I Miss Costco Photo

 Ever since Costo shut down their photo department, I have been lost in trying to find someone to do my photo books. After returning from Mt. Rushmore, I tried Snapfish. This is the company that Costco recommended but after a few attempts I gave up. Their format is entirely different and trying to open a new account was impossible. I then tried Shutterfly with no positive results. I could not get past the cover for my book. Next try was Walmart and the format is similar to what Costco used and I worked on my book for over three hours. When I had what I wanted I ordered the book on June 14, 2023, costing me almost $30. Costco's books were around $20. Delivery date was scheduled for June 22, 2023. On June the 23 I received notice that it was delayed. I wrote a note to customer service and told them I was not happy and when could I expect my order. On June 25 another notice told me that they had cancelled the order and my money would be refunded.

I contacted Walgreen's and even though the ad says they do photo books they don't. I visited three different stores but none of them had the capability to do photo books and they all sent me to the Walgreen on Wadsworth and 79th. Yesterday I entered the store but there were many signs letting me know that they did not have paper, ink or anything necessary to work on photos. I almost turned around and left but decided to talk to someone in photos. A nice young man told me the signs have not been taken down, but they are now capable to do photos. I asked about doing a photo book. He told me I could do one and led me to a machine, patiently showed me what I had to do, hooked my phone to their computer and I began working on the photo book.

When I finished, about 2 1/2 hours later the clerk told me the book would be ready the following day. Evidently, if they had not been backlogged, I could have picked up the book the same day! Today I picked up the book and it cost me $16.00 after I mentioned that I saw on the Internet that there was a 50% coupon. I felt lucky that they used my word on the coupon.  I am satisfied with the book and found two pictures duplicated which is too bad. I asked if I could order more books and was told I would have to start from scratch and make another book. Is anything easy anymore?

I decided to give it one more try on my laptop and have managed to complete a book. I will be able to pick it up tomorrow after 4 p.m. It will not be what I would have liked but it will have to do. Now, if some of the travelers want a book, I hope I will not have to start all over again! I hope it will be a matter of ordering and not redoing!

"A photographer is like cod

which produces million eggs

in order that one may

reach maturity."

George Bernard Shaw

San Juan, Apostol

For Mother's Day I was given a special gift. It is a small Santero type plaque of St. John, the apostle. It is about 2" by 3." He is the patron Saint of writers, editors, publishers or printers. I did not know this fact and now I have someone I can pray to for guidance in my writing!  I also found out that St. John, the Apostle is also known as St. John, the Evangelist. This prayer is printed on the back of the plaque. 

Oh, holy San Juan, you laid your head upon Christ's breast. 

You are called "the beloved one." 

Christ said upon the cross "Behold your Mother," entrusting Mary's care to you. 

Writer of gospel and epistles your writing brought benefit to mankind. 

I humbly ask that my writing might bring some benefit too.

I give thanks to my thoughtful daughter for this special gift. She has always encouraged me to write!

"Let us not love with words

or tongue, but with actions

and in truth."

St. John, the apostle

A Quiet Dynamo

It is difficult to grasp the idea that a friend is gone. Whenever I would see her it was always a pleasure because she was such a pleasant, kind and friendly person. She came into my life for a brief moment and I would see her around every once in a while. We were not close but I had worked with her at Colorado Legal Services and yet she made a big impression on me. I liked how kind she was and how she was always ready to help anyone in need. She had a great sense of humor and I recall her smile! In fact, I don't remember ever seeing her without a smile!

Tonight was a celebration of her life because she passed away on June 16, 2023. I had heard she had Lou Gehrig's Disease though when I saw her, she was always cheerful and did not appear to be in any pain. She walked with a cane until she got a motorized scooter. About a year ago we took our picture together and she did not want her picture taken while she sat in the scooter. That amazed me because I am sure she would have been more comfortable sitting in the scooter!

When I arrived at the World Alive Church, I was surprised to see the huge parking lot already full of cars. On entering the building, the large room was filled with family, friends and co-workers and I had never been to a memorial with so many people! My estimate is that there must have been over 500 persons at the memorial.  I found it strange that in the huge group I did not see one person I recognized! Everyone who spoke, the music, the large photos of her and four large screens showing her life through the years let us see bits and pieces of what her life had been. She was an amazing person!

