Sweetie's By & By

HOLLAND AMERICA CRUISE - GRAND TURK, ST MARTEN, SAN JUAN, BAHAMAS

2012-02-13T09:56:00.000-08:00

The WESTERDAM - HOLLAND AMERICA -

FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 12, 2012

CAPTAIN HENK KEIJER

Our view from our hotel room in Fort Lauderdale - The Sheraton

ONE OF THE FIRST FLORIDIAN NATIVES TO WELCOME US:)

We had a great room with large windows and great views on the 10th floor.

It was cool and windy the first day.

Pelicans

We enjoyed a good visit (lunch and dinner) with Jean and Reggie.

Dan, Jean, and Reggie

Brynn, Seth, and Diane

We embarked Sunday, February 5, and spent Monday, February 6 at sea.

Partly cloudy skies, 72 degrees F.

Our Room ~ 8115 ~ 8TH Deck Aft

We had a balcony which we enjoyed. Also went to the casino where I won $90. First couple of days at sea were a little rough on Brynn and me....as we experienced seasickness until we finally got our "sea legs"....it was a rock 'n rollin boat! Over 24 hours later here at home today I still have some equilibrium "squirreliness". Probably the the last cruise for this lady:) One evening the four of us discussed what it would take to get back on board on a turn-around cruise. The tally was:

Seth= $40,000, Dan would go as long as someone paid his ticket, Brynn & I first of all said $10,000, but admitted we would probably take $5,000...as a final bid along with a "barf bucket".

Our first port of call was Grand Turk Island.

February 7, 2012 - Partl cloudy skies, 77 degrees F.

We rode bikes around the island and to one of the beaches and then went to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville for nachos and cold drinks.

Diane & Dan at Margaritaville

Brynn & Seth

My Enjoyable Traveling Companions on Grand Turk

Seth & Brynn ~ Grand Turk ~ They said the water was "cold"

Margaritaville after our Bike Ride--I was a bit frazzled, but my fellow travelers were very patient with me as we rode against the wind and awarded me with a delicious Pina Colada:)

My hair also grew wilder each day as the humidity rose:)

Our next port of call was San Juan, Puerto Rico

February 8, 2012

Partly cloudy skies, 77 degrees F.

We thought we spied Tom on board, but never did catch up with him:)

Ponce de Leon statue -- undecided whether it was de Leon or Columbus who discovered Puerto Rico

The Fort at San Juan

Blue Brick Road
The streets of Old San Juan are paved with adonquines, small blue-gray glazed bricks cast from the residue of iron furnaces in Spain, and brought to the Americas as ballast in the Spanish galleons. The Spanish used gold and silver from the Americas as ballast on the trip home.

Streets of San Juan

While sitting in a park by the ship in San Juan we saw 2 dolphins playing around in the water.

Diane & Dan - San Juan
A uniformed/badged police lady offered to take our picture---we had a "European Vacation" moment as she kept stepping back and back, taking several shots. Fortunately she wasn't a thief and was just giving us some optional shots:)

We spent a lot of time on our balcony where we were able to read in the shade and enjoy the peace and quiet. I finished 3 books in one week--a record for me.

The other side of our room with a TV of limited channels, but it did have channels that showed the actual bow and aft of the boat/ocean in real time.

Philipsburg, St Maarten

February 9, 2012 Partly cloudy skies, 77 degrees F.

Vessel undocked at 3:10 -- so Dan and I both enjoyed some spa treatments--

Dan had a massage, and I had their special for the day, a massage--best one ever--a facial, and a pedicure. Pampered we were!

On the beach is St. Maarten where we were inundated with ladies wanting to massage our feet with actual Aloe leaves for $20 and selling dresses, bags, etc.

Sunset

Westerdam Smokestacks

One of the interesting staircases on the way to the Crow's Nest Bar and Library, where Matt Murphy was their mellow guitarist/singer.

The Neu Amsterdam - another Holland America ship almost the same as the Westerdam, which followed us to all ports throughout the trip.

We had 2 medical emergencies during our week at sea where a guest and one of the crew members had to be removed from the ship and flown to hospitals in Miami. These diversions which were necessary cut short our visit to St. Maarten and that along with rough seas kept us from visiting Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.
"UNFORTUNATELY CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER" as stated in ship's brochure.

Earlier at breakfast time, a whale was sited by the diners in the restaurant--quite a distance away--but we were able to see each time he came to the surface and "spouted".

On Satuday the whole crew gathered on stage for our "farewell" mtg.

Our Last Evening in the Dining Room -- Fresh Flowers all week!

Pulling into the port at Fort Lauderdale early Sunday Morning. After rough seas and heavy winds through Saturday night, it was a joy to disembark.

Sunrise Sunday Morning - February 12, 2012

Seth/Brynn's Engagement Celebration - Lake Las Vegas

2012-02-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

Proposal Hoorah Pass Moab, Utah!!!!!

