The Windy City

Arrived in Chicago safe and sound on Wednesday to rain and weather a bit chillier than I had planned for. Went out Thursday in search of jeans -- if it's cold here, I'll be freezing my butt off in upper Michigan and Canada! At any rate, had fun shopping and seeing the neighboring towns. Walters' tacos hit the spot Thursday night. Friday I got to watch Trav play in a local tournament. Walked the course with him (it sits on the edge of Lake Michigan by Lincoln Park area) and he closed the day in 4th place. I had a blast! Came home to a grilled feast (thanks, Roger!) of chops and chicken, fresh corn on the cob, and salad. Saturday Ruthy and I had a girls' day -- shopping, browsing, and going to the movies -- while the guys each played golf (Trav in his tournament, Rog with friends). The Warshauers (including Wilson, the friendliest dog in the world!) had us out for homemade spaghetti dinner and we had such fun talking around the dinner table and swapping stories! Stan and Janet (Steve's folks) were there, too, and I really enjoyed hearing the stories of how they met and things they've done, places they've gone. I even got to meet Stan's dog Susie at the end of the evening. On Sunday I packed up the car and off we went to see Trav play again -- he took 2nd Place!!! I headed out at the turn and drove to South Bend for a wonderful dinner with a friend from Gem Show. All in all, the best visit I've ever had to Chicago. Full of family time and fun.

Headed for the Windy City!

One word can describe this day -- WET!!! Sheets and sheets of rain bombarded the MINI as I made my way across the rolling hills of Iowa. Cars and trucks alike were pulled over as the wall of rain came down; problem was, it continued all the way across the state and through Illinois! I didn't stop, and I think those who did probably had to eventually give up and just get going if they hoped to get anywhere that day! No pics; couldn't even see the cars in front or behind you until you were 10 feet from them, so it was slow going. No top down for the MINI today -- it may take a week for the car to dry out! Watched the Weather Channel and all of Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois were covered with yellow and red warnings for rain -- could have told them that! Unbelievable!

Got to RR&T's by mid-afternoon and had a chance to visit with Trav before he headed to work. Then Rog and I shared a meal and conversation before going to pick up Ruthy at the train station. After a little more visiting, we all hit the sack because they are, after all, still working and get up before o-dark-thirty to go to work.

And there you have it -- day 2. We'll see what today brings other than rain!

Let the Midwest Tour Begin!

After a late start on Tuesday morning, I finally made it out the door and on my way for this summer's midwest tour. So excited to drive though states I've never been to before: Nebraska and Iowa! The highways weren't crowded at all. The sky was littered with cloud formations which kept the tempteratures very mild. Had the top down and felt like I was on an olfactory rollercoaster! First the sunflowers -- which scented the air with a floral shop essence -- were EVERYWHERE! I thought Colorado had a lot of sunflowers, but my heavens, Nebraska has rolling hills of them. Even the median area was bursting in color and fragrance. And then came the cows and feed yards and all that goes with that. And just when I was thinking I might have to put the top up to breathe, along came more fields of sunflowers and the heavenly floral scent. Incredible. Stayed the night with Carol and Randy, John's friends, at their "Within the Wild" ranch just outside of Ashland (sorry the pic of the sign is dark; I had to take it as I left early Wednesday morning and it was still dark!). What genuine people they are, and it was a delight to have dinner and spend time with them. Their home and office look out onto the property that they've covered in trees of all sorts; the "pond" is stocked and ready for fishing; and the deer feeders were well used by deer after deer. Words just don't do the place justice. It really is breathtaking! We all stayed up too late on their lovely enclosed porch watching fireflies around the pond after touring the area on their 4WD Mule and sighting numerous deer, racoons, and wild turkeys. What an idyllic setting. It was hard to leave after just one night!

Dinner, Family, and Friends

Chad put on his chef's hat and BBQ'd up a spectacular dinner for us with Mike's supervision. Chicken kebabs, spinach salad, orzo pasta salad, grilled corn and asparagus, and lemon poppyseed cake were all on the menu and enjoyed by everyone. Liz stopped over and visited before taking Noah to her house for a bottle while we had dinner, then she was back to entertain Mr. K for a bit while we had dessert. What a fantastic neighbor she is! K and I had a walk around the neighborhood before it got dark, then we saw Mike and Amy off on their new beach cruisers. Enjoyable evening all the way around. We are truly blessed.

Lafayette Peach Festival

Saturday was the Annual Lafayette Peach Festival in downtown Lafayette. Erynn and Eliz and I went and enjoyed for the last hour, though we were too late for cobbler and ice cream. An enjoyable afternoon with lots of arts and craft booths, yummy food and drink, entertainment, and lots of heat -- 98 degrees! A definite must see next year, but we'll go earlier so we can sample all the goodies!

Heritage Square

My neighbors Anne and Lauren invited me to go to Heritage Square near Golden for the afternoon. It's a small amusement park with a great ferris wheel, bumper boats, mini cars, mini golf, tilt-a-whirl, scrambler, a small roller coaster, tons of kids' rides, and an incredible Alpine slide. Wow, what a thrill! You take the ski lift up to the top of the mountain, grab a sled, and hop on one of two slides with curves, dips, and slopes that will really give you a heck of a ride! All in all, one of the most fun days I've had in a long time.

Topped the day off with shrimp tacos and black beans at the Seidels for dinner, then a walk around the neighborhood with Mr. K. Amy stopped by to show us her new beach cruiser -- SWEET! Great color, cool look -- that girl knows how to ride in style!

Been Busy Up Here!

Eliz and I had some incredibly yummy Asian food at the Boulder Asian Festival on Sunday at Pearl Street. We had samosas, pad Thai, and a pork kebab, all of which were from different vendors and all fabulous! We wanted more but we were too full! We watched hula dancers and Asian dancing, and of course we hit our favorite spice shop (Savory Spice) for some more plank seasoning before we left.

Been spending lots of time with the boys while Erynn gets over a nasty sinus infection. We've been on a few walks in the neighborhood and around the golf course. They are both growing like nobody's business and just as cute as ever!

Went bike riding on my own and with the neighbors. Really getting to know the area around us. Love it here -- you can ride and it's not so flaming hot!!! The trails and bike lanes are all well kept and wide. I love it!

Sunflowers Aplenty

The creek trail has been overrun by sunflowers! And with them, of course, come the ladybugs. Incredibly breathtaking. Had a long bike ride along the Coal Creek and Dutch Creek Trails that was just perfect. The temps are cool and with the light cloud cover, it is simply delightful. I've also gotten to spend a good deal of time with Mr. K and Noah, taking walks around the neighborhood and golf course, and reading books. So far, just loving being here.

Mud Puddle Party

Went to the City's Mud Puddle Party at the park yesterday with the family of another deployed soldier. We had the greatest time! There were multiple obstacle courses set up for various age ranges and everyone was just playing in the mud and getting down and dirty. Everyone from the smallest toddler to grandmas and grandpas got to be kids again. The fire department was there to spray down the crowd, either to cool or clean them off, depending on individual needs. Saw lots of friends and families we knew, and the smiles just kept coming. Enjoy the pics.