tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5544376790541403122024-03-12T20:02:56.968-05:00Susie's MusingsSusie's Musings...Stories from everyday life!Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.comBlogger298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-11511661736383374212022-01-04T11:04:00.003-06:002022-01-04T11:24:08.208-06:00Nakusp British Columbia Canada...A Little Slice of Heaven...<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 48px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">50.23889° N, -117.80203° E, follow these coordinates and you will come to the quaint village of Nakusp, British Columbia Canada nestled along the Upper Arrow Lake about 65 miles and a ferry ride south of Revelstoke on Highway 23. It would be easy to bypass this village by turning left on Highway 6, the truck route, and go down to Fauquier and cross by ferry to continue to Vernon or go the opposite direction to go over to Castlegar. Highway 6 is the Eastside boundary, but as luck would have it, Highway 6 also cuts through this sleepy village as well. Don't let the size of this village fool you as there is more here than meets the eye. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The people are warm, friendly, </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">and </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">helpful. We were up </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">from the States over the summer of 2019 </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">visiting </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">relatives and </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">were </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">welcomed into the community and made to feel like </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">one of the village regulars. I don't think I have ever felt this</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">kind of inclusiveness, this feeling of "you're one of us." </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I spent several days meeting people and touring the village </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">to get a sense of what I wanted to say in my blog. I only had </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">one </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">negative encounter in all the time we were there and </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">that </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">took place late the first night we arrive and were trying to </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">find a</span> <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">place to stay. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I have medical issues and have a service dog that helps me.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">My daughter and I had our 3 dogs with us and we hit the </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Village at about 10:30 at night with rain coming down. My </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">sister-n-law Marilyn Massey </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">was ill with</span> <span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">a stomach virus so there </span></span><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">was no </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">staying at her </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">place. Besides pitching a tent under those </span></span></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">conditions were not ideal. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The first hotel </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">we went to was adamant about no </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">dogs, not even service </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">dogs. The second hotel was </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">wonderful </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">and more than accommodating. Granted they </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">warned us </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">we </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">had the smallest room in the hotel, at that </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">point we </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">didn't care. They had a motorcycle group in town </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">and you </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">get what you get. What was important was we had </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">a room </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">that we were able to bring our dogs into and it was </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">dry plus </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">we had a bed to sleep in instead of a car. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">A huge thank you </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">goes to the Leland Hotel and its </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">wonderful accommodating </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">staff. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The Leland Hotel is a wonderful old and eclectic historic </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">hotel and the oldest operating hotel in British Columbia as </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">it was built in 1892. The view from the Leland is one you </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">won't soon forget as it overlooks the beautiful Spicer </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Gardens that complements the waterfront boardwalk </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">along </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">the shore </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">of the Upper Arrow Lake that sits below </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">the </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">hotel. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">One can </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">also see beautiful Saddleback Mountain </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">that sits across </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">the lake...a silent sentinel. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The next morning had us on the search for coffee and </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">being a member of the Nakusp Communicator I knew that </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">"What's Brewing On Broadway" would be a good place to go. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">What I didn't know was this quaint little coffee shop would </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">be able to provide me a wonderful gluten-free breakfast </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">sandwich. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The proprietor Tricia was a real sweetheart. My </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">sandwich was made to perfection. Her little coffee shop </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">also has a great selection of teas and her staff can whip up </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">a smoothie in no time. She also has a little gift area filled </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">with handcrafts, books and the WIFI is free for your use. Also, </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">there is outdoor seating under a big shade tree on the west side </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">of the </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">building. A great place to meet up with friends. She </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">offers </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">a </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">variety of breakfast and luncheon sandwiches.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"></span><br />
</span><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I am gluten intolerant and get quite ill when </span></span></span></div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</span><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">encountering gluten. </span></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I was in for a real treat in Nakusp, </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">that's for sure. Every food establishment I did business with </span><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">was able to provide me a delicious gluten-free meal. I</span></div><div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">am talking </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">about sandwiches, hamburgers with gluten-free </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">buns. I can </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">tell you, you will not find that very much down </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">in the </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">states. So hats off to all the businesses in Nakusp for </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">having a great variety of delicious gluten-free </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">breads and buns available for those of us that can't eat </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">regular bread and buns. </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I had great meals at The Lodge, what was </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">then Chumley's, </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">What's </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Brewing on Broadway, Nakusp Hot Springs and The </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Hut </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Drive Inn. Thank you all </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">for a pleasant dining </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">experience!</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The local market, Save-on-Foods is a very complete market </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">with some of the best produce I have ever seen. I was very </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">impressed with the selection. My favorite item from the </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">market was Old Dutch Potato Chips. A superior chip in my </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">humble opinion. I was introduced to them many years </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">before, by my late husband. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">We took a tour of the Arrow Lakes Historical Society </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Archives and </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Library. I was very impressed with the </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">collection of the museum. We were able to lookup </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">pictures </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">of family members who went to school in the early </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">days of Nakusp. The Nakusp Library really surprised me in </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">the size and the completeness of the facility. You should be </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">very proud of your library.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"> </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Another facility that impressed me was your Senior Center. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">What a wonderful place for people to gather and be able to </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">enjoy each other's company. I went to a bridge game there. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">However, I was reluctant to join in as my bidding skills are </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">not up to snuff. I did enjoy everyone's company though.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">One of the delights was attending your weekly music event </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">at the auditorium. What a lovely facility to see a musical, </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">play or a guest artist that the community has brought in. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">You are very fortunate to have an active musical and arts</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">program. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I attended a church service at one of your local churches. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The parishioners there were warm, friendly and so inviting. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Your local beach is lovely! Quite different from what I </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">remember from 30 years ago. Your waterfront boardwalk is </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">beautiful </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">especially with the oriental bridge and gardens </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">and </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Spicer gardens, as one can clearly see, was </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">placed with thought and care to make a showing. It is </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">lovely to see benches for you to sit and view the lake or </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">read a book. The </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">beautiful sculpture captures the spirit of </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">the village. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">The lakes close by, Box Lake and Summit Lake Provincial </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Park are lovely. The drive down to Box Lake is spellbinding, </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">transporting you into a world very Jurassic. The fauna and </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">flora is something else. It's just something you have to see </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">for yourself.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I would be remiss if I did not mention your lovely Nakusp </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Hot Springs. My daughter did a 6-mile hike up to the Hot </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Springs from a trailhead off of Alexander Road, east of</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">town up on a logging road. Yes, she did see bear scat. However, she </span></span></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">had her</span><span> dog with her to somewhat protect her plus her bear spray. I </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span>met </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">her up there after her </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">hike and we had a lovely soak in your Hot </span></span></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Springs. What a </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">wonderful place to relax and watch the little </span></span></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">hummers dart </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">around the flowers fighting for the nectar. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">We even found the original homestead and fruit trees as well as the </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span>creek </span><span>that runs on the property, named for the family. Powell Creek.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span>The creek </span><span>runs down through the town and empties into the Upper </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Arrow Lake. </span></div><div>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Another great feature of the village is a wonderful </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">campground in town. You would never know there was one </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">there and it is a great facility which has been given </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">approval to expand. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">We did our souvenir shopping at the Masonic Building </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">housing Heather's Treasure Trove. Great place to pick up </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">those unique souvenirs. We got a lot of great stuff to take back </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">with us for the family. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Nakusp has a lot to offer, a hostel, a great bike shop, </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">wonderful shopping, water sports, fishing, hiking, great </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">campground, historical archives, and museum, library, </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">beautiful scenery, local artists, great music programs, </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">great food, local inns, a well maintained and beautiful golf </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">course and wonderful summer weather.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">But what Nakusp offers the most, is their wonderful warm </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">and friendly people who make you feel right at home. </span><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Thanks, Nakusp for making us feel so welcomed!</span><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Susie and Christie Smeal</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuqOc1AWRZhS-5Xp1B5q22t-Euz51abuWEKtHLMtQdaZRUR3ZpX9MNGVDuyICdIJs7BR-ekr6rMpZewzE2fFoZrke0k2ckiM8dRhjIN4rCn5lHs1Xk80QZc35PjjlOLcPdJiD12guE1Gfz9TBT8i-FfNOjr4qqzv1AoBv3Zat18IqZFifOuxZLPj8F=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuqOc1AWRZhS-5Xp1B5q22t-Euz51abuWEKtHLMtQdaZRUR3ZpX9MNGVDuyICdIJs7BR-ekr6rMpZewzE2fFoZrke0k2ckiM8dRhjIN4rCn5lHs1Xk80QZc35PjjlOLcPdJiD12guE1Gfz9TBT8i-FfNOjr4qqzv1AoBv3Zat18IqZFifOuxZLPj8F=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFMLfgTSwWThfmuYXjkKLMx2wLgC06LE-eV7myx0hS-QMYnezNNfBrEe36FwZxm-sS1VhyWgDuVKBC9zQ9IOlXKGtjISY-dKY4WmLNWtuU66g1GQSwwq_GNRyRK37-7tHUs7_L9xrjbhYACc4eL2b9zcL1Uesu5p-BXMugItfADOq_SW7hzw74ErS7=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFMLfgTSwWThfmuYXjkKLMx2wLgC06LE-eV7myx0hS-QMYnezNNfBrEe36FwZxm-sS1VhyWgDuVKBC9zQ9IOlXKGtjISY-dKY4WmLNWtuU66g1GQSwwq_GNRyRK37-7tHUs7_L9xrjbhYACc4eL2b9zcL1Uesu5p-BXMugItfADOq_SW7hzw74ErS7=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4Jyy3zHj49fgPs2LPDINrwai-cKABwuxphAGf1wrrMpmI8ncKLBVVhNe9KMeRV9l5wdmGKcvlbKch6-fqcYnMxi1NvSUSkFvGW4yIQl5WQCF1w1jV-WxNh0S0AFPADMMJkA7FOTwQ8v1eekPPhbHN_cj1AQhHPMbxPfNbal7HaVbVG29XmNelVbQv=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4Jyy3zHj49fgPs2LPDINrwai-cKABwuxphAGf1wrrMpmI8ncKLBVVhNe9KMeRV9l5wdmGKcvlbKch6-fqcYnMxi1NvSUSkFvGW4yIQl5WQCF1w1jV-WxNh0S0AFPADMMJkA7FOTwQ8v1eekPPhbHN_cj1AQhHPMbxPfNbal7HaVbVG29XmNelVbQv=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTMkbmTMIwXSEl3iFG2SNrR-qLfwoUAHBz4TWgMP0ITKL5ghtVonzI65UBcfb1VqnbqqFBGuRe1Y0SJx3RqTyLR4OPe30jL1q5WMopATzQJWgWtsdBWMyxB4OzL5v5GEFf-sGCxk1vhXSsg6QwTdRtGOTEVgvmLtlOdQmCeawkcAuMQQDgvD1PWgks=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTMkbmTMIwXSEl3iFG2SNrR-qLfwoUAHBz4TWgMP0ITKL5ghtVonzI65UBcfb1VqnbqqFBGuRe1Y0SJx3RqTyLR4OPe30jL1q5WMopATzQJWgWtsdBWMyxB4OzL5v5GEFf-sGCxk1vhXSsg6QwTdRtGOTEVgvmLtlOdQmCeawkcAuMQQDgvD1PWgks=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBWyJLj1B05LkgC1wefFILkAeM6t2bos1-dlniUlgdMU328yLiXN-SaPapqG2d6ZpHKsM2T10iOi5oUJmm4q0Z9aQpqWcBuKRyk5pDE3E5oLHqYBM8cb8s-_NsUVb7JRrv_jwhsRSQd4p2bd2lOJzKJwYOYH7abuv4-n9VqndRcA3CDl3WhT-u_TL1=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBWyJLj1B05LkgC1wefFILkAeM6t2bos1-dlniUlgdMU328yLiXN-SaPapqG2d6ZpHKsM2T10iOi5oUJmm4q0Z9aQpqWcBuKRyk5pDE3E5oLHqYBM8cb8s-_NsUVb7JRrv_jwhsRSQd4p2bd2lOJzKJwYOYH7abuv4-n9VqndRcA3CDl3WhT-u_TL1=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjf0tvPUwpiEu24RGraHmdY_1eoJukamMyraXGV9y4g_T2K5A1I17BVeDB-aEmpVQ_eYpwFJdgubcW-d-Op2-2rlDTCRTRb6f5SJBn1_2NYT25mkV72mvwfvITsm7QNy0EY7c31BlHpVrQ_eT53JetnwxqPCKcAG-dAYVmZlQqX6axIiAzOt1yUhkWK=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjf0tvPUwpiEu24RGraHmdY_1eoJukamMyraXGV9y4g_T2K5A1I17BVeDB-aEmpVQ_eYpwFJdgubcW-d-Op2-2rlDTCRTRb6f5SJBn1_2NYT25mkV72mvwfvITsm7QNy0EY7c31BlHpVrQ_eT53JetnwxqPCKcAG-dAYVmZlQqX6axIiAzOt1yUhkWK=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4YET_p5hybCCGJDDr1drWD0ggRuXS5fRXbQ8BGrt1UjpdyfcaybxhbsZTZY5RN7vCk7_QhRfdZTzBHobnMnntCH4RjE6FSbHwiMrXf2-wjwZvFc1pDZH4UjaRfRQSyZ4kwCjxRtcMnaOq-oKx7XNFuyuQ2Z7E7WyWyWTt5ftbkd01OrufhUGHrYnV=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4YET_p5hybCCGJDDr1drWD0ggRuXS5fRXbQ8BGrt1UjpdyfcaybxhbsZTZY5RN7vCk7_QhRfdZTzBHobnMnntCH4RjE6FSbHwiMrXf2-wjwZvFc1pDZH4UjaRfRQSyZ4kwCjxRtcMnaOq-oKx7XNFuyuQ2Z7E7WyWyWTt5ftbkd01OrufhUGHrYnV=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYr-9xyh09lQeLvAYxtNewLzZrqvCo7pucKqProqymj__dv69v_zf_nzqbH1pjzF884ohEviqE3k0fq4Xvlc8Uv--hDvpwn1pW9SHWLfiF3TVvsB5aMKbab5Zfn88HCFejmXfNO7Ylzjo0GwVxSizlqioIFiBZTDIWhYxGmvIM9NPSUi4z2pEEemNn=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYr-9xyh09lQeLvAYxtNewLzZrqvCo7pucKqProqymj__dv69v_zf_nzqbH1pjzF884ohEviqE3k0fq4Xvlc8Uv--hDvpwn1pW9SHWLfiF3TVvsB5aMKbab5Zfn88HCFejmXfNO7Ylzjo0GwVxSizlqioIFiBZTDIWhYxGmvIM9NPSUi4z2pEEemNn=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs06W5qvx2et-yssUDzvZMTJ0j3OwloSOfBVJhMcYMp07lfN-9PpQ2q0HMFK_WlaI5wwXdPzuBGWmRd7TYRT1Fk9fb8BeBn0kB1NJRXGaOPrNd6vQnUSPZlrfF1lT-uvkmiMQVNlS_dKkPVPMGNmoTKvWWtJFzn1irwVgcZCzakKS2T94Vg4PjcOQ6=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs06W5qvx2et-yssUDzvZMTJ0j3OwloSOfBVJhMcYMp07lfN-9PpQ2q0HMFK_WlaI5wwXdPzuBGWmRd7TYRT1Fk9fb8BeBn0kB1NJRXGaOPrNd6vQnUSPZlrfF1lT-uvkmiMQVNlS_dKkPVPMGNmoTKvWWtJFzn1irwVgcZCzakKS2T94Vg4PjcOQ6=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg7X4-zgF_EEfBgPgZxl3ED01wFv9NmCRmzdyf9xw3fo_TemWa-iB5YbcizK-o28bV-WQy3c8tOla3-gNlEP3AZl9tsSjrHRTgYQaVyRdRllBSiuwK5KkJSf99vMXBaZb0NHYVuYIGEr0iqGWz8elv7YTSvoyUbuXgk-bZI90W3ZN-ythgE7GdL6i_=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg7X4-zgF_EEfBgPgZxl3ED01wFv9NmCRmzdyf9xw3fo_TemWa-iB5YbcizK-o28bV-WQy3c8tOla3-gNlEP3AZl9tsSjrHRTgYQaVyRdRllBSiuwK5KkJSf99vMXBaZb0NHYVuYIGEr0iqGWz8elv7YTSvoyUbuXgk-bZI90W3ZN-ythgE7GdL6i_=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjptSPVHDx9-U2qhzkqiUmeoPjAQSPODu9o1KLFsqaV7sbFbqDhAPJYpqPBNJLZo140cEO2zDH6AYSoUaDRXbVf6zihHJTKIt9fZAzitWwoiuMdqghHAjfs-KIsNCdIx_nm40jHKdPGPMOV1ajUokuXOzhDA5Iu7FXBQQMicsb01DNd7kdTLRXR0XN=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjptSPVHDx9-U2qhzkqiUmeoPjAQSPODu9o1KLFsqaV7sbFbqDhAPJYpqPBNJLZo140cEO2zDH6AYSoUaDRXbVf6zihHJTKIt9fZAzitWwoiuMdqghHAjfs-KIsNCdIx_nm40jHKdPGPMOV1ajUokuXOzhDA5Iu7FXBQQMicsb01DNd7kdTLRXR0XN=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUIyVEex9saqCTOpCtvoFRZ-LAe_AcDmekxQHqrq6qxXg7Tv6vmYbWvO20GK6B81ipyZEL_Tx1M5qNh6SvaEoF-nhZ9db-mmJoZXTQMAVsZ04GZkELWTp2EzFb5tT2icmQuSSuo6AOwh0crsQF_X3NQTaF7VysLgxQzd5Y1kKsZUmmbouU6Ixlm4ez=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUIyVEex9saqCTOpCtvoFRZ-LAe_AcDmekxQHqrq6qxXg7Tv6vmYbWvO20GK6B81ipyZEL_Tx1M5qNh6SvaEoF-nhZ9db-mmJoZXTQMAVsZ04GZkELWTp2EzFb5tT2icmQuSSuo6AOwh0crsQF_X3NQTaF7VysLgxQzd5Y1kKsZUmmbouU6Ixlm4ez=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUkKsUj6f6pJ8UGgoMKsQQZbXup6obfQSH2BV-PaST8S9wT5IBeq9YU88tOz63tr3ItofYCb74927Cp7q7pbbzJetu3NQHhU3aXAxP2n9lycqGUe3bIi8w7fkaoGo9Jx99SgihrpJWs__VV3GnmZDtQ_b5URTJDpMMu93EUF-MJFE9w_jfzxW1u8LD=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUkKsUj6f6pJ8UGgoMKsQQZbXup6obfQSH2BV-PaST8S9wT5IBeq9YU88tOz63tr3ItofYCb74927Cp7q7pbbzJetu3NQHhU3aXAxP2n9lycqGUe3bIi8w7fkaoGo9Jx99SgihrpJWs__VV3GnmZDtQ_b5URTJDpMMu93EUF-MJFE9w_jfzxW1u8LD=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih_9_45Hw4b_dt-JZ7l9d9v1AoZv4VjViYhoZgYGQiFDkvJqWehcxcMgcJ46Bh2VMybREQSS2yAtZS5WO-EtSz7W4aE-HKL6g7xOTrIaV9tDJhj8XrwWkKbOppFxBQ5BWxLzYasGf8R7AyckIXg0hdcK_2RN3C19HvyMrWNtcA7a55bCuilqaPSKqj=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih_9_45Hw4b_dt-JZ7l9d9v1AoZv4VjViYhoZgYGQiFDkvJqWehcxcMgcJ46Bh2VMybREQSS2yAtZS5WO-EtSz7W4aE-HKL6g7xOTrIaV9tDJhj8XrwWkKbOppFxBQ5BWxLzYasGf8R7AyckIXg0hdcK_2RN3C19HvyMrWNtcA7a55bCuilqaPSKqj=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5wNZN8xIfYIGVu6DRLcY15QYV_st0xgEuwZeSL2BNckIHR8r1L8KVKdNvApAJGyoofPkj6vmqvI9aE4NZxVNqryGInqLszTGdryY1VfCTkdQqUj6u5QNXLd4nPgRXpWqZQi3WL0ZkgEAPh3cDathnVgLVLLmnt87cs6OrQBs_swylbaM1AE1htnqj=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5wNZN8xIfYIGVu6DRLcY15QYV_st0xgEuwZeSL2BNckIHR8r1L8KVKdNvApAJGyoofPkj6vmqvI9aE4NZxVNqryGInqLszTGdryY1VfCTkdQqUj6u5QNXLd4nPgRXpWqZQi3WL0ZkgEAPh3cDathnVgLVLLmnt87cs6OrQBs_swylbaM1AE1htnqj=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcyTr1yHKL4nk0onvj_xqHV9aRsTVSXWiLq0HBut5-v-FaBarunJQqGaJz805MsVSkNLILZt2NDv342cOaTtuHJntvXdHkCCgKPHFqa1Qx_9tBE4CNk6b3mu-BLvkctxiOreq73z1j2gUH6kGVN2uc1HKZ9IgK7xqoXYjqO-QnIzXmYJ4ZbHK21rzH=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcyTr1yHKL4nk0onvj_xqHV9aRsTVSXWiLq0HBut5-v-FaBarunJQqGaJz805MsVSkNLILZt2NDv342cOaTtuHJntvXdHkCCgKPHFqa1Qx_9tBE4CNk6b3mu-BLvkctxiOreq73z1j2gUH6kGVN2uc1HKZ9IgK7xqoXYjqO-QnIzXmYJ4ZbHK21rzH=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />
