Ok, y’all…western Kansas is flat…and windy…and flat. And, did I say windy??? Wowza! We’re talking wind-tunnel windy! We’re not in Kansas, Toto windy! When we set up the camper, I had to make sure Mr. FixIt had a tight hold on his side then we threw a rope over the top to anchor it down. I took it down yesterday morning between gusts and all went well.

We got up fairly early yesterday morning and I made a batch of fresh buttermilk biscuits. We heated up the grits and the sausage gravy and had a breakfast fit for kings! We had our last round-table discussion with Ben & Sue for awhile and it always makes me sad when I leave my kids and this beautiful couple. They have embraced me as their own for a long, long time. And When Mr. FixIt came along, they welcomed him with open arms. Mr. FixIt and Ben are so much alike, it isn’t funny. They are a hoot and a half.

I showed Ben & Sue the Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell Labs yesterday. Sue and I sat at the table and recorded a couple of birds. We saw a huge hawk in their yard but it was gone too fast to get a picture for identification. As we sat and talked over coffee, Sue pointed out something in the shrub outside the window. I went out to look and found a feather with a reddish-orange shaft. I did a Google Lens search and found it to be from a male Northern Flicker (red-shafted). I haven’t had time to research when that bird is here, so I’ll have to do that later.

Yesterday was a “self-care” day. I slept like a log and woke up at 9:00. What a treat! Mr. FixIt came out to the camper and asked if I wanted to go with him to take the truck to get the tires changed, then head off with Ben & Sue to buy a mirror for their new bathroom. As much as I love them all…I declined. I wanted to stay home and chill.

While I’ve been having a wonderful visit, and I really haven’t been running around like I usually do when I’m in Colorado, it turns out…I’m two years older with hyperparathyroidism symptoms that knock my socks off sometimes. I’ve been planning a nice supper to celebrate Ben & Sue’s 50th Wedding Anniversary ever since we arrived. We’ve also been talking about making homemade Buttermilk Biscuits with Little. So, I decided to make a big southern breakfast for supper last night.

One of the places I’ve wanted to show Mr. FixIt is Red Rocks Amphitheater. Built in 1936 by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), a Depression-era public work relief agency, it is the coveted venue of every musician on the planet. I’ve been to several shows at Red Rocks. The first was John Denver in the late ‘70s, early ‘80s. Michael Martin Murphy and Starland Vocal Band opened for him. It was magical. Anyone who has been to a concert there will always and forever remember their first time. The view is amazing and the acoustics are incredible. I’ve also seen Casting Crowns, Mandisa, James Taylor, Willy Nelson, and several smaller local bands.

We’re heading into the downhill stretch of our trip to Colorado and I’m starting to have those “last visits for a while.” That brings out all the feels. We have had incredibly beautiful weather, although they sorely need rain in these parts. While I went out to lunch and a walk with Daughter #2 yesterday, Mr. FixIt took his regular walk around the reservoir nearby. Colorado has the most beautiful scenery. Wispy clouds and bluebird skies….just amazing!

This weekend was a whirlwind of love and emotions and a little angst and a lot of laughs and huge doses of reality. Aging ain’t for sissies. Neither is watching your beloved brother decline more and more each time you visit. I couldn’t see him last year because of covid and, as you know, a lot of changes can come about in two short years. It was heart rending to see his condition, but I am so glad he’s moved into a place where there will be more assistance. We just need to have some productive conversations to delineate expectations for the future. These are not easy conversations to have.

What an amazing weekend this has been! My sweet brother was the center of the universe yesterday at his party. He sat at the head of the table and “held court”. We had a great meal that Daughter #1 fixed. Hubby #2 and his wife were there as well as his younger sister and her husband. They will forever be family and it was just such a beautiful thing to watch.

My very handsome brother turns 70 tomorrow!!!

Ok…you all know me. I say I’m taking time off, then I can’t. This is my quietly meditation time before bed and I do that every day anyway. I might as well talk to you like I do every other day…as long as it’s not cutting into family time. We arrived to our destination in the mountains in the mid afternoon. It was too early to check into our VRBO. Daughter #1 had to go up to the college she attended to get something, so Mr. FixIt and I went to see my brother.