1 day ago
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Home
I am so thrilled to be HOME!
I think if I had to spend one more night in a cheap hotel eating peanut butter I would go stark raving mad.
Lulu has been busy exploring her new residence and neighborhood. She has all of her toys out of the crate and all over the house. I felt so sorry for her because she didn't know what home is. Since she joined us she has been hauled all over the place and had a different place to sleep everynight. There was no routine. The only thing constant in her life has been her crate. She is extremely attached to it. I tried to take her for a quick drive to a store and she was freaked out. So I had to go back to the hotel, get her crate, put in the back seat and she was happy. When we got home the first item we brought in was her crate. We are going to have to get another one to leave in the car.
I will be posting pictures in the next day or so.
Later
I think if I had to spend one more night in a cheap hotel eating peanut butter I would go stark raving mad.
Lulu has been busy exploring her new residence and neighborhood. She has all of her toys out of the crate and all over the house. I felt so sorry for her because she didn't know what home is. Since she joined us she has been hauled all over the place and had a different place to sleep everynight. There was no routine. The only thing constant in her life has been her crate. She is extremely attached to it. I tried to take her for a quick drive to a store and she was freaked out. So I had to go back to the hotel, get her crate, put in the back seat and she was happy. When we got home the first item we brought in was her crate. We are going to have to get another one to leave in the car.
I will be posting pictures in the next day or so.
Later
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Ludlow Massacre
On September 1913, 10,000-12,000 coal miners in southern Colorado, led by the United Mine Workers of America, went out on strike. The mostly Greek, Italian, Slav, and Mexican workers demanded:
* 10% wage increase on tonnage rates and a day scale corresponding with Wyoming
* Enforcement of the eight hour work day law
* Payment for "dead work" (laying track, timbering, handling impurities, etc.)
* The right to elect their own check-weighmen without company interference
* The right to trade at any store, and choose their own boarding places and doctors
* Enforcement of the state mining laws and abolition of the company guard system
The mine operators, led by the Rockefeller controlled Colorado Fuel & Iron Company, appealed to Colorado Governor Elias M. Ammons, who obliged by sending in the National Guard to keep the mines operating. After being evicted from company owned shacks, miners and their families set up tent colonies in the nearby hills and continued the strike. The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) leased the land, provided tents, and even issued a small allowance. Ludlow was the largest tent colony, with about 200 tents and 1,200 people.
On April 19, 1914, Greek Orthodox Easter - the Greeks at Ludlow roasted a lamb and prepared a feast for the entire colony. During the day, the colonists and the militia played friendly games of baseball. The celebration lasted long into the night.
9:00 a.m. on April 20, 1914 an explosion triggered an exchange of gunfire between the miners and the militia. The National Guard opened machine gun and rifle fire on the tent colony in Ludlow. Armed miners defended their positions, while women and children hid in the tents in pits they had dug. The fighting raged for the entire day. The militia was reinforced by non-uniformed mine guards later in the afternoon. At dusk, a passing freight train stopped on the tracks in front of the Guards' machine gun placements, allowing many of the miners and their families to escape to an outcrop of hills to the east called the "Black Hills." By 7:00 p.m., the camp was in flames, and the militia descended on it and began to search and loot the camp.
Louis Tikas, the camp leader had remained in the camp the entire day and was still there when the fire started. Tikas and two other men were captured by the militia. Tikas and Lt. Karl Linderfelt, commander of one of two Guard companies, had confronted each other several times in the previous months. While two militiamen held Tikas, Linderfelt broke a rifle butt over his head. Tikas and the other two captured miners were later found shot dead. Their bodies lay along the Colorado and Southern tracks for three days in full view of passing trains. The militia officers refused to allow them to be moved until a local of a railway union demanded the bodies be taken away for burial.
The bodies of the two women and eleven children were found in a pit dug under a tent where they had been hiding - they had either suffocated or burned to death.
Ludlow Massacre Monument
Ludlow is now a ghost town.
