Colorado, USA
It's amazing what we will do sometimes to keep ourselves entertained during the off days of a holiday - ha! Thanks Nancy - it's great!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sharing a little surprise that popped up in my email...
November 29, 2010
Colorado, USA
It's amazing what we will do sometimes to keep ourselves entertained during the off days of a holiday - ha! Thanks Nancy - it's great!
Colorado, USA
It's amazing what we will do sometimes to keep ourselves entertained during the off days of a holiday - ha! Thanks Nancy - it's great!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Post Turkey - Pre Snow Ride
November 28, 2010
Colorado, USA
Got the Thanksgiving company on the road early this morning, chilled (literally speaking as it was 23 degrees at 7am) for a while allowing the day to warm some, and enjoyed a late breakfast (oh, let's call it brunch). We finally leathered up and rolled out on a short, chilly run. It was only thirty or so miles. Riding at temps hovering between 38 and 42 degrees under cloud cover was a mite airish as Tim says. Still, it was a great way to end a busy weekend and shake off the post holiday blahs... hope everyone was lucky enough to squeeze in a ride.
Riding out where we could see the weather coming in...
Colorado, USA
Got the Thanksgiving company on the road early this morning, chilled (literally speaking as it was 23 degrees at 7am) for a while allowing the day to warm some, and enjoyed a late breakfast (oh, let's call it brunch). We finally leathered up and rolled out on a short, chilly run. It was only thirty or so miles. Riding at temps hovering between 38 and 42 degrees under cloud cover was a mite airish as Tim says. Still, it was a great way to end a busy weekend and shake off the post holiday blahs... hope everyone was lucky enough to squeeze in a ride.
Riding out where we could see the weather coming in...
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Celebrating #39 Today
November 22, 2010
Colorado, USA
Fort Collins, Co -- Thirty-Nine Years... 1971... that's a long time to be in the life of someone you picked up in your teen years - isn't it? A good many people can claim close relationships of that longevity only with parents or siblings.
But here we are... Me and Tim... rolling in on the close of 39 years of marriage. As the GD put it - what a long, strange trip it's been. Rolling being the operative word here... who knew when we purchased our first Harley in the Summer of 2008 and our second Harley in the Spring of 2010 that the Harley would steer our course away from what is considered normal for our age? Sure after 39 years we have some tales to tell of a life together that has had its ups and downs... not to mention a few weird turns and bumps in the night. When I look back on it though, those interesting, fun, exhilarating times in our past pale in comparison to what appears to be in our future.
Our story these days is all about we three -- Tim, the Harley and Me.
We are an Old-Fashioned Love Song. In the words of a song by Three Dog Night (incidentally, released in 1971)...
Just an old-fashioned love song
One I'm sure they wrote for you and me
Just an old-fashioned love song
Comin' down in 3-part harmony
About the time we had reconciled to the idea that the fun stuff was winding down, that our future was about property and taxes, rocking chairs on the porch and health care, that our wild and careless glory days were just tell-again stories for bored grand children, along came a Harley and we realized the really fun stuff was all ahead of us - not behind us. Uh - some people call this our second childhood. To those unenlightened few - we say - so be it! If in the end we cannot set a good example, we will content ourselves with being a horrible warning - ha!
We can blame - perhaps a better word is credit - the Folks for the sudden philosophical change. Yep, it was the two of them in cahoots with each other... that set the world on two wheels. Mom made certain Dad got his butt back in the saddle of a Harley (2007) after fifty some-odd years and the rest, as they say, is history... Fortunately, we weren't so far gone that we couldn't see that Dad (in his 70s) was having a heckuva good time out there and yeah, we wanted in on it. The only regret we have about that is -- we didn't do it years and years ago.
For certain, my 25 year old butt, legs and knees would have faired better in the saddle... but I doubt my eyes would have seen the open road quite as clearly, despite tri-focals. I doubt the view from a frosty mountain-top or a sunset on the desert plains or riding beside the stillness of a glassy lake at dawn or a road that stretched beyond the range of vision over the horizon would burn itself so permanently into the memory of the mind's eye.
There are whole segments of my youth I cannot remember. Faces, places, names and more escape recall.
In contrast, every single mile on the Harley and every single moment shared with Tim rolling down some stretch of road on the Harley I can recall in vivid clarity...
I guess it's all the better for the struggle to get here. Back then (closer to the beginning of US), I doubt time, money, jobs, the kid, the dogs and other restraints of conformity:
would have allowed for a sun-up to sun-down, rain or shine day of riding,
would have stood for over 600 miles in a day, destination still unknown,
would have lived for a week in two pairs of jeans and t-shirts,
would have slept in some creepy dive of a motel for the night,
would have dined for days on b'loney sandwiches, thermos coffee and stale brownies,
would have loved rolling out before first light or rolling in well after dark,
would have condoned rolling up on a <---> sign and choosing the direction that would be least likely to get us home at a reasonable hour,
would have dreamed about zig-zag riding all the way across our great country,
would have given in to the urge to ride a few more miles just to see what was around the next bend in the road.
