So I decide to challenge myself and go on a three day fast. It's a road that I've not traveled in a very very long time. A journey that I no doubt need in order to reset my body so it will begin to do what I want and need it to do for weight loss, health and freshness. And more important than that, it's a reset within myself that will also allow me to purge the toxins that have built up in my body, mind and soul.
So, this will undoubtedly be an interesting ride, to say the least, as I read, study, pray and meditate my way through the next three days and to becoming lighter (in more ways than one!)
We're doing the SHAKEOLOGY THREE DAY CLEANSE
Our DAILY Regimen: (we however skipped the third shake....we just weren't hungry)
1 cup of green tea to start the day
BREAKFAST:
1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
1/2 cup of fruit (60 to 90 calories)—optional
Ice to taste
8 to10 oz. of water
SNACK 1 (85 calories):
1 piece of fruit (apple, pear, orange, banana mango, etc.)
LUNCH:
1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
Ice to taste 8 to 10 oz. of water
1 cup of green tea or a detox tea
SNACK 2: (you can have the second snack before or after dinner)
1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
Ice to taste
8 to10 oz. of water DINNER:
Salad with grilled white fish or poultry (roughly 340 calories)
Greens—3 servings of vegetables, plus 4 oz. of grilled white meat (fish or poultry)
2 tablespoons of dressing—no more!
It's not been bad at all. There were two rough areas for me but that's good because I now know what and where they are so I can go through my days more aware. We've not really been hungry at all, only caught up in the trap of routine that has made us think we've needed one thing or another when indeed we didn't.
So now here it is, late the first night and we're sipping the Green Tea that we failed to have this morning and soon it'll be time for bed. One day down!!!
1. to go from one place to another, as by car, train, plane, or ship; take a trip; journey: to travel for pleasure.
2. to move or go from one place or point to another.
3. to proceed or advance in any way.
I'm traveling this time by proceeding to advance ahead in my life, by moving from my stagnant point to a place that is flowing with life, lightness and cleansing.
So I decide to challenge myself and go on a three day fast. It's a road that I've not traveled in a very very long time. A journey that I no doubt need in order to reset my body so it will begin to do what I want and need it to do for weight loss, health and freshness. And more important than that, it's a reset within myself that will also allow me to purge the toxins that have built up in my body, mind and soul.
In the last few years I have rid myself of some pretty toxic people. People that I so gullibly thought were my friends for one reason or another, only to come to realize they were nothing more than a weight tied around my ankles pulling me down into the muck. And as those toxic people have been purged from my life, I have been quite blessed with adding new friends and rekindling old friends in the last few years and they are seemingly much better suited with the person I am today.
So, this will undoubtedly be an interesting ride, to say the least, as I read, study, pray and meditate my way through the next three days and to becoming lighter (in more ways than one!)
Mike decided that he too would like to take this little three day journey with me and quite honestly I am very pleased that he did because it certainly makes it easier to do with a buddy and he too has some purging to do since the loss of his mother nearly a year ago.
We're doing the SHAKEOLOGY THREE DAY CLEANSE
Our DAILY Regimen: (we however skipped the third shake....we just weren't hungry)
1 cup of green tea to start the day
BREAKFAST:
1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
1/2 cup of fruit (60 to 90 calories)—optional
Ice to taste
8 to10 oz. of water
SNACK 1 (85 calories):
1 piece of fruit (apple, pear, orange, banana mango, etc.)
LUNCH:
1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
Ice to taste 8 to 10 oz. of water
1 cup of green tea or a detox tea
SNACK 2: (you can have the second snack before or after dinner)
1 scoop Shakeology (140 calories)
Ice to taste
8 to10 oz. of water DINNER:
Salad with grilled white fish or poultry (roughly 340 calories)
Greens—3 servings of vegetables, plus 4 oz. of grilled white meat (fish or poultry)
2 tablespoons of dressing—no more!
It's not been bad at all. There were two rough areas for me but that's good because I now know what and where they are so I can go through my days more aware. We've not really been hungry at all, only caught up in the trap of routine that has made us think we've needed one thing or another when indeed we didn't.
So now here it is, late the first night and we're sipping the Green Tea that we failed to have this morning and soon it'll be time for bed. One day down!!!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Finally the Exhaustion Is Gone!
It's going on three weeks since we've been home and I was still feeling a bit exhausted! I'm not quite sure why it took so long to shake it this time, could it be age or was the trip just THAT exciting that it took the best of me this round? Anythings possible that's for certain. But we all seem to have to re-coop from the vacations we take to. . . ah. . . re-coop.
Reflecting back on what we experienced brings such a sense of joy, but too, a bit of left over desire to go again. I was glad to get home because I was looking forward to getting back into my routine, however my routine seems to have eluded me for reasons unbeknownst to me. It's a messy situation here with no rhyme or reason for how each day goes. Oh, Mike has his routine, 3:45a get up, stumble to the kitchen to turn on the light so it will gently filter into the living room, easing his eyes into full alertness. Stumble his way to the TV and turning it on to listen to the early morning anchors do their best to read the news that has rolled in over night. After he's left for work that's the end of routine in this house until he bounces back in sometime around one.
As far as the trip reflection, I miss everyone! I would like to sit on the deck some more and talk with our friends Dan and Nicole, getting to know her and their beautiful kids a little better, poking fun at Dan and talking about our beloved Loveland Colorado, where we went to school together.
I'd love to hang in the canyon next to the river a little longer with Mom and Dad R. and the rest of my adoptive family, especially my best friend from 6th grade, Theresa and her sister Sheryl! Laughing and talking about all the things we missed through the years of not seeing one another.
I'd love to hike the quarry in Colorado with Debbie, my bestie in Loveland and listen to Mike and her husband crack up over goofy stories being shared that we're told to us by Dad R. or sit back out on her deck and watch the lightening over the mountains.
And what I wouldn't give to have planned better so that we could have spent more time with my school friend Diane K. and her husband while we were in Loveland! We shared a very small blip of our time there with them, however I am grateful for that blip just the same!
