A Year of Change

A year ago, Lori, Jag and I all got new mountain bikes when we were told Lori could not ride a road bike anymore due to her neck surgery. We all rode throughout the year as a family but Ty was still on his old hard tail as he was still growing into an adult bike. It is now too small for him as he’s grown a bunch so yesterday, after some haggling over bikes and wine, Ty came home with a new bike like the rest of the family’s. Now we all have full suspension bikes which are a must up here on the mountain and single tracks. If you don’t understand what I mean, that’s ok as it’s all bike speak. In any case, our new buddy, Big Jim, hooked us up and was thrilled to meet us as he’s been drinking many of our wines for years. He looks like a big biker with his grey pony tail and he must weigh over 300 pounds in his black Harley Davidson t-shirt. He’s had his little bike shop up here for 23 years and coincidentally, we have the same cardiologist! It was one of those chance meetings where we knew a lot of the same people and have a lot of the same interests. That’s what’s so great about being in a small town. The only bad thing is, this morning it’s raining outside! I’m sure it’ll clear up later and tomorrow and Monday are supposed to be nice so we can all go ride. Lori’s been bugging me for a week to get the bikes tuned and tires pumped up. Ty was very respectful after Big Jim spent a good 45 minutes with him out back of the shop tuning the bike to custom fit him and stuck out his hand and said “thank you very much, nice to meet you”. Not many kids our boys age look people in the eye and shake their hands. People always appreciate it and tell us what well mannered boys we have, hmm. He also spent time with Jag and adjusted his bike as he’s grown since it was fitted to him last year. So now we’re ready to go!

Lori finished up a long week and made sure Dr. C finished all his work. She’s indispensable to him and is really hitting her stride. Nothing happens there without her knowing and approving it. If you have a spine or neck injury and need one of the best surgeons in the World, you’d better know Lori! She sure needs the 3 day weekend and will hopefully get some much needed rest.

Now to a little politics as it’s July 4th or Independence Day weekend and then I’ll leave it alone. Jagger was astonished when he was watching the news and learned about Bill C meeting with the Attorney General on the tarmac in Phoenix, who is investigating Hillary. Even as a 14 year old, his first response  was “they can’t do that”! I replied no they can’t but this administration seems to do whatever they want, legal or not. He then said “Grandpa would be rolling over in his grave being a lawyer and all”, which I’m sure is true. What a joke our system has become. The media now shapes what they want you to see and how they want you to think. If a republican administration did this, the dems would be up in arms. In fact years ago Obama, Hillary and others signed a letter and made a big stink when the then Attorney General just bumped into a member of Bush’s staff for less than a minute in a restaurant in D.C.! This was a private 30 minute meeting with no security or no one else, between the person who will decide if Hillary is charged and her husband who is also under investigation as the Clinton Foundation is part of it! The Attorney General then said we only talked about grandchildren and golf. But wait, Clinton hasn’t golfed in over 10 years! You may not realize it but we’re more a country like Russia. media wise, than the land of the free when it comes to the govt trying to think for you. The govt and their media, which are the 3 major networks, only tell you what they want you to hear and not what they don’t. The only problem is things are getting so bad, their lies aren’t working anymore as most all they say never is true, and people are realizing it as it’s now personally affecting them. So, you need to think for yourself, and stop being one of the sheeple which are people that act like sheep! Most of the Country and yes, some of you, fall into that category without even realizing it. What happened to the 60’s and 70’s when people would always question authority? Hell, we even had bumper stickers saying those two words. Now most people believe everything they see and hear on tv and no longer think for themselves. Trust me, one day you’ll wake up and it’ll be too late. So wake the hell up now! Let’s remember what July 4th stands for, our Independence,  and take back our Country! God Bless

Ok, today or this afternoon, the 3 day holiday weekend begins. We don’t have any big plans except on Monday when we’re headed to a bbq in the afternoon and then to watch the fireworks at night. Tomorrow we hope to get in a bike ride and plant our planters that are on the deck. We had some rain yesterday but nothing too serious, just enough to wash the cars. Ty fell asleep on the couch watching the Batman Superman movie that is 3 hours long. Lori worked until 7:30 and will have a much needed 3 day rest starting tonight. Every time her doctor goes on vacation, it’s tough on her when he returns as she’s had to schedule so much extra work to get caught up. She was late last night due to numerous phone consults that were backed up. Her eyes are also getting better everyday.

