Tricks and Treats

Halloween appropriately represented itself today with tricks AND treats around here...

TRICK

Leave it to Mother Nature to opt for a trick over a treat this year. What a witch! I really thought the forecasts for snow were going to hit much farther north. Imagine my surprise – and Mr. Deck Chair's too – when we woke up to this! There was still some left this afternoon. And with wind gusts, it looked and felt like one of those wicked winter days in December. B-r-r-r. Frightening.


TREAT

Our statebound boys have been getting a lot of much-deserved publicity this week leading up to tomorrow's championship run. Here is a picture from the newspaper today. They also were featured on a few local sports websites, too, and won the top Central Wisconsin Athletes of the Week poll. Great job!


TRICK

I worked from home today so I could attend the Pep Rally sendoff this afternoon at 2:30. Around noon, Carter called and ended up coming home from school because he had a severe headache and didn't feel too good. He had mentioned this last night, too, but still went to school this morning, hoping it would pass. So he came home and laid down and slept hard for 3+ hours. The bad news is that he missed his own Pep Rally. We still attended to support the team, though. The good news is that after that much-needed rest, he felt a lot better, his headache was gone and he was able to join the team later for their spaghetti dinner.


TREAT

Hubby and I enjoyed dinner out, too. We had fish fries at The Ridges, where this sign has been displayed the last few days. Love that they are supporting their two favorite cross-country runners (aka favorite dishwashers). That's awesome. Always cool to see your kid's name in lights! It would be nice if working there meant they had home-field advantage tomorrow. But that's just not how it works.


TRICK AND TREAT

As a last-minute thought, I bought some bags of candy today in case we got trick-or-treaters. Typically we can count them on one hand, but you never know. I guess we do know. We got one group of 4 kids from around the bend. That was it. The treat, of course, is that we have leftover Kit-Kats and Butterfingers for US!


Happy Halloween! Hope you had more treats than tricks!

Being Neighborly

I apologize. After serving a free, hot meal to 331 Rapids-area residents in need tonight, my witchy attitude and all my previous complaints this week are not justified.


Not one bit.

The Neighborhood Table is a nonprofit, charitable organization staffed by volunteers who provide free meals to anyone in need every Thursday at a church downtown. At least 20 volunteers from community organizations help at each meal. We share not only a meal, but also an atmosphere of hospitality and mutual respect.

This week, my church – First English Lutheran – was the community group sponsoring the meal. The timing was perfect as my confirmation student, Emily, and I had to complete our time together with a student-mentor service project. I picked her up after school for our 2-hour shift and we were on our way to do some good.

By the start at 4:30 p.m., the tables had reached their 100-person seating capacity and there was a line out the door. At first we helped serve drinks and get whatever else the diners needed. Then, when I stopped in the kitchen, I realized they were very short-handed. So Emily stayed out in the dining area and worked there while I pulled KP.

While they had one of those automatic dish-washing machines that Carter uses at work, I was not qualified to man it. Contrary to popular belief in my house, I did know how to scrape plates and bowls and load them up for washing. There was no room for Martha Stewart or her TV cleanup crew in this kitchen.

It was hot, busy work and the time flew. We had to keep pace since there were only so many plates, glasses, etc. I knew we'd passed the 100-people mark easily, based on the full house. I was astounded later that in total we served 331 meals. That is a lot of people in our little community that, for one reason or another, needed that free, hot meal tonight.

On our way back to Emily's house, we discussed our service work.

We both agreed it was not that difficult for us to do. In other words, it's not so hard to help others so why not do that more often?? We also realize that even if we know where our next meals are coming from, having and supporting programs like Neighborhood Table is beneficial for those who don't.

As expected, we both realize we have many blessings in our lives. We are fortunate we aren't hungry, impoverished or disabled in some way.

We are fortunate there are opportunities for us to help those who are.

Opportunities to be neighborly.

Witchy Wednesday

It's Wednesday? Oh, I thought it was Witch-Day! At least that is the general consensus around here. And I can't argue.

If I could use my telepathic powers to blog, I would. I'm too crabby – or witchy – to write anything entertaining. )Just stress getting the best of me.) So I will borrow some humor today and you will like it or I'll cast a spell on you...

Remember: Writers always keep spell-ing handy!

I have dibs on the witch label, but I must say there is a rotation with the monsters and handsome devil. Nine times out of 10, the sulky teenager wins the former role. The dimples look devilish on both of them, though!

