We took Nana to Boulder to visit her alma mater, the University of Colorado. Ralphie is the university's mascot. This picture was taken outside the stadium.

Nana likes to tell the story that in her day, the dining facility was named for Alfred G Packer. A cannibalistic prospector. I'll include the wiki link here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alferd_Packer

After departing Boulder, we took advantage of a perfect opportunity and drove the scenic mountain route to take in the quaking Aspens.

Unless you have experienced this for yourself, it may be somewhat difficult to describe. The Aspens quiver and shiver ... as if they are trembling on their branches. It's positively

fascinating. The juxtaposition of the brilliant gold of the Aspens interspersed among the deep rich green of the evergreen forest is fabulous. Our timing to see these beautiful autumn colors could not have been more perfect.

Day 1 of our travels took us to Golden where Nana, Opa and Uncle Buck patiently waited for us to arrive. With a six o'clock dinner reservation, we made the most of our few hours of daylight. We drove up Lookout Mountain.

Here's a shot of the fam overlooking the city of Golden. Over Dad's shoulder is the Denver Skyline.

Atop Lookout Mountain, we visited the site of the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum and gravesite. Here's a snapshot of the gravesite.

And here's a photo of the carved likeness in the gift shop standing next to Pop.

After our visit, we wound our way down the mountain, where we found ourselves face to face with some of the locals. This was a seriously up close experience.

We closed the evening with an exceptional dinner at the Briarwood Inn. If you find yourself in Golden and ready for a lovely meal, you can't go wrong here.

Road Trip

There's a first time for everything ... and this is my first road trip. Mom and Dad headed west for the weekend to see Nana, Opa and Uncle Buck. This time I will get to come along.

So we packed a bag, programmed the Garmin and loaded up the car ...

I'm ready.

Is this flora or fauna?

Dad and I found this ... on the side of the house. At first glance, I had to ask myself if it was animal, vegetable or mineral ...

Scottish Terrier Property Laws

Nana helped me with these ...

1. If I like it, it’s mine.
2. If it’s in my mouth, it’s mine.
3. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine
4. If I can take it away from you, it’s mine.
5. If it just looks like mine, it’s mine.
6. If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours.
7. If I saw it first, it’s mine.
8. If it’s edible, it’s mine.
9. If you have something and put it down, it’s mine.
10. If I chew something up, all the pieces are mine.
11. If I get tired of it, it’s yours.
12. If I want it back, it’s mine.

Applejack Festival

Mom and Dad took a trip to Nebraska City for the 43rd annual Applejack Festival.

The flooding along the Missouri River is bad and Highway 2 is still closed. Mom described seeing the river current flowing over the road as a surreal experience. From what we understand, the river will likely freeze this winter before the water recedes.

Never let it be said that my old man isn't a great guy ... this little jaunt was all about Mama. While they were in Nebraska City, they visited not one, but two craft fairs and the Kimmel orchard, where they enjoyed caramel apples, apple cider, and apple pie. After the orchard, a quick stop at the Pendelton outlet where Mom made a friend...Sir Wooliam.

A classic car show was also part of the weekend festivities. The guy that owns this Highland (not kidding here ...) green Mustang gets the prize 2nd best vanity plate ...ever.

My Kind of Saturday

Autumn has come to Nebraska.

The weather has cooled, the leaves have begin to turn and Dad and I get to spend our Saturdays doing what we love best ... watching the Huskers take on the non-conference cupcakes willing to come to Memorial Statdium to take their beating and collect their paychecks.

Tennessee Chattanooga ... check
Fresno State ... check
Washington ... check

Air Show

The Guardians Freedom Airshow came to town. Mom and Dad went took a trip out to the airfield to see the World War II aircraft.

Here's Pops standing next to a P-38 Lightning.