Happy New Year 2015!

Well... here we are again - grounded for now. Mother Nature will have her way with us for a few weeks or months and we are content to humor her for a while. There is snow on the ground and the temps have dipped low but the fire is blazing, good books and the Harley Road Atlas are within reach and it is a great time to enjoy the blessings of friends and family and each other.

We have no complaints about the year just past. As with all years - there were good times, tough times and weird times. We made some new friends and discovered a few people posing as friends so there is truth to the old saying that there is a reason why some people do not make it to your future. We are fine with that and say good riddance.

Yes, somehow we muddled through and we (the Folks and Ourselves) are all present and accounted for on Day 1 of 2015. So, we are off to a good start.

We rolled over 80,000 s'miles last year (all since 2008). We have tons of ride photos to edit and post. We have trips to plan for 2015. With any luck, come the first thaw... we will be rolling out of the drive in search of new horizons.

We wish you all Peace and Plenty today and always.

May you enjoy a Happy and Prosperpous New Year!

From our house to yours...

December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! And a special shout out to all Veterans past and present - Our hearts are with you and yours this holiday season - Thank you for your service!

Thanksgiving

November 27, 2014

For the family and friends who have chosen to be part of our lives,
For the blessings we find in each other,
For the freedom to travel the roads we have ridden this year,
For the hope of riding those that lay beyond today's horizon...
We are grateful.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Celebrating #43 Today

The card we received in the mail from the Folks said this: Love is not for sissies. Love is not all music and moonlight and romance. Love, real love, takes work. It takes patience and courage and commitment. Real love - the kind that makes two people make a promise as big as "I do" - isn't easy, but if anything in life is worth the effort, it's real love...

What a great card - we could not agree more!

After 43 years and some together, we do not do a bunch of thinking and talking about love. We know what love is - it is not something you think about - it is not something you talk about - love is the breath of a life shared... love is something you do - something we do - every damn day.

I guess if we would add anything to the list of things love IS - we would add the s'miles we get from riding the Harley. Riding is a gift we give ourselves - it trumps cards and flowers and sissified stuff - romance is found on the side of a road we have just traveled for the first time or at the end of the day when we find ourselves in a town we decide to call home for the night. It is time shared and memories made in tandem. No, we do not talk about love overmuch. We talk about the places we've been and the things we've seen and the times we've had - together. And we talk about the places we want to go and the things we want to see and the times we look forward to - together - because whether it is loving, living, sharing or riding - we just cannot stop doing it - together - stay tuned.

A few pics from our Colorado >> Kansas >> Missouri >> Arkansas >> Oklahoma >> Texas road trip this past summer...

Salute to my favorite Veteran and all other Veterans

November 11, 2014

My favorite veteran... my first hero... the face I put on the word hero today... a pavement patriot, a road warrior... It has been a tough year for this old Vet... but then, he's a tough old guy and so... those who thought to take him down by unscrupulous means were the authors of their own demise. When all was said and done - there is one still standing with his integrity in tact.

RESPECT! You don't demand it. You don't command it. You don't lie and scheme and pretend your way to it. You either have it or you don't. And people who know you will give it or they won't. FACT...

What I have is a man who earns the respect of others just by virtue of being himself, a man who stands his ground, a man who knows there is no grey area between right and wrong, a man whose principles are not subject to popular opinion or the winds of adversity, a man who leads not with intent but by example, steadfast and true, -- all bundled up in one neat package labeled MY DAD.

What follows is an excerpt (with minor edits) from the 2012 Vet Day post.

I am a military brat. I am the proud daughter of a USAF Vietnam Veteran. I am the proud wife of a USAF Vietnam Era Veteran. I often joke that I have 28 years of service myself (a veteran's daughter for 20 active duty years, a veteran's wife for 8 active duty years). All in all I have 50 some odd years of Veteran appreciation under my belt. I am the niece of Veteran uncles. I am proud friend to many Veterans. Needless to say, Veterans have always played a huge part in my life and continue to do so today. Talk about counting your blessings!

