Colorado, Days #6 & 7

We visited the Rocky Mtn Chocolate Factory, where last year a bear made multiple trips in and out one night for chocolate peanut butter cups and chocolate drizzled Rice Krispy Treats:)

We ate dinner at The Wild Rose and the spouse enjoyed elk chops while I tried the tortellini.  YUM!

Thursday, we took the kids to the Go-Kart place and they had a blast!

Even Miss Alex got to enjoy a train ride:)

Kids also rode the bumper boats, bumper cars, and engaged in a friendly Water Wars competition, the boys vs their sister:)  And we all played Mini-Golf, and I'm still the family champ with the low score of 49:)

Then it was time for a quick change and meet the rest of the family at Nicky's Resort to celebrate Mom and Dad's 50th Anniversary and Mom's 71st birthday.  And of course, took the obligatory family photo!

Outside shot of Nicky's.  This is the restaurant, and we also stayed in rooms at the resort back in 2002.

Wednesday night was when we had to move to the Appenzell Inn, sister hotel of the Silver Moon.

Our room is on the lower level to the left of the building.  Parking was tight, and I think we were only able to park in this space once.

Flashback Friday: Florida and Making A Decision

Aug 1993:
Mom took 18-m/o K and I to Florida, to spend a week with my grandmother.  K enjoyed the pool and the beach, calling every seagull/pelican/egret 'Duck!' and every overweight older gentleman 'Daddy!'  He also enjoyed snuggling on his Great-Grandma's lap in the evenings and getting his back scratched.  I kept him slathered in Water Babies, spf 30, and by the end of the trip you could just see a hint of a tan line where his diaper had been.  Swimmies hadn't been invented; he had a blue Mickey Mouse swimsuit and a green one with fish on it.  That way if he soiled one, we had a back up:)  I ended up with a gorgeous tan, and was thrilled by the blonde sun streaks in my hair.

I'd also gotten my hair cut short by this time; K was confused by the sight of no more hair hanging to my shoulders.  I'd also used one of my Olan Mills photo sessions for me, and thought I looked pretty good in my dark orange shorts, white tank top, and yellow camp shirt.  Whenever I wore that outfit, I was complimented, and it helped me feel attractive.

Upon return, I was restless.  Baby T was with his parents in Arkansas, and B was now in full time kindergarten.  With the loss of my income, I felt maybe it was time to return to the work force.  But doing what?  Returning to the country club was out of the question; it was an hour away.  Anything in my field required a Master's degree, and I didn't want to go back to working with the disabled.  So I tried hitting up the restaurants.  And was hired.

I began taking K to B's mom every morning, but the transition was rough.  And by day #4, I couldn't take it anymore.  I talked to D, who supported my decision, and I resigned.  Football season was approaching, and I wanted to take my little guy outside and toss a ball, roll in the leaves, and continue to be his Mommy.

Toward the end of the month, my mom called with the news MOPS (Mothers Of Preschoolers) was starting up at our church, and would I be interested in coming up twice a month for the group, and joining her for lunch?  I said sure, and called to register myself and K.

Next Month:  Another Life Decision.

*****
Present Day:
Colorado pics will resume Monday:)  Have a good weekend!

Colorado, Days 4 and 5:)

Mom and Dad relaxing by Fall River, outside their hotel room:)  (This was before altitude sickness hit my mom)

My sister, her kids, and I decided to hike around Lake Estes.  Here are R and D with me in front of the Big Horn Sheep statue at the entrance.

R and D decided to explore one of the hills, about a fourth of the way around the lake.

View of the lake and Estes Park from where we were above:)

Tues, we went to the Alluvial Fan in Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park.

Youngling, wearing his new cowboy hat and boots:)

Son K (black shirt) at the top of the Alluvial Fan, taking a picture of me as I'm taking a picture of him!

Later, we went up the switchbacks of Old Fall River Pass and ate lunch at the Alpine House (11,000 feet above sea level).  This is a view of a snow field outside the window.

