Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch...

Blessing Bags

2012-01-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

For years I've wondered what I could hand out to those homeless people who seem to always be "hanging out" around our local Wal Mart. I have given a few dollars & made them promise not to use it on drugs & alcohol (which they ardently do promise). I've thought of carrying around Wal Mart gift cards, but they would be able to buy cigarettes or beer. But, the other day I was browsing on Pinterest and found this terrific idea!!!

Blessing Bag

Blessing Bags, filled with items such as applesauce, granola bars, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, bandages. What a fantastic idea!!! I can't wait to make up some to start carrying in my car to hand out. What a blessing it will be!!!!

DIY Organizing Ideas

2012-01-08T08:09:00.001-07:00

Just had to share this great collection of organizing ideas from the Tatertots & Jello blog. Click here.

Colorado Sunset

2012-01-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

It has been unseasonably warm here in Colorado which makes for some beautiful sunsets... This is the view from McDonald's where my husband & I took part in today's special deal - buy one Big Mac & get the second for 1 cent.

Cowboy Boots - Check

2012-01-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

Today I bought a pair of cowboy boots and checked off the first item on my yet to be written "60 after 60" list (an early start, because I still have 11 months until the big 6-0). Kind of a splurge for a city girl, but I've always been a country girl at heart and always have longed to live in the country and have a horse of my own...

Now I need to wear them...and when I remember the price tag, I'm sure I will...

60 in 60

2011-12-31T12:58:00.005-07:00

If you noticed the title of this blog, I decided to post 60 things I've done in almost 60 years instead of trying to figure out 60 things to do in the next 11 months. My family & I have been blessed!! While our children still lived at home we were able to take many vacations, one of my favorites was in 1992 when we went to the Pacific coast and were gone for 25 days (in our RV).

So, here is a list of 60 things I've done in almost 60 years of life (I'm sure I left out a lot of things), but these are the things I could think of today ... and I realize these things are mainly places we've visited, through the years I've also done things like serve lunch to the homeless, but those are for another list...

1. Visited Disneyland {California} (1975,1992, 1999)
2. Visited Disney World {Florida} (2007)
3. Visited the Old Elitch's {Colorado} (multiple times between 1952-1991
4. Visited Knott's Berry Farm {Californai} (1975, 1992, 1999)
5. Visited Stone Mountain Theme Park {Georgia} (2005)
6. Toured Arlington House (Robert E. Lee) {Virginia} (1967)
7. Toured Ashland (Henry Clay) {Kentucky} (2005)
8. Toured Biltmore Estate (Vanderbilts) {North Carolina} (2005)
9. Toured Molly Brown House {Colorado} (1980's, 2008)
10. Toured San Simeon (Randolph Hearst) {California} (1992,1999)
11. Toured Trianon (Baldwin's) {Colorado} (1960's)
12. Visited the Empire State Building (rode elevator to top) {New York City} (1967)
13. Visited the Gateway Arch (never have gone inside) {Missouri} (1967, 2005 +)
14. Visited the Jefferson Memorial {Washington DC} (1967, 1976)
15. Visited the Lincoln Memorial {Washington DC} (1967, 1976)
16. Visited the Space Needle (rode elevator to top) {Washington} (1989)
17. Visited the Statue of Liberty (climbed to the crown) {New York City} (1967)
18. Visited the Washington Monument (climbed to top) {Washington DC} (1967)
19. Toured the Deerfield Village {Michigan} (1994)
20. Toured the Denver Art Museum {Colorado} (1972)
21. Toured the Louisville Slugger Museum {Kentucky} (2010)
22. Visited Agate Fossil Beds Natl. Monument {Nebraska}
23. Visited Devil's Tower Natl. Monument {Wyoming}
24. Visited Florissant Fossil Beds Natl. Monument {Colorado}
25. Visited Muir Woods Natl. Monument {California} (1992)
26. Visited Rainbow Bridge Natl. Monument {Utah}
27. Visited Scott's Bluff Natl. Monument {Nebraska}
28. Visited White Sands Natl. Monument {New Mexico}
29. Visited Banff Natl. Park {Alberta, Canada} (2004)
30. Visited Jasper Natl. Park {Alberta, Canada} (2004)
31. Visited Arches Natl. Park {Utah} (1990's)
32. Visited Badlands Natl. Park {S. Dakota}
33. Visited Black Canyon of the Gunnison Natl. Park {Colorado} (1980's, 2011)
34. Visited Bryce Natl. Park {Utah} (1990's)
35. Visited Glacier Natl. Park {Montana} (2004)
36. Visited Grand Canyon Natl. Park {Arizona} (1964, 1992)
37. Visited Grand Teton Natl. Park {Wyoming} (1963, 1989, 1992, 2003)
38. Visited Great Sand Dunes {Colorado}
39. Visited Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park {Tennessee, NC} (2005, 2011}
40. Visited Mesa Verde Natl Park {Colorado} (1959, 1973, 1992, 2001)
41. Visited Mt. Rushmore {South Dakota}
42. Visited Rocky Mountain Natl. Park {Colorado}
43. Visited Wind Cave Natl Park {South Dakota}
44. Visited Zion Natl Park {Utah}
45. Visited Grand Ole Opry & saw a show {Tennessee} (2005, 2008)
46. Visited a Las Vegas Show & saw Andy Williams & Robert Goulet (1975, 1976)
47. Visited a TV Show as part of the studio audience {New York City} (1967)
48. Visited Wisconsin Dells (world's largest water park) {Wisconsin} (1994)
49. Toured Kennedy Space Center {Florida} (2007)
50. Toured the Queen Mary {California} (1992, 1999)
51. Visited the Chatanooga Choo Choo & Depot {Tennessee} (2005)
52. Visited Niagara Falls (US & Canadian) {New York} (1994)
53. Rode a subway in New York City {New York} (1967)
54. Visited Oahu, HI (Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort {Hawaii} (2006)
55. Attended a Luau while in Hawaii {Hawaii} (2006)
56. Watched Fireworks on July 4th at Lake Couer D'Alene {Idaho} 1989
57. Four-wheeled over Black Bear Pass (& many others) {Colorado}
58. Toured Hostess Cupcake Factory {Colorado} (1965)
59. Swam in Atlantic & Pacific Oceans (1967, 1975, 1989, 2006)
60. Saw President Eisenhower & President Johnson in a Motorcade {Colorado} (1950's, 1960's)

