Grand We Two

We Did It!!

2010-08-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we left Wellington, Co. and made our way to Colorado Springs and on over to Green Mountian Falls to the Lone Duck Campground. Got all set up decided to stay put even though it was only 3:30. Had a good evening, even met another biking couple across from our site.

Our site at Lone Duck Campground

This morning after a quick breakfast we mounted up and head for the quest. The mighty Pike's Peak lay ahead of us. It was quite a ride and a lot of switchbacks but it was great and we made it all the way to the top. 14,110 feet above sea level. What a view! After a look around and a cup of coffee and a donut we headed back down. So We Did It, We really, really dit it! And once is quite enough but I'm glad that we were able to do it. And no Bob there was no snow.

The Quest

Victory

After a quick lunch of barbque we decided to see the Garden of the Gods. This was interesting but it was starting to get hot so we just did a quick drive through with a stop at the Trading Post and the Visitor center.

The Garden of the Gods Trading Post

Tomorrow we plan to ride over to Cripple Creek and maybe to Royal Gorge. Hopefully it won't be so hot.

Sturgis, Rushmore, Crazy Horse and some Wild Roads.

2010-08-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

Since our last post we have seen quite alot. On Sunday August 22, we left Sherdian, Wy and headed across the plains toward South Dakato. Our first stop was the visitors center where we got all kinds of information on things to do from two very talkative rangers. While there we incountered another Wing rider with the coolest trailer.

Made from an old whiskey barrel and no it was not filled with any liquid refreshments.

Next stop was in Sturgis where all the action was the weekend before. Kind of quite when we were there. We bought tee shirts, had lunch, took some pictures and headed out. Now we can say that we have been there, done that.

John's happy. He has his tee shirt and he has been fed.

Welcome to Sturgis 2010

From Sturgis we headed south through Deadwood (without stopping) and on into Keystone to our camp site. After setting up camp we headed into town to have a look around then back to camp for a good night's sleep.

Downtown Keystone, South Dakota

Monday broke bright and clear but alot cooler, thank you very much. (Sunday was the hottest day there in over three years. 100 degrees) We had a hardy breakfast and then headed out for Mount Rushmore. It is really impressive and we enjoyed walking around seeing it from all the different angles.

Mount Rushmore. Just like the postcard.

Then we made our way over to the Crazy Horse Monument. It is big, I can say that much and I am sure it will be quite impressive when it is finished. I do admire the man who started it and the vision he and the Lakota Indinas have for it.

The Vision and the way it looks now.

Next it was time for some fun roads. First we did the Needles Hwy. with all its twists and turns and six one lane tunnels. These are small and narrow and no way can a camper or mobile home go through them. We saw some beautiful country and even some wild life. Most of the roads were really narrow and if passing another vehicle on a curve a tad hairy.

The first and biggest of the one lane tunnels.

This was the tightest one. We had to wait for about six cars to come from the other way.

Then it we took the Wildlife Loop through Custer State Park.The roads weren't quite a curvy but we did see a lot of open grasslands and more wildlife.

These Donkeys came right up to the cars.

Next and the most fun of all was the Iron Mountian Hwy. More of the single lane tunnels but these lead to what they called pigtail bridges where you went across the bridge and the a tight loop back under it. There were at least 4 or maybe 5 of these and plenty of switchbacks. We even saw some fool in a mobile RV trying to go through one of these tunnels. Don't know if he made it or not. Some people think they know better than the people who put up the signs.

One of the Pigtail bridges.

We headed back to camp and a quick supper and then we went back up to Rushmore to see the lighting ceremony. This is really nice the way it is done and at the end they honor all the veterans and active duty and the fanilies of those who have lost some one in combat.

Tuesday we finally found a quilt store for me to visit. Think I will be able to make if awhile now without going into complete withdrawal.

Quilt Corral at Mistletoe Ranch. Carolyn's happy.

From there we head toward The Badlands National Park but first a stop at the "World's Oldest Drug Store" the famous Wall Drug Store. This is quite a place. You can find just about every kind of goofy thing there. We had lunch there and a quick look around before heading for the Badlands.

The famous Wall Drug Store. Free Ice Water and 5cent Coffee.

It is hard to describe the Badlands. Maybe what one would image the moon to look like. Some one told us it was like an upside down volcano. Here are a couple of pictures but I think this is something you have to experience for yourself to appreciate.

