2009 Rides

December 31, 2009
Fort Collins, USA

14709 Miles and ten times that many Smiles... need I say much more than that?

12-31-2009 = 19352 miles
11-30-2009 Thanksgiving in Texas Rides = 346 miles
11-11-2009 = 18998 miles
11-11-2009 Veterans Day Lunch Ride = 37 miles
11-08-2009 Shopping around ride = 57 miles
11-07-2009 Book Store Ride = 80 miles
10-18-2009 October Sunday ride = 115 miles
10-18-2009 = 18679 miles
10-17-2009 Afternoon ride - everything else will keep = 68 miles
10-04-2009 Toy Run = 62 miles
10/03/2009 Foolin' around on a Saturday afternoon ride = 56 miles
09-30-2009 BTGTWR = 20 miles
09-27-2009 In search of gold ride (pt 2) = 210 miles
09-26-2009 In search of gold ride (pt 1) = 274 miles
09-20-2009 Peak to Peak Fall Color Ride = 210 miles
09-19-2009 Saturday afternoon ride = 60 miles
09-17-2009 Breaking the new tires in ride = 50 miles
09-14-2009 = 17522 miles
09-05-2009 Labor Day & Beyond Ride = 2035 miles
09-04-2009 BTGTWR = 38 miles
09-01-2009 = 15359 miles
08-29-2009 Flat Landing It Ride = 130 miles
08-21-2009 4 Day Dead Heads in Dakota Ride = 1389 miles
08-20-2009 = 13797 miles
08-12-2009 Thunder Mountain Ride = 14 miles
08-09-2009 Sunday Ride to the Springs = 360 miles
08-08-2009 Saturday Ride After Work Cut Short = 20 miles
08-02-2009 Short Sunday Ride = 26 miles
08-01-2009 Before the Concert Ride = 72.5 miles
07-28-2009 = 12898 miles
07-26-2009 Devil's Gulch to Estes Park Ride = 105 miles
07-25-2009 Tim's Recovery Ride = 330 miles
07-19-2009 Tim's Birthday Ride = 65 miles
07-18-2009 Testing... Testing... Ride = 30 miles
07-07-2009 Last ride... Before Surgery = 20 miles
07-11-2009 = 12311 miles
07-05-2009 4 Day Independence Ride = 1380 miles
06-29-2009 Million Mile Monday = 200 miles
06-28-2009 Breakfast in Laramie WY Ride = 136 miles
06-27-2009 Serious Texas BBQ via Carter Lake Ride = 71 miles
06-26-2009 Rist Canyon BTGTW Ride = 52 miles
06-25-2009 Happy Harley Anniversary Ride = 72 miles
06-24-2009 = 10320 Miles
06-21-2009 Rally-Moab 3 Day Ride = 1168 miles
06-17-2009 Go Juice Ride = 20 miles
06-14-2009 Flag Day Ride = 140 miles
06-11-2009 = 8956 Miles (rear tire changed)
06-06-2009 White Water Poudre Canyon Ride = 254 miles
06-03-2009 = 8694 Miles
05-31-2009 Ride Home from Raton, NM = 325 miles
05-17-2009 Walden CO Ride (solo) 230 miles
05-16-2009 Rist Canyon Ride (solo) = 54 miles
05-09-2009 Mother's Day Eve Ride = 60 miles
05-06-2009 Goin' Green Ride = 66 miles
04-26-2009 Short Sunday Ride = 20 miles
04-24-2009 Short TGIF Ride = 20 miles
04-23-2009 First Sunset Ride = 64 miles
04-23-2009 = 7007 Miles
04-23-2009 Thursday Ride = 66 miles
04-22-2009 Artsy Fartsy Earth Day Ride = 74.5 miles
04-21-2009 Touristy Tuesday Ride = 50.5 miles
04-20-2009 This is more like it Monday Ride = 30 miles
04-19-2009 = 6674 Miles
04-19-2009 Sunday after Snow Day Ride = 124 miles
04-14-2009 Gray Tuesday Ride = 25 miles
04-13-2009 Monday After No Easter Ride = 33 miles
04-10-2009 Good Friday Ride = 165 miles
04-07-2009 First Day of April Ride = 22 miles
03-22-2009 Weekend Ride Day 2 = 97.5 miles
03-21-2009 Weekend Ride Day 1 = 200 miles
03-20-2009 First Day of Spring Ride = 15 miles
03-17-2009 Corn Beef and Cabbage Ride = 20 miles
03-15-2009 Sunday Out and About Ride = 140 miles
03-14-2009 Saturday Supper Ride = 32 miles
03-08-2009 Sunday in March Ride = 56 miles
03-04-2009 Lunch at Vern's Ride = 20 miles
03-03-2009 = 5656 Miles
03-02-2009 Blue Sky Monday Ride = 49 miles
03-01-2009 March is Here Ride = 137 miles
02-25-2009 Toss your troubles to the wind ride = 26 miles
02-24-2009 OH !!%^!!#!!^#!! Canyon Ride = 48 miles
02-22-2009 Not Too Cold to Ride = 80 miles
02-19-2009 = 5280 Mile High Mileage
02-19-2009 5000 Mile Maintenance
02-05-2009 Flatland Ride = 68 miles
02-04-2009 'Nother Dam Ride - Part 2 = 52 miles
02-03-2009 Tuesday Cruisin' = 44 miles
02-03-2009 = 5060 Miles
02-01-2009 Super Bowl Sunday Ride Brrr... = 36 miles
01-31-2009 Hurry - Cold Front Comin' Ride = 22 miles
01-22-2009 = 5000 Miles!
01-22-2009 'Nother Dam Ride = 63 miles
01-20-2009 Domesticity be Damned Ride = 57 miles
01-18-2009 Windy Sunday Ride = 36 miles
01-17-2009 Let's Get the Heck Out Ride = 33 miles
01-01-2009 New Year's Day Ride = 46 miles
01-01-2009 Beginning Mileage = 4643 miles

Visions of Harley rides dancing in my head...

