








The restaurant was packed - with folks coming in the front door quicker than any were leaving, so there was standing room only for most customers until a booth or table would be vacated and cleared off for the next hungry soul. 












Rest In Peace, Sweet Girl ♥



A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government
George Washington

Yesterday was a GREAT day!

My best friend and I had lost touch with each other over the last 20 years or more. I can't really say how it happened... it just did. We met during our freshman year in high school through another friend and instantly bonded. We were 2 peas in a pod and everywhere one was... you would find the other.
Thea was born in Holland and moved to my town via Indiana. She was as "international" as anyone I had ever met and if her birthright wasn't impressive enough, she had 4 middle names! (she was named after every aunt in the family tree, I think - and when I would introduce her, it was always as my bff "Thea Corida Theadora Ingrid Jaqueline...."
This was high falutin' stuff for a small town midwest girl like me - and oh, the shenanigans we got into would make any mother's mouth drop. We graduated high school and went on to live together for several years until I met my future hubs and moved to Colorado. Even after that, she was living in Florida and moved to Colorado to live with us for a good amount of time.
I happened to be on facebook and did a search not knowing if she was going by her married name or maiden name or if she was on there at all. No "Thea" was found on the search - however her son popped up and through a course of messages, Thea and I connected and yesterday we finally were able to meet.
What a grand afternoon it was too - full of a gazillion "remember when we..." moments and the best thing of all ? Her boyfriend and she ride - so we not only got to sit around and reminisce, but we took a nice long ride in the country too!
I don't remember a day when I laughed so hard and smiled so wide. I probably looked like the village idiot to passersby, but I'm sure they would understand my joy if they were ever reunited with someone so dear.
And the icing on the cake was walking in our nice cool house after a long day in the sun to find my Tuck posed on the steps - just waiting for our arrival. Sorry, I really dont play favorites, but Nip was busy in the kitchen crying to be fed and would not sit still for a photo session!

I'm so glad I was able to be a part of the best out there - Johnny always thought of his guests first, showing such grace and kindness. And Ed was a true and trusted friend both on screen and off.

But after we left there, we were driving along when our fearless leader literally pulled off the side of the road to show us this:
As I got off the bike and took a look from the street - I admit, it was not that impressive and began to wonder if Larry was teasing me a bit more about all the pictures I was taking. The view was very nice ... as pools of water go :)
But as we got closer to the stream, my curiousity was piqued and I began to climb the rock and follow the water deeper up the mountain.

With each new rock wall I scaled, the falls got more gorgeous and the surroundings became more serene. I was so glad Larry stopped to show us this jewel hidden from the street and all the cars whizzing past us. Many probably thought like I did that it was a nice little pool of water!
I was so captivated, I was lost in what each next turn brought and was suddenly brought back to the here and now by the sound of honking horns. I didn't realize exactly how far I had climbed into GoForth Creek until I had to navigate my way out. I thought I could sense a bit of relief from Larry when I emerged ... and he explained there had been several bear spotted back in the woods but no matter, it was an awesome experience for me!