North Pole at Colorado Springs

Today we went to the North Pole near Pike's Peak. We rode the tram, the train, and ferris wheel. We ate lunch at the Mason Jar and visited crowded Manitou Springs. We headed for home about 3:00 p.m. not knowing where we would stay for the night. We decided to stay in LaMar, Colorado. Had somewhat of a problem finding a room, but did finally find one. Will head home tomorrow.

Our Experience with Raft Masters

Yes, Don and I got brave today and went on a white water rafting trip. Since we were not able to take a camera, we have no pictures to show of us in the raft. Of course they took some pictures, and we bought one to prove we actually did this. The only pictures I have are of my scraped, bruised, swollen elbow. We chose a rather calm trip, but it took us down Pokemon Falls on the Arkansas River near Canon City. I saw these large rocks jutting up out of the water on my side of the raft. We hit the falls sideways and hit the rock. Don, who was sitting on the side opposite of me, was thrown over against me. I almost fell over the side, but instead just hit my elbow on the rock. All in all it was a good trip - this satisfied my wanting to "sometime" take a white water rafting trip. In earlier years I could not get anyone to go with me. So thanks Don for suggesting we go on this trip. It was delightful.

This and That around LaVeta, CO

Thursday we just stayed around LaVeta. He drove on a path to high meadows and saw a brown bear. My only picture is of him disappearing into the dense trees.
The area was gorgeous as usual.

Visit to Summitville - afternoon drive from Monte Vista, CO

Don and I visited Darrel and Ann Booker at their lovely home in Monte Vista. After lunch we drove to Summitville, an old mining camp. What a beautiful drive.

Cool in Colorado

Don and I arrived in Colorado on Saturday. Sunday we arrived at Jarrott's cabin near LaVeta. The weather has been beautiful. We have been to Cuchara, Bear Lake, Blue Lake, Taos, N.M. and today to Monte Vista with a beautiful drive to Summitville, high in the mountains. Today we saw snow, yesterday the hail was piled along the highway looking like snow. We are not suffering from the heat like those of you in Kansas and Texas.

Flowers and Tea Party

Don and I attended the poorly attended Tea Party in Hutchinson opposing the government-run health care agenda. It rained some but stopped. We stayed from 12:00 till 12:30. Had some interesting comments both positive and negative.
More of our flowers.

Work on our new Bathroom

Don and Dick have been working steadily on our new bathroom in our basement. They have the sheet rock up, the doors hung and are ready to lay out the tile for the floor. It should be workable soon. Thanks Dick and Melita for all your help this past week and a half.

Flowers in July

We will soon have a flower bed covered with these gorgeous flowers.

Don and siblings - Late night Mexian Train

Pictured are Shirley Gardner, Dean, Dick, and Don Graber. Following the reunion on Saturday evening Shirley came over to play Mexican Train along with Dean and Carol, and Melita. Melita was the big winner for the evening. The rest of us retired for the night.

Magnuson Family Reunion in Hutchinson, KS 150 attend

Thursday through Sunday was the Magnuson family reunion held at the fairgrounds in Hutchinson. !50 more or less attended from all over the U.S. We met on Thursday afternoon and continued through lunch on Sunday. Dean and Carol Graber from Tulsa, OK, as well as Dick and Melita Graber from Custer, SD, stayed here at our house. I'm glad we have room to accomodate more than one couple now.
Dick and Don are about finished with the new bathroom in the basement. So now we have a large bedroom with a private bathroom in the basement, as well as two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the main level.
It has been a good week spending time with family.

Dick and Melita visit

Dick and Melita came from South Dakota on Sunday to help Don with the project of putting a bathroom in our basement. Don and Dick are working on the shower. Melita is studying her Bible. We have had some good times to visit and shop. Thursday Dean and Carol will join us and we will all be involved in a family reunion Thursday eve. through Sunday. For those that don't know, Dick and Dean are Don's brothers.

Fireworks at my brother's house

Roger and Mary's kids, Roger and family, and Susan and famiy, had just arrived back from vacationing in Colorado in time for a barbeque and back yard fireworks.

4th of July Parade - Hutchinson, KS

Don and I attended the almost 2 hr. parade on the 4th. Joe Engle, the astronaut, was the grand marshal. Lots of interesting entries.