December 30, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

OK! We live in cold country by choice. Colorado isn't as cold and snowy as some places (especially Texas/Oklahoma this year) but we can expect snow on the ground for a good bit of the winter. We like snow. Perhaps we don't like it as much now that we have the Harley. Ha! Normally we have snow in Northern Colorado that sits on the ground for a day or two and then disappears. Still, cold and snow set in early this year and Ol' Man Winter shows no signs of going away anytime soon. Worse, neighborhood streets are ice-packed now and we need a good, sunny, week long warm-spell to cure that problem.

So, we sit in front of the fire, drag out the road atlas and talk about rides we would like to do although we'd settle for the 20 mile Dam Ride right now. We look at the photos of last year's rides -- all the great places we visited and beautiful scenery we saw. We remember all the wonderful food we sampled along the way. We talk about places we would like to visit again and those we hope to visit. But, again, we'd settle for flat-landing it on the eastern plains.

Of course, we drag out the back issues of all our magazines, HOG, American Iron, etc., and make certain we have read all of the articles. We check out other motorcycle blogs and shop catalogs on-line and in-hand for - well, anything motorcycle related. Parts, tires, leathers. We both think we may read The Old Man and the Harley again. We watch motorcycle movies, even the bad ones.

We start The Ride and let it idle, sweet rumbling in our ears... we hook up the battery tender... we put the dust cover on and off... then on again. We clean and oil our leathers and boots. We sew on patches and place pins on our vests. We organize gloves and do-rags. We try on the do-rag we got for Christmas. We carefully plan how to best spend the Harley-Davidson gift card we got for Christmas. We tally our Harley points.

As a severe case of cabin fever sets in, we commiserate with our fellow bikers, forming an unofficial support group of sorts. We cheer if someone we know actually gets out of their driveway on two wheels. Are we pathetic or what?

Dad rides December 22, 2009 before Texas Christmas Blizzard

I said pathetic. We do have other things in our life - right? We have children and grandchildren, work, honey-do chores and hobbies, domestic stuff, cooking, cleaning, laundry - right? We have taxes to figure - ouch - right? We all have daily doses of drama that we must get through - right? If all else fails, we have headlines and politics over which to moan and groan.

I mean... good grief our entire lives are not centered on our motorcycles - right?

Right?

For Christmas we received a couple of Harley T-Shirts from Nashville, Tennessee from friends who visited there recently. The front of the T-Shirt says: Life Begins When You Get One. And that, my friends is the answer to the question.

Sure, our lives are full. We are surrounded with people and situations that need our attention. We muddle through the best we can...

Then, the sun breaks through the clouds of oppression, the ice and snow melt and the temperature rises enough to saddle up and ride. And ride, we will... because this - riding - is the one thing we do for ourselves... the one thing that gets us through the rest of it... the one thing necessary to our survival and ultimately, our sanity.

I think it may be a disease - riding - an affliction from which many of us happily and willingly suffer. So what?

LIFE BEGINS WHEN YOU GET ONE.

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Nuff Said

December 20, 2009
Colorado, USA

A Different Christmas Poem

December 16, 2009
Fort Collins, CO



The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear..
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat..
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.."

" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

---

Source: received via email
Video source: A Different Christmas Poem
Attributed to:
LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq

Bah! Humbug! We'd rather be riding...

December 13, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

We still have snow pack on our neighborhood streets here in northern Colorado so there's no riding until they clear up. We have not ridden since our trip to Texas over the Thanksgiving holiday. So... we've kept ourselves reluctantly busy with the business of the holidays, decorating and getting the house in order (all that stuff we put off while we had good riding weather - ha!). Bah! Humbug! We'd rather be riding...

But, today it was 74 degrees in Texas. Dad and some of his riding buddies took advantage of it. Dad hasn't ridden since Thanksgiving either but he made sure we knew how perfect the day was today for riding... rag... rag... rag... Ha! Some of our other Texas friends rode to Dallas to participate in the Snowball Express Ride ( a charity that seeks to provide special memories for the children of our fallen military heroes). Some even got to ride into the new Texas Stadium. Yeah - we're jealous. Sigh!


Dad riding out into the sunshine...


Molly waiting for her master to get home...


Dad riding in after a great December ride...

Remembering Our Heroes

December 12, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Wreaths Across America Program to Adorn 151,000 Veteran Graves

For Morrill Worcester, this time of year is all about remembering the heroes who died protecting the United States, one wreath at a time.

Worcester, owner of the Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, will be escorted on Sunday by Maine State Police, volunteers, and veteran bikers for the 18th annual Wreaths Across America program, which will lay more than 151,000 20-inch wreaths on headstones of veterans at Arlington National Cemetery, more than 400 state and national cemeteries nationwide, and 24 cemeteries on foreign soil on Dec. 12.

