Let's Wrap It Up!

This has been a particularly busy holiday period for us. There was travel, visiting, special events, Christmas tree decorating, birthday celebrations, special local trips. We went through the lighting display at the Wildlife Museum.

But the highlight might have been our short trip to Fondis for the big parade. We took the Millers with us. They'd heard a lot about the parade and Diamond Jim's Steak House at the casino. For the most part every thing lived up to its publicity, but we'll have to wait for the highly publicized and rated Diamond Jim's gustatory experience The line to get in was a least 8 blocks long. I kid you not.

It was really was fun to see the mayor up there on the float tossing out ten dollar gold pieces. Peggy and Carol both caught one each. Of course, it wouldn't even cover the tip at Diamond Jim's.

So anyway, here Peggy and I are both exhausted, and spending the day in our PJ's. She crocheting, and I'm sitting back reading my copy of the monthly newspaper, "The High Plains Rider."

I see a short blurb mentioning all the goings on in Fondis which inspires me to share a little bit of that experience with you.

But you know, as busy as we've been, and seemingly in need of rest, I'm getting a little antsy.

So I bundle up ( it's dark, and well below freezing outside) and take off on a power walk. Just as I leave the porch, two women, in their early 40's I'm guessing, were on their power walk in the same direction I want to go? Should I? Some creepy old man appearing behind them out of nowhere. But it was the route I'd planned and they would just have to accept me.

Turns out they don't even acknowledge my existence. And I think I know why. They stop in front of what must have been one of their homes. They are giggling, and I hear one of them say, "I think we need to celebrate."

Keep in mind we are well past New Years. Her power walking mate says with what appears to be a huge grin, " do we have to celebrate every time you blow your nose."

Well, I find it amusing, but they top me on this one. Even though they are standing firmly on a bed of ice, the laughter that follows "nose" results in both women losing their footing, no doubt forming large bruises on parts of their anatomy few eyes will see.

I don't think its THAT funny. They are laughing so hard I see no need to offer any assistance. I'm no Power Walk Law scholar, but my best guess in retrospect? These two are clearly in violation of the third class misdemeanor, "Drinking While Walking on Ice." And I'm sure they must have violated some HOA edict.

So why am I sharing all this? Well long, long ago I was reading the High Plains Rider and noticed a comment from the managing editor. He had challenged his readers to figure out which half of his newspaper was true, and which half was not. Picture a newspaper half The Onion and Half the New York Times. Anyway I toss that same true or false challenge out to you regarding this posting.

Oh, and next year Peggy and I have decided we're going to invite Jim and Mary Weis and Jeff and Janey Stroh to go to Fondis with us. Hope your 2011 will be as exciting as our 2010.