<br /><br /><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Since writing this, a pandemic has gripped the world keeping travel to almost nothing. Hopefully, in the near future, the world can once again open for business and Nakusp along with it. Also, a horrible wind storm ripped through Nakusp in 2021 destroying much of the Spicer Gardens along the Boardwalk. But if I know the spirit of the people there, it will be restored to its former beautiful and resplendent self. </span><br /></span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-family: arial;">SS</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #007600;"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div></div>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-37458582167150725772021-03-01T22:04:00.007-06:002021-05-21T14:12:01.855-05:00Wanderlust...Part 2<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Well, we're down the road a bit and I am ready to dish out the next bit of information.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LP7KpJti-oI/YD2tsqFSvXI/AAAAAAAAdbE/cJNcW_HTqnslZ3gAvr5QlZNP6nXowMSbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190621_183018%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Heading West to the Promised Land 2019" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LP7KpJti-oI/YD2tsqFSvXI/AAAAAAAAdbE/cJNcW_HTqnslZ3gAvr5QlZNP6nXowMSbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/20190621_183018%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="Heading West to the Promised Land 2019" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Mail: One of the biggest concerns is how are you going to get your mail. There are several organizations that can handle this for you for a fee. The Escapee Club in Livingston, TX. <a href="https://www.escapees.com/mail-service/" target="_blank">Escapees Mail Service</a> Family Motor Coaching Association (FMCA) Good Sam Club also <a href="https://www.dakotapost.net/" target="_blank">Dakota Post</a> in South Dakota to name a few. Some will not only help you with your mail but will help you change your domicile. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Domicile: Do your research on this, it's very important! Choose a state with low-income taxes such as Texas, South Dakota, or Florida. These states are most popular for establishing a domicile. Also Alaska, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming are other states with no state income tax. If you don't clearly establish one state as your domicile, upon your demise it can become a legal battle between two states as to who gets what at tax time. UGH! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Vehicle fees and Insurance: RV insurance is somewhat different from traditional vehicle insurance. Make sure your policy is from a credible RV insurance company. I use Miller RV insurance out of Oregon. I like them very much and they have always done an incredible job for me.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6BDPN9K93Q/UWggoYw9YrI/AAAAAAAACWM/zYheUzZtgnYTNWK5nKmtQdQY1cd_WfYjgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/20130407_184901%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6BDPN9K93Q/UWggoYw9YrI/AAAAAAAACWM/zYheUzZtgnYTNWK5nKmtQdQY1cd_WfYjgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/20130407_184901%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtwySQexa4A/UVMKbOvpknI/AAAAAAAABXA/y-o0Lm7FGwcqXheR7WaL10dIdbv-hvQtQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Me%2Band%2Btwo%2BLindas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtwySQexa4A/UVMKbOvpknI/AAAAAAAABXA/y-o0Lm7FGwcqXheR7WaL10dIdbv-hvQtQCPcBGAYYCw/s0/Me%2Band%2Btwo%2BLindas.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ue2Gx2CRcc/UVMKWbppJvI/AAAAAAAABW4/Pbz0gIrsP3wt1NBOAaIHjA7pAXWljOA1gCPcBGAYYCw/s214/Bobbie%2Band%2BJim.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ue2Gx2CRcc/UVMKWbppJvI/AAAAAAAABW4/Pbz0gIrsP3wt1NBOAaIHjA7pAXWljOA1gCPcBGAYYCw/s0/Bobbie%2Band%2BJim.jpg" /></a></div>Some of the RVing couples we have made friends with.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">SkyMed: I took out a policy called SkyMed. No matter where I am in the world, If I become ill, unable to travel. SkyMed will fly me home to a hospital, hire someone to drive my vehicle back, and cover my ambulance bills. I have used them once already and I was quite impressed with them. No questions asked, they took care of a very expensive ambulance bill I had several years ago. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">RV Rallies: There are a plethora of RV clubs out there. Good Sam, WIT Club, The Escapees Club, RVillage, RVing Women. Lots of time the particular Brand of RV will have its own club. Each year these clubs hold state and national rallies. There are a lot of seminars for all kinds of interests. If you are a solo traveler you might get tips on how to stay safe out on the road or how to maintain your RV or whatever vehicle you are traveling in. There is also information to be gleaned from other RVers, such as information on Burning Man, or Slab City, the best places to boondock. All kinds of information is out there just for the asking. Also, some of these rallies will offer driving courses for women. Please don't be one of those women who says "I'm afraid I can't do it." Believe me, yes, you can. If I can, you can. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">RV videos on YouTube: If you are of the mind to be a nomad. Check out Bob Wells YouTube channel on Cheap RV Living. There are lots of other YouTube videos on RV living to check out. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Blogs: There are a ton of RV Blogs to learn from. Some of the best food recipes for the RV I have gotten from RV Blogs. Google it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Nothing was ever gained by wishing for it. Sometimes you just need to put on your big adult pants and go for it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">My RV Bible as I call it is called <a href="https://www.retiretoanrv.com/" target="_blank">Retire To An RV</a> The Roadmap to Affordable Retirement by Jaimie Hall Bruzenak and Alice Zyelz. This is the most comprehensive book I have ever seen on RV Living and retiring to an RV to be able to travel. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">This just touches a small part of being out on the road entails. Ask questions. Don't be afraid. Live, Laugh and Love. But most of all be at peace with yourself. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">See ya down the road...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KEbCY1CWLU/XV1_XKZFZ8I/AAAAAAAAZc8/T0ZKb_NNGdwcTYgI5AcMJvXiwKiHsdLPACPcBGAYYCw/s275/valleyofthegods.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KEbCY1CWLU/XV1_XKZFZ8I/AAAAAAAAZc8/T0ZKb_NNGdwcTYgI5AcMJvXiwKiHsdLPACPcBGAYYCw/s0/valleyofthegods.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypfQU2QtBuw/XV2Afkr7UtI/AAAAAAAAZdU/dxrhWhBJ2PwOlER0hHpfrYjymoykU1jwgCPcBGAYYCw/s1389/Valley_of_the_Gods%252C_near_Bluff%252C_Utah.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1389" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypfQU2QtBuw/XV2Afkr7UtI/AAAAAAAAZdU/dxrhWhBJ2PwOlER0hHpfrYjymoykU1jwgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Valley_of_the_Gods%252C_near_Bluff%252C_Utah.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1BYV2h9mqg/V-wxDuV3A1I/AAAAAAAAFzg/OJYXda4UnfkU_Inpo3-zbbMsSIhZVjY0ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20150406_164116%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1BYV2h9mqg/V-wxDuV3A1I/AAAAAAAAFzg/OJYXda4UnfkU_Inpo3-zbbMsSIhZVjY0ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/20150406_164116%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfF9E0Vg0ck/V-wxuoM6BwI/AAAAAAAAFzk/9hMU5eYHG6kD4y2l0AjPIrL9oYdFW1oiACPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSCN3274.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfF9E0Vg0ck/V-wxuoM6BwI/AAAAAAAAFzk/9hMU5eYHG6kD4y2l0AjPIrL9oYdFW1oiACPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN3274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VrensHsMCJg/XdA1Kl2D3gI/AAAAAAAAaEI/VC-JbSViFTcmSmXB1kezb3Od5acipqfpACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20190627_115032%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VrensHsMCJg/XdA1Kl2D3gI/AAAAAAAAaEI/VC-JbSViFTcmSmXB1kezb3Od5acipqfpACPcBGAYYCw/s320/20190627_115032%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5T8BhgpfcUs/U-hYd2AYn4I/AAAAAAAADHM/Sxwckzv16_MfWCEIFwbdfuhTywaBDGUcACPcBGAYYCw/s960/Barn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5T8BhgpfcUs/U-hYd2AYn4I/AAAAAAAADHM/Sxwckzv16_MfWCEIFwbdfuhTywaBDGUcACPcBGAYYCw/s320/Barn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYo-BjwTlRU/T0QYz_GHxdI/AAAAAAAATc0/m-cLEpbjtlgSjWs37WG5Pu1ytksWQDPegCPcBGAYYCw/s640/morainelake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYo-BjwTlRU/T0QYz_GHxdI/AAAAAAAATc0/m-cLEpbjtlgSjWs37WG5Pu1ytksWQDPegCPcBGAYYCw/s320/morainelake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Some of the places we have been.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After having had a big RV and all the problems it had, I have decided the next vehicle I will get will be a van that my daughter and I will convert ourselves to accommodate us and our 3 dogs. No frills, just base camping. That's the way we like it, uh-huh! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Post Script: I said I would tell you my coming off the road plan. In Livingston, Texas there is a place called Rainbows End Assisted Living at Escapees Rainbow Park. It is a wonderful community of retired RV dwellers. It has a retirement area where you can park your RV, have your meals provided, have someone come in and do light housekeeping, plus 2 loads of laundry a week, have rides to the Dr. plus access to a registered nurse on call 40 hours a week. Entertainment, nightly campfires, and gatherings for a mear $824.00 a month for a single, $1,236 for a couple. They even have a place where if your significant other has Alzheimer they can go there for the day in order to give the caretaker a break. This was my retirement plan. That way I could be independent with family just 2 hours down the road. But with life, everything is written jello. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">See ya down the road...<br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p></div>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-78641592414453364232021-02-24T00:08:00.002-06:002021-02-24T00:13:14.960-06:00Wanderlust...Part 1<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Wanderlust: A strong desire to travel</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In the summer of 2009, our one and only vacation together without family and children, Dave and I went to Colorado to go camping at one of our favorite camping spots, Big Meadow campground, a USFS campground just outside of South Fork, Colorado. We met some wonderful folks there by the name of Bobbie and Jim Chapman, and Charlie and Dawna Ramirez. They told us stories of traveling and working on the road. Charlie and Dawna lived near us in Choctaw, Oklahoma, Charlie was a firefighter for Oklahoma City. Sadly we lost Charlie last month to Covid 19. He was a wonderful person who loved to share his campfire, food, and the Lord with you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zC3whXDHx3w/SnXjeZj5SjI/AAAAAAAAC5U/OJx8NpwMHS4B1W3a_hpAYKNqb3AbLAzlwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_0462.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zC3whXDHx3w/SnXjeZj5SjI/AAAAAAAAC5U/OJx8NpwMHS4B1W3a_hpAYKNqb3AbLAzlwCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h268/DSC_0462.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> Bobbie and Jim have the uniforms on, Charlie and Dawna are behind them</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Bobbie and Jim were the Campground Hosts at Big Meadow and were instrumental in giving Dave and me "Hitch Itch". For 5 years Dave and I planned and researched how to get our home sold, buy an RV, and get out on the road to explore this beautiful country of ours. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Where does one start when one gets "Hitch Itch," you ask?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">First, you have to ask yourself if you are ready to sell everything you own, not put it in storage, but get rid of everything, the house, and all the memories in it. Also, are you willing to leave your friends and family to go out on the road? Do you want to meet new people? If yes, then you proceed to the next step. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Next Step: Research, research, research. I cannot stress this enough. When I first proposed this to Dave, he was not on board with the idea. However the more I talked about it and we met the people who were living the lifestyle, he finally got excited about it and started telling people we were going to go out on the road. I was given several books on how to retire and work from an RV and then bought a book that I called my RV Bible. We joined the Escapees RV Club along with Passport America. Read every RV blog we could find (made new online friends that I still connect with today) lived vicariously through their blogs, lost friends due to cancer or stupid car accidents. Went to countless RV shows to look at RV 5th wheel setups and motorhome setups. Pros and Cons of each. Went to seminars to learn more. Joined local RVing clubs to meet new people. Watched tons of YouTube videos. I had a plan in place for when we came off the road. It was a great plan too. I will share later. All these things have to be considered. How do you support your RV lifestyle? I asked tons of questions of my new RV friends. I got great information back. The RV community is a wonderful community of very caring people. They truly do look out for each other. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The RV: You have to decide what kind of RV you want. If you get a 5th wheel, what are you going to pull it with? How big a tow vehicle do you need? How much horsepower do you need? If you get a Motorhome, are you going to have a towed(second)vehicle? Is it going to be a flat tow or are you going to have to have a dolly? Are you able to find a vehicle that can be flat towed? All these questions have to be answered. Do you have the funds for upkeep? Motorhomes are not cheap and they break down a lot. Each time I took mine out on the road something was always breaking down on it and It would cost me nothing less than $500.00 or more to get it fixed, hence RV repair insurance. This is why you have to do your due diligence and check everything out and make doubly sure you have the funds to keep the wheels rolling. I did not. Besides, I had a very bad back, and trying to keep the RV and my back up and going was costing me a fortune. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Money: How much money do you need for expenses? Start-up costs? Equipment, Food, Gas, tires, (for 2 vehicles), insurance, towing service, RV maintenance insurance, clothes, personal items, RV park fees, memberships, propane, repair expenses if something breaks down (How handy is your husband or yourself, if you travel alone). Are you going to have to work to supplement your income? Cell phones expense, apps, antennas to boost your power, internet connections. Computers, printers, camera gear, entertainment, passports. Are you bringing a pet? Upkeep, vet bills, pet food, pet insurance, all this adds up. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Work: Do you have the funds to keep the wheels rolling or are you going to have to supplement your income? Where are you going to work? Amazon, oil field gate guarding, sugar beet harvest, camp hosting, freelancing, IT service, ad sales? There are a plethora of jobs out there, but you have to find what is best for you. A lot of the work is hard work. However, the pay is good. For instance, if you can work the grind at Amazon long hours, there are bonuses if you stick it out through the Christmas season. They also pay for your lot rent at a local RV park while you are working for them. The sugar beet harvest is another great gig but be prepared for the bitter cold as you work out in the elements. The biggest thing before going on the road is to try and be debt-free as much as possible. The people I know who have lived this lifestyle will tell you that it is a wonderful lifestyle, and I quite agree. All the couples I have met have come off the road, except for one couple, and have gone back into sticks and bricks homes. Age and health have a lot to do with it. Also taking care of elderly parents. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Health: How's your health? Do you have good insurance? How are you going to get your monthly meds? Are you able to get down on your hands and knees? Are you able to crawl under your RV? Can you climb up high and walk on a roof. Are you able to hand clean, maintain, and caulk the roof of your RV? Can you lift your tow bar and attach it to your vehicle? Believe me, it's not light. You have to be healthy to do these things. You have to have a healthy back and knees in most of these cases. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I will continue this conversation in the next post...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">See you down the road...</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0Norman, OK, USA35.2225668 -97.43947777.7641031437580708 -132.5957277 62.681030456241935 -62.2832277tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-17840567447858885722020-12-30T17:33:00.000-06:002020-12-30T17:33:42.627-06:00The Pacific Ocean...<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xRHS0L8Z_Y/X2q0esyPE0I/AAAAAAAAcFw/ZmfZ7ocjLPQKYxYLnGXw34kitunFa-OWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190629_092643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xRHS0L8Z_Y/X2q0esyPE0I/AAAAAAAAcFw/ZmfZ7ocjLPQKYxYLnGXw34kitunFa-OWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190629_092643.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">After a good night's rest, I fixed us a great breakfast of eggs, sausage, fried potatoes, onions, and peppers. It was really good! Christie and I got the camp broke down and packed up as we had a long drive ahead of us. The drive today was going to be a twist fest. I wondered how my vertigo was going to react. Our first destination was Redding, California. Redding is a good-sized city in northern California. Again gas prices were out of sight. </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We headed out toward Douglas City and then headed north to Helena on Highway 299. We followed beautiful mountain rivers that had a lot of rafters on them. The water was crystal clear and looked so refreshing. We also ran into a lot of highway construction so we had a lot of downtime. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ua2PjcGgg6g/X2q1uxpo2hI/AAAAAAAAcF8/rLxFyPeS4QUT2Buk_NnQsM4k3VW2A17GgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190629_164333.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ua2PjcGgg6g/X2q1uxpo2hI/AAAAAAAAcF8/rLxFyPeS4QUT2Buk_NnQsM4k3VW2A17GgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190629_164333.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">In many areas the scenery was breathtaking. We still had a long way to go before reaching the coast. Lots of twists and turns and more construction. Thankfully no sign of fire damage here. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Finally, we turned off of 299 onto the 101 highway up the California coast and our first sight of the ocean did not disappoint. Waves crashing into the shoreline like battering rams against the rocks. What a sight. Too bad it was just for a moment. and it disappeared from sight. We drove up the coast trying to find a place to stay as I had not made any reservations. All the state parks were full. We finally made it to a place called Elk Country RV Campground near Orik, California. We got our tent set up and secured and headed back toward Trinidad for dinner. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81mltYIEANI/X-0Nm4UzBDI/AAAAAAAAc44/Z5gg02uUoYsPgporK31KzFtHS36Q9QxmgCPcBGAsYHg/s5428/20190629_205619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2947" data-original-width="5428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81mltYIEANI/X-0Nm4UzBDI/AAAAAAAAc44/Z5gg02uUoYsPgporK31KzFtHS36Q9QxmgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20190629_205619.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3pp4FiQfkI/X-0Nm63ob7I/AAAAAAAAc44/lFCXDOIZ_6cAS72-cvvS30oMSC5DPLgBgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20190629_204357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3pp4FiQfkI/X-0Nm63ob7I/AAAAAAAAc44/lFCXDOIZ_6cAS72-cvvS30oMSC5DPLgBgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20190629_204357.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXM433TXI_s/X-0Nm3t3CrI/AAAAAAAAc44/bQI3T0mIj48S5tzGeMhvqg-NFLUYbslVwCPcBGAsYHg/s9637/20190629_205905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1660" data-original-width="9637" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXM433TXI_s/X-0Nm3t3CrI/AAAAAAAAc44/bQI3T0mIj48S5tzGeMhvqg-NFLUYbslVwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20190629_205905.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37XgZIOgFCo/X-0Nm9zMjTI/AAAAAAAAc44/1jdyV42rTaQwLxy7bDVkxKY3UvpGBd89ACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20190629_203917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37XgZIOgFCo/X-0Nm9zMjTI/AAAAAAAAc44/1jdyV42rTaQwLxy7bDVkxKY3UvpGBd89ACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20190629_203917.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We ended up at Cher-Ae Heights Casino and Bingo near Trinidad, in their very nice restaurant looking out over the ocean and a beautiful sunset. Dinner was wonderful and the meal gluten-free. I had a salad that had golden beets. I had never had golden beets before and they were delicious!. It was also my first time to have Bananas Foster. Very yummy! A sign in the restroom let people know they used recycled wastewater for the flushing of the toilets. Interesting! It was interesting that dinner was more reasonable than gas. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We made our way back to our campsite and got the dogs all settled in and called it a day. We were looking forward to the next day's adventure. The California Redwoods!</span><br /></span>
