The One Golden Photo...

A few days have passed since our last voyage to the high country, but I am still aching for that location. As much as I absolutely cannot get enough of the ocean, I am, far and above anything else, a mountain girl. Still, the next visit will have to wait until the weekend (when I hope to get some incredible pictures and videos to share).

A local TV station asks for viewer photos each fall. They make a slideshow of the masses of photos sent to them, along with placing a few of the shots on the various newscasts. This year they have also incorporated a contest. While I sent 12 photos to them, I don't bet on anything. But I have had a prize of sorts presented to me.

I was on the phone with my hard-working husband as he was letting me know he was on his way home when I saw a photo presented in the 6pm newscast. Lo and behold it was one of MINE!! Wow, what an honor! I admit, it looked a lot better on the TV, even with said TV being 10 years old and not HD (hey, it still works, why bother upgrading when we don't HAVE to, yet?), but I'm still pretty happy with it.

So, with that, I present my one Golden Photo:

Striking Autumn Gold...

It's peak leaf season. In Colorado, that simply means it's the very best moment to head to the high country to be dazzled by the striking gold of the Quakies (Aspen) and Cottonwood trees. Unlike autumn in the Northeast, there isn't much "color" because it's nearly all gold, but it is still pretty spectacular.

Luke and I made a trek to the Collegiate Peaks this weekend. So named because of the 14k foot peaks rising above it all and appropriately named Mount Princeton, Harvard, and Yale. There are a handful of other 14'ers right there with them, but they're claimed by other ranges (such as the Mosquito Range). Anyway, it was certainly an adventure!

I didn't get nearly the amount of pictures I'd hoped for, but Luke and I were just having fun traipsing around in the splendor presented to us. We watched a moron climb the side of a mountain in tennis shoes, sat and marveled, as always, at the mountain goats (they were galloping around chasing each other on the cliffs today), heard a few of the elk bugling somewhere in the hills around us, giggled at the black squirrels, and enjoyed the peaceful serenity of the deer. It was a glorious day!

Just Irritate Them.....

I can't help but share this. It made me laugh very hard, but also made the couple involved pleased that they could provide some entertainment.

I mowed the lawn this afternoon. It was in need, but Jeff's work and my schooling have made it more difficult to get to. Being that it's starting its fall shutdown into dormancy, it has slowed growing, but it was still too long. I took advantage of my good mood and abnormal energy, fired up the mower, and went to work. Luke proceeded to make the rounds on his little bike, Red proceeded to continually choose the wrong spot to lay and was hollered at to move with each sweep I made. Seriously, those who don't think dogs can, and do, give dirty looks just need to bother my dog when he wants to relax.

Anyway, I finished the back yard and moved out front. Luke was still biking, taking full advantage of the sloping driveway we have. Good boy he is, he would stop about 6 feet from the road, come back up to the garage, and coast back down. Red was more successful in finding a place on the lawn to lay down, choosing a place in the shade of the tree close to the house and needing to be told to move only a couple of times.

While making a sweep toward the driveway, I noticed a black sedan with an elderly couple pulling up. I have no idea who these people are, but they had that "help me" look on their face, so I killed the mower and say hi to them.

"Where on earth did you get your yard sign??" (I have planted a McCain campaign sign in my front lawn, first I've actually done that).

"At the Victory office downtown," I proudly reply (oh, I am also not the only person on our street to do so. Side story here: with the exception of one family who are part of a religion that prohibits anything holiday or government, to include voting, the entire North end of my street is Republican, or voting that way. I don't know about the other end, but I can't see it and don't know the folks down there. Why is this a big deal? Because we live in the 2nd most liberal and "blue" county in the state.).

"Huh... we called the RNC office (Colorado Springs) and they told us the signs were all gone. Where's this office?"

I gave them the address (it's so easy that I just remember it), which the gentleman wrote down. "Thank you so much! We're going to go down there right now and see about getting one."