I agree with Maxine here (when don't I??). Make a candy bar "miniature" or "snack size" only makes you eat 2 or 3 or 4 so it is equal to or greater than a full-size candy bar. Now the person who invented the "king size" bars... he or she deserves a treat!

 

Now I not saying my sister-in-law is a witch... I'm just saying that both Sherry and I better be extra careful next time on the 3rd hole at Homestead. We'll just take the penalty, sister!

Good reminder for all drivers. I have seen sign this with "Don't Hex and Fly" too. Trust me, I don't do either. It's the one time I can drive a stick so I need to pay attention!

Love me a good pun!

Now this is fun. Just call me Entranced Soul. That sums up me and the Hallmark Channel for the next two months. Do I need to remind you the first "new" Christmas movie on the HC is this Saturday already?

No trick, just a treats!

Lady in Waiting

I've read enough historical romance novels in my day to know that a "Lady in Waiting" is a lady appointed to serve or attend a queen or princess or some royal female.

In our Royal house, Sylvester plays both roles. She is a princess always and a lady-in-waiting when Daddy's gone. I'm serious. It's all here in black and white.

Hubby has been subbing for a bowling team on most Tuesday evenings this fall. So tonight, while our sweet kitty could have snuggled with me on the couch to watch The Voice, she opted to sit on the rug, staring at the door, willing it to open and have her master walk in.

I am not exaggerating when I say she does this every time he is gone. Maybe during the daytime she sleeps through any absences. But when I am home and Jim leaves, she is quite aware that her favorite is gone and she is stuck with me and the stinky teenager.

Poor, poor, kitty. Such rough lot in life.

And poor, poor, Jim. Always having a princess greet him at the door.

I guess it takes the pressure off me. I don't have to greet him as Her Royal Highness. I can just be High and Mighty. We'll see where that gets me in the Spoiling Department. Ha. Sylvester is more Sly than I give her credit for.

Keep on waiting, little lady.

No Excuses? Well, Some...

The weather was so nice this weekend, I KNEW I should get out for a run, or at least a walk, but I was too darn lazy, er, busy!

However, when glancing at the calendar today and seeing November on the horizon, I realized this might be our "Indian Summer." We may not get another beautiful fall day like it.

So I took my "should" and made it a "could" and did it. Not without a handful of ready excuses not to. A co-worker and I almost out-excused each other before we realized we should just shut up and go!

My one excuse was that I'd be too hot. Seriously. Had long sleeves and long running tights packed. Thankfully, I had shorts in my workout bag, too. I did, however, have to "borrow" a t-shirt from a reject pile at work. Whatever it takes, right?

It got up to 69 degrees today. So we enjoyed a nice summer-like run in the sunshine. I probably even went slow enough to get a tan. Ha.

Now the weather is turning to that "deep into fall / prelude to winter" crap for the rest of the week. How will this sun goddess stay motivated? Not sure but I do realize you need to string together more than one of something to make it a streak.

So while I agree 100% with Auntie Acid today – especially the banana bread I made tonight – I will have to use other muscles besides my mouth. Probably ones that won't see the light of day again until May.

That's actually good. Wearing shorts today I noticed I've already gotten a jump start on the No-Shave November!

Not that I wouldn't welcome at least one more Indian Summer day. Please, Mother Nature? No excuses. I promise I'll make the most of it. Might even lay out, er, work out, with my personal trainer Mr. Deck Chair.

Give me a chance!

Difference Makers

Yesterday was the official "Make a Difference Day" around here and, well, every where across the nation, I believe.

The day provides a great opportunity for volunteers to lend a hand – especially to those who physically or financially can't do for themselves. I know there were a lot of leaves being raked up and probably some trash picked up, too. And a lot of young people were doing the work – either seeking volunteer hours for school or doing it out of the goodness of their hearts.

Just think what the world would be like if we were Making a Difference every day instead of once a year. Then it might just become second nature, like it does for a cross country runner we witnessed making a difference Saturday.

While we Assumption parents and runners were celebrating the news of our trip to state, down the hill below the Division 1 girls were just finishing their race. For some reason, we all turned to watch. And that's when we saw it.

A runner from one school was practically carrying a girl from another school who either passed out or got injured close to the final stretch that leads to the finish line. This was a sectional race. If a runner was delayed in any way – like stopping to help a stranger – she was throwing away any chance of advancing to state. Either the healthy runner knew she was out of contention already.

