GOOD BYE - HELLO

We arrived safe in Laramie, Wyoming and had a good time there. After a good night's sleep we "did the town" so to speak. Went shopping at CORRAL WEST, and met two cowgirls that were minding the store. Had fun and bought a few things,we were in at CORRAL WEST at least 2 hrs. the longest the man in my life has shopped with me since I can't remember when. If you ask him "did you have fun shopping?" he would say "no, but I found it satisfying". Need I say more? Only that his RIDGE RIDER VEST he bought saved the day today and that's all he talked about. So, in hindsight he did have fun - remember it was a cowboy and cowgirl store. After that, we went to one of our favorite restaurants in Laramie - CORONA VILLAGE - where we both ate one of our favorite Mexican meals. As we were sitting in the booth my husband said "I think we should have bought the western floor mats, so guess what, back we went to CORRAL WEST, and surprised one of our new friends, THE RODEO QUEEN with the engraved belt buckle to prove it, and purchased a few more very special items. I LOVE LARAMIE WYOMING!

Then we headed south to Ft. Collins, Colorado, and took a 2 lane highway to see the country side. As we headed out it started snowing and a storm was brewing. Steve stopped in at the Veterinary College and said hello to some of his old friends, and when he came out it was pouring down rain. Did I say when he was inside meeting friends in the Radiology Department,that it was sleeting outside for awhile? Crazy Weather. But, we are so glad we took the 2-lane highway and saw the beautiful countryside. We saw many ranches, and some ranchers, and the mountains around there were totally different than in Wyoming. Unlike the Wyoming mountains, the Colorado mountains are filled with thousands of trees, fir trees, and cedar trees, and so much forest. Thousands of perfect CHRISTMAS TREES were all around us. What a beautiful place, plus more white snow, AMAZING!!!!!

Our next destination was Loveland, Colorado which turned out to be a bust because we didn't recognize the village it had grown so much. We also wanted to go by the LOVELANDER BED AND BREAKFAST where 19 years ago we had such a good time (on Valentine's Day) but, we were told it wasn't there anymore. Later after we had left we found out that it was still there, and I think the Church we attended 19 years ago when we were there is still there to, we just couldn't find it. Nineteen years can really make a difference. In fact, at that time we had no grandchildren. Wow!

Then on to Denver, Colorado where we spent the night and woke up to snow. As we left we noticed the snow was getting worse and by the time we had driven about one hour WHAMMO- we drove right into a blizzard that lasted pretty much most of the day. It was a total WHITE OUT with cars and trucks off the road and winds up to 70 miles an hr. I was definitely praying by this time and thought we probably would have to get off or pull off for a few hrs. but remember I was not at the wheel and so we pushed through the mess. You could not see 2 feet in front of you and there were times when you couldn't see ANYTHING!!!!! NOT FUN!!!!! Finally we drove out of the snow and arrived at our destination in Kansas for the night. I think we put in 6 or 7 hrs. of driving today and are planning on driving 5 or 6 hrs. tomorrow. However, the girl behind the desk at the hotel tells us that the storm is on it's way here and will hit about midnight. We will see tomorrow when we awake. And as I am journaling in my blog I hear the wind blowing harder and harder outside. Only God knows at this point.

Colorado was beautiful with magic of it's own. What a paradise. There is the Scottish heritage of Estes Park and the Front Range, Pikes Peak, Mesa Verde, the Northwest and it's charming towns and treasures of that region , then there is Vail, and Aspen with their resorts and winter events, beauty beyond compare, shopping, and a million other activities you can think of because you are in the ROCKY MOUNTAINS!!!!! I've heard that Steamboat Springs' beauty,and Boulder's outdoor adventure, and colorful western heritage is a sight to behold also. So, Colorado - ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH - is definitely on our list for a vacation in the future - GOD Willing! There just wasn't time to do everything this trip, as it is I think we have crammed in so much that it BOGGLES the mind. Every time we get outside or in the SUV we have camera's in hand trying to capture the beauty we have seen. GOD IS GOOD, and HIS creation is amazing!
Yesterday we saw so many beautiful horses, and today lots of buffalo. We have also seen eagles in the mountains, and white snow owls, and so many special birds it is unbelievable. The bears are also just coming out of hiding and sleeping for the winter so, perfect time to leave!!!

Just like my EUROPE TRIP this WESTERN TRIP has been the trip of a lifetime!!! I hope the love of my life has had as much fun as I have!!! I am so grateful to him for all the planning and everything he has put into this trip. What can I say? - - STEVE KNELLER is the BEST!!!!! Thanks honey ( or should I say big hunk) for all the MEMORIES - I LOVE YOU!!!!!

Pictures will be added tomorrow because it is now 1:24 a.m. and I want to go to bed. So, GOOD BYE to the WEST and HELLO to the MIDWEST. Over and out, and more later y'all!