Happy New Year

2011-12-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

I will begin this post by noting the fact that I am totally in denial about my next birthday -ugh!!! BUT, life goes on (unless of course, it doesn't) so I will try to make the most of it.

Recently my youngest daughter posted on her blog a list of things she wants to do before age 30. Unfortunately, she could only think of 15 things (and she has over 2 years left).

Then I read a blog post 40 by 40 - very impressive. She even has the list categorized.

So, at the beginning of 2012, I will have 11 months to do 60 things...before I am 60...and hopefully on January 1, 2012 (or shortly thereafter), I will post my 60 by 60 list.

Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-25T07:00:00.001-07:00

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
(Isaiah 9:6-7)

Christmas Gift Suggestions

2011-12-24T07:00:00.001-07:00

To your enemy - forgiveness

To an opponent - tolerance

To a friend - your heart

To a customer - service

To all - charity

To every child - a good example

To yourself - respect.

~Oren Arnold

White Chocolate Chip/Oatmeal/Cranberry Cookies

2011-12-23T07:00:00.004-07:00

One of my personal favorite cookies...

Recipe

Buckeyes

2011-12-22T07:00:00.001-07:00

Recipe

Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites

2011-12-21T07:00:00.001-07:00

Recipe

Chocolate Reindeer Cookies

2011-12-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Recipe

Christmas Mice Cookies

2011-12-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

Recipe

Christmas Gifts Idea

2011-12-18T07:00:00.002-07:00

The Tater Tots & Jello blog has these fabulous ideas for crafting homemade

Christmas gifts.

Bird Feeder - A Christmas Gift for your Feathered Friends

2011-12-17T07:00:00.002-07:00

Here's a greet repurposing idea. You can make this whole peanut bird feeder from an old slinky.

Here's how.

Peppermint Eggnog

2011-12-16T07:00:00.003-07:00

Recipe

Quick Present for Christmas

2011-12-15T07:00:00.001-07:00

Tutorial

Merry Christmas Snack Mix

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Another take on Snack Mix.

Dollar Store Christmas Wreath

2011-12-13T07:00:00.001-07:00

If you would like to make an easy & inexpensive do-it-yourself wreath, here's an idea here

Melted Snowman Treats

2011-12-12T07:00:00.002-07:00

I think these treats are hilarious - see recipe.

