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by Valynne | Oct 20, 2010 | Friends of Caretaking Couple, Travel |
Road Trip 2010 was a blast – we hit twenty-five states altogether! Paul woke me up at the crack of dawn for our journey back to the Cape (he knew it would take me a full day to say goodbye to everyone in Colorado, otherwise). ***HUGE thanks to our friends for putting us up (and putting up with us) … can’t wait to return the favor ’cause we miss you already!***
Coffee Stop at the Kirby House in Abilene
As I near the end of our Road Trip 2010 posts (only Missouri and Ohio to go) I realize how alive I feel while on the road and/or writing about the road. Some connections get me to thinking about stuff I don’t otherwise contemplate. Take fate, for instance. We were just passing through Abilene, Kansas and decided to grab a cuppa at Kirby House. What a beautiful place, by the way (I’m a sucker for old Victorians – this one was built in 1885).
I got to chatting with a woman named Bette seated next to us at the coffee bar (she had a lovely charm bracelet on), and come to find out she is fond of Evergreen, Colorado as well. In fact, she co-wrote Colorado Cravings, Recipes and Romance with Gail Riley, the owner of The Highland Haven Creekside Inn…which just happens to be one of the best places to stay in the universe, let alone Colorado. I bought Colorado Cravings from Evergreen Crafters when it first came out. It has already been sent to the site of our next sit – that is how much I love this book.
Later that same day Bette and I saw each other AGAIN at a Cracker Barrel down the road-a-ways. I couldn’t believe it at the time; looking back I do. We had another nice chat while Paul took a business call outside. Bette, it was a true pleasure to meet you. You said some things I needed to hear. Please, let’s keep in touch! By the way, everyone, Bette’s full name is Bette Milleson James. She is a writer of poetry and prose. And she highly recommends the Chocolate Bread Pudding recipe found in Colorado Cravings.
We stopped in Topeka for the night because “time was getting on” according to Paul. He randomly called up The Woodward and spoke to the proprietress, Elizabeth Taylor. I am thrilled to say she had a room for us – who would have thought that one of our favorite places to stay ever would be in Topeka, Kansas? Don’t you just love pleasant surprises?
The Woodward Inn, Topeka
This proprietress is amazing. Elizabeth doesn’t just run an Inn; she has basically bought all of the properties on the block and renovated them, slowly and surely transforming the area from ramshackle and crime infested to one of the prettiest neighborhoods in America. She sat and chatted with us over peach tea and chocolate cake that evening, telling us stories about her home and business for almost twenty years now. Oh. And she has Polish Pottery available for sale. I love Polish Pottery.
Polish Pottery (and Paul) at the Woodward Inn
A wedding was to take place in the chapel that weekend. Yes, the Woodward Inn has a chapel. Actually, it is a library, but it felt like a chapel (with books) to me…it gave me goose bumps. In a good way.
The Chapel at the Woodward Inn
“The open 2 1/2 story library in this home is designed after the King Henry VIII Library at Hampton Hall in London with imported timbers and stones from England” (see the website link above for more). If you are a bibliophile, you owe it to yourself to research the history of The Woodward. You may just find yourself on a pilgrimage.
View from the second story...
It really bothers me when I am unable to capture the beauty of a place with my little camera. I will be upgrading soon – promise. I suppose a photography class wouldn’t hurt, either. Anyway. There is something magical to me about The Woodward. Love at first site. Do you know what I mean?
If so, please tell us about a place that has captivated you. My favorite part of blogging is hearing from you, my reader…I mean readers!
![Road Trip 2010 – Kansas]()
by Valynne | Oct 16, 2010 | Friends of Caretaking Couple, Travel |
285 from the passenger side...down the open road.
Have you ever found yourself on a road trip within a road trip? This was a first for me. I was a little reluctant. Here we were in Colorado, with so many people and places to catch up with. But, it was Sadie’s idea…and I do love Sadie…and it sounded like…fun!
