December 22, 2016
7:07 p.m.

It took me a few days to figure out how to do my blog from my Dad's computer--somehow I failed to remember how to log in from any but my own devices. Silly me!

But here I am!!

My Dad and brother came to Colorado to pick me up, and we made it to Wyoming ahead of a snowstorm. Let it be known to all that something went right in 2016. (We'll disregard the trips that had to be rescheduled due to things NOT going right in 2016!)

It was a quick but pleasant trip. My brother did indeed do some temporary roof repairs, and according to my son back home, so far so good. Yay.

Of course, I did forget my purse and we had to go back and get it, but we hadn't gone too far before I realized it. Whoops!

You see, the repairs required some smelly stuff, and as you know, I'm allergic to smelly stuff, so they kicked me out with the dogs for awhile. the dogs were pretty happy to spend some extra time outside, since it was a lovely day. But then, when it was time to go, I didn't get to do a walk-through. You know what I mean, that walk through all the rooms to make sure you're not forgetting anything? So, naturally, I forgot something!

All was cool, though. We made it out of Denver and stopped in La Porte for lunch at a place I haven't been to or even thought about since I was a child: Vern's. Great food, great atmosphere, great memories once I got through the door. We used to stop there on trips to see our grandparents in Denver; there was a place nearby where you could look at tame deer that someone kept. Then the road from Fort Collins to Laramie was rebuilt with a slight route change, and we never went there again, until last week! My Dad and I were tickled to see it again. My brother had rediscovered it on a trip with his family; my sister-in-law's family used to go there years ago as well.

A little time travel never hurts anyone, right. Ah, memories!

So, here I am back in my old neck of the woods, and so far I have failed to call and let anyone know I am here. We've been busy getting ready for Christmas, and since I plan to stay awhile, I plan to get in touch with everyone soon. I am still struggling to get rid of this sinus infection and not ready to go out and play yet.

We shopped at the local--sort of, it's in the next town east of us--Wal-Mart this week; what a zoo! Too many people for such a relatively small town! It's worse here in town where there is only one grocery store; what they have is what they have, the prices are high because they have no competition and it was jam-packed with people today. Goodness! You almost have to shove your way through the aisles. It seems weird to me that when this town had half as many people there were twice as many stores--more, if you include the small markets that used to be here. King Soopers has a monopoly on this place; is that even legal?

Still, it is always nice to be home, and I am sure enjoying the time with my parents. I am grateful every day for the time I have with them; it is so precious!

Hopefully I will be thinking thoughts soon, but just in case--Merry Christmas to all!

And to all--good night!