Are we riding?

So asked a friend of this blog... What's up? Are you riding? Answer: Yes we are and yes we have been. We rolled over 80,000 miles this summer (since we started riding late in 2008). Am I blogging about our rides? Answer: Not when we can be riding... **grin**

The gutters needed cleaning. The leaves needed raking. The gardens needed de-stalking. And the Harley needed riding. Guess what chore actually got done. This photo was taken yesterday as we toodled around our neck of the woods just before old man winter arrived. Today we have snow and frigid temps. Blogging and posting ride photos is a winter-time pursuit... stay tuned.

Last Dam Ride 2014

It is our favorite local ride and right out our front door. In a matter of minutes we can be cruising the roads around Horsetooth Reservoir. It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon although a winter storm is in the forecast. By the time we turned The Ride towards home, the winds had kicked up and clouds were rolling in from the north. And now we will settle into the winter waiting game and sneak out on the rare warm day or two we see in northern Colorado.

A seasoned Veteran... doing what he does

Texas: Here's my favorite Veteran rolling out to honor all other Veterans. The Veterans Day parade is today in Wichita Falls, Texas. This particular Veteran has been participating in the parade in some capacity for decades now. The parade in my hometown is always a significant event... significant to me and mine anyway. I have stood on the sidelines many times through the years and it was always a thrill to salute the colors, watch the military and high school bands march by, feel the thump of drum cadence in my chest, and hear the patriotic songs with a lump in my throat. Today parade-goers will hear the rumble of respect coming from motorcycles... that's what my favorite Veteran is doing today... I salute you DAD! I salute all Veterans.

A moment of respect

November 7, 2014
Colorado, USA

Out of respect for a Veteran friend who was there - pausing for a moment of respect for the brave Blue Spaders who paid the ultimate price at the Ambush at Srok Rung, November 7, 1967 - Vietnam. May these heroes Rest in Peace and may their friends and loved ones know - they are not forgotten.

The following was shared with me a while back by the wife of the Veteran friend mentioned above. It seems an appropriate time to revisit it.

COMBAT VETERANS

Once the COMBAT PATCHES go on, they never come off whether they can be seen or not. It fuses to the soul through adversity, fear and adrenaline, and no one who has ever worn them with pride, integrity and guts can ever sleep through the `call of the wild` that wafts through bedroom windows in the deep of the night...

We wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know.

We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.

We know in the world of veterans, there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet.

We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life.

We also know how the very bearing of the veteran speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.

Because we served, we envy no man on earth.

Keeping a good thought for you today Ray and whispering words of respect for those you knew and loved and respected who did not make it to today. - V

Happy Hallowe'en

Yep - it's corny and I love it - what a great Birthday 2009 gift from the guy who gets it - gets me...

The Folks Celebrate 60th Anniversary

Happy 60th Anniversary Ted & Inez
Click the Radio to Play

October Color Ride + Lunch

Yep, there's plenty that needs doing around here but nothing so important that it won't keep because the opportunities for a Sunday afternoon ride are slowly dwindling.

It is October! The day was warm. The skies were crystal clear. The Ride was ready to go so nothing would do but we get out, enjoy the fall colors (mostly yellow up this way), ride around the lakes and add a few more miles. And what do you know! We got close enough to Aunt Alice's patio that it was a sin not to stop - burgers and green chili and all the fixins to round out a perfect day!

Slide show = 63 photos

A nod of respect to Gold Star Moms

September 28, 2014
Gold Star Mothers Day
Colorado, USA

In the words of Gold Star Mothers Monument sculptor, Andrew Chernak: The loss of a child in any circumstance is a grievous blow to a family, but, uniquely so to the mother who bore that child. One group of Mothers that especially stands apart from the norm are the Gold Star Mothers of America's fallen heroes. They are patriotic, loyal, and sympathetic. They understand our nation’s freedom is not to be taken for granted. The grief and loss these women have endured never leaves them, yet the Mothers rise above their pain in tribute to life going on. The Mothers have collectively served millions of hours in volunteer work, personal service in our nation's Veterans hospitals, and to the Veteran and his family in their community. In serving this way, the Mothers have turned their grief into a positive force. If you want to know quiet greatness, spend a little time in the presence of a Gold Star Mother.

For those close to me who I know will take the time and energy to pay tribute to Gold Star Mothers today - I salute you.

Never Forget

September 19, 2014
Colorado, USA

Today is POW-MIA Recognition Day. It is always the third Friday in September.

This is not a "remembrance" day. This is a "light-in-the-window" until they all come home day. Never Forget.

911 We Will Never Forget

September 11, 2014
Colorado, USA

Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.

The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness and a quiet, unyielding anger.

These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation.

Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.

America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.

President George W Bush 2001