I missed it all so terribly the moment we left each place, fully aware that our paths may never meet again. We hope to share more moments together, we plan on sharing more moments together, but one never knows where ones life will take them years from now, so we hold on to what we had and treasure it until we hopefully meet again. So now here we are, nonchalantly planning our next big road trip, slowly piecing it together for something to work towards. This time we hope to see my aunt in Texas. Mike keeps telling me that we need to go, that if I don't and something happens to her I would never forgive myself, besides, in him has grown a certain fondness of her just from the times he's spoken ever so briefly to her on the phone and the several cards and letters she has sent to us.
Reflecting back on what we experienced brings such a sense of joy, but too, a bit of left over desire to go again. I was glad to get home because I was looking forward to getting back into my routine, however my routine seems to have eluded me for reasons unbeknownst to me. It's a messy situation here with no rhyme or reason for how each day goes. Oh, Mike has his routine, 3:45a get up, stumble to the kitchen to turn on the light so it will gently filter into the living room, easing his eyes into full alertness. Stumble his way to the TV and turning it on to listen to the early morning anchors do their best to read the news that has rolled in over night. After he's left for work that's the end of routine in this house until he bounces back in sometime around one.
I, on the other hand find it hard just to find my way out of bed, a far cry from my usual up and at it attitude, complete with happy smile on my face, no, I seemingly lost that somewhere in Nebraska I think. (chuckle and shrug my shoulders) So I'm pushing myself each day to get back into my, or shall I say, any routine. It's coming, I can feel it, but it isn't the quick rebound bounce back that I used to feel. Oh well, such as life. . .
I'd love to hang in the canyon next to the river a little longer with Mom and Dad R. and the rest of my adoptive family, especially my best friend from 6th grade, Theresa and her sister Sheryl! Laughing and talking about all the things we missed through the years of not seeing one another.
I'd love to hike the quarry in Colorado with Debbie, my bestie in Loveland and listen to Mike and her husband crack up over goofy stories being shared that we're told to us by Dad R. or sit back out on her deck and watch the lightening over the mountains.
And what I wouldn't give to have planned better so that we could have spent more time with my school friend Diane K. and her husband while we were in Loveland! We shared a very small blip of our time there with them, however I am grateful for that blip just the same!
I missed it all so terribly the moment we left each place, fully aware that our paths may never meet again. We hope to share more moments together, we plan on sharing more moments together, but one never knows where ones life will take them years from now, so we hold on to what we had and treasure it until we hopefully meet again. So now here we are, nonchalantly planning our next big road trip, slowly piecing it together for something to work towards. This time we hope to see my aunt in Texas. Mike keeps telling me that we need to go, that if I don't and something happens to her I would never forgive myself, besides, in him has grown a certain fondness of her just from the times he's spoken ever so briefly to her on the phone and the several cards and letters she has sent to us.
Neither one of us has ever been there and if there is a bucket list to be had this is certainly on it! I've never met her either, she is my fathers last surviving sibling, meeting her AND seeing what Texas is all about would be quite the joy.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Iowa
Omaha Nebraska and Des Moines Iowa were by far some of the worst driving conditions of the entire trip as far as other drivers and traffic is concerned.
There were a few times that we thought an accident might occur.
We decided to have lunch in Des Moines then walk around a Staples Office Goods store when we were finished just so we could get a little longer breather our of the car. A good thing too because our patience was wearing thin with the drivers and it was beginning to bleed over onto each other.
It's getting greener and plusher the closer we get to home and THAT is a good thing. No fire scares here. At least none that I've heard of. The temp is at 91*, far better than the 114?* we experience in the Badlands.
Approx. 4 and a half hours and I'm afraid it's going to feel like an eternity.
We are both exhausted by the fantastic time we've had and by the sheer boringness of driving through Nebraska and Iowa.
*Yawn*
There were a few times that we thought an accident might occur.
We decided to have lunch in Des Moines then walk around a Staples Office Goods store when we were finished just so we could get a little longer breather our of the car. A good thing too because our patience was wearing thin with the drivers and it was beginning to bleed over onto each other.
It's getting greener and plusher the closer we get to home and THAT is a good thing. No fire scares here. At least none that I've heard of. The temp is at 91*, far better than the 114?* we experience in the Badlands.
Approx. 4 and a half hours and I'm afraid it's going to feel like an eternity.
We are both exhausted by the fantastic time we've had and by the sheer boringness of driving through Nebraska and Iowa.
*Yawn*
Friday, July 6, 2012
Lincoln Nebraska
A surprising city that I've never given much thought to other than it's the half way point to Minnesota/Wisconsin from Colorado. We decided to go exploring this city of well over a million people starting with the state Capitol, an impressive tower taller than any building near it, making it stand out against the sky line.
http://capitol.org/
We also found a sunken garden in the city which was beautiful but we were not able to stop to enjoy it.
http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/sunken_gardens_lincoln
The pizza joint we found was nothing to write home about, but then again, nothing is as good as Twin Cities pizza!
Our room at the Hampton is just as great as the one we had in Pinedale WY, with it's marble counter tops, complete with wet bars for all our cooler items. Great desk area, down comforters, feather pillows, fantastically large all stone tile bathrooms and showers, full free breakfast, full workout room. . . We're diggin' this place!
So right now, we're sitting on the couch, absorbed in watching a little TV before we call it a night. One more day until we get home and I have to say I look forward to it, to seeing my son, mt daughter, my "pup-a-link" Ozzy. And I look forward to getting back into our daily routine, the routine that is our life.
Nebraska UGH!
Boring-BORING-B O R I N G!
Exhausted-EXHAUSTED-E X H A U S T E D!
When there is nothing of interest to look at it makes for a LONG drive which in turn makes an EXHAUSTING drive. To make matters worse end up in a traffic jam for no apparent reason and frustration sets in, gone is the excitement of travel and in walks slight desperation to GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE! (I laugh when I say this yet I don't.)
