110 years

That's a very long time  to hold a rodeo, but the very fine folks of Gunnison Colorado have done just that.  Cattlemen's Days is a week long event ending with the rodeo.

                                         My boots need a good cleaning

                                              a patriotic beginning

                                          the Queen of the Cattlemen's Days

                                 and our favorite event...................bull riding

Great weekend, weather cooperated............great job Gunnison!!

Now to the wildflower festival in Crested Butte just up the road a bit.

What ya think

Mr Doodles trying his hand at a different kind of beading.  And I'm the lucky recipient of a beautiful new bracelet.  It's about two inches wide, not stretchy and very comfortable to wear.

Star gazing

Sister got me started stargazing when we were in Yuma this past winter.  Nothing like a navy blue sky and sparkling stars shining down on you to get your juices going for more star gazing.  I have a curious nature  so I wanted to learn more.

Fast forward to Gunnison, Colorado where we have spent the last three summers.  Guess what they have an observatory!!  Click here  to see the site.  This place is run totally on volunteers and has been in existence since 2007 I believe.  They now have some fairly fancy telescopes for viewing. 

Imagine the nite sky in the Western Rockies in SouthWest Colorado.  Many navy blue skies I'll tell ya.  And the stars sparkled like diamonds

The local college has some nite classes that they call Wednesday at Western, well one of them was an astonomy lecture and visit to the observatory, fee $5.  When I saw that I checked with some friends here and we quickly made a reserve since I figured these kind of things fill up fast.

Last nite was our lecture...................what a terrific experience.  Professor was a tad geeky but then I kind of expected that of an astronomer. 

The clouds cleared, all but a couple of wisps and low and behold there was Saturn in all its splendor includng the rings.  Everyone that viewed walked away from the scope say WOW!!

If you would like to partake  in some amateur star gazing check out Skymaps.com   You'll print out the map calendar and wander out in the nite time sky and see some pretty amazing  sites.  Best viewed on a pretty clear sky, no clouds, and when the moon is not real bright.

It was a wonderful nite and I will definitely go back because they have public viewing on Friday nites.

just another PO'd post..........sorry

We all go in to fast food joints where they give you a cup for your drink. That's an all you can drink ya know so buy a small and drink away, fill up as many times as ya want. Well that is while you are in that location. Don't take the cup home, wash it and bring it back the next time. If in fact you do, look ashamed, look very ashamed.

Now there is another one the irks the HE## out of me. Years ago fast food establishments started giving out small cups for the elderly, yes I mean seniors, for them to get water at the all you can drink area. Isn't that nice they started doing that.

Well it didn't take long for folks to take advantage of the generous nature of these establishments. Needless to say it didn't take long for the establishments to raise the price of their drinks. Why you ask.............well people are getting cups for water and then filling them with soda or tea, yes even the seniors. I sat the other day and watched 7 folks that were all together of various ages, 6 of them used the free water cup given them and walked right over to the soda and filled it with ice and soda. The seventh person asked what's with the drinks, one of them explained and he said "well I'll know next time".

Does anyone think this is stealing?? Yes I know there is a huge markup on soda, tea and ice BUT why must I pay for your lack of conscious. Rest assured I would go very thirsty before I participated in the free cup scam.

O say can we see

Please remember our service men and women serving our
country around the world.

Have a safe 4th of July!!

Happy Canada Day dear Canadian friends

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

fyi...........my niece used to be able to play this anthem on her flute

Our third summer

Here in Gunnison, Colorado. But when sweet sister and dear bro-in-law visited it was the first time in this area.


No matter how many times I take the same photos the scenery always looks different.
My favorite spot at the Gunnison River.

Sister and I scooted out early one morning, I drove her to my favorite spots


Here we are......looks like we have rocks in our head and pockets!!

I hit the wall

What a week!! It was wonderful to have the Teardrop couple here for a few days. Stay caught up on their adventures here if ya like..............they have several more days on the road to home.

But then I had no idea that we would be that busy this week here at the RV joint. Seems like some folks are getting a jump on their Fourth of July get away. Now this week will be busy preparing for the big BBQ we have here for the revelers on July 4th.

It's lotsa fun, we invite all the folks staying here as long as they bring a side dish or dessert, the owners provide the burgers, hot dogs condiments and drinks. Always a fun time!! Then about 8:30 we all head to town to watch the fireworks.

So yesterday after getting up quite early to work a few hours, Mr and I toddled to town for a few supplies and lunch then back home for a long awaited nap. We even turned down a dinner invite. I have now caught up with my sleep, for awhile at least.

Lot's on the schedule for this week none of which will be photo taking. I do have some pics we took during the time the Teardroppers were here just haven't looked at them yet.

I need a nap.............

It sure has been a whirlwind the last few days.

Sister and her sweetie husband arrived and three days later they are back on the road to a new journey.

Needless to say, if you know us at all, we packed in a lot of things during that short time.

We dined of course, that kinda goes without saying. We went up the mountains and then down the canyons. Had to show them our favorite places in the area. Sure did pack in a lot of vista viewing in the last few days and also took some photos, but then you know that.

We celebrated Mr Doodles birthday, were able to get in a few games of cards, all in all a fun time in a very short period of time.

Off to take my nap..............later for photos!!

Let's acknowledge

My dear sisters birthday!!!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR SISTER!!!

We await your arrival!!!

Your attention please............

Preparing for an auspicious occasion...........yes there will be more info to follow and of course there will be photos............that you can bet on my friends.

definitely

I am restraining myself

from posting any words because I know damn well it would get me in trouble. Just boycott this company and their family of companies. Need I say more.

And let's not forget the men that lost their lives as well as the men and women who have been incredibly damaged mentally by the greed of this company, understandably emotions are running quite high. And might I add in more areas than the Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. I went so far as to buy local shrimp, from the US, to put on the BBQ Memorial Day, my little nose thumbing to BP.