Or she knew that helping the other girl was simply what a Christian should do – no matter the circumstance.

It was heartwarming to see. The injured girl was near collapse, but the other girl would not let her go down. She almost had to drag her along but she was determined they both would cross that finish line. No matter what their time was.

There was much applause and, if other spectators were like me, a few goosebumps and a lump in my throat. All of us there knew the significance of the race that day. The significance of each lost second. We all knew the significance of her actions, too.

So did God.

During the sermon in church this morning, our guest pastor coincidentally was asking us what we have done that makes us worth saving? We are fortunate that we are saved by grace and do not have to prove ourselves. However, that doesn't mean we can be complacent, only "working" our faith one day a year.

Think about that the next time a friend, loved one or even a stranger stumbles next to you – whether physically, spiritually or emotionally. Are we willing to take our eye off the prize and be content with a different kind of reward?

I, for one, think it is worth it to make the effort to make a difference. No matter what day it is.

I'm willing to give it a try. Are you?

That Takes the Cake

Maybe we can't have our cake and eat it, too, but at least we got the cake! I guess it was meant to be...

It was a nice sunny day for the cross country sectional at Standing Rock Park near Stevens Point. Bit breezy but not cold. Good day for a run.

Our confident boys knew the top-ranked teams to beat were Rosholt and Bonduel. They said all week they could be contenders. Today they proved they are!

The rule in each sectional is this: The top 2 finishing teams in each of 8 sectionals this weekend will advance to state next Saturday, conveniently held in Wisconsin Rapids. The score for teams is based on the first 5 members of up to a 7-member team to finish. All their "places" are combined for a score. Like golf, the low score wins. In the event of a tie, the finishing place of the 6th runner on the team is counted. In addition to teams, the top 5 individual finishers who are NOT a member of either of the top 2 teams advance to state.

OK, now for some action shots from the hilly course...

Connor was our first finisher on our team. He did well enough that if Assumption did not go as a team, he would qualify for state as an individual. Awesome run and finish!

Here Carter sprints to the finish. 

After the race was done, we still could not tell who finished where for teams. It was so close, we thought maybe we ended up 3rd after all. Awhile later, hubby came over and announced that the scores were posted and that we finished second behind Rosholt by one point and were going to state!

Much jubilation!!!

We weren't even done celebrating before the officials had to recalculate the score because they forgot to count one of the Bonduel runners. Suddenly, we were tied for second. Thanks to the rules and a great effort by all our runners, our 6th-place finisher was 2 ahead of Bonduel's.

Once again: We're going to state!! Much jubilation!!
 

 Very happy team!

Very happy coaches, too! This the first time in 40 years, an Assumption Boys Cross Country team is going to state!! This is the first team since our school joined the WIAA to go, as well.

 Lots of fan support today, which was awesome... and definitely helped!

 

Team stands proud after receiving the plaque and medals.

Checking out the "State Qualifier" medals and marveling that they will be running with "the best runners in the state next week!" That's you, too, boys. Only 15 other Division 3 teams accomplished the same thing this season! Awesome!

Great finish, Carter. As for Dad... Best. Photo. Bomb. Ever.

Eating Cake

I don't agree with that statement that "you can't have your cake and eat it, too."

I love cake. Well, frosting especially. If I have it, you're darn right I'm gonna eat it.

And yes, I realize that in simple terms, it translates into "you can't have it both ways." It also can be used to convey the idea that one cannot or should not have or want more than one deserves or can handle – or that one cannot or should not try to have two incompatible things.

I hope that's not always the case.

We are a somewhat gloomy lot in the Austin house tonight. Carter was up for a "major award" as they say in the Christmas Story movie, but he didn't get it. He was nominated and applied for a once in a lifetime opportunity that would have involved some academics and culture overseas for a week later this fall. The program would have been a great fit for Carter and we had our fingers crossed the last two weeks. But only 12 people were chosen from a region covering 19 states. The odds were against him. We still held out hope, though.

Maybe it wasn't meant to be. Maybe next year he can try again.

I had hoped – in the way moms want what's best for their kids – that he would get good news about that today and tomorrow would be more good news with the cross country team qualifying for state. Couldn't he have that cake and eat it, too?

So now that we don't have the cake, I am hoping we get a piece tomorrow. Again, we are up against some odds, but not nearly as high as his scholarly endeavor. So maybe the first boys trip to state IS meant to be.

