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?
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
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...
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...
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
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.
a.jpg)
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
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.
a.jpg)
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
Wednesday, November 11, 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…
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.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, November 9, 2009
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
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
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Shopping around ride
November 8, 2009
Fort Collins, CO
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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...
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Fort Collins, CO
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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...
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Saturday, November 7, 2009
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.
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...
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...
Thursday, November 5, 2009
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!
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!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
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
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
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