<br />Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-33519418811183491112020-12-30T17:25:00.000-06:002020-12-30T17:25:03.169-06:00California Here We Come...<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1348j-kBds/X2qsq-DYbaI/AAAAAAAAcEE/KSbkcoWncy484vOa1OGe2kzO1ob2RJGyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1540/Black_Bear_Diner_Exterior_Modesto_0.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1540" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1348j-kBds/X2qsq-DYbaI/AAAAAAAAcEE/KSbkcoWncy484vOa1OGe2kzO1ob2RJGyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Black_Bear_Diner_Exterior_Modesto_0.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />We were up early the next morning as we wanted to have showers and charge our electronics. Amazing what all we had to charge. 2 phones, a solar charger, a camera battery, and an additional power pack. After we got the dogs fed, watered, walked then stowed away in the car while we pack, we were finally ready to hit the road. I got to talking to one of the guys there and he asked if we knew where we were going to go have breakfast. I said I didn't know and he referred us to a place up the road in Fernley, the Black Bear Diner. The food was wonderful and plentiful. The coffee was really good and the service was great. Last but not least, it was very reasonable. We had no complaints at all, and this place was extremely busy. Imagine my surprise when I got back to Oklahoma that there was a Black Bear Diner just up the road from me in Moore, Oklahoma. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCuYL_fPgIs/X2qtmX25P-I/AAAAAAAAcEM/o9R_iNVEViY3rEeJv_Cpm6MWfZDaFtboACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/Black-Bear-Diner-Omelette.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCuYL_fPgIs/X2qtmX25P-I/AAAAAAAAcEM/o9R_iNVEViY3rEeJv_Cpm6MWfZDaFtboACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Black-Bear-Diner-Omelette.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">After we filled up we headed out west on Interstate 80 also known as Dwight D Eisenhower Highway toward Reno, Nevada. Once we got to Reno/Sparks we headed north on highway 395. One of the crazy things we saw were the lakes in the area, which looked like pure mud. When asking someone about it they said it was the spring melt from the mountains that made it look like that. It was the darndest thing I had ever seen. It didn't even look like water. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We got to the California border and had to go through a checkpoint. I thought they would be asking about fruit and vegetables. However, they looked at us and waved us through. Christie and I discussed it and came to the conclusion they were looking for human trafficking. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">While heading toward Susanville we saw the heavy devastation of the wildfires that had hit the area. I don't know how long it had been, but there were burnt out cars sitting by the road still. It was so sad to see all the damage that the wildfires had wrought. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FZagsPua3k/X2qutJmF-0I/AAAAAAAAcEc/mJZlT7vGDdYZ2YqefeMHnGZKS39k2PE0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190629_145901.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bahsDTVGQOE/X2qupibLFmI/AAAAAAAAcEU/cakSzrY7UBoctlERkFWlQxyP5-oN6qbkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190629_150126.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FZagsPua3k/X2qutJmF-0I/AAAAAAAAcEc/mJZlT7vGDdYZ2YqefeMHnGZKS39k2PE0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190629_145901.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Once we got to Susanville we needed to gas up. $4.58 for a gallon of gas! Outrageous! Then try going to the bathroom. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">None of these places have public bathrooms for their patrons. I finally had to beg the ladies at Subway to let me use their locked bathroom. I asked why it was like that and they said because of the homeless and transient population. If </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">they (homeless) find a business that has an open public bathroom they will stay in the business all day. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8BfOvYV_xg/X2qwVcojcyI/AAAAAAAAcEo/Ir_GMvH_kZcea3avv0aTxWYuwajw7b4hACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/20190628_173259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8BfOvYV_xg/X2qwVcojcyI/AAAAAAAAcEo/Ir_GMvH_kZcea3avv0aTxWYuwajw7b4hACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190628_173259.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We pressed on toward Lassen Volcanic National Park on Highway 38. The roads and landscapes were fantastic. It was like being in another world. Beautiful yet sad due to the fires. We got to Lassen, it was the only National Park that we didn't get our passport stamped at. We couldn't figure out where to go to get it done as there didn't seem to be an entrance. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JffHxXqbIY/X2qwnFKKoiI/AAAAAAAAcEw/0OmVGrOuF34YfrRkuZaX4NEtF7cvsPYaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190628_165522.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--JffHxXqbIY/X2qwnFKKoiI/AAAAAAAAcEw/0OmVGrOuF34YfrRkuZaX4NEtF7cvsPYaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190628_165522.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We headed north on Highway 89 to go to Burney Falls. We were traveling on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway to the McArthur-Burney Interpretive Association and Lake Britton. The surrounding landscapes and vegetation were beautiful. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMT013BmGm4/X2qxkBmZ7AI/AAAAAAAAcE8/ZIfES5-NgSsmirRLEfMYnQ6Vr5mHdvhPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190628_184037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMT013BmGm4/X2qxkBmZ7AI/AAAAAAAAcE8/ZIfES5-NgSsmirRLEfMYnQ6Vr5mHdvhPgCLcBGAsYHQ/w492-h240/20190628_184037.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We got there around four in the afternoon. After a quick look about, we decided that we would like to stay the night. We went back up and was fortunate enough to secure a campsite for the evening. I mean for $20.00 you can't beat it. As we discovered Christie and I camped in the wrong campsite, my bad, but thankfully no one came in and made us move in the middle of the night. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hrTu_vKm-U/X2qx2kNP0yI/AAAAAAAAcFE/6X3fI965hVUVw-RNKDKKFMq1VfDA9JdPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190629_091716.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hrTu_vKm-U/X2qx2kNP0yI/AAAAAAAAcFE/6X3fI965hVUVw-RNKDKKFMq1VfDA9JdPACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190629_091716.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I was really impressed as to how the campground was laid out. Each camper had plenty of space and was not stacked on top of each other. Christie took a hike to the falls and got some great pictures. Later that night she went again and got the falls and the stars. My little shutterbug! Again we had a great sleep and are thankful for a safe journey. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-swyF3nTAR08/X2qyDeJTZxI/AAAAAAAAcFM/tjvFtT3zgfAuGdLs6pTp-Le0IRD8DdLJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s5515/20190629_091855.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="5515" height="33" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-swyF3nTAR08/X2qyDeJTZxI/AAAAAAAAcFM/tjvFtT3zgfAuGdLs6pTp-Le0IRD8DdLJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w552-h33/20190629_091855.jpg" width="552" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUKirNjwVOY/X2qyAFryDEI/AAAAAAAAcFI/vy9HVLNivdsivJCA0KkmMQc9_vqXG3QPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190629_092643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUKirNjwVOY/X2qyAFryDEI/AAAAAAAAcFI/vy9HVLNivdsivJCA0KkmMQc9_vqXG3QPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190629_092643.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div>
Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-11567326029407524032020-09-22T20:46:00.001-05:002020-09-22T20:47:49.787-05:00Onward Through Nevada<div class="separator"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPWREWd_Y2c/X2qgoxT8cPI/AAAAAAAAcCI/VDXq7d20HnAXRJJZsgGZIvKY3WaXid0zwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190627_092118.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPWREWd_Y2c/X2qgoxT8cPI/AAAAAAAAcCI/VDXq7d20HnAXRJJZsgGZIvKY3WaXid0zwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190627_092118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />After a restful nights sleep next to a rushing creek. Why do you always sleep better next to water? Christie and I got up and started breaking camp. Dogs fed, watered, and walked. We have this breakdown down to a science now. Thank goodness we have an inverter for the air bed that removes the air in about 4 minutes. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We got the car all packed and headed up to the gift shop to get stickers for our water bottles and the much-needed coffee. Christie wanted to get another set of stamps for our National Park Passport as we were entering into a new district. We had to head off to headquarters which was at a different location to get the passport stamped and to get spring water for our water bottles and thermos. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPKL0lh2Ysg/X2qhIdJ6m3I/AAAAAAAAcCg/kibUSik3XGw_P12NsGSkyJRdfLAaejJCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190627_121721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPKL0lh2Ysg/X2qhIdJ6m3I/AAAAAAAAcCg/kibUSik3XGw_P12NsGSkyJRdfLAaejJCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190627_121721.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsPyL3dAUck/X2qh2WvzAWI/AAAAAAAAcCs/xLfUImH_J2Yi57HSheteCy7ZNyJ6UQRdACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20190627_162602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsPyL3dAUck/X2qh2WvzAWI/AAAAAAAAcCs/xLfUImH_J2Yi57HSheteCy7ZNyJ6UQRdACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20190627_162602.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">After getting all squared away we headed out toward Baker and highway 50. Baker is the kickoff town of the Loneliest Road in America and is barely a wide spot in the road. Yet here we were getting ready to embark upon our adventure for another day. Our first destination was to be Ely after gassing up. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We pulled into a truck stop and topped off the tank and got a bite to eat and some more coffee. Good ole Joe! Then we let the dogs stretch their legs and take the necessary pit stop ever mindful to clean up after them. Nothing I hate more than people who do not clean up after their dogs.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5jVN0rN9SQ/X2qlZfibx_I/AAAAAAAAcDA/23nnePsackE4pU01zMBWss4h001D8ZSWACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20190701_141407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5jVN0rN9SQ/X2qlZfibx_I/AAAAAAAAcDA/23nnePsackE4pU01zMBWss4h001D8ZSWACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20190701_141407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Once more we headed out on highway 50 toward Sand Mountain Recreation Area. One thing I didn't know about Nevada was that it is the most mountainous state in the Union. Again high desert. It takes a rugged person to live out here and make a living. I admire the American spirit and grit of these people who tackle this environment. True pioneers! </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We arrived at the town of Eureka around noon and stopped to take a bathroom break at a beautiful little city park that had facilities. WHAT!?!? Everything was locked up even the playground. What is the point of having this park if you are going to keep it locked up? Christie walked the dogs and I found a friendly horse and a bull across from the park. Han got his first experience of meeting a horse. The horse was extremely friendly and put his head down to let Han sniff him. Han didn't know what to make of him. First, he growled at him, then approached with extreme caution and sniffed back then the tail wag was furious. Needless to say, Han made a friend. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We went on into Eureka and found a gas station and made the necessary pit-stop. Once again we were on the road and making good time. We passed by one of the original pony express stations. It had fencing all around it. Interestingly enough it was a stone building.<br /> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NO2A6bsyJ98/X2qm0zatMEI/AAAAAAAAcDM/BShDEWMfAPkbtbfJd5fesjUWu8PBr2fUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190627_181904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NO2A6bsyJ98/X2qm0zatMEI/AAAAAAAAcDM/BShDEWMfAPkbtbfJd5fesjUWu8PBr2fUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190627_181904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SW-ozQrYlug/X2qm6IljMlI/AAAAAAAAcDQ/l0Vr1BX2WngO_JBmmoJRCEoqdCr9z5lHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190627_175632.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SW-ozQrYlug/X2qm6IljMlI/AAAAAAAAcDQ/l0Vr1BX2WngO_JBmmoJRCEoqdCr9z5lHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190627_175632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUyGK_dwazE/X2qm6H4FNKI/AAAAAAAAcDU/ZPXcWuPsXsUG7ftr40ug2Gsg8WJpaJNXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190627_175702.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUyGK_dwazE/X2qm6H4FNKI/AAAAAAAAcDU/ZPXcWuPsXsUG7ftr40ug2Gsg8WJpaJNXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190627_175702.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">The sun was starting to lower as it was getting to be around five in the afternoon. We had reached Sand Mountain Recreation Area and had planned to camp there, but upon inspection and the cost, we decided not to. Safety reasons...so after Christie took a hike we headed toward Fallon. The landscape around Sand Mountain is very interesting and we noticed lots of messages formed out of rocks along the side of the road. I think the area may be a large salt bed. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kdghmjm28M/X2qoF4jzLoI/AAAAAAAAcDw/Vs_7woTTkFMthh2NAdN_cmB5Ryk00oZEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190627_203035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kdghmjm28M/X2qoF4jzLoI/AAAAAAAAcDw/Vs_7woTTkFMthh2NAdN_cmB5Ryk00oZEACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190627_203035.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Fallon is home to a Naval Air Station. As we were rolling into town we could see fighter planes doing maneuvers in the distance. Fallon is really a pretty little town. It is not set in as stark an atmosphere as some of the other towns we passed through. Our campground was all the way through town and on the outskirts of town. It was a large RV park and the only tent site was behind the store. We picked the only grassy spot to set up the tent the rest of the area was hard weeds and stickers. They had a dog park for you to exercise your dog. The laughable thing was you were not to let your dog pee or poop on the grass. Chris and I look at it and then each other and both of us said "What grass?" The whole area was dirt. Yet we noticed other people did not pick up after their animals. Sad. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rWVhIOP1Y7A/X2qoQzMHUWI/AAAAAAAAcD0/3fBCC-Yt7bQr2eRtWtVD0j0Z4RexfsX1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20190627_211850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rWVhIOP1Y7A/X2qoQzMHUWI/AAAAAAAAcD0/3fBCC-Yt7bQr2eRtWtVD0j0Z4RexfsX1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20190627_211850.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">After we got the tent all set up, we went back into town to have dinner. We found a wonderful Mexican Restaurant open, La Fiesta. Christie and I both got drinks and ordered a fantastic meal. Little did we know that each of our meals would feed a family! There was so much food, we ate what we could and had to leave the rest as there wasn't any room in the ice chest to save it. We got back to the campsite and hit the rack after Christie walked the dogs. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I guess we were tired as we slept really well. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br /></span><div>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-9040069494661719972019-11-14T21:50:00.000-06:002019-11-16T11:14:50.868-06:00We Can See For Miles And Miles And Miles And Miles...<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wednesday, June 26</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 8</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cIigcRU9lw/XcJNYXDybbI/AAAAAAAAZ74/cIYCpW64xMg5c7Sdi2S4KYFgn8hhll_DgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cIigcRU9lw/XcJNYXDybbI/AAAAAAAAZ74/cIYCpW64xMg5c7Sdi2S4KYFgn8hhll_DgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We had made it to our destination, Great Basin National Park in good time. We still had plenty of daylight left and time to set up and explore the region. There is no entrance fee to Great Basin National Park like there is to other National Parks. However, there is a fee for camping, $15.00 a night. However, for a person holding a Senior Pass, it was only $7.50 a night. We got a lovely site, #18 which is a </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBVQgV-AbYE/XcJNQQHJzoI/AAAAAAAAZ7k/JCDqcrKMmkEDMSYYNEHo8V59yQqcxQLxwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1320%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBVQgV-AbYE/XcJNQQHJzoI/AAAAAAAAZ7k/JCDqcrKMmkEDMSYYNEHo8V59yQqcxQLxwCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1320%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">handicapped site. It was quite large and spacious. It was located right next to a rushing creek which was lovely. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnIfmPHI9LQ/XcJNQeBB3tI/AAAAAAAAZ70/4lLVjxv6m9Mnbnk8CtYr5Oxodt_9LCxNQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnIfmPHI9LQ/XcJNQeBB3tI/AAAAAAAAZ70/4lLVjxv6m9Mnbnk8CtYr5Oxodt_9LCxNQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1334.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We got the tent set up and the site squared away then drove up the mountain to the snowline.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ_maadnO9w/XdAsiW2GoMI/AAAAAAAAaDc/vskVnSw6rtsg4aIT8lZu9JHS6Uj7IF-AwCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_165824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aEQ4waSswO0/XdAsiZxMGyI/AAAAAAAAaDc/3mZjrjbITbg-tdaEITeIFwQsfjRO_SA3wCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_165358_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aEQ4waSswO0/XdAsiZxMGyI/AAAAAAAAaDc/3mZjrjbITbg-tdaEITeIFwQsfjRO_SA3wCKgBGAsYHg/s320/20190626_165358_001.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ_maadnO9w/XdAsiW2GoMI/AAAAAAAAaDc/vskVnSw6rtsg4aIT8lZu9JHS6Uj7IF-AwCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20190626_165824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ_maadnO9w/XdAsiW2GoMI/AAAAAAAAaDc/vskVnSw6rtsg4aIT8lZu9JHS6Uj7IF-AwCKgBGAsYHg/s320/20190626_165824.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Our inverter to blow up the bed</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0SOOndpS9I/XdAr4aNes3I/AAAAAAAAaDQ/p8RGtjr_LFgZm_rpEF2ObfH9DxfUOHhQACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/20190627_092118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0SOOndpS9I/XdAr4aNes3I/AAAAAAAAaDQ/p8RGtjr_LFgZm_rpEF2ObfH9DxfUOHhQACKgBGAsYHg/s320/20190627_092118.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Home away from home</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DoygVVZs8us/XcJNWlJPwaI/AAAAAAAAZ7c/bkQlwdao9rc1nfEYdic4pO3ZiTQj0MOLwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DoygVVZs8us/XcJNWlJPwaI/AAAAAAAAZ7c/bkQlwdao9rc1nfEYdic4pO3ZiTQj0MOLwCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1405.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxXCyGYz--4/XcJNXGALjPI/AAAAAAAAZ7s/k0-5d2o5WKwxN09NN4AZZTvgA-1qsJjPgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxXCyGYz--4/XcJNXGALjPI/AAAAAAAAZ7s/k0-5d2o5WKwxN09NN4AZZTvgA-1qsJjPgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1429.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cpqi8tmU7Pw/XcJNSmax8hI/AAAAAAAAZ7c/DGZKSc_oyCAMdDFZd-SKcs1-YTy4coFdgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cpqi8tmU7Pw/XcJNSmax8hI/AAAAAAAAZ7c/DGZKSc_oyCAMdDFZd-SKcs1-YTy4coFdgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1363.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raO5-OY-tOw/XcJNTCmczqI/AAAAAAAAZ7c/uEE4MuYg0WsAF4rROdeNIozSxCo3bl-jwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raO5-OY-tOw/XcJNTCmczqI/AAAAAAAAZ7c/uEE4MuYg0WsAF4rROdeNIozSxCo3bl-jwCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1369.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H1bwrBghxJg/XcJNX87VV6I/AAAAAAAAZ7o/JWWnvo_EPZsabmnYq6auouNnUBI7IcLcACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H1bwrBghxJg/XcJNX87VV6I/AAAAAAAAZ7o/JWWnvo_EPZsabmnYq6auouNnUBI7IcLcACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1433.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> From there we could see for miles. Christie went for a little hike and came back with a small bristlecone pine cone.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ga4BKqmXF-s/XcJNV5678AI/AAAAAAAAZ70/VtBLrTRfGAAl3h3_Q2qFROa7HlMbBHMDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ga4BKqmXF-s/XcJNV5678AI/AAAAAAAAZ70/VtBLrTRfGAAl3h3_Q2qFROa7HlMbBHMDgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1392.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The trees there are over 3000 years old. We went on to check out the best places for some astrophotography later that night. It was very windy and quite uncomfortable as we were over 11,000 feet up in altitude. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We came down the mountain and decided to go check out the lower campground down in the valley. After doing so we felt we found the best place for us and were quite satisfied with our selection. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6WoBp5W7-8/XcJNmEmHLJI/AAAAAAAAZ74/GqrnllnDSFEpoVZFIVN_TXL2RZjnklAawCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6WoBp5W7-8/XcJNmEmHLJI/AAAAAAAAZ74/GqrnllnDSFEpoVZFIVN_TXL2RZjnklAawCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We went into Baker to get some potatoes and bell peppers and went back to our camp and fixed dinner of sausages, fried potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. Boy, it sure did smell good, tasted good too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christie got all her photography equipment </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">together and checked out. We got our warm weather gear on, Hats, gloves, scarves, coats. socks, boots and long fleece pants on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Up the mountain, we ascended at 11pm. On the way up we saw jackrabbits, deer, and other small animals. Once we got to our vantage point Christie got out of the car and got everything set up to start taking pictures. I stayed in the car to keep the dogs' company and to keep warm. The wind was blowing pretty good. Christie came to get me and I got to see what she was shooting and boy oh boy! What a sight!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWOqtuWB1S8/XcJNbMPkdbI/AAAAAAAAZ7o/UN-BNfAXB9QN1hxcv-SX7362eygn1zE9wCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWOqtuWB1S8/XcJNbMPkdbI/AAAAAAAAZ7o/UN-BNfAXB9QN1hxcv-SX7362eygn1zE9wCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGaw7RgQIAg/XcJNcoXP2WI/AAAAAAAAZ7k/d_GvWtXw7LwjoqvabDRk84NnnCfYTb5MgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGaw7RgQIAg/XcJNcoXP2WI/AAAAAAAAZ7k/d_GvWtXw7LwjoqvabDRk84NnnCfYTb5MgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1467.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHNJDOaMAPw/XcJNZE-GCNI/AAAAAAAAZ70/Viw31ec3w_shnvoSJt9MEEj5c_SGC6MCgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHNJDOaMAPw/XcJNZE-GCNI/AAAAAAAAZ70/Viw31ec3w_shnvoSJt9MEEj5c_SGC6MCgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ebr844KT--M/XcJNaTkJIHI/AAAAAAAAZ7s/gqUulZ5jlXkFe6bqqe_GlaQBTpkUolSbQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ebr844KT--M/XcJNaTkJIHI/AAAAAAAAZ7s/gqUulZ5jlXkFe6bqqe_GlaQBTpkUolSbQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1L-sIpHEQo/XcJNdISmLGI/AAAAAAAAZ7s/Ks-xRDiDvsA5dbcEHKgiDZFypjGd2qVZACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1L-sIpHEQo/XcJNdISmLGI/AAAAAAAAZ7s/Ks-xRDiDvsA5dbcEHKgiDZFypjGd2qVZACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1478.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After staying there for about half an hour we left and came back down the mountain. It is the kind of drive that is nerve-wracking in the daytime, can you imagine it at night! We got back to our campsite and hit the rack after walking the dogs. I was ready and passed out. Christie stayed up and got more night shots from our campsite. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christie seemed to be quite pleased with what she got. She is getting pretty good with her night shots. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ouaQzt-fBE/XcJNdrrhZ6I/AAAAAAAAZ7w/FaeyprBCX7ojIvZWBWsOMlpjn17tkNVdQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ouaQzt-fBE/XcJNdrrhZ6I/AAAAAAAAZ7w/FaeyprBCX7ojIvZWBWsOMlpjn17tkNVdQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-50424630217611446452019-11-05T21:32:00.001-06:002019-11-05T21:41:45.354-06:00Pressing Onward to Zion and Great Basin National Parks<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tuesday June 26</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 7</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After we got all packed up, we headed back into the Grand Canyon National Park to one of the main campgrounds that had shower facilities. After the much needed shower that felt sooo goood, we headed out of the Kaibab National Forest toward Zion National Park. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz2NQDAiAbM/XcI9M7aPP3I/AAAAAAAAZ48/Eyg9XCt_EK85fQR9B37uwPwL0kJDr9j5QCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz2NQDAiAbM/XcI9M7aPP3I/AAAAAAAAZ48/Eyg9XCt_EK85fQR9B37uwPwL0kJDr9j5QCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Zion did not fail to disappoint. The grandeur was overwhelming on a different level than the Grand Canyon. Where the Grand Canyon was so vast and spread out, Zion's beauty is up close and personal and smacks you in the face! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKj_eFeGFmw/XcI9M0k-6hI/AAAAAAAAZ44/T9sbCNjkqVw6C63CpWCK0S3d65zYRpOUQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKj_eFeGFmw/XcI9M0k-6hI/AAAAAAAAZ44/T9sbCNjkqVw6C63CpWCK0S3d65zYRpOUQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1269.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The landscape is unlike anything we had ever seen before. A lot of Zion is not open to the public, you have to pay to have someone guide you in, it is so wild. We arrived too late to get our passport stamped, Darn!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgbWRJ-myRU/XcI9M4juZ8I/AAAAAAAAZ5A/GbJgp4Cw0XQGj3yk7fcxW2kWMCIeHkMSQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UgbWRJ-myRU/XcI9M4juZ8I/AAAAAAAAZ5A/GbJgp4Cw0XQGj3yk7fcxW2kWMCIeHkMSQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1281.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
