Vacation Pictures

Be forewarned...this is a group of vacation pictures, if your not into that..well, leave now..if you want to see what we've been up to, then proceed..









This is most of our group, stopping for lunch one day..

One of the 'locals' we saw along the trail...

We rode 29 miles of dirt road to cross Kebler Pass. It was a good road and the ride was well worth it...from Hotchkiss across to Crested Butte..

We had a great time, thanks for peeking in~

Happy Tuesday!!!

teedubya

Back home at last..

It's always fun to get away..but,then I'm always ready to be back home...


Our trip went well. We rode the Harley's a few days,




And we rode the Razor a few days...

I'll spare you the sites for today. But we did some of God's amazing work~ I'll share those with you tomorrow!

Hope your MOndAy is a GoOd OnE!!

hugs,t

Packin' up

And movin' out~ We are getting ready for Vacation..in Colorado. A bunch of friends all gathering up there with ATV's and such to ride the mountains in search of adventure..and when we get tired of that, we are hitting the hiways on our Harleys..

So, if you don't see me anymore this week, you know we are busy packing~

Set your calenders, we are tentatively setting 2010 Paper Cowgirl for June 24-27

Adios, my friends~
t

Road Trippin'

What better way to bring in Spring time than with a Motorcycle trip???

That's what we did..4 bikes total..we hit the road on Thursday and came home on Sunday...



Here is our first night's stay:



This old Rail Road Hotel is one of the last ones in the state..In Llano Texas. We had a great time with the caretaker, but the other guests were a bit rude about 4am, slammin' doors and yelling at each other in the hall after having a few toddys on the porch..we were about ready to bite off their heads..but they seemed to duck into their rooms when Hub would put his head out...What's with people now a days?? No one has any respect for others..We had one lady gripe at us for taking up 2 parking places at another motel, on another night. We legally can take a spot of each bike if we want to..If she'd been nice about it, we might have squeezed them all into one. But she was rude and demanding. Needless to say we didn't budge and she complained but they couldn't do anything about it..so she had to park and WALK a few more feet to her room...tuffstuff...







We rode in and out of rain the whole day on Friday...as we headed to Camp Wood.







This stop is at Enchanted Rock. A ginormous piece of pink granite. The Indians used it as a scared place where the earth would tell them secrets. We stopped closer to the entrance, but had to stop here and get the full aspect of the size of this stone upheaval...



What's a Hill Country trip without stopping at Luckenbauch??

No Willie or Waylon ghost just a bunch of tourist on Harleys and other assorted modes of transportation...





That me at #2 Spot..hub took this photo..He's the Road Captain~ We were outside of Bracketteville Texas on some FM that is an amazing ride, hills, twisties, curves, cattle guards and wildlife..

Road Warriors!!

We saw bluebonnets, but it was not as full as I've seen it in the past. The rains were not enough this year to yield an great showing..

We'll end this story here..at the potties in Luckenbauch...We logged in almost 1,100 miles those 4 days..that's just a drop in the bucket for the rest of the riding season...Hope you enjoyed the trip!!

later,t

Hot solder

Been busy here at the Shop Shack..the wind has been blowing up something, and I didn't want to get outside!

Now, look closely at these charms that are about to be soldered:

Did you see the one with the bird?

Here's the other side of it...this one is for me!! I used a gift card for the back image (bird and swirls) and the front is a Grunge board letter and the background is a paint chip. I then used spray paint and a piece of paper lace to get the effect! Do you like it?? Michelle Ward style!

This one, makes me wish I was more girly girl...but, I'm not..I like my HD stuff and will always make something with it..

I've also listed 2 charms on Etsy in my Wrighthandy shop..

Don't forget to Scroll DOWN to my Paper Cowgirl post and sign up for the giveaway..You must leave a comment on THAT post to be in the drawing..Check out the other Cowgirls on the blog trail too, they are listed in that post also..

Have a super day!

t

Pictures of the Baby

Yep, that's "BABY" ....what did you think I was talking about??

span>It was sooo nice out that I decided she needed a long over due detail washing and shining...

If you are a non-motorcycle person, I have to tell you, washing a motorcycle is not like washing a car..there are lots of nooks and crannies, that dirt, bug guts and grime get into. (yes, I said bug guts..you ought to have one smack you in the hand at 70 miles an hour!) You have to take a toothbrush to places and do alot of back and forth..for you think you have something clean, then you rinse it off and see what you missed, and start all over..