Meringue Snowflakes

2011-12-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

These cookies are almost too pretty to eat!!
Here's the recipe.

Here's the recipe.

Christmas Printables

2011-12-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some links to various Christmas printables you and your family may enjoy in time for Christmas!!

Hand-Painted Santa Ornament

2011-12-09T07:00:00.001-07:00

Here is the tutorial for this adorable Santa Ornament!!!

Easy Fudge Recipe

2011-12-08T07:00:00.003-07:00

Christmas just doesn't seem like Christmas without fudge. Here is a simple recipe.

Cookies in a Jar - Cranberry Hootycreeks

2011-12-07T07:00:00.001-07:00

Here's a recipe that is colorful and yummy and make a wonderful gift for Christmas!!

Cherry Pie in a Jar

2011-12-06T07:00:00.002-07:00

Cute idea here .

Whimsical Christmas Trees

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

I think these whimsical little Christmas trees are just adorable.

Click here for directions.

Repurposed Book Christmas Tree

2011-12-04T07:00:00.002-07:00

We used to make Christmas Trees like the photo above from old Reader's Digest magazines. Somehow when I see something repurposed from old books or music, my heart sinks. Here is the link for directions to make this as well as others crafts from books...

DIY Tree Skirt for $12

2011-12-03T07:00:00.002-07:00

I love this tree skirt!! And you can make it in less than an hour for only $12.
Click here to see how.

Waterless Snowglobes

2011-12-02T07:00:00.006-07:00

Here is a very clever idea that you & your kiddos can make at home. I love that these snowglobes are waterless, but just as cute as ever...

Ten New Ways to Decorate Your Christmas Tree

2011-12-01T07:00:00.002-07:00

Here are 10 great new ideas for decorating your Christmas tree. You can find them here at this a cute blog I just found called Tater Tots and Jello...

Bubble Up Pizza II

2011-11-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a four ingredient bubble up pizza that looks better to me than the one in my previous post.
What do you think?

Recipe

Bubble Up Pizza

2011-11-25T07:00:00.002-07:00

A new take on pizza...

Here's the recipe.

Turkey Cupcakes

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

link

Thanksgiving Pillows

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute idea for Thanksgiving decorating, but the best part is that these pillows are convertible - simply unbutton the panel and change for any season!!!

Directions

Flower Turkey Placecards

2011-11-19T07:00:00.002-07:00

Here's a cute & simple idea for Thanksgiving placecards.

Directions

Mini Apple Pies

2011-11-17T07:00:00.002-07:00

Such a cute idea!! Click here for recipe.

Hot Chocolate Bar

2011-11-15T07:00:00.002-07:00

I saw this on one of the blogs I read and I think it's a clever idea, although there are no real instructions...maybe there is no need for instructions...

Huh?

2011-11-13T07:00:00.001-07:00

I don't know how I feel about this - putting your toaster on it's side to make "grilled cheese".

Giveaway

2011-11-11T07:00:00.006-07:00

My daughter is giving away these cute earrings on her cooking blog - A Delicious Melody.

Cherry Berry on a Cloud

2011-11-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Recipe

Breakfast on the Go

2011-11-07T07:00:00.002-07:00

Recipe

Make Ahead Thanksgiving Favorites

2011-11-05T07:00:00.001-06:00

Link

Hair Bow Tutorial

2011-11-03T07:51:00.000-06:00

Click here.

Fudge Candy Corn

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

Recipe

Fabric Pumpkins

2011-10-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

Here's the tutorial.

Inside Out Caramel Apples

2011-10-27T07:00:00.001-06:00

Here's the recipe.

Candy Corn Coolers

2011-10-25T07:00:00.001-06:00

Wow!! This is beautiful!!

Here's the recipe.

Weiners and Spaghetti

2011-10-23T07:00:00.001-06:00

Not exactly a Halloween idea, but something interesting to cook up for your kids or grandkids.

Frogs on a Log

2011-10-21T07:00:00.001-06:00

A not-so-scary treat for Halloween.

Homemade Goldfish Crackers

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

These are really cute (although I can't really imagine all the trouble it would take to cut them out).

Here's the recipe.

Skeleton Gingerbread Men Cookies

2011-10-17T07:00:00.001-06:00

Get the recipe for these cute Halloween cookies here.