I told him a little relevant information dealing with construction on that block and where the office was in the building. Here's the part that made me laugh. If anyone lives in a county like Pueblo, you'd definitely understand:

"I have to put one in my yard. I have this overwhelming and irresistible urge to just annoy the pee out of my idiot neighbors."

It was the very best day of mowing my lawn ever, thanks to an older gentleman, his giggly wife, and their appreciation for being politically incorrect.....

It Isn't....

So the good news is that Luke is perfectly healthy. That's wonderful! He stayed home with me on Monday and I spoke with the pediatrician's office. They agreed that he probably just has a cold sore or irritation from his current fascination with chewing his fingernails. He did, however, need the day with me, I think. He was still a little off kilter, and I think a day with other kids may have sent him in a bit of a spiral. He was MUCH better today.

I, on the other hand, am extremely frustrated. How in the Sam Hill did I end up marrying someone who actually LIKES math? More than likes, almost lives for the stuff! Well, it's not all bad because he has been able to help me. A lot. I just want to get through all the math related classes I can in a quick manner and with a decent grade. Then I want to be all but done with it. My poor instructor was just as frustrated today and finally had to realize I wasn't kidding when I said "no more, move on."

Who would've thought that fourteen years after high school, where I only passed the minimum math I needed by the grace of an understanding teacher, that I'd still be brought to the verge of tears by mere numbers? ARGH!

But, at least the day ends on a good note. My wonderful, patient, and willing husband sat down with me (while the 2-yr old literally bounced from my back to his) and somehow managed to find a way to make part of what was crucifying me today make some semblance of sense. Not really, but at least now I can lie about it and come up with the correct answer. What a great guy......

Is It? Or Isn't It?

As all are aware, I went back to school on the 2nd of September. Really, I started classes on the 25th of August, but actually had to start making my appearances on campus in September. Anyway, that same day was Luke's first day away from Momma and Daddy. He started daycare.

This is significant because that morning I found out that Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease was making the rounds through the kids. Yippee. Knowing that it is a childhood thing that is very contagious, I swallowed hard (harder than I already had because I despised having to leave him at all, though I know he needs the social time) and headed out. I figured he'd either get it, despite his provider's precautions, or he'd pass it by. That's just how viruses work.

So, here we are, about 3 weeks later and I am pretty sure that we have the pleasure of dealing with this illness. Luke does not have a fever, his appetite is intact, but he has a big lesion on his lip and an attitude that can only be described as extremely irritable. In fact, he is pretty well refusing to sleep unless his daddy is right by his side.

So, I am at the point of is it HFMD? Or Isn't it? I guess morning will tell. Namely, if he's still this cranky, seems to be worse, or I just don't feel right about things, I'll be calling the pediatrician before attempting to head for daycare & school. Poor guy.

Oh, I guess I should explain that this illness NOT be confused with the animal disease of Hoof and Mouth. That is only in animals. This is different, only in humans.

Rest assured I will update tomorrow. This is the sucky thing about parenthood, and I really wish I could do more when my baby is sick. For now, all I can do is hope he sleeps okay (with or without Daddy), call in the morning, and be thankful it's a late morning for us (8am wakeup vs. the 5:30am wakeup on Tuesdays and Thursdays).....

Jump, jump, jump

When I was Luke's age, my family made the trek to Northern California to visit my grandparents and great-grandmother. For whatever unknown reason, I remember the trip. I remember Grandma Nettie and all the cuddles she gave me. I remember my big brother and I putting on an adult man's undershirt (though I can't remember if it was one of dad's, or grandpa's) and gallavanting through the house.

It was for that reason when I saw Luke in one of Jeff's undershirts last night that I broke out the camera. I realize that just about every kid does this same thing, but the memories it struck in my mind were worth recording this goofy moment.

Luke is sometimes hard to get a still picture of. He is a huge ham and has to play around for the camera. Such was the case last night. I did finally get that still shot of him, though. After that, I got all the jumps I could manage with how hard I was laughing. He's such a happy kid.