The month came together pretty well for me at work which means the first half of the year was ok, but I always could have done better. My biggest challenge is getting containers packed, not selling wine, which is all logistics. Oh well, it is what it is. Guess I’ll run, no gym today as I worked out hard the last two days, God Bless.

Another day breezed by. Ty was riding horses and I was on the phone while Jag was sleeping until noon. Lori says he’s growing which sure is true. She had to run down to Denver and after a few tests, her eyes are doing well. Before we knew it it was time to get Ty at 3:15 and then I took Jag to basketball.

I had to leave basketball after about 45 minutes to go meet Lori and then head into town to meet up with a friend. She brought along her daughter Julia who is a long time favorite of mine and multiple Olympic medal skier. I remember watching her in Vancouver where she won a Silver in the Women’s Downhill and a Silver medal in Women’s Combined. She’s here seeing another doctor at Lori’s clinic as she had hip surgery 4 months ago. We felt so bad for her as she was limping bad when she walked in. We hung out for about 90 minutes and then had to leave to go get Jag.

Today Lori has more of the same, we’re both really really tired as we’ve been so busy. Both kids have nothing going on today so that’ll help. Most of my work involves paperwork and the computer. It’s now 7:15 so time to run. Have a great day, do something fun this weekend, GB.

Ty’s off again this morning to the ranch to groom, feed, ride and take care of the horses. I need to get him moving in about 20 minutes or so. Meanwhile Lori needs to leave in about 15 minutes for her post-op appointment in Denver on her eyes. Jag will stay sleeping as he has two basketball games tonight.

Yesterday I threw the boys in the truck at 7am and headed down the hill. Our first stop was our friend Libby’s who is a dermatologist. Both boys had a couple warts that needed to be shaved off and freezed.  I guess kids their age are prone to warts as their immune systems are still developing. After that we made a quick stop at a couple stores before all three of us had haircuts from our friend Jeannie who’s going to Italy with us. She drove into a salon just to take care of us and never charges us which is nice. Then we headed up the hill and made it home around 4pm. Jag changed clothes and I rushed him off to school for basketball practice. While he was there I went to pick up our fresh chickens as they were just slaughtered the day before yesterday. The come from a farm about an hour down the road and are pasture raised with zero antibiotics which is not what you get in any store. I have to say, it was about the best chicken I’d ever had in my life. Chris, our butcher friend, said to cook them at 425 degrees for 1 hour which seemed high to me but it turned out perfect. He and his fiance started a local meat company that only buys local products. It’s mostly beef but now also chickens, raw honey and other things from small local farmers. His ham, he smokes with honey and whiskey and is unbelievable. I think Jag ate a pound last night!

Time to get moving as it’s now 7am. I saw some heavy rain and hail in Denver on the news last night but it was 80 and beautiful up here. In the news, I’m sure you all saw the attack in Turkey yesterday at the World’s 11th largest airport, and yet our govt says the terrorists are on the run, yea right. Also in Denver someone shot someone and then shot himself at the very spot Aleks and I had lunch 3 days ago, 15th and Wynkoop. Watch your back!

Time to get moving as I need to finish washing Ty’s clothes and get him up. Have a great day and GB.

After the gym, I rushed home to get Ty moving so we could make it to horse camp on time. Turns out he was the only one there yesterday so he had all 3 girl instructors to himself. By the end of the day, he was sweaty and tired as he had groomed, saddled, rode and fed his horse all day long. When I arrived he was just leading him out to pasture. By the way, his horses name was Tom! He goes back Wednesday and he might be going a lot more often as he’s applying for a job! He’ll earn $20 a day, if hired, and take care of the younger kids who show up to ride pony’s. We’re proud of him just for showing up, doing all the hard work that goes along with the fun part, or riding, and for checking into a potential job. We’ll see, he might be a bit too young but his friend, a girl in 10th grade at his school who works there, told him to apply.

This morning at 7, we’re off for Denver to take Jag to the dermatologist to have a couple stubborn warts burned off. I think I’ll wake Ty and drag him along as he needs some new jeans. Lori had a long day at work and has a longer one today. Our A/C sure is working good. In fact it gets downright cold in here if you leave it on all night. I’d better run as Mojo needs a walk this morning since we’ll be gone until a bit after noon. Have a great day, it’s another beautiful day in paradise, God Bless.

