Our Harley Days
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Friday, November 28, 2008

Next Stop - Oklahoma!

November 28, 2008
Mountain Park, OK

No trip to Texas is complete without swinging through Oklahoma to visit our friends Don and Nancy in Mountain Park. We departed Wichita Falls about mid-morning, stopping by Red River Harley-Davidson on the way out of town. The day was cool and cloudy and threatening rain but Tim suited up for the ride -- he was determined to get to Oklahoma on two wheels. The day cleared as we headed west and north and the winds were calmer than the last few days so the ride went well, other than a couple of stops for wardrobe adjustments (1-helmet, 2-warmer gloves).

True to form (that being a most excellent hostess) Nancy had a pot of homemade chili simmering on the stove. No one ever goes hungry at the Perrin B&B and no one ever leaves so much as an ounce lighter either. Ha! We dined on homemade Chili, steaks and baked potatoes, pizza, ham and eggs and my favorite Mississippi Mud Cake. Thanks Nancy, for catering to the chocolate lover in me. YUM!

Nancy, Tim and I shopped the antique malls in Snyder, OK. while waiting for Don to come in from plowing a field. Nancy has booths in both malls. It's always fun to shop in Snyder and I usually come home with a few treasures. This year I brought some vintage Santa pieces home, several of them compliments of Nancy. One Santa I rescued from her trash can. Ha!

Later in the afternoon, Nancy's granddaughter Krisee (about to turn 14) got her first ride on a motorcycle - correction - Harley. First, she just sat on The Ride for pics. A little while later she returned. Nancy teased, you just want another look at the Harley. Krisee replied, no I am looking to get a ride on the Harley. I popped my helmet on her head and Tim rode her a few blocks around Mountain Park but that wasn't enough. After a quick call to Cheryl (her Mom) she had permission to ride to Snyder and back (about 2 miles one way).

Next, Don and Tim decide (who cares how they got there?) they will try to move the purdy red building Nancy's been pining after for months now. Check the next post for pics...

In the evening we had pizza for supper and visited as long as we could keep our eyes open but following Don's example we made our way to the comfy bedroom for a good nights rest.

Here are a few pics.

Twas the Night Before Christmas for Bikers



Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the pad,
There was nada happenin', now thats pretty bad.
The woodstove was hung up in that stocking routine,
In hopes that the Fat Boy would soon make the scene.

With stomachs packed with tacos and beer,
My girl and I crashed on the couch for some cheer.
When out in the yard there arose such a racket,
I ran for the door and pulled on my jacket.

I saw a large bro' on a '56 Pan
Wearin' black leathers, a cap, and boots (cool biker, man).
He hauled up the bars on that bikeful of sacks,
And that Pan hit the roof like it was running on tracks.

I couldn't help gawking, the old guy had class.
But I had to go in -- I was freezing my ass.
Down through the stovepipe he fell with a crash,
And out of the stove he came dragging his stash.

With a smile and some glee he passed out the loot,
A new jacket for her and some parts for my scoot.
He patted her fanny and shook my right hand,
Spun on his heel and up the stovepipe he ran.

From up on the roof came a great deal of thunder,
As that massive V-twin ripped the silence asunder.
With beard in the wind, he roared off in the night,
Shouting, "Have a cool Yule, and to all a good ride!"

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving - Biker Family Style

November 27, 2008
Wichita Falls, TX

Happy Thanksgiving - Here's how our day went.

Lunch at Luby's with Mom and Dad. YUM!

The four of us visit with Grandma and Alice in Henrietta.

Dad and Tim leave to get back to Wichita Falls and ride their bikes to Holliday.

Mom and I visit with Grandma and Alice a while longer, stop by the house in Wichita Falls to change and meet the guys at TedJr's house in Holliday for a visit and a bite or two of Lamesa's desserts. We're talking awesome pies and cheesecake and Death by Chocolate. Oh me! YUM!

Then, we all pose for fun Harley pictures.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Making New Friends

November 26, 2008
Wichita Falls, TX

Mom and I spent the morning shopping. We went to a neat Christmas Store just a few blocks from Mom's house where I found a few chenille Santa decorations. And I made a really great buy - a witch doll/elf by Mark Roberts - signed by the artist at half price! Color me happy! Mom bought my lunch at Somewhere in Time Tea Room. That was fun and tasty!

The folks were resting in the afternoon so Tim and I hopped on the bike and met with John Bailey and his lovely wife Janice at the Pioneer on Southwest Parkway. John is the author/creator/photographer of a really great blog. I found John's blog a few months ago when I was searching for biker photos or blogs in Wichita Falls. I happily discovered that John was a great photographer and occasionally posted pics of Dad on the blog. We finally had the opportunity to meet in person at the Toy Run last Saturday.