What began as one man's way to honor veterans with 5,000 wreaths in 1992 has blossomed into a national nonprofit organization with more than 100,000 wreaths sponsored by individuals, businesses and community groups from Maine to Alaska.

Source: Fox News Wreaths Across America Day 2009

Sigh!

December 11, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Patches and Catfish Ride - Texas

November 28, 2009
Wichita Falls, TX

When we announced our intention to bring The Ride home with us for our Texas Turkey Day vacation, Dad said we would ride with friends and family one day. Tim rode with Dad Wednesday to Waurika, OK while Mom and I were out shopping for a Christmas tree and having mini-margaritas at El Gordo's. Then Tim and I rode with Dad to a Welcome Home Mission Wednesday night. Thursday (Thanksgiving) we rode to Henrietta after lunch at the Cracker Barrel to visit with my 98 year old Grandmother. Friday Tim and Chevy rode with Dad to Black Friday at Red River Harley-Davidson and then on to El Gordo's once again where we all gathered for lunch (no mini-margaritas - sigh!). Friday afternoon we rode across town to visit with our good friends Tina and Bobby.

Some of us could get loose for a Saturday ride and some couldn't. Some had familial obligations, work, and other stuff. The biggest disappointment was Dad didn't get to ride with us because of a pulled muscle in his back, but he insisted we ride and so we did with a great group of people. It was bright and sunny, a little windy and a little chilly (by Texas standards, that is - grin).

Our new friends, Ray and Laura, Nubbin, my brother, and my other brudder Kenny rode with us to the Biker Roadhouse in Saint Jo, Texas. On the way, Kenny and TedJr played the kill switch game. When Kenny got bored with that we played hide-and-seek aka Where the Hell is Kenny? In Saint Jo, we shopped for patches, visited and milled around on the old square that was decorated for Christmas.

Here, Nubbin gifted Tim and myself with a memorial pin for Gary (his son, Sgt Gary S Johnston, lost in Iraq 2007). We are sincerely touched and humbled by this gesture of friendship and will wear the pins with pride. Now, when we pull on our vests loaded with patriotic emblems, one medal will shine brighter than all the others and give meaning to w-h-y we wear them.

We were joined by two more riders Charlie and Barry. Glad to meet ya guys. Soon, it was time to ride into Oklahoma for catfish and we were ready! So Kenny led us out of Saint Jo on a nice ride to Doug's Peach Orchard. The Peach Orchard has been serving up catfish since 1948. It is located on Hwy 81 just outside of the tiny town of Terral, OK or north of Ringold or south of Ryan or east of Waurika but nowhere near Ringling as the daughter discovered on her scenic tour of the R-towns in the area... ha! Mom and Dad joined us in the car. Stormy and Rob joined us, as well. TedJr had other business so he didn't stay for lunch, but we were glad he got to ride with us part of the way. We had a great time visiting with everyone. There's not much more to be said here except YUM!

After consuming some darn good catfish, we rode toward Waurika, OK for fuel and west toward the casinos for tobacco. At this point, we said our good-byes as we would all go our separate ways in a few miles. Tim and I would split off first to meet up with friends in Burkburnett.

Thanks to everyone who joined the ride and met us for lunch. You made the day memorable in ways we cannot begin to express. Kicking off year #39 by riding in Texas with such wonderful people has got to be a good sign - a really good sign. We look forward to riding with all of you again and if you get on up this way next summer - give us a holler - ya hear?

Riding to see Grandma

November 26, 2009
Wichita Falls, TX

First thing on the agenda after dinner at the Cracker Barrel was a visit to see Grandma in Henrietta, TX.

It was a fine afternoon so Tim and I and Dad rode the 18 miles or so... The daughter (Stormy) and her crew and Mom followed in their vehicles. Alice met us there. Stormy managed to get a few shots of us riding along the way.

The visit with Grandma went well. She knew I was in Texas this time and was expecting me. I think she was tickled that so many of us came. We numbered nine (Alice, Mom, Dad, Me, Tim, Stormy, Rob, Chevy and Stewart). She seemed especially pleased to see Dad (Ted) and loves the idea that we come visiting on motorcycles. Ha!

While we were there we posed for a five generation photo. We became five generations of women when Stormy was born while my Great Grandmother was still living. She lived to 101. We became five generations again when Chevy was born. Grandma is 98 and reminds us often that she will be 99 February 12, 2010.

Here are a few photos... including some of the grandsons goofing around...

Happy Turkey Day

November 26, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Welcome Home Mission - Texas

November 25, 2009
Wichita Falls, TX

Last Sunday we loaded The Ride on a trailer and pointed ourselves toward our hometown in Texas. It was our 38th anniversary. We usually spend our anniversary on the road to somewhere. The plan was to spend a week visiting with family and friends over Thanksgiving.

Soon after our arrival we learned of a mission we could attend with Dad and his fellow Patriot Guard Riders of North Texas. A Welcome Home Mission! Although we have been members of the Patriot Guard for quite some time, I have been on only one mission (with Dad) before this, as an observer. So, technically - this was mine and Tim's first mission of this sort. How perfect is it that we could stand the flag line with Mom and Dad and some old and new friends!

It was good to see Gary and JeanAnn and, Joe and Sherry. We had the pleasure of meeting Ray and Laura - you guys are great! And, we finally had an opportunity to meet Nubbin and Angela and Sabrina and Ethan. Nubbin, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed meeting you and Angela for real...

