We are in Colorado and Gary is out hunting right now. He is very very tired from the trip but very glad to be here. I sure hope he gets an elk today or tomorrow!

The area where we are at is not very pretty, but we came through some beautiful country today. I hope to be able to take some pictures of it when we go back.

Gary is willingly wearing his oxygen as he can hardly walk without it. I'm so glad I've not had to wrestle him to the ground to get it on him. We are at about 8000 feet elevation.

Gary didn't see any elk last night or this morning. Thats OK, he will.

He is asleep right now, he will probably sleep most of the day off and on. He is really tired but enjoying every minute of his hunt. He used to come up here to Colorado deer hunting every fall for about 30+ years and he hasn't been up here hunting for the past 8 years. So this trip means a lot to him.

I hope Gary has a good hunting day!!! It sounds like his breathing isn't very good and that's why you didn't have to wrestle him. Personally I would have rather he felt better and you DID have to wrestle him!!! I hope Gary has a great time and it doesn't take too much out of him. At least he has his favorite nurse with him!!!! :)

My Dad was on oxygen but he wouldn't wear it out in public. It got to where he would have to leave quickly and go home. He was just too proud to be seen with it on.

Colorado has some of the most beautiful country!!! I just love driving there!! About where are you at?

Damon is at his sister's now in another town. I was very relieved that he found a place to stay. She has 4 kids and they'll be around the house after school so that should help to keep him out of trouble. It helps make things less stressful now that he's found a place to stay. It's really hard to know that someone close to you is homeless. Hopefully it will be a lesson that he doesn't forget.

Damon called the national headquarters for Teen Challenge and they have a brand new facility opening up in Wichita on October 1st and they have room for him. I'm not sure if the judge will make him go to jail or go back to Teen Challenge. I guess we'll see when he finally gets in court.

I talked to my Aunt Marva and I'm heading there in the morning. She's having a garage sale so will be busy but we'll still have a good time!!! She likes to laugh!!! That's just what I need right now!!!

Gayle...it sounds like Gary is right where he wants to be. I hope that he gets an elk quickly so you all can come home and he can breathe easier. What are doing while Gary is hunting? Any shopping? :)

Betsi...I'm glad you're back too. Sounds like a nice big area for Mike to hunt. Hopefully he'll do great!

Judy, I don't think Ricky will want much of any of what I've saved. Seems like guys really don't want that kind of stuff...lol, just us sentimental ladies. I have already given him things like my Dad's pocket watch, he was thrilled and a couple of Dad's pocket knives.

This morning I cried alot and when I got myself together....I called Diana. Some days are just harder than others.

I didn't go into Mom's today and it felt so good just to lay around the house and not do anything. Well, I did get ahold of an attorney in Florida to handle Mom's place down there, but other than that...nothing. There is a real cool breeze blowing in the front door. I think it's suppose to get down into the 40's tonight and it's very cloudy. Almost feels like winter....BUT IT BETTER NOT BE!!! :D

Rick and Ricky will be at their yearly Scout weekend. Ricky is going for the whole weekend and I think Rick is going Friday and Saturday. Sunday he's has one of those Cowboy Shoot things he does. So I'll have pretty much the whole weekend to myself. I need it, but I hope I don't waste it and sit here and cry the whole time. I'm missing my Mom so much, seems like it is getting harder and harder. I know it takes time, a lot more time than that which has passed, but it just seems so unbearable at times.

With all the stuff I've brought home from Mom's, there is an auction I would like to go to on Saturday. They have a roll top desk I would love to have. Hopefully I can go check it out.

Diana, no Gary isnt breathing very good up here and he doesn't like to wear his oxygen in public either, but he is wearing it all the time here at the hunting lodge and also while out hunting, which surprises me, but I know it's because he can barely get around without it. He is also wearing it in the car too and he has never done that. He won't wear it in a restaurant or store though, its that proud thing with him too. He's OK without it for a little while and as long as he doesn't have to do much walking. It's not good for him, but for the short while we will be up here, he should be OK.

We just went to town looking for Dove Creek, Colorado dried pinto beans. They are THE BEST! We didn't find any but we used to get them not too far from here so I'll drive over there tomorrow or Sat.