Tim explains it this way -- no kids at home, no cats or dogs in the house, the gold fish died years ago. We ride out when we please and we ride in when we are out of money. It is as simple as that.
What is around the next bend of the road is year #40... and with any luck - mile marker 40,000 but more likely 50,000+++ somewhere along the way. What rolling around the bend of #40 will reveal is anyone's guess -- new roads, new adventures, new experiences, new memories... and we won't forget old roads that lead to old friends...
Love, if allowed to run its natural course is liberating. If appreciated properly, with mutual and equal consideration and concern, long-lasting love and an equally long-married life reflects itself upon the people who planned and schemed and ultimately, worked to achieve those ends. Add a Harley along the way for two freedom-loving dreamers and the rest is about joyfully free-wheeling it as far down the forever road as possible. Destination still unknown.
Next year we will have an un-hyphenated anniversary... Forty. Years from now, I think somewhere around our 50th or 60th or 70th, I want people who know us to say - now that's a life well-lived... filled with love and laughter, lots of good stories, and countless tales of miles and smiles.
The goal this year and every year hereafter, is to do some of that deep-living, to keep things easy... fun... real... free... and to simply ride on... and on... and on... away... away... beyond... stay tuned...
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TIM!
What follows is our video anniversary card (To Tim, with Love) but there were so many photos to share I could not work them all in to a single video. Go figure! In the interest of keeping it shorter than Gone With the Wind... I had to get somewhat selective. The photos are mostly us or rather just we three as we rolled our way through year #39...
Colorado, USA
Fort Collins, Co -- Thirty-Nine Years... 1971... that's a long time to be in the life of someone you picked up in your teen years - isn't it? A good many people can claim close relationships of that longevity only with parents or siblings.
But here we are... Me and Tim... rolling in on the close of 39 years of marriage. As the GD put it - what a long, strange trip it's been. Rolling being the operative word here... who knew when we purchased our first Harley in the Summer of 2008 and our second Harley in the Spring of 2010 that the Harley would steer our course away from what is considered normal for our age? Sure after 39 years we have some tales to tell of a life together that has had its ups and downs... not to mention a few weird turns and bumps in the night. When I look back on it though, those interesting, fun, exhilarating times in our past pale in comparison to what appears to be in our future.
Our story these days is all about we three -- Tim, the Harley and Me.We are an Old-Fashioned Love Song. In the words of a song by Three Dog Night (incidentally, released in 1971)...
Just an old-fashioned love song
One I'm sure they wrote for you and me
Just an old-fashioned love song
Comin' down in 3-part harmony
About the time we had reconciled to the idea that the fun stuff was winding down, that our future was about property and taxes, rocking chairs on the porch and health care, that our wild and careless glory days were just tell-again stories for bored grand children, along came a Harley and we realized the really fun stuff was all ahead of us - not behind us. Uh - some people call this our second childhood. To those unenlightened few - we say - so be it! If in the end we cannot set a good example, we will content ourselves with being a horrible warning - ha!
We can blame - perhaps a better word is credit - the Folks for the sudden philosophical change. Yep, it was the two of them in cahoots with each other... that set the world on two wheels. Mom made certain Dad got his butt back in the saddle of a Harley (2007) after fifty some-odd years and the rest, as they say, is history... Fortunately, we weren't so far gone that we couldn't see that Dad (in his 70s) was having a heckuva good time out there and yeah, we wanted in on it. The only regret we have about that is -- we didn't do it years and years ago.
For certain, my 25 year old butt, legs and knees would have faired better in the saddle... but I doubt my eyes would have seen the open road quite as clearly, despite tri-focals. I doubt the view from a frosty mountain-top or a sunset on the desert plains or riding beside the stillness of a glassy lake at dawn or a road that stretched beyond the range of vision over the horizon would burn itself so permanently into the memory of the mind's eye.
There are whole segments of my youth I cannot remember. Faces, places, names and more escape recall.
In contrast, every single mile on the Harley and every single moment shared with Tim rolling down some stretch of road on the Harley I can recall in vivid clarity...
I guess it's all the better for the struggle to get here. Back then (closer to the beginning of US), I doubt time, money, jobs, the kid, the dogs and other restraints of conformity:
would have allowed for a sun-up to sun-down, rain or shine day of riding,
would have stood for over 600 miles in a day, destination still unknown,
would have lived for a week in two pairs of jeans and t-shirts,
would have slept in some creepy dive of a motel for the night,
would have dined for days on b'loney sandwiches, thermos coffee and stale brownies,
would have loved rolling out before first light or rolling in well after dark,
would have condoned rolling up on a <---> sign and choosing the direction that would be least likely to get us home at a reasonable hour,
would have dreamed about zig-zag riding all the way across our great country,
would have given in to the urge to ride a few more miles just to see what was around the next bend in the road.
Tim explains it this way -- no kids at home, no cats or dogs in the house, the gold fish died years ago. We ride out when we please and we ride in when we are out of money. It is as simple as that.