It was a proud moment for us. We welcomed home two flights of troops with flags standing proud, cheers, whistles, and loud applause along with a few handshakes and many a thank you with teary smiles. We witnessed one proposal - she said YES! And we learned of at least one more proposal but that young man could not be convinced to do it on camera.

Afterwards, about 20 of us gathered for dinner and conversation at the Cracker Barrel. In attendance were: Ted, Inez, Vickie, Tim, Gary, JeanAnn, Joe, Sherry, Ray, Laura, Ray, Cindy, Nubbin, Angela, Sabrina, Ethan, and belated arrival Kenny. What great company!

I snapped a few photos, of course (since John couldn't make it - you gotta get better soon, man). I'm not real good in close crowds and I'm short so the photos leave a little to be desired but they are not all back and buckle shots - LOL!

Texas - Here We Come!

November 23, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Celebrating 38 Years

November 22, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Thirty-eight years ago today, two teenagers stood hand-in-hand in front of a Justice of the Peace in little town Texas and quietly recited brief vows of marriage. I do, said he in a firm voice. I do she echoed without wavering.

Five minutes... Five dollars... A beginning.

Stepping out into a mild November afternoon, the couple stood on the edge of... everything. While others worried, the couple in their youth and inexperience didn't see complications. Young love looked with wide eyes and said - this is the way it's supposed to be. The reality was - there would be no parting at the end of the day to go separate ways - no - today and each day afterward would be a step in a new direction - together.

Too young, said some.
Won't make it, said others.
Have nothing, said all.

They were talking about US.

They were wrong. We didn't listen to anything but our hearts... and knew... we had everything we needed.

We don't have photos from that day... or keepsakes. It wasn't exactly a shotgun wedding but it wasn't all white roses and rice either. Ha! But we have memories. Good memories. We reveled in the freedom to be together - all of the time. Our biggest decision that day was deciding what to do with twenty-five bucks of Dad's hard-earned money - just about all the money we had to our names. So we went shopping at K-Mart for toothbrushes, chose Arby's for supper, saw some weird movie at the drive-in (I think it was Bloody Mama), spent our first night together in the Holiday Inn a few miles from where we grew up and woke together for the first time with a smile. We swapped sleepy promises of always and forever... and believed them...

So, here we are... after thirty-eight years, still proving all the doubters and naysayers wrong. Still together, still believing this is the way it's supposed to be. Still standing hand-in-hand on the edge of everything.

We can't say it's all been fun and sunshine... we can't say we haven't had tough times or weird times or times that made us question what it's all about - but true to ourselves and our hearts - every time a doubt arose, we dug deep and found our reason for being together was as strong as ever.

I think thirty-eight years ago if someone had said we would spend most of our 38th year riding a Harley together all over Colorado and the surrounding states - we would have laughed and said - why not? Perhaps in the sometimes numbing years that followed spent working and raising a family and figuring out our own identities we would have been more skeptical about such an adventure...

But today, we are all about the possibilities once again in our lives...

Darius Rucker sings in Forever Road:

Baby as our lives unfold
There’s no telling where we’ll go
But as far as I can see, it’ll be you and me
Just the way it’s supposed to be

Don’t worry baby
I ain’t no maybe
Rain or Shine
This Love of mine is for you
Let my arms remind you
I’ll always be beside you
Holdin’ on until this ride is through
So away we go, down that forever road.

We are not big travelers. You won't find us flitting through the skies on an airplane to exotic locales or lavish resorts. That's just not our style. Too many people. Too much fuss and bother. Dress codes - ugh! We do love the open road... and heading down a new road has always been our chief means of entertainment. We simply pick a direction and follow a road, getting as far as our leisure time and gas money will allow... before returning to reality. The Harley (affectionately known as The Ride) gets us to places, both physically and mentally we never suspected it would. The whole experience is very liberating. Our only regret is why we didn't do it years ago. If we could figure out how to ride all day, every day across this great land and get paid for it -- we would -- no question about it.

We have people shaking their heads again, some worried, some unbelieving, some downright incredulous. I mean, what are we doing running around on a Harley in all sorts of weather at our age? Ha! We don't mind... we've encountered that sort of skepticism often through our years. Besides, we can always smirk and point to Dad, still riding at age 73 and still married to my lovely Mom after 55 years.

So, doubters and naysayers be warned: We are riding a Harley down that forever road toward the adventure of our 39th... destination - still unknown - still together and enjoying the journey more than anyone could ever guess.
-----------------------
The following video wasn't supposed to be all about the Harley... but as I browsed through the photos of our 38th year I discovered - it very possibly was the year of the Harley... as we couldn't seem to stay off of it. Enjoy then, our 38th Anniversary card to ourselves.

Celebrating 38 Years - 2009

Tim gets a Long Deserved Thank You - Veteran's Day Ride to Lunch

November 11, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

THANK YOU VETERANS!

Tim has been riding to work all week with the flags flying.

We were eager to be out for a ride but our day started out gray and cold. About mid-morning, the clouds finally dissipated. Although it was chilly starting out, we took a short Veterans Day Ride over the dam for an early lunch at Vern's.

The lunch special sign included the words Thank You Veterans! The special today was a meatball sub which Tim said sounded good. I had a Longhorn Potato (stuffed baked potato, drenched in chili). YUM!