The unfortunate thing of it all is that there was an apparent motorcycle accident which slowed us down the first time but the second time gave no hint of what might be going on other than the miles of orange cones set up with not a worker in sight. . . Anywhere!
SUPER!
So slow and go it is and there sits a tar truck in the median with its lights flashing but nobody's home! I've seen faster speeds WITH workers working in EC, so what's the problem folks?
OY VEY!
GET - US - OUT - OF - HERE before we club each other!!!!
Following a Fed Ex truck in front of us, isn't their slogan, "Fed Ex. when it absolutely positively has to get there over night."??? No I know why my packages take so long to get to me sometimes.
So we're finally on our way again but we're a half hour over our estimated time if arrival...shoot!
The only good thing is, we are not far from Lincoln!
Exhausted-EXHAUSTED-E X H A U S T E D!
When there is nothing of interest to look at it makes for a LONG drive which in turn makes an EXHAUSTING drive. To make matters worse end up in a traffic jam for no apparent reason and frustration sets in, gone is the excitement of travel and in walks slight desperation to GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE! (I laugh when I say this yet I don't.)
The unfortunate thing of it all is that there was an apparent motorcycle accident which slowed us down the first time but the second time gave no hint of what might be going on other than the miles of orange cones set up with not a worker in sight. . . Anywhere!
SUPER!
So slow and go it is and there sits a tar truck in the median with its lights flashing but nobody's home! I've seen faster speeds WITH workers working in EC, so what's the problem folks?
OY VEY!
GET - US - OUT - OF - HERE before we club each other!!!!
Following a Fed Ex truck in front of us, isn't their slogan, "Fed Ex. when it absolutely positively has to get there over night."??? No I know why my packages take so long to get to me sometimes.
So we're finally on our way again but we're a half hour over our estimated time if arrival...shoot!
The only good thing is, we are not far from Lincoln!
Yippee Skippy It's LOVELAND Colorado Time!
It's the worst part of the trip so far, driving the southern part of Wyoming, (in my opinion that is.) It's windy, brown, and boring. Pinedale to Rock Springs to Rawlins, no thanks. Especially when you've just come from one of the most beautiful areas of Wyoming! Yellowstone and The Grand Tetons.
It starts to look up again the closer you get to Laramie but on this day it's smoky, rainy, overcast. The rain didn't last too long but the haziness is. Smoke blowing in from the fire burning in south west Wyoming, or could it be still coming from the Fort Collins fire, and further still, the very destructive Colorado Springs fire. There are so many.
5pm and just over the border into Colorado. It's been raining on and off, it's dark and dreary and it's as though there has been a huge cloud blanket resting over us for most of the day. I just want to get there!What we can see of the scenery is beautiful, a word thats beginning to feel over used at this point but one that just fits. We meet up with Debbie and her daughter at El "Yucko" Mexican restaurant. Not quite the great Mexican food I remember of my days in Loveland. It's new and it's eh!
DAY TWO (Tues) Headed out for coffee first thing in the morning with Debbie, her daughter and her daughters friend. Shopped the downtown, then Mike and drove the around the rest of town to see how things have. . . or have not changed then met all the girls for a late lunch at yet another Mexican restaurant, 'Three Margaritas' and it was another bomb. (What's happening to the authentic Mexican food here? I did however stop at a little place near the canyon and found the best Longs Peak/Mt. Meeker pendant w/a Citrin stone as a sunset that I have seen thus far, so I made it mine! You see there are several jewelers in the area that do what is called "Front Range Jewelry" of the different mountain ranges within Colorado. I've been wanting one for years and was going to commission a jeweler to custom make one with a loose diamond I have. This one however, is much nicer, because the golden citrin stone that is that of the golden sunsets I remember falling behind Longs Peak for most of my childhood. Not to mention, Long is my maiden name and that mountain has always carried a little something special to myself and my parents. Last stop "Sunny Jim's" a local candy shop making their own chocolates and candies for years. I always make a point of stopping to get my mother a box of homemade mints.
DAY THREE (Wed) I woke in the middle of the night smelling smoke from the several fires that are near and blowing in, Mike woke our last night smelling smoke that was even stronger than the night I smelled it, so strong that he had to use his inhaler. Waking up in general is getting harder because of how comfortable we both feel at Debbie's and the fact that her guest bed is A-MAZ-ING! Headed to the Sculpture Garden, one of my favorite places to go in Loveland. And one of my favorite sculptures is called 'Friendship'. The joyful laughter depicted in this two man sculpture is so beautiful to me. It has completely captured true laughter between two true friends. They've added several new ones since the last time I was there two or three years ago. The town seems to have grown more as well. We didn't finish seeing the park due to the heat and a couple people in our party having a difficult time with it so Mike and I went back the next day which was actually better, because the park wasn't loaded with people. It was 4th of July the first day we went and due to all the fires in the area and Loveland being the only town in the that did not cancel fireworks due to fires, the town was PACKED with people, so finishing up the next day was great! There are three sculptures that my dear friend Debbie posed for, two of which I've never seen, their placement in the historic downtown of Loveland was quite beautiful.
One sat back in a very small garden like area with a few benches and a table. The other, just off the sidewalk with a bench near it. The entire downtown for that matter has sculptures all along 4th Street (the main drag) and many side streets. It's a beautiful addition to a charming downtown area. This day we skipped Mexican, too depressing. (laughing) But we did head up the canyon to get a gallon of Black Cherry Cider and a Peach one as well. Later that evening we watched fireworks from the driveway of Debbie's home. Much better in my opinion than fighting the crowds of people that were there.