Trader Joe's

2011-10-15T07:00:00.007-06:00

Since I recently was in North Carolina, I decided to stock up on some item from the infamous Trader Joe's store that I have heard so much about through the years. Colorado just got it's first IKEA, maybe we will soon get a Trader Joe's...

I love that the mexican food is Trader Jose's

And the Italian food is Trader Giotto's

Spooktacular Suckers

2011-10-13T07:00:00.002-06:00

Here's the link.

Martini Glass Cake Stand

2011-10-11T07:00:00.004-06:00

I just love this idea for repurposing (and yet another chance to use some of my favorite depression glass finds)...

Where We Always Eat in Topeka, KS

2011-10-09T07:00:00.004-06:00

Whenever we drive to visit my daughter in Kentucky, (something we now have done at least once a year since she moved there in 2005) we always stop at Spangles.

It is basically a hamburger joint, but the decor is reallly cute.

Right now they have a special "3 for $3" deal. You can get a burger, side & drink for $3...

AND they have the most wonderful ice cream dessert called a mudslide. I always order the Cherry Mudslide which is a marvelous mixture of cherry topping and chocolate hard shell topping...

We stayed all night at a Days Inn (note to self - don't stay in a Days Inn again) and the next morning we stopped at Hardee's and got cinnamon raisin biscuits for breakfast. Colorado doesn't have Hardee's anymore and we miss these little breakfast treats...

Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits
(excuse the picture, it was about 6:15 am and still dark & we went through the Hardee's drive through...)

North Carolina Eateries...

2011-10-07T07:00:00.006-06:00

After we climbed the Oak Island Lighthouse, we found this quaint little place. It is called Bob's Dogs and they do serve hotdogs, but they also have other sandwiches. My husband, daughter and I had their homemade chicken salad sandwich and my son-in-law had a chili dog. We talked with the owners (who also toured the lighthouse with us) and they use quality ingredients and their prices are incredibly reasonable.. Here is a link to their menu.

Chicken Salad Sandwich on a Kaiser Roll...

Chicken Salad Sandwich with top bun removed...

Chili Dog/Salad Combo...

They also have delicious homemade cookie sandwiches. This one was chocolate chip with chocolate frosting inside. They also have macadamia nut cookies with key lime frosting.

Here are a few more of our favorite places to eat in North Carolina...

The Trolley Stop in Southport...

Cookout - many locations throughout North Carolina

Enzo's Pizza... in Durham

My favorite Hobby...

2011-10-05T07:00:00.006-06:00

One of the things I love about traveling is getting to eat at restaurants which are indigenous to the area. I have a rule of thumb that when we travel we can't go to restaurant that we have in our own state.

So, after returning from Kentucky and North Carolina I have had my fill of the regional standards such as White Castle and Krystal's. One of my favorite places to eat in Kentucky (and surrounding areas) is

Steak 'n Shake. It is a step above a fast food restaurant, but is still an excellent value. We stopped at a Steak 'n Shake in Mt Vernon, IL on the way home. My husband had one of their famous steakburgers. His burger, along with fries, cost just over $3.00. I had a turkey club sandwich, which was around $5.00.

Turkey Club

Steak Burger (with top bun removed)

Another new favorite of mine in the Kentucky area is a restaurant call Zaxby's. Here again, this restaurant is a step up from fast food but still very casual dining. They serve chicken, and I'm not a real fan of restaurant chicken, but I fell in love with their House Salad which comes with grilled or crispy chicken over a bed of lettuce, tomatoes and cucmbers. It costs around $6.00. Unfortunately, eventhough I enjoyed this salad four times over the course of the six weeks I was gone, I never took a picture.

To be continued...

Crawdad or Crayfish?!?

2011-10-03T07:00:00.005-06:00

While I was in Kentucky, my husband found this little guy in our driveway...

hmmm...

Rose of Sharon

2011-10-01T07:00:00.010-06:00

This spring, I planted a Rose of Sharon Bush. It bloomed recently while I was in Kentucky. My husband didn't join me in Kentucky for 3 weeks so I made him promise to take a picture of my Rose of Sharon when it bloomed.

Hibiscus Syriacus - Rose of Sharon - Minerva
in my backyard August 2011

God is Good, All the Time

2011-09-26T08:29:00.000-06:00

It is so easy to sing these words, God is Good, All the Time, but how easy is it live those words?