At Lake Las Vegas

Dan and I drove to Vegas through Glenwood Canyon....

Dan checking out Lake Meade

Mesquite, Nevada looked Great after driving through snow in the mountains.

The Newly Betrothed

We spent some time down on the Las Vegas Strip - the Aria -- where I won $130 on a penny slot machine.

Lake Las Vegas is a beautiful resort that Seth discovered about 10 miles outside of town. The weather was nice and we were able to bike and take walks.

We celebrated New Year's Eve with Brynn, Seth, her parents Nancy and Reb. We also took in the Terry Fator show at the Mirage....thoroughly enjoyed it.

Dan

Brynn and her mom Nancy

Dan & Diane

Reb & Nancy

A coyote joined us one afternoon during Brynn and Seth's engagement photo shoot on the grounds of Lake Las Vegas.

Dan

Our Very Best Wishes to the Happy Couple!

December, 2011 ~~ Merry Christmas!

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What a Wonderful December we had--we began with visits from my sisters and their husbands. Dan, Diane, Tom, Patsy, Keith, Lisa, LeAnn and Keith.
Derek with his Aunt LeAnn and Aunt Lisa.

Sisters: Diane, Lisa, LeAnn and Patsy

The sisters had a great time shopping for Christmas.

Dan, Patsy, Lisa, Keith, Keith, Tom, and LeAnn

What fun it was to have them with us to celebrate the holiday.
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Later in the month, Dan and I drove to Sheridan to celebrate Christmas with the Huberts.

Meg & Ella

Meg

Jackson & Melissa

Ella

Christmas Dinner at the Chop House

Ella's Christmas Program

Meg's Christmas Program

Papa and Jack resting.
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Dan and I also took Aubrey, Trinity, and Tony to the Christmas activities at the Bass Pro Shop in December.

Trinity

Aubrey
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On December 16, my Meet-up ladies meet at the Hacienda for a Christmas Luncheon and white elephant exchange

Diane, Sue, Amelia, and Kelly -- Lois and Judy also attended, but were gone before we were able to take the picture.

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Dan and I also had a Christmas lunch with Marilyn & Ed Markus

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For even more fun, Brett and Trent paid us a visit and went to the Broncos/Patriots football game on December 18.

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This little fellow entertained us with his antics in our back yard this December.

MERRY CHRISTMAS~~2011

Christmas Day

It was so nice that the guys could barbecue steaks for us on Christmas Day. They were Delicious!

White Elephant Gifts:)

November, 2011 - Thanksgiving

2011-12-26T21:42:00.000-08:00

Missi, Meg, David, Jack and Ella
Meg, Jackson, Diane, Dan, and Ella

Tony, Ella, Trinity, Aubrey, and Meg helped me trim the Christmas tree

We celebrated Jack's 3rd Birthday

Brynn and Seth treated the kids and Papa and Sweetie to a night at Red Robin and the movie "The Muppets Movie"

Devin gave Horsie Rides

All of the men helped our neighbor Darcy move a very heavy water heater out of the crawl space.

Derek went to the "Helmet Store" for Jack's Bronco Helmet birthday present.

and we all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner at Jenn and Derek's.

It was a Very Happy Thanksgiving!

and Birthday Celebration!

Dan and I enjoyed a November walk at City Park

and an Early Snowfall

Looks like it will be a White Christmas in Henderson

October, 2011 -- Celebrating Birthdays

2011-12-26T21:02:00.001-08:00

October is a "LolapaLooza" Month of Birthdays for the Barbers......

Dan's is the 12th

Meg's is the 18th

Belle's is the 20th

Devin and Derek's is the 26th

Carrie's is the 30th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

bARBER FAMILY/FRIENDS GATHERING 10/1/2011

2011-10-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

VIRGINIA BEACH - 5000 MILES ON THE ROAD - OCTOBER 2011

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VIRGINIA BEACH--KING NEPTUNE

GIRLS NIGHT OUT

NEPTUNE FESTIVAL SAND SCULPTURES

MISSI BIKING THE BOARDWALK

NAVY COPTER

BITS AND PIECES OF OUR TRIP.....

Currituck Sound Fairy on our way to Nags Head, NC

Dan aboard the ferry

Gulls on the way across the Sound

Dan enjoying some North Carolinan BBQ

Beach house at Nags Head that Dan added addition for Econolodge Owner

GLORIOUS SUNRISE A THE BEACH

SUNRISE AT THE BEACH ---

ON THE ROAD HEADED HOME--THE LEAVES OF AUTUMN WERE BEAUTIFUL IN WEST VIRGINIA--PICTURES DON'T DO IT JUSTICE.

