I have traveled to the mountains of Colorado scores of times, but I will always wonder: Could I ever get tired of seeing this beauty? I don’t think I will.
To post pictures seems too mundane, almost a sacrilegious attempt to share this wonder of the natural world. Most readers have seen it themselves, and we all know pictures do the mountains no justice. Yet, that is what I am about to do. Again.
First, it is most important to state that this was a sister trip, but with only one of my sisters. Suzanne had just been to the Balloon Festival in Colorado Springs a few weeks ago, so she stayed back and trusted Gail and me to make it on our own again. We did, but it is never the same without her.
Alas, we soldiered on, but kept her in our thoughts, making sure she got a souvenir that matched ours.
By the way, the Hospitality House is, hands down, the best place to stay in Cripple Creek, should you need our recommendations.
We got a close-up view of the gold mining excavation process,
and took a train trip deeper into the mountains, beholding even more splendor:
We visited a local art installation by the world renowned artist and activist Thomas Dambo. Rita the Rock Planter is but one of the 62 troll sculptures made of recycled materials and local resources this Danish artist has created worldwide, in his valiant effort to increase awareness of our endangered natural resources.
We visited friends we have made in our 20-plus travels there, and Gail even came out of her shell a bit and made more new friends at the blackjack tables.
Judy and Bonnie came along, as they do when Gail and I travel together. They are two sisters I found at a garage sale who bear an uncanny resemblance to Gail and me in our younger years…and the proprietors are certain to welcome us with our framed picture waiting in our room upon our arrival. They are the best!
We dined well and relaxed well, but mostly enjoyed the splendor of the surroundings and each other’s company.
Local law enforcement posts warned motorists to use increased caution on the roads, as leaf peepers were out in full force, traveling into the higher elevations to see the golden aspens as they were showing off their autumn yellow. We just happened to plan our trip on what was likely the best weekend to take our own peeps at those golden leaves.
The trip home is always longer than the trip out, but it is always good to be back in Kansas.
Our home state has it’s own beauty we must never consider lesser than Colorado’s mountains, only different in its equal splendor. I challenge anyone in the mountains to find a sunrise or sunset like what we enjoy here.
Wherever you are in the world, I challenge you to find the beauty in nature all around you. In some form or another, it’s always there. And if you have a sister/sisters, take them along!
One of our earliest recorded trips to the Hospitality House together.
Maybe it is her skill, or perhaps just her vibe. Whatever it is, Gail always seems to walk away from the tables and slot machines with more money than she started with. Suzanne and I, it seems, always walk away with less.
Perhaps it is simply karma: she gives so much, and so much comes back to her. Or maybe it’s because she approaches every table and machine with an easy charm, an I don’t care if I win or lose attitude, because she is there to have fun. Suzanne and I, on the other hand, mean business. Pay up, you stupid machine. You owe me. And, of course, with that kind of pressure, the machines choose to hold on to their cash.
Gail, with her effervescence and aura, draws the other gamers in to her orbit in her natural, unknowing style, while Suzanne and I purposefully give off the leave me alone vibe. It is highly likely that if we had Gail’s gifts, we, too, would walk away winners. Alas, we don’t.
Our semi-annual trip to Cripple Creek, Colorado was extra special this time: Suzanne went along and braved–and won–her altitude issues. The three of us hadn’t gone alone for five years: the legendary Halloween 2019 trip:
Our presence together may not have turned as many heads as that trip did, but we made it memorable nonetheless.
Suzanne and I left a day ahead of Gail and drove first to Canon City, Colorado. We even made our refueling stops fun.
This small touristy mountain city has become one of our favorites, and when there is no snow, it is just one hour from Cripple Creek on the beautiful backroads.
We drove the iconic Skyline Highway.
We even found some Kansas folks at the top to take our picture.
The magnificently beautiful Royal Gorge is in Canon City as well, but since both of us had just visited last summer with our spouses, we chose to wait until another time to take in that natural beauty. If you are visiting that area, however, we strongly recommend both the walk bridge across and/or take the train ride below along the Arkansas River.
Because newer cars–including Suzanne’s–no longer include a standard CD player, we were not able to play John Denver as we try to do on last leg of the trip through the mountains. We grabbed an internet signal while we could, and heard a few bars–better than nothing.
Driving separately from Gail took away from our traveling joys, but we made up for it with our time together.
We lunched with a local friend (she doesn’t like to be included in pictures), shopped, took in the purple mountain majesty,
savored what was left of the beautiful aspens as they prepared to close up shop for the winter,
and took in the natural beauty that envelops you in this beautiful mountain town.
It is a tourist town, but a small one at that, and the locals know and take care of each other. That makes the tragedy that struck just as we arrived even more profound: the Mollie Kathleen gold mine, which is no longer operational but gives tours, lost one of its employees in an accident while tours were being held. All the tourists were eventually rescued after the elevator malfunction, but the sadness of the loss of a well-respected community member permeated this close-knit village of about 1100 people.
We talked about taking the tour…
Our hearts are with the family of the employee who gave his life trying to help the others who were trapped with him. We know what tragedy feels like, and there are no words strong enough.
***********
The time always passes too quickly, and soon it was time to head east. The dreaded Sunday drive took us most of the day, but home is always the best place to be.
**********
You may have noticed that the old familiar pictures are back at the beginning of the blog. As mysteriously as the problem arrived, it disappeared. Perhaps it was because I got serious about fixing the problem, contacting my tech-whiz neighbor to ask for advice, even though he didn’t have any to offer. Perhaps it was because I stared it down, mentally amping up my defense against the trials of technology. Nevertheless, it is as if the problem never existed. Either way, I consider it a win for me.
You may also recall that I took a technology splurge and bought the new iPhone 16 as I reported in my last post. I am actually figuring it all out! Adding to that, I tacked on the Apple watch. It was a deal attached to the purchase of the iPhone I couldn’t pass up, so I gave in. With a little help, I am navigating it quite well, and even enjoying all its features.