I saw an interview with children a good while back. The children were asked a simple question, "Who is your hero?" The children were very young so as you might expect, the answers were quite imaginative. Fireman. Policeman. Sponge Bob (Oh me!). Harry Potter (of course!). Batman (I had to grin at that answer). When a child answered with Dad or Big Brother, the interviewer asked what Dad or Big Brother did for a living. The children answered car salesman, teacher, banker and one child rolled his eyes and said in a duh sort of manner - he's a DAD.

What struck me as interesting about the answers in particular is this: Not one child answered Soldier/Marine/Sailor. I am guessing there were no military children in the group because most military children are well acquainted with the concept that military/soldier/veteran types are heroes - by default. In fact, when I was a kid, the whole mine-is-bigger-than-yours base housing playground mentality was all about whose Dad worked on the biggest, fastest airplane. I thought about it and wondered what sort of answer I would have given then and now -- and I am fairly certain I would have answered My Dad is my Hero, followed by the proud announcement -- he is in the Air Force and works on jet engines! (After reflecting on it - I realize I might have answered John Wayne but since I have always equated Dad and John Wayne's characters like Big Jake as being somewhat one-in-the-same - I am sticking with Dad.)

Yep, that would have been my answer - then and now. My Dad is my Hero, he is a USAF Vietnam Veteran, a man who makes it his business to see that Veterans - all Veterans - past and present get the recognition and respect they deserve.

Photo: Ted (aka Dad - with a WWII hero)

---- Veterans are the heroes of my America. Veterans standing shoulder to shoulder, flag in hand, respect being the order of the day. Veterans astride motorcycles with flags streaming behind them. Veterans behind shades, chins slightly dipped in respect. Veterans snapping a misty-eyed salute as Old Glory marches by. Veterans getting a bit choked up when they get to the words o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave... Hoary-headed Veterans, grizzled, bone-tired, weary though they may be rising to the day's challenge. Veterans calmly going about the business of honor and duty with unfailing loyalty and firm resolve. Veterans who will go it alone if something needs doing. Veterans clearing trash from a neglected cemetery. Veterans placing a wreath on a forgotten soldier's grave. Veterans with a clear-eyed, stern countenance under bills of patriotic hats. Veterans with a firm grip on the elbow of other less able-bodied Veterans. Veterans ready with hands extended in camaraderie and friendship. Veterans offering the solace of huggable necks and strong, comfortable shoulders. Veterans who in the width of their stance and the pride of their bearing convey strength, integrity, endurance and unwavering courage. Veterans who in the core of their beings understand the ideology of America will thrive because men and women such as they have risen and will rise again without qualm and see her through whatever force of adversity places a stranglehold on liberty and justice. Veterans understand the cost of FREEDOM and still venture forth to pay the price.

Today American Veterans across the nation are engaging in patriotic activities honoring veterans past and present. Many of them I know are riding out with those of a like mind as they go about the business of the day. Hopefully they will get a handshake and a heartfelt Thank You For Your Service! somewhere along their busy way today. Ride safe. Stand Tall. Carry on. You make me proud.

This is my tribute to all Veterans today. I SALUTE YOU! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, INTEGRITY AND FORTITUDE. THANK YOU FOR BEING THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF AMERICAN GRACE UNDER FIRE. In a world where alleged leaders have to "toot" their own horn and decimate the reputation of others to serve their own egotistical, self-serving agendas in tiresomely repetitive rhetoric - it is comforting to know that some heard the drummer and quietly and unequivocally answered the call of duty long ago because it was the "right" thing to do. Those few brave, independent souls are doing the right thing still. Today. Nobody tells them to do it. Hardly anyone ever applauds them for doing it. They do it naturally because being a Veteran defines them in ways that those who have not served will never understand. We know being a patriot is never the "popular" thing to do. Thank goodness for that - because there is not a Veteran of my acquaintance who gives a hoot about the mainstream perversion of principles dictated by popular culture!

Finally, Thank You Veterans, past and present for reminding me who I am by being who you are. American Veterans - my Heroes one and all.