We did get to see Bighorn Sheep and went through the longest coolest tunnel ever, through the side of a mountain. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btFm2a6rFRE/XcI9OqHkIEI/AAAAAAAAZ5E/HEwayBpx4acWuAEzvtC55LNoEBo8cs3UACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btFm2a6rFRE/XcI9OqHkIEI/AAAAAAAAZ5E/HEwayBpx4acWuAEzvtC55LNoEBo8cs3UACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_QQkR_34f8/XcI9PtitSJI/AAAAAAAAZ5M/P429TnenB1QwpTIMozF_vkkPckBgE355wCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_QQkR_34f8/XcI9PtitSJI/AAAAAAAAZ5M/P429TnenB1QwpTIMozF_vkkPckBgE355wCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was starting to get to that magic hour where we needed to find a campsite. We headed out to the main highway US 15 which to our surprise had an 80mph speed limit. We zipped up to Beaver got gas and headed over to the Minersville State park to grab a campsite. Cost, $20.00. It was about 10 pm when we got there and started setting up camp. There were fishermen out on the lake in their tiny wakeless boats being as silent as could be. The only sound was when they dragged their boats out of the water. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVsn1oweXrA/XcI9PSyHmQI/AAAAAAAAZ5c/Z-e3qO_dOMEIrrKjaGwESNU8MZoQt2R4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVsn1oweXrA/XcI9PSyHmQI/AAAAAAAAZ5c/Z-e3qO_dOMEIrrKjaGwESNU8MZoQt2R4ACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again Christie went out late and captured the night sky. Even though it was late, we were far enough north for the ambient light to have an effect on her shots. Once again someone hit their lights as she was taking her shot. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJXXiriY-fI/XcI9QahcfFI/AAAAAAAAZ5c/Gn-lG-GBwx483Ibt0eGkhB-B54wSGwpSgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJXXiriY-fI/XcI9QahcfFI/AAAAAAAAZ5c/Gn-lG-GBwx483Ibt0eGkhB-B54wSGwpSgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1311.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Night sky at Minersville reservoir</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5travgQ1nsU/XcI9RNJ3PxI/AAAAAAAAZ5k/06s-YQAt4UQTfI6gDJigcbZotZj0AnIRACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5travgQ1nsU/XcI9RNJ3PxI/AAAAAAAAZ5k/06s-YQAt4UQTfI6gDJigcbZotZj0AnIRACEwYBhgL/s640/DSC_1319.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Finally a good shot!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The sleeping weather was good and cool but not cold(29°)like at the Grand Canyon. We had a great sleep and got up early when we heard the guys next door putting their boats in the water, also heard water hitting our tent. We didn't realize we had set up next to a sprinkler system. Christie had to take Lizzy up to the shower to clean her off as she had gotten sick and got her coat messy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once we got the dogs fed, walked, tent packed away and car loaded we struck out in search of a place to eat. We hit the first little town of Minersville. They had a gas station, grocery store and a hardware store and that was pretty much it. No coffee shop at all. We moved on to Milford a good sized town that had a rail yard. There we got ice for the ice chest and stopped at the Dollar store for some supplies and headed out of town. I began to wonder if it was going to be a dry hole as well. The very last business out of town was a place called Penny's Diner. A haven in an empty oasis! We went in and had the best breakfast. The coffee was great, service was great, everything was great. The price was reasonable as well. Found out that Penney's was built with a 50's theme for the railroad boys and they decided to open several years ago to travelers. Good thing they did. It looked brand new but in fact had been there for 15 years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After breakfast we pressed on to Great Basin National Park in Nevada. Again we faced wide open spaces and great expanses. We hit the little town of Frisco a blip in the road and just about didn't see another soul until we hit Garrison just before the Utah/Nevada border. We saw some of what we think were the first telephone poles which were tree trunks. There were miles of them. You could tell they were ancient.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We arrived at Baker, Nevada which is a kick off spot for the loneliest road in America. Baker is a little wide spot in the road but it has a certain charm, a grocery store, ice cream shop, a little motel and bar. And that just about covers Baker. You turn at Baker and head towards Great Basin National Park. There is no admission charge so that is a plus. We were ready to see what Great Basin had in store for us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you would like to leave a comment. Click on No Comments below. </span>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-42908616923074504612019-11-02T18:31:00.026-05:002020-12-30T17:21:21.861-06:00The Wonder of Wonders...The Grand Canyon<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">June 23, Day 3</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We spent the day on Monday a year ago in June, at the Grand Canyon. There aren't enough words to describe this wonder of nature. This is one thing you need to see for yourself. Each view is different, each minute is different. Everything changes with the tracking of the sun. There was a lot of haze in the air as there had been a controlled burn in the area. We got some great pictures in spite of it.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2jRNGw5alo/Xb4HxY4T4JI/AAAAAAAAZ3A/lmOEYTpRrSAupLtF8Ug1JTpHBqNui-v5ACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1208.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2jRNGw5alo/Xb4HxY4T4JI/AAAAAAAAZ3A/lmOEYTpRrSAupLtF8Ug1JTpHBqNui-v5ACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1208.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuLIjrX5yZs/Xb4HtgRNq-I/AAAAAAAAZ3E/wZeC7JqgMo4Ug6WctmQok1hoOwR3_0NxwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1205.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuLIjrX5yZs/Xb4HtgRNq-I/AAAAAAAAZ3E/wZeC7JqgMo4Ug6WctmQok1hoOwR3_0NxwCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1205.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9Td34mME-0/Xb4HtTRmNCI/AAAAAAAAZ3A/g4SGlLd0NikhCK2Pesa3cGrave03qRGGQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1163.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9Td34mME-0/Xb4HtTRmNCI/AAAAAAAAZ3A/g4SGlLd0NikhCK2Pesa3cGrave03qRGGQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1163.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRfIbXMJArk/Xb4Hp0mj5RI/AAAAAAAAZ28/pPCRTtcrkS4rWHN57F4VmDAxqAAFJ4YpACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1143.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRfIbXMJArk/Xb4Hp0mj5RI/AAAAAAAAZ28/pPCRTtcrkS4rWHN57F4VmDAxqAAFJ4YpACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1143.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dK3DhNUjKos/Xb4HmlIRaNI/AAAAAAAAZ24/YTE0SMIQKZghgzrB_Upgk6Lep1UoXDwhQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1126.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dK3DhNUjKos/Xb4HmlIRaNI/AAAAAAAAZ24/YTE0SMIQKZghgzrB_Upgk6Lep1UoXDwhQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1126.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">I have had friends visit both the South Rim and the North Rim. After talking to them and reading quite a few RV blogs, Christie and I decided to visit the North Rim. Besides, it's on our way to Zion National Park. Grand Canyon is BEAUTIFUL!!!! Fewer people, cooler temperatures, more trees and shade for the dogs. Oh...And The VIEW...Spectacular!!!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_gg6_lXutQ/Xb4QIZ8LftI/AAAAAAAAZ4A/xUD7B3uHQr0hX0k2Skrfxsdj8dLuVW6mgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1227.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_gg6_lXutQ/Xb4QIZ8LftI/AAAAAAAAZ4A/xUD7B3uHQr0hX0k2Skrfxsdj8dLuVW6mgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_1227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDVQkooV_Yk/Xb39HHSny7I/AAAAAAAAZ1k/0ASPaRvymK0fE7YJ7nLj00uZTDWydvZ3ACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1036.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDVQkooV_Yk/Xb39HHSny7I/AAAAAAAAZ1k/0ASPaRvymK0fE7YJ7nLj00uZTDWydvZ3ACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">We went first to the Visitors Lodge.</span><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif"> </span><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif"><span>B<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">eautiful on the inside, very much like the lodge at Yellowstone, big timbers and MASSIVE! Got our National Parks Passport Book stamped! Thank you Bobbie and Jim! Our first official stamp! We bought some postcards and mailed them to the grandkids. Hope they got them. We went into the gift store there and I found a very light weight but nice camp jacket that I sorely needed as I was freezing at night. Yes, I had forgot to pack my jacket, toque and sleep socks. Those things you need if you cold camp. We also charged our electronics that were in desperate need of charging. Christie went down to the point to take some pictures, I stayed back and people watched. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0REMWTUj_HU/Xb39LbDD3_I/AAAAAAAAZ1g/rsxIpSY3XuQh7bj-IaT5r7iBc9Y2S6mqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1064.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0REMWTUj_HU/Xb39LbDD3_I/AAAAAAAAZ1g/rsxIpSY3XuQh7bj-IaT5r7iBc9Y2S6mqgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1064.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lbQo9oXaFA/Xb39J9eNibI/AAAAAAAAZ1o/RKTp0OXKrDcs_odIG58ELBeKZ432eJefgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lbQo9oXaFA/Xb39J9eNibI/AAAAAAAAZ1o/RKTp0OXKrDcs_odIG58ELBeKZ432eJefgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1046.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9hCQCuZrcY/Xb39KcQCxTI/AAAAAAAAZ1g/cwukwRGBPMApOIGR8BkN26wL9mveD0y9wCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1052.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9hCQCuZrcY/Xb39KcQCxTI/AAAAAAAAZ1g/cwukwRGBPMApOIGR8BkN26wL9mveD0y9wCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1052.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Afterward, we took the scenic road to the overlooks to have lunch and was surprised to see the pass we had come through 2 days earlier, the Vermilion Cliffs, the path of the Colorado River carved in the valley floor and it is cutting into the Grand Canyon. We were blown away by the expanse and sheer size of it all. You really have no concept of size when looking at the total scope of the area. One can only shake their head and wonder what great event made such a wondrous cut in the earth that we enjoy today. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5d3dLwdFTs/Xb39LqQ21CI/AAAAAAAAZ1k/YjePAfQEhLA2E1ACVzF_ecaxWzJobietACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1218.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5d3dLwdFTs/Xb39LqQ21CI/AAAAAAAAZ1k/YjePAfQEhLA2E1ACVzF_ecaxWzJobietACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_qYi0c7sGk/Xb4HmU1ycoI/AAAAAAAAZ3A/CMxI-exRLrkIvIZNPjpIkjvf6BznfJRtgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1116.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_qYi0c7sGk/Xb4HmU1ycoI/AAAAAAAAZ3A/CMxI-exRLrkIvIZNPjpIkjvf6BznfJRtgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRfIbXMJArk/Xb4Hp0mj5RI/AAAAAAAAZ28/pPCRTtcrkS4rWHN57F4VmDAxqAAFJ4YpACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1143.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRfIbXMJArk/Xb4Hp0mj5RI/AAAAAAAAZ28/pPCRTtcrkS4rWHN57F4VmDAxqAAFJ4YpACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqlz5VnHIsQ/Xb4HmhfmWLI/AAAAAAAAZ10/rV_h3Q75vKM8JUYGYWX1HfewK2cZ984dACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1125.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqlz5VnHIsQ/Xb4HmhfmWLI/AAAAAAAAZ10/rV_h3Q75vKM8JUYGYWX1HfewK2cZ984dACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Then you look at the Grand Canyon and WOW!!!, </span><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">WOW</span><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">!!!, WOW!!! Being up on the vantage points doesn't even begin to bring it into perspective. You are viewing such a tiny portion of the canyon, the sheer size of it...it would take you years, a lifetime to see it all. As we headed back to the campsite after an event filled day, we saw lots of mule deer and buffalo. The buffalo herd we saw are now located in Oklahoma with the Quapaw tribe. They had to remove them due to grounds damage and a water shortage. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmxQ9vmMO6M/Xb39HFvAMoI/AAAAAAAAZ1c/AqzuqFXWwXkNBhbIYEUqQuCholqlnXKuwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmxQ9vmMO6M/Xb39HFvAMoI/AAAAAAAAZ1c/AqzuqFXWwXkNBhbIYEUqQuCholqlnXKuwCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">The wildflowers in the park were spectacular. It was hard to choose which pictures to post. </span></div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJn6g_Hf9CU/Xb4Hp-lydYI/AAAAAAAAZ20/ECc1950U2iEEaznT-xCY0BVNKcrpD4qKQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1149.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJn6g_Hf9CU/Xb4Hp-lydYI/AAAAAAAAZ20/ECc1950U2iEEaznT-xCY0BVNKcrpD4qKQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_OHVBONMzM/Xb4Hxsp40iI/AAAAAAAAZ28/R2fN402xxm0u41Ci7K8PKfJ-V2gXWA9PQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1242.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_OHVBONMzM/Xb4Hxsp40iI/AAAAAAAAZ28/R2fN402xxm0u41Ci7K8PKfJ-V2gXWA9PQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZcips0pwSA/Xb4MlSitOqI/AAAAAAAAZ3c/EermnRDvK20DsDDAYHSmr5ZRKL4s49gVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1081.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZcips0pwSA/Xb4MlSitOqI/AAAAAAAAZ3c/EermnRDvK20DsDDAYHSmr5ZRKL4s49gVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_1081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V25bXLl5NYg/Xb4PPkB8lMI/AAAAAAAAZ30/ytknkfYhE20Rxbrmlf7DdYefnK4njiZlACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1240.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V25bXLl5NYg/Xb4PPkB8lMI/AAAAAAAAZ30/ytknkfYhE20Rxbrmlf7DdYefnK4njiZlACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r15d69WaHxw/Xb4PPqF59KI/AAAAAAAAZ3w/1tbV5V0wE0gkAsImbBQnN-jmeYvn-SOnQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1253.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r15d69WaHxw/Xb4PPqF59KI/AAAAAAAAZ3w/1tbV5V0wE0gkAsImbBQnN-jmeYvn-SOnQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1253.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXj9YBUwlG0/Xb4QPqeEwPI/AAAAAAAAZ4M/fZo3FOHrpQAYtLPjlIFfROVpAR3m3LZGQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXj9YBUwlG0/Xb4QPqeEwPI/AAAAAAAAZ4M/fZo3FOHrpQAYtLPjlIFfROVpAR3m3LZGQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6KSftq1VcJw/Xb4Mlfu3B9I/AAAAAAAAZ3Y/osxTGzlz13oPs5xLXxS2ceIJc1qVr5wuACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1085.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6KSftq1VcJw/Xb4Mlfu3B9I/AAAAAAAAZ3Y/osxTGzlz13oPs5xLXxS2ceIJc1qVr5wuACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_1085.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">We had another wonderful camp dinner cooked in our cast iron skillet. Pretty much the same thing as the night before but no campfire as there had been some rain and our wood was wet. We developed a method of cleaning our stuff without water and not once did we ever get sick. We wiped everything off with paper towels and then with our Melaleuca wipes would wipe again. In some of the National campgrounds, you can't dump your gray water on the ground so we came up with this method and it worked great for the whole trip. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEFoqjEnAZY/Xb4KqPjjvHI/AAAAAAAAZ3M/22m1IhB-a_cKXkzLne6d_rF1snQBhvBrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1260.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEFoqjEnAZY/Xb4KqPjjvHI/AAAAAAAAZ3M/22m1IhB-a_cKXkzLne6d_rF1snQBhvBrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_1260.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Christie took this just as someone turned on their car headlights</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Christie went down to the meadow again and got some fantastic sky shots. Ed Averyt, I wish you could have been here with your telescope! The night sky was something to behold.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rS8A18jJVHo/Xb39MM0aK5I/AAAAAAAAZ1o/1JdejPaxupwov0HpkFJIRC9W6QpfwRwbgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1261.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rS8A18jJVHo/Xb39MM0aK5I/AAAAAAAAZ1o/1JdejPaxupwov0HpkFJIRC9W6QpfwRwbgCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC_1261.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Grand Canyon Night Sky was taken from Demott Meadows</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Well, the close of another day. Goodnight Noah, Andy, and little Miss Maggie! I am loath to leave this place as it is so Junoesque!</span><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-82295658601267254382019-11-01T20:22:00.001-05:002019-11-01T20:22:45.887-05:00A Night in the Valley of The Gods...Monument Valley...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">June 23, Day 3 What can I sa</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">y other than WOW!!!!! WOW!!!!! WOW!!!!! It totally takes your breath away! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We hit Valley of the Gods around 7 pm in the evening of the second day. Found the entrance which looked well worn. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's a 17 mile drive on a very suspect dirt road through the valley. I don't recommend any RV's of any size or long pull trailers going on the road. Maybe small class C's and B's. and those who would like to tent camp. Big motorhomes...ah...No!</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f68_BD0TRO0/XbzRfzffkOI/AAAAAAAAZxg/SDqZjS6BXA4w7ixWxknt1Pr5cw3EVcZBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f68_BD0TRO0/XbzRfzffkOI/AAAAAAAAZxg/SDqZjS6BXA4w7ixWxknt1Pr5cw3EVcZBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0960.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRKgunNlchM/XbzRbh8EUDI/AAAAAAAAZxE/ZkcA_mo8iPUuCnVfdfGF4sI4ZRhW8j3EwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRKgunNlchM/XbzRbh8EUDI/AAAAAAAAZxE/ZkcA_mo8iPUuCnVfdfGF4sI4ZRhW8j3EwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0935.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Bear</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14xZU3GlgJg/XbzRZSvhPsI/AAAAAAAAZyg/cs3nqu1Gkxs5SBk3thEqDehm13IHcMiQQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-14xZU3GlgJg/XbzRZSvhPsI/AAAAAAAAZyg/cs3nqu1Gkxs5SBk3thEqDehm13IHcMiQQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_0926.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The size of this boulder is bigger than Christie and I</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">standing on top of each other</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wF4Oqj_p6-4/XbzRbMOmnBI/AAAAAAAAZxA/TCcqmhwDSo8eSa5548R9GUeXGzjb8SO2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wF4Oqj_p6-4/XbzRbMOmnBI/AAAAAAAAZxA/TCcqmhwDSo8eSa5548R9GUeXGzjb8SO2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0929.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VISlum447A/XbzRZTdDrCI/AAAAAAAAZw8/PA_HZOYsdB8a_rOZt2aSvRiozY0iZQMnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VISlum447A/XbzRZTdDrCI/AAAAAAAAZw8/PA_HZOYsdB8a_rOZt2aSvRiozY0iZQMnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0922.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YeAE1qT8Z7Q/XbzRZVMAC5I/AAAAAAAAZw0/eA-m5EeRLm8XMfhZm7zrCKO6DTnGwX_fACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YeAE1qT8Z7Q/XbzRZVMAC5I/AAAAAAAAZw0/eA-m5EeRLm8XMfhZm7zrCKO6DTnGwX_fACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0920.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MIM-db1HS0/XbzRg3KUvKI/AAAAAAAAZxo/ZuTUFSNWCW4t--ALZy3zPRp_A9YTWvQ9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MIM-db1HS0/XbzRg3KUvKI/AAAAAAAAZxo/ZuTUFSNWCW4t--ALZy3zPRp_A9YTWvQ9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0973.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some night photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqXM8rHvUd0/XbzRdo6OuUI/AAAAAAAAZxQ/k3vBrCc4RoMIkRqlTYu7ViU9YpHZQ-dsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqXM8rHvUd0/XbzRdo6OuUI/AAAAAAAAZxQ/k3vBrCc4RoMIkRqlTYu7ViU9YpHZQ-dsACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0942.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkLFJdNa9_8/XR_cfTX1JaI/AAAAAAAAXus/DEhO-Nvt3b4UUeRZHQ-Zat-US8P2nSxSQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190623_130652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkLFJdNa9_8/XR_cfTX1JaI/AAAAAAAAXus/DEhO-Nvt3b4UUeRZHQ-Zat-US8P2nSxSQCKgBGAs/s320/20190623_130652.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Same monument different view</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OE7ZGUv1NKA/XR_cfQ4NEkI/AAAAAAAAXus/95k5XBTIdq8QytoyEgNc-oBN70njA6G0ACKgBGAs/s1600/20190623_130628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OE7ZGUv1NKA/XR_cfQ4NEkI/AAAAAAAAXus/95k5XBTIdq8QytoyEgNc-oBN70njA6G0ACKgBGAs/s320/20190623_130628.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stone giants guard the valley, sentinels silently watching as starry nights blaze above. It's a wonder to behold. Christie and I arrived as the last rays of the sun were disappearing from the floor of the valley. We got the tent set up under car lights and lantern. The queen size air bed blown up via the inverter I purchased, a good investment by the way, and a cold dinner of spaghetti. It was good. We left the rain fly off so we could see the stars through the top of the tent. It was a cool 46 degrees. Great sleeping weather.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christie managed to get some fabulous astro-photography shots of the milky way! It's a great place to view the heavens. The only problem she had was, we went off and forgot the tripod, so that was on the shopping list for when we hit Pace, AZ. So her tripod workaround was the roof of the car. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6dI6DdIMlc/XbzRgNqbHDI/AAAAAAAAZyk/30pTmgUYrIkwXqn3Os7u1ydtQ_X73gVTwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6dI6DdIMlc/XbzRgNqbHDI/AAAAAAAAZyk/30pTmgUYrIkwXqn3Os7u1ydtQ_X73gVTwCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC_0972.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Starry, Starry Night!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We had managed to hit the valley with enough just enough time to make a drive through to get the lay of the land. Each twist, turn wowed us more than the last twist or turn. How did we end up at the Valley of the Gods? I had been doing some research on line about staying in Monument Valley and came across someone's post saying it wasn't worth the price to camp there and the Valley of the Gods was BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land and free camping. I'm all for free camping. After looking up some pictures on the Internet, that is where I decided we were going to camp</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">. It was suppose to have been a Day 2 destination and we were running behind, but what the hay! As the sun was setting there was one plant that looked like baby's breath that was bathed in gold and was just stunning. I truly wish I had gotten a picture of it.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5cjwtTwzuw/XbzRkWKeMaI/AAAAAAAAZyw/AF9UOX40r3IbN9Tunx3TqWlhi-cvXzrKgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5cjwtTwzuw/XbzRkWKeMaI/AAAAAAAAZyw/AF9UOX40r3IbN9Tunx3TqWlhi-cvXzrKgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_0993.