* 10% wage increase on tonnage rates and a day scale corresponding with Wyoming
* Enforcement of the eight hour work day law
* Payment for "dead work" (laying track, timbering, handling impurities, etc.)
* The right to elect their own check-weighmen without company interference
* The right to trade at any store, and choose their own boarding places and doctors
* Enforcement of the state mining laws and abolition of the company guard system
The mine operators, led by the Rockefeller controlled Colorado Fuel & Iron Company, appealed to Colorado Governor Elias M. Ammons, who obliged by sending in the National Guard to keep the mines operating. After being evicted from company owned shacks, miners and their families set up tent colonies in the nearby hills and continued the strike. The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) leased the land, provided tents, and even issued a small allowance. Ludlow was the largest tent colony, with about 200 tents and 1,200 people.
On April 19, 1914, Greek Orthodox Easter - the Greeks at Ludlow roasted a lamb and prepared a feast for the entire colony. During the day, the colonists and the militia played friendly games of baseball. The celebration lasted long into the night.
9:00 a.m. on April 20, 1914 an explosion triggered an exchange of gunfire between the miners and the militia. The National Guard opened machine gun and rifle fire on the tent colony in Ludlow. Armed miners defended their positions, while women and children hid in the tents in pits they had dug. The fighting raged for the entire day. The militia was reinforced by non-uniformed mine guards later in the afternoon. At dusk, a passing freight train stopped on the tracks in front of the Guards' machine gun placements, allowing many of the miners and their families to escape to an outcrop of hills to the east called the "Black Hills." By 7:00 p.m., the camp was in flames, and the militia descended on it and began to search and loot the camp.
Louis Tikas, the camp leader had remained in the camp the entire day and was still there when the fire started. Tikas and two other men were captured by the militia. Tikas and Lt. Karl Linderfelt, commander of one of two Guard companies, had confronted each other several times in the previous months. While two militiamen held Tikas, Linderfelt broke a rifle butt over his head. Tikas and the other two captured miners were later found shot dead. Their bodies lay along the Colorado and Southern tracks for three days in full view of passing trains. The militia officers refused to allow them to be moved until a local of a railway union demanded the bodies be taken away for burial.
The bodies of the two women and eleven children were found in a pit dug under a tent where they had been hiding - they had either suffocated or burned to death.
Ludlow Massacre Monument
Ludlow is now a ghost town.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
What Is It
Today we drove to Cripple Creek Colorado, located on the backside of Pikes Peak. We wanted to visit the cemetery, a brothel, and a casino – two of which are considered “dens of iniquity.” We had heard of the famous madam, Pearl De Vere and we were hoping to locate her grave.
We went to the Mount Pisgah Cemetery first. We turned Lulu loose to run and then mom and I started walking the cemetery. We never walk together. She takes one side and I take the other. We were mid way when I heard mom say my name. This was unusual because she usually yells when she locates a grave of interest. I called back “did you find her?” No answer.
I looked over at her and she was standing looking at her camera, and she didn’t look right. When I walked closer to her I noticed she was pale, her hands were shaking, and I seriously thought she was ill. She said “I saw a man in my camera. He was wearing a white starched collar, he had a mustache, it was like I seeing an old photograph.”
With mom’s camera she uses the viewer to take her pictures. She was standing before a stone, she put her camera in position to take a picture, and he appeared. I asked her if she took the picture and she said she was so startled to see him that she didn’t press the button to take the picture.
Mom is a serious person. Nothing really startles her and in fact I never saw her act this way and I have no reason not to believe her. I took several photographs on the stones she was standing in front of hoping I could locate a pictures of the individuals that were buried there, which I was unable to do.
We went ahead and finished walking the cemetery. We located Pearl’s grave and then we drove to the brothel. Okay we hit the casino before the brothel, ah but that is neither here nor there.