Diana, we are in Monte Vista, it is in the southern part of the state, just a little to the east of the center of the state. While Gary is hunting or sleeping, I'm just watching TV, reading, surfing the net, or reading some papers I brought with me. It's not too exciting, but it's relaxing. There are some little shops in town I will visit, and then there is the drive to find the beans. There is a little town about 50 miles from here that we may go visit. It's supposed to have lots of little shops.

I've been watching old John Wayne movies all afternoon. Not too exciting, but relaxing.

Gayle, how long are you there for? My dad just got home tonight from elk hunting! One of his friends got a small one, but my dad and the other guy didn't even see anything. He said it was pretty miserable though, it was cold and raining the whole time and he sounded like he had a pretty bad cold on the phone. They set up camp in the bush in tents, so there's no escaping the weather! That's my dad, the bushman lol. It sometimes makes me wish Scott was more outdoorsy because it's how I always thought men should be (because that's how my dad was!) but of course, there are other things I love about Scott that I don't see in my dad, like how sentimental he is :)

Janet, I'm glad you took a day to relax at home. I think you really need that sometimes!

Diana, I have been following what's been going on with Damon and you are all in my thoughts! I'm glad he has a place to stay, mostly so that you don't feel so guilty about it anymore. I hope you have a wonderful time with your aunt and can stop thinking about all the drama for a little while at least!

I have been soooo tired today! I stayed up late last night to watch Modern Family :rolleyes: because it's my favorite show and I needed some laughs! We got a notice in the mail yesterday that Scott's project truck, his grandfather's 1951 International, is violating a town bylaw by sitting in our driveway. It's in one piece, with just the fenders and lights off (we have them, they're just downstairs) and it's on jacks to be easy on the tires when it's sitting in one spot for so long. We do not have it registered, but it's on our property so it shouldn't matter. Apparently it does. It has to be out of sight, and it needs license plates on it. Scott was sooooo upset about it last night and I was trying to calm him down. It sounded like he was going to call the town office and rip them apart and say he wasn't moving it. I am a totally different person and I always try to be nice about everything. I don't want us to get a bad reputation because we live in a really small town and people don't know us well yet! I know how fast things spread about people in small towns. Ugh. So we ended up arguing about that until past midnight :( Waking up at 5 was not easy this morning. But, we were both in better moods.

Scott has been in lots of pain still from his teeth. This morning, he called the dentist again and they told him to come in, just to check it out. So he went in, and it turns out he had dry sockets where two of his wisdom teeth were removed, so he had them packed and needs to go back next week to have that taken out. He also has a throat infection, which came from me :( My throat has been really sore for the past week. I feel bad for passing it on.

I think I'm going to head to bed right now, before I fall asleep on the computer!

Sorry about the truck in the driveway problem, Lindsay. That happened to us once too. We had a boat in our driveway (that we used frequently) for 15 years, when all of a sudden we got a notice from the city that we had to hide it or move it. We had to take it to a storage place. Our neighbor had a truck he was restoring like your truck and he had to move it into the garage. Can you all put your truck in the garage? we were glad that when we moved this past winter that we do not live in any city limits and so almost everyone has a boat or RV or something on their property.

Oops, I answered you about hunting on your other thread. We will be here probably till Monday or Tuesday. It's kinda boring for me, but relaxing at the same time, so I can't complain.

We CAN put the truck in the garage, but Scott doesn't WANT to put the truck in the garage :rolleyes: It's a double garage and I always told him if he was bringing that truck home and putting it in the garage, his car was going to be outside on the driveway. But after he made a big deal over it, I told him I'll park my car outside. Scott never had a garage in his life until we moved here, so I don't know why it's a big deal now! His car has never had troubles starting, but mine won't start in the winter sometimes if it gets too cold, and it's not plugged in (block heater). So I think it makes more sense to let mine stay inside! Oh well. He can win in the garage if I can win everywhere else :)

He called the town office today to ask if he can just put license plates on it, and if it would be okay then. The bylaw officer wasn't there, so he's supposed to call Scott back as soon as possible. Scott explained that there are parts off it right now because he's trying to get it repainted, but it's a totally operable truck. Technically, the motor is apart too, but they don't know that. I think it does run if he puts it back together, but he and his dad took the engine out to overhaul it.