It was mentioned that she had chosen the songs that would be sung and the readings that were read. Her best friend gave a wonderful eulogy that was to the point about how she felt about her friend. Even though she choked a few times, she added humor to her talk that had everyone laughing. Her brothers talked about growing up with her and some of the grandchildren did the scripture readings. There was so much more to my friend than I knew, and I was happy I had known her, if only briefly.

My favorite song was by B.J. Thomas, I'm Gonna See Jesus, and I noticed many people singing along and wiping tears. It was music I had never heard before though it surprised me because I like B.J. Thomas! When her husband spoke I had a lump in my throat because I knew how he would miss her. They were always together and I found out how compatible they were: attorneys, loved to travel, enjoyed music and dancing, and both put family first. Evidently, her family is a hugging family so hugs were given to say hello, goodbye or whenever they felt like hugging!

The Fort in Morrison, Colorado has a Spanish Market every year and I usually attend to see my friend, her husband, her brothers plus others playing old fashioned Spanish music. I recall my friend dancing to some of the Spanish dances until she could no longer dance.

Judging by the crowd, she had touched many persons with her quiet manner, received many awards, and was loved by many! 

I did not stay for the reception with tons and tons of cookies because I wanted to be home before it got dark! Her mass will be on June 28, 2023, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver and I know it will be lovely and beautiful. I regret not being at the mass but my prayers are for her and her loved ones especially her husband and daughter. 

May you rest in the arms of Our Lord, my friend.  Peace to your family and those you touched.  I will miss seeing you around.

"No one ever really dies

as long as they took the

time to leave as with

fond memories." 

Chris Sorensen

A Romantic Story

 A Netflix movie without smoking, naked bodies, cursing (F word never used once), prolonged sex scenes, or violence showing blood splattering all over the screen seems to be rare in movies in this day and age. Lately, it seems that movies use a lot of vulgar language or actions.  I did not realize that movies could be made without using disgusting words or scenes. 

This was a lovely movie with a good plot and a realistic love affair. Two people who appear to "hate" each other realize they care for each other. Another plus is that it is filmed in the Aegean Sea with beautiful vistas. I believe the movie is Turkish but dubbed in English making it great to understand! The movie, Make Her Believe, is a sweet, enjoyable one hour and forty-four minutes movie that leaves one feeling good after watching it.

"To love is nothing.

To be loved is something.

But to love and be loved,

that is everything."

T. Tolis

Zamioculcas Zamiifulia

Eight years ago I was given a plant for my birthday. Knowing how fast I can kill a plant, I had no hope of the plant lasting very long. To my surprise, the plant is still green, lush and growing. I have often wondered what kind of a plant it could be that continues to grow without the care that plants need. Sometimes, when I remember to water it, the dirt is hard and cracked. Other times, it may be two or three weeks before I give it a drink!

A saying my mother always told me was that when a gift is given from the heart, it will last forever and maybe that is why this plant continues to thrive.

I have asked around about what kind of plant it could be that undergoes such abuse and continues living, but no one seems to know. Yesterday while touring the Botanic Gardens three friends pondered my question regarding what kind of plant it could be and one in our group said, "Looks like a Z Z plant."

A picture was pulled up on a phone and sure enough, it looked just like my plant. Here is the description I got from the Internet taken from an article in Gardenista : Popular plant with its wide attractive, dark green leaves boasts many favorable traits for home or office. Tolerates neglect, is drought tolerant and accepts low-light conditions...it is an air purifier and removes toxins from the air. The negative to the plant is that it is poisonous and in the past was thought to cause cancer.

After reading the description I can understand why this plant has survived when many of my other plants have slowly died!

"A beautiful plant 

is like having a friend 

around the house."

Beth Ditto

A Revelation

 I have found it difficult to believe that when I receive communion that I am receiving the body and blood of Jesus. I have prayed to have my eyes and heart opened so I can believe 100% on this miracle of wine and bread being the body and blood of Christ.

This morning at mass, when I heard the priest say, "This is my body," I pictured Jesus at the Last Supper saying those same words. He did not transform into anything or become something else as he gave the bread and wine to his apostles with His words. The bread and wine changed as He offered them his body and blood. That made sense to me, though I had never thought of it in that way. The priest takes the place of Christ as he says the same words that Jesus did. This I could understand.

Strange how I struggled trying to understand the concept and it had never quite made sense to me. Today I felt good as the new thought entered my brain. I wondered why it took so long for me to grasp the idea and thanked God for letting me understand and believe how when I receive the body and blood it is really Christ.