What is around the next bend of the road is year #40... and with any luck - mile marker 40,000 but more likely 50,000+++ somewhere along the way. What rolling around the bend of #40 will reveal is anyone's guess -- new roads, new adventures, new experiences, new memories... and we won't forget old roads that lead to old friends...
The principle of love will always be stronger than that of life,
because it comes upon us quicker
and in the end doesn't conquer but liberates.
-- Rod McKuen --
because it comes upon us quicker
and in the end doesn't conquer but liberates.
-- Rod McKuen --
Love, if allowed to run its natural course is liberating. If appreciated properly, with mutual and equal consideration and concern, long-lasting love and an equally long-married life reflects itself upon the people who planned and schemed and ultimately, worked to achieve those ends. Add a Harley along the way for two freedom-loving dreamers and the rest is about joyfully free-wheeling it as far down the forever road as possible. Destination still unknown.
The personal life deeply lived
always expands into truths beyond itself.
-- Anais Nin --
always expands into truths beyond itself.
-- Anais Nin --
Next year we will have an un-hyphenated anniversary... Forty. Years from now, I think somewhere around our 50th or 60th or 70th, I want people who know us to say - now that's a life well-lived... filled with love and laughter, lots of good stories, and countless tales of miles and smiles.
The goal this year and every year hereafter, is to do some of that deep-living, to keep things easy... fun... real... free... and to simply ride on... and on... and on... away... away... beyond... stay tuned...
It is good to have an end to journey towards;
but it is the journey that matters in the end.
~~ Ursula K. LeGuin ~~
but it is the journey that matters in the end.
~~ Ursula K. LeGuin ~~
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TIM!
What follows is our video anniversary card (To Tim, with Love) but there were so many photos to share I could not work them all in to a single video. Go figure! In the interest of keeping it shorter than Gone With the Wind... I had to get somewhat selective. The photos are mostly us or rather just we three as we rolled our way through year #39...
Celebrating #39 - 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Veterans Day 2010 - For: Dad
November 11, 2010
Colorado, USA
I was raised on patriotism although I did not know it as that growing up. In our home, pride in country, reverence for the flag and respect for the men and women who served in the military was status quo. We were proud Americans. We are proud Americans.
Veterans peopled my life... but, I knew them as Dad or Uncle or friends of the family. Veterans wives nurtured my life... but I knew them as Mom or Aunt or Mrs. The men served our country and the women as well, just in a different capacity. My perception was these are "the good guys", doing their "duty", fighting the "good fight". To me, they were all men on the same caliber as movie heroes John Wayne, Gary Cooper, Jimmy Stewart. Later, it should come as no surprise, I became the wife of a boy who became a military man. Carrying on in military family tradition came naturally.
My Dad served in the USAF for twenty years. He is a Vietnam Veteran (boots on the ground and in the air), but also a Veteran of other conflicts. My husband served in the USAF for eight years. He is also a Vietnam Veteran (thankfully, the closest his boots got to Nam was Guam near the end of the war effort). I say thankfully because war becomes a different animal when you can put a face in the midst of the chaos, when you hang on the words of the evening news broadcast and breathe a sigh of relief when your loved one's location is not spoken, when you wait for the postman to bring a worn envelope, worried by many hands as it made its way across the seas. Gratification was not as it is today... it was not instant via cell phone and internet... it was wait and worry, it was hope and carry on.
There were no flags waving or bands playing or fanfare when Dad returned from Vietnam. It was just US, the family, grateful to have his boots on American soil once again. There was no party when Dad retired from the USAF. One day he was active duty and the next he was retired with not much to show for it other than a document or two, a hard-earned bronze star and a few well worn uniforms. What I know to be an unspoken fact, is the sense of self worth, accomplishment and assurance that while it [his service] may have gone unrecognized - the contribution to society and this country as a whole was significant. The same goes for many who have served and those who serve today.
The key word here: unrecognized.
Veterans Day, as I remember it was acknowledged as an important remembrance day and the meaning and import of it was taught in our classrooms. I grew up attending military celebrations -- air shows, parades and fireworks where patriotic music blared across open field and down city streets. We climbed in airplanes boosted up by powerful hands of men in uniform. We wore flags on our lapels. We stood and saluted the flag when it passed. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance and we sang the National Anthem (without question and without doubt).
I cannot think of a single faction of our society more deserving of tribute than an American Military Veteran. They deserve our respect, our homage, our heartfelt thanks. No single day set aside on our calendar could be more important.
A Veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life. Sadly, we (We the People) have cashed the check on far too many soldiers without many of us ever pausing to remember their sacrifice, or the sacrifice of their families... When you hug the neck of a Gold Star Mom or Dad trying to hold it together while we celebrate their son or daughter, or acknowledge the price they have paid, try putting the face of your child in their child's place.
