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
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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

Pic: Salute to American Veterans Rally 2014

Photo credit: Jim Wear

Over the weekend of August 15-16 we made a 424.2 mile road trip wrapped around an excellent rally, gorgeous weather, great food. Add rubbing elbows with veterans and patriots of every era and motorcycles... lots of motorcycles - it was quite simply - freekin' awesome.

We had the honor of being in the presence of Gold Star Mothers and family members of Axelson and Kristensen - members of Seal Team Ten (Operation Red Wings) during the memorial ceremonies at the Salute to American Veterans Rally... a plaque was dedicated to the team on the veterans memorial in Cripple Creek's downtown park. It was a heartbreaking and humbling and vision blurring experience.

It's Vet Rally Time

It's time to head on down to Cripple Creek Colorado again for the Salute to American Veterans Rally!

Freedom Rocks!

July 4, 2014
Colorado, USA

May you find long and winding roads in front of you today, sunshine on your shoulders, a heart full of patriotic pride and a sky lit with a thousand glimmering lights at the end of the day.

Celebrate American Independence! Ride Safe! Ride Free!

Happy Father's Day!

June 15, 2014

As we go about preparations to celebrate the Dads in our lives, let us remember that:

• Some Dads will not celebrate with sons and daughters this year.
• Some sons and daughters will not celebrate with Dads this year.

For a myriad of reasons some Dads will go it alone on Sunday not necessarily by choice as will some sons and daughters.

I am a military brat.

Always on my mind on greeting card holidays are veterans and active duty military personnel. Consider active duty military Dads serving abroad who will not be with their children on Dad’s Day. Consider active duty military sons and daughters serving abroad who will not be with their Dads on Dad’s Day.

My heart goes out to the sons and daughters and Dads of Veterans who are no longer with us. My heart especially goes out to Gold Star Dads, missing a beloved son or daughter. No man signs on to be a Gold Star Dad.

For every moment of peace we enjoy, for every day of grace and greatness we owe a person in the service of our country our heartfelt thanks and none are more deserving of that consideration than those who struggle to get through this day without the significant presence of the other half of the Dad’s Day equation.

I number among the fortunate because my Dad is still living large in my life. And for that, I am enormously appreciative not only of Dad himself but grateful to those who have paid the price so the majority of us can celebrate with our Dads any darn good way we please in the USA.

That’s it for today… Happy Dad’s Day to Dads everywhere!

Some of us are lucky enough to find our heroes early in life... I call my forever hero - DAD.