I hope it will be OK if you get it registered. If not, then it's probably into the garage which wouldn't be terrible, as you said. Many homeowners associations do not allow you to keep a project truck in the driveway, so Scott shouldn't be upset.

Gary still doesn't have his elk, I'm beginning to worry that he won't, but if he doesnt, I guess it just wasn't meant to be. They saw a lot of elk yesterday at dusk, but Gary couldn't see them through his gun scope, so he couldnt shoot. He's going to use the guide's gun this evening if they see them again. The guide has a scope that you can see though at dusk.

I slept so good last night...lol...I took 2 Tylenol PM's and was out like a light. It got pretty chilly here and I love lying in bed snuggled in blankets when it's cool. Made my coffee and ate a bit of breakfast and then headed to town to the auction. I was wanting to see about a roll top desk they had, but once I got there, I didn't really like it. It was too long and bulky looking for my home. My younger brother was there with his wife. We spoke for a minute and then I headed back home.

It was nice having the house to myself. It was raining and thundering and the whole house looked a little dark. I like being able to have the windows open a bit so I can hear the rain....so peaceful. I ended up cleaning out some drawers in my dresser and moved some things around and then went to the kitchen and rearranged some of the cabinets. I had brought home some bowls and things from Mom's and just needed to tidy the cabinets up a bit.

Then took my shower and have been lying around reading some magazines. In a minute or two I will head to the kitchen and fix a bite of supper. Just not sure what I want yet.

That sounds like a great day, Janet. I love days like that in the house by myself! You deserve some peace and quiet. I hope you have more days like that!

Gary and I went to the little town where we are staying. He wanted to go to a sporting goods store, but thankfully he didn't buy anything :D. I went to a bead shop and looked at some of the necklaces and bracelets, but didn't buy anything either.

Gary is out hunting now and I am watching football. It's been a pretty quiet and relaxing day.

We had the girls for a sleepover last night. I thought my brother was picking them up this morning, but he kept saying it would be a little later, and a little later. They were bored so I took them to the park while Scott sanded the deck. It was so warm outside, and they wanted to stay inside, so I did what I could to get them out! The neighbor kids wanted to play when we got home, so that took some attention from me and I stained the little deck and posts around our back shed. By lunchtime, my brother still wasn't coming, so we had some soup, got them to clean up their stuff, and told them to go play with the neighbors again. By about 3:00 it was getting so hot, they all wanted to come in. We're having a weird heat wave here and it's so much hotter than it should be! Anyways, we had a few extra kids in our house so they watched a movie, and Scott had to go upstairs a few times to get them to calm down. They were running around, yelling at each other, and punching the projector screen. It made me think I'm not ready for kids! But maybe it's different when they're my own. Anyways, they finally all went home at 5, and I had a long nap on the couch!

Tonight we just watched tv and gave Layla a haircut! It's 1:00 am and I should be in bed now. We have to get up early, teach someone to express Layla, go to church, hopefully ask the reverend if he will marry us next year :) and then go to the city for the bridal show, if I can get someone to go with me! It's going to be a long day!

Uh oh....forgot to take the Tylenol PM so here I am on my IPad at 3:30 am. It's not so bad though, it's still raining and I love lying here listening to it. Not sure what I'll do today. Hopefully sleep a little later.... LOL.

Rick came home last night so he could get up and go on that shoot this morning. I sure hope the rain doesn't stop him from going. It was pretty nice yesterday and after he got home it wasn't. He kept running in and out and each time the stupid dogs would. Bark their fool heads off, so I just went to my room and spent the evening there reading and watching some TV. I love lazy days, but I also love nice productive days too, not sure which I like best.

Your lazy days sound wonderful, Janet!