DAY FOUR (Thu) We got up, went for breakfast, then headed back to the sculpture garden to finish our tour. It was already getting up there in temp so a good thing we started early.From there, the Loveland Museum was on our list. It was amazing and interesting, however... at the same time made me feel a bit old! There I was, standing in a museum of my childhood! Seeing pictures of the days that I lived there was both interesting and comical, in a way, in others, just plain sad! (I say with a chuckle.) How does that happen, that what you lived is now museum worthy, and more than that, WHEN did that happen? They had a fantastic topographical map starting at Loveland and running far west way over the mountain range. It took us awhile to get their reasoning as to what was what but when we did it was pretty cool, like google earth in 3D. Mike pops out from around a corner and says to me, "hey, come here, do you know any of these Ms. Lovelands?" And of course I did, seeing some of those pics was certainly a trip back in time! We did Mexican ONE - LAST - TIME, this time, our choice, a place from my childhood, a place my mother frequented because her friend owned it, and this time, we got it right! Whoop! But I gotta admit, and I never thought I would or more so thought it could ever be true, our guys in Menomonie really have it covered in that area, lucky us, sorry Loveland. We also looked to find the Big Thompson Canyon Flood memorial to pay our respects, especially to the brother of some VERY special friends of ours. It's a beautiful tribute to those who lost their lives in the flood of '77'.Our last evening was again spent in gut busting laughter over stories told and movies we've watched and even a little politics. My cue to "exit stage left" and go take a shower....I do not do politics if I can help it. Just a personal choice.
DAY FIVE (Fri)The morning was a quick one. Up by 6:30a and gone by 7:30a. I made the bed, threw all the towels we used in Doug and Debbie's washer so they'd be ready and convenient for her to wash, then left my usual surprise on the bed, a card, only this time I left a little something more. One of Mike and mine favorite types of wine for the two of them to enjoy on their deck over looking the foothills. We're Nebraska bound today...oh joy! There's just so much to see in Nebraska (I say with sarcasm).Let the drive begin, and the yawns overtake us. Did someone say massive amounts of coffee?
It starts to look up again the closer you get to Laramie but on this day it's smoky, rainy, overcast. The rain didn't last too long but the haziness is. Smoke blowing in from the fire burning in south west Wyoming, or could it be still coming from the Fort Collins fire, and further still, the very destructive Colorado Springs fire. There are so many.
5pm and just over the border into Colorado. It's been raining on and off, it's dark and dreary and it's as though there has been a huge cloud blanket resting over us for most of the day. I just want to get there!What we can see of the scenery is beautiful, a word thats beginning to feel over used at this point but one that just fits. We meet up with Debbie and her daughter at El "Yucko" Mexican restaurant. Not quite the great Mexican food I remember of my days in Loveland. It's new and it's eh!
DAY TWO (Tues) Headed out for coffee first thing in the morning with Debbie, her daughter and her daughters friend. Shopped the downtown, then Mike and drove the around the rest of town to see how things have. . . or have not changed then met all the girls for a late lunch at yet another Mexican restaurant, 'Three Margaritas' and it was another bomb. (What's happening to the authentic Mexican food here? I did however stop at a little place near the canyon and found the best Longs Peak/Mt. Meeker pendant w/a Citrin stone as a sunset that I have seen thus far, so I made it mine! You see there are several jewelers in the area that do what is called "Front Range Jewelry" of the different mountain ranges within Colorado. I've been wanting one for years and was going to commission a jeweler to custom make one with a loose diamond I have. This one however, is much nicer, because the golden citrin stone that is that of the golden sunsets I remember falling behind Longs Peak for most of my childhood. Not to mention, Long is my maiden name and that mountain has always carried a little something special to myself and my parents. Last stop "Sunny Jim's" a local candy shop making their own chocolates and candies for years. I always make a point of stopping to get my mother a box of homemade mints.
DAY THREE (Wed) I woke in the middle of the night smelling smoke from the several fires that are near and blowing in, Mike woke our last night smelling smoke that was even stronger than the night I smelled it, so strong that he had to use his inhaler. Waking up in general is getting harder because of how comfortable we both feel at Debbie's and the fact that her guest bed is A-MAZ-ING! Headed to the Sculpture Garden, one of my favorite places to go in Loveland. And one of my favorite sculptures is called 'Friendship'. The joyful laughter depicted in this two man sculpture is so beautiful to me. It has completely captured true laughter between two true friends. They've added several new ones since the last time I was there two or three years ago. The town seems to have grown more as well. We didn't finish seeing the park due to the heat and a couple people in our party having a difficult time with it so Mike and I went back the next day which was actually better, because the park wasn't loaded with people. It was 4th of July the first day we went and due to all the fires in the area and Loveland being the only town in the that did not cancel fireworks due to fires, the town was PACKED with people, so finishing up the next day was great! There are three sculptures that my dear friend Debbie posed for, two of which I've never seen, their placement in the historic downtown of Loveland was quite beautiful.
One sat back in a very small garden like area with a few benches and a table. The other, just off the sidewalk with a bench near it. The entire downtown for that matter has sculptures all along 4th Street (the main drag) and many side streets. It's a beautiful addition to a charming downtown area. This day we skipped Mexican, too depressing. (laughing) But we did head up the canyon to get a gallon of Black Cherry Cider and a Peach one as well. Later that evening we watched fireworks from the driveway of Debbie's home. Much better in my opinion than fighting the crowds of people that were there.
DAY FOUR (Thu) We got up, went for breakfast, then headed back to the sculpture garden to finish our tour. It was already getting up there in temp so a good thing we started early.From there, the Loveland Museum was on our list. It was amazing and interesting, however... at the same time made me feel a bit old! There I was, standing in a museum of my childhood! Seeing pictures of the days that I lived there was both interesting and comical, in a way, in others, just plain sad! (I say with a chuckle.) How does that happen, that what you lived is now museum worthy, and more than that, WHEN did that happen? They had a fantastic topographical map starting at Loveland and running far west way over the mountain range. It took us awhile to get their reasoning as to what was what but when we did it was pretty cool, like google earth in 3D. Mike pops out from around a corner and says to me, "hey, come here, do you know any of these Ms. Lovelands?" And of course I did, seeing some of those pics was certainly a trip back in time! We did Mexican ONE - LAST - TIME, this time, our choice, a place from my childhood, a place my mother frequented because her friend owned it, and this time, we got it right! Whoop! But I gotta admit, and I never thought I would or more so thought it could ever be true, our guys in Menomonie really have it covered in that area, lucky us, sorry Loveland. We also looked to find the Big Thompson Canyon Flood memorial to pay our respects, especially to the brother of some VERY special friends of ours. It's a beautiful tribute to those who lost their lives in the flood of '77'.Our last evening was again spent in gut busting laughter over stories told and movies we've watched and even a little politics. My cue to "exit stage left" and go take a shower....I do not do politics if I can help it. Just a personal choice.