Airstream Excella II sighting on the way to Taos
Sadie and Paul have different road rules. For example, Paul doesn’t stop unless we are low on gas. Sadie; she stops. For Airstreams with SALE signs on them. And horses, enjoying sunny days along streams. And restrooms. She even stops for lunch!
This is my kind of commute...
I won’t lie to you. We did have a few Thelma and Louise moments. I love traveling with Paul but it isn’t quite the comedy of errors that it was with Sadie. Teehee.
Runaway Train. Antonito, New Mexico
Antonito holds a little inside joke for us. Definitely a “you had to be there” sort of joke. Let’s just say that Sadie is a funny girl.
Welcome to Taos
I was really looking forward to Taos. Paul and I had been to Santa Fe back in 2006 and we both loved it. Taos was cool, but I have to say that Santa Fe is still my favorite.
We contemplated camping in the Taos vicinity, but after a strange incident involving a creepy gas station attendant and a pissy cop, we decided to just.keep.driving.
Partay at the KOA
It was not our intention to end up at a commercial campsite…but, under the circumstances (the film Deliverance springs to mind), the KOA just outside of Santa Fe was a little slice of Heaven. No, really.
Morning Coffee at the Indian Market
The Santa Fe Indian Market has been running for 89 years. This was our main reason for driving hundreds of miles in less than two days. It was well worth the drive. We got there first thing in the morning, and took one of the very last parking spaces. Good crowd.
Foolishly, I did not ask permission to take and post pictures of my favorite artwork and/or the people behind the creations. Below is just one of the many rows of booths.
Early morning at the Santa Fe Indian Market
Santa Fe is known for it’s architecture (duh). I love being surrounded by curves, adobe, and iron with a blue sky backdrop. It is the oldest capital city in the US and along with that comes some historical masterpieces.
The Lensic Performing Arts Center
And let’s not forget the masterpiece on a plate, also known as Huevos Rancheros. Do yourself a favor if you haven’t already. Go to Tia Sophia’s.
"Huevos Rancheros, Christmas-Style, please..."
Yes, I will be drinking Shakeology soon (had to crop my butt out of this next picture) but in the meantime…happiness in the form of New Mexican cuisine. So very worth it.
Happy Campers at Tia Sophia's
We wandered a bit more, then it was back to Colorado for us. Santa Fe deserves a good several days, but I will take whatever I can get! Thank you, Sadie for having me along as your sidekick.
Santa Fean Wall Art
Another fond road trip memory for us to reflect upon whilst rocking back and forth on a front porch (most likely yours Sadie, unless Paul and I change our nomadic ways); sipping at our JD and Cokes throughout our twilight years…
![Road Trip 2010 – Kansas]()
by Valynne | Oct 10, 2010 | CC Contests!, Friends of Caretaking Couple, Travel |
Oklahoma Rest Stop
From Mississippi, we drove right through Arkansas and stayed one night in Oklahoma City. I am sad to say that the only thing I remember about Arkansas was the amount of squashed armadillos on the highway. Asked Paul to help a girl out but he had nothing to add. And Oklahoma City in August was simply too hot. We wandered a bit, had a bite, melted. On the way back to the nondiscript chain hotel, we came across a small wedding party. And here is my favorite memory of Oklahoma…
An Oklahoma Wedding
If I were getting married that day in OK, I would have done the exact same thing. My least favorite memory of Oklahoma? Worst huevos rancheros ever in a restaurant in a town with no people on it’s streets…or in it’s shops…or restaurants. That should have been our cue to drive straight through.
Um...Where is everyone?
I know I am not being very fair to Arkansas and Oklahoma…I know if we had stayed longer things would have been different. And when I say different, I mean better. if you have a fun memory of either place you would like to share, that would be great.
And now. The state we took to the road for in the first place. Colorado. Where Paul and I met. Where Mountain Girl Organics was born. Where most of our friends are. Ahh, it’s good to be back in the ‘hood! And since every picture tells a story, and since I’m hoping for some rapport via your comments…here goes.