The Badlands National Park

We made our way back to Keystone and camp after that where we started trying to get things ready so we could leave this morning. Although I don't think a person should have to do laundry on vacation, we had to do laundry or wear dirty clothes the rest of the trip. Then a quite evening of just enjoying being together and listening to the night sounds of the mountians.

Packed up and ready to Go.

That brings us to today. We left camp around nine and made our way south back into Wyoming and then into Colorado. We had planned to stop in Cheyennne Wy but there were no rooms available so we made it to Wellington, Co. Tomorrow we head into Colorado Springs to tackle the mighty Pikes Peak. I will post from there. So until then, goodnight.

Grand Adventure continues

2010-08-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

We left Yellowstone this morning and after a really nice ride to the northeast entrance of the park we headed out across Wyoming with a short loop into Montana so that we could add to our state count. Encounter some really great roads. The first was Cheif Joseph's scenic Highway, quite a few switchbacks with a couple that were right together. John loved them but a couple gave me a little scare. Here is a picture from the top of that mountian.

Looking back the way we came. Cheif Joseph's Scenic Hwy.

Made it to Cody Wy, where we stopped for gas and I found a Quilt store on the way through town. Didn't spent long there because we still had a long way to go.
Our next fun road was Alt. 14. Now that was a trip, first across a long and windy plain then up a big mountian and across another really windy plain to another mountian with some more really curvey (and I mean curvey roads) and we ended our day in Sheridan, Wy.
Tomorrow we head to Sturgis SD and then down to Keystone to see Mt Rushmore. I hope to post more picture later but for now I am going to bed.

Grand Adventure Catch up

2010-08-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

My how the days have flown since our last post.
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were spent getting all the grandchildern time that we could. What cute kids they all are and we are sure missing them so much. We were even able to get them all awake to kiss and hug on some more before we left on Wednesday morning.

Then off we went heading north into Idaho and then into Wyoming. Our first stop of the day was in Jackson Hole at the visitors center. From there we headed up to the Grand Tetons which are just breathtaking. Didn't stop longer than to take some pictures that we will post later. Then we made our way into Yellowstone National Park. It was really a thrill to finally be here, it's a place that I have heard of all my life and still can hardly beleive that we are here.

Took us quite awhile to get to our camp site because people were stopped all over ther road to look at the

bison. We finally made it to the camp site and got all set up and had dinner. Then we went over and saw the ranger presentation about the big fire here in 1988. Very interesting. By the timer we got back top camp it was time to turn in. Slept pretting good although it was cold.

On Thursday we just rode for most of the day. We went by Norris Geyser Park then on up to Mamouth Park at the northwest corner (sort of) where we had lunch. From there it was off to Roosevelt Corral where we went on a horseback ride out to our Old West Cookout. Now that was fun, and man was the food great. Then it was back on horseback to the corral where we mounted our iron steed and headed back to camp. On the way we saw a beautiful sunset. Another good nights sleep and today we headed out to see Old

Faithful. That was worth the trip. Still more picture to follow. I haven't downloaded them to the computer yet. Our travels today also took us by the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the upper and lower falls.

We are now back at the Canyon Visitors Center using their power to chare phones and computer and its the only spot we can get an internet signal. We will be heading back to the camp site shortly to start trying to get things ready to leave tomorrow for South Dakota. We will be staying somewhere half way tomorrow night so w should be able to post more pictures then.

Having a wonderful time and the weather has been perfect.

Rocky Mountians to Grandchildren

2010-08-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

The Grand Adventure continues. After our visit to Estes park on Tuesday we returned to our camp site and while preparing dinner we had a couple visitors that just wondered through. I guess they were use to people

being around because they walked around and through all the camp site for quite awhile. At least it wasn't bears .

On Wednesday August 11 we packed up the trailer for our trip acrosss the

Rockies. We headed up the Trail Ridge Road and it was a beautiful ride. The crazy part was that they were doing road construction and there were parts where it was one lane going up.

But we did make it to the top.

After a warming cup of coffee we headed down the other side. This was truely a great ride with lots of switchbacks and curves. A little on the scary side for me in the back seat a couple of times but I did enjoy it.

Then it was across western Colorado and into Utah. We did have to stop and put on rain gear again, but it was never really hard rain. Thought for awhile that we would miss it but then the roadcurved again and we ran through it for awhile.

We ended our day in Naples, Utah.