DAY FIVE (Fri)The morning was a quick one. Up by 6:30a and gone by 7:30a. I made the bed, threw all the towels we used in Doug and Debbie's washer so they'd be ready and convenient for her to wash, then left my usual surprise on the bed, a card, only this time I left a little something more. One of Mike and mine favorite types of wine for the two of them to enjoy on their deck over looking the foothills. We're Nebraska bound today...oh joy! There's just so much to see in Nebraska (I say with sarcasm).Let the drive begin, and the yawns overtake us. Did someone say massive amounts of coffee?
Monday, July 2, 2012
Yellowstone National Park
The day was BE-U-TEE-FUL! The drive that was suggested to us from Ted (Dad Ridenour) and (like a brother) Tom, was FAN-friken-TASTIC!
Backtracking a little from the camp site in Wind River Canyon to Thermopolis we headed for Cody WY. A seemingly huge mountainess tourist town/city at the base of the Shoshone Canyon. It is LOADED with hotels, motels and inns. But before we headed there we had to go through Meeteetes, a small little town with a wooden board walk (think old west) sidewalk through its "don't blink" downtown. The entire drive to Cody was a good one to say the least.
Reaching the east entrance of Yellowstone (there are actually 5 entrances, one in Montana, one in Idaho, and three in Wyoming.) the scenery, the beauty, the peace, started immediently. Climbing higher and higher into the mountains, the overlooks were something out of a magazine, a travel show, a thick book dedicated to Wyoming!
Old Faithful was pretty spectacular however it's so commercialized that the peacefulness of what it COULD be was stollen away by people thinking they could sit in front of you where there were no benches for sitting and where they really shouldn't be, next these cone heads must have forgotten where they were and that this was not a sporting event because they started doing the WAVE. . . really? Maybe Yellowstone and Old Faithful should have separate days and/or times, for those who enjoy the outdoor wonders in peace and solitude and those who want to cheer it on like it's a 5k runner of some sort. LOL
We enjoyed it while it spouted its top then continued to sit there a moment longer while the crazies moved on so we could at least get a bit of solitude.
We left through the South Entrance to make our way as far as we could before looking for a place to stay, jumping out every now and then to enjoy what next hidden gem lay waiting to be soaked in. . . like the waterfall that popped up out of nowhere or the HUGE and beautiful Yellowstone Lake! We only made a day trip out of it in case we are never able to make it this way again, but if you take a trip to Yellowstone, try for at least three days. We'd love to come back to do that, and maybe, just maybe we will.
We wanted to stay in Jackson WY. but unbeknown to us this place was worse than Cody, worse than (for all our Minnesota and Wisconsin friends) worse then Stillwater Minnesota, in the summer, during rush hour, driving right downtown! And I am NOT kidding! It's really too bad too, because it looked to be quite the lovely city except have fun banging through the crowds.
We continued on, in the dark, something we both prefer not to do but we had no choice if we didn't want to sleep in our car, which by the way wasn't that bad if an idea at this point. Through yet another canyon, which would have been more fun with light, we made it to Pinedale and got a beautiful and inexpensive King Suite ($109...Jackson want $260 for double queens) complete with a free FULL breakfast. Not to shabby!
So now it's off to the place of my childhood, where I grew up, the place that has always and a day held a special place in my heart.....Loveland Colorado. To see old friends, and rekindled friends, and maybe even make some new friends.
***CORRECTION*** There is no Idaho entrance to the park. I've been told there are THREE Montana and TWO Wyoming.
Backtracking a little from the camp site in Wind River Canyon to Thermopolis we headed for Cody WY. A seemingly huge mountainess tourist town/city at the base of the Shoshone Canyon. It is LOADED with hotels, motels and inns. But before we headed there we had to go through Meeteetes, a small little town with a wooden board walk (think old west) sidewalk through its "don't blink" downtown. The entire drive to Cody was a good one to say the least.
Reaching the east entrance of Yellowstone (there are actually 5 entrances, one in Montana, one in Idaho, and three in Wyoming.) the scenery, the beauty, the peace, started immediently. Climbing higher and higher into the mountains, the overlooks were something out of a magazine, a travel show, a thick book dedicated to Wyoming!
Old Faithful was pretty spectacular however it's so commercialized that the peacefulness of what it COULD be was stollen away by people thinking they could sit in front of you where there were no benches for sitting and where they really shouldn't be, next these cone heads must have forgotten where they were and that this was not a sporting event because they started doing the WAVE. . . really? Maybe Yellowstone and Old Faithful should have separate days and/or times, for those who enjoy the outdoor wonders in peace and solitude and those who want to cheer it on like it's a 5k runner of some sort. LOL
We enjoyed it while it spouted its top then continued to sit there a moment longer while the crazies moved on so we could at least get a bit of solitude.
We left through the South Entrance to make our way as far as we could before looking for a place to stay, jumping out every now and then to enjoy what next hidden gem lay waiting to be soaked in. . . like the waterfall that popped up out of nowhere or the HUGE and beautiful Yellowstone Lake! We only made a day trip out of it in case we are never able to make it this way again, but if you take a trip to Yellowstone, try for at least three days. We'd love to come back to do that, and maybe, just maybe we will.
We wanted to stay in Jackson WY. but unbeknown to us this place was worse than Cody, worse than (for all our Minnesota and Wisconsin friends) worse then Stillwater Minnesota, in the summer, during rush hour, driving right downtown! And I am NOT kidding! It's really too bad too, because it looked to be quite the lovely city except have fun banging through the crowds.