I wish I had the camera with me yesterday afternoon, though. It was our typical day to go ride, which I held to despite feeling bad. I am pleased to report that I had two fantastic rides and that Luke didn't seem horribly displeased that he didn't get to ride. I think he was just tired and ready for a car nap. He had to wait a little longer, though.

He was juuuuust about asleep when we were buzzed by the graceful gazelle we all know as an F-16. I love these planes. Just adore them! I know they're not the beast we originally fell in love with in our household (F-105's), but the 16's are what I remember the most, greatly enjoy watching, and just get chills watching maneuver. Anyway, I saw the five of them flying, but had to let out that childlike whoop and laugh when the car shook as one swooped over Highway 50 and buzzed the traffic. Luke heard it, of course (who couldn't???), realized I was all excited, and started laughing.

Again, despite my discomfort, I pulled off the highway and parked in a ranch driveway to expose my child to the joys of fighter planes appearing, then roaring away at many hundreds of miles per hour. He loved it! I had my phone's camera, but you can't really capture something that gracefully fast with it. Nor could I accurately capture my son's thrill over this. Seriously, though, fighter pilots have got to have the funnest and coolest job in the world!

The 16's buzzed us five or six more times, then headed back to Peterson. The thrill over for us, we got back on the road and headed for home. I think Luke was asleep before I hit 3rd gear. A couple of Chinook helicoptors flew over this morning. I've definitely corrupted my child. I hope he remembers the day of the buzz, but he's still happy to run outside and watch as even choppers pass by our home.

Now it's time for another adventure. It's very late morning, but I need to go get dressed. This time the camera will be with us. We're off to do some hiking.....

"Wee Bobby, hit the hell out of it!"

Anyone want to take a guess what movie that line is from? Anyone? Bobby Jones, Stroke of Genius.
Anyone else want to guess the significance? No? Well, unless you are aware of who Alistair Begg is, then you'd probably not have any idea why I mention this.
We spent the evening in Colorado Springs last night because of this man. You see, he is a very popular pastor...at least here in the United States. I admit that I really dislike listening to Christian radio and the people who preach on it. Jeff, however, listens to this individual on an extremely regular basis. He doesn't listen to others, just Mr. Begg.
It started primarily because Alistair Begg is Scottish and reminds Jeff of James Herriot. Now he listens to him each day while driving to work. He came home the other evening and asked what we were doing on Wednesday evening. Nothing, of course (aside from homework). He then promptly announced Mr. Begg would be in the Springs and that he was going. He knows how much I feel discomfort in the type of church this was to be held at, so he made the effort to spare me. Much to his surprise, I decided to attend with him.
So yesterday evening I met him at the plant, picked him up, and followed another to the mini-mega-church. Luke was with us, but was banished to the nursery, where he initially cried, then decided to play with the conglomeration of toys. We made our way to the sanctuary...just in time.
The first thing Alistair said was that his friends thought he must be schizophrenic because the night before he had been in the traditional formality of a Presbyterian church in South Carolina...now he was at a Calvary church in Colorado. That immediately set me at ease and told me pretty much all I needed to know, so I settled in and enjoyed the sermon. I won't detail it, but it was the most wonderful take of David and Goliath I have ever heard. And I love that story! We laughed...a lot.
Something did bother me throughout the evening, though. This man reminded me of someone, but I couldn't place it. The answer actually came during a question and answer session that immediately followed the service. I had gone to get Luke from the nursery. Not a big deal, except I was then essentially banned from the sanctuary. Jeff noticed and came to join us. It was about that time I learned who Alistair Begg is and why I recognized him.
"Wee Bobby, hit the hell out of it!"
This pastor is the same person who uttered those words in the movie. I KNEW I had seen him somewhere before! Little did I know it was in such a sense.
Moral of the story? No matter your denomination, this pastor is worth seeing and hearing. He speaks a clear message straight from the Bible. He doesn't mince words. And he loves golf so much that he allowed himself to play an offbeat individual in a movie about the greatest player of the game ever....

Dreaming....

I think it's another sort of senseless post, but tough.