OUT OF CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER BUT THE BEACH--CAN'T BEAT THAT! I WAS OBSESSED BY THE GULLS THIS TRIP. IF YOU HAVE TIME AND WANT A CHUCKLE CHECK OUT YOU TUBE "RED SKELETON SEAGULLS"..MY DAD USED TO LAUGH OUT LOUD (ALONG WITH THE REST OF US) AT HIS SKITS.
GERTRUDE AND HEATHCLIFF ARE WHAT HE NAMED THE GULLS--THE "SHIP OF FOOLS" JOKE IS DEVOTED TO MISSI:)

THE CONDO WE STAYED AT --THE DUNES AT SANDBRIDGE

MAVERICK, GOOSE, AND ICEMAN WER CONSTANT COMPANIONS AT THE BEACH.

SEPTEMBER 2011 - THIS AND THAT

2011-10-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

WENDY'S MBA GRADUATION PARTY

BIKING IN FORT COLLINS

ROCKIES BASEBALL IN THE SUITE

SEPTEMBER 2011 - ESTES PARK, COLORADO

2011-10-10T14:16:00.001-07:00

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Meg sewed a dress while she was in Denver for a visit

Kelly/Markus/suey/Barber Campout-Kearney, NE -September 2011

2011-10-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

GREAT PLATTE RIVER ROAD ARCHWAY

Barber/Hubert Get-together - Big Horns YMCA - 2011

2011-10-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

August 2011--Devil's Tower-

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DEVIL'S TOWER

DEVIL'S TOWER
near Hulett, Wyoming is a volcanic neck located in the Black Hills. It rises dramaticalllyat 1,267 feet above the surrounding terrain. Film director Steven Spielberg used the location in the 1977 film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind".
Our first sighting didn't impress Dan or me much---thought it may have been a wasted trip...

On getting closer, however, we began to understand the awesome enormity of it.

The Tower is held sacred by many American Indians. According to the Native American tribes of the Kiowa and the Lakota Sioux, some girls went out to play and were spotted by several giant bears who began to chase them...in an attempt to escape them the girls climbed atop a rock, fell to their knees and began to pray to the Great Spirit to save them--upon hearing their prayers the Great Spirit made the rock rise from the ground towards the heavens so that the bears could not reach the girls. The bears in an effort to climb the rock left deep claw marks in the sides which had become too steep. Those are the marks which appear today on the sides of Devil's Tower. When the girls reached the sky, they were turned into the star constellation Pleiades.

Dan and I hiked the perimeter trail around Devil's Tower which was a little awe-inspiring at times--
Climbers were also scaling it while we watched...with two arriving at the top.

About the time I thought we were getting to the end of the 1.3 mile hike (it was warm that day in the 90's and the trail was a little hilly) we came across the sign that revealed we were only half-way! It was fun though, and I'm glad we made the trip.

We also stopped in Deadwood and did a little gambling staying at the Holiday Inn Express there...Dan met a friendly Tatanka (Buffalo from the Black Hills).

HAPPY SO. DAKOTA/WYOMING TRAILS!

JULY 2011 SNIPPETS

2011-07-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

JULY 2011 WAS HOT, HOT, HOT!

We spent a Sunday Morning at the swimming pool. Videos at the very end of this blog.

Tony, Meg, Trinity, Aubrey, Ella and Jack

David and Missi all tan after their trip to Costa Rica

Marge, Sue, Diane and Amelia celebrating my 65th Birthday

This is the Diorama Aubrey made for me--Birds, Flowers, Snoopy, and Design--Love It!

Another 65th Birthday celebration at Lone Star

Devin helped me celebrate my birthday by taking me to " Super Diamond" at Hudson Gardens
Even though it was a little damp, the music was Great!

Dan and I had a vacation heading north to Fort Robinson, NE

We also visited Toadstool Park -- with the terrain of a spaghetti western--one more check off our Bucket List

H2O was the drink of the morning.

This is the museum at Ft. Robinson

Dan taking it easy after the morning hike.

Leaving Ft Robinson, we motored on to Custer State Park and the Tatanka (the bison of the Black Hills)

If you look close you can see the work in progress of "Crazy Horse"

We stopped by Mount Rushmore...

We remembered fondly our first trip to Mt. Rushmore as we were driving in wondering where it was, and Seth in the infinite wonder of a 3-year-old proclaimed "There He Is"...when he saw this view of Washington.

FUN TIMES!

July 3, 2011 - Independence Day Barbecue

2011-07-03T18:19:00.000-07:00

We had a delicious BBQ with hamburgers, hotdogs, brats, chicken and mushrooms. and all the fixings!
Thanks Seth and Derek for planning and grilling a delightful lunch.

We played some tennis in 90+ degree heat, and also a rousing game of Bocce Ball with Tony officiating as line judge.

Seth's up

Kim and Kevin show their techniques in bocce ball

Allejandra and Brynn

Meanwhile Trinity was on the scooter.

Devin, Derek, and Belle.