Mon night, we ate at the Big Horn Restaurant

Tues night, we dined at the Grumpy Gringo, a Mexican restaurant

View of Beaver Meadows (I think!!), Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park

Tues morning, the spouse wanted biscuits and gravy for breakfast instead of doughnuts or waffles at the hotel.  So we went to The Egg and I:)

HDH #18 and More Vacation Pics:)

I can't seem to find my Hump Day Hook picture; I may have to download it again.  Anyway, go here for a list of participants:)

Here's another snippet of Love Weighs In:

 “You turned the light on.”

“Yeah.” Sitting on the bed beside her, he tugged on the sheet and slipped his hand inside to touch her skin. Susan sat up and kissed him, then jumped when he pulled the covers away. “God, Su. Oh honey, you’re perfect.” His open mouth found her nipples again, and she settled back into the pillows.

She protested while her body quivered for more. “I thought you wanted to watchTerminator.”

“We’ll rent the damn thing. Oh God, Su.”

Now for Day #2 and 3 of the vacation:)

We stopped at a nice rest stop outside Council Bluffs, IA, in order to let everyone, especially Miss A, stretch their legs and run off some energy.

I was initially upset when I found out W had brought his rubber ball, but it turned out to be a good thing, as an impromptu game of soccer entertained everyone, including Miss A:)

Day #3:  Niece R and Nephew D enjoying breakfast in Kearney, NE.  This hotel had a water park, though not as elaborate as the 1st one, and a coffee bar, where I could enjoy a morning latte:)

We stopped at Cabela's in Sydney, NE and picked up a cute pink camo hoodie for Miss A:)

There's a Pony Express monument in front:)

We reached Wyoming, and were greeted by a friendly dinosaur (lol!) at a gas station.

A buffalo statue.....

....and a double rainbow greeted us when we crossed into Colorado:)

Big Thompson river dam:)  And the kids were upset they had no cell reception.

We have arrived!  Our room was to the right of the flag, on the 2nd floor.  There was also a screw-up in our reservations; we could only stay until Wed, but they would put us up in their sister hotel for the rest of the week, at a significant discount.  My sister, parents, and oldest kids' rooms were fine.  Only ours had been entered wrong.

Tomorrow:  Exploring Lake Estes and RMNP!

Big Announcement and Vacation Photos, Day #1

Love Weighs In Has Arrived!!!
Blurb:
What happens when your roommates are pencil-slim without trying, and you gain a dress size by looking at chocolate?  Susan Best struggles with her self-esteem after a bad break up.  She diets in the wrong manner, and soon it's almost out of control.  When love sneaks up on her, can she accept the truth her man loves her, not the number on her clothes?

Travis Freeman was instrumental in jump-starting Susan’s singing career.  But he didn’t count on the dark side of being in the spotlight, and stands by helpless as the woman he loves spirals out of control.  But after alerting her friends to the problem, he risks losing her altogether.

Jamie watched his identical twin brother Rob break Susan’s heart.  Thrilled by the fact their friendship is rekindled, he appoints himself her personal body guard during their summer job.  But when he kisses her, is she picturing his brother?


Excerpt:

“We’re getting a better response when you’re out in front, Susan. Do you think we can split up the lead on the next set? I’ll sing the first verse and you the second. We can switch back and forth after that.”

Susan hesitated. “Do you think it will work?”

Glenn nodded. “Hell, yes. The boys love you out there, and the manager’s thrilled. The more they dance and yell, the thirstier they get. Ergo, the more drinks they buy.”

“Ergo?” Susan laughed. “I didn’t think you knew that word.”

“I’m a man of many hidden talents, my dear.” He saluted her with his beer.

Susan downed her ice water. “Let’s try it. It can’t hurt, and like Glenn says, they’re all drunk now, anyway. I doubt they’d notice if we flubbed up.”

“You’re not going to flub up in front of us, are you?” teased a familiar voice. Susan looked up in surprise as Gretchen, Shawn, Amy, Brad, Caitlyn, and Peter approached.