Did Gary get his elk yet, Gayle? Are you going to hang the antlers? People are making tables with the antlers as legs, lamps from antlers and so on,

I'm having a womens group meeting here tomorrow night, so I guess I have to straighten up the house. Vicki is coming to clean tomorrow. I'm making delicata squash. It's delicious. You don't have to peel it, which is good!

cut squash lengthwise
scoop out seeds
slice into 2 inch slices
put in pan, sprinkle with olive oil, salt
bake at 425 for a minute intervals, and turn until it's soft (about 30 - 40 minutes, until it's carmelized)

I'm serving it with cranraisins and chopped walnuts.

I'm putting out a dip with crackers, making coffee or tea, and I guess that's it. I'm using paper plates. People use their good dishes, but I only have service for 8. I think everybody likes to show off their homes and their culinary skills when they have a meeting. I like to show off my home too, but culinary skills are not my thing, so it's not like my reputatiom will bne spoiled with pretty paper plates.

Judy, delicata squash is my favorite!!! I just cut it in half and cook it in the oven or microwave if I'm in a hurry. After it's cooked I just scoop it out and add some splenda, a pinch of brown sugar, and maybe a few pecans.

Update on Gary's elk hunt. This morning, for the third time, elk were within his view but he couldn't see them. A couple of days ago I was out with him when it happened and I should have realized that something was wrong right then, but I only thought it odd. Yesterday evening, the same thing happened, and the guide attributed it to low light at twilight. Well it happened again this morning, there was an elk in full view but Gary couldn't see it. I called my daughter and told her and she got on the computer and found out his altered vision is due to low oxygen.

As you know, Gary has to wear oxygen 24/7 up here, EXCEPT, when he needed to get up and try to shoot the elk, he took off his oxygen because it is a backpack and he felt it was in the way. Plus, he was so excited, he was probably hyperventilating, which is even worse for your oxygen. We found out that your eyes are the FIRST organ to be affected by low oxygen. It is a protective response to save your eyes from damage due to low oxygen. They actually call it a "brownout". You lose your ability to see colors, your vision is dimmed and blurred.

Gary had been sitting in the pickup until the guide spotted an elk, then Gary would take off his oxygen, get out of the truck and hurry to the spot to try to (unsuccessfully) see the elk. So this evening, they were going to park Gary in one spot outside the truck. He is going to lay his oxygen bottle on the ground and then I put on a 15 foot tubing, so that if he needs to stand up or move a bit, he can without taking off his oxygen.

Oops, I hit submit before I said that I hope our new plan works better for Gary. I know he has been so frustrated at not being able to see the elk. This morning he came in at 9:00AM after, once agIn, not being able to see the elk, and had a drink. LOL! So unlike him to resort to alcohol for comfort. Then he took a nap and during that time, I discovered it was low oxygen was the reason he couldn't see. He felt so much better after I told him.

Well dammit, he didn't see any elk this evening. He only has tomorrow morning and evening to shoot one. It would actually be easier if he didnt get one, but he will be so disappointed, although I think he will understand that wasn't his or anyone's fault.

Go Gary!!!

You are the most caring wife, Gayle! You both are wonderful together.

He will be so happy when he gets that elk!

Keeping my fingers crossed that Gary gets that elk. Sending vibes to the elk to walk past Gary!!

Gayle, my first thought was that maybe Gary's blood sugar spiked. Sometimes when Mike's goes high it affects his vision. I want so much for Gary to get an Elk!

I'm spending the day trying to get my house clean. Everything is so dusty outside, it makes the inside dusty. Mike is going to the Ranch to bow hunt this weekend. I'm staying home, but I don't intend to sit here and do housework, lol! We went to the movies yesterday, and saw 2 movies back to back. It was 98 degrees outside, and we didn't have anything else to do!

Poor Gary. I bet he was so disappointed to know that one was in range and not be able to see it. That's an awful situation for a hunter.

Janet, it sounds like you've been getting some good rest. I'm glad because you've needed it.

I had a good time at my Aunt Marva's. She was having a garage sale along with a lot of people on her road. There is a craft show nearby and a lot of people travel the highway near her house to get there and people have learned that there are a lot of garage sales as well. She had sooooo many people stop!!! I think that next year I may take some things down to sell!!! We finally had to close the garage on Saturday because we were tired and so picked over that people weren't buying anyway. She made over $600!!!