How Sadie rolls on Bear Mountain
Dakota Blonde with Ernie Martinez at The Comfort Cafe in Denver
Meeting Em at my old stomping grounds, the Bergen Park Farmers' Market
Em, Sadie and I, showing off our new pedis
Looks like Aussie Ken's been shopping again
Jodee, John E, Tom C, and Me at Rio Del Sol
Paul (always a hit with the ladies) and Casey at Rio
Robb & Mary, this one's for you ; )
Michele's shop, Bella Vita, in Kittredge, CO
One more of Bella Vita. Cause I love it.
Billy's Pub
Paul has help blowing out his belated Birthday candle
Hanging out at the old digs
Bear Mountain Barn
Latest addition to Bear Mountain - Wyatt
Oliver, playing "pull my finger" with Paul. Scary.
Yay for babies! Congrats, Jon and Lee!
My current favorite Colorado church sign
Evergreen Lake, pre-concert
Sadie, Barre and Tom at the Lake
Jakarta at Evergreen Lake
John E & the Ladies (aka Jen, Kit, and Kathleen)
BYOK (Bring Your Own Keg) Night with Ken
In case you were wondering where the spots on my lens came from ; )
Denise, hitchin' a ride
Until next time, Evergreen!
Stay tuned for Santa Fe, Kansas, Missouri, and Ohio! Oh, and the contest is still on – you have between now and tomorrow night (Sunday, 10/10/10 at 10:10pm) to leave a comment on any Caretaking Couple blog post! XOX, V&P
by Valynne | Sep 27, 2010 | Friends of Caretaking Couple |
I met Rachelle at a farmers’ market in Frisco, Colorado a few years back. We bartered Shea Butter Body Whip for magnets. This is my current favorite. She’s got more on her website, www.rachelleart.com. Rachelle, I think you are great – did I ever tell you?
There is so much I want to share with everyone…but it’s going to have to wait another week or so (thankfully, you are readers of the understanding sort). In the meantime, Happy Fall, Y’all! That’s me, practicing for our Southern Sit in November : )
by Valynne | Sep 9, 2010 | Friends of Caretaking Couple, Travel |
Guess what you’ll want to do first thing when you get off the ferry to Ocracoke? (Hint: see below).
Ahhh, Ocracoke sand...
Paul was extra excited about Ocracoke because he had found a place called Pam’s Pelican Bed & Breakfast. Their tagline is “Peace, Love and Bacon Grease”, so Paul felt it absolutely necessary that we stay there. I was a little wary, but the place was popular…
Casual and friendly...that about sums up Ocracoke
Pam made great big delicious breakfasts (with bacon on the side, every morning, naturally), and Mike is a musician and local DJ (bonus points).
What? No Redneck Radio Show in your town?
My only complaint was that smack dab in the middle of the living room was a genuine poker table, and nobody, but nobody would play with me : (
Anyone? Anyone?
I wasn’t that upset, as island living is really all about sun, surf and sand after all. Still – would have been fun!
Meanwhile, back at the beach...
If you like to plop yourself on the beach with a good read, a cooler and an umbrella, then this is the place for you. The water feels lovely and there are miles and miles of pristine beach with not nearly as many people as you would find on the east/west coasts. And if you have kids…
How fun is this?
Separate pools form, depending on the tide. So the kids can play in the water without giving the ‘rents agita. Seriously, the Outer Banks come with some fierce rip currents – nothing to mess around with.
"Run for your lives! It's Blackbeard!"
Speaking of fierce…we couldn’t resist Teach’s Hole . Fun if you are into pirate history. Strange really, how popular pirates are, considering they were (and apparently still are in some parts of the world) a bunch of criminal a-holes.
I wanted to wait for these people to come out but Paul wouldn't let me
However, I am fairly certain these particular pirates are of the friendly sort…these are the kind of people that would be fun to interview for the blog, I bet.
Zillie's Island Pantry
Paul and I loved Zillie’s. The wine and beer selection was impressive, and they had tons of yummy cheeses and gourmet snack items that you could purchase for a beach picnic or, in our case, consumption on the patio. So, we made ourselves at home there one afternoon. Fun.