This is my favorite definition of a hero.

Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid... He is the hero, he is everything. He must be a complete man and a common man and yet an unusual man. He must be, to use a rather weathered phrase, a man of honor, by instinct, by inevitability, without thought of it, and certainly without saying it. He must be the best man in his world and a good enough man for any world. -- Raymond Chandler

Happy Hallowe'en

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

The Folks Celebrate 60th Anniversary

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

Veterans Rally Article 2010

Just sharing...

They are not forgotten: Annual ride honors military, remembers

by Jeanne Mazerall

Published: August 27th, 2010

Story and photos (see link) by Spc. Andrew Ingram
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
CRIPPLE CREEK - A wall of sound blasted down the main street of Cripple Creek. The ground trembled. The waiting masses saw the first hogs pulling into town.

The riders wore leather, black with chains - hard-looking men with scruffy beards and women with tattoos.

As they approached, the crowd cheered, making way for the riders as they passed through town and under the huge American flag that hung at the end of Bennett Avenue.

Approximately 5,000 motorcycle enthusiast from across the United States came together to pay tribute to the military and honor our country’s

servicemembers, missing in action or held captive, during the 18th annual Salute to American Veterans Rally and Festival at Cripple Creek, last weekend.

Before the riders arrived, the citizens of Cripple Creek began the festivities early, putting on their own remembrance parade, showing their support to the country’s veterans.

The Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard, Ivy Division Band, and Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division led Cripple Creek organizations and community members down Bennett Avenue.

Bill Martin, one of the event organizers, explained the town of Cripple Creek hosts the event every year because its citizens believe it is their duty to support the troops.

“This is our salute to the veterans,” Martin said. “It is our way of saying thank you.”

Pat Martin, marketing and events coordinator for Cripple Creek, said he is proud of his town’s patriotism and involvement with veterans.

“We try to do what we can as a community for the military,” Martin said. “We want to make sure past and present veterans are being honored.”

Shortly after the parade concluded Saturday the motorcycles began to arrive.

Beginning in Woodland Park, the procession of motorcyclists stretched for more than nine miles.

Steve Dupont, a disabled Operation Desert Storm veteran who took part in the ride, stressed the importance of showing this generation of veterans support for their bravery and sacrifices.

“We go on these rides to show pride in our country and our military,” Dupont said. “I try to go to as many I can. I want these servicemen and women to know they are not forgotten.”

Following the ride, a memorial and remembrance ceremony was held to honor veterans both old and new, especially those missing in action or who remained steadfast while the prisoner of a hostile power.

Three veterans, former prisoners of war who have made Cripple Creek their home were honored guests at the ceremony.

Col. Lee Fetterman, chief of staff for the 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, who served as the ceremonies keynote speaker, thanked the brave men for their sacrifices and the sacrifices of thousands of other POWs and MIAs from throughout American history.

“All of us are stronger when we have our friends with us,” Fetterman said. “But you suffered alone and we owe you a debt of gratitude for what you have done.”

The Salute to American Veterans Rally-Memorial Wall Dedication was held Sunday at the war memorial at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Cripple Creek. The Pikes Peak Region’s Memorial Wall is constructed of Colorado Red granite and other native materials and is open daily. All members of the Armed Forces who were killed in action after Sept. 11, 2001 and were stationed at one of the five area installations, had a home of record in El Paso or Teller County, or were Air Force Academy graduates are listed on the wall. Brig. Gen. James Pasquarette, deputy commanding general for support, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, and Air Force Col. Tamra Rank, vice superintendent, United States Air Force Academy, spoke to the guests and placed a wreath at the memorial site.

Jim Wear, the event coordinator closed the ceremony by saying he believed it is the duty of citizens to give back to the Soldiers who protect them.

“While the debt of gratitude that we owe to every United States veteran, both living and passed on, can never be repaid,” Wear said. “This gathering is one small effort to show how much we appreciate your sacrifice to our nation, and to our freedom.”

Source: http://csmng.com/blog/2010/08/27/they-are-not-forgotten-annual-ride-honors-military-remembers/