Devin's Up

Then Derek....

Aubrey is riding her bike without training wheels.

Dan

Carrie & Trinity

Aubrey & Trinity

Belle & Devin

Derek, Devin, & Seth

Zoo Time with the Snipes July 1, 2011

2011-07-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

Mary & Diane at the Zoo

Jessica, Aubrey, Jazmine, and Mary at the Denver Zoo

David and Mary - I thought he was giving the peace size until I looked closer:)

Elephants with Trainers

Cheers for Icees on a Hot Day at the Zoo

Bear Lunch

Aubrey & Diane at the Denver Zoo

Aubrey with her favorite animal at the Zoo

Aubrey, David, and Jazmine measuring up to Penquins

The flamingoes hanging out

My Peeps' Picnic

Bird Lunch

Jessica, Jazmine, David, Mary & Aubrey

Great Way to Start July!

Life Is Good -- Ash Hollow, Lake Ogallala, June 12-19, 2011

2011-06-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

Dan enjoying Life..... A Week At Lake Ogallala - June 12-19, 2011

Keith & Diane

Keith & Lisa joined us for the weekend.

Old School house at Ash Hollow - Lisa & Keith

Sod House - Diane, Dan, and Keith

The Bank at Arthur, NE

Old Tractor in Arthur

Old Cowboy Rest Home in Arthur

Diane with New Townie Bike

Dan with his new Bike

Lake Ogallala

R&R

CAMPING WITH THE WISNIESKIS - JUNE 2-5, 2011

2011-06-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

LAKE OGALLALA, NEBRASKA ---

CAMPING WITH LEANN AND KEITH

THE DAM

LEANN AND KEITH'S TRAILER/SUV

HAPPY CAMPERS

CALEB AND KELLY'S REHEARSAL DINNER/OMAHA VISIT 5/21/2011

2011-06-05T21:36:00.001-07:00

Kelly and her family provided Nebraska Big Red Gear for all the Virginia Barbers

KELLY AND HER GRANDPA

KELLY & CALEB - REHEARSAL DINNER

HANNAH BARBER

Earlier in the day, Diane and Dan visited the Durham Museum at the old train station.

DAN AND EDITH, DABNEY'S MOTHER - FLEW FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR THE WEDDING.

DAN AT THE MUSEUM

BRAD AND HATTIE SMART

DAN HAVING A BIG BRONCO EARLIER IN THE DAY

DAN AND I WALKED IN THE CONAGRA PARK - DOWNTOWN OMAHA - NEXT TO THE MISSOURI RIVER.

CALEB & KELLY (DALY) BARBER'S WEDDING - 5/21/2011

2011-06-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

JOSLIN MUSEUM / RECEPTION

JOHN, MARY, AND DAN

BRAD, HATTIE, AND HANNAH

DABNEY AND EDITH

JACOB, BRAD, HATTIE AND HANNAH

JACOB AND BRAD

BOB AND MARY

DIANE AND DAN

BOB, MARY, JOHN, DABNEY, DIANE AND DAN

MARY AND BOB

JOHN & DABNEY

DIANE AND DAN

HANNAH AND HATTIE

JACOB

MARY AND DAN

CALEB AND KELLY

DABNEY AND KELLY'S MOM

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TOM AND PATSY AT BREAKFAST THE NEXT MORNING

CELEBRATING KEITH'S BIRTHDAY AT LUNCH IN GRAND ISLAND

GO ROCKIES! MAY 16, 2011

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MAY 16, 2011 COLORADO ROCKIES 7 vs. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS 4

DENVER ZOO - 5/16/2011

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WE LOVE THE ZOO!!

"OH no....not another school bus!!"

"Are you lookin' at me?????"

Springtime 2011 --Easter & Mother's Day

2011-05-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

EASTER EGG HUNT, 2011

Trinity, Tony, and Aubrey

Tony

Brenda & Aubrey

Trinity & Tony

Belle, Devin, Lisa, and Keith

Brenda's Birthday

Derek & Lisa

Aubrey

Belle & Devin

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MOTHER'S DAY, JENN & DIANE

JENN AND TRINITY

AUBREY, JENN, TRINITY, AND TONY

AUBREY & TRINITY

Diane's Mother's Day Gift from Dan

North Platte Spring Break??

2011-03-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

Lisa, Keith, LeAnn, Keith, Diane and Dan enjoyed a snowy Spring Break in North Platte,

March 26, 27, and 28th, 2011. A highlight of the trip was siting several Sandhill Cranes just hanging out in a field near the Buffalo Bill Cody State Historical Park along with a Nebraska Hereford "native".

We stayed at the Howard Johnson Motel--a little rustic and in need of an update-- but we still managed to have a Great Time.

LeAnn, Keith, Dan, Diane, Lisa, and Keith Rated R and downsized to protect the innocent, Dan takes advantage of the tripod situation:)

The girls shopped, played scrabble & visited.