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Guardians! How many animals </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">can you spot?</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the changing light and from which direction you were coming each stone giant changed. We camped below what I call the Guardians. Early in the morning you could see a rabbit, eagle, turtle, and Jabba the Hut. Across the way was the Conquistador and his mule. Across the valley was an arrowhead. At night the Conquistador and mule under the moon turned into a howling wolf. Interesting how light plays tricks on you and where you might view it from. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wmx-X6b-OlA/XbzRlBUTICI/AAAAAAAAZyw/JCfyhcgCxnwSFFqnDJPrkkzAa8lW2kEMACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wmx-X6b-OlA/XbzRlBUTICI/AAAAAAAAZyw/JCfyhcgCxnwSFFqnDJPrkkzAa8lW2kEMACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_0996.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Conquistador</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is one place that you must see! I would love to go back and spend more time there and have a chance to investigate it more. It is so beautiful in its own special way. I highly recommend early to mid June to see the wildflowers. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qug6-lV_CH4/XbzRiN3GyII/AAAAAAAAZyo/Jf6xLxJ4XPws_F1q8WR2tYbGY9d7j2RaQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qug6-lV_CH4/XbzRiN3GyII/AAAAAAAAZyo/Jf6xLxJ4XPws_F1q8WR2tYbGY9d7j2RaQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_0977.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Our trusty sleeping accommodations</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next morning we woke up, the breeze that was there the night before was slight and we knew we must make haste and get things packed up before it picked up again. Driving out of the valley afforded us even more views of the stone giants we had missed the night before. Again we were wowed. Also the wild flowers were in bloom to boot.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0yUu-PiMPU/XbzRiCI3frI/AAAAAAAAZyk/5zKMwWcmnxkK-qLLd1xSAdZkpSDNCu5EgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0yUu-PiMPU/XbzRiCI3frI/AAAAAAAAZyk/5zKMwWcmnxkK-qLLd1xSAdZkpSDNCu5EgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_0980.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmfpG_uYz4Y/XbzRinv1UoI/AAAAAAAAZyg/j8ONcNfBqvUP8K9ApdJdFJ_VazorQ7nZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmfpG_uYz4Y/XbzRinv1UoI/AAAAAAAAZyg/j8ONcNfBqvUP8K9ApdJdFJ_VazorQ7nZgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_0987.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgdE8cliNak/XbzRjMQJKDI/AAAAAAAAZy0/YiddQ-gDpDQhAU7uHSaqxgLTIBJ4-mw7ACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgdE8cliNak/XbzRjMQJKDI/AAAAAAAAZy0/YiddQ-gDpDQhAU7uHSaqxgLTIBJ4-mw7ACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_0988.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another surprise was in store for us. As we were leaving, Christie slams on the brakes of the car and exclaims "I don't believe it...Wind Rocks!" sure enough she had spotted rocks that had been moved by the wind that had left a trail in the hard packed dirt. Picture time!!!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEHV9nq4DqY/XbzReC_b49I/AAAAAAAAZyo/XHZPXeJduKQtlrA3u-KMevJKuLvzd0IeQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEHV9nq4DqY/XbzReC_b49I/AAAAAAAAZyo/XHZPXeJduKQtlrA3u-KMevJKuLvzd0IeQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_0949.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Wind Rock!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Goosenecks were right around the corner from the valley so we decided to make a quick stop there and see that geological wonder, where the San Juan river cuts through the earth. It was well worth the $5.00 entrance fee. The pit bathrooms were fantastic, no odor and spotless. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbwoECef3aA/XR_c6Q7YG-I/AAAAAAAAXu0/PvxObIA8JJgdFY_cVz5G3q3JFO0iuL1CwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190623_113718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbwoECef3aA/XR_c6Q7YG-I/AAAAAAAAXu0/PvxObIA8JJgdFY_cVz5G3q3JFO0iuL1CwCKgBGAs/s320/20190623_113718.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Goosenecks of the </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">San Juan River</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As we were leaving the Goosenecks Christie spotted this little lovely. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_KUT8YOvzE/XbzRly0QinI/AAAAAAAAZyo/Bunk_EeSlYklE2cPXOcr8uQqqiK56R8hQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_KUT8YOvzE/XbzRly0QinI/AAAAAAAAZyo/Bunk_EeSlYklE2cPXOcr8uQqqiK56R8hQCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_1019.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">From there we went and saw the Mexican Hat stone. What a balancing act! We stopped in the little town of Mexican Hat and got gas and ice and took the necessary pit stop. Met a real nice couple from Vernon, BC Canada, who were shocked that a couple of wild gals from Oklahoma would know where Vernon was! We bid them safe travels since they were on a motorcycle trike towing a small trailer up the west coast. Their next destination was the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. </span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao3ORv0JAoU/XR_dKiM20MI/AAAAAAAAXu8/NXCU3HvZPiEgOmnweeDvpMsOmOtWIqcsQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190623_120903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao3ORv0JAoU/XR_dKiM20MI/AAAAAAAAXu8/NXCU3HvZPiEgOmnweeDvpMsOmOtWIqcsQCKgBGAs/s320/20190623_120903.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mexican Hat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On to Monument Valley... The valley is spread out over many miles. The most interesting part of the valley is on Navajo land, well all of the valley is on Navajo land, but the most picturesque you have to pay to see. It is where most of John Ford, the Director, shot most of his John Wayne western movies. We opted not to take the tour but to truck on since we wanted to get to the north rim of the Grand Canyon for the night. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAJLyjWuIpI/XR_dleym8FI/AAAAAAAAXvI/_EgxWufXu2EkuIl2ZWG4iPYCIktxKZMLwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190623_125928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAJLyjWuIpI/XR_dleym8FI/AAAAAAAAXvI/_EgxWufXu2EkuIl2ZWG4iPYCIktxKZMLwCKgBGAs/s320/20190623_125928.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Long Stretch of Road</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The high desert is vastly different than the southwest desert, that is for sure. Christie and I saw only one small cactus plant, the rest an interesting sage type plant. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xix8GtpfeE0/XR_eGwOtnPI/AAAAAAAAXvQ/waLL_FxcOuwQjOUaC8GdTZ1l7-UL3LhTgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190623_132512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xix8GtpfeE0/XR_eGwOtnPI/AAAAAAAAXvQ/waLL_FxcOuwQjOUaC8GdTZ1l7-UL3LhTgCKgBGAs/s320/20190623_132512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ef7-CnoUKv8/XR_eG5oRuCI/AAAAAAAAXvQ/CZTCIJahfUQOcgQ-7p4cKGpu-AKXF4rAACKgBGAs/s1600/20190623_130841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ef7-CnoUKv8/XR_eG5oRuCI/AAAAAAAAXvQ/CZTCIJahfUQOcgQ-7p4cKGpu-AKXF4rAACKgBGAs/s320/20190623_130841.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5B9IE2FAzA/XR_eG9APsKI/AAAAAAAAXvQ/iSQakigTTh8VnTKepag3eg_LriHqE7qIQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190623_132411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5B9IE2FAzA/XR_eG9APsKI/AAAAAAAAXvQ/iSQakigTTh8VnTKepag3eg_LriHqE7qIQCKgBGAs/s320/20190623_132411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FwJVs42koIw/XR_eG6yjxnI/AAAAAAAAXvQ/EBxhabnca_onzU1FXKcac8GpZOBqDFzMgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190623_142619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FwJVs42koIw/XR_eG6yjxnI/AAAAAAAAXvQ/EBxhabnca_onzU1FXKcac8GpZOBqDFzMgCKgBGAs/s320/20190623_142619.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzkoeGu1Csc/XR_eG9qgUvI/AAAAAAAAXvQ/TLajEvup8GAqJCQCQUEB6e9_4gruEYsRwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190623_145807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzkoeGu1Csc/XR_eG9qgUvI/AAAAAAAAXvQ/TLajEvup8GAqJCQCQUEB6e9_4gruEYsRwCKgBGAs/s320/20190623_145807.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As far a Monument Valley goes one word comes to mind, Massive! Like the westerns that were filmed there. They seemed to be random across the valley floor. You could round a twist in the road and another one would seem to appear out of nowhere. Christie and I discussed it at length and between the two we decided we definitely liked Valley of the Gods better of the two destinations.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We hit the good size town of Pace, AZ and found the local Walmart, made our tripod purchase and took the necessary break. Pace is a very up and coming tourist destination as it sits right on the edge of Lake Powell. From there we drove through a pass that took your breath away as you looked out over the valley below not realizing what was across from you. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xe6OVBVJN6U/XR_fNTegT7I/AAAAAAAAXvg/ZtzoEc8QfIoI_YTwsJPGzkUOzKyL9G8mgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190623_162102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xe6OVBVJN6U/XR_fNTegT7I/AAAAAAAAXvg/ZtzoEc8QfIoI_YTwsJPGzkUOzKyL9G8mgCKgBGAs/s320/20190623_162102.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Stunning view of the valley below</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uaubvB7KyZA/XR_eUVrlAvI/AAAAAAAAXvU/Pftno_5ZkZw1EYd8cV7hzFcp1PdXJHgwACKgBGAs/s1600/20190623_162649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uaubvB7KyZA/XR_eUVrlAvI/AAAAAAAAXvU/Pftno_5ZkZw1EYd8cV7hzFcp1PdXJHgwACKgBGAs/s320/20190623_162649.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The cut in the cliffs from Pace to </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">the valley floor.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Down, down, down from the plateau, we went to the valley floor and snaked our way up and around and crossed the Colorado river running beside the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, which were amazing to see. Little did we know how important this would be 2 days later. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermilion_Cliffs_National_Monument" target="_blank">Vermilion Cliffs</a> are massive and stand as guardians of the valley floor. I may have to go back to the cliffs in the future to investigate further. There is so much to see. Click on the link to read about them. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We started the climb up from the arid valley floor into the piney forest gaining altitude as we went. The higher we went, the air became thinner and a bit harder for me to breathe, but luckily no headache. We made Jacobs Lake about 4 in the afternoon and headed toward our campground in the Kaibab National Forest, heading for Demott Campground still some 60 miles away. Having a lifetime Senior Pass to the National Parks is great! Camping only cost us $10.00 a night and getting into the National parks nothing. We stayed 2 nights. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">At one point we were worried as the National Parks was doing a controlled burn on the North Rim and we were afraid we would not be able to see anything due to smoke, but our fears were baseless. All was well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christie and I got camp set up and dinner thrown together and a fire built to cook our meal, sausage, peppers, potatoes, broccoli, butter and seasonings all wrapped up in foil on the campfire. We wrapped ourselves up and waited while our meal cooked. Christie got the doggies watered, fed and walked. We met several nice couples that were camped near us. One lady and her son, from Fallon, Nevada suggested if we were going to be going up by Susanville, CA that we go to Burney Falls up above Lassen Volcanic National Park. We took the suggestion under advisement. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KX-qifg7HtY/XR_fsbj5s-I/AAAAAAAAXvo/QA96sydI6OQIkUu8O1ZvHLWyvCzup9A5gCKgBGAs/s1600/20190623_201221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KX-qifg7HtY/XR_fsbj5s-I/AAAAAAAAXvo/QA96sydI6OQIkUu8O1ZvHLWyvCzup9A5gCKgBGAs/s320/20190623_201221.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Home sweet home</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WhpCIVcdZQ/XR_fsQruPBI/AAAAAAAAXvo/xWPEBEJqR7UdP1a43ZteNn6_exCW_sH1wCKgBGAs/s1600/20190623_201229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WhpCIVcdZQ/XR_fsQruPBI/AAAAAAAAXvo/xWPEBEJqR7UdP1a43ZteNn6_exCW_sH1wCKgBGAs/s320/20190623_201229.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The pups chilling out</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>Dinner was done and we were ready to eat and boy was it ever good. After easy clean-up we played several hands of gin but it was starting to get cold so I decided to go to bed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christie however wanted to get some astro-photography shots and waited until the darkness had settled in and went looking for open space. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ6pKWR6O5E/XbzZqE1vWdI/AAAAAAAAZy8/PRfTRKXylAsefV_9s5YNEM7xxsUie97JgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQ6pKWR6O5E/XbzZqE1vWdI/AAAAAAAAZy8/PRfTRKXylAsefV_9s5YNEM7xxsUie97JgCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC_1261.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Night sky at the Grand Canyon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They were having a special stargazing event in the meadow just around the corner from where we were camped. People from all over were there for the week for the event. They had huge telescopes set up in the field. I think Christie got some great pictures of the night sky. We turned in, in anticipation of what lay ahead of us for the next day. The wonder of wonders!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-55274700741106483752019-07-05T16:09:00.001-05:002019-11-01T19:37:48.035-05:00Westward Ho!<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">June 22, Day 2</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Good Morning! Up at 5 am. Breakfast at Denney's and on the road by 6:30am. Got gas for $2.13 a gallon. The wind really killed our gas mileage yesterday. 19.7 mpg. Today's mpg is a bit better at 21.5. You don't realize how flat the panhandle of Texas is until you get to the boarder town of Glenrio which is a rest stop. The original town is a ghost town with most of the buildings standing in <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1WSglGFaofc/XR-tErnakfI/AAAAAAAAXkk/hKfF-vYQ61QmDfY1bxZKZmnVkm4oGQnTgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190622_062045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1WSglGFaofc/XR-tErnakfI/AAAAAAAAXkk/hKfF-vYQ61QmDfY1bxZKZmnVkm4oGQnTgCKgBGAs/s320/20190622_062045.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning sunrise in Amarillo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
great disrepair. If we pass by on the way back I plan to stop and take pictures as they look quite interesting. When I-40 was built the town dried up and died, as it was bypassed as so many small towns along Route 66, the Mother Road which is still drivable in many sections of Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. We took a quick break and got back on the road heading west. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Av9RlXaG6U/XR-tTWTGB7I/AAAAAAAAXko/oeZZT82qZ9wyoVS2WLZh0wW4G1Y4yFAXwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190622_065359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Av9RlXaG6U/XR-tTWTGB7I/AAAAAAAAXko/oeZZT82qZ9wyoVS2WLZh0wW4G1Y4yFAXwCKgBGAs/s320/20190622_065359.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">At the Glenrio Rest Stop</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What fascinated me so much was while in Texas, you are traveling along and you look out and it is flat as far as the eye can see and BOOM you drop off a plateau and you are among vistas, valleys and arroyos plus jaw dropping scenery everywhere you look. The ravines of the high desert just overwhelm you if you have never seen it before. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We made it to Albuquerque around 9 am and headed north on the 550 highway. It turns out that we were on a scenic highway, the feature was the White Ridge range. OMG! Words can't express the stark beauty of the range from San Ysidro to Cuba New Mexico. You are diving along and come around a bend and they just smack you in the face! You go around the ridge and they seem to go on forever. The terrain changes mile by mile and you are just in awe of it all. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4NeF3WRs_Q/XR-45yOvLLI/AAAAAAAAXro/uzmzek5QAbsoAmSLPhhww-cjmO9UXDuMACKgBGAs/s1600/20190622_110318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1600" height="172" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4NeF3WRs_Q/XR-45yOvLLI/AAAAAAAAXro/uzmzek5QAbsoAmSLPhhww-cjmO9UXDuMACKgBGAs/s320/20190622_110318.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Front of the White Ridge Range</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbSqakC3uDM/XR-5QXLlCQI/AAAAAAAAXr8/trdS8W-4qPUbN8d71orYm4jdtXUM7VhVQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190622_110819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbSqakC3uDM/XR-5QXLlCQI/AAAAAAAAXr8/trdS8W-4qPUbN8d71orYm4jdtXUM7VhVQCKgBGAs/s320/20190622_110819.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Back of the ridge as you round the bend</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We had a fuel stop in Cuba and made ourselves some lunch, walked and watered the dogs. As we climbed out of the valley the scrub trees turned into tall pines. As quickly as they appeared they disappeared into a lunar landscape dotted with giant rose looking rocks. </span></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyYJMd_epjk/XSDR86sC1vI/AAAAAAAAX04/a20o8s0dcpc453_zLaMxtNMpqNiImuDSQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190622_112357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1600" height="161" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyYJMd_epjk/XSDR86sC1vI/AAAAAAAAX04/a20o8s0dcpc453_zLaMxtNMpqNiImuDSQCKgBGAs/s320/20190622_112357.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">A lone sentinel in the middle of nowhere</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every twist and turn of the road brought forth a new surprise for the eyes to feast on. I can't help but wonder what our ancestors thought of this WILD country and the promise it held. We made it to Farmington, New Mexico around 3 pm for a fuel up and to get some supplies and the much needed coffee. Off in the distance we could see Wisdom Peak at 14,082 ft. in the San Juan Range in Colorado. It still had snow on the peaks.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we headed toward the town of Shiprock we could see off in the distance, this massive peak, like a lone sentinel guarding the desert floor rising out of nowhere. The peak of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiprock" target="_blank">Shiprock</a> is massive and Indian legends abound. This sentinel standing 1,583 ft. above the valley floor lets one's imagination run wild as to what event it may have been entrusted with. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7EZRfuLiFE/XR-53GGMVdI/AAAAAAAAXsU/BeCkhRZd9ecXz_yVQXBAvbu69uaH5koBwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190622_163341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1600" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7EZRfuLiFE/XR-53GGMVdI/AAAAAAAAXsU/BeCkhRZd9ecXz_yVQXBAvbu69uaH5koBwCKgBGAs/s320/20190622_163341.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Two different views of Shiprock</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5sb0VRBkGA/XR-53A2TrJI/AAAAAAAAXsU/7qCzcrdY2RgemOsEsCaMvePSYo3vlZKgwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190622_164201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5sb0VRBkGA/XR-53A2TrJI/AAAAAAAAXsU/7qCzcrdY2RgemOsEsCaMvePSYo3vlZKgwCKgBGAs/s320/20190622_164201.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's 5:10 pm and we just crossed into Arizona...Wide open spaces with strange sounding names. Teec Nos Pos a wide spot in the road. The color of the rock has changed from red to soft sandstone yellow. The view goes on for miles and miles. Northeast Arizona has wide open spaces with lots of large Mesas. Reminds me of the movie "The Searchers" with John Wayne.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0P1GWmgFAc/XR-7Z_P6BjI/AAAAAAAAXtQ/EvY1jQWk2MMxb6MSePh2jMHiZg0CsNH7ACKgBGAs/s1600/20190622_111544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0P1GWmgFAc/XR-7Z_P6BjI/AAAAAAAAXtQ/EvY1jQWk2MMxb6MSePh2jMHiZg0CsNH7ACKgBGAs/s320/20190622_111544.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--L7NCNIenlM/XR-7Z8yj7fI/AAAAAAAAXtQ/CcQAfzYbmVomQe_-UPGrA5CNk_py1pr9ACKgBGAs/s1600/20190622_104743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--L7NCNIenlM/XR-7Z8yj7fI/AAAAAAAAXtQ/CcQAfzYbmVomQe_-UPGrA5CNk_py1pr9ACKgBGAs/s320/20190622_104743.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWH0lgipUQM/XR-7Z77dXyI/AAAAAAAAXtQ/BK3r40xQUfA44-muSzeQCbdn26kuLbMUwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190622_111353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWH0lgipUQM/XR-7Z77dXyI/AAAAAAAAXtQ/BK3r40xQUfA44-muSzeQCbdn26kuLbMUwCKgBGAs/s320/20190622_111353.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2VhK9SAH5Q0/XR-6UBEqWYI/AAAAAAAAXsg/tzVE8PzgaQwYS9xMKIvP-RxdjsqyfibJQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190622_174537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2VhK9SAH5Q0/XR-6UBEqWYI/AAAAAAAAXsg/tzVE8PzgaQwYS9xMKIvP-RxdjsqyfibJQCKgBGAs/s320/20190622_174537.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the wide vistas to be seen</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We crossed over into Utah a short bit later and into the Valley of The Gods. We made our destination as the sun was setting, so we had to make haste and get the tent set up for sleeping. We decided to leave the fly off and sleep under the stars which was absolutely awesome! </span></div>
Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-47477314095916949352019-07-05T14:20:00.000-05:002019-11-01T22:26:26.506-05:00THE SAGA BEGINS...On The Road FINALLY!!!<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">June 21, Day 1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When your suppose to get on the road by 4 am but your on the road by 4 pm, 12 hours is a lot of drive time to make up. But best laid plans of Mice and Men don't always go as planned. We looked like the Okies of the 30's going down the road minus grandma's rocking chair. We were plum full to the gills.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zS4EXFpi3s/XR-a97LNtcI/AAAAAAAAXkM/-i3TvO_2hGMkcCN9_WiupxOwzptDeMAugCKgBGAs/s1600/20190621_183018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zS4EXFpi3s/XR-a97LNtcI/AAAAAAAAXkM/-i3TvO_2hGMkcCN9_WiupxOwzptDeMAugCKgBGAs/s320/20190621_183018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Two crazy ladies, 3 dogs and a road trip ahead!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Made our first pit stop in the beautiful town of Sayre, Oklahoma. Picked up the much needed neck pillow. What a life/neck saver.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The wind has been horrendous since this morning, making loading the car somewhat difficult. Christie had quite a time getting everything on top and tied down. It started to die down a bit but not much. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because of all the rain we have had in Oklahoma, western Oklahoma is very green, a different sight for sure. It's not often we get to see Big Sky, Big Clouds way in the distance of western Oklahoma...Texas is even bigger! As they say everything is bigger in Texas!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We took a break at the Johnson Ranch rest stop. It is a must. When I went by once before several years ago it was very dry and desert looking and I regretted not stopping. This time I vowed to stop and take a look at this interesting landscape of beautiful arroyos and the delicate fauna that was in the area. It was quite green due to all the recent rain there was lots of flowers in bloom. If you are that way we highly suggest you take a break at this great place and soak up some of the scenery. It won't disappoint. Off in the distance was another thunderstorm brewing...more rain!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We made Amarillo around 9 pm. After a few stops we decided that it was way too windy to set the tent up so we overnighted it in a Texas rest stop and slept in the car. Not our first time to sleep in the car and most likely not our last either. After walking the dogs and getting settled we called it a day. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsGo2eLaWY4/XR-eqQ7aOnI/AAAAAAAAXkY/V8PuHzbRD48TF6d8rxwEJjakVqfKB7pKACKgBGAs/s1600/20190621_200147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsGo2eLaWY4/XR-eqQ7aOnI/AAAAAAAAXkY/V8PuHzbRD48TF6d8rxwEJjakVqfKB7pKACKgBGAs/s320/20190621_200147.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Distant thunderstorm brewing!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZ8JD7pa8pE/XR-eqeoVYbI/AAAAAAAAXkY/g0kaTwGbGHk9FK_lsU6zbt-R-7uWhrnfwCKgBGAs/s320/20190621_200200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Johnson Ranch Rest Stop</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZ8JD7pa8pE/XR-eqeoVYbI/AAAAAAAAXkY/g0kaTwGbGHk9FK_lsU6zbt-R-7uWhrnfwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190621_200200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XQ8kaYRYH4/XR-eqYLDIuI/AAAAAAAAXkY/xW5C3cJnm2kK_fCSfokbNhAmVBQHIDPEwCKgBGAs/s320/20190621_200252.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">One of the many arroyos in the area</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XQ8kaYRYH4/XR-eqYLDIuI/AAAAAAAAXkY/xW5C3cJnm2kK_fCSfokbNhAmVBQHIDPEwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190621_200252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y9TMA5qMic/XR-eqV_0IaI/AAAAAAAAXkY/7P8Mqs2dXe0ATAsLAap2t1uYlyZrqVCNgCKgBGAs/s320/20190621_200328.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some of the many delicate flowers on the</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> trees at the rest stop.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y9TMA5qMic/XR-eqV_0IaI/AAAAAAAAXkY/7P8Mqs2dXe0ATAsLAap2t1uYlyZrqVCNgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190621_200328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-54596996968589904702019-06-17T16:23:00.001-05:002019-06-17T23:24:42.350-05:00Fun Vacation With The Whole Family...<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am almost a year late in posting this but we had so much fun and I was waiting for pictures, but never got them edited. So...as the old saying goes. Better late than never. Maybe I will get pictures done later. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Coming back from Texas for the 4th of July weekend, Han and I stopped a convenience store to take a break. I love this store as they allow dogs inside since Texas discourages you leaving your animals in the car while you go to the bathroom. I was happy, Han was happy and the staff was happy as they loved all over him. As we were leaving the store a young girl of 11 or so opened the door for me and took a look at Han and with a terrified screamed "OMG a Pit Bull!!!!" I looked at her and said "No, he's a Queensland Blue Heeler, not a Pit Bull, Huge Difference!" Then I proceeded on to the car to get him belted in. I really do wish people would not demonize that breed of dogs. Yes, there are some that are horrible, those are the ones that have been abused by their owners, made mean and are the ones in the news, but there are many who are beautiful dogs, very gentle and loving with loving responsible owners. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We made it home in fine fashion. He rode up front with me and did great. He decided the center console was the place to ride as that is where he parked himself. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had two weeks to get the house ready for the invasion. Yes invasion...Heather and J with their crew including Sam the dog. Christie with her crew of Lizzy and Chewie. Seven people and four dogs. The only way I know to keep me on track is to make a list and to mark off as I complete a task. I got almost everything done that needed to be done before they arrived, considering my back was giving me fits. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We did so much and had so much fun, it was great! We rested Sunday and went out to Dillon and Tawnni's house, J's nephew to eat and swim. Everyone had a great time. I do think it was the hottest day of the staycation. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Monday we went to the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History to see the Megalodon Shark and to tour the museum. It was fascinating! The kids loved it! Of course the museum is always a hit when they come. The kids love riding in the dinovator. For those that don't know, it's an elevator that gets you up close</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> and personal to a huge dinosaur. There is so much to see and do there. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Monday evening we went up to Moore to let the kids play on a new and fun playground toy. The splash pad was already closed so we said we would return to let them play on that later. They had such a great time on the Jolly Roger playground equipment. Kids being kids, the boys made new friends instantly. The only downside to the evening is Andy lost his dinner after spinning too much on one of the spin toys. Poor little guy. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tuesday we went to see Christopher Robin. What a delightful story. The kids loved it and so did the adults. How can you pass up half price popcorn on Popcorn Tuesday at the movies!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wednesday we went on a road trip to Pop's for Lunch then a tour of the Round Barn in Arcadia. It was fascinating. We then did some driving around Oklahoma City and had ice cream at Capitol Ice Cream. It was delish! The boys played Bocce Ball at a Bocce Ball court across the street. They had a lot of fun doing so and expended some of that pent up energy from riding in the car. We then headed to the big Ferris Wheel down by the Oklahoma River so the kids could ride on it. That is a really neat place with a lot of different activities for families to do. It is a great place for a fun date night. I wanted to take the family to the Urban Farmhouse to show them the unique furniture styles but we ran out of time. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thursday, Christie and I took Han and Chewie for their last round of shots. After we got home, the rest of the family went to Lake Murray for a day of fun. I stayed home as my microscopic colitis had risen its ugly little head. They stopped at the Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley. They said it was a really good museum and they had a great time looking for one special action figure. There were 15 and they found 13. They also stopped and got Fried Pies. Heather got an Adventure Road Card and was bent on getting her places punched. As they told me it took them five hours to get to Lake Murray, which is only about an hour and fifteen minutes from the house. They didn't get home until about 12:30 a.m. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Friday, the family went to the Salt flats to dig crystals. They stopped in Enid and had some great Pizza for lunch. Then proceeded to Jet, Oklahoma and the Great Salt Plains. They had a great time and found a lot of the crystals. They then went over to Woodward to see a dear friend, one of Heather and J's college friends, Shannon Myers and the burial site of their God Daughter, Anastacia, as they were not able to attend her funeral two years ago. I am so glad they made the trip. Again I did not go. Mom stayed home and took care of the doggies. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Saturday was a hang around day. The crew went to the Greek House for lunch. After lunch I met Christie at the Firestone store so she could get her car aligned. Later that day, my brother Frank and Sister-N-Law Karen came down from Tulsa to visit. We had a great visit. We went to dinner at Ted's Escondido. As usual the food was great. I am so glad they have gluten-free options. We went back to the house and had a great visit. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sunday morning, I think everyone slept in as we got a late start. Frank and Karen brought over donuts and everyone enjoyed. But then it was time to start packing up everything and get it ready to be loaded into the cars. Christie and I went to pick up her car and it was amazing how much different her car drove and how much better it drove. Thank you Firestone! We decided to go to Ozzie's Diner at the Airport for lunch. Everyone had a great meal. We said our good-byes to Frank and Karen as they headed back to Tulsa. The rest of us went to the neighborhood park we found in Moore earlier in the week, so the kids could play at the splash pad. They had a great time in spite of it being somewhat cool and cloudy and threatening rain. We came back home after about an hour and the kids got their cars pack and they were on the road by 5:45 p.m. I hate good-byes. but at last I had some silence and a calm dog for the first time in a week. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Han seemed lost for the first day and has become a bit clingy. Which I really don't mind. He is starting to cuddle more and that is sweet. He rarely leaves my side. His training is progressing and he starts school next week. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I type this Han </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">is at my feet covered in mud and is trying to catch flies. Reminds me of another silly boy who was a great fly catcher. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well the sky is getting dark as storms are all around us here and a cloudburst is eminent. So I bid you adieu for now as I have to go get the mud off of Han before letting him in the house. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99X6Fd0aufg/XQgFsNAv6zI/AAAAAAAAXb8/_ycfsonZWfQZ8MO59zLE0SIn8lpfM02awCKgBGAs/s1600/20180806_200524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99X6Fd0aufg/XQgFsNAv6zI/AAAAAAAAXb8/_ycfsonZWfQZ8MO59zLE0SIn8lpfM02awCKgBGAs/s320/20180806_200524.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYcQrkpbR7k/XQgFsBe98LI/AAAAAAAAXb8/I5wmoGPUoIQwaQhT05F5sSpoHrVeBD6mQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180808_172843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYcQrkpbR7k/XQgFsBe98LI/AAAAAAAAXb8/I5wmoGPUoIQwaQhT05F5sSpoHrVeBD6mQCKgBGAs/s320/20180808_172843.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7QAO-L2anUg/XQgFsGdgpLI/AAAAAAAAXb8/ney7ljSxbRw9WGqCtsRhKusNp3f1yQCpQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180808_143827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7QAO-L2anUg/XQgFsGdgpLI/AAAAAAAAXb8/ney7ljSxbRw9WGqCtsRhKusNp3f1yQCpQCKgBGAs/s320/20180808_143827.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qSxAT5-8wo/XQgFsGuqXJI/AAAAAAAAXb8/maToUvEVd0Y_mNX-OcjQnlaXt8Xpkpn0wCKgBGAs/s1600/20180808_172746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qSxAT5-8wo/XQgFsGuqXJI/AAAAAAAAXb8/maToUvEVd0Y_mNX-OcjQnlaXt8Xpkpn0wCKgBGAs/s320/20180808_172746.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHd0lTdn2J8/XQgFsO2IOiI/AAAAAAAAXb8/_jGUvoK239UnUWGp-Gbt7J7oOxBV-yiuACKgBGAs/s1600/20180808_173545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHd0lTdn2J8/XQgFsO2IOiI/AAAAAAAAXb8/_jGUvoK239UnUWGp-Gbt7J7oOxBV-yiuACKgBGAs/s320/20180808_173545.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxJngYV7lmM/XQgFsO06y-I/AAAAAAAAXb8/SeqqPHclgJ4iHzwtQwwHPwRd9TOO6sCqwCKgBGAs/s1600/20180808_185327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="1600" height="82" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxJngYV7lmM/XQgFsO06y-I/AAAAAAAAXb8/SeqqPHclgJ4iHzwtQwwHPwRd9TOO6sCqwCKgBGAs/s320/20180808_185327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_defXI77kfQ/XQgFsLaygLI/AAAAAAAAXb8/6Z-2mSRYCrgt9ah4faF5i_eO9TqrHJtaACKgBGAs/s1600/20180808_185550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_defXI77kfQ/XQgFsLaygLI/AAAAAAAAXb8/6Z-2mSRYCrgt9ah4faF5i_eO9TqrHJtaACKgBGAs/s320/20180808_185550.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nt15YRpJC8/XQgFsCA8rOI/AAAAAAAAXb8/w0utCTTbvFwPWcV799HSEkOntZ3IC-EFgCKgBGAs/s1600/20180814_183103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nt15YRpJC8/XQgFsCA8rOI/AAAAAAAAXb8/w0utCTTbvFwPWcV799HSEkOntZ3IC-EFgCKgBGAs/s320/20180814_183103.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-67851668501384964612019-06-10T02:38:00.000-05:002019-06-10T02:38:20.762-05:00Friends Wherever They Are<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the years I have made a lot of friends. Some have stuck around others have wandered away never to be heard from again. Sometimes I wonder if that was my fault or if it was just their time to go. Other friends that were dear to me have died and I have felt lost by their leaving this earthly plane, but I press on knowing one day I will see them again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have a lot of friends in disguise, not necessarily people I call "friends" in that endearing term of a friend. I have those friends that I have not seen in years yet we can pick up right where we left off years before like we had never been apart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have friends that I have met out on the road Rving. Those friendships I hold dear. I may not see them as often as I would wish, but we stay in touch via Facebook. What would we do without Facebook. Other friends I have met on Facebook then have gone on to meet them in person. Wonderful close friendships have developed there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have developed friendships through blogs and my blog writing. Something I never thought possible. It's amazing what can come from blogging. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have friends from work that I have kept in touch with after my retirement. Then I have friends that I have developed close friendships with through my entrepreneurial business of Mary Kay and Tastefully Simple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have friends that when my husband passed away I guess they thought I passed away too. They never called. Funny isn't it, you can be real close to someone and when your spouse dies all of a sudden you cease to exist. I guess they really weren't my friends. Or, maybe they didn't know how to approach me. All I can say is, that really hurt. But you know what, I love you all the same and you can still give me a call. I don't bite. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then you have the friend that has delivered the most devastating news to you, that soon they will no longer be with us. In your heart of hearts you make sure you do all you can for them no matter how little or great the task may be. Or the friend you spent countless hours talking with long distance, helping her through a divorce and after she helped you get your house back in order after your husband passed away, you find out on Facebook that she had suddenly passed away. How devastating. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then there are the friends that can't look past politics. I can, why can't they. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. No one can have an intelligent conversation these days without getting offended. More friendships are lost over politics. I don't think I have ever seen so much hate as I am seeing today and this should not be. We should at least be having civil discourse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Low and behold there is the surprise of friends that you had lost track of then rediscovered, made a connection with and are having great conversation with them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And last there is always making new friends. Those people you meet that you make a connection with that </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">will help tend the garden in your soul. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I ask, what kind of friend are you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below are just some of my friends...I am so blessed!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6BDPN9K93Q/UWggoYw9YrI/AAAAAAAACWM/zYheUzZtgnYTNWK5nKmtQdQY1cd_WfYjgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20130407_184901%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6BDPN9K93Q/UWggoYw9YrI/AAAAAAAACWM/zYheUzZtgnYTNWK5nKmtQdQY1cd_WfYjgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/20130407_184901%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">John and Maggie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7pq1Mekmup8/VLB6RD9zqRI/AAAAAAAAEkA/nYgSSUqwTOoLGdaXbWpyx1gefcvkxfjewCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/10592615_864673553544806_8606315657472336925_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7pq1Mekmup8/VLB6RD9zqRI/AAAAAAAAEkA/nYgSSUqwTOoLGdaXbWpyx1gefcvkxfjewCPcBGAYYCw/s320/10592615_864673553544806_8606315657472336925_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ben</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZtS8986ncA/VPT3Ui6HtFI/AAAAAAAAEzc/DB4s0vcVmPAx3Pz2n80OroLH3haQU7puQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/1522283_899613700071575_7472337285327902372_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZtS8986ncA/VPT3Ui6HtFI/AAAAAAAAEzc/DB4s0vcVmPAx3Pz2n80OroLH3haQU7puQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/1522283_899613700071575_7472337285327902372_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Gae-Lynn</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GkaCs6dcx74/XP4C0z0m1xI/AAAAAAAAXXA/7DSPLhZJpQIpKjpJO5oDG1814v0XludFwCKgBGAs/s1600/Picture%2B021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GkaCs6dcx74/XP4C0z0m1xI/AAAAAAAAXXA/7DSPLhZJpQIpKjpJO5oDG1814v0XludFwCKgBGAs/s320/Picture%2B021.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kelsey</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2hYuExFaM8/XP4ApqmoJYI/AAAAAAAAXWs/r50hMAPyWpcuaiOIU-gPpG1yJLoMIFZWQCKgBGAs/s1600/20180623_130528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2hYuExFaM8/XP4ApqmoJYI/AAAAAAAAXWs/r50hMAPyWpcuaiOIU-gPpG1yJLoMIFZWQCKgBGAs/s320/20180623_130528.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">John</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YoID172vc1k/XP4CW2ad4-I/AAAAAAAAXW4/3abUQqbq-qETM8xeXnmWkXvDwsfnjGa3gCKgBGAs/s1600/ContactPhoto-IMG_20170923_101244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YoID172vc1k/XP4CW2ad4-I/AAAAAAAAXW4/3abUQqbq-qETM8xeXnmWkXvDwsfnjGa3gCKgBGAs/s320/ContactPhoto-IMG_20170923_101244.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Donna</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDjv9xJRmO0/U4ApyR1qVPI/AAAAAAAACUo/4pZojWU_ISUhnid6_6Ge794ATLHsnxHfgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1072" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDjv9xJRmO0/U4ApyR1qVPI/AAAAAAAACUo/4pZojWU_ISUhnid6_6Ge794ATLHsnxHfgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSC_0137.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">My Best Friend!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyFeQUNROv4/S_FNXhLs03I/AAAAAAAATc4/yZHePlkpo9URp6LDrymOz_LLv3nwqK0IgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/thumbnail%255B3%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="120" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyFeQUNROv4/S_FNXhLs03I/AAAAAAAATc4/yZHePlkpo9URp6LDrymOz_LLv3nwqK0IgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/thumbnail%255B3%255D.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Doris</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtwySQexa4A/UVMKbOvpknI/AAAAAAAABXA/y-o0Lm7FGwcqXheR7WaL10dIdbv-hvQtQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Me%2Band%2Btwo%2BLindas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtwySQexa4A/UVMKbOvpknI/AAAAAAAABXA/y-o0Lm7FGwcqXheR7WaL10dIdbv-hvQtQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Me%2Band%2Btwo%2BLindas.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Two Lindas</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvuqw1C1tfA/SutZvxmqLbI/AAAAAAAAC6E/xuDPSreeU8ITuGY4qV2-l_D9dk4L0igNQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/100_2292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvuqw1C1tfA/SutZvxmqLbI/AAAAAAAAC6E/xuDPSreeU8ITuGY4qV2-l_D9dk4L0igNQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/100_2292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Crew at Work</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qwYxFXf8yo/Stz9Nb5rGrI/AAAAAAAAAMo/VccH-6G6qssxb1pHpSTttCmYx5J-V6MXwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Bill%2Band%2BLesle%2Bwebpg%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qwYxFXf8yo/Stz9Nb5rGrI/AAAAAAAAAMo/VccH-6G6qssxb1pHpSTttCmYx5J-V6MXwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Bill%2Band%2BLesle%2Bwebpg%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bill and Leslie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSWpOWy1zcs/Stz8INLza6I/AAAAAAAAAMg/Pi0AsMcZy8wE-onvswTKvuHC2FShnC0VACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/CIMG2734%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSWpOWy1zcs/Stz8INLza6I/AAAAAAAAAMg/Pi0AsMcZy8wE-onvswTKvuHC2FShnC0VACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/CIMG2734%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bobbie and Jim</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If your photo was not up here, not to worry, I still love you. I just didn't have a picture of you on my phone. </span><br />
