The rest of the Trip

It seems that since we've been home I haven't had a chance to sit down at all. I told Bill that I work harder on Vacation that at work! I did not get a chance to post about the last couple of days of our trip.

Sunday we spent in a little town Gruene (Green) Texas. Just a cute little place. We ate at the Gristmill which is on the river and absolutely beautifully landscaped. Then wandered around in the shops. Just had a wonderful afternoon.

The trip home was pretty unevenful. Stopped at a market in Lake Charles, LA and picked up some boudoin (boo-dan). Really good. Made a stop in Baton Rouge and ate at an Italian Deli that Bill liked when he worked over there after Katrina. Goe home Monday evening. Stopped and got the puppies--I think they were glad to see us.

Texas

Made it to Austin last night. Yesterday was a long day of driving. The grasslands are pretty though. Lots of big ranches and cows. The sides of the highways are all a-bloom and very pretty. Yellow, pink and some purple flowers that I am going to say are Texas Bluebonnets. Peaceful ride. Just long. Things seem to be stretched out and far apart in Texas. Plenty of elbow room. Going down to a little town near San Marcos - Gruen I think is how you spell it. Going to have lunch at the Gristmill River Restruant. Then heading on back toward Mobile. I must confess I am getting ready to be home. Want to spend next week playing in the flowers and stainedglass. Ready to see puppies and grands. Oh! News! Eric and Becky are expecting again! That kinda came out of nowhere. I have placed my order for another girl. 4 grandsons is enough! Eric wants a boy. I guess we'll take what we get and love it bunches anyway. Hope your day is blessed!

Starting our trek home

We left Colorado Springs this morning. We both are feeling better but not out the woods yet. We made it as far as Amarillo, Texas. I enjoyed seeing the grasslands through south Colorado and New Mexico. I found very simple and pretty. Very relaxing. Had supper at the Big Texan. It was ok but over-rated. One guy tried to eat the big steak and failed. 2 guys were starting when we left. They looked like they might make it. Next stop Fortworth and the Creation Museum.

Garden of the Gods/Pike's Peak

Well, we have had 2 beautiful days of site-seeing. Drove down to Colorado Springs yesterday morning. Toured Garden of the Gods and did some shopping at the Trading Post. Bill bought me another pair of earrings from there. Not many people or much traffic to deal with at all. Found a room after that and just did some riding around in the city. Still battling sinus junk and seem to have shared it with Bill. Nice of me huh? Got up this morning and drove up to Pike's Peak. Just a gorgeous day! sunshining brightly. We were not able to get all the way up to the top but were able to get above the tree line probably about 13,000 feet. Still lots of snow on the ground and the winds are really ripping up there! But we did see lots of pretty scenary and had a pic-nic in the car in the park. Stopped in a town called Manitou Springs and did some shopping. Back at the room resting now. Both feeling some better but still sniffy and coughing. The cold air was a bit rough on us. More later.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Finally got to feeling like getting out yesterday. Monday we stayed in all day both sick and the weather was yucky anyway. I have developed a sinus infection and sound like I have the Swine Flu. Sneezing, sniffing etc all the time. But we did get to the park yesterday. Talk about beautiful! Most of the roads are still closed but we were able to get to about 9300 ft. Still lots of snow on the mountain tops and all along the roads were they have plowed. We saw a HUGE herd of Elk! Beautiful, and many deer were walking around town in Estes Park. They just walk through people's yards like they belong there! The day was nice -- cool but the sun was out and we had a fun time.

Think the plan is to drive down to Colorado Springs today. I stopped yesterday and bought lots of sinus meds so I will be highly drugged so hope I can enjoy the day!

Snowy morning

Woke up to snow and rain but mostly snow now. Just relaxing in the hotel lobby drinking coffee and watching the snow fall. Don't really know what our plan is for the day yet.

Posting from Denver CO

Finally made it Denver late this afternoon. Two long days for driving and we are tired. Bill has already given up and is under the covers and I'm not too far behind him. Weather very cool and the snow capped mountains look great. Clear, cool and clean. We stayed last night in Oklahoma City. Drove across Kansas with not much to look at except wind generators and tumble weeds running across the highway committing suicide. We got out to take pix of the generators and the wind out there is amazing. It will almost blow you off your feet!