You'll have to stay tuned for that one. Either way, my fingers are still crossed for cake.

It doesn't even have to be a corner piece. It would be sweet no matter what.

Go Royals. Let's make this "meant to be!"

The Missing Man

Today would have been my dad's 87th birthday. I used to wonder why people would take out advertisements in the newspaper on the birthday or death anniversary of a loved one. I'd think, "Haven't they gotten over it by now?"

I know the answer now, is NO, they haven't.

No, I haven't either.

The weird thing is that my dad is in my dreams at least once a week. Prior to his death 18 months ago, I rarely, rarely dreamt about him. What does that mean? For me, it means I not only miss him but that he is visiting me and reassuring me he is watching over me.

Another sign happened today. If you believe in "goochers" (as I call those coincidences) and such...

I worked at the home office today since we had parent-teacher conferences in the afternoon. During the day, hubby typically has the TV in the living room playing music from the Classic Country station. Suddenly, around lunch time, the song "Why Me, Lord" by Kris Kristofferson came on. Due to his struggles and triumphs in life, that was one of my dad's favorite songs. And one that was performed beautifully at his funeral.

Why me, Lord 
What have I ever done to deserve even one of the pleasures I've known
Tell me, Lord, what did I ever do
That was worth loving you or the kindness you've shown
Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so 
Help me Jesus, I know what I am
Now that I know that I've needed you so
Help me Jesus, my soul's in your hand

Try me, Lord
If you think there's a way I can try to repay all I've taken from you
Maybe, Lord, I can show someone else what I've been through myself
On my way back to you
Lord help me Jesus...
Lord help me Jesus...
Jesus my soul's in your hand

I read somewhere that the hard thing about losing a loved one is that grief lasts longer than sympathy. And for me, the hard thing is that when you think it's finally gone, grief sneaks up on you, disguising itself in the form of a photo, a memory or a song.

Then you drain your tear ducts, grab a box of tissues and feel grateful you had the kind of bond that makes you still miss them.

That's a blessing in disguise.

Jumping Ahead

One day after extolling the palate-pleasing platitudes of pumpkin, I really hate to bypass Halloween and jump ahead a whole season. But the people have spoken.

At the mere mention of Advent Calendars, several readers have inquired about ordering and wanted to know what they look like, etc.

The German students (and supportive selling parents) just got the calendars last night. Here are the four designs – 3 vertical and 1 horizontal. Right now I have 8 of each design and can get more when those sell out. The outer box is cardboard with perforated lines for each numbered day of Advent. Behind each "door" is a little piece of chocolate from Germany.

It's pretty tasty entertainment leading up to Christmas for JUST $3!

I said I wouldn't push these until later, but I wasn't expecting we'd have them on hand to sell so soon either. So if you want one or two or six, I'll drop by and you pick from what I have in inventory. Just let me know.

Probably good to get these done so Carter can sell his Assumption Music Raffle Calendars after that. I know, it's never ending. Actually, it will end. It's just that his 3 fundraisers for the year run consecutive int he fall and sometimes overlap.

No pressure to buy. I just don't want anyone to feel left out!!

Now back to my Personal Pumpkin Fest...

After stuffing envelopes for that calendar fundraiser tonight, my car did make a stop at DQ for a yummy Pumpkin Pie Blizzard. Knew I had to get my fix before I forgot what holiday season we're in.

If I need daily reminders going forward, so be it...

My Li'l Pumpkin

It must be an age thing. I don't think I was that thrilled with the taste of pumpkin when I was younger. Sure, I'd enjoy a piece of pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving... as long as it was smothered with Cool Whip. Now, though, I am a big fan of all things pumpkin!

Another reason to love fall besides the perfect temperatures and beautiful leaves, if you as me. And I'm sure you did.

After visiting with Jim's Uncle Joe and Aunt Janice tonight, I realize I am not the only one. Aunt Janice loves pumpkin and we are baking soul sisters so I told her I'd share an easy recipe (and sorry if I have previously done so)...

I am the queen of easy and this one was EASY! I also added some Vanilla Cream Chips because the mixologist in me just can't let it be that simple. I'm sure Chocolate Chips would work, too.

Oh, Pumpkin, how do I love thee? Let me count thy ways...

Coffee: Dunkin' Donuts brand Pumpkin Spice coffee is deee-lish. Top it off with some sugar-free Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer and I am in autumn bliss. (My pumpkin tea is good, too!)