Technology-0, Kathleen-3.
**************
Call it luck of the draw or divine favor, but I cannot imagine two better sisters than Gail and Suzanne. If, like Gail’s “luck” at gambling, it is indeed what we make of it, then I’ll take that, too. We make the time and take the time to enjoy each other’s company both in travel and in our respective homes, and I am so grateful that we do. Our parents, we know, are smiling down upon this continued beautiful sisterhood.
The Sister Lode-3, Luck-0.
Our home-away-from-home in Cripple Creek continues to be the beautiful and historic Cripple Creek Hospitality House, the former Teller County Hospital. Its history and beauty are preserved, and the accommodations are deluxe and welcoming. We highly recommend it if you are traveling there.
It’s always a popular subject, and lately, it’s been something to talk about.
Today, after almost two weeks of cloudy–maybe there was one day of sun in there, I can’t remember, the sun is shining. Glory. Be. Hallelujah.
We have had almost two weeks of clouds along with intermittent rain, snow upon snow, sub-zero temperatures, wind with dangerous—as in life-threatening–wind chills, ice, sleet and fog. It did make for some pretty pictures, but that’s about it in my book.
My soul was almost drained dry, but today, as the sun shines bright in my window as I write, I am redeemed. Filled up. Refreshed and renewed. I am solar-powered, and my batteries are recharging. As I mentioned in a previous post, my favorite weather is Florida. January, then, is my least favorite month.
Not so for Gail and Suzanne, both of whom embrace almost any weather, especially the wind.
I bought this cozy shirt on our Florida trip to remind me of the beach when it is cold here.
When I lived in Philadelphia, I met my dear friend Carol. She peppered her speech with Yiddish words, lovingly calling me a “meshugana.” It is Yiddish for “crazy girl,” and I took it as a compliment. I am now calling my wind-loving sisters both “meshuganas, and it is not a compliment.
I asked them for their input for this post, and this is what Suzanne offered: “It was okay to get married in it because I was so in love. I was oblivious to everything around me. I’m still in love, but I loathe and despise the cold weather. The wind, however, is always welcome.”
Suzanne got married in February 2021 during a cold snap much like the one we just had.
And from Gail: “You know me, I’m an all-weather kind of gal. I appreciate the ferocity of a good storm, whether it be snow, rain, thunder or WIND. There’s nothing you can do to change it. Embrace it as I have said before. Storms are perhaps God’s way of reminding us of His power.”
At one point, Gail said, “I love the wind so much, I’m thinking of changing my name to ‘Gail Force Wind.'”
Meshuganas.
Enough about the weather. It is a topic best for when there is nothing else to talk about and there is plenty we can talk about today.
Let’s start with wishing that man Suzanne is still in love with (I just threw up in my mouth a little bit) a happy birthday today. Another trip around the sun is always something to talk about.
And, our dear mother would have celebrated her 87th birthday last Monday. In our own ways, we still celebrate her birthday.
On that same day, my sweet future daughter-in-law Olivia celebrated her birthday as well. They will get married this Saturday in Omaha and we are so thrilled to welcome her into our family. And, back to the weather, it is predicted to be 41 degrees and partly cloudy. For Nebraska in February, that’s weather to talk about.
Suzanne’s daughter will celebrate her birthday next week, another trip around the sun for her, another reason to celebrate.
Our home state of Kansas celebrates it’s 163rd birthday tomorrow, January 29th. We are born and raised Kansas girls, and while we enjoy visiting the Sunshine State, our hearts will always be in the Sunflower State. That is something to talk about and something to be proud of.
This picture jogs my memory: I just realized I need to get my Kansas day outfit ready for tomorrow.
Here’s a blast from the recent past-try to ignore Suzanne’s shirt…
And–one of my favorite days of the year is this Friday: Groundhog Day! We will celebrate by attending a wedding rehearsal, but I always sneak in another viewing of one of my favorite movies: Groundhog Day. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. It has a great message.
While I am not a football fan, I realize our almost-hometown NFL boys are something to talk about. As I write upstairs with the splendid sunshine pouring in the windows, my husband is hunkered down in the basement watching the Kansas City Chiefs battle the Baltimore Ravens in the playoff game that will grant a Super Bowl berth to the winner. I am hopeful they can pull it off again to go to Super Bowl 58. I am not a fan per se, but I will always know how old the Super Bowl is because it was born the same year I was.
If the Chiefs were matched up against the Philadelphia Eagles as they were last year in the Super Bowl, I may have to reconsider my allegiance. We watched the Super Bowl last year and I wore both red and green to show my divided support. I did spend a few weekends just down the road in Baltimore while I lived in Philadelphia, so I’m feeling just a bit of allegiance to the Ravens as well.
As in all sports, may the best team win. No matter who wins today, or in the Super Bowl, that’s always something to talk about long afterward, as well as before, and during…
And speaking of competitions, The Spell-It Sisters will not have the opportunity to bring home the gold again at the annual Neighbor-to-Neighbor Spelling Bee in my beloved Abilene. With our neighbor Jordan’s help on our team, we won last year and placed the year before, but we will be attending a much more important event: Jude and Olivia’s wedding. Next year we will be back, a force to be reckoned with once again.
**************
On January 1st, My friend Carol called me. She wanted to start the new year off right, so she went through her phone contacts to get back in touch with old friends, and I’m so glad she did. We laughed about me being a meshugana, and about how it was beshert–fate–that we were neighbors in Philadelphia. She has since moved to south Florida from Philadelphia. She reads this blog, and frequently posts wonderful comments. It has been over 30 years since we have seen each other, and that is too long. She was my across-the-street-neighbor-turned-friend, and those are the kind to keep for life. She loves Florida weather like I do, and has invited me to visit her anytime.
That’s something I need to talk seriously to myself about.
