It was time for our annual trek to Iowa - and since Patty and I were taking a mini-trip, Glenn decided he would haul his boat back and take his boys fishing up in South Dakota! So since he was already hauling the boat, he decided he wanted to stop at Lake McConaughy in NE to do some fishing!
I looked online for a place to stay - the choices were not great! Two of the places had 1star reviews so I wouldn't even consider them (keep in mind these are mostly fishing cabins that don't cater to us that would like a little bit of luxury!) And Glenn wanted it to be close to a place where he could put the boat in! I finally had it down to two places but one didn't have a website so with no pictures to go by, I chose the other one!! My mistake..............
The place I chose had wi-fi (the other one didn't) which was a plus for me - but on the website it said they charged for early check in! REALLY???? Who does that????? I called the day before to let them know we WOULD be checking in early because Glenn wanted to fish and I wasn't about to sit outside my room for a couple of hours with all the stuff until check in time of 2:00! The lady assured me there was a "common" area I could wait but she would see about NOT charging us the fee!
We arrived - pulled in and could not see the motel, just a sign that pointed one way and the office another way which was their house! There was also a blue and white structure kind of on the hill which we couldn't figure out? So we walk to the office/house and there are 2 dogs barking their heads off at the screen door and the guy inside says to wait until he puts the dogs away. Fine by me - I'm not that fond of dogs! We go in and the guy tells us that one of the dog bites so to be careful when we're outside as the dog will come up behind you and bite your leg - so keep a rock in your hand and turn around and pretend to throw the rock!!! OK!! He then proceeds to tell me the amount and assures me there IS a $9 charge for checking in early - the lady I talked to was no where to be found so I just paid it. It wasn't about the money - it was the principle of the thing!!!
Anyway, the white/blue building is the "common" area and that's where the wi-fi is!! I said you mean there's no wifi in the rooms - yup, that's right!!! Definitely misleading on the website!!
We can see the motel over to the backside of the property now - and out front is very nice - a huge brick patio with tables, chairs, firepits, etc. And the 10 or 12 rooms are all hooked together motel style! As much as we liked the patio area, the room wasn't near as nice! It was clean, but it just didn't FEEL clean - I wore my socks on the carpet if that tells you anything! We unloaded (we had a kitchenette so we could cook breakfast as the restaurant a mile away didn't open till 8 and Glenn always heads out early) and Glenn headed out.
I walked over to the rec room and went in - reminded me of a party room back in the 70's!!! Old couches and chairs, pool table, kitchen area but no food or ice, and music blaring out of large speakers! I looked back at the glass door and there is one of the dogs glaring at me, I'm sure just waiting for me to come out so he can bite my leg!! At least the password for the wi-fi worked and I checked my mail and such and waited around because the darn dog is still there!!! FINALLY he leaves and I race out and walk down to the room!
One of the things I didn't like about the room were the bedspreads - those polyester type ones (there were 2 double beds) with 2 pillow shams and 4 small pillows on EACH BED!! With only ONE place to set your bag, you know those pillows always get put on the floor - yikes!!! 12 pillows we had to find a place for!!
I had brought water but had no ice so asked the cleaning lady where the ice machine was when she walked by - oh, no ice machine - the convenience store is 1/2 mile away and you can buy it there. Great - I have no transportation!! And I don't generally carry ice cube trays in my luggage!
I went to shower and wash my hair late afternoon before Glenn came back as I knew we would go out to eat - NO SHAMPOO!!! I don't generally carry shampoo either in my bag as hotels and homes where we stay always have it! Luckily I had thrown a small shampoo in Glenn's bag for when he went fishing in So. Dakota but it was in the truck so had to wait till he got home!
No luck fishing - we headed down to Otter Creek to eat as the reviews said the food was great and it was!!! No complaints there at all!! Glenn asked the waitress if we could see a kitchenette room in their motel and she said sure so we walked to them after we ate. Let's just say that after I saw that room, maybe I DID make the right choice!!
I decided to lay out Glenn's things for cooking the next morning - good thing I did as there were mice tracks on the dishes and skillet - so I washed EVERYTHING he needed to use!