Nowadays, Patriotism is vilified at every turn by the powers that be and their minions (the media). Being patriotic is the new kooky. FYI: it's a kookiness I whole-heartedly embrace. People march down streets and rally at our national monuments carrying signs that proclaim themselves to be Patriots, real Americans. I've participated in a couple of rallies and enjoyed the overall experience, but I have to tell you -- after examining the motivation behind the guest speakers and politicians (all brimming over with eloquent rhetoric), I grew weary of the double-talk and slander. Not enough speech is red, white and blue rhetoric. Not enough of what I hear is grounded in red, white and blue ideology. Real American Patriots carry Ol' Glory and vote. Real Americans defend our country from enemies no matter where the culprits may reside. Real Americans voice their opinion where it counts - the voting booth. And Veterans? Veterans are the best of us.
What I believe is We are All Americans (at least those of us who can legally call ourselves American) so it should follow that we are all American Patriots. That's the logic of it. Unfortunately, there is a glaring deficit of proof in regards to such logic. It's a rather revolting revelation to learn that not all Americans are patriots. On second thought, perhaps those people are neither - really.
Because of my association with and appreciation of Veterans, I do not have to figure out who I am or which side of the fence I am on. I am an American. I am a Patriot. I am the daughter of a Veteran. I am the wife of a Veteran. I am friend to many a Veteran. My ties are firm. My beliefs are set. I am not conflicted.
I am not kooky either, despite evidence to the contrary... evidence collected by those suffering from a severe attack of politically correct delusions.
I believe in times of chaos and uncertainty, it is the philosophy of the Veteran that makes the most sense. Country First. Veterans are American Patriotism personified. The character of a Veteran is earmarked with traits and respectabilities that are above question: Duty, Honor, Truth, Justice, Freedom, Liberty, Allegiance, Respect, Courage and Remembrance.
Veterans wear flags on their lapels (on suits and leather jackets) and on their backs. Veterans fly flags at their homes and take issue with those who disrespect Ol' Glory. Veterans stand and salute the flag as it passes. Veterans recite the Pledge of Allegiance and consider it an honor to do so. Those who dismiss the pledge as an archaic children's poem - would be encouraged to reevaluate that position by a Veteran. Veterans know the words of the Declaration of Independence... or, more importantly they know when words have been altered, twisted or omitted. Veterans know the words to the National Anthem aka Star Spangled Banner. They also know, another Veteran would never belittle a teary eye or a moment of choked off silence after hearing oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave..... o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Veterans are not politically correct. A thing is what it is. A truth is a truth. A lie is a lie. A wrong is something that needs to be righted.
An enemy is an enemy.
Case in point: Terrorism. Oh, that's right, we are not fighting terrorists... our sons and daughters have died correcting the course of misguided (albeit murderous) extremists. Say that to a Gold Star Mom or Dad and I guarantee your backside will be permanently embedded with a Veterans boot print.
The Veterans of my acquaintance would not hesitate to stand again to defend this country or the ideals that make the United States great. When Veterans learn that military families need assistance, they band together and provide that assistance.
When Veterans learned that others planned to dishonor our military sons and daughters, they soldiered-up and found a way to silence the deluded and protect and honor the fallen and their families. I am speaking of The Patriot Guard here, because most of our family and motorcycle friends are involved with that fine organization. Dad and many of his friends serve as Ride Captains for the North Texas Patriot Guard.
It should go without saying, there are countless other Veteran-based organizations that provide services too numerous to mention, all of them worthy and selfless in their endeavors -- most of them formed out of a proclivity to serve their fellow man - not because of some political mandate.
Veterans never stop being soldiers. They are still "the good guys", doing their "duty", fighting the "good fight".
Veterans walk among us. Young or old - the least we can do, when we run across a Veteran is to say a simple and heartfelt - thank you for your service! And, if you run across a Gold Star Mom or Dad, the least you can say is -- thank you for your sacrifice. And, if that all seems too personal - fly the flag, from your house, from your car and wear it on your person. Trust me, they will notice.
What follows is my Veterans Day Tribute to Ted (My Dad). He was my first hero. This years images show Dad and his friends, riding out, on roads that are "free", protected by their vigilance, determination and the blood of the brave, flags unfurled behind their motorcycles, or standing the flag line, honoring veterans and their families and generally doing what is "right". We could all learn from their excellent example.
To All Veterans. My thanks to you today and every day. You know who you are. You make me proud.
UPDATE: Wichita Falls, TX -- Mom sent a few photos of their Veterans Day outing. The local schools gathered at the football stadium to present a Veterans Day celebration. Here's a slide show (17 photos):
Colorado, USA
I was raised on patriotism although I did not know it as that growing up. In our home, pride in country, reverence for the flag and respect for the men and women who served in the military was status quo. We were proud Americans. We are proud Americans.Veterans peopled my life... but, I knew them as Dad or Uncle or friends of the family. Veterans wives nurtured my life... but I knew them as Mom or Aunt or Mrs. The men served our country and the women as well, just in a different capacity. My perception was these are "the good guys", doing their "duty", fighting the "good fight". To me, they were all men on the same caliber as movie heroes John Wayne, Gary Cooper, Jimmy Stewart. Later, it should come as no surprise, I became the wife of a boy who became a military man. Carrying on in military family tradition came naturally.