There are so many other connections I need to make in the next few months. Those 52 lunch dates I had in this book I finally finished (see “52 Thanksgiving Lunches,” December 3rd, 2023) each get a copy. I have reconnected with some, but the rest are patiently waiting for theirs. We will again have a lot to talk about. And, there are others not in the book I want to visit. Again, lots to talk about.
As I age, I find my circle of friends and acquaintances getting smaller. Gail and Suzanne agree. This is by choice, we realize. It is hard to keep up with everyone from our pasts, and further, we find that not everyone fits into our lives like they used to. Furthermore, I no longer want them to.
A quote I heard a long time ago has stuck with me: Not every relationship is supposed to last forever. I know this to be true, and this is not a bad thing. Age gives us the gift of insight, and makes us more aware of the value of what is important to us, especially relationships. Our sense of time passage also sharpens, and we (should) realize it is a gift not granted. Nor is good health, nor is there a guarantee that the people we want to see again someday will be there someday. Most of us can make more money, but none of us can make more time. Spend them both wisely, especially time. And while you’re at it, talk to yourself about those trips you have always wanted to take…
Two separate gifts, one from each of my two wise sisters…
************
It is now 5:38 pm, and the Chiefs have officially sealed the deal: they are headed back to the Super Bowl. This is big stuff and people will be talking about until then, and long after. After all, it is more exciting than talking about the weather.
Go Chiefs…Happy Birthday Steve, Julia, Mom and Olivia…Happy Kansas Day…Congratulations Jude and Olivia. ..get out there and talk to those people who are still important in your life…and maybe travel a bit, too. The Sisters of The Sister Lode plan to do both.
Happy Birthday Kansas! Today, you are 162 years old, having become a state in 1861. And, there is no place quite like you, no sunsets and sunrises quite like yours, no rolling hills like yours. Most importantly, there are no people like yours.
“Ad Astra Per Aspera.” “To the stars through difficulties.“ This is the motto of your people, and we don’t disappoint. The Kansas farmer feeds the nation, and we know how this works. Gail, Suzanne and I are farm girls, and we know how farmers make it through difficulties to keep going. We learned from our parents, from each other and our brothers, our schools, our community and our state.
As adults, we continue to learn this from each other, but perhaps more importantly, we also continue to learn how to reach for the stars, and how to celebrate when we arrive there.
I had grand plans to make my second annual Kansas Day tour with my husband, but it was not meant to be this weekend. It worked last year ( There’s No Place Like Kansas, January 30th, 2022), and it will work again soon. The weather is bitter cold today, but it is warm inside. Inside where Gail, Suzanne and I gathered briefly at my home when Gail was passing through our small city.
We take every opportunity to gather, even if it is for a brief visit. Today was no different. In honor of Kansas Day, we took a group picture, but it appears Suzanne didn’t get the memo, instead sporting a Colorado shirt. We will let her off the hook. Especially since she never fails to notice my Kansas Day “costume.”
In honor of our magnificent state and its birthday, I am offering a montage of pictures of us enjoying the wonder of Kansas from previous posts.
Little Jerusalem State Park in Logan County
The backyard of Gail’s/Lola’s home in Atwood
Konza Prairie Trail in Riley County
Somewhere in rural Rawlins County in the wee hours as Gail celebrates her birthday in grand style
The bike shop in Osborne— Trixie and Lucille are their faithful bicycles
Suzanne and her husband Steve preparing for a journey through Kansas
My front porch
Classic big hair/big dress for Easter in the 80’s on our family farm
Gail soaking up the Kansas sun on her back patio
Sunflower season near my home
Bennington State Lake
Easter on our family farm, Osborne County
Bundling up for a winter outing on the farm
Meeting in Colby to head to Colorado, Thomas County
Suzanne and me wallowing in the mud with our little brother on the farm after a Kansas summer rain
My backyard during my favorite season in Kansas
I’s born in Osborne. So were Gail and Suzanne
My driveway
The famous bathroom in Lucas, Russell County
Gail’s back patio
Saline County fair
Swheat girls, our family farm in Osborne County
Again, Suzanne, that’s a great shirt from another great state, but we are celebrating Kansas here…and that Nebraska shirt in the Sunflower picture? We’ll talk.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KANSAS!
Be sure to tune in next week for the second annual “Spell-it Sisters Spelling Bee edition. Once again, win or lose, we guarantee we will hold you spellbound.
It has been two years since I made it to the wheat field. Last year, it was a work scheduling problem, along with weather woes that dictated the days in the combine. This year, it was a little problem called COVID. That makes only three harvests I have missed in my 56 years, and it breaks my heart.
Along with Gail and Suzanne, however, I will always be a Kansas farm girl at heart. Swheat girls, just like our friends Tana and Amy. I met them in the summer of 1984 when I began “babysitting” these two amazing sisters. They didn’t need much, just someone to take care of business. Business soon became pleasure, and we have remained close since. We may, or may not, have gotten wheat tattoos together a few summers ago to prove this.
So close, as a matter of fact, that they visit every July 4th with their families from their homes in Arizona. We have maintained this tradition for many years, and our hope is that it will continue for many more. They left only four days ago, and I am already looking forward to next July 4th, which, coincidentally, is one of my favorite holidays.
Their visit kicks off my favorite month of the year. Following that fun-filled (almost) week, I continue to enjoy the Kansas summer, my favorite season. A vacation is usually in order in July, as well as our youngest son’s birthday. And, I have deduced that since I was born in mid-April, I most likely came into being in July.
Suzanne was able to join us for an evening, but Gail wasn’t able to make it. As always when she is not here, we missed her; she always adds life to any party.
We decorated to the nines again, perhaps even more than we normally do.
One of our favorite pastimes is to porch sit, and we amped that up too this year by dragging the old couch out of the shop for some good old-fashioned redneck couch-sitting on the porch.
Recall that the term “redneck” originated from the sunburn on the back of a working person’s neck from working outdoors in the hot sun. Therefore, it is a term of honor, one we take as a compliment.