John and Janice are really nice and we enjoyed the meet-n-greet. John says they may swing through Colorado sometime next year. We say come ahead and welcome!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Saint Jo Ride

November 23, 2008
Wichita Falls, TX

Sunday morning the day dawned a bit chilly and gray and the winds were kicking up, but we had all been waiting to make this ride so make it - we did. Dad's friend Kenny joined us so there were four us us riding motorcycles (me, with Tim) and Mom followed in the car. We were enjoying riding in Texas with Dad so much that the stout cross-winds we endured most of the day were of no real consequence.

Kenny, Dad's friend was a HOOT to ride with. He scouts for Indians in Oklahoma, looks for wildlife (sign says Watch for Wildlife) and ice (sign says Watch for Ice on Bridge) and rode in lazy circles in the middle of the road when we were not keeping up.

The Nocona Dairy Queen was our first stop of the day. It was time for coffee. Afterwards, we rode to Saint Jo's Biker Roadhouse on the square. It's about the only store on the square but we enjoyed shopping there. We bought patches and pins and a denim vest for Tim.

The next part of the trip took us North out of Saint Jo over the Red River into Oklahoma. Most of the time Tim and I had no clue where we were or where we were going but it didn't matter, we were happy to let Dad and Kenny be our guides and just enjoyed the roads and the scenery.

After stopping for gas in a little Oklahoma town (the name escapes me), we had a late lunch (CATFISH!) at the Peach Orchard. Yum! I haven't been to the Peach Orchard since I was a kid. We enjoyed it thoroughly. Tim and I agree at this point that this was shaping up to be one of the most fun anniversary weekends we've ever had.

The road was loooonnnng back to civilization. If you don't believe us - just ask Mom. Ha! We parted ways with Kenny in Henrietta and reluctantly rode the rest of the way into Wichita Falls, not really ready for the fun day to end. It's like that when you're having fun riding a motorcycle -- you want the road to go on forever.

And, we were having fun.

Here are a few pics I managed to take despite the wind.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Wichita Falls Toy Run 2008

November 22, 2008
Wichita Falls, TX

We began our Thanksgiving vacation by leaving Fort Collins Thursday night (the 20th) and drove all night to Wichita Falls, Texas. The roads were clear but the winds howled out of the west the whole trip and it was bitter cold. In Amarillo, we stopped for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel. Before leaving town we made a quick stop at Tripp's Harley-Davidson where we purchased a couple of t-shirts. We arrived in Wichita Falls in the early afternoon. It was good to see the folks. Mom had a great stew simmering on the stove. We had stew and cornbread for supper and brownies for dessert. YUM!

Today we celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary by riding with Dad for the first time ever in our first organized ride. TedJr rode with us, too so that was another first. We gathered at Memorial Stadium in Wichita Falls to register for the ride. Upon arrival, I had the pleasure of meeting John Bailey aka Snapshot. I've been reading John's excellent Blog for months now and nabbing pics of Dad when he posts them. We posed for pics with a Biker Santa, met lots of friendly people and generally had a great time.

John's Blog: http://www.jjskewlstuffii.blogspot.com/

The ride was from the stadium to downtown Wichita Falls where we donated our toys and socialized some more. I met a good many of Dad's friends, including Bob who rode his scooter all that way. Afterwards, we met at P3 for Famous Enchiladas of course! (TedJr and Lamesa's treat). We dined with other bikers who had ridden in the Toy Run today as well.

Of course, the day wouldn't be complete without a stop by Red River Harley-Davidson for our free T-Shirts and some shopping.

Here are some pics of our great day. Some pics are courtesy of John Bailey - thanks John.

Thirty-Seven Years

November 22, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

Tim and Vickie (that's US) celebrate 37 years (1971-2008) of marriage today. I know. Who woulda thunk it? Ha!

After 37 years of looking over a coffee cup every morning at each other you'd think we'd be a veritable fountain of wisdom on how to stay married to one person for that long. So, if you're askin' - here's the secret. It's called Hang In There. Yep! Stick it out through the good times, hard times, sad times, confusing times and the we don't know what the hell happened times. Stay true, honest and try to always remember what's really important at the end of the day, week, year, decade. Oh, and it helps to have a fully developed sense of humor.