We noticed a group of people at one table nearby. Two of the men were wearing combat fatigues. The youngest was sporting an Airborne patch on his shoulder and wearing a cap that said ARMY. They were checking out about the same time as we were. Both Tim and I thought - don't let them get out of here without saying something. Apparently, they were thinking the same thing. We were wearing our Winter Park Veterans Rally shirts today, the ones with the POW-MIA patch on the front. Once the guys all determined they were Vets, both Tim and the older of the two veterans stuck their hands out at the same time. The man palmed a coin into a stunned Tim's hand with that handshake. It is a POW-MIA challenge or honor coin. The writing on it says Bring Them Home or Send Us Back. The other side says Duty Honor Country - Proudly Served. We spoke briefly with the two. The older said he had completed his tour of duty, the younger had just returned from Afghanistan. They posed for a photo.

Like I said, Tim was stunned. In all the days of his eight years of service, not one person ever sought him out and said thank you for your service. It was awesome and without a doubt this simple gesture made his day.


Here are a few photos of our short trip:

We took the roundabout, long way home, eventually taking a route through downtown Fort Collins. Before we reached downtown I made the comment that all too few houses were flying flags. I will usually snap a photo of a flag as we're riding by, so I notice that sort of thing. I also noted that it seemed to be smaller homes, trailer houses and rural domiciles, even fence posts flying the colors as if there's some sort of square foot maximum for flying Ol' Glory - say anything over 1200 sq foot is not required or at the least inclined to pay homage to our country. What's up with that rudeness?

As always, my camera was in hand. I thought a flag-lined main street might make a good photo for the day. I was disappointed and then thoroughly disgusted with the lack of patriotism displayed by downtown businesses in Fort Collins. I counted only four flags the entire considerable length of main street. Four flags.

I was so disgusted and just a wee bit angry that I came home and wrote the following letter to the editor of our local newspaper:

---

Letter to Editor of the Colorodoan (our local newspaper):

Veterans Day Neglect

It is Veterans Day. Today we rode our motorcycle – flags proudly flying behind it in honor of the men and women who serve our country past-present-future. We shook the hand of two young Veterans in the restaurant where we dined. We thanked them for their service. They echoed that thanks to my husband who is a USAF Veteran. One honored my husband with the gift of a POW-MIA challenge coin.

Our ride took us through downtown Fort Collins. I am disgusted to report, I counted only four flags flying on Main Street. Four flags. How can that be? Veterans are the reason businesses can open their doors and shoppers can walk the streets without fear. Veterans are the reason we enjoy any liberty in the USA. Worse – I noticed very few homes showed their colors today (or sadly, perhaps they were).

People sleep peaceably in their beds at night, only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.

We owe our Veterans a debt we can never repay except with gratitude, respect and remembrance…

For every moment of peace,
for every day of grace and greatness,
for every liberty we enjoy,
we owe a person in the service
of our country our heartfelt thanks.

How could you in good conscience NOT fly a flag today? For shame! Fort Collins. For shame!

If you flew the flag today, or any day, please accept our profound appreciation for your patriotism.

Vickie & Timothy
Proud Americans and not afraid to show it…

Veterans Day Tribute

November 11, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

My Veterans Day Tribute to Dad (Ted) and all Veterans. I am so proud of you Dad and proud to count many Veterans among my friends. I am proud of you, too Tim. This is my way of showing sincere appreciation for all the freedoms we enjoy because of the men and women who serve our country -- past -- present -- and future.

This one is going to take about 18-20 minutes of your time. Once the video is loaded (Mom's computer took several minutes) you can double-click or right click+zoom to enlarge it to full screen although you'll lose some clarity. Clicking ESC for escape will get you back to the original format.

Slide Show movies and videos take a few seconds, maybe even a minute to load so -- patience please. FYI: Sometimes after blogger maintenance, the code for the movies embedded in the posts gets scrambled... but a duplicate is always posted in the Movie section at the bottom of the page... enjoy.

Veterans Day Tribute 2009

A friend of ours has this to say:
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at nite, only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Thank you Veterans, God Bless... -- Nubbin
The quote is most commonly attributed to George Orwell. It really doesn't matter who said it - it speaks most eloquently about why we honor our Veterans.

American Veterans Traveling Tribute Escort - Day 2

November 10, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Wichita Falls, TX - Dad (Ted) rode today with eighty to one hundred riders who gathered at Red River Harley-Davidson to escort the American Veterans Traveling Tribute also know as The Wall to Childress, TX where it will be the focal point of Veterans Day celebrations.

It is an honor to escort The Wall to any destination. It is an awesome sight to behold. The AVTT pays tribute to all wars with numerous displays and remembrances.

Here are a few photos by DAD.

American Veterans Traveling Tribute Escort

November 9, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Wichita Falls, TX - Dad (Ted) and several other riders met up with the American Veterans Traveling Tribute a few miles outside of Wichita Falls and escorted it in. Mom (Inez) was on hand to take a few pics.

Dad and friends will saddle up again tomorrow to escort the wall on to Childress, TX where it is scheduled to be part of the Veterans Day celebration.

The Driver of the wall vehicle and his support driver, Mr Emberton (older gentleman) and Mr Weatherlee.


American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vehicle


Dad's Ride flying the colors and looking good. It should, quipped Mom (Inez) since I detailed it myself. Is it any wonder why he's kept her around for 55 years?