The guys played Cribbage, shopped, did some sightseeing, and visited.

LeAnn & Keith

Diane & Dan

Keith & Lisa

Hereford with cranes in the background at the

Buffalo Bill Cody Ranch

The Sandhill Crane migration is a very popular annual attraction in Central Nebraska -- for the hundreds of thousands of migrating cranes -- and also their many viewers who come from all over the world to watch the event. I finally got to see them!!!

Vegas Again!!!! with Tammy & Chuck this time - March 14-17, 2011

2011-03-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

Once again for spring break, Dan and I opted for a "Road Trip" to the sun and warmth of Las Vegas. We met up with Chuck and his friend Tammy. They stayed at the Bellagio, and Dan and I stayed at the Encore. We once again enjoyed our scenic ride through Utah. I always marvel at the mountains and rock outcroppings, mesas, etc.

Chuck, Tammy, and Dan

Breakfast at the Bellagio restaurant--eggs benedict, omelettes and waffles.

The Bellagio Garden was as beautiful as ever decorated for Easter.

We checked out the Aria and the new Cosmopolitan.

Outside the Aria

We stayed at the Encore

We had dinner at the Prime at the Bellagio Tuesday night with a close-up view of the Bellagio Fountains

Wednesday night we dined at Rao's (Italian cuisine) at Caesar's Palace

After dinner Wednesday night, Tammy and Chuck went to see Celine Dion at Caesar's. Tammy had acquired tickets over the Internet from a "scalper" at $300 a piece. She later let us know they both thoroughly enjoyed the show and said it was a "world-class" performance by Celine.

The angels at Caesar's still warrant my photographing them:)

The ads on the sides of the 2-decker buses also intrigue me!

Dan and I had our only 'Las Vegas buffet" at the Wynn. Cold scrambled eggs, but lots of bacon and delicious desserts and blintzes (my very favorite) with strawberries.

Dan at the Wynn Casino

Glimpes of Vegas--

The Paris Casino

The M&M Store

The Luxor

The Backside of the Las Vegas sign asking us to "Come Back"

2011-03-08T20:31:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 37TH BIRTHDAY, MELISSA!March 4th, 2011
We helped Missi celebrate her birthday last weekend.

The Hubert gals are pretty adept at Mexican dominoes and we enjoyed a rousing game with them.

Ella showed her math and organizational skills playing dominoes.

Meggie modeled the flowered headwear she wore for "Hat Day" at school.

Papa gave the Hubert kids an architectural/engineering lesson.

Jackson

Meg, Jack, & Ella

Dave, Meg, Ella, Missi, and Jack

Implosion!

Diane & Dan's 43rd Anniversary

2011-01-26T14:56:00.000-08:00

(Lyrics from "Remember When" by Alan Jackson)

Remember When .... I was young and so were you and time stood still and love was all we knew...

Remember When...we vowed the vows and walked the walk...Gave our hearts, made the start...Remember When.....

Remember when old ones died and new were born ... And life was changed, disassembled, rearranged...

Remember when...the sound of little feet was the music we danced to week to week...

Remember when thirty seemed so old

Now lookin' back it's just a steppin' stone to where we are,

Where We've Been...

Said we'd do it all again....Remember When

Remember when we said when we turned gray

When the children grow up and move away

We won't be sad, we'll be glad for All The Life we've had

And we'll Remember When....."

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Dan and I spent the weekend at Blackhawk....

The weather was cold, but clear.....

We drove around and saw some sites.....

Central City

43 years ..... They've Been Good!

DENVER'S BIG BLUE BEAR - January 2011

2011-01-16T15:17:00.000-08:00

One of Denver's remarkable landmarks is the

BIG BLUE BEAR.

Tony, Trinity, and Aubrey had the opportunity to sit on the BIG BLUE BEAR'S foot when they went to the Sports Show with Derek, Devin, and Dan last weekend.

Diane, Dan, Belle, and Devin had Big Blue looking down on them when they went to the RV Show.
The Big Guy hangs out in front of the Colorado Convention Center. This piece is called "I See What You Mean"...It is a steel sculpture encased in a fiberglass and cement composite by artist Lawrence Argent. One of my favorite sites in downtown Denver.

We also discovered that Denver now has its very own "Jumbotron"....almost like Times Square in NYC----almost:)

The Big Blue Bear sure beats out the statue out at Denver International Airport (DIA) named "Blue Mustang"....some call it the "Blue Demon Horse of Death" after the mustang's artist Luis Jimenez was killed when a section of the 9,000 lb. fberglass statue fell on him during construction.

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Lots to see and do in our lovely city -- Denver, Colorado.