It’s 5:17 and I’m up early so I can get to the gym before work. It’s pleasantly cool out right now, somewhere in the 40’s. Ty has horse camp and Lori has a big day as it’s Dr. C’s first day back from his two week Hawaiian vacation. They have 4 surgeries on the books and a bunch of appointments squeezed in between each one. 3 weeks from today we leave for Italy and in 3 days, I’ll close out the first 6 months of the year at work.

Last night we cooked dinner for our good friends who are moving to Australia on Wednesday. They were very thankful and we’ll probably see them tomorrow night before they leave. Sue was the person who not only played a big part in Lori getting her job but also was the one to take us under her wing and introduce us to everyone when we moved to the valley. We’ll all miss them, especially Lori. The goodbye was tearful as one would expect. The girls are already making plans for us to visit Noosa which is about 10 hours north of Sydney sometime probably next year. We’re all booked up this year but maybe they’ll make it back for a visit.

Yesterday there was a big brawl at the Capitol in Sacramento where 7 to 10 people were stabbed. I only mention this as I wonder if the dems will now want to outlaw knives! I hate to keep pounding on the dems as they do have some good qualities like their support for education, however in every civilized country in the World where liberals are in charge, the place is a mess. I seriously don’t know how anyone can support Hillary when every established politician, which she epitomizes, for as long as you can remember, have done nothing for the people. They’re all, on both sides, only interested in keeping themselves in power. How about the democratic senator who this weekend said only politicians and their people should be allowed to have guns! Are you kidding me? So let’s get this straight, they think that only they should be able to protect themselves. People, there’s a reason our founders wrote the 2nd Amendment into our Constitution, and it’s not to protect the elites, but quite the opposite. I have to go to the gym now as I’m getting myself too upset just thinking about the joke of an election we have before us. God help us, and God Bless.

8am and sunny, that’s what’s going on this morning. The colors up here are so vibrant compared to Denver. It’s mainly due the less oxygen in the air and a lot less pollution. In any case, the sky is bright blue and the trees are as green as green gets. Throw in the sound of the rushing water in the river and it’s hard to beat.

Yesterday Lori and I went into town and walked around the art festival. We didn’t buy anything as we’re trying to save money. Jag went mountain biking with a couple friends and then ended up going to a movie in town before I finally picked him up a bit after 9pm. Ty played around the house and then we took him for ice cream before grilling up some meat for dinner.

Today I think we’re going on a hike. Something to get some exercise. The mornings are just cool enough to feel good but not cold. Tomorrow Ty goes to horse camp. He has a daily program from 9 until 3:30 where he rides, grooms, feeds and take care of horses. He’s wanted a horse forever. Grandpa told him years ago he’d get him one and he’s never let up on his dream. However if you know anything about horses, they’re expensive! So instead, we’re doing the horse camp at Vail Stables. We do get a local discount that helps. I have a buddy who we could get a horse from for the season each year but that still requires boarding, feeding, vet care and more. Trust me, the day camp is a much better deal. Maybe next year if he’s still into it, which I believe he will be, he’ll get his own horse.

Lori’s eyes are still a bit sore, sort of scratchy, but she can see things she’s never seen before, even with glasses. I had no idea her eyesight was so bad! Everyone of course is still sleeping. I should probably get to cleaning around here. I can take my pick, the kitchen, living room, laundry, or even the garage. It’s so good to have so many choices!

Have a great day, hard to believe it’s already June 26th! A week from tomorrow is July 4th and in 3 weeks we’re off to Italy, wow. Hope all’s well, GB.

We can’t remember the last time we slept in this late. I guess it’s understandable as Lori was out until after 11pm. It’s a beautiful morning, especially for Lori, who can now see. From across the valley to road signs 30 feet ahead of her, it’s like a whole new World.

After surgery she wasn’t feeling too well as her eyes were burning real bad. They hurt so bad we stopped and called the doctor from Frisco on the way home. Since Lasik is basically using a laser on your eyeballs, of course it’s going to hurt. After a few hours it calmed down. At 5 she was scheduled to go to a going away party for her friend Sue who is moving to Australia. She wasn’t sure she was going to make it but decided to go. She had a great time and finally was dropped off a bit after 11pm! Hence, why we slept in.