Tonight I downloaded mom’s pictures on my computer and found nothing unusual. I downloaded my pictures and that is when mom and I stared at one picture in particular. I was doing what I called an overview shot of the Elks section of the cemetery. I was using the right lens, the right filter, the right everything. In the picture you can see a wisp of what looks like smoke. There is no reason for it to be there.
I have encountered a couple of strange situations in a cemetery but nothing quite like this.
We went to the Mount Pisgah Cemetery first. We turned Lulu loose to run and then mom and I started walking the cemetery. We never walk together. She takes one side and I take the other. We were mid way when I heard mom say my name. This was unusual because she usually yells when she locates a grave of interest. I called back “did you find her?” No answer.
I looked over at her and she was standing looking at her camera, and she didn’t look right. When I walked closer to her I noticed she was pale, her hands were shaking, and I seriously thought she was ill. She said “I saw a man in my camera. He was wearing a white starched collar, he had a mustache, it was like I seeing an old photograph.”
With mom’s camera she uses the viewer to take her pictures. She was standing before a stone, she put her camera in position to take a picture, and he appeared. I asked her if she took the picture and she said she was so startled to see him that she didn’t press the button to take the picture.
Mom is a serious person. Nothing really startles her and in fact I never saw her act this way and I have no reason not to believe her. I took several photographs on the stones she was standing in front of hoping I could locate a pictures of the individuals that were buried there, which I was unable to do.
We went ahead and finished walking the cemetery. We located Pearl’s grave and then we drove to the brothel. Okay we hit the casino before the brothel, ah but that is neither here nor there.
Tonight I downloaded mom’s pictures on my computer and found nothing unusual. I downloaded my pictures and that is when mom and I stared at one picture in particular. I was doing what I called an overview shot of the Elks section of the cemetery. I was using the right lens, the right filter, the right everything. In the picture you can see a wisp of what looks like smoke. There is no reason for it to be there.
I have encountered a couple of strange situations in a cemetery but nothing quite like this.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Michael Martin Murphey
Every headstone be it marble or wood lies a person, in this video. If you don't want to watch it then listen to the music.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Vet
Lulu's visit to the vet went well. The vet estimates her age at 6 months. She is malnourished and it has affected the tendons in her legs. The sparse hair and skin rash is also from being malnourished. All of this can be corrected with good food.
Her double teeth is commonly found in Yorkies amd the vet thinks she is a Yorkie crossed with a Chihuahua. Even though they call this type of dog a Chorkie I like Yorhuahua (pronounced your wa wa)better. I have a designer dog but truthfully she is a mutt.
She has also acclimated well to the leash. There is still some work that needs to be done but once we get the instrument of torture attached she will walk, jump, leap, and chase leaves. Unfortunately I am on the other end trying to keep up with her. I haven't figured out "stop." We found a harness at WalMarts that uses velcro instead of snaps and she doesn't mind wearing it. Okay I also bought her a little jacket but that is as far as I am going to go in dressing her. She is a dog not a barbie doll.
We will address her double teeth when we get home, they will probably have to do an extraction.
Now for the lecture to my readers. If it is small, cute, and pathetic looking be prepared. The first thing I did before I said "I will take her" was check her gums. They were pink. I thought the sparse hair was a sign of malnourishment and I was right. I knew I was taking on something that will cost money. Her personality was what won me over and I feel that I made the right decision. I am not use to having a puppy, I am not use to having an affectionate dog that likes people but she makes me smile. It is a learning experience for the both of us. She is a keeper.
My next concern is hair. Will it be like a Yorkie and require a lot of brushing or will it be like a Chihuahua? I guess I will cross that bridge will it grows out.
Tomorrow we will be leaving Prairie Village and heading west. Another state is on the horizon for Lulu and what an adventure she will have.
Her double teeth is commonly found in Yorkies amd the vet thinks she is a Yorkie crossed with a Chihuahua. Even though they call this type of dog a Chorkie I like Yorhuahua (pronounced your wa wa)better. I have a designer dog but truthfully she is a mutt.