On Thursday August 12, we headed north up through more mountian and by the Red Canyon,

and into Wyoming, west to Evanston Wy where we headed north again and back into Utah. After one more climb into the mountians to Bear Lake we head down by the Bear River into the Cache Valley

and into Smithfield where we were greeted by our sweet daughter and five beautiful grandchildren. And there we have been for the last two days getting as many hugs or what ever as is possibly.and there we have been for the past three days. On

Friday we just hung out and enjoyed the kids

That hot dog is as big as Tara

and then on Saturday we went to the county fair, which was a real treat with all the little ones and the bigger ones also. Yeah for fair food!! Funnel cake and ribbon fries, yum! Today has been a really good day. Church where the younger three girls were dedicated and then home for a nice nap.

We are really having fun and the weather here is great. High eighties in the day time with no humidity. Two more days here then we head to Yellowstone. I will try to do better with the updates so they won't be so long. See you next time.

Rocky Mountian Wild

2010-08-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

Well, the Grand Adventure is well underway. We left Pearland Saturday August 7 around 8am, a little later than we had intended but oh well. One thing I can say for riding the bike in Texas in August is that it is HOT!! But we survied and made it to Abilene about 4:30.

After a good night's sleep we headed out to Palo Duro Canyon. Another hot day in Texas but we saw some great scenery. Arrived at the canyon and checked in to our cabin and cooled off , Did a quick tour of the Canyon and the to the theatre for the play "Texas".

Cow Camp Cabin Palo Duro Canyon

The play wasn't over until about eleven so that meant that we had to sleep quick because we were up at six the next morning and on the road by 7 :15. after a quick stop for breakfast in Amarillo we headed north on US287 into Ok and on into Colorado. Long roads with nothing but corn feilds and ranch land to look at for 400 miles, but it was cooler. We did run into a lot of rain Denver but we had wisely decided to put on rain gear when we saw the clouds ahead. Finally made it to the Rocky Mountians Park about 6:30CT and got checked in, got the tent set up and had a quick dinner of canned stew and crackers.Our first night in the tent wasn't too bad. It was cold but we stayed warm snuggled together. We woke to a beautiful morning with the sun coming up over the mountians. Took our time getting up and going but what are vacations for.

We spent most of the day Tuesday touring the beautiful town of Estes Park, even had lunch a a lovely place on the river.

In other words folks we are having a great time, so back to it. Will update when we reach Utah.

2010-07-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

The reservations are all made, the route is all mapped out, the bike has been serviced and we have started packing the trailer. Just seven day until the grand adventure begins

Ronald McDonald House

2009-02-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

February 7, 2009

Mid Life Cycles Ride

Ronald McDonald House

Saturday, February 8, 2009 the Nana and I met up with our Motorcycle Gang, known as the Mid Life Cycles, about 2:30 PM at our organizer's (Spongebob) house to ride as a group to the Ronald McDonald House in Houston. For those of you that don't know about this great place, just know this is for children who have very serious medical condition that need treatment in outpatient setting, and don't live in the Houston area. Located right in middle of the greatest medical facilities in the USA (maybe world) the patient and their family member can stay in a nice and loving environment with out cost to them. The house is funded by private donations and many of the meals are provided by volunteer organizations. You can learn more about this great facility by going to their website - http://www.ronaldmcdonaldhousehouston.org/home.htm.

Saturday night was our night so we went as a group, carrying all the hamburgers, hot dogs and fixings necessary along with a trailer load of paper goods all donated by members! We had great time, but wanted to provide you an opportunity to see the pictures we took --- as they say, one picture is worth a 1000 words! Here are a couple, but to see all go to http://community.webshots.com/user/Dandy1945

2009-01-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

Blessings!!! They just keep coming!

Our very first Flat tire on a motorcycle....

Since we have owned a motorcycle Carolyn and I have taken a long drive on New Years Day! We just can't think of a better way to start the year off than "saddling up 'n riding out" into the wide open spaces with no particular route or destination! Usually at least 300 miles....

2009 was a little different in that we decide to leave Pearland early afternoon on New Years Eve and drive to San Antonio to visit with Brendan and his Dad and Step Mom. We arrived mid afternoon and after short visit we drove on into New Braunfels where we had nice supper and went to bed early! After breakfast the next morning we had pick a tentative route that would lead us north east and then east and up around Lake Livingston and south back to Pearland. However, it was getting chilly with overcast skies and after a couple of hours we decided to get up on Texas Highway 290 and take straight shot on into Houston and then to Pearland. We were about 20 miles west of Brenham (home of Blue Bell Ice Cream) when I started noticing a wobble from the bike that I have never experienced before, so I got off the road and onto the shoulder immediately where I had my fears confirmed...back tire was flatter than a pancake!