We've had our ups and down, trials and tribulations, smiles and tears and NO, we didn't come through all that unscathed -- we have our scars -- but we're still here and we're still together. Just when you think it can't get any worse - it does. But you hang in there and you muddle through somehow. Just when you think it can't get any better - it does. And you hang in there with sense enough to enjoy the ride.

This year started out like so many others and like so many others evolved into something we didn't expect and couldn't have predicted. That's life. If I had to analyze it, I'd say this is the year of the Harley. This is one of those times when you start out sort of stale, in a rut, but you hang in there and all of a sudden it gets better, then worse and better again. A physical therapist said to me (after my bike accident) that most people settle down when they hit their fifties. I told her that isn't how it works in our family... Example: Dad is riding again in his seventies. We don't really have a cut-off date for adventure.

The following is a clip of US enjoying life, the Harley and each other. It's about the places we've been and seen and things we've enjoyed. We do almost everything together and go almost everywhere together and just in case you haven't guessed - we're in it for the long haul. The journey just got much more interesting thanks to The Ride - stay tuned...

Here's an Anniversary Card - to US!

Thirty Seven Years 


Thursday, November 20, 2008

Texas - Here We Come

November 20, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

The Ride is loaded and ready to go the 750 miles or so to Wichita Falls, TX. The plan is to ride with Dad and some of his buddies, visit with family and friends, maybe make some new friends, enjoy Thanksgiving and have fun!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Hawg Wild Swap Meet

November 15, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

It is Saturday. We ran around a while today before Tim went in to work. We went to breakfast and then to a craft show which was in the same complex as the Hawg Wild Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet and of course we made a run by Thunder Mountain. Hawg Wild is a Custom Chopper outfit out of Loveland. Breakfast was good. The craft show mediocre. And the swap meet was very interesting and looking at all the stuff was fun. I've never been to a swap meet for motorcycles. If you were looking for something in particular - it was probably to be found. There was a big crowd of bikers from all over the place. Some of the die-hard bikers had to have braved temps in the twenties and a bitter wind out of the north to get there this morning. We were there around noon and it was still in the thirties. Most people were like us - in their cages (4 wheel vehicles). Tim found a leather jacket at one of the leather booths and I finally talked him into buying it. It looks good on him.

Here are a few pics.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Patriot Guard in Action

November 11, 2008
Wichita Falls, TX

Photographer: John Bailey aka Snapshot

Yesterday, Dad and other members of the Patriot Guard attended the funeral of a Naval War Veteran. The following is an excellent portrayal of what the Patriot Guard does - honor Veterans.



The photos were taken by a friend of Dad's who runs an excellent blog which I visit frequently - it's how I keep tabs on Dad... haha! Hopefully, I'll have the priviledge of meeting John when we visit Texas over the holidays.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Veterans Day Patriot Guard Mission

November 11, 2008
Wichita Falls, TX

Dad (Ted Foster) rode with the Patriot Guard today to the funeral of Lupe Ozuna Sr, a Vietnam War Naval Veteran at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Wichita Falls, Texas.



Veterans Day Tribute 2008

November 11, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

On June 1, 1954 President Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name of Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day. Was it 1954 Dad - when you signed with the US Air Force? Why don't I know what day that was in 1954? Dad answered this question - July 19, 1954 - and yeah I knew it -- let's call it temporary amnesia.

Other dates of personal significance in 1954:
July 19, 1954 - Tim is born
October 26, 1954 - Ted and Inez get married.

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.

With that said, today is not one of those days in this house. Veteran's Day ranks high in observance in this household. We will fly the flag. We will pay our respects. I grew up an Air Force brat, attending parades and air shows and other military observances in honor of our Veterans. Later, I became an Air Force wife. Today, I honor my Dad (USAF retired), my husband (USAF - 8 years), and many others who have so valiantly served our country. I honor the soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and the families of those men and women who have so selflessly endured the commitments made by their loved ones to preserve our freedom.

Dad continues to honor and preserve the memory of all Veterans by participating as a member of the Patriot Guard Riders. Many of the pics in the following clip in which I have made DAD a star were taken at various events he attended this year. And, I threw in a few oldies just for fun. There's music - so turn it up.