My Dad served in the USAF for twenty years. He is a Vietnam Veteran (boots on the ground and in the air), but also a Veteran of other conflicts. My husband served in the USAF for eight years. He is also a Vietnam Veteran (thankfully, the closest his boots got to Nam was Guam near the end of the war effort). I say thankfully because war becomes a different animal when you can put a face in the midst of the chaos, when you hang on the words of the evening news broadcast and breathe a sigh of relief when your loved one's location is not spoken, when you wait for the postman to bring a worn envelope, worried by many hands as it made its way across the seas. Gratification was not as it is today... it was not instant via cell phone and internet... it was wait and worry, it was hope and carry on.
There were no flags waving or bands playing or fanfare when Dad returned from Vietnam. It was just US, the family, grateful to have his boots on American soil once again. There was no party when Dad retired from the USAF. One day he was active duty and the next he was retired with not much to show for it other than a document or two, a hard-earned bronze star and a few well worn uniforms. What I know to be an unspoken fact, is the sense of self worth, accomplishment and assurance that while it [his service] may have gone unrecognized - the contribution to society and this country as a whole was significant. The same goes for many who have served and those who serve today.
The key word here: unrecognized.
Veterans Day, as I remember it was acknowledged as an important remembrance day and the meaning and import of it was taught in our classrooms. I grew up attending military celebrations -- air shows, parades and fireworks where patriotic music blared across open field and down city streets. We climbed in airplanes boosted up by powerful hands of men in uniform. We wore flags on our lapels. We stood and saluted the flag when it passed. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance and we sang the National Anthem (without question and without doubt).
I cannot think of a single faction of our society more deserving of tribute than an American Military Veteran. They deserve our respect, our homage, our heartfelt thanks. No single day set aside on our calendar could be more important.
A Veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life. Sadly, we (We the People) have cashed the check on far too many soldiers without many of us ever pausing to remember their sacrifice, or the sacrifice of their families... When you hug the neck of a Gold Star Mom or Dad trying to hold it together while we celebrate their son or daughter, or acknowledge the price they have paid, try putting the face of your child in their child's place.
Nowadays, Patriotism is vilified at every turn by the powers that be and their minions (the media). Being patriotic is the new kooky. FYI: it's a kookiness I whole-heartedly embrace. People march down streets and rally at our national monuments carrying signs that proclaim themselves to be Patriots, real Americans. I've participated in a couple of rallies and enjoyed the overall experience, but I have to tell you -- after examining the motivation behind the guest speakers and politicians (all brimming over with eloquent rhetoric), I grew weary of the double-talk and slander. Not enough speech is red, white and blue rhetoric. Not enough of what I hear is grounded in red, white and blue ideology. Real American Patriots carry Ol' Glory and vote. Real Americans defend our country from enemies no matter where the culprits may reside. Real Americans voice their opinion where it counts - the voting booth. And Veterans? Veterans are the best of us.
What I believe is We are All Americans (at least those of us who can legally call ourselves American) so it should follow that we are all American Patriots. That's the logic of it. Unfortunately, there is a glaring deficit of proof in regards to such logic. It's a rather revolting revelation to learn that not all Americans are patriots. On second thought, perhaps those people are neither - really.
Because of my association with and appreciation of Veterans, I do not have to figure out who I am or which side of the fence I am on. I am an American. I am a Patriot. I am the daughter of a Veteran. I am the wife of a Veteran. I am friend to many a Veteran. My ties are firm. My beliefs are set. I am not conflicted.
I am not kooky either, despite evidence to the contrary... evidence collected by those suffering from a severe attack of politically correct delusions.
I believe in times of chaos and uncertainty, it is the philosophy of the Veteran that makes the most sense. Country First. Veterans are American Patriotism personified. The character of a Veteran is earmarked with traits and respectabilities that are above question: Duty, Honor, Truth, Justice, Freedom, Liberty, Allegiance, Respect, Courage and Remembrance.
Veterans wear flags on their lapels (on suits and leather jackets) and on their backs. Veterans fly flags at their homes and take issue with those who disrespect Ol' Glory. Veterans stand and salute the flag as it passes. Veterans recite the Pledge of Allegiance and consider it an honor to do so. Those who dismiss the pledge as an archaic children's poem - would be encouraged to reevaluate that position by a Veteran. Veterans know the words of the Declaration of Independence... or, more importantly they know when words have been altered, twisted or omitted. Veterans know the words to the National Anthem aka Star Spangled Banner. They also know, another Veteran would never belittle a teary eye or a moment of choked off silence after hearing oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave..... o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Veterans are not politically correct. A thing is what it is. A truth is a truth. A lie is a lie. A wrong is something that needs to be righted.
An enemy is an enemy.
Case in point: Terrorism. Oh, that's right, we are not fighting terrorists... our sons and daughters have died correcting the course of misguided (albeit murderous) extremists. Say that to a Gold Star Mom or Dad and I guarantee your backside will be permanently embedded with a Veterans boot print.
