A road trip to downtown Dallas. This country girl was in awe.
A wonderful day spent with special friends. A renewed faith found.
Various speakers and even a Matthew West concert.
I am blessed to have this wonderful life and I proclaim to honor my heavenly Father by having more faith in his plan for me. With each week that passes I feel confidence and am proud to be a Woman of Faith.
This will be a longer road trip than usual! Actually, this trip began with a flight to Denver (elevation 5130) THEN a road trip in the mountains.
After a visit with some family, my closest cousin and I headed to Colorado Springs.
Thanks to her and her friend, the trip started off perfect. I really appreciate their hospitality. After a yummy breakfast, the road trip was on.
We headed into the mountains. First up- "Garden of the Gods"- A national park with incredible rock formations.
The photos don't do them justice. They are HUGE!! Some as tall as a 5 story building-at least. Most are a red color and just breathtaking. This one is called the kissing camel (I think :)
We continued higher and went through Manitou Springs (elevation 6412). Since it was a Labor Day weekend, there were festivals in almost every park we passed.
The air is so clear and crisp. Even though it was 80 degrees, it felt so much cooler. We rode with the windows down and took back roads. Yes, my cousin and I are both "back road girls".
We passed ranch after ranch. Everything is just as spread out as Texas, if not more. Evergreen and cedar trees everywhere.
As we got closer to Cripple Creek (elevation 9494), the roads became crooked and wound around the mountains. For the first time in my life, I experienced altitude/car sickness. I have traveled alot and never had this happen and I don't want it to EVER happen again. It came on so fast. I was talking and suddenly I couldn't focus. Then everything began to just spiral out of control. My cousin has experienced it, so she knew exactly was was happening. Thank goodness she also knew what I needed. Our time in Cripple Creek was short since I was literally laying in the car just trying not to get sicker. The goal was to get to Canon City and get a hotel.
Just outside of Cripple Creek I really needed to get out of the car. We pulled over at a gate titled "King Meadows Ranch". I got out of the car and quickly layed on the ground. I wanted the movement to STOP! My dear cousin has the patience of a saint and seems to be prepared for anything. She put a blanket on the ground for me and then I saw her in a chair just soaking up the sun. She has a gift of rolling with the punches and enjoying whatever comes along.
Soon we were back in the car and headed to a slightly lower elevation, Canon City (elevation 5300). After a 2 hour nap and a relaxing evening, I woke the next morning feeling so much better. Thank goodness!!
Next we visited The Royal Gorge.
INCREDIBLE. Last year a horrible fire destroyed alot of the foliage in the area and even the welcome center.
We happened to be there for the 2nd day of the grand opening of the new facilities.
The bridge across is 1/4 mile long and the gorge is up to a 1/4 mile deep in areas. The Arkansas River runs along the base of the gorge.
A scenic train travel along it. Can you see the people in the open car?
Beautiful wild flowers are growing out of the rocks.
Matching thumb rings and we will forever be even more connected.
A fun lunch at one of her favorite spots. Yummy sweet potato fries.
Pretty funny stool!
A drive back to the Denver airport (yet more talking along the way) and these cousins have completed a new adventure together.
A memorable one to add to the many we already have all the way from childhood.
Our fathers are brothers and together in heaven. Gone but never forgotten. She and I are proof.
Then back to Texas were the elevation of 653 put me back to normal!
The sound of little feet and laughter is a beautiful thing. A week with my 4 precious grandbabies and that's exactly what I got. Lots of hugs and kisses too.
SWIMMING
Picnics at the park and playground
Visit to the land
The Library
A special day at "Dinosaur World"
Baking Cookies
Memories were made. My heart is full with the joy my children and grandchildren bring me. When life seems heavy and my heart aches, I remember their smiles. I am truly blessed. What is it that bring your heart joy. And have you expressed your love lately?
