Chip and Dale Designs

Trip to the West

A few weekends ago hubby and I were lucky enough to get away for a few days. A friend of mine and her hubby have a farm in Southwestern Colorado. So far south, as a matter of fact, that they are not far from the New Mexico border. We had never been to that end of our beautiful state so off we went. We left important notes to our son who was keeping an eye on things for us- don’t kill the animals, don’t burn the place down and there is usually some porn on the Starz channel after 10. (He’s 23- it isn’t like he hasn’t seen that stuff before).

After getting through the awful Denver traffic- at noon no less- we headed south. We stopped for a quick lunch, then headed into Pueblo to the quilt shop. Shocker, I know. The shop was lovely-I will blog more about the shop soon. However, when we were walking to the shop, I noticed this-

It was In the middle of the sidewalk-right next to the shop! How weird is that! The grave is not very old by my standards. Remember I am from Pennsylvania- old houses and graves there are from the 1800’s. My hubby said it was probably some poor guy who knew that the only way to ever get his wife to visit his grave was to be buried next to a quilt shop.

The city of Pueblo was lovely- beautiful hanging baskets of flowers everywhere, a new RiverWalk along the historic Arkansas River that looked like a lot of fun and there was even a candy shop! I tried to purchase those new cinnamon things from Carls Jr after we left downtown but they told me it was only a breakfast item. WTH? I can eat cinnamon thingies all day long- surely I am not the only one? I knew I should have stopped at the candy shop!

We got into Alamosa around dinner time, had a few margaritas with Fred and Laurie and then headed south to the farm. Boy was this city girl/animal lover in heaven! Peacocks, chickens, a rooster, a reindeer (No- this one did not have a red nose), turkeys, a llama and 4 dogs. And it was quiet- yes even with the birds chirping, the occasional peacock making noise and the rooster crowing around 5 am- I loved it. No sirens, no traffic, no gunshots, etc.

Saturday we headed to the Amish auction. I had no idea we had Amish in Colorado! They were having the auction as a fundraiser for their school. There was an outside auction where they were selling all sorts of tools, etc. I really wanted to bid on the bunnies but figured Chip and Dale would think they were at the dog track and chase them. They also had an inside auction where they were auctioning crafts and quilts! The quilts were beautiful- some sold for over $900. I was so happy for the quilters. We did not stay too long, but it was sure fun! I wanted to get pictures of the Amish children- they are so adorable in their outfits and bare feet! But hubby warned me that their souls would go to hell if I did, so I refrained. ( I don’t think that is in the Amish bible but who am I to say that it isn’t? But I didn’t want to take any chances with their sweet faces looking and smiling at me.) I am sure some of you know that the Amish do not want their picture taken- it is against their beliefs to have graven images of themselves. You can watch the movie Witness to get some more info on them-Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis- early 80’s- you will love it. I am sure there are many great publications on the subject but if you get to watch Harrison Ford for a few hours why not do that instead? Hubby suggested also watching the movie Kingpin with Woody Harrelson.

Food wise, among the home made cinnamon rolls and cake and pies, they had a most tasty treat called fry pies- yummy fruit filled pies that were like a glazed doughnut with filling. Good lord- I could have eaten a dozen by myself! I was not familiar with this tasty concoction as the Pennsylvania Amish did not sell these when I lived back there. Hubby said it would be OK to take a picture of the Amish fry pies because he was pretty sure fry pies didn't have souls.

After our journey hanging out with the Amish, we went to the Jack Dempsey museum in Manassa. It was very interesting with a statue outside that was dedicated to his mother. I think all sons should have a 10’ statue dedicated to their mother. HELLO SEAN?? Are you reading this?????

After viewing the statue of the Manassa Mauler we proceeded home via the sights in Alamosa. We were going to rescue a deer that had its’ head stuck in a tree, but after further investigation he didn’t really have his head stuck, it just looked like it. Yes, this was before the beer party started! After we got back to the farm we nibbled on elk sausage with jalapeno in it that Fred made- goodness was that great! I tried not to think what I was actually eating- and after tasting it I really didn’t care LOL. I stuffed my face- yes it is a beautiful animal but it tasted awesome!!! We also had cheese, chips and beer. A perfect afternoon snack if you ask me!

Sunday we headed home- it was sure hard to leave. Fred and Laurie were such gracious hosts-I told her she was in trouble since we had so much fun we would certainly be back! And this is where I had my dumbass moment of the trip. On Saturday, I reached into my purse and noticed my makeup bag was all wet. WTH? I went through all of the items in the bag and none of the items seemed to be leaking. Laurie and I smelled the bag- this was after beers for lunch- and it didn’t smell like anything we could place. I just figured I dumped water in my purse and went on with my day. When we were getting ready to head out on Sunday, I reached into my purse for a tissue. Yes, I was a bit teary. I absolutely HATE saying goodbye after trips/long distance visits, etc.-whether I am leaving or others are leaving me. When I was a kid and we had relatives visit from out of state I would hide in my room until they left. And cry the whole time as they drove off. What a sap!!! Anyhoo, as I reached into my purse I grabbed something mushy. I pulled my hand out and I had brown stuff on my hand. I knew none of the chickens had access to my purse so I proceeded to dig. AND- lo and behold- there was my pear that I had thrown in my purse on Friday to eat for breakfast! I could have made wine- but I just threw it into the field and some happy critters got to snack on it! Good lord- I am glad I didn’t throw any meat in there or we would have dead carcass smell all the way home! No wonder my husband hangs around- I am a constant source of amusement- and not in a good way!