Gallivanting Tuesday, 01/04/2011

2011-01-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

Tuesday is my day to gallivant---shopping and buying whatever frivilous doodad I might find--filling up our home with treasures, alternately frustrating Dan as he encourages me to "downsize". Gotta love the man for his patience and tolerance:)

Anyhow I had a special treat yesterday when I ventured out around 9 a.m. and discovered the North Platte Valley to be sprinkled with icy sparks....sun glistening...river steaming.
Mother Nature's Glory......the pictures don't do it justice, but thought I would share them with you anyhow. Wishing you all a Joyous and Very Happy 2011.

2011-01-02T17:36:00.000-08:00

OUR SECOND CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION -2010

We had another Christmas celebration when Missi and Dave and their family and Seth and Brynn joined Derek & Jenn and their family, Devin and Belle, and Dan and me on Thursday, December 30.

The Dodd Family sent us a beautiful bouquet for the holiday.

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Jack's "cheesy grin" was a common site this Christmas...whenever a camera was pointed at him. He is a fun little 2-year old whose vocabulary has grown quite a bit since we saw him in September. One new word was "Later..." which means he will be patient and wait ...quite a little fellow.

Miss Ella Jayne

Miss Marguerite Rose

Ella and Meg with their gift of snorkeling gear so they will be all set for their trip to Costa Rica in June.

Poobah with Jack, Trinity, and Tony

Jack with his Curious George DVD

Back Row: Meg, Belle, Dave, Ella, Missi, Jack, Tony, Aubrey, Seth, Brynn, Trinity, Jenn and Derek

Front Row: Devin, Diane, & Dan

Poobah, Jack, and Brynn

Meg, Jack and Ella doing the Dance Game on Wii

Diane, Meg, and the Ballerina Bunny Jayne.

Dave, Dan, and Missi enjoying lunch at Red Robin.

BUILD A BEAR

Meg, Ella, and Jack all picked out their stuffed animal, Meg a bunny, Ella a Jack Russell terrier, and Jack a puppy dog.

The men waited patiently while selections were made.

Jack gives his puppy's heart a kiss before it is implanted.

After the "stuffing", there's a bath and brushing spot.

And of course they have to be certified and given a birth certificate on the computer.

And Dressed!

It was a grand way to spend the holiday.

Christmas at the Barbers 2010

2010-12-26T10:06:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS, 2010

Seth started our Christmas early presenting us with a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.

I Love It!

The December 2010 Lunar Eclipse occurred on December 21, coinciding with the date of the December solstice. Dan and I caught it just at the end around 1:30...it was pretty amazing.

Our street looked like Christmas Tree Lane this year as many of our neighbors decorated their homes with beautiful lights.

Christmas Morning, 2010 As I was out early in search of Cranberry Sauce for our Christmas Dinner, I came across the Platte River steaming in the 27 degree temperature.

Dan & I opened our presents in the morning before we started preparing Christmas Dinner.

We had a lovely Christmas Day with Devin, Belle, Megan, Derek, Jenn, Tony, Trinity, Aubrey, Jim, Brenda and Carrie.

Aubrey /showing Belle her ZhuZhu Pet

Diane & Dan

Aubrey shows Belle & Devin her Rex from Toy Story.

Jenn & Derek

Jenn, Derek & their family gave me the Charlie Brown Nativity Scene. I Love It!

Our Traditional Christmas Presents for the Grandkids

As my Christmas gift, Trinity painted a portrait of me. I Love It!

Tony, Jenn, Trinity, Derek and Aubrey

Trinity opening up his telescope.

Trinity with her presents

Aubrey cleaning up her wrapping paper.

Tony

Derek flying Tony's helicopter--just taking off....

Brenda, Jim, Carrie, Tony, Jenn, Trinity, Derek and Aubrey

Belle & Devin

Megan, Belle, & Devin

Dan & Diane

LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR AN

AVERAGE CHRISTMAS...

HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT ONE! WE DID!!

AND LOOKING FORWARD TO

CHRISTMAS II NEXT WEEK.

Holiday Happenings

2010-12-09T14:16:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

We enjoyed Trinity's Christmas program at her school. She looked very pretty in her Christmas dress and sang like an angel.

Brenda, Tony, and Carrie

Jenn & Derek

Trinity

Diane & Belle enjoy Thanksgiving at Jenn & Derek's.

Jenn and Derek hosted a very enjoyable

Thanksgiving dinner--We enjoyed wonderful food and a rousing time with "The Game of Things".....

Seth served desserts which were delicious!

Devin

Trinity

Seth on the balcony of his new condo.

Tom, Keith, Dan & Keith

Our Thanksgiving celebration in Nebraska.

Lisa, LeAnn, Patsy & Diane

The Wisnieskis hosted a Wonderful Thanksgiving for us.