"He said: This is my Body, therefore the Eucharist

is not the figure of his Body and Blood, as some have 

said, talking nonsense in their stupid minds, but

it is in very truth the Blood and Body of Christ."

St.  Macarius, the Great

Fifty-Eight Years Ago

 It does not seem possible that my baby girl is now having her 58th birthday. I remember the pain driving to the hospital, those contractions are never forgotten, and once there I was told it was a false labor. How disappointed I felt, but before I could get ready to return home she decided to arrive! The nurses tried finding my doctor but my daughter was too much in a hurry to enter this world. A staff doctor was found and he delivered her. There was no time for me to get prepped or for them to give me something for pain. She arrived quickly and easily.  I don't recall any pain, just that I watched her in a mirror when she came out!

Only a mother knows that sense of relief and happiness as a child is born. I did not have those sensations when my son was born because I was out with too much anesthesia! The nurses placed my tiny baby on my tummy, still hooked to me, and she felt like a hot cinder!

The years have gone by, and I watched her grow up into a self-contained young lady. I love the way she expresses herself. She seemed to know what she wanted in life and to this day I believe she has done whatever she decided to do. She sang and played the guitar, wrote songs, became an oil painting artist, graduated from Regis University, became a top-notch volleyball, soccer and tennis player, joined the Peace Corps and served in Guatemala, married and moved to California.

Her love of working with gourds has her creating beautiful works of art. I enjoyed watching her be a mother to their two daughters and often wished I had her patience. One thing I always admired was how she never talked about anybody and seemed to give people the benefit of the doubt. She is thoughtful and kind and a favorite saying I tell her is: "When I grow up, I want to be just like you!"

My walls are covered with her neat work and I am so proud of my daughter! It's amazing how every year she improves in her artwork and in her life!

The love I feel for her is unmatched and on June 18, 2023, I will wish her a Happy 58th Birthday!

"Accept what is,

let go of what was,

and have faith in

what will be."

Internet Quote

A SHOCK

 

Today a friend and I drove to Boulder to visit Brookdale North Boulder Senior Living. I had received an invitation to come check the place out. Normally, I would not have gone but I have a friend who lives there, I could go to Trader Joe's and kill three birds with one stone! The place is very nice, open and spacious, with two huge atriums that flood the three floors with lots of sunshine! 

We were fed chicken tacos and homemade tortilla chips with three different salsas. We chatted with the Chef who tries to prepare food that is tasty and healthy. An activities director spoke to us and let us know how one can be busy every day or hang in the apartment. The part that appealed to me was that if they don't see you, they will check on you!  What did not appeal to me was the price! Some of the activities for their residents were book club, embroidery classes, games of pickleball, outings, rock painting, gardening, etc. We  were given a bag full of goodies!

The lady who took us on a tour showed us one or a one bedroom with a den. The rooms were large and had a lot of space. All the apartments have a tiny kitchen though three meals are provided daily plus snacks. As we were leaving a woman came up to us with a Cockapoodle and chatted with us. We petted the dog and I thought how friendly the lady was until she said, "Are you a resident here?" That shocked me, did we look old enough to be in an older person living facility?

"You spend 90 percent of your adult life

hoping for a long rest, and the last 

10 percent trying to convince the Lord

that you're actually not that tired."

Robert Brault

Book Club

 Today the book club met at the home of one of the members. Fourteen women crowded into the front room to discuss The Red Tent. The story was written in 1997 by Anita Diamant. She took the story of Dinah and added her version of how it might have been if the Bible had been written by a woman! Instead of angry men, she showed how woman could get along and find peace. The story is taken from Genesis.  In the Bible at Chapter 34 is The Rape of Dinah. Dinah, the daughter whom Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit some of the women of the land. When Shechem, son of Hamor, the Hivite, who was chief of the region, saw her, he seized her and lay with her by force. The way Diamant wrote the story is that they were both attracted to each other, there was no forcing and they fell in love as soon as they saw each other. Quite a few pages are written about their love making!  It is a much nicer version than the way the Bible is written.  In order for  Prince Shechem to marry her he is asked to be circumcised and when that is not enough for Jacob, the sons convince him to have all the Hivite men circumcised. While they are recuperating, Jacob's sons slaughter all the men including Shechem which leaves Dinah devastated. As the story in the Bible progress, Diamant gives a softer and nicer version.