The Veterans of my acquaintance would not hesitate to stand again to defend this country or the ideals that make the United States great. When Veterans learn that military families need assistance, they band together and provide that assistance.
When Veterans learned that others planned to dishonor our military sons and daughters, they soldiered-up and found a way to silence the deluded and protect and honor the fallen and their families. I am speaking of The Patriot Guard here, because most of our family and motorcycle friends are involved with that fine organization. Dad and many of his friends serve as Ride Captains for the North Texas Patriot Guard.
It should go without saying, there are countless other Veteran-based organizations that provide services too numerous to mention, all of them worthy and selfless in their endeavors -- most of them formed out of a proclivity to serve their fellow man - not because of some political mandate.
Veterans never stop being soldiers. They are still "the good guys", doing their "duty", fighting the "good fight".
Veterans walk among us. Young or old - the least we can do, when we run across a Veteran is to say a simple and heartfelt - thank you for your service! And, if you run across a Gold Star Mom or Dad, the least you can say is -- thank you for your sacrifice. And, if that all seems too personal - fly the flag, from your house, from your car and wear it on your person. Trust me, they will notice.
What follows is my Veterans Day Tribute to Ted (My Dad). He was my first hero. This years images show Dad and his friends, riding out, on roads that are "free", protected by their vigilance, determination and the blood of the brave, flags unfurled behind their motorcycles, or standing the flag line, honoring veterans and their families and generally doing what is "right". We could all learn from their excellent example.
To All Veterans. My thanks to you today and every day. You know who you are. You make me proud.
Veterans Day Tribute #1 2010
Veterans Day 2010 - for: Tim
November 11, 2010
Colorado, USA
Happy Veterans Day to my Harley Guy. Thanks for all the patriotic rides to rallies and to Texas - I have enjoyed every mile and smile of it... and I know you have, too.
Colorado, USA
Happy Veterans Day to my Harley Guy. Thanks for all the patriotic rides to rallies and to Texas - I have enjoyed every mile and smile of it... and I know you have, too.
Veterans Day Tribute #2 2010
You make me proud!
You make me proud!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sunday shopping ride
November 7, 2010
Colorado, USA
Fort Collins, CO -- Today the skies were looking a bit iffy and the forecast didn't sound much better. The days are getting chilly and the weather temperamental. We wanted a longer ride than yesterday. So, we decided to roll out about mid-morning and see how far we could get. We took ourselves a couple of towns over to Aunt Alice's Restaurant in Longmont. This is one of our favorite places for breakfast. You can get a good ol' country-style breakfast served up in generous portions at a reasonable price and the coffee is good and hot.
As we rolled up on Aunt Alice's, the wind had kicked up good and it looked like a healthy storm was sliding over the mountains. A couple of flurries whizzed by our noses as we decided breakfast was likely as far as we would get today.
After breakfast, the clouds had indeed slid over the mountains but other than a little more wind they were not doing much more than spitting on us. We decided to ride a little further south and see what the skies looked like beyond the edge of town. We could see a patch of blue on the horizon toward Denver and nothing but ominous black toward home. We decided to make for Denver and maybe the storm would blow on through before we made the return trip this afternoon. As it turns out, that was a good decision.
Riding toward a patch of blue sky
Yikes! Glad we left that bit of business behind us.
The ride to the north end of a Denver suburb was windy and perhaps a bit colder than when we started out. We spent the afternoon roaming through a favorite Christmas craft show, picking up a couple of gifts. Funny. We bought a fairly large piece of seasonal art (with glass) and as the artist was wrapping it for us, it occurred to us almost simultaneously - we are on the Harley. Ha! The artist looked at us rather oddly (can't imagine why) and said her husband could deliver it next week in Fort Collins, if we couldn't get it home on the motorcycle. Of course, the art was too large for the saddle bags or the tour pack. I don't know what we were thinking - ha! We managed to cushion it with our rain gear and strapped it down with the cargo net on top of the tour pack rack. It made it home in perfect condition, despite rough railroad crossings and high winds. I would have a photo of it except I failed to get the camera out of the tour pack before we strapped it all down.
The weather had cleared out by the time we headed home. It was a chilly ride home, but not unbearable. Our riding days are numbered here in Northern Colorado so we count this one as a good day.
Colorado, USA
Fort Collins, CO -- Today the skies were looking a bit iffy and the forecast didn't sound much better. The days are getting chilly and the weather temperamental. We wanted a longer ride than yesterday. So, we decided to roll out about mid-morning and see how far we could get. We took ourselves a couple of towns over to Aunt Alice's Restaurant in Longmont. This is one of our favorite places for breakfast. You can get a good ol' country-style breakfast served up in generous portions at a reasonable price and the coffee is good and hot.