Even though the walls were paper thin, we slept pretty good as there were only a couple sets of fishermen staying there - until the next day! I went for a walk in the morning and luckily no dog was around and sat outside by the fire pit for awhile which was nice. The owner came over with BOTH dogs and I asked him which one bit and he said it was the little one! So at least I knew..............
Early that afternoon after all that nice quiet time, about 30 people arrived and took over the entire patio area!! Families with kids and babies - probably a mini reunion!! I stayed inside the rest of the day!
We ate at the same place that evening and their broasted chicken was excellent!!! We figured we might have trouble sleeping that night as they were all partying right outside the door on the patio BUT about 9:00 it started raining so the party was over!!
I wasn't sad to leave that place! And I KNOW I will never stay there again!! There are no pictures because I didn't want to be reminded - but it sure makes for a good story!! And just in case you're interested, the place is for sale!!
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Monday, July 2, 2018
Ride The Rockies
Colorado hosts a "Ride the Rockies" bike race each year and my friend Carrie (who I met in 1989 at church and now lives in Albert Lea, MN) has a daughter Tasha who was going to be riding (Tasha is from Portland.)
So Carrie and another friend did some Colorado sightseeing and I drove to Breckenridge on Thursday, the day before the race would end, to wait at the finish line and then bring both of them back to our house!
I hadn't seen Carrie in 6 years so we had a lot of catching up to do! We headed to a nice restaurant just across the street from where we were staying and this place had the coolest lights!
We did some driving around on Friday - Breckenridge is so beautiful!
Stopped for coffee at a cute place and enjoyed drinking it on a park bench as we dodged all the white fluff in the air from the trees! Yes, my allergies were going full speed!
We arrived at the finish line of the race about 2 hours before Tasha came in - so cheered and clapped the ones before her and enjoyed seeing Tasha cross the finish line!
After dinner at a local pub, we headed back to our house! Saturday we headed out to Florissant for coffee after one of Glenn's famous breakfasts' and then into town to give them a tour of the changes since they used to live here!
Tasha and Glenn had fun playing pool!
Plans were to go to the balloon fest out on Hartsel flats on Sunday morning so Tasha could take a ride in a hot air balloon but her flight left too early so we headed to the Springs to drop them off! But not before one last picture of long time friends!
So Carrie and another friend did some Colorado sightseeing and I drove to Breckenridge on Thursday, the day before the race would end, to wait at the finish line and then bring both of them back to our house!
I hadn't seen Carrie in 6 years so we had a lot of catching up to do! We headed to a nice restaurant just across the street from where we were staying and this place had the coolest lights!
We did some driving around on Friday - Breckenridge is so beautiful!
Stopped for coffee at a cute place and enjoyed drinking it on a park bench as we dodged all the white fluff in the air from the trees! Yes, my allergies were going full speed!
We arrived at the finish line of the race about 2 hours before Tasha came in - so cheered and clapped the ones before her and enjoyed seeing Tasha cross the finish line!
Tasha and Glenn had fun playing pool!
Plans were to go to the balloon fest out on Hartsel flats on Sunday morning so Tasha could take a ride in a hot air balloon but her flight left too early so we headed to the Springs to drop them off! But not before one last picture of long time friends!
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Wine Tasting
We arrived home from camping with a couple hours to spare before Joleen and her daughter Becca pulled in! Usually just Joleen comes out from Ks. but Becca was needing a break and decided to come out too! Becca spent the first night with a friend and then headed to our house for the remainder of their stay!
It's always fun to catch up with Jo and this time we headed to the wine tasting down in Manitou Springs! Parking is always an issue but we found a place right on Main Street and walked to the place. With 5 wine tastings, cheese, crackers and grapes, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
It's always fun to catch up with Jo and this time we headed to the wine tasting down in Manitou Springs! Parking is always an issue but we found a place right on Main Street and walked to the place. With 5 wine tastings, cheese, crackers and grapes, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
FINALLY - Camping!
We've both been itching to camp and ATV but life has just been too busy!! But I knew we had 2 1/2 days before the next set of company came so as soon as I dropped off Kenzie and Aleah at Jaime's on Wed morning, we headed out!