Pop Tarts: Yes, the pumpkin muffins above are good, but Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts are not bad either.

Ice Cream: I have not and probably won't buy pumpkin-flavored hard ice cream, but I certainly enjoy my Pumpkin Pie Blizzard from DQ and the pumpkin shakes at Culver's. Yummers!

Baked Goods: Pie, cake, cookies, desserts... Just about anything is great with pumpkin. And my IPN (Insiders Pumpkin Network) has informed me that Target carries Pumpkin Chips for baking. Now those would be good in... well, everything!!

Pudding: This year, Jell-O came out with Pumpkin Spice Pudding. The store has been out every time so that is still on my wish list. Probably wouldn't take it "straight," but could incorporate it in some sort of dessert.

Candy: Last year, I bought a few bags of Hershey's Pumpkin Spice Kisses and used them in baking. Have not seen them anywhere this year. Has anyone else?

Fragrance: Pumpkin combined with just the right amount of cinnamon and spice gives off a comforting autumn aroma. I've got some in my Scentsy warmer right now and some Bath and Body hand soap.

Did I miss anything? If I did, please pass it along. I can always use a li'l pumpkin in my life.

Because this list clearly isn't long enough.

Commercial Break

Need to hit the hay so I am pretty much cheating on this blog, opting for this special announcement from our sponsor....

They're back.... BUTTER BRAIDS! 

Carter is selling these scrumptious pastries for the next week!

Flavors: Apple, Blueberry & Cream Cheese, Caramel Rolls, Cherry, Cinnamon (pictured), Cream Cheese, Raspberry, and Strawberry & Cream Cheese.
 
Cost: $12 each. Servings per braid: 11 (if you are willing to share with others).
 
Let me know by Oct. 26 to order. Checks payable to Assumption Catholic Schools.

Delivery date is Nov. 13 so they will be here in plenty of time for the holidays if you are thinking gifts. Speaking of gifts...

Carter will also be selling Advent Calendars to benefit the 2015 trip to Germany. Cost for those is $3 each again. They sell fast so let me know soon on that one, too. Yes, I realize it is not even Halloween yet so I will hold off on my pushy sales pitch until after that. 

And now, back to regular programming... 

Vroom Broom

Fancy this... Today I took time to park my broom and realized it can be used for something other than my daily transportation.

Did you know it could be used as a cleaning tool? My floors were shocked at the introduction, but I think they learned to like it!

I seriously took to some fall cleaning today. Just seemed like it had been ages since I'd been home long enough to do anything but quickly dust and sweep. Today was sunny and cool but breezy. Would have been a nice day for a "ride," but I put the broom to the floors, then mopped, also dusted and vacuumed and washed rugs and more.

Mr. Deck Chair got to bond with a sleeping bag that needed drying and my kitchen and bathroom rugs hung out with the rest of the Deck. The fresh air was a nice clothes dryer. I did already know this from my childhood laundry fun with the clothes line. Am too lazy now to have one, but I do appreciate the original fresh outdoor scent.

Since I was on a roll, I got a few pro-bono projects done – items I volunteered to do for various committees and "causes". It was good to get some of that done, too.

In between all that, I watched the Packer game. Yup, you read that correctly.

First of all, the Vikings weren't on TV here. Well, except for the last-second play I really didn't need to see. Secondly, today was the day my winning tickets were in Green Bay.

I am sincerely glad I won Packer tickets so my sisters Romey and Raylene and their husbands could enjoy their first game at Lambeau. I watched for them on TV but did not need to SEE them to know they had a good time. The weather was nice, the Packers won and they even got to see the Badger Marching Band perform the 5th Quarter.

I'm no slouch when I give a gift!

They called me from the tailgating area before the game and were pretty excited! They said they even had Dad's Packer jacket with them in case it got cold. So he was there in spirit, too. I had a good cry over that. Just struck me today that I really miss him and all his ribbing during football season. Glad he got to "go" to a good game.

Glad I had something else to cry about on Sunday besides another Vikings loss.

Maybe my broom can be used to sweep away sad thoughts, too. Worth a try.

How Sweet!

I swear that not one calendar in this house has "Sweetest Day" on it. Yet, somehow hubby knew it was today. So I was surprised not only by the holiday, but the gift.

In the category of "Don't judge a book by its cover," this is what greeted me this morning.

I could have told Jim where there was more wrapping paper, but that would have spoiled the surprise. And the unique presentation.