“Hi, guys.” Happy to see them, she stood up and hugged her friends. “No, we’re just talking about making a slight change in the last set.” She introduced the band members.

“We just got here. Let’s go find a table and get a round of drinks. Break a leg, kids.” Gretchen ushered the rest toward the bar.

Susan excused herself to use the rest room and overheard a disturbing conversation between two other girls.

“...can’t believe she’d have the guts. I mean, did you see the size of her thighs? And that shirt. Good lord. You’d think people who pork out like that would have the decency not to tuck their shirts in like that.” A toilet flushed.

“I know, and can you believe her voice? I sing better than that in the shower.” Water running and the hand dryer drowned out the voices.

Are they talking about me? I’m not leaving until I know they’re both gone. She peeked through the crack between the stall door and the wall and saw the two girls touching up their makeup.

“She needs to get with the times.  The Madonna look is so three years ago.”

“At least she’s not wearing a miniskirt.” Their voices disappeared as the door slammed closed.

Stunned, Susan left her stall. She looked at her reflection in the wavy mirror and studied herself. They’re right, I am a fat slob. My stomach has this bulge at the zipper, instead of being nice and flat. She stuck out her tongue and washed her hands. And my thighs do look awful in these jeans. Why oh why did I even wear them?

Because you were in a hurry. You were so happy after messing around with Travis, you forgot to be careful with what you wore tonight. Now people are talking about you!

How can I get up on that stage and wow them for another ninety minutes? They don’t want to see me or hear me. I heard that woman! I sing like I’m tone-deaf or something! Susan brushed aside the few tears. I’ve got to get back out there and fake it. Nobody’s forcing me to continue after tonight. I’ll finish this last set, even though my friends are out there, hearing us for the first time.

Releasing TODAY at Secret Cravings Publishing! 

And since it wouldn't be release day without a contest, answer this question: What was Susan drinking?

Colorado Vacation, Day #1:

Lunch at Steak-n-Shake.  This is my nephew D and niece R, eating with Grandma and Grandpa in Bloomington, IL.

After lunch, Uncle K took a nap with Miss A:)

Crossing the Mighty Mississippi!

In Iowa, we kept seeing signs for the 'Adult Superstore'.  It doesn't look that big to me; guess it's like the TARDIS, and is bigger on the inside?

Part of the pool area in Williamsburg, IA.  D, R, and my youngling had a blast on the two water slides, and R went down this smaller slide as well.

Miss A thought the water was too cold and spent an hour on Great-Grandpa's lap!

The very pretty trees in the hallway outside the water park:)

August Catch Up And Reading Schedule

Currently Reading:  Finished Just Like Heaven and LOVED it!  Recommended Read:)  Also read Pretending He's Mine by Lauren Blakely, and had trouble putting it down.  Another Recommended Read!  Now I'm on Chapter 3 of Kalaidescope Summer by Rita Garcia.  This one's in 1st person, which usually turns me off, but so far it's enjoyable:)


July Recap:
I spent most of July in the Editing Zone.  We also straightened out the issue with our daughter, and looked forward to a relaxing vacation in Colorado.

And then I learned Kenzie would be on a Review Tour the same week!  I preposted her blog and left an update on mine, to help with the promo.  I think it worked; she had a total of 43 comments and the reviews were all good.

Vacation was relaxing, and I did get about 100 words written while in a peaceful spot by the river.  But most of my time was in videographer mode, since my mom came down with altitude sickness, then her body reacted to the previous 2-week stress.  Result, she could not be far from her hotel room the entire week.  So I decided to give her a virtual vacation and filmed nearly everything we did, so she could watch it at the end of the day.  We made her room 'Vacation Central', and checked in 1st thing in the morning, then after every activity, and again in the evening.  So even if she couldn't participate, she didn't feel left out!