Great Food, Great Company, Great Fun

Blue Jays, Elk, Colorado October 2010

2010-10-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

A VISIT TO ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK -

OCT 30, 2010

ELK AT PLAY

Aubrey, Dan, & Diane visited Rocky Mtn. National Park --

Picnicked, hiked, and watched the elk, deer, blue jays, & even coyotes.

Fall in our backyard....

Aubrey in her Halloween

costume.

VIRGINIA BEACH MINI-FAMILY REUNION

2010-10-15T13:03:00.001-07:00

Good Time at Reginella's Ristorante celebrating Family & Dan's Birthday.

Back Row: Reg Diane, Dan,Jimmy, Lisa, Jean,Dabney,John, Richard, front row, Judy, Gracie, Allie & Art

Dabney & John Art & Judy

Jean, Reggie, & Birthday Boy Dan

Art, Ginger, Elvis, Reg & Jean

Allie, Judy, Lisa & Gracie

I walked the boardwalk/beach every morning we were there & loved it, wind & all.

Sunrise

Sandbridge was especially enjoyable--We saw

many dolphins headed south.

Flat Feet at the Beach

This one is for Derek....See the little eyes!

If you look 7 stories up, 3 in from the right side, you will see Dan!

Skate Pod

This one's for Missi! Still remember one of your last visits to the Beach when the seagull "greeted you"

My Treasure Trove of Shells, which I disappointedly left in our room --CRS is a terrible malady.

Horseshoe Crab Remnants

Dan & Diane at Sandbridge

Someone had graciously left a Little Happy Birthday Dan Celebration on the Beach.

This boisterous group (we know not what they were) came by our room 6:30 a.m singing loudly in cadence.

Dan balancing a cantaloupe on his arm:) The beach brings out his talent.

The One I Caught was REALLY THIS BIG!

Another Beautiful Sunrise

IT WAS A REALLY GOOD TIME!

Camping with the Wisnieskis - September 22-24, 2010

2010-10-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

LAKE OGALLALA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We had a FUN visit with Keith & LeAnn at Lake Ogallala--the weather was great! The company was even better.

Keith & LeAnn

We saw this Swan all by itself in a pond by

Lewellen, NE.

Diane & Dan

Thought this 2-eyed tree with bunny ears was kind of cute...it was right behind our camper. We walked, rode bike, did some sightseeing, listened to the Nebraska game, roasted hotdogs and hamburgers, visited, and ate delicious banana bread & strawberry pie.

We were happy to be able to spend the time with them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.

Seth & Ella's Birthday~~Sheridan Visit

2010-09-21T16:58:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SETH!!

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY, ELLA!!

Meg's New Haircut

Missi & Diane

Ella & Meg with the carrots they grew in their backyard

Ella & Missi at the ceramic shop where she had her birthday party

Ella & Missi

Ella with her best friend Annie

Ella painting her puppy at the ceramic shop while Jack looks on

Jackson at breakfast Sunday morning

The Birthday Girl

Meg at P.O. News the restaurant in Sheridan where we had breakfast

Sweetie & Meg

Jack with the "cheesy grin"

The Huberts

Sweetie & Ella

Papa, Meg, Dave, Ella, Missi, Jack & Sweetie

Sweetie & Jack

Dave & Missi

Dave, Dan, Missi & Ella

It was a Fun Visit--they always go too fast!!

Fort Robinson, Nebraska August 26-29, 2010

2010-09-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

FORT ROBINSON, NE ~~ AUGUST 26-29, 2010
ANNUAL KELLY, MARKUS, SUEY, BARBER GET-TOGETHER

ED, MARILYN, & NANCY

Fort Robinson Museum

Marilyn & Ed

Buffalo Stew Supper with Cowboy Songs

Tom & PatsyFort Robinson, NE

We found Ft. Robinson to be a relaxing, peaceful setting and were glad Roger and Nancy chose it for our outing. This historic outpost served from the days of the Indian Wars until after World War II. This was the site of the 1879 Cheyenne outbreak and the death of the famed Sioux Chief Crazy Horse.

There are many activities: trail horseback riding, swimming, tennis, horse-drawn rides, buffalo stew supper, and steak cookout with cowboy singing and a Western poet/historian.

We stayed at the barracks and the accommodations included en suite and a deck where we were able to lounge together and visit.

Diane, Patsy, Nancy, & Marilyn in front of the veterinary facility.

We had a steak cookout complete with a Western poet/historian who told us about Crazy Horse and the Fort's history.

Horseback riding was interesting--Tom on Melvin.

Nancy & Patsy

Diane had to try twice to get aboard Amigo.

Dan, Tom, Roger & Ed on our hike.

Diane, Patsy, Nancy, & Marilyn.

Dan at Sunset

Ed, Marilyn, Dan, Diane, Tom, Patsy, Roger & Nancy

Nancy & Roger at the Buffalo Stew Supper

The Sky Sunday Morning

LAKE OGALLALA 9-10/11/12-2010

2010-09-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

Dan and I had a nice camping trip to Lake Ogallala September 10, 11, and 12, 2010. There was a Good Sam group of 5 couples from Scottsbluff who camped next to us. They were Big Red fans who sat in a circle "listening" to the Nebraska football game. Very loyal fans!