Needless to say, I had no qualms about ripping the paper right off to see what was inside.

Oh wow! I was speechless. Other than my squeals of delight, that is! Not a big deal for most people, but I have wanted one of these magical coffee machines since oh, last summer when we were on our mission trip to the Ozarks and one of the other adult leaders brought his from home. Yup, been coveting for awhile.

That was reinforced when visiting my nephew in South Dakota who has one and our friends in Denver who have one. After that, I had pondered begging for one for Christmas. Had no idea Jim was paying attention. How could I have doubted?

So that was a great surprise! I said that counts for Sweetest Day, Christmas and Valentine's Day if he wants. Especially since I didn't even have a card for him. I did treat him to lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings when we were out running errands in Stevens Point today. So that counts for something.

Tonight, I took him out to a surprise silver anniversary party for some friends of ours. That should count, too, even if the beer and pizza was provided. Ha. It did make for a fun evening out and a great time to catch up with some friends.

Carter, my other sweetheart, was oblivious to all. He had cross country teammates over last night and they went to an 8:30 a.m. practice today. Then he did his laundry this afternoon, some homework, then headed to a friend's for the night.

Maybe I'll actually see him one of these days when our schedules mesh. By then, he'll probably be old enough to drink coffee, too. I might even share my Keurig with him.

It's darn sweet, I tell ya!

Royal Sports Center

OK, I have been self-learning a video / audio / photograph program for work this week and I thought I would apply it to my personal life, too.

I hope you can view this. If not, I'll try again another time. Sorry for any typos. I put this together late tonight!!


This is from the Conference Cross Country meet yesterday. Turn the sound on since I did play around with adding audio...

Yup, I have way too much time on my hands, don't I??

Such a short video, I didn't even have time for popcorn! Next time...

Run For Your Life

To motivate Carter to run his hardest today at the Conference Cross Country Meet today I had a friend of mine help...

Thanks to the powers of Photoshop, even I was inspired to run fast. Very fast!

While today was THE Conference Meet, it was actually our smallest of the year since it, logically, was only our conference of 10 schools. We headed up to Athens (more than an hour north of Rapids) in the mid-afternoon and picked up another set of CC parents on the way.

It was a gorgeous day for running, er, watching running. And a good day to test out the camera capabilities on my new phone. Unfortunately, you will have to wait for that "show" since I couldn't get those to load on my computer like the old one did.

In fact, I've had a few problems with this new gadget. Our local carrier was taken over by AT&T so there are a ton of us in Rapids area who transitioned to new phones and services yesterday. Ironically, I was able to get texts from everyone else except Jim and Carter. Maybe that's a sign we need to communicate face to face more often? I don't know but finally tonight around 9 p.m. that started working.

Back to the meet...

The new camera does work nice but I'll have to play around with the additional settings. I am sure the boys and the one girl, Carter's friend Olivia, who ran did not enjoy the nice scenery anyway. They just knew there were hills and there was mud here and there.

Carter seemed to be running it well and keeping up with a teammate that is usually a ways ahead of him. Unfortunately, that didn't mean Carter was having a quicker run, like we thought. The teammate had some leg pain so was running slower. Darn.

So Carter did not have a PR today. He was only off by 15 seconds or so.

But he did finish strong... as noted by my camera phone photo and fancy imaging app. Ha.

As a team, they finished 4th. Coach said next week is what counts anyway. It will be Sectionals, which determine who goes to state. I hope our two fast sophomores qualify. That would be awesome! If our team were to qualify, that would be the most unexpected achievement ever. Who knows?

Carter said tonight he's pretty sure he won't be able to shave a whole minute off his finishing time by next Saturday. No kidding.

Unless maybe a rhino is chasing him??

Rocky Mountain Memories

After sorting through hundreds of photos from our long weekend in Colorado, here is a vacation scrapbook in a nutshell. A rather large nutshell, but you get the picture (or pictures) anyway...

Exit to Pete and Dawn's place!

Our lodging for the weekend! You can see the mountains and Denver from every room.

View off the deck of our bedroom.

Our co-host Rudy.

Our co-hostess Annie. They. Are. So. Fluffy!!

Walking the dogs down (and back up) the Apex Trail. That's the one Dawn and I ran later that weekend.

Time to rest for the evening while the guys play!

Evenings were made for cribbage, which these two have been playing together since high school. Isn't that board beautiful? Pete made that. Nice!