<br />Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-1745122347241882392018-10-30T19:13:00.000-05:002018-10-30T19:13:07.350-05:00All Hallows Eve Eve...<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been a rather busy day for being All Hallows Eve, Eve. Han had a training session which he did rather well on except for his finish from a come </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">-sit-stay. He will get it by next week as that is when he graduates from basic obedience.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I made the choice of getting to class on less than 2 gallons of gas. I got up to class okay, but knew I would not make it back to Norman. Thank goodness for On Cue gas stations. $2.29 a gallon at Council Road. Also thank goodness for Shields Blvd exit and cutting through town. Made good time back to Norman and avoided the traffic tie-ups on the interstate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's a rather peaceful evening, sitting out on the patio. A big 747 FedEx airplane is going in for a landing at Will Rogers World Airport. It passed overhead. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXddKN8iOok/W9juewuSGVI/AAAAAAAAU5w/KVOPNfhfnSIq2aR4asGnxvAnd5Pe_YkPQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20181030_180953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXddKN8iOok/W9juewuSGVI/AAAAAAAAU5w/KVOPNfhfnSIq2aR4asGnxvAnd5Pe_YkPQCEwYBhgL/s320/20181030_180953.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">A nice fall fire</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have a fire going in the firepit as a cold front is starting to pass through the area and it seem right to have one built. It adds a certain ambiance to the air. Another big jet just passed over, Southwest Airlines. Normally the house is not in the landing pattern of these big planes, however it is kind of fun to see them on occasion. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfm0kmG3Zz8/W9judjVF-AI/AAAAAAAAU5o/enmvQrnC7-kEqfwf0gvCqkC-I7qv9O0rQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20181030_181022%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfm0kmG3Zz8/W9judjVF-AI/AAAAAAAAU5o/enmvQrnC7-kEqfwf0gvCqkC-I7qv9O0rQCEwYBhgL/s320/20181030_181022%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">A good place to thing and write</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have a nice cup of coffee that I am sipping on while I type this post. It is relaxing out here. I am so glad I bought the patio table and chairs this past summer. I have always wanted a patio set. Dave and I would come out here after work and have coffee or sparkling water and unwind after work and light a fire in the fire pit and talk about the days events before I would go in and fix dinner. How I miss that, someone to talk to or someone just to sit beside you and to know they understood you and your thoughts even though you didn't say anything. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAevT1bzN3g/W9jueqyqmeI/AAAAAAAAU58/3zz7MeYnctsOj-D0E-CXP44g5yxCHNPLgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20181030_181158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAevT1bzN3g/W9jueqyqmeI/AAAAAAAAU58/3zz7MeYnctsOj-D0E-CXP44g5yxCHNPLgCEwYBhgL/s320/20181030_181158.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Han and Lizzy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The dogs are having a grand time playing. Yes...dogs. I am dog sitting Christie's two pups, Lizzy and Chewie, Han's brother. October is her super busy recruiting month and she is on the road over half the month, so I get to doggie sit the grand pups. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTzsX1yJ4Kg/W9jugiWGmqI/AAAAAAAAU50/Wq_xAmyuIhgK6dK6LUY9othTuy3OrCddwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20181030_181300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTzsX1yJ4Kg/W9jugiWGmqI/AAAAAAAAU50/Wq_xAmyuIhgK6dK6LUY9othTuy3OrCddwCEwYBhgL/s320/20181030_181300.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Han and Chewie always in trouble</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The air is getting crisper as this front moves through. Not quite to the jacket stage yet, but soon. I </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">read an article over the weekend saying that we should not rake our leaves up that they are an important part of the ecosystem and they need to stay in place and become mulch. Fine by me. I never rake. Dave did, but not me. I let the wind do my raking. Ha!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was in Longview over the weekend, got to see my youngest grandson play soccer. He did really well. He has a great competitive spirit and tries really hard. He is going as Miguel from Coco and Noah is Jack Skellington, Maggie is the Ariel from the Little Mermaid. Heather is going as Ursula from the Little Mermaid and J is going as the Beast from Beauty and the Beast. All Disney Characters this year. Me, I will turn out my light and forget about Halloween as no one ever comes any more. No little goblins for me. How I miss seeing the little ones in their costumes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ben, my yard man mowed over the weekend saying it was his last mow. Little does he know, the grass is going to keep growing until we get a real hard freeze. I see at least one maybe two more mows possibly. If he won't mow, there is a lawn service down the street that I can have come and mow for me. They also trim up trees. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_RPa0vDlg8/W9juhcntZ7I/AAAAAAAAU6E/hnVTBxtUDQ8FLmWhFXijPv-tDDMrNlCXACEwYBhgL/s1600/20181030_182442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_RPa0vDlg8/W9juhcntZ7I/AAAAAAAAU6E/hnVTBxtUDQ8FLmWhFXijPv-tDDMrNlCXACEwYBhgL/s320/20181030_182442.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have a big red maple in the yard. This year for the first time it is orange. It might turn red but it is a stunning orange-gold. The colors of the leaves are beautiful this year as we have received a lot of rain. The reds are brilliant. The oranges breathtaking and the limes and yellows outstanding while the conifers add that beautiful touch of green that balances everything out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My fire is adding a nice bit a warmth to the chilly air. I am needing that jacket now. I hear dogs barking in the distance. That eerie sound of barking that makes you think of the Hounds of Baskerville. There is a good southerly breeze that is setting the dogs on edge with wind whipping through the tree tops. They bark at anything it seems. It's keeping my fire ablaze. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well I had to go get my jacket! I love this jacket. It is perfect for evenings like this. I got it last year while in Kansas City as Christie and I were going to go out and do some star gazing. It was quite chilly and I didn't have the right kind of clothing along so she took me to Cabela's and I got a jacket and a toque. Needless to say I was quite warm as we gazed at the stars at one in the morning. Quite a site I must say.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How fun, I have a little house wren scolding me at the moment, saying why aren't you in fixing dinner, so I can go to bed! Well where is your bed, little bird? I guess he objecting to the smoke from the fire. I do love the smells of Autumn and the smell of a good fire on a crisp fall evening. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What to fix for dinner? I have some stew meat, cauliflower, peas, rice and onions. I think I can whip something up from that. Time to damp the fire and go feed the pups and start dinner for one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To all a good night...</span>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-29942951250850654022018-10-15T20:09:00.002-05:002018-10-15T20:09:34.687-05:00Old Maid and The Thief...A Fun Memory...<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's strange how you will be working on something or watching something and it will trigger a long buried memory. I haven't thought about this for eons, but I was watching a TV show and someone was a thief in this show and it triggered the time I sang in an opera in college. Don't ask how the two are connected but I guess the word thief was the connection.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was either 18 or 19 and was in my freshman year at the University of Tulsa in an Opera Workshop course. Dan Wright was my professor. Our first production was to be Old Maid and The Thief by Gian Carlo Menotti, A comical short opera in three acts. I was to play the young maid Laticia. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh it was comical that's for sure. I thought Dan Wright was going to have a stroke by the time it was over. After my aria of Steal Me Sweet Thief, Bob, the thief and I rob the old maid. We had this huge sheet and placed all the loose items in the sheet per script. Bob and I carry it up a landing behind a hinged louvered bi-fold screen . This way we could see the audience and the director, Dan Wright. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">What we didn't know was and through no fault of our own, the iron cord was hanging out of the sheet. As we were making our escape up the steps the cord caught the ironing board flipped it which sent it into the bookcase causing it to completely collapse which in turn knocked over a coat tree which fell into a lamp then upset another louvered screen causing it to fall into another bookcase and lamp...in other words the whole set came crashing down like dominos! I kid you not and in slow motion to boot! Everyone held their breath waiting for the next thing to fall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was all the audience could do to keep a straight face as Dan Wright kept getting redder and redder as each item of the set fell while he conducted and the music played on and on. The only thing that did not fall was the screen which Bob and I were hiding behind, because we were holding on to it for dear life. My mom had tears running down her cheeks she was laughing so hard, but not laughing. To our horror, Bob and I could see the whole thing unfolding through the screen, yet we were busting up inside. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Old Maid came out and bless her, carried on as though nothing happened. As they say "The show must go on." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">After it was over, we took our bows the audience heartily gave us their approval of the performance even though Mr. Wright kept shooting daggers at Bob and me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I got a roll in one other performance, The Marriage of Figaro, the Maid, a very small role. Mr. Wright saw to it that I never got another major roll from that time forward. I guess he was really ticked. It wasn't my fault or Bob's fault that the iron cord was hanging out of the sheet, although it made for a rather interesting performance!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I loved my time at TU and my singing carried to over 10 years with Cimarron Circuit Opera Company with Thomas and Carol Brice Carey. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-74717425453954886822017-11-17T10:02:00.000-06:002017-11-17T10:02:26.173-06:00Nice Flashback This Morning...Florida<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">After getting up this morning and opening the back door to let the dogs out, a flashback hit me due to the unusual weather conditions here. The smell in the air of wet falling leaves. Gentle damp breezes stirring among the tree tops. Not cold at all, but a southern Florida morning damp winter warmth. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">I went outside and brushed leaves from a patio chair and sat outside in my jammies enjoying the lovely weather and watched the dogs frolic about the yard.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZC3W1_RJJvI/Wg8GmkMyO2I/AAAAAAAAQBQ/UjH1otmqw90uYbKbftGuF_SUHCtWiZw5wCLcBGAs/s1600/1979299_10201514279449996_196162429_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZC3W1_RJJvI/Wg8GmkMyO2I/AAAAAAAAQBQ/UjH1otmqw90uYbKbftGuF_SUHCtWiZw5wCLcBGAs/s400/1979299_10201514279449996_196162429_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Our campsite at the KOA in Kissimmee, FL</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">It brought back memories of when the girls were little and we took our first trip to Florida and Disney World. Mornings like this greeted us in Kissimmee, Florida and in West Palm Beach where Dave's Aunt Ina lived. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">That was such a wonderful trip filled with many wonderful memories. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Thanks God, for letting me relive some great memories this morning. </span></div>
<br />Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-90895600582568913542017-10-09T10:40:00.000-05:002017-10-09T10:40:11.581-05:0050 Years Come and Gone...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SReOgtj40o/WduXsqHB6KI/AAAAAAAAPwE/fWuEUB0mBtgYodk_sX0eILAHLrETZPsjQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Will%2BRogersjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SReOgtj40o/WduXsqHB6KI/AAAAAAAAPwE/fWuEUB0mBtgYodk_sX0eILAHLrETZPsjQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Will%2BRogersjpg.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This past weekend was the 50th reunion of my high school, Will Rogers, class of 67. Good golly Miss Molly, am I getting old or what? Really I think you're as old as your mind lets you think you are, so I'm still in my 30's, so there!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">I rolled into town on Wednesday to hand the dogs off to Christie. Thursday I had an absolutely lovely lunch with Peggy Hewitt Reeves. Peggy and I went to Woodrow Wilson Junior High and Will Rogers High School together. She decided she did not want to attend the festivities so instead we had a quiet lunch at Chili's in Tulsa Hills and discussed what had been going on the last 4 years since we last saw each other. I know we will get together again when I am in town. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Later that day I went to spend the afternoon with a dear friend, my daughter's God-Mother, who has been in the hospital and extended care since July, recovering from several surgeries. She is finally on the mend and is hoping to go home soon. I know she will be very happy to once again sleep in her own bed!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Friday night was the big night for our reunion. We were having it at the Greenwood Cultural Center in downtown Tulsa. I decided that I would Uber it to and from the festivities as I'm no longer familiar with downtown Tulsa and there seems to be a lot of construction in the area. I am so glad I made that decision.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">It was great seeing old classmates and friends, people that you grew up with. It was fun going around looking at everyone's name tag then looking at them and saying "Oh my gosh, how the time has flown, has it really been 50 years"? We had changed so much. There were some that had not changed at all and you recognized them immediately. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Our committee had done a wonderful job of pulling everything together. My hat is off to them and all their hard work! I just wish we had done a class picture like we had done for our 40th reunion. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">We had a lovely dinner, again a lot of thought had gone into it trying to accommodate dietary needs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">It was interesting to talk to friends and hear what they were now doing and what they had done in their lives. Talked turned to grand kids and family or retirement. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Michael Aston was our host of hosts and entertainer. Thankfully he was here and missing out on hurricane Nate in the gulf. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Saturday at 11am, Wilson Junior High had a reunion at James E. McNellie's in downtown Tulsa, as it fed two high schools as both high schools were having their 50th reunions at the same time. It was great to see the Wilson (Central) kids once again. It brought back great memories of good times and great friendships that got cut off when the kids had to go to that other school. We got to catch up for 2 hours, not enough time, but enough to make the rounds. I got firm invites to bring my RV to the hill country of Texas and spend some time seeing the beauty of the Lone Star State. I just wish our time could have been longer so I could have visited with more folks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">I had to get to Sprouts to buy some ingredients for my homemade bbq beans for the cookout at the ranch that evening. Yes another reunion event. You can't be a R</span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">oper and not have a cookout! Not a bean was left in my pot, I guess they were good!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Cynthia Thomas Hoffman and her husband had us out to their ranch in Mounds, OK and it was beautiful! Such gracious hosts! Thank you Cynthia! Again it was fun to see and talk to more people and learn what they had been doing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">A lot of the talk at my table turned to the VA and what they were and were not doing. Did I have my head buried in the sand? I did not realized so many of our fine young men of Rogers had gone to Viet Nam. I am truly sorry and heartsick for those that did not return. I am very thankful for those that did return and were in attendance at the reunion. You will always have my love, thanks and gratitude for your service. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">I tried to catch old classmates to say goodbye, but some slipped away before I could catch you. However it is nice to catch you on Facebook now and again. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">It was great to see you again after all this time. It's a shame we live so far apart and we only get to see each other every 10 years or so. So I leave you with this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Live your life well, be good to yourself and others. For you will find your reward in your fellowman when he pays it forward with the good deeds you did for him, thus your good work lives on. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: medium;">Susie Smeal</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Rogers and Central Friends:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Steve Montgomery</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Gerald Burris</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Cynthia Thomas Hoffman</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Janet Sartin Beams</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Ruthie Henderson Givens</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Gary Chandler</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Bob Lewis</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Linda Newton Selman</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Gaye Rumbaugh David</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Michael David</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Candi Crumm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Teresa Dong</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Michael Aston</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Lenna Baranoff Kottke</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Annette Wilson Villines</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Billy Caperton</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Don Davis</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Nicky Pilkington Moore</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Brenna Haus</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Ellen Jones Martin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Cindy Bailey Risner</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Paula Daniel-Pergande</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Bobbie Huff</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Patrick Teague</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Linda Roark Strummer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Stan Ward</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Steve Reeves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Jimmy Walker</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Jean Barsh Hatfield</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Jim Ferris</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">and so many more...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Ride on Ropers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><span style="color: blue;"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-10156385347037921752017-07-27T10:21:00.000-05:002017-07-27T10:21:38.772-05:00Oh No...More Demo...<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What we thought was going to be a simple removal of the toilet and a paint job in the main bathroom turned into a full demolition project except for the tub and shower tile. I decided not to remove the fur down as I was beginning to run out of funds. As they say, everything costs money. We found too much water damage to the sink cabinet and wall paneling. Once all done it will look quite nice and match the rest of the bathrooms. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJEsZhO6TEc/WXoB86_-cpI/AAAAAAAAPLc/lcwIk9eXlKUBXj5DceleM2Y4wfNrbR6PQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170725_095612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJEsZhO6TEc/WXoB86_-cpI/AAAAAAAAPLc/lcwIk9eXlKUBXj5DceleM2Y4wfNrbR6PQCLcBGAs/s320/20170725_095612.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unseen water damage behind this</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvXLtKoqtv0/WXoB8wUxtOI/AAAAAAAAPLY/L6xnmloL5twb23mmasr1Xy-BS6ZKScrSgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170725_095624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvXLtKoqtv0/WXoB8wUxtOI/AAAAAAAAPLY/L6xnmloL5twb23mmasr1Xy-BS6ZKScrSgCLcBGAs/s320/20170725_095624.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...and this</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TlTA22FC0iE/WXoB7Q-IoiI/AAAAAAAAPLU/BZSWxDSHmpoA135YUsqAjH84vc-EWSMugCLcBGAs/s1600/20170725_103426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TlTA22FC0iE/WXoB7Q-IoiI/AAAAAAAAPLU/BZSWxDSHmpoA135YUsqAjH84vc-EWSMugCLcBGAs/s320/20170725_103426.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">IT'S GONE!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-caJnKtXwgDg/WXoB-q6j41I/AAAAAAAAPLg/wGGobjn9xDogDeF-KxEvQk3syinTOIIpACLcBGAs/s1600/20170727_095300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-caJnKtXwgDg/WXoB-q6j41I/AAAAAAAAPLg/wGGobjn9xDogDeF-KxEvQk3syinTOIIpACLcBGAs/s320/20170727_095300.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow, sure looks different, going to gain 5 inches in space.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JaKqJizN_Ws/WXoCAy8UCFI/AAAAAAAAPLo/xDqTehR23G0QFvGy4Ir6DHZ-dD7rNDZwQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170727_095324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JaKqJizN_Ws/WXoCAy8UCFI/AAAAAAAAPLo/xDqTehR23G0QFvGy4Ir6DHZ-dD7rNDZwQCLcBGAs/s320/20170727_095324.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keeping this, cast iron tub hard to find</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cL4RLhXU9xo/WXoCAUG1QZI/AAAAAAAAPLk/oR3t15IhCB8VVfIM0uz1_HOUwUnP1m9FgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170727_095343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cL4RLhXU9xo/WXoCAUG1QZI/AAAAAAAAPLk/oR3t15IhCB8VVfIM0uz1_HOUwUnP1m9FgCLcBGAs/s320/20170727_095343.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Temporary Light</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qybn2DopBrM/WXoDcnPRx2I/AAAAAAAAPL4/WhFO8mYy8YoFW8Q07PrpysoilyB9bXkWACLcBGAs/s1600/image%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qybn2DopBrM/WXoDcnPRx2I/AAAAAAAAPL4/WhFO8mYy8YoFW8Q07PrpysoilyB9bXkWACLcBGAs/s320/image%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New Fixture has been ordered</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Oh did I mention all the counter tops are going to be at 36 inches high? I know...right! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-25821085328845198532017-07-20T23:27:00.000-05:002017-07-20T23:48:29.512-05:00Poor Fitz<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 3 of the bathroom remodel...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the weekend I got my daughters dogs to babysit for about 3 weeks. Of course Fitz, the wiley German Shepherd-Lab mix decided to bust through my back garage door and get into the trash thus getting a great case of garbage gut. On Sunday night he had a seizure and then was not able to get up due to a sprained rear knee. Great huh...</span><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSfMM5aNim4/S-jLNkyD0-I/AAAAAAAACyg/ghMUCwZlcvkj1vJdFVzNFs39apsK-ceXgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/100_0533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSfMM5aNim4/S-jLNkyD0-I/AAAAAAAACyg/ghMUCwZlcvkj1vJdFVzNFs39apsK-ceXgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/100_0533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">My car has been in the shop getting body work done and I have a rental...what to do? Solution...throw a big sheet over the seats and haul him to the vet. Of course he acts like a maniac when he gets there showing off his dominance and hurts himself even more. We get meds and I bring him back home and he plops himself back down on he bed and remains there looking at me with big doleful eyes like "What did I do Mum"? He is all better now and feeling his oats again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">I've had to by a special pet gate to put up in my bedroom to keep the dogs in the back part of the house and boy do they not like it if I am not in there with them. I hear it through their howlingluia chorus. The big boy starts it, then in chimes little bit then little girl brings up the rear. You defiantly know the kids are home with all that racket. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQ4qTpN2BvU/U0hAdDv1ntI/AAAAAAAACP4/W5iyp-LYvwokdtLCBwoEQSRdtw7B-Hf3wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20121031_140821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQ4qTpN2BvU/U0hAdDv1ntI/AAAAAAAACP4/W5iyp-LYvwokdtLCBwoEQSRdtw7B-Hf3wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/20121031_140821.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The crew</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Kevin and Rob worked on building the new framing for the shower. They had to replace all the wood around the door due to water damage. Then they went in and sealed all the wood with a sealer to kill any possible mold, not that we found any. More of a precaution. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxria0UVjvQ/WXGEf-vq5yI/AAAAAAAAPGk/5ZsVN6vBVDknVqjeFHFP7ZVrgGlxNMjagCLcBGAs/s1600/20170717_092939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxria0UVjvQ/WXGEf-vq5yI/AAAAAAAAPGk/5ZsVN6vBVDknVqjeFHFP7ZVrgGlxNMjagCLcBGAs/s320/20170717_092939.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">I didn't know there was so much to be done, to be torn out before you could start the rebuild. But it looks like it has started! Yea! </span></div>