She has also acclimated well to the leash. There is still some work that needs to be done but once we get the instrument of torture attached she will walk, jump, leap, and chase leaves. Unfortunately I am on the other end trying to keep up with her. I haven't figured out "stop." We found a harness at WalMarts that uses velcro instead of snaps and she doesn't mind wearing it. Okay I also bought her a little jacket but that is as far as I am going to go in dressing her. She is a dog not a barbie doll.
We will address her double teeth when we get home, they will probably have to do an extraction.
Now for the lecture to my readers. If it is small, cute, and pathetic looking be prepared. The first thing I did before I said "I will take her" was check her gums. They were pink. I thought the sparse hair was a sign of malnourishment and I was right. I knew I was taking on something that will cost money. Her personality was what won me over and I feel that I made the right decision. I am not use to having a puppy, I am not use to having an affectionate dog that likes people but she makes me smile. It is a learning experience for the both of us. She is a keeper.
My next concern is hair. Will it be like a Yorkie and require a lot of brushing or will it be like a Chihuahua? I guess I will cross that bridge will it grows out.
Tomorrow we will be leaving Prairie Village and heading west. Another state is on the horizon for Lulu and what an adventure she will have.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Prairie Village Kansas
It has been a whirlwind week and I will be posting photos as soon as I can.
The story of Lulu. I was told, by my sister, of a year old T-cup Chihuahua that someone was trying to give away. I agreed to meet her with no obligations. Truthfully a dog of that size is not my "cup of tea."
When I first saw Lulu I knew she wasn't a T-cup Chihuahua. She was given a horrible haircut, she was covered in fleas, but there was something about her that just melted my heart. We don't know what color fur she will have because in most places she was shaved to the skin but I think she will be grey with black ears and tail. She is really feisty and playful. Besides chasing leaves, her other form of entertainment is staring in a mirror and growling.
I did bath her with flea and tick shampoo the minute I said "I will take her." and Hannah cut her toenails today. Tomorrow she will see a vet for a general check up and her shots. I am hoping the vet will give me an idea of how old she is. When we get back to Arizona she will have her operation. It has been a crazy 72-hours for her and she has traveled through 3 states.
The good news is - she is housebroken and crate trained. I bought her a crate and set it in my sister's dining room. Whenever she got scared or nervous she would run into it and hide. In the car she prefers to be in the crate. There has been no accidents since we have gotten her and she does let you know when she wants out.
The bad news - she has no clue what a leash is except it is an instrument of torture. The minute I put her on a leash all four of her brakes came on. Instead of walking her I dragged her. This afternoon mom said "I think we need to find a rest area so we can drag Lulu." When we arrived to Hannah and Robert's house, Hannah and I took all the dogs for a walk and Lulu figured out the leash. I am not saying she is a pro but she didn't fight it or put on the brakes. It was a wonderful walk. I think Rose and Ella were instrumental in showing her that a leash isn't a bad thing after all.
She also came with the name Lulu and responds to it very well. I will not change it and it does suit her. We are going to take her to Pets Mart tomorrow so she can pick out her own toys. We also need to get her a sweater since she doesn't have much fur on her body.
We are looking forward to coming home. It has been great fun but mom and I are wanting to be in our own space with our own stuff. We will be leaving Prairie Village Wednesday morning early and heading to Colorado.
Enjoy the pictures.
The story of Lulu. I was told, by my sister, of a year old T-cup Chihuahua that someone was trying to give away. I agreed to meet her with no obligations. Truthfully a dog of that size is not my "cup of tea."
When I first saw Lulu I knew she wasn't a T-cup Chihuahua. She was given a horrible haircut, she was covered in fleas, but there was something about her that just melted my heart. We don't know what color fur she will have because in most places she was shaved to the skin but I think she will be grey with black ears and tail. She is really feisty and playful. Besides chasing leaves, her other form of entertainment is staring in a mirror and growling.