Gary's Patriotic Ride leaves no room for doubt... probably the most photographed bike in North Texas


The Brother's ride, sporting the colors and looking good...


According to Mom (Inez), this photo depicts Dad (Ted) giving the brother (TedJr) what for about the usage of cell phones. Apparently, my brother didn't get all the details of the ride and missed hooking up with the other riders.


Timely or not - little bro was wearing a kool shirt.

Stay tuned... hopefully there are more pics to come.

American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall

Shopping around ride

November 8, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

We had some errands to run today, but with the sun shining and the temps rising to bearable and The Ride begging for another outing, we just couldn't get serious about them. At least, not serious enough to go in the Tahoe.

Tim had an errand at Sportsman's Warehouse. I needed to shop for an office chair. So, we did our shopping on the Harley and made an afternoon out of it. Tim's purchases fit in the saddle bag. We found the office chair and went back for it late in the day.

Before leaving, we stopped to chat with our friend Al who snapped a couple of pictures of us before we rode out...

Veterans Day Parade - Texas

November 7, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Wichita Falls, TX - The Folks were at their patriotic best today as they attended the Veteran's Day Parade in my hometown.

Dad rode as a member of the Patriot Guard Riders (most of them veterans) who provided escort for WWII Veterans. Mom stood with flag waving and camera focused among the rest of the hometown crowd to cheer in support of America's veterans.

I remember the hometown Veteran's Parade probably best of all the parades I have ever attended. The bands. The patriotic music. The soldiers. The flags. For certain there are bigger, longer, more extravagant parades but for all the flash and show I don't believe they are more sincere in purpose. And no VIP media-monger message can tug at the heart-strings more than simply hearing the National Anthem played by a military band.

It is not Dad's first time to be part of this parade. I remember photographing it, as a girl turned loose with an 8mm several times as he rolled by in an official Air Force vehicle. I was proud of my Dad then and proud of him now. I was proud of soldiers then and proud of them now. I was proud of the flag then and proud of it now. I was proud to be an American then and proud of it now. Fortunately, some things never change.

Book Store Ride

November 7, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Woo-Hoo! We're riding again!

We haven't ridden together since the 18th of October. Bad weather. Bad back. More bad weather.

Tim declared himself ready to ride to work earlier in the week. Today, although he is still a bit stiff, we rode for most of the afternoon, about 80 miles. Our loose destination was a book store. The closest Borders Books is a couple of towns over. Sure, there is a Barnes and Noble a few blocks away and a favorite Independent book store a bit further, but it isn't as much fun getting to either of those locations.

I usually make a trip to the book store on my birthday. We had heavy snow and Tim had work that day so we didn't get out to run around. I know, a book store like Amazon is as dangerously close as my fingertips on this keyboard. I say dangerous, because I am a certified bibliomaniac and well-schooled in the intricacies of online commerce. Ha! Still, for someone like me... there's just nothing like roaming the shelves of a book store or cracking the cover on a new book for the very first time.

After spending some of Tim's hard earned money on three proud new additions to my library, we stopped for ice cream sundaes at the DQ. YUM! Then, as sunlight weakened and temps dropped with the waning of the day, we took a leisurely ride home through patches of chill shadows and lukewarm sunlight, down familiar country lanes, across dams and around lakes.

Bikers were on every corner and every road and crowding every road house today... all of us reluctant to give up one mile of clear road or one minute of sunlight to the winter that looms precipitously on our horizons...

Back in the Saddle

November 5, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

The man is back in the saddle today. Yeah, it's only a ride to work, but you should have seen the grin on the man's face when he fired the Harley up for the first time since the week of October 18th.

Winter weather in the form of a hard freeze, ice, snow and then even more snow would have kept us from riding for a few days but add to that a hinky back and we were taking a longer break from riding than usual. We'll see how the man does after a long day at work. Wish us luck and good riding this weekend!

73 degrees and clear skies

November 1, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Yep... we are pouting... definitely suffering from PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome). We haven't ridden since October 18. First, it was cold - very cold. Then, Tim got down in his back. Then, it snowed, snowed a bunch, a couple of days before Hallowe'en. We are just now thawing out... and Tim, poor guy - is still down in his back.

Wichita Falls, TX - According to photographer friend John: Today a group of 16 bikes and 21 riders road up to the Wichita Mountains, and went to Mount Scott, Chaps My Ass & Ann's Country Restaurant. Temp was 73 with clear sky's...

Thanks, as always for the Dad-Pics John. For more pictures of this ride including the beautiful scenery see John's excellent post at North Texas Bikers

Dad's BOO Ride

October 31, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Wichita Falls, TX - The Folks were out and about today treating the employees of Red River Harley-Davidson with cookies and stuff. The employees were decked out in costume, even Jim, the Harley-Davidson Salesman (dressed as a Harley-Davidson Salesman).

I admit, we're a bit jealous to see Dad riding while we are still digging out and thawing out from the heavy snow storm a couple of days ago. No BOO Ride for us this year - just BOO!

Mom took a few photos so I'm sharing them.

Birthday Snow

October 28, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yeah - it's my birthday. I woke earlier than usual this morning. I was having a dream about a birthday ride (motorcycle ride) and in the dream it was time to get up and go... In my dream, the sun was shining and the road was calling. Didn't happen. Nope. The reality is we have snow. Lots of snow.