This past weekend, my newest grandbaby was in ICU at Children's Hospital with a high fever and cough. She was diagnosed with viral meningitis (a word that literally makes my spine tingle when I even think it). She is doing much better and has been moved to a regular hospital room, but will continue to be observed in the hospital. When requesting prayers for her healing on facebook, one of my friends reminded me of these words, God is Good, All the Time... thank God for good friends... and thank God for taking care of sweet little babies. I never thought I'd be relieved to hear that she ONLY has viral meningitis!!

Oak Island Lighthouse

2011-09-18T18:36:00.003-06:00

On Saturday we had a tour scheduled to climb Oak Island Lighthouse (North Carolina). The lighthouse is open to only the second floor during the summer & 2 days per week the rest of the year, but tours must be scheduled to climb to the top. This lighthouse is one of the newest lighthouses in the United States. Oak Island Lighthouse was built in 1958 and there is only one other like it in the United States. What makes this lighthouse unique is that is does not have the typical spiral staircases found in most lighthouses. Instead, it is equipped with 8 flights of "ships ladders". The flight to the first floor is only 10 steps high; however there are 7 more flights of 17 stairs. The lighthouse itself is quite bright and you can see all the way to the top.

My husband, daughter and son-in-law and I (as well as 3 other people on the tour) ascended the first flight of stairs to the first floor where the tour guide commenced to tell the history of the lighthouse. I noticed that my daughter looked rather fearful. She decided not to climb further. My husband and son-in-law continued up along with the others and I waited until they were past. I started to climb the second flight of stairs, but realized that I probably didn't have enough courage to make the climb since the supply elevator shaft
was open all the way to the top, and it was CREEPY!!!

First flight of stairs...

Our tour guide...

Another view to the top...

I nearly climbed to the third floor before calling it quits. My husband climbed 4 flights of stairs and realized he was light-headed and should return to the bottom. My son-in-law and the 3 other brave souls made it to the top. Oh well, I never said I would climb every lighthouse in America, I would just like to visit them and and photograph them!!!

Seven Layer Dip

2011-09-12T07:00:00.002-06:00

Seven layer dip is one of my favorites. Here is a special version of the recipe from the girls at Our Best Bites.

Pizza Pockets

2011-09-08T07:00:00.001-06:00

Here is the link for this tasty recipe!

Louisville Zoo

2011-09-04T15:29:00.005-06:00

Since I arrived in Kentucky on August 18th, and my daughter didn't deliver the baby until the 30th, I was fortunate to have a lot of quality time with her and her two kiddos. She & her husband have a season pass to the Louisville Zoo, so we went there twice...

"L" really loves to see all the animals...

"N" loves to read his zoo map...

Pygmie Hippos - I had never seen such a thing...

Finally!!!

2011-08-30T19:00:00.001-06:00

I have been in Kentucky since August 18th anxiously awaiting the birth of my ninth grand baby (and I was soooo afraid she would be born before I got there).

I don't normally post pictures of my grandchildren but this might be an exception. This little sweetheart has 2 beautiful blond siblings, but she this incredible head of pure black hair!!!

Taco Soup

2011-08-27T07:00:00.003-06:00

Taco Soup.

Apple Cake Pops

2011-08-25T07:00:00.001-06:00

I think these are just about the cutest Cake Pops I have ever seen. Recipe here. Although the thought of cake pops almost makes me gag. Why, you ask? I really can't stomach anything that has been touched by the human hand - and if you check out the instructions for these, you will find a step where these are rolled in the palm of your hands like a blob of Play Doh. I can't stand to watch Paula Deen toss a salad with her hands or Martha Stewart touching a roasted piece of meat while she cuts it. Sorry, that's just me.

Cake pops, however; are adorable!!!

Spicy Peach BBQ Sauce

2011-08-23T07:00:00.001-06:00

Here is a recipe for Spicy Peach BBQ Sauce from the girls at Our Best Bites. I really want to try it when my life gets back to normal (when will that be). If any of you try it, please leave a comment!!

My Favorite Things - My Daylilies

2011-08-21T07:00:00.002-06:00

Snack on the Go: Veggies in Dip

2011-08-19T07:00:00.002-06:00

Juice Bag to Pencil Holder

2011-08-17T07:00:00.005-06:00

This is a great repurposing idea! Here is the tutorial for this amazing project!

All I can say is "Yea!!"