The couch is still sitting on the porch, up for grabs. It just may look perfect year-round on your porch. If you think perhaps it would, please let me know–and bring a truck.
We swam in the backyard pool,
and, of course, took in the fireworks. We celebrate our country, as well as our favorite place in it: Kansas.
This onelooks almost unreal, but it is real, taken by my daughter-in-law.
Every year brings back old traditions and memories, and more new ones are made. Our bonds grow deeper, and our Kansas farm-girl roots keep us grounded and gritty.
These Swheat girls , just like Gail, Suzanne and I, are Kansas farm girls who know how lucky we are to have this heritage, and to have each other.
Happy Independence Day to you, every day of the year.
The reviews are in: “Gail brings high energy and fun to all aspects of her life! I had such a fun time. Her garden is delightful, Lola is one of a kind, we got to meet her friends on their front porch, and had a great lunch at the bar/grill she manages. Camp Gail was highly entertaining. I give “The Gail Experience” 5 stars! –Shari
**********
It’s a real thing, TheGail Experience. I have lived it many times; I am one of the lucky ones. In the next breath just after I say that, I will also say this: there is no such thing as The Suzanne Experience. And that’s how they both want it. As the middle sister, I guess I am in the middle there, too. I guess, perhaps, this blog is part of The Kathleen Experience, if there is such a thing.
But I am not here to talk about that. This is about Gail, her aura and the gifts of her presence. And there are so many.
Shari, my friend since kindergarten, loves to hike like I do. We have long planned to take a trip to western Kansas to experience the natural beauty of several land formations there, as well as a new state park with hiking trails. We have tried two other times: first, my son was sick with Covid in my home, so we decided it best not to share that kind potential illness. Second, we were both available and healthy, but Gail was not going to be home at the time we planned to go, and this involved an overnight stay at her home. I told Shari, “We could go, but you wouldn’t have The Gail Experience. I will let you decide.” She decided to wait until Gail was home
Wise decision.
Last week, it finally happened. The stars and planets aligned, we were both able to get out of work responsibilities, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect, and Gail was home. So, Shari arrived from the Kansas City area at my home Tuesday evening, and we headed west Wednesday morning. The sightseeing and hiking was every bit as beautiful and enjoyable as we had hoped, but that’s not the point. Our home state boasts so many natural wonders that deserve more attention than most people give them, and more than I can put into this blog. It may very well be covered in a future post, because both Gail and our beautiful state deserve their own headlining coverage.
The farthest point of our trip took us to the northwest corner of Kansas, and even into the southwest corner of Nebraska. We turned around, and were at Gail’s house in the beautiful burg of Atwood an hour later. Gail had supper ready, and we were hungry hikers. As usual, it was delicious.
Shari’s reaction to Gail’s home was the same as mine when I first set foot in it over 20 years ago: it’s Gail. Her spirit and style are carried through in her decor, especially in Camp Gail, which I have featured in each of the five pictures at the beginning of the blog. We “camped” after our cruising, more on that later.
It was about 7:30 pm at this point, and it was a beautiful almost-summer evening, the kind that calls for cruising. So, as well The Gail Experience, Shari also got to have The Lola Experience.
Gail’s 1974 Nova, lovingly named after its last owner, always turns heads on the streets of Atwood.
We were privileged to meet a group of her friends, who were hanging out on the porch of the group’s senior member, 87-year-old Buzzy. Perhaps you could say, with the little squeeze that Buzzy added in this flanked pose, that Shari and I also had The Buzzy Experience. Or, perhaps more accurately, we got Buzzed.
We cruised some more, then headed to Gail’s house. It was a girl’s night, as her husband was out of town for a few days. Her daughter, Lydia, was there to enhance The Gail Experience. As is custom at Gail’s house, guests gravitate toward Camp Gail, which is where we spent the rest of the evening talking and reminiscing, but mostly laughing.
Perhaps it was the beautiful night, or the slight deliriousness from a day in the sun, or maybe since we were one or two beers in, everything was funny.
I’m pretty sure, though, it was mostly the company.
Among other visual treats in Camp Gail, Shari noticed a beautiful scarf Gail had as a decoration. She picked it up, and proceeded to find all the ways it could be used. With Gail’s encouragement, suggestions and goading, we laughed until our stomachs hurt.
Starting with the functional look to keep one’s hair tame in the Kansas winds–just like our mothers used to wear, Shari began the modeling:
Our mothers also wore scarves fashionably around their necks:
And to church.
Then, it started to get really silly.
She took the cue for this one from my Willie shirt, and it was followed by the do-rag:
And the blindfold…
And the bandit.
and the toothache/mumps wrap.
The turban was the finale; our stomachs couldn’t take any more laughing.
Shari and I had to hang it up and go to bed, but, as usual, Gail could have entertained us for hours more.
In the morning, we went for a brisk walk, followed by massages. We were relaxed and energized, and, of course, hungry.
Gail had some work in the office of her first full-time gig as an office manager for a chiropractor,
and then we enjoyed lunch at the home of her second full-time gig as the manager of Legends bar/grill. She wasn’t technically working, but she had already unloaded the food truck that delivered supplies earlier that morning.
As parties always are, it was then over. We fought the blasting south Kansas wind for the first 30 miles, and then I cussed it as I drove east for about the next 120 miles until it calmed. As usual, Gail loved the wind. Ugh.
But I still love her for that. It’s part of The Gail Experience. If there were a Suzanne Experience, it would include the love of wind as well. Definitely not part of Kathleen in any way. Our day of hiking/sightseeing in western Kansas couldn’t have been more calm and beautiful, with brilliant blue skies and a slight breeze. NO wind.
************
I am not as pious as the picture of Shari praying in the scarf, but I say a prayer of thanksgiving every day for the gifts of my sisters, and for the “experience” of being their sister. They cry with me in the bad times, and laugh with me in the good times. And, we know the importance of having fun.
Special thanks to my dear friend Shari for making this trip with me. Her “Gail Experience” was a great one!