We continued on, in the dark, something we both prefer not to do but we had no choice if we didn't want to sleep in our car, which by the way wasn't that bad if an idea at this point. Through yet another canyon, which would have been more fun with light, we made it to Pinedale and got a beautiful and inexpensive King Suite ($109...Jackson want $260 for double queens) complete with a free FULL breakfast. Not to shabby!
So now it's off to the place of my childhood, where I grew up, the place that has always and a day held a special place in my heart.....Loveland Colorado. To see old friends, and rekindled friends, and maybe even make some new friends.
***CORRECTION*** There is no Idaho entrance to the park. I've been told there are THREE Montana and TWO Wyoming.
Friday, June 29, 2012
WYOMING or Bust!
HILL CITY isn't too far from the Wyoming border. The sign was there before we knew it!
Stopped at gas/convenience store in New Castle to grab drinks and restroom break. My mother always told me, never sit on the seat of a public toilet and I've always followed that rule.
So what's a girl to do when she's in need? She squats! Hovering over the stool, naked butt and all, trying to hit her target.
The restroom door was pretty light weight, the lock, just above the handle was a turn style. (You know what I'm getting at don't you?) without warning, some chick crashes in! Yep! And not only that, I look up to see her HUSBAND staring down on me in all my, um, glory!?! I scream, she blushes and laughs and slams the door shut.
I finish my. . . my um, "business", walk out and say to her, "wow, you really gotta watch that lock! It needs to be turned hard in order to lock!" we both laugh and I try to hide down an isle while I wait for Mike to get finished.
In the meantime, the guy is waiting to get into the men's room which was occupied by Mike. When he and Mike meet glances, he gives Mike an embarrassed smile. I guess he must have figured we were together.
So now we head for DEVILS TOWER a remarkable land/rock/geologic creation standing there like the most massive tree stump you have EVER laid eyes on before. Like a volcano, a gargantuan ant hill, just an awe inspiring piece of earth! Devils Tower is the first United States National Monument and one in which is considered sacred by Native Americans. They come there to have traditional ceremonial activities, Personal Rituals that include, sweatlodge ceremonies, vision quests, funerals and prayer offerings (bundles and cloths) which we found there on our visit. I'm sure many of you have already seen Devils Tower if you've seen the movie, "Close Encounters of The Third Kind".
We spotted a large prairie dog "city" and stopped to "cone head" it up a little by watching and photographing them for awhile. They really are cute little buggers!
We decided to get out and hike the trail to get a better look at this incredible mammoth. We hiked up quite a way to see that its made up of huge boulders towards the top and just sheer columned rock running down the sides.
Just outside of MOORCROFT Mike gets nailed doing 54 mph in a 30 mph area! $175 later and we were on our way, but not without first getting a "What To Do When In Wyoming" lesson from the police officer. We also found out he moved to Wyoming from Florida and it was the best thing he ever did! He suggest too, that we hit the gun museum in Cody WY if we get the chance. You gotta love Wyoming cops! I about asked him if we could take a picture with him!
Our friend Sheryl, who was one of 14 people we were spending time with got a little snarky and said, "you didn't know there was an entrance fee did you?" *funny* I just hope there isn't one in Colorado too!
Wyoming is a beautiful state and I guess I never realized before how different it looks on the east side of the state vs; the west. Sometimes it felt like we were driving through an old western movie.
BIG HORN NATIONAL FOREST and TENSLEEP CANYON was fantastically BEAUTIFUL! We learned that the town of Tensleep got its name because the Indian tribes knew that it took ten sleeps to get from one of the towns nearby to that town of Tensleep. How very cool!
The canyon was also filled with burned trees as if a fire had occurred a short time prior to us seeing these trees. As a matter if fact there were several
Forested areas with burned trees. We found out the next day that there were some fires that had started in that area we just came through but they were small and didn't burn too much area. I sort of figured something was burning by the smell in the air the next morning.
FAMILY FRIENDS
We arrived on Friday, stopping first at "Mom" Ridenour's to touch base. It is so wonderful seeing her, I've always had a deep respect and love for her and Ted, (the father of my best friend from 6th grade).
Ted and Janet (Mom Ridenour) have four children (oldest to youngest) Tom, Steve, Theresa, and Sheryl.
Theresa, Steve and I were in 6th grade together, Tom, he was the "older" guy in Junior High. (I'm smiling here with all my memories floating in.) Sheryl, the little sister. There were a couple of other friends that were around a lot too and we were all taken in as family with arms wide open.
The HOT SPRINGS were very interesting and although we didn't get the chance to use them (I know, I know!) we did walk through them. The minerals that hardened from the water run off were shades of white, brown, green and gold with rounded edges. And the stink that floated up from it in one particular area almost made you wonder why you would subject yourself to that. Yes, very interesting how our earth works and the things it does all on its own.
We made a day of it and continued on from there heading up in the hills above the Hot Springs Park. It was a beautiful drive and we could see all of Thermopolis from it, we were even fortunate enough to happen across a small herd of buffalo. It was fascinating to watch them in their natural habitat, how the one big bull brought them in to the watering hole and he brought up the rear as they left.
WIND RIVER CANYON was beautiful! We headed there to a camp ground just outside of an Indian Reservation in the canyon. Most of the family was camping there and baby sister Sheryl was there waiting for the rest of the family with her husband. I've never met him and I haven't seen her in over
30 years so you can imagine how excited I was to see her! Upon my arrival she had the neatest gift for Mike and I. . . A "Welcome To Wyoming" gift bag complete with a map, magnet, postcards, stickers, spices and even a Wyoming t-shirt!!! FUN!
The next morning Mike and I headed back to the canyon camp grounds for Teds pancake breakfast and Mom Ridenour's homemade syrup. . . YUMMO! It was the perfect ending to a perfect couple of days and the perfect beginning to a day full of driving.
SAYING GOODBYES
This was by far one of the saddest moments for me. YES we can do it again, YES, there are phones, emails and Facebook, but one NEVER really knows where their road will actually lead. So that getting together again might never happen, and with that reality, I get sad. And I get sad and teary eyed because you wish that moment in time could last longer.