Hwy 290 by this time was very busy and even though we were on long straight away and off the road we felt somewhat vulnerable with those cars and trucks whizzing by at high rates of speed. Cell phone reception was not too good, but got through to Roadside Assistance, but best they could do (on a holiday) was have someone pick us up and take us to a Honda dealer and "drop us off"! Of course, the dealers were all closed so we would have had to leave the bike outside the dealership and get ourselves home best way possible! While talking to them, Jim & Diane H. each riding a bike pulled up to check on us (bikers are like that....always looking out for each other....just an attitude that comes with two wheels...but I digress...) and they offered to call another biker friend who had a trailer and would probable help us out! Eric agreed to come after us but he was almost an hour away and to sit tight. Jim and Diane stayed with us and kept us company until Eric showed up with his trailer and an air compressor which did not help at all as the air would go out as fast as we could put it in. Eric has done this many times and he immediately took charge and in matter of minutes we got the Wing on the trailer and tied down. We said good bye to our new friends and got in the truck with Eric. He informed us that he had called the local dealers and could not get ahold of anyone to open up the service department so he was just going to take us home....a two and half hour trip, one way! We could not believe how lucky we were! Eric was a real blessing...as was Jim and Diane! Eric helped me get it off the trailer and in my garage and then as we were saying good bye I offered to reimburse him for his gas and he would not even consider taking a nickle! He was serious when he said that all he wanted me to do was....."pay it forward"!!

Our new friends, Jim & Diane!!

Bikes are made "to ride" not ride....

You have to admit....it's a good looking bike...ain't it?
(but..we are saving on gas......)

We got the bike (and us) home Thursday evening and next morning I got up and drove half way to San Antonio, met Dave and Brendan and brought him back for a week end visit....here is a couple of recent pictures of him!

He's giving Nana a few pointers....

Visiting with his Mom and sisters via web-cam...ain't this modern technology grand......?

He's a good looking boy! We love having him close by!

Thanksgiving and Christmas 2008

2008-12-28T11:41:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2008

Anyone who knows us is well aware how important Thanksgiving is for our family and 2008 was no exception! John has a brother and two sisters with whom we've celebrated Thanksgiving almost continually since our marriage in 1969. With only a couple of exceptions we have met somewhere and celebrated as a family together. In the beginning (and for many years) we would meet at someones house and have "giant" spend the night(s) party! Frank, Barbara, and Kathy have 3 kids apiece and John two for total of 15 kids...fast forward to now and most of those kids have their own kids so we are now a family of about 40! Therefore, now we have to rent a very large house where we can sleep all of us!

This year we were able to rent a retreat house at a Methodist Camp and Conference Center in Northern Alabama, which was perfect even if we did have to sleep in bunk beds in a room with at lease two other couples and shared a bath room with about 15 other adults and multitude of little people! There were a couple of lakes with canoes and paddle boats and lots of woods and wide open spaces! The weather was just great! Kids (old and young) could get out and play and have lots of fun with their cousins.

We left Pearland Monday, November 24th after work and spent the night on the road and made it to Cindy's (Madison, AL) mid afternoon and were able to spend some "just our family" time with our daughters, their husbands and 7 of our grandchildren - poor Sean - he was only boy! We all left next morning for the retreat house and met up with the rest of our family! Nana & Dandy (sometimes known as "The Grand We Two") had decided that our primary responsibilities were being connected to at least one, but sometimes, more than one, grandchild at all times. Dandy certainly got a lot of exercise on the front porch swing with a baby or two in his lap and in walking around the lake or kicking leaves with the kids....Nana, is still walking with a lean after spending most of her time doing her normal cooking and looking after everyone with a baby on her hip!! There is nothing sweeter than having a sweet little baby taking a nap on your shoulder, even sweeter when one of the older girls curls up beside you or in your lap, just to sit awhile!!

After each Thanksgiving, we all say that it just can't get any better...well they do and this was no exception: Almost everyone was able to attend and everyone got along...the food was fantastic...and except for the little incident where Kyla was practicing her skydiving landing techniques, no one got hurt! It seems this was the only time anyone can recall that "only one" trip to the emergency room was required!