Today there’s a Art Festival in town. It started yesterday and runs through tomorrow. The great thing about Vail is there’s something going on literally every weekend. I think Dixie is going to move here. If so, she should do it sooner rather than later. Dix, you’d better make up your mind as time goes fast and the kids are growing!

The boys are sleeping and we need to get them moving as it’s so nice outside. Hard to believe it’s June 25th, summer just started and it’ll be fall before you know it. Time to go!

God Bless

We’re off in about an hour for Lori’s Lasik surgery. She should be done by 10am or so. Last night after Aleks and I made it up the hill, we all went to Nobu for a great sushi dinner. We sat out on the deck and had a nice visit and a great meal. We were all so full afterwards, we had to walk around town a bit before checking Aleks into his hotel and heading home.

By the time we made it home, it became clear that the British people had voted against their government’s wishes and decided to leave the EU. I would have voted that way too as if I was British I wouldn’t want some council in Belgium deciding how I should live in Britain either.

This is a huge defeat for the Globalist politicians including Obama and Hillary who were both supporting Britain staying in the EU, and a great victory for the people. Now they on their own can decide their own immigration policies, monetary policies and more. No longer can politicians that are not citizens and don’t even live in their country, make up laws to govern them. Speaking of Obama, he had a bad bad week. The Supreme Court struck down another of his executive orders where he illegally wanted to give 4 million illegals citizenship. They also struck down other laws that are illegal. And how about this, there are now more minority babies in our Country than White people! Also turns out Hill failed to turn over govt emails she said she didn’t have. They might finally have caught her, whoo hoo. Now Italy, France and the Netherlands all also want a referendum of independence which is another blow to the One World Govt. The elites are freaking out, gold has jumped $100 an ounce, the Pound is getting crushed and stock markets are reeling. The euro is also falling which is great news for us as we buy a lot of wine in Euro’s. Now even with all this, and despite what our govt and others will say, everything will be ok. The only ones who are losing here are the Global elites who desperately are trying to create a World that they can control. It’s a great day as finally the people have said, enough is enough. It’s like an independence day for the U.K. Good for them, maybe there still is hope.

God Bless

Yesterday Lori’s pre-op went fine as did the boys Global Entry interviews. They did fall asleep on the way down and up which was fine. Jag had two basketball games and was worn out as they only had 7 players show and 1 jammed his finger 5 minutes into the first game. Anyhow it was a good workout and the boys kept plugging away even though the other two teams had fresh reserves and only played 1 game each.

Today I’m off to Big D at 6:30 to get my oil changed at 8am and then will head downtown to get Aleks as we have a lunch at noon. Then we’ll head back to Vail as we have a 6pm dinner too! Tomorrow morning we’ll all drive to Denver as Lori has her eye surgery and Aleks will fly back to Venice Italy where he’ll then get his car and drive the hour home to Slovenia. It’s been a good trip. We’ll sure be glad when the week is over as I had to drive to Denver every day this week except Monday, uggh.

Now to the fire, it’s doubled again, now to 7000 acres! So far though, it’s still south of us and moving east. With a little luck, it’ll miss us. We do feel though, for all those who have property in it’s path. No one is ever safe though as the wind could change in an instant. Pray for a little rain with no lightening! Glad my dad doesn’t have to worry about this as he spent a lot of time there as a kid.

Trump and Hillary are going at each other. I had no idea of all the cash she funneled to her and Bill’s foundation from while Sec of State. I don’t know how anyone who knows the facts could ever vote for her as she sold the American people out to line her own pockets. Do a little research. Also did you know Bill and Hill made $153 million dollars giving speeches to Wall Street in the past 8 years? How about all the campaign donations (tens of millions) from countries who oppress and stone women and sentence gay people to death! As Trump said today, Hillary’s campaign slogan is “I’m with her” meaning that you as her supporters are supposed to be with her, while Trump says “He’s with the people”. I think that pretty much sums it up. We are not here to serve the government or “be with her”. To the contrary, our President is supposed to be here to serve us, the people. Quite a simple contrast but it really says all you need to know. I’ll let it go now, but God help us if she somehow wins. Have a good day, God Bless.