At the compound....

We're nearing the one week mark of being here in Monument, CO. The weather has been warmer than I expected and moister too. Not to say that it's what I'm used to in San Diego, but apparently it's "monsoon season" so it's not skin crackingly dry. Which is good. In four more days it's back into the car for the two day trip back to CA, where we fly off to the UK. Arg - don't start me on that....
Today we spent the full day with mom and dad T going into the Rockies, to Cripple Creek. It's an old mining town which now caters to tourists and gamblers. They have legalized gambling, and many smaller casinos are there. I have to admit, it was quite nice to be in a quieter casino without all the din and smoke filled air. It was much cooler as well, since the altitiude was 9494ft. Had a fabulous Almaretto sour at Big Jim's.
Before heading back home, we drove another 25 miles west to see Bob and Terri's property, which they are fixing up now that she's retired. It is in the midle of "nowhere". But it's beautiful, scenic and has tons of open land.
The rest of the week will be filled with golfing for Mike, dinners with the siblings, and a few necessary stops, such as to get my nails done before they break....silly me.

From Bad to Good

Good things really do come to those who wait. Our stay last night in Ely was, a bit shocking. Not I must say right now, I have scolded myself about being a snob or something like that. I had to really talk to myself about people's status and whether they are "happy". It was a humbling experience to bed down in a place like  I haven't been in in decades..... Yes, I'm ashamed.  If people are content with their lot, who am I to tell them they want better.

But tonight was very different. I think Mike may have felt guilty ( no need honey) and wanted to make up for it. This place is the polar opposite ~ Springhill Suites, Grand Junction CO. Wow. Very modern, clean and efficient. OK, I'm being a snob again.... forgive me all. This is the last stop before the Taylor Monument compound tomorrow . It will ne nice to get somewhere, where I can unpack for a week. Yeah

What's new??

We left Fresno yesterday, and are traveling north. We opted for the "less travelled" route. Mike decided Yosemite was the place to drive through, and he was right. Wow, it was beautiful. It amazed us both that we had not, either one, visited it before. Then onto the back roads toward Nevada. Now while this may sound grueling to some, we found it nice, as we could cruise at the speed limit or a little above :) and there was little to no traffic. I enjoyed it immensely when I had to drive. No one in front of you, or running you over from behind. Ah, the open road!! We were a bit surprised when we finally arrived at Eyi , NV and there was no room at the inn. Or any inn at that matter. Took us about 5 tries to find a place to sleep. OK it's summer, but it's also a Tuesday...

Fresno ain't so bad!!!

Our first stop in the journey "east" is Fresno, CA. While many of you may groan in disappointment, I find it quite nice. I love agricultural areas, and this is California's finest ~ the San Joaquin valley.
We're staying with Matt & Holly and they have been the best hosts. It does help that while the weather has been in the 90s, their backyard pool has helped cooled us down quickly.
Today's adventures took us to Madera,CA for local wine tasting. I have to say it was delightful. While not the huge vineyards and wineries of Temecula that we are used to, it was brilliant! (there, using my British vocabulary already). The first stop was Ficklin Vineyard, which only does port. Yes, port!! And what wonderful variety they had. Offering the usual suspects, vintage and tawny, this specialty workshop has a white port. Yes, white port. Light, white with orange and honey tones, it was definitely a winner. Then there were their flavored ports. This was their house port, infused with delicious essentials~ hazelnut, chocolate, raspberry or black cherry. Needless to say, we purchased a few....Even if you don't normally drink port, I recommend trying this place as it can only be a "pleasant surprise".

One room living at it's finest.

Ah...noting like living out of a one room hotel room.  I really shouldn't complain, the Miramar Inn at MCAS Miramar is nice. While being older, it has more room size than most. Plus there's the kitchenette, so we can dine in if wanted. MCX is just walking minutes away as well. Looks like we're heading to the base theater in a bit to see a flick. We've got a fridge to keep the win coolers cold. Life is good at the 1 room abode.

Scary, scary....

It's July 1st. That means only 7 more days till we're out of the house. It's really here, or at least just round the corner.... Two more pack ups next week, then an empty house to clean (or in this case, have cleaned). Then it's hotel living at it's finest. James should be driving in around the 6th, so we get to see him before we leave.
I know it was coming, but I can't believe it's really here....