Books Read:  16 
           Print:  6
           E-book:  10
           DNF:  1


Health:
Thyroid meds were boosted, and made an appointment with my Indpls dr for a 2nd opinion.  Am also scheduled for a sleep schedule in September, fun fun.

Minor Vacation Gripe:  
I'd saved 15 books on my Kindle for the trip, only to have it confiscated by my daughter, who read BC Brown's books and played games on it.  She also switched it to her FB account.  I know what I'm getting her for Christmas!!

August Reading Schedule:
Paradise Hops-Liz Crowe Very good!  RR
Plotting To Win-Tara Chevrestt Wonderful story!  DRR
Tansy Taylor-Kathy LaMee Bleh.  Too long, too many spelling and punctuation errors.
Just Like Heaven-Barbara Bretton Wonderful story!  RR
Pretending He's Mine-Lauren Blakely Another wonderful one!  RR
Kalaidescope Summer- Rita Garcia Good story; this was long (over 200 pages).
Saltwater Kisses- Krista Lakes Wonderful story!  DRR
Moosed Up-Tiffinie Helmer  Loved the humor in this!  RR
Rush To The Alter-Jamie Carie Excellent!  RR
Sex Ed-Mia Watts Loved this!  DRR

Publishing Efforts:

Love Weighs In releases soon, and I still have to find the notebook which has the address and phone number of the eating disorder clinic I called in order to research this topic.  I also read several books and interviewed one of my adopted teens, who saw what was going on in her school.  The counselor pooh-poohed her observations, but I kept it in the book.

Back To School!

School began last Friday (idiotic, I know...) and have decided to resume the walking.  The SU and I did 14 blocks today, so we'll see how far we work up to.  I'd like to resume my 3 miles, but he's not up to that level yet.

Writing:

Believe it or not, I started another wip while on vacation, and over the weekend the character sketch 'fleshed out' in my brain for the heroine.  I know how they're going to meet; what their initial conflict will be; just don't know when I'll get around to writing it.  We need to get a regular schedule first, since I seem to spend 2 hours every morning on the business side of my job.  Then I need to get up and stretch, and do the Mommy/Grandma/Wife job.

I wish I could just go to an outside office every morning.  There are too many distractions here.

Anyway, starting tomorrow, I'll be posting a few pics from the vacation for you enjoyment, if you haven't already scrolled through the 400+ on my FB page!

Health Update:
I woke up Saturday August 3rd and felt as if I'd just slept on my neck wrong; it felt like I'd sprained the left side of my neck, or just pulled a muscle.  But the pain continued, and it even hurts to lift my arms above my head to wash my hair.  So went to the dr last Thursday.  CBC came back clean, and she's unsure why my immune system has kicked into high gear.  There's obviously some kind of infection which no tests are finding!

And then my daughter tested positive for Mono on Saturday.  I wonder if I'm the carrier?  I'm also extremely fatigued (Sat slept 10 hours, was up three, then took three hour nap; Sun slept 8 hours; up 6, slept 3 more; awake for 4; went to bed).

Karaoke Update:
I'm finished with the 'Don'ts'!!!  Since there were only 4 of us singing at first, I got through my entire list of 5 songs in the 1st hour!  

Alone (Heart):  Warm-up, and don't think it sounded too bad; it's been a while since I've sung this!
Don't Turn Around (Ace of Base):  Ugh.  Thought I did better in practice.  Scratching this one off.
Down On The Corner (CCR):  Didn't know how it would go, but it turned out to be one of my best of the night!  And discovered I've been singing the chorus wrong all these years, lol!
Close My Eyes Forever (Ozzy Osborn/Lita Ford):  Finally!  Mark and I nailed this one!  And he did NOT drown me out, lol!
Just Like Jesse James (Cher):  Heard a 'Awesome job!' from unknown bystander:)
Downtown (Petula Clark):  May keep this one also:)  Did well on it!
Shambala (3 Dog Night):  Surprisingly, I did well on this one:)  Need to get it on video.
Better Dig Two (Band Perry):  Had people dancing and singing along!  Another keeper:)