Our plans were to go to the north part of Buffalo Peaks, over by Buena Vista, but when we arrived the gate was locked for elk calving season! We knew they did this but didn't realize the dates of the closure and we were just a few days early! I wrote down the dates in my phone so we'll remember for next year! So headed over to Poncha Pass and found a nice spot to camp, although we were disappointed there were so many people out that way camping! Luckily almost no one was ATVing so we had the trails to ourselves!
Just as soon as we got the 5th wheel in place, I happened to look out the window and there was a turkey walking by!
We went for a ride on Wed. late afternoon and spent about 6 hours on the trails Thursday! Always a great time and beautiful scenery!
Of course there were no campfires allowed - I think the entire state of Colorado is on a fire ban due to the dryness! We had hoped to ATV a few hours on Friday morning but Glenn's shoulder was hurting him so bad that he said he just couldn't do it! Which means it is time to get an appointment with the dr for an MRI and finally deal with this pain that he's had for years!
Our plans were to go to the north part of Buffalo Peaks, over by Buena Vista, but when we arrived the gate was locked for elk calving season! We knew they did this but didn't realize the dates of the closure and we were just a few days early! I wrote down the dates in my phone so we'll remember for next year! So headed over to Poncha Pass and found a nice spot to camp, although we were disappointed there were so many people out that way camping! Luckily almost no one was ATVing so we had the trails to ourselves!
Just as soon as we got the 5th wheel in place, I happened to look out the window and there was a turkey walking by!
We went for a ride on Wed. late afternoon and spent about 6 hours on the trails Thursday! Always a great time and beautiful scenery!
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Girl Time
It's sure nice to have two grand kids the same age who are as close as Kenzie and Aleah! I never have to worry about entertaining them as they LOVE to just be together and play!!
We decided to make a loaf of bread in the bread machine - the girls had fun measuring and dumping in the ingredients and couldn't believe that a loaf of bread would come out!!
Time for outside play - bubbles and balls!
And here's the finished product! Boy was it good with our homemade jelly!
We decided to play Monopoly and the girls had so much fun!! They aren't quite as competitive as the boys are - and the game went on and on and on...................
Their special activity this year was swimming! Since Woodland Park has that awesome new pool, I figured that would be the best thing since they both love to swim! They had both forgotten their goggles so we stopped at the Dollar Store and sure enough, they had them! But they didn't fit super tight and the girls didn't wear them very much.............
Then it was off to the Playpark with smoothies in hand!
Whoops - an upside down pic!! Well, you get the drift, the girls were thoroughly exhausted after swimming and running around the park!
Before it got too late, Papa took them for a ride on the ATV!
And all too soon, it was time to deliver them to W. Pk, where Jaime ended up taking them back to Denver since they had dr. appts! What a great time with Kenzie and Aleah!!
We decided to make a loaf of bread in the bread machine - the girls had fun measuring and dumping in the ingredients and couldn't believe that a loaf of bread would come out!!
Time for outside play - bubbles and balls!
And here's the finished product! Boy was it good with our homemade jelly!
We decided to play Monopoly and the girls had so much fun!! They aren't quite as competitive as the boys are - and the game went on and on and on...................
Their special activity this year was swimming! Since Woodland Park has that awesome new pool, I figured that would be the best thing since they both love to swim! They had both forgotten their goggles so we stopped at the Dollar Store and sure enough, they had them! But they didn't fit super tight and the girls didn't wear them very much.............
Then it was off to the Playpark with smoothies in hand!
Whoops - an upside down pic!! Well, you get the drift, the girls were thoroughly exhausted after swimming and running around the park!
Before it got too late, Papa took them for a ride on the ATV!
Monday, June 18, 2018
Kenzie and Aleah
It's that time of the year again where the grand kids are excited to come to our house for a few nights! It's tough trying to find a date that will work for everyone and transportation issues! But June worked out best for the girls and early August will work for the boys!
As usual, we met at Caribou Coffee for coffee with the kids enjoying smoothies from next door! Evan was invited to go to Kylan's during the time the girls were at our place so there was a bunch of us meeting in Co. Springs (Brad's crew was heading to the Warrior Games!)