NEBRASKA WON AGAINST IDAHO 38-17! We rode bikes, walked, read books, roasted hot dogs, and sat around the campfire. Later in the evening the stars were bright and plentiful.

July Happenings

2010-08-19T21:32:00.001-07:00

MY BIRTHDAY

MARILYN & ED'S 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Evelyn Benner & Diane--we worked together at the hospital

e Dan, Diane, Ed, Marilyn, Nancy & Roger Suey
~~~~~~~

Derek, King of the Grill

Aubrey's Water Transformation

2010-08-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

The beginning of the summer, Aubrey loved going to the pool, but she also loved her Strawberry Shortcake tube-float.

The videos are backwards-- thanks to my still not being able to figure out the blog system, but you will get the idea of how she has progressed---from the goggles that just covered her eyes, to the ones that cover both her eyes and nose. She is close to becoming a Guppy:) Check out her progress.

2010 Cheyenne Frontier Days

2010-08-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

One might think if you've seen one Cheyenne Frontier Days, you've seen them all--- I've been attending since the 1970's and have been to many, but I have to admit I still enjoy them.

WARNING TO THOSE WHO DON'T:) This is probably more of the same, but just some of my impressions/photos of the 2010 version.

As George Strait sings it, "If I hurry I can still make Cheyenne...."

AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS - WED. MORNING

DAN AT LAS AMIGOS --TRADITION!! THE BEST TORTILLA CHIPS EVER (DAN ON THE PHONE WORKING, WHILE I GLEEFULLY CHOWED DOWN:)

TRINITY, JENN, AUBREY, DEREK & TONY

ENJOYED THE MIDWAY & THE THUNDERBIRDS

DAN AT THE MIDWAY STILL WORKING..........

JENN & DEREK

AUBREY, DAN, DIANE, TRINITY & TONY

I WENT TO THE INDIAN VILLAGE AND WATCHED THE DANCERS....THEIR ANNOUNCER WAS VERY INFORMATIVE AND STRESSED THAT MOST OF THEIR PARTICIPANTS WERE ACTUALLY COLLEGE GRADUATES, MANY EDUCATORS, OR ATTENDING SCHOOL, MANY OF THE YOUNGER ONES WERE ATHLETES, STATE RECORD HOLDERS. MY ONLY NEGATIVE IMPRESSION WAS OF SOME OF THEIR GLITTERY SPANDEX OUTFITS--NOT VERY NATURAL--I LIKE BUCKSKIN:)

WILD HORSE GULCH---STOREFRONTS (THE BLUE HOTEL, DAN ACTUALLY DESIGNED)WITH SHOPPING AREAS OF SADDLES, LEATHER GOODS, OLD-FASHIONED COOKWARE, TRINKETS, WESTERN CLOTHES, ETC.

SPANDEX ON AN INDIAN!!!

THE C-130'S CONTINUE TO BUZZ CHEYENNE AND THE INDIAN VILLAGE--
THE OLD AND THE TECHNICAL "NEW"

DAN AND DIANE ENJOY THE FINALS OF THE RODEO--THANKS TO CHUCK'S GENEROSITY IN PROVIDING THE TICKETS. DAN JOHNSON, GROUNDS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN AND ONE OF DAN'S FRIENDS (SECOND RIDER IN) IN THE GRAND ENTRANCE BEFORE THE RODEO BEGINS

THE ACTION BEGAN WITH THE BARE BRONC RIDERS

CALF-ROPING.....

4 THIS WAS THE BARE BRONC RIDER WHO WON DAN $100 IN THE "CALCUTTA"

TEAM ROPING ALWAYS BAFFLES ME IN HOW THE SECOND ROPER CAN CATCH THE CALF'S REAR LEGS MIDAIR.

GET ALONG LITTLE DOGGIES----THE LIVESTOCK WAS STRONG THIS YEAR.

MR HARRY VOLK, KING OF THE LIVESTOCK, HAS BEEN PROVIDING THE ANIMALS FOR YEARS.

THE GIRLS WERE FAST IN THE BARREL-RACING.

THE OUTRIDERS ARE PRETTY AMAZING, TOO, IN RECOVERING THE RIDERS.

OUCH! BULLRIDERS MUST BE PRETTY STRONG, TOO, OR HARD-HEADED!

THE GRAND FINALE-- THE WILD HORSE RACE ALWAYS MAKES YOU WONDER WHAT IS GOING THROUGH THE PARTICIPANTS' HEADS....BOTH HORSES AND COWBOYS:)

AT THE END OF THE DAY, THIS FELLOW LOOKS RELIEVED.......