The Red Tent where the women would go when they were on their period is where they bonded with each other discussed their lives, ate delicacies and were not bothered by the men during this time. It was a time of joy and peace for them! Some of the book club members liked the idea of having a Red Tent but others thought it was demeaning to women to be isolated!

I found the book difficult to get into and struggled trying to remember all the Biblical names which were foreign sounding to me. It was suggested that Jacob's sons were the seven tribes of Israel. It showed how women were not important but were there to satisfy the men by cooking and giving them offspring, preferably male babies. Yet, one thing in the book mentioned that girl babies were important because they learn stories from their mother, and this makes them stronger.

The scenes of childbirth were described in such a way that the reader almost felt the pain and uncomfortable it must have been during that time. Reading about the midwives was great how in those days, they managed to ease pain and deliver difficult babies. The author did paint pictures of loving and caring people and the tenderness between them. She also wrote about mean and abusive persons.

She has a tremendous creative imagination, and her way of writing makes the book a universal best seller that has been in print since she wrote it.

The story was one of the books that had a lot of discussion at our book club because there were so many topics like love, abuse, food, loyalty, siblings, mothers, tenderness, children, childbirth and how people lived in the time of the Old Testament days!

"The more a daughter

 knows the details

of her mother's life, 

the stronger the daughter."

Anita Diamant

God's Subtle Ways

 God is ever present in my life and when things happen with a twist, I know he is involved. This is a recent "miracle" that happened on our recent trip to Mt. Rushmore. One of the travelers called me and told me she needed a walker because she sometimes needed it for support.  She had gone to the place where she could get one and found out they were closed for the day and we were leaving early the following day.  I told her that I had my father's walker that I had used when I broke my ankle. She said, "Please would you bring it, because I will need a walker if we do a lot of walking."

I dragged the dusty walker from my basement where it had been stored for about nine years. I cleaned it up and the morning we were leaving I had it placed below the bus where all our luggage was stored. When the lady arrived, I noticed she had a small walker with a seat with her. "My sister won't be using her walker, so I am bringing it in case I need it," she said.

Most of the time she used a cane and did not need the walker. A thought ran through my mind wondering why she had even brought the walker. On the day before we were to return home from our travels, I decided to walk the Presidential Trail at Mt. Rushmore which was less than a mile (0.6). The beginning of the trail was easy and flat for an enjoyable walk. About halfway on the trail I noticed that there were more steps than before.  As I moved down the steps, I realized it was more difficult. Later I found out that there were 422 stone steps! This was not good because my knees do not function at 100%! I probably would have been okay if I had stopped to rest at the benches along the way. Instead of resting, I rushed because I did not want to be late getting to the bus. After all, I had made it clear that no one should be late getting to bus!

Evidently, I must have looked pretty bad because a lady traveling with her family stopped and asked me if I was all right. I told her I did not realize how many steps there were, and I was fast running out of steam! "Don't worry," she said, "We will stay with you to make sure you are all right."  I was able to climb about fifteen more steps when my knee locked and I could not go up or down. I just hung on to the railing and the lady's husband put his arms underneath my armpits and lifted me to a place where I could sit down. I was thankful that the family was with me, encouraging me and giving me a bottle of water. Thank God for cell phones, because I called a woman on the bus and told her I was having trouble and that I would need a wheelchair.

Before long, two men joined the family when they saw I needed help. Two medics showed up with a stretcher along with our tour guide and one of my travelers and they brought a wheelchair. They helped me get in the wheelchair, and then the three men lifted the chair with me in it over the rest of the steps. There were only about ten steps before we reached the flat area where the chair could be pushed. I thanked all my helpers and continued on to where the bus was parked and waiting for me. A nurse traveling with us told me not to put any weight on the knee I had injured. She gave me some Advil to help with the inflammation and the guide called ahead to where we would be eating to try and find a wheelchair. Everyone was concerned and attentive. I just felt embarrassed.

We began our tour of Custer Park and when we stopped for a bathroom break, the lady who had brought the walker with the seat suggested using it to move me. Luckily, she was not using it and I was pushed by kind and thoughtful members of the group. Everyone seemed ready to help me.

I believe God intervened by having the lady bring the walker with a seat on the bus. I could not have been able to get off the bus if she hadn't said, "I do not need it and you are welcome to use it." Otherwise, I have no idea how I would have managed on our stops. I now know why God had the lady bring the walker with a seat! How many times do we get help from above and we do not realize it! God is always ready to help us, though we may not know or understand it at the time.