I really love that family, ALL of them! I feel a tighter bond with them this time around and I'll treasure that feeling always!
Stopped at gas/convenience store in New Castle to grab drinks and restroom break. My mother always told me, never sit on the seat of a public toilet and I've always followed that rule.
So what's a girl to do when she's in need? She squats! Hovering over the stool, naked butt and all, trying to hit her target.
The restroom door was pretty light weight, the lock, just above the handle was a turn style. (You know what I'm getting at don't you?) without warning, some chick crashes in! Yep! And not only that, I look up to see her HUSBAND staring down on me in all my, um, glory!?! I scream, she blushes and laughs and slams the door shut.
I finish my. . . my um, "business", walk out and say to her, "wow, you really gotta watch that lock! It needs to be turned hard in order to lock!" we both laugh and I try to hide down an isle while I wait for Mike to get finished.
In the meantime, the guy is waiting to get into the men's room which was occupied by Mike. When he and Mike meet glances, he gives Mike an embarrassed smile. I guess he must have figured we were together.
So now we head for DEVILS TOWER a remarkable land/rock/geologic creation standing there like the most massive tree stump you have EVER laid eyes on before. Like a volcano, a gargantuan ant hill, just an awe inspiring piece of earth! Devils Tower is the first United States National Monument and one in which is considered sacred by Native Americans. They come there to have traditional ceremonial activities, Personal Rituals that include, sweatlodge ceremonies, vision quests, funerals and prayer offerings (bundles and cloths) which we found there on our visit. I'm sure many of you have already seen Devils Tower if you've seen the movie, "Close Encounters of The Third Kind".
We spotted a large prairie dog "city" and stopped to "cone head" it up a little by watching and photographing them for awhile. They really are cute little buggers!
We decided to get out and hike the trail to get a better look at this incredible mammoth. We hiked up quite a way to see that its made up of huge boulders towards the top and just sheer columned rock running down the sides.
Just outside of MOORCROFT Mike gets nailed doing 54 mph in a 30 mph area! $175 later and we were on our way, but not without first getting a "What To Do When In Wyoming" lesson from the police officer. We also found out he moved to Wyoming from Florida and it was the best thing he ever did! He suggest too, that we hit the gun museum in Cody WY if we get the chance. You gotta love Wyoming cops! I about asked him if we could take a picture with him!
Our friend Sheryl, who was one of 14 people we were spending time with got a little snarky and said, "you didn't know there was an entrance fee did you?" *funny* I just hope there isn't one in Colorado too!
Wyoming is a beautiful state and I guess I never realized before how different it looks on the east side of the state vs; the west. Sometimes it felt like we were driving through an old western movie.
BIG HORN NATIONAL FOREST and TENSLEEP CANYON was fantastically BEAUTIFUL! We learned that the town of Tensleep got its name because the Indian tribes knew that it took ten sleeps to get from one of the towns nearby to that town of Tensleep. How very cool!
The canyon was also filled with burned trees as if a fire had occurred a short time prior to us seeing these trees. As a matter if fact there were several
Forested areas with burned trees. We found out the next day that there were some fires that had started in that area we just came through but they were small and didn't burn too much area. I sort of figured something was burning by the smell in the air the next morning.
FAMILY FRIENDS
We arrived on Friday, stopping first at "Mom" Ridenour's to touch base. It is so wonderful seeing her, I've always had a deep respect and love for her and Ted, (the father of my best friend from 6th grade).
Ted and Janet (Mom Ridenour) have four children (oldest to youngest) Tom, Steve, Theresa, and Sheryl.
Theresa, Steve and I were in 6th grade together, Tom, he was the "older" guy in Junior High. (I'm smiling here with all my memories floating in.) Sheryl, the little sister. There were a couple of other friends that were around a lot too and we were all taken in as family with arms wide open.
The HOT SPRINGS were very interesting and although we didn't get the chance to use them (I know, I know!) we did walk through them. The minerals that hardened from the water run off were shades of white, brown, green and gold with rounded edges. And the stink that floated up from it in one particular area almost made you wonder why you would subject yourself to that. Yes, very interesting how our earth works and the things it does all on its own.
We made a day of it and continued on from there heading up in the hills above the Hot Springs Park. It was a beautiful drive and we could see all of Thermopolis from it, we were even fortunate enough to happen across a small herd of buffalo. It was fascinating to watch them in their natural habitat, how the one big bull brought them in to the watering hole and he brought up the rear as they left.
WIND RIVER CANYON was beautiful! We headed there to a camp ground just outside of an Indian Reservation in the canyon. Most of the family was camping there and baby sister Sheryl was there waiting for the rest of the family with her husband. I've never met him and I haven't seen her in over
30 years so you can imagine how excited I was to see her! Upon my arrival she had the neatest gift for Mike and I. . . A "Welcome To Wyoming" gift bag complete with a map, magnet, postcards, stickers, spices and even a Wyoming t-shirt!!! FUN!
The next morning Mike and I headed back to the canyon camp grounds for Teds pancake breakfast and Mom Ridenour's homemade syrup. . . YUMMO! It was the perfect ending to a perfect couple of days and the perfect beginning to a day full of driving.
SAYING GOODBYES
This was by far one of the saddest moments for me. YES we can do it again, YES, there are phones, emails and Facebook, but one NEVER really knows where their road will actually lead. So that getting together again might never happen, and with that reality, I get sad. And I get sad and teary eyed because you wish that moment in time could last longer.
I really love that family, ALL of them! I feel a tighter bond with them this time around and I'll treasure that feeling always!
Mt. Rushmore & Lunch with The Carr's
This morning we got up and headed straight to the great stone faced men on the top of the mountain. I've seen it before but Mike has not, it's still spectacular seeing it again and I would imagine it would be that way no matter how many times you've seen it. For me however, even more spectacular when seeing it through another's eyes!
It's changed quite a bit since "77" when I saw it the first time. LOTS more parking and I don't remember the outdoor theater being there (it may have but I don't remember it.)