We're dreaming again. We've started looking at real estate and jobs in another state. We've been here in Pueblo West for 2 1/2 years, and our feet are itchy. That's what happens when you've traveled with the paycheck!

We had watched a movie this weekend that sort of stirred the pot. I have been wanting to check out a particular place for years. YEARS. Like, before I met my husband....even before I left Utah. I haven't ever really mentioned it to Jeff because I figured he'd think me crazy. To visit, sure...but not to live. Guess what? He's been thinking of it for a very long time, as well. It's funny how kindred we are.

We also think of things in terms of our little boy, and our parents. We want only the best for Luke. The best we can find in schooling. We want to succeed in teaching survival skills and living off the land & wildlife. We want him to continue to be rough and tumble. Close enough to a larger city that he's not shocked, but far enough that he's not disturbed. This fits pretty well.

Then comes our parents. Mine are starting to get up in age (not a joke, not trying to be bad. It's just the truth), Jeff's aren't far behind. Both have their health issues. We want to be able to have at least twice-yearly visits with them. Right now that works out. In our current quest....that would be tough. Not to mention if something were to happen. We'd have one heckuva drive or flight to be with them. We'd do it, of course, but it would be tough on them.

What does this all boil down to? Prayer. We are praying for guidance and leaving it all in His hands. If there is one thing we have learned over the past decade, it is that trusting completely in God to put us where He wants us actually works. And usually hits us like a frying pan to the head.

Where is this mystery place? Well, I think I'll keep it quiet for now. No sense getting anybody up in arms over a very preliminary scratch of the foot. We have, and do, plan to stay put for another 2-3 years, but we've started getting those clues that it's time to start looking. It's exciting! Our moves are always an adventure (has anyone ever seen a U-Haul truck towing a Land Rover on its two side wheels?? I have....I thought Jeff was going over!! With my dog! In the middle of Morgantown, WV. It's quite a story).

For now, it's time for bed. This cold has left me pretty goofy. I need to sleep and get my old, dull, but somewhat sensible brain back!

Of Hurricanes and Snow...

There's really no point to this post, other than I felt the need to write something that isn't dictated by a college professor.
I am stunned at the damage "Ike" has done in Galveston and Houston. Stunned! I shouldn't be, but I am. I think we all were prepared for it to be a bad storm, but this was incredible! I am grateful that those we know and are related to who live in the area are safe. Not all left, but they are all doing alright.
I must say, though, that I love hurricane coverage. It is among the funniest thing a news station can broadcast! It's not always funny, but it just makes me roll when those currently televised start blowing away. Did anyone else catch Mike Bettis of The Weather Channel go flying over a fence and into bush last night? Oh my....that was great! Rivals Steve....uh, I can't remember his last name, but he was a reporter for FoxNews...a few years ago when Dennis, Francis, or Ivan blew ashore. Again, I can't remember which storm, but they were all back-to-back (followed by Katrina). Anyway, he was doing his thing, braced against the wind and left us completely busted in our guts because of the way he started jumping around with "Whoa! Whoa! Watch out!" when debris started flying.
I think it was Francis, because a few days later that storm landed me on my butt at the barn. I was jumping one of the horses through a 1-stride and Francis proceeded to blow the second element down. Katie was carrying me over the first element at that time and immediately unfolded her legs. I have absolutely no idea how she and the flurry of poles her legs twisted into missed me, but it was a little scary. Poor Katie was never again fully sound the remainder of my time in PA, but she sure tried her heart out.
So, back to Ike. Ike surprised a lot of people. He was only a Category 2 storm when he made landfall. Galveston is well versed in these. Ike, however, was a monster Cat 2. I think we may see similar images to Katrina, though not nearly on the same scale. What I mean is that I think we'll see people who are stranded. For days. Rescuers have begun the search, but they didn't get far today. Tomorrow will give a better idea of how many stayed behind and are trapped by the water.
I must say that it was surreal getting out of bed today, though. We're not near the hurricane. We're not going to be affected at all. But yesterday was rainy here. It was cool, it was fallish. This morning was remarkably clear. Not a cloud in the sky. I let the dog out and glanced at Pikes Peak. What a contrast! A bright blue sky, purple mountains, and one single peak topped with snow. I realize there was about 6 inches dropped up there in August, but we didn't get to see that. It rained up there and melted it before the clouds gave way to our view. However, this is the earliest we've seen snow up there. Yet another sign of the winter to come? I took pictures, but am too lazy to upload them from the camera right now.
Still, it was weird. Here we were enjoying a beautiful (albeit cool) day while our neighbors to the Southeast were being pummeled by violence.
See? I told you all there was no point to this post. Ramblings of a tired mad woman. Who appears to be getting sick. Lovely.....