The restaurant found a wheelchair for me and let me borrow it until the next day. I am grateful for everyone who helped me by pushing the wheelchair, bringing me ice, wheeling me down to breakfast, getting my food, carrying my belongings and helping me until we got home.

It is now a week later and I am back to my normal weak-kneed walk. Sending thanks to all who were kind, attentive and helpful during my travails!

"Having normal knees would make life a lot easier!"

Andy Murray

Mt. Rushmore Continued

We arrived at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial around 11:00 a.m. Our guide was able to get three wheelchairs for those that could not do a lot of walking. We walked down the avenue of flags and in the background, we could see the giant president's heads. We wandered around exploring different areas and then some walked to the restaurant, Benjamin Franklin ice cream, or the large souvenir store. 

I decided to do the Presidential Walk and did not realize that the 244 steps were killers.  I thought I could do the walk in about half an hour but then realized I was running late. I began rushing on my weak knees until I knew there were too many stairs. I found it difficult climbing the many steps.  Toward the end of the path I was pulling myself up by hanging on to the railing. I have never felt so helpless. A family noticed my dilemma and the lady said, "Don't worry, we will stay with you to make sure you are all right."  Suddenly, my knee gave out and I could not go forward or backward. I was stuck and one gentleman grabbed me underneath my arms and literally lifted me and carried me to an area where I was able to sit. I called the bus and two from the bus picked up a wheelchair and came to my rescue. Medics also showed up and they questioned me to make sure I was okay. The three strangers, all hunks, lifted me and the wheelchair up the rest of the steps until I was on level ground. It was embarrassing since I was the leader of the group and I had to be rolled to the bus. When will I learn that I am 85 and not 25 years old!

Everyone was kind and concerned and many either pushed, pulled or helped me. All I could think was that I was lucky to be with such lovely, kind, helpful and loving people! Our guide called ahead to where we would be eating dinner and had them locate a wheelchair for me.

We arrived at Custer State Park but I found the park a bit disappointing because we did not see a lot of wildlife. We saw a herd of Bison in the distance, a few deer, about six donkeys hiding under a tree and possibly a few antelope. The park was nice because of how green it was and it did have a couple of small lakes. At one of the stops I used a walker with a sit to be wheeled into the bathroom. The walker had been brought by one of my travelers and she was not using it. God is good because He had her bring the walker and I was able to use it. Two sweet ladies entered the bathroom with me ready to help me. For once I did not feel guilty for using the handicapped bathroom!

Ft. Hays looked like a fun place, and I would have liked going around taking pictures but alas all I could do with sit in a raggedy wheelchair and wait for someone to push me! At 6:15 the bell rang for us to enter the gigantic dining area. I was the first to enter and my place was in the back of the hall where a few tables had been set up for handicapped people. Dinner consisted of a baked potato, chicken or beef, apple sauce, baked beans, biscuits, and spice cake. A friend sat with me while the group sat near the stage in rows of picnic type tables. The entertainment were the Ft. Hays Wranglers and the country and western band was excellent! Willie Nelson and Elvis impersonators entertained, and our dancing queen got to dance with Elvis!

I asked if I could borrow the wheelchair until the next day and the owner of Ft. Hays graciously said it would be all right. We arrived at our motel after nine and once again I was helped by many of my travelers. The driver of one of the other buses helped by pushing me and getting ice for my knee. A wonderful and thoughtful man. Two women helped me prepare for bed and one, a nurse, supplied me with Advil which would help any inflammation I had in my knee. Thank God for such beautiful people!

Doing what I like to do, I wrote an ode to the wheelchair.

The Chair

No longer in use

   sent to a place of junk

    buried under unused things

    forgotten.

It gathered dust, seat torn,

    and could have been thrown away,

    yet, there it sat.

Today, the old and dirty chair

    was able to get some air.

    It was needed 

and put to use.

as it was dragged out

    to proudly roll on its chipped wheels.

    Holding its head high

    it no longer thought it would die!

Once again it was being used

     carrying a hurting knee

    being of service 

knowing that

    no matter how old it got,

   it could still be useful.

The next morning our luggage was loaded underneath the bus and we were ready to head back home. We stopped a few times and following past traditions I purchased an ice cream cone for everyone and was shocked when I got the bill. I had figured on $1.00 cones, and they were now $2.27!