We went to a few garage sales on Friday but there were so many people out on Saturday that I didn't even go out because I knew that things were picked over. We did go out to eat at Applebees......it's one of my favorite places to eat.

Then on Sunday we went to church and they have a GREAT praise and worship band!!! I loved it!!! The service was really good too and spoke to me about what I've been dealing with here at home. God is so good!!!

It was good to make it home!!! I missed Dean so much!!! I'm so used to seeing him everyday!!! I feel rested and ready to take on what's going on here again!!!

That sounds like fun Diana! I'm glad you were able to get away for a few days to relax. Garage sales are fun to go to, but a lot of work to have:p

Life is so good. I got moved, but can't seem to find my energy. I'm about 80% unpacked and slept so very good last night.

A dear great aunt died this morning. She had suffered from severe dementia for many years, but my great uncle kept her home to care for her there. She would physically attack him and he would literally bear hug her and contain her. It was a sad day when I realized she didn't know me. Today is a happy day that she is at rest, but I doubt my uncle will rest. I'll probably make a quick trip to lousiana for the funeral on Wednesday.

Sandy, so sorry to hear about your Aunt. I bet your Uncle will be lost. I hope you get to go see him! Congratulations on getting moved in! I'm sure you are tired, but it sounds like you have a lot done!

Sandy, I'm sorry about your aunt, but at least she is at peace. I'm so glad you got moved in. Things will be easier now.

Well Gary did not get his elk, but he seems OK about it. He understands that it wasn't his fault. He had 3 great chances, but just could not see them. we both had a good time and Gary found out that he could be up here if he wears his oxygen 24/7. I didn't even have to wrestle him to the ground :D. He still won't wear it into a store or restaurant, but I guess that is OK.

I'm so sorry Sandy for the loss of your great aunt. I hope your great uncle will be at peace knowing he did what he could. Maybe now he can get some rest. Is there someone that can keep an eye on him for awhile?

It's so great that you got moved, I bet you are relieved.

We are in Plainview TX tonight. Long travel day, we stop a lot! :D we'll get home tomorrow afternoon, I'll be glad to sleep in my own bed.

Sandy, I am so sorry about your great aunt. How is your uncle doing?

Congratulations on your move! How wonderful that you live in your new home now!!!

Gayle, too bad Gary didn't get his elk, but as long as he had a good time anyway, I guess it's OK. Betsi, I hope Mike has luck with his hunting. I am impressed that he goes bow hunting!

I drove Jessie down to the city yesterday. She has to go every 3 or 4 months for her pain medication prescription. I was going to go down for her last time, but she got them in the mail. She loves the Amtrak ride, reads her magazines, and relaxes without the kids, but the drive home from the train up here is too long for her. We had such a good time! We laughed all the way down, and then all the way back. We used to be close like this all the time. No matter what was happening, we would figure it out, and then go back to being happy.
We never get time together like this anymore, so yesterday was such a treat!
She had me laughing so hard at stories about the kids, and how she deals with each one. Then, we got onto Steve, who we were rolling around with laughter about! She knows that I really do love him, so she feels safe telling me what goes on. She was so mad at him last week, she told me she was going to kick him out. When he asked her about it later, she told him that she really didn't have the energy to get a divorce, but to not push his luck. He's behaving himself, for now.

It's raining again, and there are flood warnings. I hope not!!! How are the fires in Texas?

We got home about 3:30 today. It sure is good to be home. I've got a few pics to share. These are just some pretty pictures of the changing fall colors.

Judy, I'm glad you got some alone time with Jessie. It's so rare to be one-on-one with our kids once they have a spouse and children! I sure miss those times with my own Mom. We laughed like that every time we were together, which was almost every day. She was great:)

Gayle, I'm glad you and Gary made it home safe and sound! The pictures are so pretty. It's nice to see that the seasons are changing SOMEWHERE, lol!!

I'll try to post a few more pix - I didn't think the other ones posted, then THERE THEY WERE! :D Well, these pix didn't post - boo!