2011-08-15T07:00:00.009-06:00

A few years ago, my mother-in-law asked me what things of hers I would like - at the time they were thinking of going to an assisted living home. I told her that I l-o-v-e pink and green depression glass, so she gave me a few pieces she had. And I also told her that I l-o-v-e her blue willow dishes.

Last week my husband had a 9:00 am meeting in the town where his parents live so he decided to drive down the night before and stay there. When he returned, I found two boxes sitting in my kitchen!!!

Vintage Johnson Brothers Blue Willow Dishes!!!

Yea!!!

Fabric Flower Tutorial

2011-08-13T07:00:00.004-06:00

Here is a tutorial for a darling flower made from fabric. It can be used for a hair clip or anything you wish.

Hibachi At Home

2011-08-11T07:00:00.003-06:00

Delicious Hibachi chicken or steak can easily made at home. Here is Hibachi at Home from my daughter's blog A Delicious Melody.

The Rhythm of Family

2011-08-09T08:06:00.004-06:00

One of my favortie blogs is the one written by Amanda Soule. She recently had her fifth baby and today her book called The Rhythm of Family comes out. They also recently moved to a 200 year old farmhouse and have been renovating it. In winter they gather maple syrup from their own trees and this summer they are raising chickens, pigs and bees. Amanda is a marvelous knitter and makes beautiful wool sweaters for her family. If you want to be inspired, check out her blog here.

Dinner in a Jar

2011-08-07T08:00:00.006-06:00

I think this is a great idea for a fall picnic!! Get the recipe for Chili and Cornbread in a Jar here.

My Favorite Things - My Giant Hibiscus

2011-08-05T19:30:00.001-06:00

Nine Years Later...

2011-08-03T21:23:00.001-06:00

In the summer of 2002, the Hayman Fire burned 138,000 acres and destroyed 133 homes. The fire came within approximately one mile of our "ranch".

Here is a picture from County Road 221 with Pike's Peak in the background. This picture was taken on July 31, 2011. Some of the burned trees are still standing, but there are a lot of new aspen trees and wildflowers.

A small aspen tree in the foreground...

Wildflowers growing near a burned tree stump...

Snow Cone Recipe II

2011-08-01T07:00:00.005-06:00

Here is another Snow Cone recipe. It is a little more like the syrup you can buy.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison & Mario's

2011-07-31T07:00:00.001-06:00

On the way home from Ouray we stopped at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. We hadn't taken the time to stop by for years and it is always a feast for the eyes.

My favorite view of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison from Tomichi Point.

We stopped for lunch at Mario's Pizza in Gunnison. Mario's was highly recommended and has been making delicious pizzas for over 40 years.

Our pizza with pepperoni, mushrooms and sausage.

True Grit

2011-07-30T07:00:00.008-06:00

On the way back to Ouray, we decided to stop in Ridgeway and eat at the True Grit Cafe.

The original True Grit movie with John Wayne was filmed in Ouray County, in the towns of Ouray and Ridgeway. This restaurant was built to honor Ridgeway's movie making history. True Grit as well as several other movies such as How the West Was Won were filmed here.

I didn't notice at the time that the open umbrella on the balcony was blocking the name of the cafe.

This brick wall is actually from the True Grit move set.

The cafe is decorated with John Wayne movie posters and memorabilia.

My salad, with Blue Cheese Viniagrette Dressing.

My Spaghetti dinner.

My husband's Chicken Tender Plate.

Lizard Head Pass, Alta Lakes and Telluride

2011-07-29T07:00:00.056-06:00

After Ophir Pass, we headed up Lizard Head Pass on the Highway to see the rock known by that name.

This is the rock at the top of Lizard Head Pass. I don't see the lizard head.
It looks like a dolphin's head to me.

Then we drove up the four-wheel drive trail to Alta Lakes.
It had begun to rain, which made for a great photo shoot.

Then we headed to Telluride where we could see this large herd of Elk from the highway.

Main Street of Telluride.

View of Ingram & Bridal Veil Falls.

Closer view of Ingram & Bridal Veil Falls.

Close up of Bridal Veil Falls and Power Plant.

to be continued...

Ophir Pass

2011-07-28T07:00:00.006-06:00

Ophir Pass is another favorite pass of ours near Ouray. It is an easy pass to traverse but has beautiful vistas. The top is rocky, and this year there was still a lot of snow at the top.

