Chapter 34 Travels with Cali

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August 16: The family had a “housewarming” party for Rachel and Julian. We had to put it together pretty fast, so Susan, Bonnie and I did finger foods to serve to the guests and I came up with some games. We didn't have time to mail out invitations, so called people and handed out invites at church. Unfortunately, many people had already made plans so attendance was low. We had a lot of leftover sandwiches and lunch meat! I thought it was a fun party though, and I think everyone that did come enjoyed themselves.

Cali--Mommy brought home some of the leftovers from the party and gave me some. I thought that was only fair, since she wouldn't take me to the party!! I especially liked the cheese and ham. Yummm! I like staying here, I get to run around a lot. There are the two dogs that bark at me from the back yard, though. (Note: Frank and Susan's dogs, Sammy and )The big one got out of the back yard one day, though and chased me! He looked just like that one from where we were before! Mommy said he is a dachsund, just like the other one.

The Royal Gorge

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View of the Gorge from the Bridge.

I think I don't like dogs, but especially those kind!

August 17 to September 2: This time just flew by. I got my awing replaced and some other repairs from the storm done. I don't think I mentioned that the hail put several holes in the skylight over my bed and I got some rain in on it. Luckily, I found the damage pretty fast and put a tarp I had over the bed, so it didn't get very wet. Frank crawled up on top of the RV and put another tarp over the skylight until I could get a new cover.

A couple of days later, I went to Camping World and got a new cover. I thought I was going to get some money from the insurance company so I had fun shopping! I found one of those fold-up bicycles on sale and got it. The salesman wanted to apologize because it didn't have gears. I told him I couldn't figure out how to use them anyway, and was very pleased with what I got!! Lucky I didn't spend too much money, though, because I misunderstood my deductible, so didn't get as much as I thought I would. I have to say, though, that Progressive responded very quickly and were very nice about everything. Of course, with so much hail damage in the area, the reps from the insurance companies just set up shop in Pueblo for several weeks! The roofers and auto body repair shops made out like bandits!!!

Also, at some point during this two and one half weeks Bonnie and I went to Canon City to do the tourist thing. In case you don't remember, or I haven't explained it, Bonnie married my ex. She has been super mom to my girls and the two of us are great friends. Isn't that wonderful?

I'll digress from the Canon City trip for a moment to tell another story. One time when Susan and I were together, she “slipped” and called Bonnie “Mom”. Her eyes got real big and she covered her mouth with her hand and looked at me like I was going to die. I just laughed and said Bonnie had been just as much a mother to her than I had, which I thought was wonderful. I then said, “Just think, you've got two mothers instead of just one!” After that we were all in church together in Pueblo. While we were visiting with friends after church, Susan called out “Mom!” and both Bonnie and I turned around. Larry cracked up at the expressions on some of the people around! We all have a lot of fun together!

Anyway, back to Canon City. One of the big attractions there is the Royal Gorge Bridge. For many years it was the highest suspension bridge in the world. I'm not sure it still is, though. Years ago it was open to automobile traffic. When Larry and I would drive on it, the boards would creak and the bridge would sway back and forth. It was a thrill. A lot of people refused to drive on it, but I got a kick out of it. Since I hadn't seen the bridge in many years, I wanted to go back and, naturally, take pictures. I was very disappointed. I knew they didn't let people drive on it any more, but I didn't know it was all fenced in so you can't even see it now. The entrance fee is $24 dollars! I told the ticket lady I just wanted to take pictures and not spend the day. I went in and came out in less than an hour and still had to pay $15! I got to walk across the bridge and took pictures of the Arkansas River over 1500 feet below, but it just wasn't the same!

After visiting the bridge, we drove back to Canon City and took the train ride through the Gorge. I really wanted to take the one that featured the mystery and dining experience, but it was very expensive and at night, so it didn't work out. This ride was in the afternoon and took two hours. I love trains. Riding them is one of my favorite things to do. This was a nice, enjoyable ride, but I wouldn't do it again for the money it cost. Even though Bonnie insisted it was her treat, I still thought it was too much. One of the best things about the ride, though was relaxing and talking! The train did have cars with railings so we could stand outside and crane our necks to look. I got the bridge from the underside. I also snapped pictures of the prettiest little girl who danced around the open car and seemed to enjoy the wind in her hair!

Before we went to the Gorge, Bonnie took me to Holy Cross Abbey and Winery. The winery supports the monastery and church. What a gorgeous place. The Abbey is of Gothic design and I took lots of pictures. We toured the wine and gift shop, naturally, and had a taste! I also took pictures of the vineyards, all nice and green. No grapes, though. I think they had already harvested for the year.

After our tours, we made one more stop at an apple farm that Bonnie knew about. We got to pick some fresh apples and I picked one or two until I discovered the raspberry patch!!! Goodbye apples, hello raspberries! Unfortunately, they were the last of the crop and very well picked over. I just got a handful!

Another thing they grow at the farm is sunflowers. There were so many of them. They, too, were past their prime, this late in the summer, but I got a few pictures.

All in all, we had a wonderful day and enjoyed each others' company.

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