Even though it was great trip, ever thing must end and on Saturday morning everyone started packing up and ---- it hit us ---- this is the first time we are going back to Texas --- alone! Kathy and her group went back to their home in Utah and Cindy was staying in Alabama! And now that Thanksgiving is "over" for this year Christmas was right behind and we knew that this would be our first Christmas since 1970 (Kathy was 4 months old), that we would not have any kids around!! Not trying to turn this into a "downer" but this is tough on us, being out here all alone! Now don't get me wrong, we are active and we have friends and our church family, but it is different not having any "blood" around! So we were not looking forward to this Christmas at all, but as it turns out we have a very good one!

We did finally put up a tree (but not all three) and after doing most of our shopping on line and getting each other a few things, we did get into the spirit. We had several Christmas parties with our Motorcycle Gang and our Church Small Group, and even put lights and decorations on the Goldwing and rode in the Pearland Christmas parade. Then on Christmas morning we had brunch at the home of one of our favorite families, the Embertons and a bunch of other church friends. We had a fantastic Christmas Super with an "almost" family...I say almost because my sister has a daughter, Jenny, who lives in Florida and is married to Paul who has a brother, Mark who lives about one half a mile from us with his wife Barb and three children! They knew we were alone and invited us over for Prime Rib and Maine Lobster --- turns out Mark was professional chef and ran his own restaurant for many years! The boy can cook!! Anyway we had a great time with them, her parents, the two boys 7 & 5 and a precious little girl about 4 months old. We had to leave from there and headed to the church were we had some time with our Celebrate Recovery group, singing Christmas songs and eating treats...! So we spent the day with great people and eating (all day long)!!

So we had good holiday after all even though we did miss our own kids, we were with people we love and love us! OH!!! We did get some time with Kathy and her girls via WEB CAM!!!! We had bought Nana new computer with built in web cam and Kathy has one as well, so she figured out how to work it and we were able to visit for almost an hour in the afternoon, just talking and seeing some of the things they got from Santa...and we got to hear Kyla play the piano! So we got to see and hear four of our girls (5 counting Kathy)! So it was a good day after all....a very good day...our God is so good to us!!!

Here are a few more pictures from Thanksgiving....enjoy!

Lexie & Lauren

Cousins, Angie & Donna

Dandy & Kyla

Barbara, Donna & Angie (unwinding)

Donna & Tara

Sisters (in-law)

Barbara & Peggy

Crazy Jeff & Little Mike

Cousins, Kathy & Donna

Happy ray of Sunshine, "Melody"!

View from front porch

Kyla on Back dock

Kyla had to try luck on the big lake!

Cousins, Lizzy & Ryann (already telling secrets)

Big Sister with her little Sisters!

Sean with his "big" cousins "coloring together...ain't it sweet?

Greg & his own personal "good" fairy...he hopes!

(Tinker Bell Lizzy)

Who is this mystery "cousin"?

Mama-Daughter time

Picture was taken the last night and they were a "tired" bunch!

Cindy's so proud...you'd think she cooked it!!

Nana with the 3 "littlest" girls....Caitlyn, Lizzy & Tara

Uncle Charlie with Kyla, Lizzy, Melody & Gracie

He loves it....

And now a "bonus" pic.....

See.....! It does snow in south Texas!

(Taken first week in December 2008)

We're BACK!!!

2008-08-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

Over two years ago, after buying the Yamaha, Nana and I (Dandy) decided it would be great to have our own “adventure” blog and following our daughter Kathy's lead and assistance, we got it up and running. We added a couple of new items, then we went though some family changes…Kathy moved with her family to Utah and then few months later Cindy and Kevin moved their family to Alabama. Not that we went on big downer and withdrew to ourselves, but we actually had a lot going on and we (being the certified procrastinator that I am) kept putting off the updates until “later”! In meantime we kept taking more and more pictures and having more motorcycle or grand children related adventures.
· We’ve been on trips with Brendan and Kyla to Utah in 07

· We have had Cindy and Kevin visit us a couple of times
· We have visited Cindy and Kevin (Easter)
· We have had Brendan (and/or) Kyla numerous times at our house or on short vacation to the Texas Hill County.
· We have been to Alabama for Thanksgiving
· I have been on numerous “Patriot Guard Riders” missions
· We have been on numerous other rides together for fun or for fund raising group rides
· We have joined a great group of like minded biker types – Mid Life Cycles (MLC) and joined them on several social “meet , ride & eat”
· Took long ride in June to Arkansas with the MLC (1400 miles in 4 days)
· Bought a new Motorcycle (The Wing)
· And a bunch of other things
· Traveled again to Utah to welcome Caitlyn Joyce, who made her arrival August 11, 2008.
So rather than try to relate and document all the events (play by play) what follows is going to be our attempt at providing a “pictorial” update. I am not even going to try and get them in exactly the right order or to put the dates on each. I will add a couple of other posts that I have written previously, but did not publish.
Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo…………………..enjoy!!!