NAPA VALLEY AND BEYOND

Crossing the Sierra Nevada mountains, here near Squaw Valley in California, we reminisce of the past few days; my love and I. Even though the vineyards in Napa Valley were not in bloom they were breathtaking; a site to behold. Never disappointing , Napa Valley lives up to it's reputation and we were amazed at it's beauty. The vineyards grow on the flowing hills and as we dove across the mountains we saw many flowers in bloom. As we drove through a vineyard we also saw fields of tulips in bloom, and they were beautiful, so many gorgous colors. Wisteria was in full bloom, fields of lemon yellow mustard, poppies, hot pink azalias, spirea bushes so full they fell to the ground, magnolia trees in full bloom, and grass as green as velvet. It is so hard to believe we are really here and at times you feel like you are in a movie watching it.

Reluctantly we had to leave Napa Valley and wine country and were able to head out to Placerville, hometown to Thomas Kincaid and his art career. This is a happening place and so busy we could

hardly believe it. Placerville is very picturesque and the homes are all built on the mountains and rolling hills. We visited the T.K..Gallery and viewed some of his original paintings that were valued at $300,000 dollars and up. The lady that helped us with our questions knew Tom and Nanette personally and told us about a movie being made of his early years that will probably be titled HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. The interesting thing about this is it will be a movie, or on television, but is not being advertised as being his story. It will probably come out around the holidays, or maybe before. We purchased a painting of Napa Valley and the big yellow house - where the last time we were in California 19 years ago we had lunch and it was a very special time for us but, could not find it this time because we were in a different part of the valley. We wanted a painting to remember our trip and it was perfect. It looks exactly like where we were this time, plus it has the big yellow house that is such a special memory for the two of us . God is good and as my better half says Life is good!!! After Placerville we continued the memory hunt in Davis, California. We did find the Davis Inn location where we spent our sabbatical 19 years ago, but guess what? - now it's a bank. We had lunch in a quaint resturant and then found the library, where I spent a lot of time 19 years ago, unfortunately everything else in campus town and Davis looks different. The Veterinary Collage looks much the same and it was easy to find, but they have added to it and it does look great. Steve was able to go in and spend a morning there with old friends and that was fun for him.

This morning a new friend told us about Old Town Sacramento and being curious we couldn't miss that, so, we headed out. My husband and I seem to have discovered a lot of "old towns" on this trip and that has been a great blessing. The LORD has really guided us and blessed us with many surprises. We have really looked to him and each day had our time with him and prayed and HE has totally blessed us and we know HE is the navigator of our lives.
We ended our day near Squaw Valley California to find ourselves again in a rustic, western ski village. We left Sacramento and it was 70 degrees. Here it is 40 degrees and dropping, and yes many people are skiing, and unfortunately we have seen several people on crutches and with broken bones. The goal for tomorrow is Salt Lake City, Utah, and that is a BIG ORDER. As I close for this night my thoughts and prayers are for home and all the family and people we love. As an end to this day we send this scripture to all of you with all of our love. "Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the mountains sing for joy together." PSALMS 98:8.

A DEDICATION

Our deepest sympathy, and our love and prayers are with the Hogan family at this time of great loss. When Rod called, we were devastated, shocked, and heart-broken that this tragedy had happened to such a kind and loving Christian family. We have lots of great memories of T.J. - woodcutting weekends come to mind and our latest memory at Blaine's blessing party. When T.J. went up front that night and shared so honestly, it touched us all deeply. We caught him afterwards and told him and he gave us that big Hogan smile, and was so humble about it. As he left, he turned and said goodbye and waved to us. And we will never forget. What a guy he was. TJ always had time for everyone and always stopped to talk with us whenever we were together. May the Lord Jesus, Himself, comfort their hearts and surround them with His presence and hold them in the palm of His hand. Isaiah 61:1-3 kjv. We are truly so sorry we can't be there with them. We will continue to lift them up in our prayers. We were privileged to have known and loved T.J. Hogan. Today was a sad day and a very hard day for everyone who knew and loved T.J. , and tomorrow is the funeral. My husband and I have very heavy hearts tonight as our thoughts and prayers are with the Hogan family.