High School Tag

High School Tag

High School Tag

I was tagged by Jenn Cooper.

1. Did you date someone from your school? Once...that was a disaster!

2. What kind of car did you drive? A little Hyndai Excel hatchback.

3. Did you pass your driver's license test on the first try? YES!

4. Were you a party animal? Not really, but I did drive a lot of party animals home.

5. Were you considered a flirt? You're kidding, right?

6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? I did the choir thing

7. Were you a nerd? Don't you have to be smart to be a nerd? In other words...nope. I was way too unpopular to be anything.

8. Were you on any varsity teams? Yes (track, CC, and swimming)

9. Did you get suspended/expelled? No

10. Can you still sing the fight song? Parts of it

11. Who were your favorite teachers? Mr. Bolliger and Mrs. Bauer

12. Where did you sit during lunch? Usually at a table near the South stairs with Jenn. Made an easy escape when we had that fire!

13. What is your schools full name? Jordan High School (the old one, was located where Jordan Commons is now)

14. School mascot and colors? Beat Digger (Digger Dan); Maroon and Grey

15. Did you go to Homecoming and who with? Yup, but not my school's

16. If you could go back and do it again, would you? Not on your life!

17. What do you remember most about graduation? My brother giving an unbelievably loud "YEAH!!!" when my name was announced.

18. Where did you go senior skip day? I don't remember! Wow...

19. Were you in any clubs? HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). Funny now, considering I'm attempting to become a nurse

20. Have you gained some weight since then? Don't kill me...short of my pregnancy, I have been 20 lbs lighter than my high school weight for about 10 years.

21. Who was your prom date? We had a prom? Oh wait...I vaguely remember a boy named Dustin who went to another school.

22. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion? Ummm, that's already passed, but, no, I didn't go. I wasn't able to, either.

23. Did you have a job while in high school? Yes, I worked at Hampton Inn.

I tag Corbie, Claudia, and Tristan, and anyone one else wanting to recall their high school years.

Never Forget...

I am late in putting this on today, but I wasn't able to get to it last night. Still, it is such an important subject, and one that forever changed my life. It needs to be spoken of.

Today marks the 7th anniversary of the worst terrorist attacks on our nation. The United States watched as nearly 3000 of her people were literally flown into oblivion by radical terrorists. It still amazes me that there are people who hate so deeply (they call it love, love for Allah) that they would be so cruel to others in humanity.

I am waiting another few years before I recount my day. Before I share what I journaled that night before getting just 2 hours sleep and returning to work. I will, however, share a few things.

Each year the wound is irritated. It will never close for me, so it's not reopened. It is just made to bleed profusely again. Each year I cry....a lot. Each year I hear the horrific things that were in my ears. Each year I think on certain moments that the public will (hopefully) never know. Each year I remember the people who died. Each year I sit in awe that just three days before September 11, 2001, I was sitting with a particularly jovial and fun Senior Chief Petty Officer detailing my mission and why it should never be cut. Each year I can't believe he is gone.

I relive so many moments. It is true, I was in San Antonio, Texas....far from the exact locations of the planes falling from the sky. It is also true that I lost a couple of acquaintances and someone I quickly came to call a friend (He actually emailed me to let me know he made it back to Washington safe and sound). My typical 12-hour day, my "Monday," very quickly became a torturous, but organized mess. It took 20 hours before we were allowed to go home. I literally had 4 hours between shifts....