I did bath her with flea and tick shampoo the minute I said "I will take her." and Hannah cut her toenails today. Tomorrow she will see a vet for a general check up and her shots. I am hoping the vet will give me an idea of how old she is. When we get back to Arizona she will have her operation. It has been a crazy 72-hours for her and she has traveled through 3 states.
The good news is - she is housebroken and crate trained. I bought her a crate and set it in my sister's dining room. Whenever she got scared or nervous she would run into it and hide. In the car she prefers to be in the crate. There has been no accidents since we have gotten her and she does let you know when she wants out.
The bad news - she has no clue what a leash is except it is an instrument of torture. The minute I put her on a leash all four of her brakes came on. Instead of walking her I dragged her. This afternoon mom said "I think we need to find a rest area so we can drag Lulu." When we arrived to Hannah and Robert's house, Hannah and I took all the dogs for a walk and Lulu figured out the leash. I am not saying she is a pro but she didn't fight it or put on the brakes. It was a wonderful walk. I think Rose and Ella were instrumental in showing her that a leash isn't a bad thing after all. She also came with the name Lulu and responds to it very well. I will not change it and it does suit her. We are going to take her to Pets Mart tomorrow so she can pick out her own toys. We also need to get her a sweater since she doesn't have much fur on her body.
We are looking forward to coming home. It has been great fun but mom and I are wanting to be in our own space with our own stuff. We will be leaving Prairie Village Wednesday morning early and heading to Colorado.
Enjoy the pictures.
Now for something that is just as cute and adorable..... my g. neice (is that correct?) Oh well, she is my sister's daughter's daughter...... Mckenna
Shellie (aka mom) McKenna, and Casey
Four generations of beautiful women! Shellie, Mom, McKenna, and my sister Deanie.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Road Tripping
We made it to Topeka on Thursday. Robert thought it would be a good idea to surprise Hannah and meet us in Topeka. He told her he was taking her to a special restaurant and in order to go she would have to wear a blindfold for the entire trip. Hannah didn't object. They drove from their house to Topeka using the back roads. I was outside unloading the car when they pulled up and I am surprised they weren't pulled over because Hannah looked like a kidnap victim. She had no idea where she was or where she was going. That is trust folks. I don't care who it was, if they had asked me to put on a blindfold and drive me all over god's creation I would say "NO!"We had a fantastic time visiting with Robert and Hannah.
We were greeted by our two grandpuppies, Ella and Rose.
Saturday we had a fantastic home cooked meal -smoked salmon, grilled shrimp, ribs, and baked beans to die for. That was followed by an evening of games.
Sunday Hannah took us to a cemetery in Independence.
There might be a few of you who is adding up the cost of this meal in your head and coming up with a figure that would feed a family of 4 for a week. You are right but you are also wrong.
Robert is a very wise and thrifty man. He had coupons and had called prior to make sure he could use all of his coupons and by the time they were through figuring our bill the tip cost more than the dinner. I am still laughing over the fact that entire dinner for five cost........... $24.01.
YOU ARE GOOD ROBERT!
I also watched Hannah play tennis. It was just a great weekend.
We are now in Camdenton. We took today off and flopped. Tomorrow we start visiting.
Here's your sign - this one made me chuckle.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Road Tripping
Seward County Museum (originally the Larrabee home)was built in 1918. The house was moved to it's current location in 1961. The museum houses antiques, heirlooms, and photos of early day Seward County.
Dorothy's house was built in 1907 and donated to the Seward County Historical Society. Volunteers moved the house to its present location. It has been restored and furnished with period furnishings to reproduce the farmhouse where Dorothy resided.
Also on the same lot as the Seward County Museum and Dorothy's house is the Land of Oz Museum. Usually the guides (called Dorothys) are dressed like Dorothy but since we didn't come on the weekend we ended up with the Gift Shop attendant.
Who needs a Dorothy look a like when you have this lady? She was spectacular! She has the entire script memorized and she knew every little known fact about the Wizard of Oz. We were mesmerized. She used to be a "Dorothy" and is now training her daughters to be a "Dorothy" as well.