These are not in order, but wanted to share!

On the Guadalupe River 2008
Brendan at Canyon Lake Spring 2008
Brendan and Tara

Ride that Bull, Kyla!! Houston Rodeo 2008 Arkansas Pig Trail 2008 Mid Life Cycles
Kathy and Tara 2008
Kyla "Bell" with the Texas Blue Bonnets

Easter 2008 with the Brady's

Dandy with Brendan & Kyla

On the River - saw this cute little monkey

These guys like the outdoors
In Arkansas
Here is Kathy with all her Chidren in "one" spot!

Moody Gardens (Galveston, TX) 2008
Boy loves the water
So does Kyla & Dandy
Kyla's 10th Birthday
The view from the Morgan's back porch - Smithfield, UT

Typical Background for these "cool" bikers!
She's crying...finally a quilt store and it was closed - Eureka Springs, Ark.
Brendan & Kyla, Sean, Melody & Lizzie Summer 2008
We vacationed...HARD!
They love their Nana!!!

Cowgirl Kyla - what a smile!

Nana & Dandy with the Brady bunch - Easter 2008
Eureka Springs

Biker Daughter!
Brendan with Caitlyn Aug. 2008
Kyla & Caitlyn

Kathy and her sweet number 5 - Caitlyn Joyce

Nana helping baby Caitlyn to "yawn"

Dandy & Kyla teaching Tara to wade in a cold creek!

Texas Hill Country - 2008

On an Arkansas Road - the famous Pig Tail!
Our Biker Gang - the Mid Life Cycles - In Eureka Springs

With their "littlest" sister

The sign puts in "mildly" - we love these curvy, hilly back roads across USA

That sun was coming UP! Getting ready to saddle up for Arkansas 2008
Are we "cool" or what?

Nana and Melody
Lizzie is good at finding Easter Eggs!
Ready for the Easter Parade!

Kathy and all five!!!
Ryann loves her new baby sister!

Here are a fewpics take on our trip to Utha with Brendan and Kyla July/August 2007. We nearly lost Kyla in Roswell...but thanks to a little help from her big brother...the aliens did not get her!!!
The First of about 647 photo ops for B&K...(but only a few here..)

...you stay on your side of the Continent and I will stand on my side!

Come Nana....PUSH!!!!

Four Corners (Utah, New Mexico, Colorada & Arizona) - Brendan was the photographer -

Out in the Wide Open Spaces

Over the Grand Canyou (North Rim)

They like things "up close"!! Real Close!!!

Just awesome.....

We had an awesome time!!!

View from Daughter #1's back deck!!

While in Utah we did (just had to) rent this Goldwing and in 24 hours put 600 miles cruising the moutains and plains of Utah and Wyoming (slept 8 hours too!!)

Mug Shots

2007-05-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

On Thursday evening we were finally able to get the whole gang together for a family picture
We were even able to get all the grandkids to sit still together to have this great shot made.
This was Tara Patrice's first professional photo. She sure has grown and already a photo ham.
After the pictures were all done we had six of the grandkids spend the night with us. These pictures were actually made this morning and in the first one Ryann was still asleep. We had pancakes and bacon for breakfast. Then everyone helped clean up. Ryann wanted to get done in half the time so she used both hands.

Brendan, Kyla and Ryann will be with us until Wednesday next week while Kathy and Steve are in Utah looking for a house. That's right for all you that didn't know, they are moving to Utah and taking the children with them. Steve has a new job out there and starts work on June 11th.

We can't beleive they are going and even have a hard time writing about it so I won't.

More Pictures from our Hill Country Trip!