I didn’t think it was very funny, but he did redeem himself by repeating several times that the people in Kansas are as nice as they come, or something to that effect. I listen to this speaker on the radio every weekday morning; we’ll call him “Kevin.” He typically injects humor into his two-minute morning ditties, but this one wasn’t so funny to me.
He was traveling from Tennessee to Colorado, which necessitated driving all the way through Kansas. “Hundreds of miles of nothing,” he said. He even tired of seeing our breadbasket crop: wheat. Clearly, he doesn’t get it.
“Close your eyes, and I am going to give you a mental picture of what it’s like.” Then he was silent for a moment. “That’s what it was like.”
You can’t see it, but I’m rolling my eyes right now–I didn’t even close them, either.
I guess the splendor of The Wheat State sometimes takes special eyes to see, unless you are a Kansan to the core, like my sisters and I are.
We were all born and raised here. ‘I’s born in Osborne,’ we can all say.
Except for the college semester on an exchange to New Mexico, and the year in Philadelphia, I am a lifelong Kansas girl. Gail and Suzanne have never lived anywhere else. While we do enjoy getting away to visit other states, Kansas will always be in our hearts as home.
“Kansas” is a Native American name meaning “People of the South Wind.” Now, if you have read enough of this blog, you know that Gail and Suzanne love the wind, and I loathe it. So they claim that title with pride and joy–but not me. It’s one of the few things I don’t like about Kansas. Gail has said, “I love the wind so much, I’m thinking about changing my name to ‘Gale Force Winds.” I can’t even dignify that with a response.
Aside from the blasting wind and the sometimes-brutal winter weather, I love our climate. We have all four seasons in full splendor, with annual temperatures ranging from about minus 10 degrees to around 110 degrees, give or take a few degrees. I know of few other places in the country with this range.
As I write today, Friday January 28th, it is beautifully sunny, calm and 41 degrees. I was even able to put my laundry out to dry today, one of my farm-girl traits I will never abandon.
I will hang out laundry again tomorrow, one of the first things I will do to begin the festivities before my husband and I embark on a field trip: tomorrow is the 161st birthday of our great state, having become a state in 1861. I am planning a day-long birthday party to celebrate. Gail, Suzanne and I were not able to celebrate together, but my husband was available and willing to embark on this adventure with me.
To The Stars Through Difficulties is the translation of our state motto, Ad Astra Per Aspera.
Sunday, 10:30 AM: The birthday party yesterday was a hit. We left about 10:00 AM, and returned home about 8:00 PM. He likes to drive and I like to be chauffeured, so it worked out well. Except that he didn’t know where he was going until I told him where to turn. I had the day-long itinerary planned, but he didn’t know the plan. After almost 28 years of marriage, surprises are hard to come by, so I purposely kept him in the dark, and he didn’t complain. He was a good sport, knowing we were long overdue for a day-long date.
Our first stop was 45 minutes away at a splendidly beautiful place that I had driven by, but never explored. Geary State Fishing Lake is a few miles south of I-70 on Highway 77 south of Junction City, and it is home to what many consider the most beautiful waterfall in the state. It takes a short hike from the parking lot, but it is well worth it. The falls were mostly frozen, but this was magnificent in its own right.
We plan to come back when we can spend more time exploring, and we highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for the (partially) hidden natural treasures of Kansas.
Returning to I-70, we headed about 20 miles further east, and turned north toward Manhattan. Along the way, there is a stunning panoramic vista of the Konza Prairie, a tallgrass natural wonder that is also a research station for nearby Kansas State University, as well as a popular hiking mecca. I have featured several hikes on these trails in earlier posts.
While Manhattan offers its own wonder, we skirted this college town–our son’s alma mater and Kansas’s own Little Apple–to head further east on Highway 24, arriving in this beautiful burg just 12 miles further:
After a delicious lunch and Kansas-brewed beer at this fine establishment,
We took a stroll down the iconic Yellow Brick Road,
then crossed the street to this mecca for anyone who likes the Wizard of Oz, as it is Kansas’s most notable film.
It was informative and entertaining, providing much history and trivia we didn’t already know. The Wizard of Oz is considered the most viewed movie in the world, having reached over one billion people across the globe.
We met these awesome, hard-core Kansans at the museum. Eden and Perry took their Kansas Day celebration to the next level, as shown in this picture:
If you live close to, or are traveling close to Wamego, Kansas, this museum is a must if you haven’t already been there.
Heading north out of Wamego on Highway 99, we stopped to see this hand-dug well in Westmoreland, then continued on north and east, picking up highway 9 to Blue Rapids.
If not for this guidebook, written by my friends and Kansas explorers extraordinaire, Marci and WenDee, we wouldn’t have known about this natural wonder outside of Blue Rapids, along the Big Blue River:
Alcove Spring is a natural spring in a beautifully wooded area, just a short hike off the gravel road that leads to the parking lot. Knowing it was the perfect place for their needs at that time, the ill-fated Donner Party even spent some time there in 1846. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and rightfully so. We plan to return when we have more time, as the hiking along the multiple trails would easily fill an entire day.
The guidebook also informed us that the city “square” in Blue Rapids is not really a square at all. In fact, it is the only circular city square in the state of Kansas, with the streets extending from it like spokes on a wheel.
Now, I would be lying if I told you that part of my motivation to create this trip was to allow me to partake in one of my favorite pastimes, one that many women enjoy as immensely as I do: shopping.
I had heard so much about Sunflower Mercantile just 12 miles further on Highway 9 in Barnes, Kansas, on the same radio station as the comedian. Their advertisements enticed me, and I made it a must-see/must-shop destination for someday. Their antique/new/used combination was right up my alley.
Since I had the power to make someday today, we headed there after Blue Springs. It’s a good thing I budgeted our time on paper, because, while it seemed we had so much of it to go to these places, turns out it really is true that time does fly when you are having fun, and what was supposed to be an hour in this awesome store, turned into 25 minutes when we arrived there at 4:35 instead of 4:00, knowing they closed at 5:00.