Beyond the images the various television screens were broadcasting to us in our secured compound were the things WE were covering. There were more obscenities screamed (and I mean screamed, not yelled) than I could ever imagine was possible. There were moments of severe fear when we (I) could not gain contact with some of our people in the exact areas that the planes crashed, with one person needing to be confirmed not on one of the planes (he called and checked in later). There were people from all walks of life trying to figure out how to get places from an Air Force Base because their plane was ordered to land there when the airport filled beyond capacity. And the sky was silent.

Well, not quite. The sky was filled with F-16's and C-5 cargo planes. The C-5's were heading back East. The F-16's were securing our part of the Texas sky. Otherwise....it was weird. My drive home took me past the airport. It was the first (and I hope the last) time I had ever seen the buildings and exterior lit up like a roman candle, and the air traffic control tower completely dark. The amount of planes not only at the gates, but lined up on the tarmac and flightline was incredible.

To this day I have nightmares. I wake up believing it is either still that day, or that it has happened again. My mind literally relives specific moments from that day. If it's this bad for me, I can't imagine what it is like for the families who lost loved ones and those who survived.

I have visited the exact spot in the Pentagon, I have said goodbye to my friend. I have marvelled many times at how well the "new" portion of the rings mesh into the "old" parts, and my mind has sworn it could still smell the jet fuel and burning electric. I had to choke back tears because of military bearing, but they were there.

The flag now hangs in the Smithsonian Institute Museum of American History

I have visited the field in Shanksville. I have seen the trees growing back. I have shared the site with family who visited us. I have stood in chilled awe in the middle of summer (I literally mean chilled...it stays cold at that spot), and been blown away in September. I have left tears at that field.

I have not visited New York and seen the footprints of the Twin Towers. I hope to someday, but have not yet been so blessed.

Today as we were leaving I said to my classmates "Please don't forget to take a moment and remember those who paid the ultimate price seven years ago." I was completely dismayed when one answered "why, what happened?" She didn't have a clue what today was until she was told. It's something I've heard others echo in their day. Some people have moved on so much that they have completely put out of their minds the importance of this day.

As for me? This day will never be Patriot's Day. This day will never be celebrated, it will never be marked with sales and picnics. It will always be mourned.

And I will NEVER forget....

Rally, Rally, Rally!

Just a very few pictures of yesterday's rally. There are so many from my camera (these are all mine), Ray's camera, and those we met yesterday! These are some of the ones I like best out of my batch.

Miss Global Warming and her "wolves"

You can't see his shirt well here, but it says "war criminal"

The flags are making their way back to us

Luke loves his flag. He's still carrying and waving it around!

Just an interesting shot of those controversial flags

I thought it rather telling that the flight crew joined us in the cheers. They had to get back to work, but made sure to be out and cheering when the candidates came. They took pictures of the crowd, of each other, of the motorcade entering, and even stood at the top of the stairs to take pictures into the hanger! Granted, the pocket cameras they had wouldn't show the candidates....at all, but they were living in the moment. Trust me, these guys have to be treated well and with respect to react like this....

The best picture I got of Governor Palin. It was too difficult to get decent pictures while I had a toddler on my shoulders! I have one of John McCain, but it'll be added later. (it's nowhere near as good)

All packed up and starting to taxi...

The staffer/media plane just before the front wheels left the ground.

It's Rally Time!

Yesterday was a day I had been anxiously awaiting. Believe me when I say it did not disappoint! You see, John McCain and Sarah Palin held a rally in Colorado Springs. At the old airport. I received my email invitation even before Gov. Palin was introduced as the running mate, and I made my reservations. I was nearly beside myself when the announcement was made that it would definitely be the two candidates attending.

The problem we ran into was that I was unable to go pick up my tickets until late last week. I was already in Colorado Springs and almost to the RNC Headquarters office when I heard on the radio that the tickets were gone. Not to worry, though, if you'd already reserved them because you'd be able to pick them up at the rally. Undeterred, tired from a long week at school, and not very pleased to have made a special trip and be turned around, I went on to the office. I was going to at least get a couple of stickers.