<br />Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-72819819534757831162017-07-20T12:10:00.000-05:002017-07-20T12:10:46.789-05:00Going Shopping..<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Day 2</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> of the bathroom remodel. It was a working on the loan and shopping day. The loan work took up most of the morning as we ran into title trouble. The lien on the car was never released from the previous owner, however we got it all straighten out for a price, of course. With that said the loan went through. Yea!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Afterwards I met Kevin up at Locke Supply on West Reno in Oklahoma City. Their showroom is in that particular store. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8X1JQd_YnsM/WW_N16lVvnI/AAAAAAAAPFc/OrU5CDxi8HAB7QHdMXWNHBGaybxTaGabgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170712_152736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8X1JQd_YnsM/WW_N16lVvnI/AAAAAAAAPFc/OrU5CDxi8HAB7QHdMXWNHBGaybxTaGabgCEwYBhgL/s320/20170712_152736.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AeQOMhVGsw0/WW_N0gO8RlI/AAAAAAAAPFY/4kSM_x1OIzURcVF1ImN_doVGxK-CILDcACEwYBhgL/s1600/20170712_152730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AeQOMhVGsw0/WW_N0gO8RlI/AAAAAAAAPFY/4kSM_x1OIzURcVF1ImN_doVGxK-CILDcACEwYBhgL/s320/20170712_152730.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh so much to look at, so much to choose from. Decisions, decisions! I picked out a shower faucet, single lever, shower head, 2 sinks, 3 lights and towel bars. Kevin had already picked out the toilets for me. At first I was going to keep my present sink faucet but decided to get a new fancy schmancy one. It is going to be so pretty!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After that we went to Crossville Tile on South MacArthur to pick out the tile for the shower. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I didn't realize there was so much you had get. I even had to decide what color of grout for the tile floor in the shower. Thanks Mona for all your suggestions. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then off I went to T</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">uttle</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> to pick out the granite counter tops for the cabinets at Natural Wonders Marble and Granite. Very nice people there and Kimberly was so helpful! Thanks so much for your input. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9MkvYp9OIyQ/WW_N43R-h2I/AAAAAAAAPFo/XCWDHcxZnjc0_yqEyhdpCl1Wwm1olrrOgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170712_171417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9MkvYp9OIyQ/WW_N43R-h2I/AAAAAAAAPFo/XCWDHcxZnjc0_yqEyhdpCl1Wwm1olrrOgCEwYBhgL/s320/20170712_171417.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once it was all said and done it was 5:30 pm. I didn't know the day could go so fast. Shopping was FUN!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">More demo tomorrow, more dog setting as I have one dog who is sick. Somehow I will have to get him to the vet tomorrow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-2452933841855942162017-07-19T16:35:00.001-05:002017-07-19T16:35:04.101-05:00Nothing Like a Little Demolition...<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I got home from the trip from hell and back, that's another story...I opened the closet door and the odor hit me like a ton of bricks. Well horse pucky! I knew I had a problem and a serious one at that. I contacted a plumber and had the shower capped off and it was determined that the shower pan had gone and sprung a leak. After contacting my insurance company which decided not to pay for the damages I started down the road of "What to do next". I called out Stanley Steamer, big mistake. they wanted to demo 2 bathrooms and a closet at the cost of $10,000.00 and for me to get a mold and asbestos test done at the cost of $1,000.00. That was not the cost to put everything back together. Uh NO! Yes, there was some mold but not black mold and no asbestos. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have a neighbor who is in the construction business, who came over to look at it. He and his boss Kevin Wells of Repairs by Kevin Wells, determined what needed to be done. Major remodel...however I am getting all three bathrooms done for what would have been the cost of just the demolition by Stanley Steamer! I think what we have decided on will look stunning and for the first time in my life I am getting to go counter top shopping, light fixture shopping and accessories fixture shopping! What fun! I have never done that before and I am somewhat excited about it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now comes the hard part, financing...however I have decided to go back with a company, One Main Financial, which I have done business with in the past and gives me no hassles unlike the bank who couldn't even find any record of me, even after being with them for 20 years. Susan Mack with First Main was awesome! Thanks Susan!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">At 8:30 am this morning things got under way. the </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TkgQsqwmcnM/WWj-NbR04dI/AAAAAAAAPCM/MmEIh5VqKisRcHbBVxRYoGscJQET68sbgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170711_085258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TkgQsqwmcnM/WWj-NbR04dI/AAAAAAAAPCM/MmEIh5VqKisRcHbBVxRYoGscJQET68sbgCLcBGAs/s320/20170711_085258.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">crew covered the bed and floor with tarps and the first thing to go was the shitter! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnR4q9NJH6M/WWj-LW_P43I/AAAAAAAAPCE/NLTWDlIorbUsX5wdRel8OoqltaszVxMUACEwYBhgL/s1600/20170711_081354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnR4q9NJH6M/WWj-LW_P43I/AAAAAAAAPCE/NLTWDlIorbUsX5wdRel8OoqltaszVxMUACEwYBhgL/s320/20170711_081354.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Back in the day they had toilets that could match the color of your tile...so 60's. Out went the mint green toilet. Gone forever.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--WwDZQ0f_Ts/WWj-PfdFf0I/AAAAAAAAPCU/5SIUHREedIolRYw4-B8YYYDKpvEIeqRuQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170711_085642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--WwDZQ0f_Ts/WWj-PfdFf0I/AAAAAAAAPCU/5SIUHREedIolRYw4-B8YYYDKpvEIeqRuQCEwYBhgL/s320/20170711_085642.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Now they are removing the tiled shower and walls, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6LVh3mMgiw/WWj-LOAwA-I/AAAAAAAAPCA/xvt7EU6LvZwtKjZX61H2qk_n2fWGM3cQgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170711_081409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6LVh3mMgiw/WWj-LOAwA-I/AAAAAAAAPCA/xvt7EU6LvZwtKjZX61H2qk_n2fWGM3cQgCEwYBhgL/s320/20170711_081409.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDJtvaOez5E/WW_N0d_hukI/AAAAAAAAPFU/fzZl6q5ebckiuvJlSMp49zNMZzfOfBOCQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170711_121019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDJtvaOez5E/WW_N0d_hukI/AAAAAAAAPFU/fzZl6q5ebckiuvJlSMp49zNMZzfOfBOCQCEwYBhgL/s320/20170711_121019.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
the big mirror is gone plus the 60's light fixture. They will be doing away with the fur downs and raising the ceiling in the shower making it look more spacious. The water had done damage to the custom cabinetry so that is now gone with new custom cabinets being built. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1AU1CAd0YfI/WWj-PsD-z7I/AAAAAAAAPDU/EMeMDx6_zdcpwURH5IxBGAed9ljaTZ9OACEwYBhgL/s1600/20170712_094120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1AU1CAd0YfI/WWj-PsD-z7I/AAAAAAAAPDU/EMeMDx6_zdcpwURH5IxBGAed9ljaTZ9OACEwYBhgL/s320/20170712_094120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ki1ptNPF6SM/WW_N5f6kzaI/AAAAAAAAPFs/lLTNpFwY-A80JSA3uc9utB4XmmsYIssYACEwYBhgL/s1600/20170717_093007%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ki1ptNPF6SM/WW_N5f6kzaI/AAAAAAAAPFs/lLTNpFwY-A80JSA3uc9utB4XmmsYIssYACEwYBhgL/s320/20170717_093007%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wanted to get one of those glass sink bowls, but realized that little hands would have difficulty getting to it, so I went back with a normal sink. Oh, I get to pick that out too! Am I excited? You bet! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the first remodel I have had done on the house since Dave did the living room 36 years ago. At that time I think we spent about $1500.00 plus a lot of sweat equity. Thank goodness Dave knew what he was doing as he spent his summers in Calgary, AB. Canada working on construction crews. He even built a single car garage for his Mum from scratch. Cement, cinder bricks and all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The hardest part of all of this is keeping the dogs pinned up in a different room. They are letting me know they are not happy with all the noise. Oh well, there's not much I can do about it other than to keep them entertained and happy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wonder what tomorrow has in store for me?</span>Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-33147149657812662312017-02-13T13:45:00.000-06:002017-02-14T08:21:52.023-06:00Bryan Young<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who was Bryan Young? Oh my...Bryan was a force to be reckoned with. Everyone stood taller than Bryan, but Bryan didn't let his size determine how anyone was going to talk or treat him. He was a jockey, bouncer, an assistant wrestling coach and history teacher at a local high school in town as well as the men's soccer coach and cross country coach at the same high school. While doing all of this through his life he was working on his masters degree to become a Vice Principal then Principal as well as President of the Professional Educators of Norman. As he was Principal he continued his education working on his Juris Doctorate Degree before achieving his life long dream of becoming an attorney.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">The man had a intense competitive nature that had no bounds. Lose was not in his vocabulary. In college Bryan was an athlete who wrestled and won the heart of gymnast Lisa Cockriel. After college someone suggested that Bryan might try becoming a jockey as he was so small, understand Bryan had never been on a horse before. Bryan didn't let that stop him. For six years he was a professional jockey before an almost tragic accident which could have taken his life. A horse stumbled during a race, flipped and fell on top of Bryan and broke his neck. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">Bryan survived and decided that he needed a safer form of work so he went to work in education for 17 years. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">Bryan would fight for your ideas. He would support you, encourage you, lift you up, have your six. Fight for the right for handicapped children to have an education. If you were wrong he would tell you but he would support you. If there was an athletic or student event out of town he would drive to watch his students participate or perform. He felt education was important and he wanted to make sure everyone had an education, the best education. If you didn't have books he would make sure you had books and more. He had a heart of gold. One of his former students summed it up this way</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">"If a fair measure of a person's life is the positive impact that he left on others, and I think that's the best metric we have, then we should all hope to have lives like Bryan Young. He always exuded a genuine care and sense of humor towards his students and others. It's hard to make sense of what happened, but there's a small comfort in the timelessness of our memories with him."</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">I met Bryan when he became my daughters soccer coach. He was tough but fair. He </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">had never coached gir</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">ls before and boy was he in for the challenge. Those girls sure gave him a hard time but they loved him. Bryan really had to put up with hormones plus! He said he would never coach another girls club team...ever again...he did. He went on inspiring young minds to succeed both on and off the athletic field. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">Bryan fulfilled his dream to become an attorney 3 years ago. Fighting for the everyday joe. Taking cases that were important to him. One is still pending...you guessed it, has to do with education and the handicapped.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">Five years ago Bryan and Lisa brought home a beautiful baby boy, Braxton, adopted like Bryan was. The light and joy of both Bryan and Lisa.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">Sadly Bryan was murdered last Tuesday night by a deranged man who broke into his home because Bryan was representing this man's wife in a nasty divorce case. This person went on to murder his ex-wife as well and set fire to her home the same evening, then took his own life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">I wish you could have known Bryan, I really do. These few sentences hardly tell the story of Bryan, the generosity of his heart, his kindness, his humor, his sternness yet understanding when working with his students. The man loved his wife and his child dearly and it showed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">So little Braxton, when you look to the heavens at night, look for a new star, look for the brightest star that is shinning because that will be your daddy looking down at you, saying "It's ok son, I've got your six."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">Rest now Bryan, your work is done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;">Go in Peace. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div style="display: none !important; height: 100% !important; left: 0px !important; position: fixed !important; top: 0px !important; width: 100% !important; z-index: 2147483647 !important;">
<svg style="height: 100% !important; width: 100% !important;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><polyline points="" style="fill: none !important; stroke-linecap: round !important; stroke-linejoin: round !important; stroke-width: 7 !important; stroke: #1ba1e2 !important;"></polyline></svg></div>
Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-90749679414266031092017-02-13T10:40:00.001-06:002017-02-13T10:40:28.100-06:00Dealing With Loss...<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My father died just before Christmas in 1988 and my mother just after the New Year in 1997. I was able to get through those holidays ok except for having depression for three years after my mom's demise. For what ever reason this past Christmas I struggled with the loss of David. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found myself crying more, feeling more sorrowful. Feeling lost overall. Is this a delayed reaction? I have never gone through the 5 phases of grief. Why get mad? What is there to get mad at? God? What does He have to do with it? We knew that Dave was on borrowed time, that he could go at any time. Denial? I knew he was gone before everyone around me did. When you see him on the ground but feel him next to you, you just know. Anger? The only thing I was angry about was about Dave not being more proactive about his health and questioning his Doctors more. Bargaining? Not once have I bargained with God. Just wished to have told him how much I loved him one more time. Depression, Yes I am struggling with depression. Not all of it is David. I have a back issue that is depressing. Some days are just hard to get through. On top of everything my one daughter's God-child died un-expectantly and since then it has put me into a tail-spin and I just lost a dear friend of mine of 13 years and my other daughter's soccer coach was senselessly murdered. Yeah a lot to go through in six months. Acceptance, I have accepted that Dave has died and I must hold the family together but it is damn hard. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">I once again find the house rebelling. I had to have a new furnace installed to the tune of $3800.00.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">After Dave passed away everything seemed to break down. I thought having the outdoor Christmas lights put up over the holidays would improve my mood. Not really. Although taking some Vitamin D3 did help some. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">With family so far away and no close friends here, it really puts a damper on things for wanting to get out and do anything. My one close and true friend died 23 years ago and I have never been able to find another friend that I could be that close to. Even after 23 years I miss her every day. I envy people who have many close friends (sisters so to speak). Every time I try to get close to someone they leave. Why try? I do have one friend I can call on for help when needed and I really do appreciate him and his family and all the help they have helped me with these past couple of years. I also have one of the families of the former Fury team that has helped me with a problem that I had with the guttering on my house and for that I am truly grateful. I have a neighbor across the street that keeps an eye out on me, has since Dave passed away. But a close friend, nope, nada. Unless I initiate the call no one calls me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong, I have friends, but that soul friend, the one you can tell your secrets to...that friend. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">My motorhome, my safe haven, ended up in the shop longer than expected and is now having to have transmission work done. Not what I wanted to hear. It never ends. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Spring is around the corner and with that campouts with my WIT club. That makes me feel good. What is it about winter that just puts a big damper on things?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">What is it about loss that just makes life suck?</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554437679054140312.post-91809379436079527442016-10-19T15:17:00.000-05:002016-10-19T15:17:05.181-05:00Connecting The Dots...<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Reading a post on Facebook the other day on <a href="http://rmhealthy.com/10-signs-gluten-allergy/" target="_blank">10 Common Symptoms and Signs of Gluten Allergy </a>struck a cord. As I continued to read, it began to dawn on me that I have been gluten sensitive for a very, very long time, even since childhood. I know I had written on this earlier <a href="http://dasusmusings.blogspot.com/2015/09/gluten-doesnt-like-me.html" target="_blank">Gluten Doesn't Like Me</a>, but after reading the above mentioned I felt like I had to expand. </span><br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-keGs7-xcChI/VfB1i1p39qI/AAAAAAAAFVs/f_ZOQSDhuhIy9GwKTzDtBboiwGEFrk5ogCPcB/s1600/grain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-keGs7-xcChI/VfB1i1p39qI/AAAAAAAAFVs/f_ZOQSDhuhIy9GwKTzDtBboiwGEFrk5ogCPcB/s1600/grain.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They call it the Staff of Life</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If your Gluten Sensitive</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">You have to stay away </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">from it. </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">1. Can cause problems with Infertility. It's a wonder Dave and I had the girls. Although there didn't seem to be any problems with either of us we had a difficult time getting pregnant. After reading this, it made sense. You wouldn't think that gluten could be a culprit but in my case it seems it was. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">2. Causes dizziness or Vertigo type symptoms. Went through all kinds of testing for vertigo and was inconclusive, but would have major attacks to the point of having to sleep to re-center my brain. After going gluten free I have noticed that I have only had one very, very minor episode of dizziness. Also I have been able to go off of my vertigo medication. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">3. Inflammation and swelling of joints. As a kid every summer my knees for no apparent reason would swell up like balloons and put me in jeopardy of not being able to go to summer camp. The Doctor had no explanation for it, but they would go down in time for me to be given the all clear to be able to attend. Also corn is known as an inflammatory food and I cannot eat it as it causes the joints in my hands to swell. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">4 Keratosis Pilaris. I had this on the back of my arms. It is known as "chicken skin" a type of condition (bumps) which is also associated with celiac disease. The Skin Doctor diagnosed it as eczema, said was due to dry skin. Wrong! Once I took gluten out of the diet the skin cleared right up and is silky smooth! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xDLZzFLYRd0/WAfTPRghQvI/AAAAAAAAF1g/8-5rTcB83vctu6uCi0o6krMTxoZUWoDxACLcB/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xDLZzFLYRd0/WAfTPRghQvI/AAAAAAAAF1g/8-5rTcB83vctu6uCi0o6krMTxoZUWoDxACLcB/s1600/th.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dry bumps</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">5. Fatigue and brain fog after you eat. After I would eat a meal containing gluten I would want to sleep. Don't feel that way now. Or I would loose concentration. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">6. Digestive issues. After doing a Paleo diet for almost a year I tried to eat a hamburger with a regular bun. Within 30 minutes I was sick and running for a bathroom. Several weeks later I had dinner with a friend, had a lovely salad with a dinner roll. Almost didn't make it home (restaurant 4 miles away) had to stop and use a restroom and use it again when I got home a mile and a half later and was sick for 6 hours after wards. Could not believe that it was the bread that was making me sick</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Out of the 10 symptoms I had 6 probably 7. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">I started to connect the dots and realize that gluten had been making me sick since I was a small child. Mom and dad love a little restaurant in downtown Tulsa that made Chop Suey, of course they would always give me some and every time it would make me sick. Mom always said I would get sick because I could not tolerate the celery. No mom it was the Udon noodles made from wheat that I could not tolerate and the flour in the Chop Suey recipe. If we had only known that I could have eaten something else that didn't have wheat in it and you wouldn't have been up all night holding my head over the toilet and changing the bedsheets 6 times and being frustrated with me. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">My system grew to tolerate it somewhat, but I lived with diarrhea most of my life never knowing what set my system off. Now I know. Now I stay away from the foods that will cause me problems.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">My biggest concern is eating out. I try to be very careful and ask questions but sometimes I don't always get straight answers. I always know when I have ingested wheat as I will be sick before leaving the establishment. Not fun! That is how fast it will hit me. I wish restaurants would mark on their menus the items that are gluten free. It would be so helpful. Not all the servers are going to know or care. Recently I got a gluten free pizza crust and thought I had asked all the right questions and had chosen a gluten free sauce. Servers, If I am asking about gluten free items don't let me order a pizza sauce that has flour in it. Got sicker than a dog and missed out on a family event. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">I have even sent food back because it was smothered with gravy. Then they turned around and send it back out to me with everything else smothered with gravy. Sometimes you can't win even when you say no gravy. I still got sick even though I didn't eat the items that had the gravy on it. Discovered they just washed off my meat and sent it back out to me and there must have been some still on it and just that small amount made me sick. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">Last winter I developed Microscopic Colitis, a chronic condition. Which I am happy to say I am now in remission. One of the precursors to Microscopic Colitis is a gluten sensitivity. The doctor says I will have this for the rest of my life. I am working on healing my gut by making and eating bone broth and staying far, far away from gluten. Has not eating gluten made a difference? Yes. I am 25 pounds lighter. It has helped to bring my A1C down to normal limits. I am feeling great and don't feel like I have brain fog any longer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;">If you have questions about going gluten free please feel free to ask me or questions about recipes I have a bunch. I am willing to share.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Susiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00729926009351153534noreply@blogger.com0