It’s an even better thing that the owner was willing and planning already to stay open a bit later. More awesome than that, however, is the fact that, unbeknownst to me until I arrived, I already knew her; I met her through Marci and WenDee. Gloria and I had a great time catching up, and I left with a few treasures, including another addition to my growing Fiestaware collection.
Heading out of Barnes around 5:15, we proceeded on to our next and final stop, the only one I had already told my husband about, because we had already decided not long ago that we needed to go there:
We arrived in Clay Center, Kansas just before sundown, another splendid Kansas sunset that continues to make this natural wonder one of Kansas’s most beautiful skyscapes.
It’s not fair to say we saved the best for last, because every stop was magnificent in its own right. However, after a full afternoon–without snacks, even–we were hungry again. And, as we typically are on Saturday evenings, a bit thirsty, too. We were drawn to this place because we both savor the taste of their most famous libations: locally brewed craft beers. Hands down, we both agreed they were top-quality, perfectly flavored beers.
The food was equally as tasty and perfectly flavored. Their surf-and-turf special was just what my husband craved, and the fish and chips on my plate were among the tastiest I’ve ever had–and I frequently order them when I dine out. Their service was fabulous, fast and friendly. Without hesitation, I can say that we will be going back for more of their tasty food and beer.
We had hoped to see the murals that the city of Clay Center boasts, as they have many beautifully drawn murals around town. It was almost dark, and we were hungry, so those will have to wait until next time. We did see this one on our way out of town:
************************
If I understood it right, the legend of the “Kansas Nice” sticker goes like this: a visitor from another state commented on how “nice” Kansans are. He said, “There’s nice, and then there’s Kansas nice.” We get it. We stand out for our welcoming friendliness, smiles and kindness. We reach out to make newcomers feel welcome. We help our neighbors. We aren’t in it just for ourselves. Just as “Kevin” said on his radio show, “You couldn’t ask for nicer people.”
The natural beauty of Kansas is one thing that may need to be shown to the unaided eyes, but our “nice” is obvious even to someone who couldn’t wait to reach the Colorado border.
************
Gail likes Kansas for all these reasons, too. She wanted to be sure you knew, too, that she loves the thunderstorms, blizzards, and any kind of Kansas storm. The more intense, the better. Of course, strong winds make it as good as it gets for her.
Gail, Suzanne and I are born and raised Kansas girls, and this is our home. Mom and Dad were born and raised here, too. Family ties run deep for all of us; our roots and loved ones are here. We do like to travel to other states,
but there is no greater feeling than coming home to Kansas.
Suzanne prides herself on her ability to rapidly name each of our 105 counties, and to identify them by their two-letters on our state license plate. This was her contribution when I asked for favorite Kansas pictures:
She can be such a smart-ass sometimes, but we love her for that.
Gail’s friend Jan took these two magnificent pictures of our beautiful state:
And Gail captured these pictures of the Kansas sky:
It can be sunny here, as well as moony. Both day and night skies can paint beautiful scenes.
*************
Even though we know there may be a lot more “Kevins” out there who fail to realize the natural beauty of Kansas, we fully get it. The Sunflower State/Wheat State/Ad Astra Per Aspera State continues to shine as a beautiful wonder of nature, and we will do our best to continue to shine as “Kansas Nice.”
We welcome all you “Kevins” out there to come visit Kansas. We are up for the challenge.
***********
For Gail, Suzanne and me, there’s no place like home.
Thanks to all the merchants and employees for allowing us to celebrate our state’s birthday with them. Also, the guidebook pictured above is a must-have for anyone who wants to get the scoop on any and every place in Kansas. It is a great gift as well. It is available in independent bookstores in Kansas, many Kansas merchants, and on their website as well: http://www.kansassampler.org.
It’s that time of year again. My three favorite months of the year are now behind us; it’s always hard for me to leave summer behind.
There is one grace, one gift of late August/early September that gives me an unparalleled high: the Kansas sunflower is in full bloom. Around Labor Day, the sunflowers start showing off again–and they have every right to.
Our mom loved sunflowers. In yet another effort to keep our parents’ spirits alive and well, Gail, Suzanne and I have taken her affinity for the Kansas state flower and formed a new appreciation for this beautiful gem.
Perhaps I am a little more extreme than they are in many ways, but I took it to the next level, complete with Mom’s signature in the leaf:
My long-lived affinity for blue moons is celebrated as well, wrapped around the sunflower. It just seemed right to pair them.
*********
What a gift it is to be born into a family with sisters whom you love so much. Many women aren’t so lucky, and we are fully aware of this. We had no choice but to be together, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. They are not only my sisters, they are my best friends.
Other friends are in our lives by choice. We decide who to let in, and who to keep. Sometimes friendships are made because we are drawn to a person, other times they are formed by chance.
When I went to college in 1984, I was assigned a potluck roommate. You take what you get, and this means taking a chance. I hit the jackpot with Marilyn. She was a sophomore, having learned the freshman ropes already. She was majoring in speech pathology, and I always admired her dedication to this field. It sparked my interest as well, but it took a master’s degree, and I knew I would be lucky to finish with a bachelor’s.
Greater than my interest in her field of study was our friendship. We hit it off, and we welcomed others into our circle, including my dear friend from my hometown, Tracy, as well as Denise, a friend from close to her hometown.
The four of us lived together in an apartment the next year, and the memories we made will last forever, even if some of us can’t remember certain ones. I will never forget, and will always be grateful to Marilyn for inspiring me to pursue the career I chose.
We had the opportunity to fill in each other’s memory holes this past weekend. Two years ago, we gathered to celebrate our 35-year-bond (A Time to Reap, July 2019).
We vowed to gather again every July, but last year, well, it was 2020. This year, however, we had a grand opportunity to meet. After being delayed twice to COVID, we took in a concert in the grand theater in the downtown of my small city.