The Ghost Town of Ironton

2011-07-27T07:00:00.004-06:00

The Four-wheeling Guidebook we had with us said the turntable on the Corkscrew Gulch Trail was south of the old town of Ironton. On our way to the turn off for Ophir Pass, we saw a sign that pointed to site of Ironton, so we turned back. It was on of those quiet sunny mornings that is perfect for photography. As I approached the old buildings, I could almost envision the previous lives that trod on those paths and worked in the buildings...

to be continued...

Dinner in Silverton

2011-07-26T07:00:00.009-06:00

We decided to eat dinner in Silverton before we headed back to Ouray. We stopped at a quaint BBQ place called Thee Pits Again. I'm a little confused. The place we ate at only said BBQ on the building...

But the van said Thee Pits Again and had Guy Fieri's autograph on it and

they were also playing a continuous live feed video of Guy Fieri's cooking show.

I had a BBQ brisket sandwich with baked beans & potato salad. The brisket was great!!

And my husband had the pulled chicken sandwich with coleslaw. (We like to try several sides - the potato salad was very good, but rather peppery; the baked beans were flavored mainly with green pepper - so they weren't my favorite; and I thought the coleslaw was a little bland).

My husband didn't like the pulled chicken very much.

to be continued...

Corkscrew Gulch & Animas Forks

2011-07-25T15:31:00.005-06:00

After stopping along the trail for a delicious peanut buter & jelly sandwich (I'm not being sarcastic - why do things always taste better outside?), we headed up Corkscrew Gulch. My husband said there was an old railroad turntable along the trail, but we couldn't find it. (Unfortunately, we didn't have internet access at our hotel the night before we went & we hadn't thought to look for directions to it before we left home). Actually, seeing pictures of the old turntable is disappointing. So many people tend to vandalize these old historic sites - it's really heartbreaking.

Here are some pictures of Corkscrew Gulch...

and here are pictures of the ghost town Animas Forks...

to be continued...

Yankee Boy Basin

2011-07-24T13:43:00.007-06:00

One of our favorite places to go four-wheeling around Ouray, Colorado is Yankee Boy Basin. It is an easy four-wheeling trail and is known for it's beautiful wildflowers. It had been 10 years since I had seen the mountains from this trail and I was spell-bound by their majesty. It had rained the night before & we left town around 8:00 am, so the weather was sunny and cool - and not very crowded with other four-wheelers (or the dreaded trail bikes & ATV's). I kept jumping out of our little Blazer to hike up the road and get some good pictures.

to be continued...

to be continued...

The Beaumont Hotel

2011-07-22T13:38:00.006-06:00

This is a picture I took of the Beaumont Hotel in Ouray, Colorado in 1999. As you can see, the hotel had fallen into disrepair and was an eyesore. We were there in 2001, and noticed they were renovating the once glorious old hotel.

This week we were thrilled to see the hotel returned to it's original splendor...

Here's another view.

Ouray saga to be continued...

Ouray

2011-07-22T11:57:00.007-06:00

Ouray, Colorado is known by at least 2 monikers. One is The Switzerland of America and the other is The Jeep Capital of the World.

Ouray has an elevation of 7,792 feet, but is surrounded by mountain peaks that reach 1300-1400 feet. The population is only 800 and two-thirds of the original Victorian homes are still occupied & restored. The average summer temperature is 70-80 degrees. So, with it's beautiful scenery, hot springs swimming pool, rich mining history & accessibility to a plethora of four-wheeling trails, it is a vacationer's paradise!

to be continued...

Mini-Vacation

2011-07-21T15:33:00.007-06:00

We just got home from a mini-vacation to Ouray, Colorado. It had been approximately 10 years since we had been to Ouray and in the meantime we have been all over the United States and also up into Canada. When we were in Banff and Jasper, Alberta, I almost began thinking the Canadian Rockies were more majestic than the Colorado Rockies, but after revisitng Ouray and the surrounding areas, I have come to realize there just isn't any spot more beautiful!!!

We left on Sunday morning and my husband insisted that we stop and eat lunch at a place in Buena Vista called Punky's. He had read about it somewhere, but for weeks had been referring to it as Pinky's. I googled Pinky's in Buena Vista and came up with one in Buena Vista, VA. (Can you believe there actually is a place called Pinky's - let alone in another town named Buena Vista?) Then I figured out the place in question was really called Punky's. They are apparently known for their hamburgers; however, I was not impressed...

My hamburger with french fries...

