Marilyn and Ed Dray

Yesterday started out the same as it always does, coffee, breakfast, dishes and some laundry. Jim headed outside to clean up the truck as it was a little messy from our mountain drive.

Around 1100 we cleaned up, changed clothes and headed out to meet up with The Drays. We agreed to meet them at Culpeppers Cajun Kitchen, http://www.culpeppers.net/Culpeppers_Current_Menu.pdf

Jim and I both agree that the food is as good as what you can find in the New Orleans area. We both had the Louisiana Sampler, Chicken & sausage gumbo, red beans & rice, crawfish etouffee & maque choux in side sizes. Served with hush puppies. Jim cleaned up his servings while I left some etouffee and maque choux. Very filling!

After lunch we headed to Safeway so Marilyn and Ed could pick up some groceries. The we took the lovely drive south on hwy 115 to Mountaindale RV resort to spend some time with them. Once we exchanged gifts we settled in with our cold drinks and chatted away the afternoon.

The guys managed to get in a game of golf on the Wii. If memory serves, Ed beat the pants off Jim......in defence of Jim I do have to say he hasn't been playing much so he's out of practice!

After the game ended the guys joined us ladies and Marilyn brought out some ceviche and chips for us to enjoy. It was mighty tasty!

Miss Marilyn looking relaxed

Our gift to Ed was a huge bag of peanuts and they guys are digging in. About the time we started on the peanuts Jean and Ken came over from the site next door. It was nice meeting them. We had a lovely time visiting with our friends but we had to break up the festivities and head home. We gathered up everything and said our goodbyes with hugs and promises to meet up in the valley.

But I forgot something! After we had gotten out onto the highway we had to turn around and go back and get my water glass. Actually it's my tea maker and I would have missed it terribly. Marilyn was in the act of washing it as I arrived. So more hugs (we like hugs!) and I was out the door.

The drive North on hwy 115 has some beautiful sights around each curve and I tried to get a few good shots

I have always loved this home nestled in the trees

We arrived home around 1900 and Boo was glad to see us! It was three hours past his dinner time! I fed him then Jim and both showered and changed into our jammies. Jim had some leftover pasta while I had some soy yogurt for our dinner.

I did some reading before turning off the lights.....perfect way to end a lovely day!

Pizzeria Rustica, Old Colorado City

The last couple of days we've just enjoyed the weather and each other! Of course we've done some chores but mostly we've just relaxed.

On one of our walks we found a black squirrel. I've been meaning to look it up and see if it's natural to this area.

When I got up this morning my orchid was highlighted with the rising sun coming through the blinds.

Today we had plans to meet Marilyn, Ed, Jackie and Tony at the farmers market in Old Colorado City. We arrived first and it was fun wandering down the Food section. I bought some zucchini and cucumbers. Then Jim and I wandered the craft area and naturally I found some jewelry that wanted to go home with me, but I resisted! As we were heading to the truck we saw Ed drive by. He had dropped the ladies off and left to park the truck. Jim took our purchases to our truck and I joined the ladies.

After greeting Marilyn and meeting Jackie, we headed back to the veggies and Jackie bought some but Marilyn didn't need anything. Ed finally returned, then Jim. I should mention that Tony didn't join us as he was busy moving and setting up in another site at Mountaindale. Hopefully I'll get to meet him before they move on.

apparently there was a celebration going on in the park and we paused to watch some dancers in period costumes.

Since the restaurant didn't open until noon we all strolled around for a bit then the guys went one way while we ladies went another way. Turns out the guys stopped in at Jorge's for a margarita! I found a colorful shirt/jacket to wear over tank tops.

Finally it was time to eat! I was getting hungry and we both have been looking forward to having pizza. We sat inside Pizzeria Rustica and we ladies enjoyed a bottle of Chianti, Ed had tea and Jim had a beer. We started with an Antipasto plate that had a shrimp/bean salad, olives, cheeses, caper berries, crusty bread and polenta. Very tasty.

Jim and I shared a pizza as did Marilyn and Ed. Jackie did justice to her pizza and didn't take any home for Tony! We got three desserts and shared them, each was very tasty.

Jim and I enjoyed our time with Marilyn, Jackie and Ed. I think we've made a new friend in Jackie. She was a delightful luncheon companion.

On the way home we stopped at Barnes and Nobles and we bought a Nook! Once home Jim took a nap while I lounged for about an hour. We had coffee and learned how to set up and use the Nook. I've already downloaded 4 books.....all free.

When we got home there was an overpowering cinnamon scent in the house. We had dosed Boo with Flea Medicine before we left and it was a new one with a spicy scent. Whew! we tolerated it for a couple hours and then I gave Boo a bath!

No dinner after that filling lunch. Jim finished off the Spanish Rice while I had a small plate of raw veggies

We have the windows open and the cool breeze feels good. It's just after 2100 and the temperature is around 67. We shall have Suite Dreams tonight!