Great Sand Dunes National Park

Year:  1996, Western trip, age: young
I think I told them to act like they were hot and couldn't go another step.  Pretty sure the 3 boys weren't acting, lol.

Went up quite a mountain Thurs. (elevation near 10,000 ft.) heading to our campground and heard something pop .  I had noticed several packages of chips bloated before we left in the morning so I figured it was one of those.  I think I've gained a few pounds the past few weeks, maybe that's my problem, just swollen?

CONGRATULATIONS EMMA!

The Archway, Kearney, NE

We got news tonight that our granddaughter Emma received a big honor.  She will be entering 9th grade and high school next year. 

"The wayward wind is a restless wind, a restless wind that yearns to wander....

One more ✔ off the bucket list.

...and he was born the next of kin, the next of kin to the wayward wind."  ---Stanley Lebowsky/Herb Newman

Mount Trashmore

This was the hill behind the clock tower in Friday's picture (reposted below).  What makes it so special?

We did some fun things in Cedar Rapids but the best part was spending time with our youngest son, Chris!  

Saturday we headed to the top of this unusual park that offers walking and mountain bike trails, and picnicking.  It will take us to the highest point with a panoramic view of Cedar Rapids.  

Learning about the Czech Village/New Bohemian District in Cedar Rapids

Quaker Oats is one of the "5 smells of Cedar Rapids."  You can smell Crunch Berries 5 miles away.

NewBo City Market is an important part of Cedar Rapids.  It's a non-profit organization that is home to unique food and business start-ups, entertainment, and educational events. They address the environment with a zero-waste policy and do so much more for the community.  A fun and bustling place to visit.  My first visit.

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family." --- Anthony Brandt

Mary's clan
The oldest is closest to Mary and they descend from there.

We had a short but nice stay in Ottumwa.  It isn't often that all of Pat's siblings get together so it was a picture opportunity.  We celebrated all of the events we had missed the past year including Mary's 90th birthday (back in February).

"Old friends, Old friends, Sat on their park bench, Like bookends...Can you imagine us, Years from today, Sharing a park bench quietly?...

...Long ago...it must be...I have a photograph, Preserve your memories, They're all that's left you."           ...."Old Friends," Simon and Garfunkle

A fun day Saturday at Missouri Star Quilt Company in Hamilton, MO.  The best part?  Friends getting together!  Debbie lives on the East side of MO and I lived on the West.  We have met at Missouri Star for several years. We both share an interest in quilting, although I think of myself more as a quilter "wannabe."  I enjoy a little quilting but like looking and collecting even more.

A beautiful night

Nice to see familiar faces, Shashi, Pat, Sheryl and Dave

  

Wednesday night was a little chilly but the sunshine made it seem pretty nice.  Pat was able to catch up with some of the people he worked with in KC.  Pat made chicken chili, cornbread, and a peach cobbler, all delicious.  

Welcome home Piepers, welcome home!

Happy Mother's Day to all Mom's out there.  My Mom died in 2014 and not one single day goes by that I don't think about her!  I'm grateful to be able to wish a Happy Mother's Day to my mother-in-law, Mary.

Wine and Chocolate 😍

THIS is why you take your husband along shopping!

We left Amarillo Thursday morning.  Three boondocking nights, all Harvest Hosts,  before arriving in Kansas City on Sunday.  Flying W Guest Ranch was Thurs. night after a 140 mile drive.  They offered Harvest Host members hook-ups for $10/night.  We passed on that.  They also had a steak dinner for $25 and horseback riding.  We passed on those too.  Turned in early and headed out early Fri. morning.

Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX

Amarillo billionaire, Stanley Marsh 3 wanted to create an unusual piece of art.  He brought in 3 art-hippies who called themselves "The Ant Farm," and they created Cadillac Ranch on route 66 (now I40) in 1974.  

Pat survived, and maybe liked, the art museum?

We met some new friends at the museum.

Monday was a full day.  We went to the International UFO Museum and The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, both in Roswell, and 15 miles away to Bottomless Lakes State Park.

Do you believe???

I think McDonald's, with it's Playland housed in a UFO, takes the prize.  

Roswell is full of aliens and UFOs.  Most businesses host one, and many take advantage of selling them.

LOTS of petroglyphs

Jornada style faces and masks are usually round with oval eyes.  This one has earrings.

On Friday we went about 40 miles from Alamogora to the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site.  It is managed by the Bueau of Land Management.  There is a modest fee of $5/vehicle for day use.  Tent spots are available for overnight, as well as 2 RV sites with water and electric, and restrooms, picnic sites and a visitor's center (not open today).