Lunch in Bridgeport, TX

 Today I had a chance to have lunch with Porcia Vaughn in Bridgeport, TX. She stopped to see me and "cousins" Pat and Jim on her way back to Dallas from a conference in Lubbock.
Porcia is finishing her master's degree in Library Science at SMU in December. Congratulations, Porcia.

Warmest regards, Gus

Nebraska State Capitol

 Today I was in Lincoln, NE, and visted the state capitol. At the capitol I met Loretta, who provided me with lots of information about the building and the city of Lincoln.
This structure is actually the third capitol building since Nebraska became a state in 1867. The building was designed by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, and construction was started in 1922. Construction was completed in 1932 at a cost of $9.8 million. Until recently, it was the tallest building in the state.

Loretta, thanks for the all the help, and thanks for letting me have a picture taken with you.

Warmest regards, Gus

Bison in the Holding Pen Area

Here is another shot of the bison at the end of the roundup.
Just a reminder: click on the picture to enlarge.
Regards, Gus

Bison Roundup At Custer State Park

 Today I was able to attend the 47th Annual Bison Roundup at Custer State Park, near Rapid City, SD. The cowboys, on horses and in pickups, rounded up about 1,000 or more bison and drove them to the holding pens. Over the next few weeks, the bison herd will be thinned and some will be returned to the grazing lands of the state park.
I had a special treat, as my good friends Dutch and Di were also at the roundup. I had no idea they were in the area.
 Warmest regards, Gus

Travels from Oregon to Colorado

I can't believe I have not possted anything in about a month. When I left the Bend Distillery (Oregon) I traveled to Boise, ID, and stayed at a nice winery. Then I stayed in Provo, UT, before going to Montrose, CO. After one night at the Elks' Club in Montrose, I spent two weeks near Gunnison, CO. Jim & Pat's grandchildren (Chris & Danielle) came and stayed for 10 days and we had a great time. We took a trip on the Gunnison River, went horseback riding several times and did lots of swimming.
Then we all came back to Colorado Springs so Chris and Dani could start school.
I had hoped to post some pictures of the boat ride and horseback riding, but I can't seem to get the system to work today.
Warmest regards, Gus

Vodka Tasting at BENDISTILLERY

 Today I met Claire at BenDistillery in Bend, OR. Claire provided me with some great vodkas and one gin to savor. I really liked the Crater Lake Pepper Vodka, which is 80 proof and is made with five different hot peppers to provide a great flavor to use in making Bloody Marys. Check out their web site at www.bendistillery.com.
Tomorrow I will be leaving the area and heading toward Colorado.
Warmest regards, Gus

Navy & Marine Shore Party's Land Ship

 Today I visited Fort Stevens Historic Military Site near Hammond, OR. This site is at the mouth of the Columbia River. I was allowed to be an "honoray" powder monkey--one of the boys and girls aged 7-14 who assisted with the work aboard ship. Here I am with James (left) who is not old enough yet to help out!
Fort Stevens is the only mainland military installation "fired upon" by the Japanese during WWII. You can find lots of historical information by searching: Coastal Artillary Forts of the Pacific Northwest.
Warmest regards, Gus