It started snowing last night about 8 pm. It is still snowing. We are in the midst of the first major winter storm and it's a doozie. So, we rose this morning, made the first of three pots of coffee, lit a fire log and I opened a few packages and cards filled with lots of nice things.

The packages started arriving last week but didn't get opened until today because of Tim, otherwise known as the official it-is-not-your-birthday-yet grinch. Noooo, around here your day is your day. Ha! The Folks called first (they always do) and it was great to chat with both Mom and Dad. Since, Mother Nature more or less cancelled the birthday ride to Vern's for breakfast - Tim whipped up a batch of his famous eggs-in-a-basket which suited me just fine.

I have opened many fine gifts and cards, received great emails and Facebook messages, and talked to the Folks, the Daughter, my brother and my 98 year old Grandmother.

The rest of the day is mine to do as I please until Tim gets off, although I expect a visit or two from friends this evening. Tim isn't feeling well, so as soon as he left for work, I went out to shovel the first 6-8 inches of snow from the drive and sidewalk. The fact that I did, will probably get me a birthday spankin' - but, he has to catch me first. Not to worry, I love being out in the snow - next to riding the Harley, snow is one of my favorite things. And, if we can't be riding the Harley - it might as well snow.

Like I said, so Far, so Good. Here are a few pics...

The day isn't over yet. I have yet to cut the cake. Right now, I'm off for another stroll in the snow... Stay tuned.

Birthday Wishes from Mom and Dad

October 28, 2009

Fort Collins, CO

No birthday ride today... too cold... sooooooooooo...

I'm sharing a great Daughter-Mine birthday letter written by my Mom... Thanks for this look through your eyes... because when all is said and done - the reflection of a person - in the eyes of those who love them and whom they love in return - is really all that matters.

---

Our Daughter is 54 years old today
October 28, 2009

Happy Birthday Vickie Lynn
From: Mom and Dad

Once upon a time, in a land in North Central Texas,
there was an Air Force base by the name of Sheppard AFB
located nearby a city of Wichita Falls, Texas.
In this city lived a very handsome Air Force guy
by the name of Ted
and his young, pretty, and shy wife
by the name of Gertrude ”Inez”.
On October 28th, 1955,
this pretty, young wife gave birth
to a beautiful, dark-haired,
browned-eyed baby girl
who was named Vickie Lynn.
Her parents, very young at that time,
fell in love with this beautuful baby girl
wrapped in soft pink blankets.
Now this little girl has grown into
a mature, very talented, patriotic,
wife, mother, grandmother, daughter
and friend.
She can do anything she sets her mind to.
She met and fell in love with her husband, Tim.
Tim takes such good care of Vickie.
Her Dad and I could not ask for a better
partner for life for Vickie than Tim.
They ride Harleys together, shop together,
decorate together.
Where you find one you will find the other.
Vickie, you are our daughter
and we love you so very much.
You are such a very important part of our lives.
How you recognize your Dad
in all of his endeavors is remarkable.
He loves everything you do and say about him.
He knows you take a lot of that from him.
Thank you our daughter for all you do
to honor your Dad.
My daughter,
you will always be my soft baby girl,
even though you never liked
pink and lace and frills.
I accept that, and step aside for you
to be your own person.
I adore you and I love you.
You are my best friend, my daughter,
my soft place to fall when I need you.
You have always been there for us
and for that we are very grateful.
God bless you on your special day.
We miss you and wish you were here
To celebrate your special day,
but the miles are quite a few between us.
So have a fun-filled, happy, loving,
and special day and remember you are
our little girl named Vickie Lynn
born to us on
October 28th,1955
And, we would not change anything about you.
We love you just as you are.
Love you forever,
Your Mom (Inez) and your Dad (Ted)

---

Being a good daughter is only possible because I have such great parents.

Just for the record... only my Mom is allowed to talk about me like this... so, Biker Dudes beware your tongue... LOL!

Inez & Ted (aka the Folks) Celebrate 55th!

October 26, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Wichita Falls, TX -- Here are our most heartfelt wishes for the FOLKS... aka Mom and Dad (aka Inez and Ted). Have a wonderful day Folks, as you celebrate your 55th Wedding Anniversary.

Happy 55th Anniversary Ted & Inez - 2009!

I think you know how much we appreciate you and I know I've said it before, but it bears saying again. Thanks for the most excellent example of your relationship - not just the mile-marker days like today - thanks for the daily inspiration... because how you get to 55 years is day-by-day through laughter and tears, triumph and heartache. And, you've done it so well and looked so good doing it -- despite the speed-bumps along the way, and despite a couple of ornery kids and their little life dramas, too.

More than anything - thanks for showing the world that you can never be married too long, that life is but a series of adventures and most importantly:
You are never too old to have fun.

Happy is What You Make It
Always has Been
Always Will Be

We love you!
Vickie & Timothy

Folks and Friends Attend Petrolia Fun Run

October 24, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

We did not get a ride in this weekend. Work. Not so great weather. Tim is down in his back. But the folks attended a Fall festival and bike run in little ol' Petrolia, TX that looked like lots of fun. Mom says she took over 400 photos so we'll be a few days sorting them out.

Wichita Falls, TX - Mom says they had over 100 bikes for the First Annual Petrolia Texas Festival and Motorcycle Run. That's an excellent turn out for a first annual anything. Festival and Fun Run proceeds benefit the Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department, Senior Citizens Center and City projects.