This was no average concert. This was another Kansas girl, our very own Martina McBride. Even more cool than that, she hails from very close to Marilyn’s and Denise’s hometowns. When she spoke to the crowd–she made it clear how much she loves to be back home, mentioning her hometown of Sharon, Kansas, as well as her family band she grew up in: The Schiffters–her maiden name was Schiff. We were among the few hooting; Marilyn and Denise knew exactly where Sharon, Kansas was, and we were in the area to hear her years ago. Her musical family played at festivities in the area and when I went home with Marilyn in 1984 (85?) for a weekend, we had the privilege of hearing her sing at a wedding dance.
Martina played at this same theater five years ago, and we were there, too. Her legendary voice comes from such a small dynamo, but we know that Kansas girls are big, strong and mighty on the inside. Martina exemplifies this in her voice; we all waited for our favorites to be belted out, and she didn’t disappoint.
We know we are truly Blessed, and I’m pretty sure I’ve made it clear the every day should be Independence Day. If I’d had one request, however, I would have asked for the all-time great Christian song, the song that has the power to bring so much peace to a funeral: How Great Thou Art. We had it as one of the songs at our parents’ funeral, and I will never forget it. Perhaps, however, that request was granted long ago, as I will detail in a moment.
All three of these friends-for-life made the trip to be with me that day, and I will never forget that, either. All three of them know the joy of having sisters, but all three of them also know the pain of losing a sister. I cannot fathom that pain, because, as Martina sings in Blessed, I love them so much it hurts.
But both joy and pain in life, as we all know in our own ways, and from our own losses, have a way of waxing and waning. Joy, if we work at it, and let our loved ones and friends help, can override the pain. It takes work, and it takes letting those people in to share the pain, but it can be done.
Remember, sharing joy multiplies it, while sharing sorrow divides it. And never ever forget there is a force stronger than any of us at work all around us. Love is our proof of that. I have a story about more proof I found on my own, the story of my request granted.
It was in the 90’s, and my husband and I were visiting Mom and Dad on the farm. It was late summer, and the sunflowers and other wildflowers were in bloom, and the road west of our farm was a great place to take in this natural beauty. I headed out for my morning run, and put on my music–this was pre-iPod days, and the best I had was a bulky set of headphones that would tune in to local FM stations.
I almost always run to music, and these usually got me through. It was a Sunday morning, and there was a local station with a Christian music show at that hour, so I tuned in.
When I got to the curve about a mile west of the farm, the DJ announced a song from Martina McBride. I was hopeful that it would be How Great Thou Art, of course. Just two weeks prior, we were visiting Mom and Dad, and when I ran, I had the same station tuned in and her masterpiece rendition of that song played. Further, it was in almost exactly the same place I was running at that moment.
The song began, but it wasn’t that one. I don’t recall which one it was, but I know it was beautiful. The FM signal wasn’t always consistent, and it began to fade. That song faded out, and another song faded in: it was Martina McBride singing How Great Thou Art. She finished, and her first song faded back in, and it finished. The DJ came back on, commented on her beautiful voice in the other song, and went on with the show. No mention was made of what I heard. I do know what I heard, and I will believe this was a show of that great force that is always at work all around us. Sometimes we have to look for it, but sometimes, like that Sunday morning so long ago, it was presented to me, and could not be missed.
************
There are many things that bond sisters together. Love and loss, life and shared memories. Friends have those same bonds. It is often said that friends are the family we choose for ourselves. I am speaking for myself, but I couldn’t have chosen better sisters. I do get to choose my friends, but they have to choose me as well, and for that, I am so thankful that Tracy, Denise and Marilyn chose me back. We are celebrating 37 years as friends this fall; we came two-by-two to Fort Hays State University, and became a circle of four.
Tracy’s gift to us two years ago were the bracelets pictured above. This year, these rings are our new shared treasures.
************
The Kansas sunflower never fails to share its beauty at the close of every summer. My husband, knowing how much I love them, tried to plant a patch for me in his garden, with only one showing up.
Mark and The Sunflower Stalk
It seems that, much like some Kansas girls, they have a strong will to thrive in the wild, making their own decisions about where and when to bloom, choosing to do it in their own way. They prefer to share their gifts on their own terms, and they do it well. Leave them to act on their wisdom, and they won’t disappoint. But they never forget, just like Martina said to do as she left the stage, to take care of each other.
“January has only one thing to be said for it: it is followed by February.” Kathleen Tynan
I hate to disappoint Suzanne, but Groundhog Day is only two days away, I don’t have an outfit planned yet, and it doesn’t look like I will be able to come up with one. Perhaps I will simply wear brown and call it good, but I’m open to ideas.
It’s not that the day isn’t worthy of a special get-up, because it is one of my favorite obscure days of the year. Plus, the movie Groundhog Day is in my top five. I will be watching it Tuesday.
************
Even in the pre-pandemic years, January was typically a soul-draining month for me. The coldest and windiest part of winter is upon us, the holidays are over, and the days are short and the nights are long. I have to work harder to remind myself that brighter days are soon to follow the darker ones. This year, when I reminded myself to look closer, January offered the following joys:
*Hope for the eventual defeat of COVID began arriving in the vaccine.
*Gail, Suzanne and I got together last weekend to celebrate a late Christmas and our Mom’s birthday as well.
*After it adopted us by not leaving our door, we adopted a sweet cat. My husband has aptly named it “Katleen,” and Suzanne thinks I’m on my way to becoming a crazy cat lady. I haven’t owned a cat since I lived with both of my sisters on the farm, but it kinda feels like I need a cat at this point in my life…
*Our great state of Kansas celebrated its 160th birthday two days ago, and I dressed appropriately. I think Suzanne liked it; I’m pretty sure she meant “you’re crazy” in a good way in the return text after I sent her this picture:
One of Kansas’s locally famous daughters recommended drinking beer or wine made in Kansas to celebrate. I did my part by toasting to Kansas with a beer from Blue Skye, our local brewery.