OK, I did have one trip to Wal-Mart... Only because it was so pretty with its log cabin look and metal roof. (Looked the same inside, by the way.)

Bison Lookout near their house but we were unsuccessful.

The only buffalo I saw. Dang.

Speaking of Buffalo... Our first view of the Rockies came while visiting Buffalo Bill's grave and museum site, just up the road from "our home."

His grave marker.

 

I guess people make wishes there and toss coins. Maybe they're wishing they don't get caught by a posse and strung up somewhere? Who knows?

Beautiful sight for at least one person we know! Just down the "hill" from Lookout Mountain.

Other interesting sights: Haven't seen a speed limit sign with "darkness hours" on it for a long time.

Driving by a pot shop. No, we did not stop.

Saw plenty of deer and elk, thankfully not on the road. The "No Bicycling" sign is significant since we saw bicyclists just about everywhere, including these ultra-athletes pedaling up the mountain roads. Wow. Crazy.

 Speaking of elk... Saw plenty at Elk Fest in Estes Park, as I previously mentioned. Check out the gang hanging around downtown!

After Elk Fest, we headed into Rocky Mountain National Park. View from a prairie in the canyons.

Hairpin turns were fine as long as there was a guard rail!

Due to snow-covered roads, we were limited on how far up we could go in Rocky Mountain National Park. Still could take some pretty pictures and selfies, though.

The UW-Whitewater grad is very serious about people his sweatshirt. Ask him about it. :)

Our hitching post.

 

Funky clouds over the mountains.

Trees can grow out of rocks but Robyn can't grow anything!

Just as we were leaving the park, this big guy was sitting by the exit.

He stopped traffic... for photographers anyway! How cool is that?

When we trekked over to Evergreen on Sunday, we stopped at Little Bear, a bar allegedly frequented by Willie Nelson.

The Red-Headed Stranger did not make an appearance that day. But we did see lots of license plates (which Carter the collector would love) ...

And bras... hanging from stage where previous patrons had let loose.

Checking out the the Red Rocks concert arena area.

It's like we are in a Flintstones episode.

Left-side seating with stage below.

Right-side seating with stage in lower left. How funky.

Appropriately named Table Mountain in the distance.

From this sideline view, you can see Denver way in the background, too.

I mean waaaay off.

Caught the end of a free concert that day.

Fred and Wilma.

Besides running down and up the mountain that day, we had steps to deal with here and at our next stop!

The Mother Cabrini Shrine was a statue of Jesus located up on a hill. A very, very tall hill.

A few "rest stops" along the way.

Almost there...

Beautiful.

Our last day... All aboard for Pikes Peak!!

Heading up the mountain.

Pretty scenery on the way up.

OMG. Where does the track go??

Whatever you do, don't look down!

Quit leaning to the left. I don't want us to tip over now!

Vegetation just sort of stops as we near the summit.

Still pretty views though.

Two other trains on their way down are coming our way. What do we do??

Give the conductor a timeout in the Switch Box until she gets them on the right track.

View of sheep or mountain goats or something while we wait.

View out "my" side was prettier.

Jim and I were glad we didn't drive up. There are 150 hairpin turns and it would take just as long getting up the mountain. Plus, we'd probably burn out the brakes on the way down!

We made it! Thank you, Little Engine that Could!

Our fellow train passengers took a picture for us. Should have waited for the school kids to get done first.

Oh well, good thing there was another sign in back.

Did you know this view inspired the "America the Beautiful" song? We didn't either.

The view up top. Don't ask what we're looking at. We were just trying not to get blown off the Peak.

Chilly with snow on the ground!

Minus 14 degrees with the windchill. Why did I even bother curling my hair that morning?

Another view from up top.

One final pretty look on the way back down.

Random ridge of rocks that I thought was cool. I suspect from an airplane, it looks like a dinosaur napping.

 

Going through rocks to get where we need to go! Funky.

Almost back to Pete and Dawn's and we see this just down the road from their house.

 

This dude peeked out from behind them and strutted his stuff for the camera.

Then, just like when I try to take a picture of Carter, he was uncooperative and stuck his tongue out at me. The nerve!

I much prefer this "wild" animal. By the end of our stay, Rudy stopped growling at us and let me snuggle with him on the couch. He's. So. Fluffy!

I already miss Pete and Dawn... and the kids!! They. Are. So. Fluffly!!

And one final look from our bedroom deck. Goodnight and goodbye from Denver!