Flashback Friday

Currently Reading:  Finished Paradise Hops (Liz Crowe) and Plotting To Win (Tara Chevrestt) and OMG!  Go pick both of these up, esp PTW.  Definite Recommended Reads for both!  PH is probably now up near the top of my favorite Liz stories, and PTW is a hilarious look at what might happen if authors were given a reality show.  You will NOT be disappointed!  I also finished Tansy Taylor:  Paranorma PI (Kathy LaMee) and enjoyed the first half, plus the premise.  Was actually disappointed to find both spelling and punctuation errors.  Now I'm really enjoying Just Like Heaven by Barbara Bretton.  Already calling this one a Recommended Read, even though I'm only halfway through it.  The scenes between Mark and Kate are hysterical, and will have you laughing!


Aug 1983:
Neglected to mention:  In July 1983, I also developed a strange illness, brought on my my heavy schedule.  I was literally falling into bed every afternoon, sleeping for two hours before dinner and band practice.  I'd come home, grab a snack, and fall asleep again.  And when I began falling asleep in typing class, Mom finally took me to the doctor, who recommended I sit out one day and just sleep.

I didn't want to take a chance on having to take my Gov't final, since the teacher had said those with perfect attendance would be exempt.  And my three day absence while on the choir trip was justified and didn't count against me.  So Mom picked me up after Gov't, and I went home and slept.  It didn't quite cure me, but at least I was able to stay awake in typing class, and LOVED the day we were able to practice on the 'new' electric ones!

After returning from Florida, band picked up again as we finished tweaking our field show.  The heat intensified and rose into the 100s.  During one practice, I saw former b/f A lower his sousaphone and go to the sidelines.  After practice, I checked on him; my mom was monitoring his sugar level and keeping him hydrated.  A was still shaky, so I picked up his 50 lb sousaphone and tossed him my flag.  Together we walked up the hill and back to school, where he was grateful for my assistance.  Our friendship would never again be the same as it was the previous year, but at least he knew I still cared about him.

I also began to take more flack from the other senior girls when friend B showed up at practice again.  To tease B, I took a few underclassmen friends with me over to the tennis courts during a break and distracted HIM from practice.

That year, our 1st football game was held the Friday before school began.  And due to the heat, an extra long halftime would be held.

After our halftime show, I walked along the bleachers after getting a hot dog from the concession stand.  I heard 'Hey Molly!'  and looked up.  B's friend J was waving at me as he came down to the front.

"Hi J....have you seen my 'husband' anywhere?"

"He's working at the Custard tonight.  You guys looked great!"

"Thank you.  And someone needs to bring in the money while I'm out there entertaining the crowd!"

He threw back his head and laughed, then waved and returned to his seat.  I continued on to my seat and ate my hot dog, confident J would relate the conversation to B later.

I don't remember if we won the game or not, but B sought me out the 1st day of school, since our lockers were on the same floor and separated by a block of classrooms.  He was disappointed to learn I would only be at school for three hours; I would be teaching at Head Start from 9am-12, returning in time for my 5th and 6th hour classes.  He walked me downstairs to the HERO classroom, then caught up with me before I caught the bus afterward.  Our lunch breaks overlapped; I'd walk him to his locker before 5th period, then we'd alternate walking each other to our classes.  Final period, since I wasn't technically due outside for band practice until 2pm, we'd spend the entire 5 minute passing period together in the hallway.  I'd then duck into my mom's office, change my clothes, then grab my flag and head outdoors to warm up.

A week later, the buzz around school continued we were dating, even though we weren't.  And since we were now Seniors, and B was one of the Most Popular ones, the attention he received from the adoring sophomore girls went to his head.  I refused to feed his ego, and this led to a series of arguments between us.

Next Month:  Jealousy, tension, and senioritis.

*****
Present Day:
I'm finally getting back to a normal routine after being on vacation.  Bear with me; I'll post the August Reading Schedule and the July Wrap Up next week.