Walking out of the museum area we were stopped by a group of international tourists as they were trying to take small group shots of each other. I love finding and doing good deeds so I asked if they would like to get one with all of them, which of course they did. Three pics with three different cameras later they kindly offered the same back to us.
I love connecting with people like that, that simple and small moment in time where two souls meet on common ground, coming together in a sort of momentary friendship, for you never know, you may one day meet again in the life after this one.
When we walked passed the gift shop, I notice a sign that the last surviving sculptor is in the book store!
I grab up his book and walk over to say hello, he is a kind and gentle soul, answering all my questions, like, we're you scared? Did the height bother you? (again, me and the heights issue)
He said he never was afraid because as a boy he and his friends use to "play in those hills" but that there were several men that went up once and said they quit, and then there were other men that went over the face and you never saw them again! Many died.
He signed my book, graciously took a picture with Mike and I and we were on our way again. Two souls, connecting for a small moment in time at least one soul will forever carry the memory with her of meeting someone that played an integral part in history.
After Mt. Rushmore, or Mushmore as Dan and Nicoled little 3 year old would say, we make the 40 minute journey into the backwoods of the Black Hills where Dan and his family were staying in a cabin.
Winding curving roads through thick forests of pine, many of which are brown from the destruction of the pine beetle. Some burnt as if once in a fire. The pavement ends and we drive further into this wonderland, dirt flying and the road bumping along past a creek for much of the way. We drive for what seems too long, we come to a crossroad with the same name as the one we're on only one says south, causing us momentary confusion but we stay on the road we were on. We pass "Bloody Gulch" and I say to Mike how glad I am that it wasn't on our route! I certainly didn't care to find out if its name was given for any particular reason.
Onward deeper and further back into the woods we finally come to what resembles some sort of civilization....from 1909 that is! WOW! You had to actually be there for that one! And just as soon ad we happen upon it, it's lost to us again as we find ourselves back into the thick of the woods.
At last, there is the cabin and there is Dan, on the deck, happily grilling lunch for the crew of 14.
We sat with this fantastic family for hours and I do not say that lightly, they are a wonderful and loving group of people, and Dan, Nicole and their children are awesome! I instantly fell in love with each and everyone of them! I felt quite the connection with one of their twins, Madison, a beautiful (and might I just add, they all are!)
young lady who was easy to carry a conversation with.
Too soon it was time to say our goodbyes, the friendship between Mike and Dan, and Nicole and I was evident, one in which you wish you lived closer in order to have the chance to enjoy it more often. However. We will, Mike and I have never been to Texas but I have an aunt there that I want desperately to meet so we know the day will come.
On our way back into Hill City we decide to squeeze in one more Winery, the Red Ass Winery and of course, one case later we were walking out box in hand!
Now tired from another busy day, Mike and I get dinner and head back to the motel to pack up. So far this has been a wonderful time and I thank Dan Carr for suggesting we all meet in South Dakota.
Next stop, WYOMING!
It's changed quite a bit since "77" when I saw it the first time. LOTS more parking and I don't remember the outdoor theater being there (it may have but I don't remember it.)
Walking out of the museum area we were stopped by a group of international tourists as they were trying to take small group shots of each other. I love finding and doing good deeds so I asked if they would like to get one with all of them, which of course they did. Three pics with three different cameras later they kindly offered the same back to us.
I love connecting with people like that, that simple and small moment in time where two souls meet on common ground, coming together in a sort of momentary friendship, for you never know, you may one day meet again in the life after this one.
When we walked passed the gift shop, I notice a sign that the last surviving sculptor is in the book store!
I grab up his book and walk over to say hello, he is a kind and gentle soul, answering all my questions, like, we're you scared? Did the height bother you? (again, me and the heights issue)
He said he never was afraid because as a boy he and his friends use to "play in those hills" but that there were several men that went up once and said they quit, and then there were other men that went over the face and you never saw them again! Many died.
He signed my book, graciously took a picture with Mike and I and we were on our way again. Two souls, connecting for a small moment in time at least one soul will forever carry the memory with her of meeting someone that played an integral part in history.
After Mt. Rushmore, or Mushmore as Dan and Nicoled little 3 year old would say, we make the 40 minute journey into the backwoods of the Black Hills where Dan and his family were staying in a cabin.
Winding curving roads through thick forests of pine, many of which are brown from the destruction of the pine beetle. Some burnt as if once in a fire. The pavement ends and we drive further into this wonderland, dirt flying and the road bumping along past a creek for much of the way. We drive for what seems too long, we come to a crossroad with the same name as the one we're on only one says south, causing us momentary confusion but we stay on the road we were on. We pass "Bloody Gulch" and I say to Mike how glad I am that it wasn't on our route! I certainly didn't care to find out if its name was given for any particular reason.
Onward deeper and further back into the woods we finally come to what resembles some sort of civilization....from 1909 that is! WOW! You had to actually be there for that one! And just as soon ad we happen upon it, it's lost to us again as we find ourselves back into the thick of the woods.
At last, there is the cabin and there is Dan, on the deck, happily grilling lunch for the crew of 14.
We sat with this fantastic family for hours and I do not say that lightly, they are a wonderful and loving group of people, and Dan, Nicole and their children are awesome! I instantly fell in love with each and everyone of them! I felt quite the connection with one of their twins, Madison, a beautiful (and might I just add, they all are!)
young lady who was easy to carry a conversation with.
Too soon it was time to say our goodbyes, the friendship between Mike and Dan, and Nicole and I was evident, one in which you wish you lived closer in order to have the chance to enjoy it more often. However. We will, Mike and I have never been to Texas but I have an aunt there that I want desperately to meet so we know the day will come.
On our way back into Hill City we decide to squeeze in one more Winery, the Red Ass Winery and of course, one case later we were walking out box in hand!
Now tired from another busy day, Mike and I get dinner and head back to the motel to pack up. So far this has been a wonderful time and I thank Dan Carr for suggesting we all meet in South Dakota.
Next stop, WYOMING!
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