The Land of Oz museum is a 5,000 square foot building filled with good and bad witches, the Munchkins, talking trees, winged monkeys, of course Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion.
When you enter the building you see the wicked witch with poor ToTo in her basket and you will see Professor Marvel's wagon opposite of her. The next room is Munchkin Land and from there you follow the yellow brick road to the end. It was amazing.
There is a yellow brick road outside which features donated bricks bearing the names of people who donated $65. Some of the more famous names on the bricks are Bob Dole, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, and Liza Minnelli.
Today we stayed in Dodge City, Kansas and snooped around. We did not go to the touristy places but explored the cemetery and various places around town.
More pictures will be coming.
Yes Lynilu I did go to Liberal Kansas Cemetery. Beautiful place and will be posting pictures.
To View Pictures.....
Seward County Historical Museum
Dorothy's House
Wizard of Oz Museum
Dorothy's house was built in 1907 and donated to the Seward County Historical Society. Volunteers moved the house to its present location. It has been restored and furnished with period furnishings to reproduce the farmhouse where Dorothy resided.
Also on the same lot as the Seward County Museum and Dorothy's house is the Land of Oz Museum. Usually the guides (called Dorothys) are dressed like Dorothy but since we didn't come on the weekend we ended up with the Gift Shop attendant.
Who needs a Dorothy look a like when you have this lady? She was spectacular! She has the entire script memorized and she knew every little known fact about the Wizard of Oz. We were mesmerized. She used to be a "Dorothy" and is now training her daughters to be a "Dorothy" as well.
The Land of Oz museum is a 5,000 square foot building filled with good and bad witches, the Munchkins, talking trees, winged monkeys, of course Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion.
When you enter the building you see the wicked witch with poor ToTo in her basket and you will see Professor Marvel's wagon opposite of her. The next room is Munchkin Land and from there you follow the yellow brick road to the end. It was amazing.
There is a yellow brick road outside which features donated bricks bearing the names of people who donated $65. Some of the more famous names on the bricks are Bob Dole, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, and Liza Minnelli.
Today we stayed in Dodge City, Kansas and snooped around. We did not go to the touristy places but explored the cemetery and various places around town.
More pictures will be coming.
Yes Lynilu I did go to Liberal Kansas Cemetery. Beautiful place and will be posting pictures.
To View Pictures.....
Seward County Historical Museum
Dorothy's House
Wizard of Oz Museum
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Dodge City
We made it to Dodge City Kansas. We have seen corn, cows, a few llamas, and the dreaded feeder lots. We learned not to leave the windows open because the car will fill up with flies in a matter of seconds.
We spent last night in Liberal Kansas and made it to Dorothy's house. If you are ever in Liberal Kansas or even close to it I highly recommend going to to see Dorothy. It was a wonderful tour. I will be posting pictures as soon as I am feeling up to it. My allergies are very bad.
We are taking back roads and seeing a lot of the country. We are also stopping at a lot of cemeteries. Logan Kansas Cemetery was wonderful. I love the homemade stones. Some of which are quite old and I hope someone has taken pictures of these stones. They are deteriorating and it would be a shame to lose them entirely. All of the cemeteries are well maintained and lovingly tended.
I am going to take an allergy pill and hit the sack. All is well.
Location: Dodge City
We spent last night in Liberal Kansas and made it to Dorothy's house. If you are ever in Liberal Kansas or even close to it I highly recommend going to to see Dorothy. It was a wonderful tour. I will be posting pictures as soon as I am feeling up to it. My allergies are very bad.
We are taking back roads and seeing a lot of the country. We are also stopping at a lot of cemeteries. Logan Kansas Cemetery was wonderful. I love the homemade stones. Some of which are quite old and I hope someone has taken pictures of these stones. They are deteriorating and it would be a shame to lose them entirely. All of the cemeteries are well maintained and lovingly tended.
I am going to take an allergy pill and hit the sack. All is well.
Location: Dodge City
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