They had a really good time. The event T-Shirt was awesome... Petrolia Pirate on a motorcyle. The photos below include some of the petting zoo and a guy with a goat (which Mom loved and I'm surprised she didn't try to bring home).

Several other pics (compliments of friend John) are of Mom with other men. Dad has had his picture take with other women, lately. He got grounded last week. Tim said of the photos of Mom with her new boyfriends... Look out Ted, paybacks are hell. Ha!

John's Breaking in the Harley Ride

October 23, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Wichita Falls, TX - I R loving it!! says friend John about his new Harley. John has been talkin' and plannin' and schemin' to get a Harley for a good while now. He found a 2001 Softtail Heritage that won his heart a few days ago. Now SO sits beside John's Vulcan known as Ms. Clone. SO = Sierra Oscar. Sierra Oscar is military phonetics for Significant Other... Explains John -- Janice is the wife but the Harley is my SO.

So, today John and a few friends, including Dad (Ted) used the excuse of escorting riding buddies, Gary and JeanAnn part of the way to Austin, TX. to have a break-in-John's-Harley-run. The all day ride starting out with temps in the 40s (Yikes! That's cold for TX) included lunch at Hard Eight BBQ (I'm thinkin' we need to get over there to eat sometime) in Stephenville and a ride through Hico and across the Brazo River Bridge to Jacksboro for ice cream at the DQ of course and eventually back to Wichita Falls (where Mom was waiting not altogether patiently to clean Dad's ride up for the Petrolia Fun Run tomorrow).

John sends me pics of Dad on the rides they make together and posts other pics on his excellent North Texas Bikers motorcycle blog. He takes some of the best photos of other riders, while rolling, from the saddle of his bike I've ever seen.

One photo had me curious. It depicts a friend (Nubbin) sprinkling rice near John's new bike. John hadn't posted to his blog yet, so curiosity got the better of me and I asked Nubbin. What's the deal with the rice? Nubbin explained that John had been riding a rice-burner for so long, they brought along the rice so John would feel more comfortable on the Harley. Whew! I told Nubbin they had me worried that the rice was part of some weirdo biker blessing. As it turns out, it was more of a rice-burner banishing. Too funny!

What follows are a few of the photos (thanks again John).

Lil' Motorcycle Dudes

October 23, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Both of my Grandsons have been Motorcycle Dudes for Hallowe'en in the past... mostly because their clever Mom saved the costume. Of course they've moved on to ghouls and goblins and screamers and other iconic characters from popular culture. I believe this year Stewart is going for the Mummy-Look. Chevy says he isn't dressing up... he turned 13 this year and if he knew I was posting this pic - he'd be squealing oh GrrranmaaaAAAaaaaAA... little does he know that I saved him from a fate crueler than death that year because he came within the hair's breadth of being a Tele-Tubbie... a purple one... oh man!

Chevy Man - 1998

Stewart - Mr Kool - 2005

Boney Biker and more Boo-Stuff

October 22, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

No, not exactly a motorcycle post (as in ride) but there are motorcycles...

In case you haven't noticed... the Biker Witch video should have been your first clue... Fall is my favorite time of year and Hallowe'en is my favorite holiday... I (actually WE since Tim is such a good sport) deck the place out in spooky splendor... the whole place - inside and out - nearly every room.

This Boney Biker was last year's BOO-Gift from our friends and, as it happens neighbors (the Browns).

Much of our Hallowe'en decor (inside and out) is manufactured by friends, family and ourselves. The excellent silhouette yard signs that are the foundation for the yard decor were made by The Folks back in 2000/2001. That's my Mummy Texas Mom in 2001 in the photo. The signs have traveled from Texas to Wyoming and now, Colorado. Year before last they got a new coat of paint, but otherwise are holding up well.

The scarecrow frames are made by Tim. He makes something new every year. One year he made giant jacks out of tree trunks. Those are inside. This year's addition is five evil punkin'head (the ones with black heads) trick-or-treaters. (Last year the evil tots were on giant springs.) This is the project we kept putting off because it was such great riding weather. I've dropped a hint that I wouldn't mind a stick cat to go with them. Let's see how I do. Ha! If the weekend isn't good for riding - it's a sure bet. Otherwise, who cares? Let's ride. lalalalalalala...

My contribution to the chaos is primitive Hallowe'en witches, cats and other critters with a somewhat gothic (dark) look. These creations are scattered throughout the decor. Otherwise, my job is to get it out and make it look good or rather spooky or at least gothic.

So, in case you are stuck in the house - with nothing better to do - here is some eye candy of the house and grounds.

Spookin' the Yard

Spookin' the House

Spookin' the House - continued

Believe it or not... this isn't all of it... stay tuned

Honoring a Veteran

October 20, 2009
Fort Collins, CO

Wichita Falls, TX - Dad and fellow Patriot Guard Riders honored a local veteran today on a Patriot Guard Mission for Fred Tibbets (88 yrs old). Tibbets was a 20 year veteran of the US Navy and US Air Force. He was also a veteran of the Korean Conflict & Vietnam War.

The funeral was held at Evangel Temple in Wichita Falls, TX. Interment was at the Highland Cemetery in Iowa Park, TX.

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Source: Photos compliments of John "Snapshot" Bailey who writes an excellent biker blog called North Texas Bikers out of Wichita Falls, TX.