*************
The best is always yet to come. One of our Mom’s greatest lessons on surviving tough times was this: Always have something to look forward to.
*Suzanne is getting married in a few weeks, and Gail and I–as well as our whole family–are almost as excited as she is.
*Since COVID prevented our epic 50th birthday party at the shore for her, Suzanne will choose her dream beach destination for a sister trip this summer–we hope.
*Gail will turn 61 years young in February, and I will turn 55 in April. While our celebrations won’t be as big as Suzanne’s–or as big as Gail’s 60th last year, we will celebrate as we always do.
A visual reminder of just how much fun was had at Gail’s 60th birthday party last year…
I don’t need to tell any of you who know the movie that 2020 felt like Groundhog Day almost every day. The same bad news over and over; the same staying-at-home pattern, the same yearning for lost social contact.
If, however, we look at our lives this past year as a chance to re-evaluate, just like the lead character Phil did in the movie, then perhaps it can be seen as a catalyst, or even a crucible whose challenges and crises provided an opportunity for personal growth.
If the same old ways in your life keep producing the same old results, well, then…you get the idea.
I have found the best way to keep the winter blues and blahs alive and well is to stay in the same routine, the same rut over and over again. It always works like a charm. So, today, as the gray skies hung low like a wet blanket, and the dreaded Kansas wind (Do I need to remind you that my crazy sisters LOVE the wind? Ugh!) tried to steal any remaining joy from the outdoor experience today, I decided to get out there anyway, and shake up my routine.
My empty-nested husband and I took a little Sunday drive north. We have the time and only ourselves to take care of, so we took care of a yearning to try something new. Because we like the small-town atmosphere of a down-home dining experience, we decided to try a new restaurant we had heard of in a roundabout way.
The Broken Arrow Cafe in tiny Aurora, Kansas was just what we needed. While we don’t recommend taking the backroads on a wet day, if you live anywhere in central Kansas, it is worth the drive to this restaurant in Cloud County, Kansas.
Happy Groundhog Day to you this Tuesday–and every day.
If you meet any one, or all of us when we are traveling outside of our home state of Kansas, and you call any one of us, or all of us Dorothy because clearly, we are not in Kansas anymore, we will not think you are funny. We have heard it a million times already. If, however, you are calling us Dorothy because she demonstrated strength, bravery and fortitude during a most difficult time, then we will be flattered. She embodied the original Ad Astra Per Aspera spirit.
Dorothy Gale, the main character in the iconic movie The Wizard of Oz, found her way home to Kansas when all hope was lost and helped others find their way as well. She demonstrated courage by facing her fears, led others out of darkness and challenged false authority like the good-natured bad-ass she was. And, her last name was Gale. Different spelling, same good-nature, same bad-ass spirit as Gail of The Sister Lode.
There’s no place like home.
Most of us, after spending record time in our homes last year, know this better than we may want to. I don’t have to explain any further, the entire world is in the same boat.
The roughly 2.9 million residents of Kansas are no different. However, we come from a long line of people just like Dorothy Gale. On January 29th, just 5 days from today, we will celebrate our state’s 160th birthday. Our state motto says it all: Ad Astra Per Aspera: To The Stars Through Difficulty. Our state was founded on this motto, and we continue to demonstrate it in good times and bad.
Gail, Suzanne and I gathered at my home on Saturday, January 23rd. Gail’s daughter Lydia had her quarterly endocrinologist appointment in Salina on Friday, and then they went on to Wichita to see Gail’s firstborn, Kate. Because Lydia has her mother’s strong We Can Do It sense of fortitude, and she is a Kansas-bred and born girl just like her mother and aunts, she has the Per Aspera spirit as well. She continues to meet the constant challenge of her Type One diabetes, and she continues to win the daily battles, as well as the war. Her checkup was as good as they could have hoped for. Just like any other hardship Gail and her offspring encounter, they plow through, to the stars through difficulty. Typically, they come out smiling on the other end. This time was no different.
*************
In the absence of our typical large Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, the sisters of The Sister Lode had a gift exchange that still needed to take place. This annual event is highly anticipated between the three of us; we spare only some expense and no effort to choose the most exquisite and perfect gifts for each other.
This year was no different.
Suzanne has no live cats yet; she is searching for the perfect one. Until then, Gail found the perfect substitute:
If you grew up in our era, you probably won’t bat an eye at one of the gifts I got for Gail. She loves pillows, and this seemed perfect. If, however, you are from a generation below us, please know that this game was not considered occult when we were kids, nor do we consider it that now. Perhaps we got some really good information and guidance from the Ouija board back then, back when it was socially acceptable.
Knowing I am a patriotic American and Kansan, Gail knew I would love this addition to my Sunflower State collection of decor. Suzanne, who exaggerates, will tell you that I have a costume to match every holiday and special occasion throughout the year. She is pretty sure I will fashion an outfit out of this flag just in time for Kansas Day on Friday. Silly Suzanne, I would never desecrate our state flag like that. Besides, I already have my outfit for Kansas Day ready to go. I planned it out just after I put my Inauguration Day outfit together last week.
*************
Our mother would have been 84 years old last Friday, January 22nd. Because, in order to to reach those stars through difficult times, we continue to find reasons to celebrate. She would have wanted us to celebrate, with or without her. So, we did. A day late. I’m pretty sure there are no clocks or calendars in Heaven, so to her, it was no big deal. Nothing was ever a big deal to Mom; she was pretty much go-with-the-flow; along for the ride, always doing whatever worked for everyone else. If she had even one fault, it would be that she never put her needs first. Of course, that can also be a virtue, and it worked well for her.
She loved navy blue and white stripes, and while there was no memo to be missed by Gail, somehow Suzanne and I decided separately to wear those when we got together.
All three of us, however, got the other memo circulating on social media, and we invited Bernie to our celebration. We know Mom was laughing from Above, and we hope you are, too. It’s much easier to get through difficulty with laughter.
The Sister Lode 