My signature has always been stay tuna'd............folks I'm really afraid of the outcome.

A beautiful acknowledgement

My sweet sister wrote a beautiful tribute to our most wonderful servicemen and women. She acknowledge our family members. A lovely heartfelt tribute................................ thanks Sister!!

Pop on over to her site, to do that click here

They are everywhere

and they are so cute cause they still have their winter coats that is fuzzy, then with their long skinny legs. I would say about half of the group at least are adults and the rest the kidlets.
Not the best shots given the time and location.

There she is again with that damn camera

My Moment..........reposted

I am re posting this to remind you to go check out the New York Times site for A Moment in May. You'll be in awe of all the wonderful photos I promise!! Save the site because I'm sure it will be very busy.


The NY Times put together a chance to create a Global Mosaic with a project called, A Moment in May, Sunday, May 2 at 15:00 GMT everyone was to take a picture. They even had a link to a converter to tell when that was no matter where you were. West Coast was easy, 8:00 a.m. Then I realized I'm in Colorado duh!! 9 a.m. I know people in five different areas----Hong Kong, Egypt, Toronto, Florida Keys and Western Canada that took a picture at the same moment, or at least I hope they did.

9:02 a.m. Bogey checking out the Spring morning snow

Everyone has until May 7 to submit the photos. Check back here or pop over to the Times web site for the final Global Mosaic...............I can't wait.

Your attention PLEASE!!!

Wake me when summer arrives...................OK!!!

"Every A$$BUTT who ever chanted 'Drill baby drill' should have to report to the Gulf coast today for cleanup duty," - Bill Maher.

Oh my................

There is some white schtuff in our future and soon..............off to find our mittens. And make some comfort food. And yes I'll share pictures.

Bogey has visitors

Bogey was quite fascinated.
They still have their furry coats.
This was taken out of the window so quality not that great

There were at least eight of these little guys.
See those big ears their hearing is quite acute.

April showers

brings snow showers.............HOLY CRAP!!!

Well here we are stuck in the PODUNK town of Indian Springs Nevada.  That's podunk with a capital P.

There is one thing that entertains Mr Doodles..............that would be Creech Air Force Base  which is a part of the very famous Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas.  They test the Predator here as well as train the Thunderbirds.  Those Thunderbirds are out on tour but there are some like planes up there buzzing around.  And Mr has taken a couple a snaps of the (drone)  Predator.

There are snow showers in our future with lows of 32*ish.  Oh and high wind advisory for the next few days.

So we have changed our route totally.  That post I did with the route and then talking about going thru Tonopah, star gazing capital of the world, then on to Winemmucca........not gonna happen friends.  We'll see all those wonderful places in the fall.

I should not complain one bit because the three years we have been on this journey we have been so very lucky with weather conditions..................but
for now we are here.............definitely

Update

one side

the other side

on the walking stick

Think of it as a napkin ring shape...................I really like it.

Good job Mr!!

Taking our time

As sister likes to refer to us as the Gypsy Caravan, we are ready to head North.  Well north as far as Southern Colorado.  Just saw an article that says Colorado and Kansas are having the worst pollen in the country.  Excuse me you mean worse than my friends in the Carolina's?  Worse than last year..........yikes!!

Maybe we'll be taking our time given the yukky pollen situation.  Must show you our long but quite different travels.   Some of the places we have yet to visit.  I know imagine that.  I have been yakking to Mr about seeing what the rave is all about when folks talk about Winnemucca, Nevada.  So that is one of the stops.

you can click on the photo to enlarge

Should be pulling out of here around the 15th of April.  First stop Lake Havasu, AZ, been there and know there is a sweet little English Pub right there on the London Bridge. >>>>>>>>>>>

Taking US highway 95 and no it's not that far, bout 100 miles or so.  However the desert is in bloom and that means photo ops for the passenger, me!!  I'll be saying, pull over Mr , can ya stop please,  every few miles.   Mr is such a patient man.   So we decided that Yuma to Havasu would be long enough.  Plus there are some good lunch stops along the way.

The next day we'll motor on up to Bullhead City, AZ then zip across over to Laughlin, Nevada.  Another 100 mile or so trip.  Heard there was a casino there.

After Laughlin, still traveling on US highway 95 we'll head east, sorta.  Thru Vegas, yep buzz thru Vegas.  Still on Highway 95 we'll be on the edge of Death Valley.  Next stop Indian Springs, Nevada.  We'll be reaching a bit of elevation and with that cooler temps.  Here's hoping for no spring snowfall.

click on me to enlarge

So we all know the Internet is a remarkable tool.  I would never be able to keep up with y'all if I had to do it by notes and phone calls.  But I found something even more remarkable Google has a distance map you can use.  There are some pretty smart folks over at Google.  I hope they know that our lives have been changed by their many programs.  Find it here, Mr says it's right on when it comes to mileage.  Don't ask, he knows things like that.

One more thing, young kitten Bogey has yet to travel any long distances, so here's hoping he will be a good traveler. 

 More to come...............

I am in AWE

Dear Mr Doodles,

It is said that families that bead together
stay together.

You never cease to amaze me.  I've recently taken up beading. I love it, it's creative, relaxing and easy.  I'm not proficient but I'll get there like anything else it takes time.  Now you Mr Doodles are tackling something I have and never will have patience doing.  You have taken up peyote beading. 

It's all because we went to that Pow Wow and you saw the Indian beading on the walking stick.  I had to open my big mouth and say how cool that was and now you think you can do this.

Well it turns out you can and I am damned impressed.  Mr D you have hidden creative talents that I never knew existed.

 Turns out you have a helper.






For the finished product