I'll try one more time. Oh good it worked! There was a monument to the old Spanish trail and it was neat. I loved the colors in this pic and a lone antelope buck

I'll try just a few more

1.I just really loved the color of this yellow aspen tree
2. See the back of the drive-in movie screen? Look beyond it and you will see the top row of windows of a motel. It's called the Movie Manor and all the rooms have big windows that look out so you can watch the movie. Yep, there are speakers in the room so you can hear the movie too. BONUS! So unique.
3. Sheep that were out along the road - two guys and a dog trying to herd them. FAIL!

Love the pictures Gayle! Our trees are all yellow and orange now. Some are almost bare already!

Beautiful pictures, Gayle! That motel sounds like fun.

Judy it sounds like a wonderful time with you and Jessie. I'm so glad you have each other again.

Gayle....I love Love LOVE the pictures. They are such beautiful scenes. Unless I get out of this house more...lol...I'll never get to see such beautiful scenery.

The leaves are starting to change here too. Not suppose to be peak time until mid October, but the experts are saying it will be earlier this year.

I love the pictures too, Gayle!! Colorado is such a beautiful place to see no matter what season it is!!! Too bad that Gary didn't get an elk. Maybe next time!!! (Did you just groan????)

Judy, what a special time with your daughter!!! I love having time to laugh and enjoy my kids on a one-on-one!! My Mom and I rarely have time like that. She's not a let loose and cut up kind of person. That's why I enjoy my aunts so much because they are not like my Mom.

I don't know what's going on with Dean. I wonder if he's cutting his eye and stomach molars or something because he's been a BEAR!! It's either that or he's very spoiled!!! He stood out on the side of the 4-wheeler and cried at the top of his lungs wanting a ride. I couldn't get him to eat lunch so I took him for a ride but then after his nap we went through it again. When his Mom got home it got worse. Daya came over and gave him a ride which she does every day. I'm wondering if she's the one who's done the spoling!!!! LOL I've given him some Tylenol which does seem to help and makes me think that it may be teeth. He's so cute that it's hard to not do everything that he wants me to!!!! I hope this stage passes quickly!!!!!

We have Homecoming this weekend!!! Tonight is the Homecoming Queen Pageant and my neice is trying out!!! I'm going to try to go but, well, we'll see if I actually make it. That's what Jaci won a couple of years ago. Then on Saturday we have a small home town parade, carnival rides, mini class reunions, a bean feed, a dance, and so many other things going on. The flea market where I have some things will be open and is right down town so today I'm trying to get some things priced and put in........if I can get off of the computer!!!! LOL

I remember when Jaci was Homecoming Queen! She was adorable, and still is! It sounds like a good weekend in your town. Lots of fun, and food!

It does sound like Dean is teething. Is he at the teething age? It will be cold soon enough, so let him run around outside to wear himself out. Cranky babies are so sweet when they are napping! I couldn't say no to him either, so don't feel bad!

Judy, you can see where his eye and stomach teeth are coming. They're not near the surface yet but I think that they're bothering him. When he's on Tylenol he's so much better. He does ask ALL THE TIME to go "Ride, ride, ride"!!! And he asks for Daya because she comes and gives him a ride everyday!!! He loves the 4-wheelers!!!!

Homecoming is a great time in Fredonia!! The stores downtown (on the square) all have displays to go with the theme. I think that this year it's tea sets or something like that so it's always nice to walk around and look. There's also a car show that the men like, kid games, turtle races, the cheerleaders perform, tonight is a football game against a neighboring town that we always play at Homecoming. Last night I went to the Queen pageant......it was really good but my neice didn't win. Based on her performance she should have won but that's actually a small part of their score. Their interview is a major part and we don't know anything about what goes on there......only the performance. Abby does sign language and signed the song..... My Wish by Rascal Flatts. The woman who was the MC did an awful job......I wish they would ask me to do it!! I know that I could do a great job.......I don't mind being in front of people!!

I think that Dae Lynn's taking the kids to ride the carnival rides tonight. She can buy a bracelet and ride all night long and it won't be as busy as tomorrow will be. Anyone who is from Fredonia tries to come back at homecoming because it's such a special time.....if you're not from here then it's not quite as special but it's a great time to see people that you went to school with and it looks like the weather will be beautiful!!!! This is one of my favorite weekends!!!!