WISH YOU WERE HERE

It is sat.nite and we are in Hood River, Oregon - just across the river is the state of Washington. I think it is around midnight. I wanted to put my pictures on my blog and write but, Steve fell asleep and I don't want to wake him, - and when i blog and put pictures on he still has to help me a little bit. I tried, but messed it up, so will probably do it tomorrow night or mon. We wanted to stay up on mt. hood at the ski lodge that President Roosevelt had built - it is something else!!! I tried to book a room the first of last week but they were booked with no rooms so Steve said just find us something around there. So,I got on the internet and found a place - they had some rooms left and I thought it looked nice but, when we drove up last night we couldn't believe it. We are at the COLUMBIA GORGE HOTEL and it's something else!!!It was called the "WALDORF OF THE WEST" a magnificent villa perched on a scenic cliff and has a sweeping view of the Columbia River and is known for it's very fine dining and finest accommodations in the northwest. It was built in 1921 and soon became a favorite retreat for movie stars and for presidents, and other political dignitaries. The movie star VALENTINO LOVED IT, and there are 2 rooms named after him. - The long breakfast room that looks out onto the river and gardens are magnificant and a falls that is so beautiful beyond description, and the lounge with a gorgous fireplace. Merna Loy - and Shirley Temple - Clark Gable - and his beautiful blond wife, loved to come here and vacation. It has been totally restored to its original state. It has a tiled roof - red like in Italy. It is stucco and painted a beautiful color and trimmed in hunter green or blue green. There is a door man that helps you in and a turn down service, so your room is always cleaned each day ,and at night bed turned down with flowers on your pillow and chocolates on the night stand and beautiful glass bottles filled with water from Norway - or so it says. Anyway, the grounds and gardens are magnificent and have received all kinds of awards,there are thousands of daffodils in bloom right now and all the other spring flowers, fountains, and bridges, and its all so richly done and looks so glamorous!!! This hotel provides lush, romantic ambience and the service is incredable and even though movie stars, and royalty and very important social people come here and stay, the hotel treats everyone like they are royalty. The artwork and paintings and mirrors and crystal and gold gillded mirrors and carpets and etc. are absolutely beautiful! Our room is something else and we love it. There are plantation shutters on all the windows and also on all the doors going into all the bedrooms, and our room looks out onto the gardens and entrance. I think it is a legacy of luxery that continues today. You should see the grand piano, and there is always someone playing it or some kind of music here. A touch of class!!! Today we left this morning and went up to the top of Mt.Hood,the ski area and to Roosevelts Lodge,it had snowed for 2 and one half days and was still snowing ( when it rains in the valley, it snows in the top of the mountains). There was so much snow it covered one half of the lodge and all of the entrance and they were plowing it out - it took us a long time to get up there because of the newly fallen snow, but, it was worth it!!!! There were hundreds of cars snowed in and trying to get out and the biggest john deer plow I have ever seen clearing the entrance. People were skiing and it was so amazing - we were in a cloud because it covered the lodge and it all looked like a dream or a movie. We finally got in and took forever just looking around and taking pictures and we ate on the top floor looking down on the massive fireplace - at this time outside it was almost like a blizzard and the snow covered most of the windows in the lodge - there were hundreds of people, and we met some kids about Rod, Greg, and Jeff's age and talked to them a long time, and they filled us in on a lot. We ordered chili - white bean - and hot chocolate and boy was that good!!!!! We went out finally to go on the ski lift up to the top where they come down and they had just closed them because of the blizzard - darn - we thought that would be so much fun. We were up almost as far as you could go anyway but, that would have been fun! You can't go to the top all the way unless you are a mountain climber with all the equipment to climb and then you have to have permission because you could die so easily. We had to head down and went through the government village ( that is where President Roosevelt had homes built for the men that built the lodge during the great depression and thats where they lived), now it is a fun place with shops and apartments and condo's. There were cars that were digging out from the snow, or trying to, and on the way down one SUV just like our truck had turned over - flipped - but the two boys in it were o.k. Tomorrow Steve has our day all planned out and it sounds like fun, and we go back to Corvallis tomorrow night. I think w e are going for brunch here at the hotel, and -places unknown to me, I am looking forward to more fun with the love of my life. For now I am going to get some shut eye and hope to blog more tomorrow . PSALM 4:8

A day in Portland

It is about time that I get caught up on my blogging. Where does all the time go? Sunday the LOVE OF MY LIFE and I went to Portland. Who knew? What a great city Portland is - I had no idea! We went sightseeing all day and worked a lot into a short amount of time. First stop: JAPANESE GARDENS - unbelievable!!! We walked up to the top of the hill - small mountain really - and it was breathtakingly beautiful. Following are some pictures I took - while we were there about two hrs., and it was so peaceful , these gardens are in the city where all the action is, but yet on this hillside and small mountain there was complete serenity. I am so glad we stopped there. Second stop - POWELL'S BOOK STORE - a whole city block of books in this bookstore - can you even believe it all you book lover's out there? What a great experience - you could spend six weeks in this place and not see it all. It is definately a city of books!!!!! It has the red room, green room, blue room, purple room, well you get my drift. My husband actually hung out with me for three or four hrs. in a bookstore - a really big sacrifice for him - I doubt I will ever get him in another book store! We had a bite of lunch in the gold room (cafe) and roamed around checking out lots of books until he - my honey - dragged me out of there to hit the road back to Corvallis. We were in the Pearl District, that is the artist's community, and the shops were all closing - it was Sun. evening remember. The sun was setting and the light just bounced off of the buildings. We had to make a quick turn and I said STOP,STOP,STOP!!!!! There was an outdoor florist - hundreds of the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen, so I got out and picked out a bouquet - very large to take back to our upstairs apartment. Then we hit the road and made it back in time for my guy to get some shut eye before Mon. morning classes he had to teach. The end of a perfect day and so much to be thankful for - we love and serve an amazing GOD - HE has created a gorgeous , beautiful, and unique world!!!!! Back to Corvallis - the university valley town that we have both come to love!!!!! More later on the travels of cowgirl Georgia - - and the Love of her Life - cowboy Steve.

NOTE: Do you see the butterfly in one of the pictures? Also in the picture of Portland- note- Mount Hood in the background. That is where we will spend next weekend GOD willing. Later y'all!!!!!