2007-05-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

Hill County: Nana-Dandy Style

2007-05-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

Summer's coming quick and we knew that one of the reasons we got the cruiser was to ride in the Texas Hill County in the Spring during the Wildflower seasons and Spring was slipping into Summer quick so we decided to hit the road last weekend. Everything seem perfect for a long week end...especially the weather (at least according to weatherman --- HA!), so we took off Friday May 4th after Carolyn got off work! Two pair of Jeans each, few more shirts and undies, toothbrush and our rain gear and off we went!

We had decided to drive as far as Eagle Lake (about 100 miles from Pearland) by the long way to avoid traffic on country roads. We arrived the Eagle Lake Lodge (sort of a B&B without the last B), before dark and then had supper ... Next morning we had big breakfast at the Sportsman Resturant in Eagle Lake and hit the road. The day was cloudy and as we got into the Hills we started running into misty rain, but did not dampen our spirits.

After a couple of stops we pulled into Fredricksburg and found our B&B, The Oak Cottage at the Rosewood Manor, which was beautiful and was hosted by Daine and Bob ? We stayed there Saturday and Sunday nights and enjoyed the great setting, nice room and excellent Gourmet Breakfasts...Awesome!

Even though we had the misty rain most all of time, we continue with our plans to "roam the Hills" and roam we did! We just drove slow and carefully and had a ball! We know it is all about attitude and we decided we were going to ride, enjoy God's beautiful Texas Countryside and each other and we had a wonderful time! Carolyn and I know that we are constantly being "Graced...by our Gracious God" in our marriage over and over again! And you know, we've been to the Hill Country before and traveled some of the same scenic roads before in our Car, but there is nothing like being out in the country on a motorcycle...you not only see more, but you feel the wind and the various temperture changes as well as the sweet smell of the flowers and trees as well as the smells of the farms and ranches and some of the other "natural smells" like skunk and the occasional dead animal...but it is all part of the package when you are experiencing the Great Outdoors from the back of a 1100cc Motorcycle....kinda like the Cowboys must have felt on Horse back...just a little faster!! Enjoy the pics....until next time...just living life...."The Grand We Two" way!! God Bless.

Quilt Shop Hop...The Grand We Two Way

2007-04-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

It all started when Carolyn approached John with the suggestion that he take Friday (March 30) off (perk of being "self employed") and spend the say with her going to five different Quilt Stores...."on the Motorcycle"...she quickly added. As mentioned in an earlier post, "Carolyn loves Quilting and John loves Carolyn" and since we both love riding the "cruiser" it was an no brain er!

We got up bright and earlier and headed for west side of Pearland (Silver Lake) for breakfast and a very expensive stop at a flooring store....but that's another story for another "post". After a nice IHOP breakfast, we took a drive to the very west side of Houston (Mason Road & I-10), then to the northeast area (Humble), but on way stopped at the ONLY Krystal Hamburger Restaurant in greater Houston area (only two in Texas). If you have to ask...you've been missing a real treat! From there we went to the Quilt shop in Humble and thanks to a envious store clerk who rides with her hubby, we found a neat (albeit) long way to the 3rd shop in La Porte, Texas. After a brief stop over (Carolyn checks out the fabric and I checked out the cookies at each shop...somebody had to eat them...), we then departed for our last stop which was in Galveston, Texas. It was late when we finished there (due to the visit to the flooring store...do you have any idea how many different types of wood floor styles there are....thousands), and we were pretty tired after dealing with some very heavy winds for the whole 250-300 miles, so we decided to skip the 5th store which is the store Carolyn works anyway (if you can call it work), Quakertown Quilts in Friendswood and headed on home! It was a great day, but due to the limited space available on the Cruiser, Carolyn was not able to buy very much fabric....darn!

The Grand We Two...

2007-03-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

...are John & Carolyn in the "Best Years of Our Lives", happily married 39 years, proud parents of two beautiful Daughters and even prouder of our 8 (count them...seven) grand children, two boys, Brendan & Sean and five girls; Kyla, Melody, Ryann, Lizzy, Tara and Caitlyn. The oldest was born in August 1994 and the youngest made her appearance August 2008!

We enjoy riding our motorcycle, participating in our Church and its ministries, quilting (Carolyn loves quilting and John loves Carolyn) and of course being active with our girls and their families who all live close by. John owns his own counseling business and Carolyn works part time at her favorite quilt store.

We may be in our 50s (Carolyn) and 60s (John) but we are loving and living life (and each other) more than ever before and it is the intent of our blog to share with our friends and family how loving each other and serving our Savior while pursuing our passions adds up to the "Grand We Two"!