As we rolled up on Aunt Alice's, the wind had kicked up good and it looked like a healthy storm was sliding over the mountains. A couple of flurries whizzed by our noses as we decided breakfast was likely as far as we would get today.After breakfast, the clouds had indeed slid over the mountains but other than a little more wind they were not doing much more than spitting on us. We decided to ride a little further south and see what the skies looked like beyond the edge of town. We could see a patch of blue on the horizon toward Denver and nothing but ominous black toward home. We decided to make for Denver and maybe the storm would blow on through before we made the return trip this afternoon. As it turns out, that was a good decision.
Riding toward a patch of blue sky
Yikes! Glad we left that bit of business behind us.The ride to the north end of a Denver suburb was windy and perhaps a bit colder than when we started out. We spent the afternoon roaming through a favorite Christmas craft show, picking up a couple of gifts. Funny. We bought a fairly large piece of seasonal art (with glass) and as the artist was wrapping it for us, it occurred to us almost simultaneously - we are on the Harley. Ha! The artist looked at us rather oddly (can't imagine why) and said her husband could deliver it next week in Fort Collins, if we couldn't get it home on the motorcycle. Of course, the art was too large for the saddle bags or the tour pack. I don't know what we were thinking - ha! We managed to cushion it with our rain gear and strapped it down with the cargo net on top of the tour pack rack. It made it home in perfect condition, despite rough railroad crossings and high winds. I would have a photo of it except I failed to get the camera out of the tour pack before we strapped it all down.
The weather had cleared out by the time we headed home. It was a chilly ride home, but not unbearable. Our riding days are numbered here in Northern Colorado so we count this one as a good day.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Veterans Day Parade - Texas
November 6, 2010
Colorado, USA
Wichita Falls, TX -- Dad (Ted) and friends rode in the annual Veterans Day parade today. A friend shared some photos she snapped from the sidelines as Dad rode by. The weather looked perfect for the parade and I hear there was a great turnout. I remember this being a great event from my girlhood days when I stood on the sidelines as Dad rolled or marched by.
Having a good time. You know you are my favorite veteran - don't you?
Veterans riding with Veterans in honor of Veterans. It doesn't get any better than that. Congratulations to Veterans everywhere for a job well done and accept my humble appreciation of your service.
Slide show (9 photos):
Colorado, USA
Wichita Falls, TX -- Dad (Ted) and friends rode in the annual Veterans Day parade today. A friend shared some photos she snapped from the sidelines as Dad rode by. The weather looked perfect for the parade and I hear there was a great turnout. I remember this being a great event from my girlhood days when I stood on the sidelines as Dad rolled or marched by.
Having a good time. You know you are my favorite veteran - don't you?Veterans riding with Veterans in honor of Veterans. It doesn't get any better than that. Congratulations to Veterans everywhere for a job well done and accept my humble appreciation of your service.
Slide show (9 photos):
Saturday after work ride
November 6, 2010
Colorado, USA
Fort Collins, CO -- The day warmed into the 50s so we mounted up as soon as Tim got in from his Saturday shift work. It was a short ride on the country roads east of I-25, a stop for coffee and an ice cream and a couple of photos in front of the flag mural painted on the side of a VFW post in Johnstown, CO. The mural is usually blocked by vehicles. We got lucky today.
Our sun is getting weaker every day and the temps fall earlier in the afternoon now. We stopped for a cheap chinese buffet dinner before rolling back in just after dark.
This is as close as I'll get to a Vet Day shot of Tim as Veterans Day is a work day.
Ol' Glory and The Ride - Long may she wave. Long may it roll.
Colorado, USA
Fort Collins, CO -- The day warmed into the 50s so we mounted up as soon as Tim got in from his Saturday shift work. It was a short ride on the country roads east of I-25, a stop for coffee and an ice cream and a couple of photos in front of the flag mural painted on the side of a VFW post in Johnstown, CO. The mural is usually blocked by vehicles. We got lucky today.
Our sun is getting weaker every day and the temps fall earlier in the afternoon now. We stopped for a cheap chinese buffet dinner before rolling back in just after dark.
This is as close as I'll get to a Vet Day shot of Tim as Veterans Day is a work day.
Ol' Glory and The Ride - Long may she wave. Long may it roll.
Friday, November 5, 2010
NEVER FORGET
November 5, 2010
Colorado, USA
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Fort Hood massacre.
1. Lt. Col. Juanita Warman, 55, Havre de Grace, Md.
2. Maj. Libardo Caraveo, 52, Woodbridge, Va.
3. Cpt. John P. Gaffaney, 54, San Diego, Calif.
4. Cpt. Russell Seager, 41, Racine, Wis.
5. Staff Sgt. Justin Decrow, 32, Plymouth, Ind.
6. Sgt. Amy Krueger, 29, Kiel, Wis.
7. Spc. Jason Hunt, 22, Tillman, Okla.
8. Spc. Frederick Greene, 29, Mountain City, Tenn.
9. PFC Aaron Nemelka, 19, West Jordan, Utah
10. PFC Michael Pearson, 22, Bolingbrook, Ill.
11. PFC Kham Xiong, 23, St. Paul, Minn.
12. Pvt. Francheska Velez, 21, Chicago, Ill.
13. Michael G. Cahill, Cameron, Texas [civilian]
Thirteen men and women, plus the unborn child of Pvt Francheska Velez died at the hands of jihadist soldier Nidal Hasan.