I was given the word that I was to report to Will Call, give my name, pick up my tickets, and all was fine. Cool, no problem...I completely understand when things are found to be a much bigger hit than expected (hence the reason I reserved my tickets immediately). I grabbed a couple of "Veterans For McCain" stickers and made my way to a nearby park so Luke could enjoy the sunshine for a few minutes. Then we came home. (it was a long night, but that's another story)

Yesterday was great! I love political rallies. They're truly a blast. This particular one, with the approximately 15,000 person crowd, didn't disappoint. I was a little torqued when I arrived, though. I initially thought I'd get us up there around 8am, later decided being closer to 9am would be alright. The amount of people there already was a sight to behold....I just couldn't manage to get a picture because I was needing to pay attention to driving. Still, it only took a matter of moments to get in, get parked, and get on my way to Will Call. Here's where the problem lay.

I got to the tent, which was RIGHT at the entrance gates to security, picked up my tickets, and was told "okay, time for you to get in line." I looked around and said "THIS line??" "Yup, the line." They didn't appreciate my gripe that this particular part was not well organized. You park, walk about a half mile to Will Call, get your tickets, then backtrack to the end of what is now about a mile long line? How stupid! Seriously, it ticked me off. I was physically able to handle it, though an umbrella stroller loaded with a 2-yr old and diaper bag across portions of dirt was difficult. What bothered me was the amount of people there who were obviously pregnant, overweight, elderly, and those who may have had health problems not deemed enough for a handicap designation. Apparently I wasn't the only person a little steamed over this issue.

I am pleased to report that the line did move very quickly. Jeff and I attended a rally for President Bush in Pittsburgh during the 2004 campaign season. There were only about 300-400 people there (smaller venue, less tickets, etc), but it took close to 4 hours in the line. This particular one had three times the amount of people, and distance, but I was inside and past security at just over an hour. Not bad! Remember, by the time I reached the end of the line after picking up tickets, the line was, indeed, over a mile long.

There were a few protesters there. They behaved and were within their Constitutional rights (peaceable), so they were okay. The one group dressed in wolf costumes and had a member dressed as the pageant queen "Miss Global Warming." They had a reason that I admire, but I don't agree with their particular politics. They didn't bug me. The other group? Well, they said they were "wholesome" people from the Springs, they had jobs, they love America, they don't want to leave and speak French. Well, fine, but their signs were dogging the military. One sign said "POW FRAUD!" That one set me off. I happened to be right near the guy speaking way up, the one who commented on speaking French. I REALLY restrained myself strictly because Luke was with me and I didn't want to take a chance on endangering him. I did, however, say (rather loudly) that they WOULD be speaking French if it weren't for the military. Extremely weak, but true if you go back into history far enough. Still, it was enough for those who heard me to start clapping. I found out later that a friend had earlier jumped in this guy's face with "Waterboard, waterboard!! Whatever it takes!" after some belligerent statements on torture. Ray apparently really scared the guy. Given the things coming out of his mouth, I'm not surprised Ray got that angry.

Once inside and past the bomb dog, Secret Service search and wanding of me, my boy, the stroller, and diaper bag, I proceeded to catch up with a couple of friends (mentioned above). Inside the hanger is where the stage was set, but it was already so crowded that there was no reason to even bother. They had already settled themselves closer to the tarmac, right on the fenceline in front of the campaign's two planes. That was fine by me!! We had some room to move, Luke was able to play a bit, and we had the prime seats in the house. Maybe not so much for the speeches, but we also knew they were flying out immediately from the rally to New Mexico.