Husband's hamburger with potato salad

We arrived in Ouray around 3:00 pm and checked in to the Hot Springs Inn which I found highly recommended on the internet. Each room has 2 king-sized pillow-top beds, fireplace and private balcony overlooking the river. Very nice!!

balcony overlooking the river

to be continued...

Decisions, Decisions...

2011-07-17T07:00:00.007-06:00

Last weekend we went to an RV sale. Unfortunately, the "sale" prices weren't quite sale enough for us. When our children were younger we had an 18' self-contained trailer which we used for 20 years. It was getting old and we sold it a few years ago. We are thinking of getting another one since we have a daughter in Kentucky and another daughter in North Carolina.

Here is the floor plan we want (my camera was on the wrong setting, so most of my pictures are blurry).

So things are never as simply as they seem. It isn't as simple as going out and finding a good deal on a trailer. The SUV we have now is small, so the trailer we pull with it is limited, besides, we just don't want a huge trailer. The above trailer would suit all our needs even if we were on an extended vacation. But, although we have room at our house to store an RV, we already have a 16' cargo trailer where we store out 1961 Metropolitan convertible. If we sell the trailer & the car we would have the cash to pay for the trailer. Then the dilema is...do I really want to sell my little Metropolitan? It's the car that I got for my 40th birthday. It's the car I've wanted since I first saw one when I about 10 years old...ugh!!! Decisions, decisions...

Home Made Snow Cones

2011-07-16T07:00:00.003-06:00

Here is a recipe to make your own Snow Cone Syrup.

Showers & Flowers

2011-07-15T07:00:00.003-06:00

On Tuesday night we had a crazy thunderstorm & lots of nature's fireworks. In the morning, I took these pictures of my yellow lilies (remember what happened to my red lily here).

Lexi, the Best Dog Ever

2011-07-12T23:02:00.005-06:00

This is my sweet little dog, Lexi. She is a 10 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. She is doing well now, but we very nearly lost her. She had a terrible case of kennel cough (at least that's what the veterinarian said it was). She didn't really cough, but several times a day she would sound like she was choking and then she would vomit. That went on for over a month eventhough she was on antibiotics. Apparently, one of our neighbor's dogs gave her kennel cough, because she hadn't been around any other dogs.

I just love corgis and the silly way they sit...

Furry Friends

2011-07-11T07:00:00.003-06:00

We found this little guy "hanging" around the cabin one night...

July 4th Weekend at the Cabin

2011-07-09T10:17:00.003-06:00

Our 4th of July weekend was filled with beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains...

fishing...

and more fishing...

walking...

and more walking...

hiking...

rock climbing...

playing...

measuring the fish that were caught...

cleaning fish...

eating fish...oops! I forgot to take a picture, but yummmm, it was good!!!

and admiring a Pike's Peak sunset!!!

Veggie Flowers

2011-07-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

Here is a link for these cute edible arrangements!!!

Little Birdie Rolls

2011-07-07T07:52:00.001-06:00

Here's the link to the recipe for these cute Little Birdie Rolls.

America, the Beautiful!!!

2011-07-04T07:00:00.003-06:00

(lyrics by Katherine Lee Bates;
music composed by Samuel A. Ward --
more history on the poem and music)

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassion'd stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness.

America! America!
God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for heroes prov'd
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life.

America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev'ry gain divine.

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears.

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.

A Little Bit of History....

The lyrics to this beautiful song were written by Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929), a professor of English literature at Wellesley College, Massachusetts, after an inspiring trip to the top of Pikes Peak, Colorado in 1893. Her poem, America the Beautiful first appeared in print in The Congregationalist, a weekly journal, on July 4, 1895. Ms. Bates revised the lyrics in 1904 and again in 1913. In addition to those changes in the words, it is notable that the poem was not always sung to the tune presented on this website ("Materna," composed by Samuel A. Ward in 1882, nearly a decade before the poem was written). In fact, for two years after it was written it was sung to just about any popular or folk tune that would fit with the lyrics, with "Auld Lang Syne" being the most notable of those. The words were not published together with "Materna" until 1910, and even after that time, the tune to be used was challenged to some degree. For example, in 1926 the National Federation of Music Clubs held a contest to put the poem to new, reportedly "less somber," music, but no other entry was determined to be more acceptable. Before her death in 1929, Ms. Bates never indicated publicly which music she liked best, but it now appears likely that America the Beautiful will forever be associated with "Materna."