Needless to say, it's labor intensive. We fight over the little rolling stool hubby has in the shop. We did have two, just for that reason, but something happened to the other one.

I love the details on Harley Davidson's..the emblem is EVERYWHERE on their parts and you see it in the smallest of places. Like that headlight, it's on the inside too and the little amber lights it's on the lenses of them.

This is my ride angel. Hub bought it for me at a bike show we attended a few years ago..She helps keep me safe along with:

PAN>My Queen BEE...Hub says I have the bumble bee syndrom...Have you heard of that? The bumble bee doesn't know it's supposed to fly but it does..I do things on this bike that I'm not suposed to do and come out ok..She reminds me to keep flying along. Last year I didn't get many miles put on her, like less than 4 K..that's sad for us, the first year I had her, I put over 10K on her! We've vowed this year to do more traveling and go to more places on the bikes. I can't wait!



See ya later!

t

What a ride...

I don't know about your part of the world, but here yesterday it was BEAUTIFUL!! No wind, sunshine, decent temps..and after Church, we were outside..I went for my walk and as I was coming down the road, I heard motorcycles! Then I saw motorcycles! Hub had taken them out of the shop and was dusting them off!! Yes! that means he can't stand it, and we are going to ride!

It was our first ride of the new year! I donned on my riding apparel as quick as I could. We got on and made our way to the highway. Both bikes (Baby, and Captain) needed their throats cleared so we did a bit of highway speeds to get them feeling better. Like everyone else this time of year, stuffiness and drooping feeling unless out and about.

We passed by the fields where the camels live. We've been here over a year and I've not seen them once! But today I did..They are outside Iowa Park in a field along the highway, very cool..then we went on some farm to market roads, narrow and small thru the fields and ranch lands of the area.

We were nearing a Burkbernett (everyone says Burk for short) and saw alot of smoke rising ahead of us. As we pass a group of houses, it was thicker. My first thought is some ones burning trash..No, it was hay bales! If you've not seen those huge round hay bales on fire, it's really bad..I spot a woman running towards them with the phone in her hand and that was the only person out there we saw. So, we turn around and go back. By then the neighbors are out, a pickup has stopped and those things are blazing to beat the band..

Will runs over to help push a boat out of the way, for the flames are licking it's trailer. I ran over to the area near a travel trailer and start stomping out the grass...seemed like I would never get it stopped...it was getting nearer and nearer to it..with it being as dry as it's been here, that grass was tinder at it's best. Will manned a water hose on the bales and some of the other men were finding hoses to use. After about 20 minutes the fire dept shows up..they have to basically tear the bales apart for they can smolder for a bit then catch back on fire..Will's still manning the hose he has for awhile and then things get slowed down and we are on our way again..it was excitement..glad it was not OUR excitement.. Thank goodness no one was injured but, that hay is about 75$ a bale, the lady of the house,said she knew, she was in for it from her husband...to find out, she was burning away some grass, and it got out of hand for her and went straight for those bales of hay, that they had bought and put in there yesterday! So, not a good deal for them.

We headed thru Burk and out to more fm riding to make our way home back to the shop shack. We made about 82 miles and helped put out a fire, I'd say we had a pretty good day, we thought so, anyway. Did some piddling around and watched the sun go down..



Here are a few of the goodies Andreea blessed me with last week:


These are my fave, the softness about them and the texture of the sponge really caught my eye..

She gave me 2 of these dollar store Christmas balls filled with images:

Plus a whole box full of stuff that I've yet to get out to show you...so stay tuned!

I've been working on some new necklaces and charms for Etsy..maybe this week I'll get a few of them finished up. Some of the necklaces may be going to a motorcycle shop~ The owner saw my work and asked if I wanted to put some in there, he thought they might be good for the ladies.

Hope your week goes well!

later, t

Black leather and big hearts

On Dec. 6th the Brazos De Dios H.O.G. Chapter of Bryan/College Station gave their 20th toy run. Bikers have big hearts if you didn't know. For months they plan, gather, wrap and organize this event. I was part of it when we lived there. I did my fair share, and saw all those who busted their hiney, opened their wallets and spent countless hours getting this together. We were in town that day, to visit old friend and I had to go by. I'm glad I did. I want to share with you what I got to witness from the outside looking in.