About 30 minutes before the candidates arrived from their fundraiser breakfast, the organizers passed out American flags. Apparently, a worker at Invesco Field found these flags, bagged up and set next to a dumpster after the Democratic Convention. They had been there for over a week with nobody coming to claim them (and nobody daring to actually throw them away). This worker knew the rally was upcoming, so he offered the flags to the Republican Party. NOW the DNC is saying the flags were "stolen," and that the RNC is just trying to stir up trouble. I have actually heard a local news personality who was at the DNC Convention state they saw the flags in black trash bags looking like they were to be tossed out, too. Some local Boy Scout troops have said the same thing. Maybe the flags were taken without "proper authorization," but I can't say I wouldn't have done the same thing. So, anyway, we are now the proud owners of two controversial American flags, but they won't be finding their way to a trash can. Ever.

During the speeches, we were unable to hear a thing. Occasional words came through...sort of, but we just responded with the rest of the crowd. The chants of "Turn It UP," and "We Can't Hear" started, and I had to laugh. They probably thought we were protesters. It was weird. We heard everything before the candidates started speaking, we heard everything immediately after. The consensus was that the system was sabotaged. Don't worry, it was a joke. Nobody knows what happened, but it was okay.

It was time for the candidates to make the rounds and hop on the plane. I'm really surprised! I thought Senator McCain was taller! He's shorter than I am! For those who are unaware, I am 5' 6" tall....he must be closer to 5'4". He was being hurried by the Secret Service, but was happy to shake each and every hand he could. Mrs. McCain was able to take a little more time. She shook my hand, then reached up to Luke (who was on my shoulders) and patted his knee, giving him that familiar motherly smile (moms know the one I am speaking of). She was making sure she let all the children know she recognized they were there. I thought that was classy.

Governor Palin also surprised me! Again, I thought she was closer to my height and build. She is about the same size in structure, but she's tiny! She reminded me of my dear friend, Ann, who is about 5 feet tall and 90 pounds soaking wet.....but in heels. She's probably about 5'2"....and just a genuine lady. She was taking time to sign things for people, take pictures with them, and let people know she truly appreciated them. The friends I was there with, Ray and Kathleen, are hockey parents. Both were wearing retired jerseys from their son's team. Kathleen took hers off and held it for Gov. Palin to see. She immediately took notice, started in for a closer look, and Kathleen said "I'm a hockey mom!" Those who know what the woman's squeal of recognition is can hear now in their head the exchange between these two. Gov. Palin's face lit up, she gave this great big smile, and a big hug to Kathleen (much to the chagrin of the Secret Service...for obvious reason). Then she said "I HAVE to sign this for you!" I don't even know where the sharpie appeared from, but she signed Austin's retired jersey, said something private to Kathleen, reached up to Luke, and went on her way.

All said and done, the three made their way to the plane. There was the cursory wave at the door, some giggles and a big kiss blown from Gov. Palin to the crowd. Mrs. McCain waved again from where she sat near a window. It was only moments later that the plane started its taxi. They took off right in front of us with the crowd waving those controversial flags for them to see. We waited while the second plane (carrying media and staffers) finished loading and took off. We stayed a few more minutes while talking and exchanging email addresses with others we met through the day. Then the four of us trudged back to our vehicles.

The line of cars waiting to exit was typical. I, however, was familiar with the road since I had scoped it out two days earlier, so I scooted out over a curb (with security watching and not caring...they even waved when I did!), went South, and was out of the airport grounds area in a matter of minutes. It actually took me longer to get through the construction zone at the freeway on ramp than it did to exit airport property! I'm amused by that fact.

It was an energizing day. I was tired, Luke slept all the way home and even went to bed early, and Jeff was actually disappointed he had to work the night and couldn't join us. The election is, of course, not over until the votes are tallied, but I am certainly feeling more confident about the whole gamut than I did a week ago.

I have pictures. I have a TON of pictures, but I will post them later. Just a few to embellish the blog. Oh, and in case anyone is interested, I am obviously voting for the Republican Presidential ticket. I am, however, only encouraging others to vote. Each person needs to make their own decision based on their own research. So, please, don't think I am pushing a direction, or that I'll be offended if you want to question mine. Just be sure to exercise your right in November and get out there to vote!