Finally, I just want to say -- Way to go, DAD.
Veterans Day Tribute 2008


I had fun putting this together. I knew the song I wanted for it, but the title escaped me so it took a while for me to find it. Here it is - my first slide show movie - starring DAD. Enjoy! -V-

SONG OF THE PATRIOT
Johnny Cash - Marty Robbins

I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man
I love mom and apple pie,
And the freedoms that we all enjoy across this beautiful land

I work hard and I fight hard for the old Red, White, and Blue
And I'll die a whole lot harder if it comes to where I have to
I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man

And when I see old Glory waving
I think of all the brave men who have fought and died for what is right and wrong
And when I see old Glory burnin, my blood begins to churnin
And I could do some fightin' of my own

I don't believe in violence, I'm a God fearing man
But I'll stand up for my country just as long as I can stand
Cause I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man

I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man
And I enjoy the liberty of being what I want to be and achieve any goals that I can

I was taught to turn the other cheek, but daddy used to say
Walk soft and pack a big stick, but never walk away
I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man

And When I see old Glory waving
I think of all the brave men who have fought and died for what is right and wrong
And when I see old Glory burnin, my blood begins to churnin
And I could do some fightin' of my own

Cause I love all my brothers and were proud of our group
We've got the greenest country here on God's green earth
I'm a flag waving, patriotic nephew of my Uncle Sam
A rough riding fighting Yankee man

For more about the History of Veteran's Day see:
http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Graven Not So Much On Stone...

November 8, 2008
Fort Collins, CO
News from Wichita Falls, Texas:

The sun sets in the western sky, silhouetting the Huey helicopter mounted atop a pole at the site of the National Vietnam War Museum east of Mineral Wells, which hosted a dedication of the replica Camp Holloway Memorial Wall. -- Libby Cluett

Graven Not So Much On Stone
As In The Hearts Of Men
~~ Pericles ~~

Dad and friends rode as Patriot Guard members to a war memorial dedication in Mineral Wells, Texas Saturday. As a Vietnam Veteran, Dad had the awesome honor of signing his name on the seat of a Huey helicopter. He knows all about these birds as that's what Dad was doing in Vietnam -- making them fly.

The replica Memorial Wall contains the names etched on brass plates of 326 soldiers who were killed while stationed at Camp Holloway in Peiku, Republic of Vietnam.

The original wall was built at the U.S. Army’s Camp Holloway, which was home to many units of the 52nd Combat Aviation Battalion serving in Vietnam. The original memorial wall was dedicated in February 1966, with Gen. William Westmoreland giving the memorial address.

For more about the original wall see the web site, which also lists the names of the soldiers to whom it is dedicated and hosts an extensive collection of vintage war-time photos and historical information. http://my.core.com/~campholloway/memorial.html


Source: http://www.mineralwellsindex.com/local/local_story_312104319.html">http://www.mineralwellsindex.com/local/local_story_312104319.html (dead link)

Sunday, November 2, 2008

All Souls Day Ride

November 2, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

Yesterday while we were out and about, we noticed a couple of roads we haven't been down in the Loveland area, so we rode over there today and checked a few of them out. The main road we were interested in was one that went to Carter Lake. What a great ride! It was cloudy and cool but never cold, even when we went up a few thousand feet. The road we traveled took us on to Flatiron Reservoir and a neat little campground we didn't know about with a couple of cozy camper cabins. We stopped at the little campground and stretched our legs. A road went up from the campground to another lake named Pinewood Lake. The road ends there so we back-tracked a bit. We ambled down country roads into Longmont where we stopped for gas and coffee. We chatted with another older biker for a bit. As we were leaving Longmont, yet another biker came roaring up right next to us as we were stopped at a light. He and his little dog were out for a ride. The dog was sitting in his lap and looked like he was having a great time. Too funny. We weren't quite ready to call it a day so we rode east across I-25 and south through the bedroom communities of Firestone and Frederick. These towns used to be sleepy little farm towns. Now, they are stacked with row after row of new houses. On the way home, we stopped at a Popeye's Chicken on the interstate for supper. Tim tied it down on the back of the bike and we ambled on back to the house, where we lit a fire in the chiminea and enjoyed a beer or two and chicken. What a great day!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

All Saints Day Ride

November 1, 2008
Fort Collins, CO

Our Saturday ride took us out of the drive about 11 am, up and over the tooth, into Masonville, on to Loveland and beyond down a few roads we haven't been down before. The main street of the little town of Berthoud was under construction and muddy. Nope, that wasn't too much fun. We had coffee at the McDonald's in Johnstown and watched a good many motorcycles pass by. We were not the only ones out - it was a perfect day for a ride.


Dad rode with a large group of bikers from north Texas and Oklahoma to the Veterans Hospital in Oklahoma City today. On this annual Spook Run, the bikers fill backpacks with toiletries and candies and deliver them to veterans. He said they had a tour of the hospital and got the opportunity to visit with some of the veterans. I'm looking for pics of the event -- stay tuned. The return ride included a stop by Jake's Ribs in Chickasha, OK and Chaps My Ass leathers in Medicine Park, OK.