The 4 grand daughters in Caribou Coffee - even though Gwyn doesn't look thrilled, she did enjoy her smoothie!!
Back home, the girls were more than ready to get into the hot tub and because it was cloudy out, it was a perfect time!
Must have been cool out as the girls have on their "name" sweatshirts!! They always request their favorite snack: cut up fruit with marshmallows, eaten with a toothpick!
Of course they love their electronics!! They were pretty limited at our house but enjoyed the time they did have!
I had bought the "quarter" books from Current for the girls since I had given them to the boys a few years ago - along with the books they get to sort through our money jar and keep whatever quarters go in the book! Because we had cashed in the money jar a few months ago, it was only about 1/4 full. Then I remembered that when I had done the quarter books as the different states came out each year, I had filled 4 quarters from each state into small books - then had gotten a large book where you just put one quarter from each state. So before I gave the girls their books, I emptied the small books into the money jar which would assure both of the girls that their books would be complete with every state!!! (I'm sure their moms wondered how they got full books when the boys' books aren't even full - ha ha)
Painting and drawing was next on the agenda!
Of course we had to have a tea party - the girls are way too big to use the plastic set anymore and I remembered I had these beautiful cups (I think from Jaime but maybe one set was from Jessi?) and the girls loved them!!
Matching tanks that I had given them at Christmas were perfect for their "outdoor chore".
I gave the girls a choice of filling a trash bag with pine cones or picking up little pieces of trash around the property - they chose the pine cones and I got stuck with the trash!
Lunch on the deck always tastes better than eating it inside!
And so goes the first day and 1/2 of their stay............................
As usual, we met at Caribou Coffee for coffee with the kids enjoying smoothies from next door! Evan was invited to go to Kylan's during the time the girls were at our place so there was a bunch of us meeting in Co. Springs (Brad's crew was heading to the Warrior Games!)
The 4 grand daughters in Caribou Coffee - even though Gwyn doesn't look thrilled, she did enjoy her smoothie!!
Back home, the girls were more than ready to get into the hot tub and because it was cloudy out, it was a perfect time!
Must have been cool out as the girls have on their "name" sweatshirts!! They always request their favorite snack: cut up fruit with marshmallows, eaten with a toothpick!
Of course they love their electronics!! They were pretty limited at our house but enjoyed the time they did have!
I had bought the "quarter" books from Current for the girls since I had given them to the boys a few years ago - along with the books they get to sort through our money jar and keep whatever quarters go in the book! Because we had cashed in the money jar a few months ago, it was only about 1/4 full. Then I remembered that when I had done the quarter books as the different states came out each year, I had filled 4 quarters from each state into small books - then had gotten a large book where you just put one quarter from each state. So before I gave the girls their books, I emptied the small books into the money jar which would assure both of the girls that their books would be complete with every state!!! (I'm sure their moms wondered how they got full books when the boys' books aren't even full - ha ha)
Painting and drawing was next on the agenda!
Of course we had to have a tea party - the girls are way too big to use the plastic set anymore and I remembered I had these beautiful cups (I think from Jaime but maybe one set was from Jessi?) and the girls loved them!!
Matching tanks that I had given them at Christmas were perfect for their "outdoor chore".
I gave the girls a choice of filling a trash bag with pine cones or picking up little pieces of trash around the property - they chose the pine cones and I got stuck with the trash!
Lunch on the deck always tastes better than eating it inside!
Thursday, June 14, 2018
A Celebration With Friends
We usually go out with our friends, Jan and Jan, at least once a month OR we go to one of our houses for dinner. This time we decided to eat out and celebrate Glenn's late birthday and Jan's and mine early birthdays! So to The Steakhouse we went over in Cripple Creek!! One of my favorite places to order a steak!
The steak didn't disappoint!!! And since we were celebrating our birthdays but were too full for dessert, the waitress brought each couple a mini cake to take home!!
Check out the top of Glenn's head - see those nice red marks? He went fishing in Pueblo for 2 days and wore a straw hat, not realizing the sun was coming right through part of it!!
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