Never forget.
Congressman John Carter, TX: It has been a year since the terror attack on Fort Hood, and DOD still refuses to even use the words ‘radical Islam’ in their report on the attack or recommendations on how to prevent future attacks... That does not instill confidence in Congress that DOD is taking the necessary steps to protect our troops.
Source: Fort Hood Attack Unresolved One Year Later
Colorado, USA
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Fort Hood massacre.
1. Lt. Col. Juanita Warman, 55, Havre de Grace, Md.
2. Maj. Libardo Caraveo, 52, Woodbridge, Va.
3. Cpt. John P. Gaffaney, 54, San Diego, Calif.
4. Cpt. Russell Seager, 41, Racine, Wis.
5. Staff Sgt. Justin Decrow, 32, Plymouth, Ind.
6. Sgt. Amy Krueger, 29, Kiel, Wis.
7. Spc. Jason Hunt, 22, Tillman, Okla.
8. Spc. Frederick Greene, 29, Mountain City, Tenn.
9. PFC Aaron Nemelka, 19, West Jordan, Utah
10. PFC Michael Pearson, 22, Bolingbrook, Ill.
11. PFC Kham Xiong, 23, St. Paul, Minn.
12. Pvt. Francheska Velez, 21, Chicago, Ill.
13. Michael G. Cahill, Cameron, Texas [civilian]
Thirteen men and women, plus the unborn child of Pvt Francheska Velez died at the hands of jihadist soldier Nidal Hasan.
Never forget.
Congressman John Carter, TX: It has been a year since the terror attack on Fort Hood, and DOD still refuses to even use the words ‘radical Islam’ in their report on the attack or recommendations on how to prevent future attacks... That does not instill confidence in Congress that DOD is taking the necessary steps to protect our troops.
Source: Fort Hood Attack Unresolved One Year Later
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Ride to Vote
November 2, 2010
Colorado, USA
Not that most of us need a reason to ride...
but if you need a suggestion for today, I say:
RIDE TO VOTE!
Colorado, USA
Not that most of us need a reason to ride...
but if you need a suggestion for today, I say:
RIDE TO VOTE!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Appreciation for Patriotism
November 1, 2010
Colorado, USA
Wichita Falls, TX -- Letter to the Editor, Times Record News, Wichita Falls, TX
From:
Ted and Inez F, Wichita Falls
Thank you, Wichita Falls
Thank you Wichita Falls for doing a very patriotic service on Oct. 16. On that day a young fallen hero, Cody Board, his family and the Patriot Guard Riders and their support vehicles rolled onto Highway 287 to take this young hero to his final resting place at the Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Oklahoma.
As the long caravan of motorcycles, cars trucks and support vehicles proceeded on their journey, there were lots of people standing on overpasses all throughout the city with American flags waving and people wiping tears from their eyes. We have never seen such a loving, patriotic display of affection from so many people. As the caravan moved along the interstate people pulled to the side of the interstate and got out of their vehicles and placed their hands over their hearts or waved at the motorcade. These people were in awe of what they had just seen. The Patriot Guard Riders of North Texas and Oklahoma on their motorcycles were leading this young man and his family on a journey that he would never return from. So thank you Wichita Falls for your support of this young man and his family and let’s not forget our servicemen and women all over the world and here in America, who give their all for all of us.
They deserve a moment of our time to honor them when they have given their all. Just remember “Freedom is not free.”
Thank you for your patriotism and your support on that day and everyday.
--------------------------------
Nice job, Mom...
Source: Times Record News.com
Colorado, USA
Wichita Falls, TX -- Letter to the Editor, Times Record News, Wichita Falls, TX
From:
Ted and Inez F, Wichita Falls
Thank you, Wichita Falls
Thank you Wichita Falls for doing a very patriotic service on Oct. 16. On that day a young fallen hero, Cody Board, his family and the Patriot Guard Riders and their support vehicles rolled onto Highway 287 to take this young hero to his final resting place at the Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Oklahoma.
As the long caravan of motorcycles, cars trucks and support vehicles proceeded on their journey, there were lots of people standing on overpasses all throughout the city with American flags waving and people wiping tears from their eyes. We have never seen such a loving, patriotic display of affection from so many people. As the caravan moved along the interstate people pulled to the side of the interstate and got out of their vehicles and placed their hands over their hearts or waved at the motorcade. These people were in awe of what they had just seen. The Patriot Guard Riders of North Texas and Oklahoma on their motorcycles were leading this young man and his family on a journey that he would never return from. So thank you Wichita Falls for your support of this young man and his family and let’s not forget our servicemen and women all over the world and here in America, who give their all for all of us.
They deserve a moment of our time to honor them when they have given their all. Just remember “Freedom is not free.”
Thank you for your patriotism and your support on that day and everyday.
--------------------------------
Nice job, Mom...
Source: Times Record News.com
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