It was great to see everyone again and share some of the excitement:

This is Sally, she was Mrs. Claus this year. Their costumes have a biker flair to them. Sally and her mother made them a couple of years ago...you'll see Santa later..I rode in the truck with Sally in her pickup loaded with stuffed toys to hand out to neighborhood children..

This is Stan and Bonnie, the past Santa & Mrs...they are really good friends and we miss them dearly!

It was great fun to see those folks we don't get to see when we make our hit and run visits..








This is the group at one of the stops. They choose families in need. This year their were 11 families with 71 total folks to buy for. My friend Sue and a couple of others do the shopping..that was my job one year..it's organization at it's fullest to get all these things bought and accounted for with that many people.

As you can see, it's a large group and the rumble of those bikes, sets your hair on end..I love it!



Here is an unsavory fellow all in black...This is Elmer another dear friend and has been the head of the chapter and the toy run for several years, but this year he's just a happy little elf..



The hugs you get are just heart wrenchingly amazing from these kids...

And to see their eyes light up when this comes up to the front steps:

We take small stuffed animals back on the bikes to throw at the kids we pass by on the streets, for all that rumbling in the neighborhoods draws them out to see what's up..

This is Leonard, one of our good friends, taking toys back to his bike for Sue his wife and passenger to toss over..I did that one year, tossed toys while riding behind hub, but I kept bonking him in the head and he made me ride my own bike the next time..

Here is Santa taking a wrapped package up to the house. Several nights after work were spent wrapping up everything for everyone. That is one of the best fellowship times we have, wrapping presents.

Most everyone decorates their bikes for the event:
Faye started out with just one, and now she's got a load, even Santa will envy...






Here is a tinsel wrapped set of ape hangers, that is what those tall handlebars are called in case you didn't know..

The saddle bags and other parts on this bike were all gussied up:

Here is the street in front of an apartment complex:

I stood in the back of a pickup to get the shot, I think it pretty much captures all the riders, that were behind the trucks and trailers..







Here is the street view from that same shot, looking back at the front of the line.

So, you see there are alot of people involved and afterwards there is a party and everyone shares what they saw or the hugs they got...your heart if full and your are happy when you do this, at least hub's and mine were..




With there being alot of riders, there are a lot of safety precautions, they set up with the law enforcement for the route, we have dozens of road guards and a few police/sherriff cars
This is Carolyn and Brett,.As road guards, you have to block of intersections, exits and such so all the riders can stay together.

I rode with hub on this one year, you pretty much don't get to hand out presents or be in the thick of things, so you miss out on alot of it. There are times you get to be near the homes, but not every stop. To me, this is the 'thankless' job, for you are a major part of the thing,but you are more 'behind' the scenes.

It takes everyone doing their part to pull this off. And for it to be going on for the last 20 years, tells you the extent of the commitment of this club. I was excited to be able to share a little bit of this with you and show you some of the hard work put into it. If you see a motorcycle with a stuff animal strapped to it, you can bet they have either been or going to a toy run or ride.

Merry Chirstmas,

tina


(seems Blogger had a brain fart yesterday and posted my Monday's post on Wednesday...sheesh..now I have to find something for Monday...if this is the hardest thing of my day, then I'll be doing good..see ya)

Mail Goodies!!

Went out to the big black mailbox and look what was inside!!! Well, it was all boxed up...and some bills were in there too, and my tax id numberthingy...but this is the fun stuff:

My fren Cindy sent me a B-day prezzie box all loaded up with: an Altered journal, yummy Candle, sassy magnet, note pads all in a very Fallish burlap bag..and a wonderful hand made card too boot!
Thanks so much C for all the goodies!! big hugs~



Then, my other fren..Jan sent this:

She altered an 8x10 Vintage Harley photo..it's a hoot! now I have to find a funky frame for it and it will hang proudly in the shop shack! In case you didn't know, we ride Harleys..he has his and I have my own..Thanks so much JAN!! hugs from your little fren....



Spent alot of time in the studio working on some little shrines getting ready to solder..and added several things to ETSY..so please go check it out!!




Hope your Tuesday is terrific~
t

Saturday's Adventure

Saturday was cloudy when we walked out of our rooms. It was a nice change from the furnace of the sun the last few days..after breakfast at BJ's we headed out.