Shelves and shelves of beer at Zillie's
While we sat on the patio enjoying our Chocolate Box Shiraz and various cheeses including an especially yummy Stilton, a friendly woman said hello and the two of us started chatting away. And that is how we met our new friends, A.B. and Diane.
Another fun day on the water thanks to A.B. and Diane!
Next thing you know, we have been invited to go fishing on their boat first thing the next morning. And what a great day the four of us had. Paul managed to catch a couple of bluefish…
Paul's first catch of the day : )
Then we had lunch and enjoyed another afternoon in and on the water…
Paul loves this boat like I love Airstreams
Pelicans
Until a waterspout formed off in the distance (hard to tell but you make the pic bigger by clicking on it) and the weather turned from balmy to stormy.
Spout forming (to the left of the lighthouse)
Back just in time!
The spout actually hit land (taking an umbrella & chairs at Smacnally’s with it), then bounced off the water (if you click the pic you can just make it out). Even the locals were impressed.
Speaking of Smacnally’s – below is a typical scene at this great little outdoor bar.
Enjoying an afternoon with Willis Gupton at Smacnally's
By the way, if ever you find yourself listening to Willis Gupton, don’t let on that you don’t know who Alan Jackson is (Paul!). And don’t think that just because this fine establishment serves only beer and wine, the place won’t get rowdy. Cause it will.
We loved our time in Ocracoke. I kept an eye out for the wild horses (you know, like the ones in Nights in Radanthe) but it seems that now they aren’t so wild, due to increased traffic and the like. That was my only disappointment, really. Oh, and there are no laundromats on the island, so don’t hop on the ferry without doing your laundry first (Valynne!). Miss you already, OBX…
by Valynne | Aug 3, 2010 | Friends of Caretaking Couple, Travel |
Sunflower at the Bay
Paul and I took to the road three days ago and what a trip it has already been! Day One was basically spent getting from the Cape to Michele in Alexandria, VA. This could have been done in 6-7 hours if it weren’t for Jersey traffic (something big was going on in Trenton).
So tempted...
It was worth it, because I never would have spotted these feather earrings at a mega rest stop otherwise (Paul is not a big fan of mega rest stops for some reason – party pooper). Needless to say my mind immediately transported itself back to the eighties.
This pleases me greatly
Another benefit of being stuck in traffic was the ability to take pics of passerby. Rotel, anyone? Yes, please! It’s like a cruise liner for the road. Except without showers. Much more environmentally friendly than your typical motor home, I believe this model transports twenty-four passengers.
How fortunate we were to spend the first days of our road trip with our friend Michele. She was kind enough to put us up and take us sightseeing, including an unforgettable day in DC.
Albert Einstein Sculpture in DC
The Lincoln Memorial (Paul can remove this from his Bucket List now)
Paul and Michele in front of the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall
The Three Soldiers Statue on the Washington Mall, across from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Waiting to hear the MLK "I Have A Dream" speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial
We only had a day and a half with our friend, so we spent the rest of the time basically goofing off. Below are a few pics of Michele and I “shopping” in Georgetown, then all of us meeting up and wandering Alexandria.
I love bears
Michele loves monkeys
Paul loves beer...and we all love the Hobbit!
You all know what a serious reader I am
Uncanny resemblance to James Joyce
Dear Santa...
Tiny house in Alexandria - love it!
*Click here for more info on the house above (thanks for the link, Michele)…
So many beautiful old homes in Alexandria
And back home to Frisco Jones
Michele uploads pics while Paul ponders our next route
Thank you, Michele for a wonderful whirlwind of a time…we “la” you. Yesterday Paul and I stopped at Annapolis on our way to our new digs…a quaint and quirky B&B here in Chesapeake Bay named the Old Gratitude House. It is now time for our gourmet breakfast. Life is good!
PS I am a guest blogger today at my friend Rachels blog, www.lostintheattic.typepad.com . It’s not too late to tell us where to go, and to enter to win a prize while you are at it! xox