Leading the rosary or telling jokes!

Bingo Callers

This trip was another successful trip, everyone seemed to have had a great time, and the many thanks I received made me feel that once again everyone was satisfied.  Many persons helped in making the trip a success by bringing goodies to share or hands on helping. Watching movies, playing Bingo, having a raffle, jokes, prayers and praying the Rosary or the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, helped on the long stretches of highway. There were around sixteen persons who contributed in some way or another to make the trip enjoyable! I found it amazing how well everyone got along since ages ranged from twenties to close to ninety!

Once again, I know a trip is only as great as the passengers and God's constant help!  

"A journey is best

measured in friends

rather than miles."

Tm Cahill

 

Journey to South Dakota

 This year I decided that a return trip to Mt. Rushmore would be an interesting trip for those that had never been there. It would also be a fun trip for those who had already been to the area because it is always great to be with friends and enjoy each other's company. We left on Memorial Day at eight in the morning and our first stop was in Wyoming at McDonalds and then later at a rest stop.

Before entering the Black Hills there were many prairie dog holes and sometimes we'd see a critter sitting on its haunches looking at the cars go by! The Black Hills were green and lush as we went around the many curves.

Baymont Inn

                                   

We arrived at Sturgis, South Dakota at the Pizza Ranch, a buffet type eatery, and enjoyed some good grub! Right next door was our motel, Baymont Inn and Suites, and we checked in. Some ladies entered the bar and casino to relax after the long ride. The next day we saw each other at breakfast and boarded the bus to go to Crazy Horse Memorial. After spending time wandering through the gift shop, watching a movie about the memorial, and looking at the many things pertaining to Native Americans. The group ate lunch at The Laughing Waters Restaurant. I had beef stew with fry bread that was tasty. Our trip to get closer to the memorial was cancelled because of lightning on the mountain. 

The Journey Museum was our next stop. I believe it surprised many of us since we did not know what it was all about, yet we found it very interesting with the Paleontology (fossils), Geology science of earth and rocks), Archaeology (studying the past), Native American housing and wear which included bead work, and an area of Pioneers.

Dinner was at the NAJA Shrine Center where we met up with two other buses for roast beef, chicken, salad, green beans, and cup cakes for dessert. There was a band, Kim & The Classics,

that got some of the people up to dance. We had one person from our group who danced every song  and one of the musicians came down to play and dance with her! She earned the title of "The Dancing Queen!"

Deadwood was the next day's outing. We took a tour around the city and were directed to where we could eat, gamble, shop at souvenir shops and the guide's daughter ice cream parlor. We ended up in the town of Lead and got information on gold mining. The Homestead Mine pit of surface rocks was amazing to see with the many different colored dirt and rocks. The mine was the largest and deepest mine in North America. We saw huge photos of miners, heard an extensive talk on mining, and saw some of the gigantic machinery used in mining. The mine closed in 2002.

We were dropped off in Deadwood and it was fun seeing a stagecoach pulled by two horses going up and down the street. Some of the places had booze tasting and I tried some of the unusual, flavored drinks in a thimble size cup! Many purchased large cups of ice cream. Some went to the many establishments for lunch and my hamburger cost $22 at Saloon #10!  Some went to try their luck in the different casinos. I tried my luck at two casinos, Bullock Hotel and Gold Dust Casino yet didn't win a thing.

An exciting time listening to Wild Bill Hickok tell his story and how he was shot. One of our group played the bartender. In 1876 Hickok was shot in the back of the head by Jack McCall.

We then boarded the bus and headed to Spearfish and to The High Plains Western Heritage Center. I noticed that many of the travelers loved the gift shop because they were buying lots of items. This museum has many rooms which include a cowboy hall, Native American display with intricate bead work, a Pioneer room, transportation room with old carriages, Longhorn cattle, saddles, rifles, women's fashion dresses, stuffed bison plus many other things to see. I learned all about a milk separating machine from two farmers!

Dinner was at the Millstone Family Restaurant and I liked the Spice cake for dessert. After breakfast the next morning we arrived at the Borglum Historical Center where we were given audio guide players to listen to all the information in many rooms. All the information was about the life of the man who worked on carving the President's heads at Mt. Rushmore, Gutzon Borglum. There was a movie that many were not able to see about his life and I agreed with some that said the movie should have been shown first and then we could have wandered through the museum. Outside there were many wooden gigantic carvings that some were able to enjoy.

Continued.....