We were on a mission, sort of..I'm thankful that Leonard and Sue are good sports and allowed me to have this time! Hub knows my ways, may not always "get" me..but he humors me..
Today's mission was to go to Center Point Texas to meet up with a blogging friend! After riding some good roads we stopped for me to call and 'warn' her of our arrival.





We found the white fence and the pink bicycles..that caught Sue's attention, pink bicycles..she's an artist too, so she undersands our muses..After making our rumbling way up her driveway we found Jan and Frank in front of the garage watching us arrive..

Jan and I have been emailing for awhile now..and she's a teacher at Paper Cowgirl. So, it was fate~ we had to meet sooner or later..and since I was in the area..we made it sooner

She couldn't believe I rode my own. I thought she read my blog..guess not... They welcomed us to their home with true Texas hospitality! Frank is a life long Texan and Jan got here as soon as she could, so we'll forgive her for not understanding my Texas speak sometimes...

We were shown around the studio and their wonderful house. The guys set around the table and talked guy stuff while we did our girl thing...Let me tell you if you ever get the chance to meet this fireball of a woman, you need to take it..and be ready for a full ride~

We all went to Camp Verde for lunch at Jan's suggestion (instance) and have the best sandwich we'd ate this whole trip..As we set there, the rain started..and finished for that moment..We had to get going and parted way too soon, for we were not done talking...so we'll have to pick up where we left off next month at the retreat~


We then traded Moo cards and we were off..Frank suggested a road near that we needed to ride down...

These fellows were along the way:

We stopped to admire their wonderful horns for there were 3 more longhorns and a couple of odd fellows like the one behind...

Bandera was the next stop. Not that far down the road. We made it there..the boys let us shop...and then a big storm was blowing in. We rounded up and headed out. Hoping to miss the storm, but it caught up with us down the road. We had to climb into our rain gear, as we just zipped up the last zipper it hit us..Large- hard- cold -drops... let me tell you, at 50 miles an hour, those things feel like rocks hitting any bare spots you have showing~ We made our way back to Camp Wood. As we pulled in, the bottom fell out. Off and on all night it stormed and Sunday we woke up to it pouring off the roof...We suited up again and after breakfast at BJ's before we headed to Llano our split off place..

We left Leonard and Sue at Llano, rain suits shed and sun shining on our faces. Hub and I enjoyed the dry and made tracks for home. About 2 hours later, we were donning on the rain gear again..and rode in off and on rain until we were about 45 minutes away from home. By the time we made it home, we were dried out from the rain and ready to be home.

So, that was our road trip! Hope you enjoyed it! We did...we are taking another one next month~

later, t

Kangaroos, Water and Harleys

On Friday we headed out for the day. But first we had to have our breakfast at BJ's, she has been voted best breakfast for several years by the "Ride Texas" magazine, that is read by motorcyclers all over the state.

Down one of the 'sister' roads, there is an exotic game ranch. They have Kangas, Giraffes, Zebras, and such..I always want to stop, but we usually just zoom by. Little did I know that hub had plans for a laid back day...yea!

A bit later down the road, there is a low water crossing we always stop at for a bit..This time we shed our boots and put our tootsies in that chilly water, it was wonderful..then we all went over to the tin horns and put them in the running water for a massage...again, we just set there and didn't feel like leaving, so we stayed! We stayed there at least 45 minutes, it was great, no hurry, no worry..All we had planned was going to Junction for lunch.







Guess the feet~

Another spot I've wanted to stop and get a picture of my bike! This is a tiny place between Junction and no where..
We talked to the lady inside, she had been there since 1963!

We ate lunch at Cooper's in Junction and wondered the tiny downtown. Then headed up to Lover's Leap to look over the town. It was burning hot, Sue and I decided we didn't want to go to the Fort that hub had planned. So we chose to voice our opinions at this time...we all decided to head back to Camp Wood and go swimming! So we did..swimming in the river was great...It was a nice day and we did abit of riding, but most of all we were not feeling rushed to make X number of miles or see X number of things..that was a nice change..

Tomorrow: Meeting New people..

Paper Cowgirl is coming along, we are going to get the info packets made this week. We posted some new stuff over there..and I added a photo of the Charm we are making in my class info post! Go Check it Out!!

I worked on some swap stuff yesterday. It was a good day..got most of it finished and now to pop it all in the mail for my partners.

Happy Monday to you!

t