First, let me note that the two aren’t related. Scary is not a synonym I would use to describe our blogging friends. Adventuresome, fun loving, good people and friends are the words I would choose. I have been both surprised— and grateful— for the friendships Peggy and I have developed online during my 12 years of blogging. Over the past two weeks we visited with three that I will feature today: Alison and Don Armstrong from British Columbia and Crystal Trulove from Oregon.
HAPPYHALLOWEEN
It is Halloween, however. It is only right that I recognize the day with ‘scary’ photos Peggy and I have taken over our past two months as we’ve wandered across North America.
Old West skeletons playing poker with their pistols close-by are scary. The guy down on the left end is already dead, heh-heh. His problems can’t match the woman in red, however, since they are all dead. She just lost her hand, always a bad sign in high-stake poker. Wait, it is on the arm of the guy sitting opposite. The folks at the Pine Near Campground in Winthrop, Washington had gone all out to decorate for Halloween. I asked the owner about the name. “Legend has it,” he told me, “the 4-year-old daughter of the first owner had urged her parents to call it pine near, which was how she pronounced pioneer.” Her parents honored her request.Dinosaurs are scary, right? The Black Hills Institute in Hill City, South Dakota is packed to the brim with their bones. What could be more scary than T-Rex shown above?T-Rex chomping down on your head. Anything closely associated with the Devil’s name is Halloween–scary. This is Devil’s Tower in Wyoming looking ominous. The movie, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, suggests that Aliens think of Devil’s Tower as a great place to abduct humans. All Aboard! You don’t want to ask this guy any probing questions about it, however. Indigenous tribes in the region think of the tower as Bear Lodge. Nothing scary about that…Right. Try meeting up with this one as he is coming out of his ‘lodge’ in spring after several months of hibernation—hungry and grumpy.In Yellowstone we came across mud pots with gas bubbling up creating a brew that looked and smelled like something witches would whip up . “‘Double double toil and trouble/Fire burn and cauldron bubble” Shakespeare’s three witches would have been proud of this concoction.Not to burst your bubble…I found the two blind eyes that popped up scarier.They looked like escapees.It’s hard to think of Big Foot as particularly scary. Even the King Kong sized version. But have you ever stopped to consider…How big Big Foot’s foot is? You would not want to be stepped on! That would be both scary and messy.I’ve never thought of wild burros as being bad, much less scary, but I’d never met these guys. Here they were in South Dakota’s Custer State Park blocking the traffic, demanding booty. Sure, buffalo blocked traffic as well. But they were merely crossing the road, exercising their prerogative to get from one side to the other. Slowly. The donkeys were bandits. Pure and simple.“This is a hold up! Hand over your carrots.” Put into Halloween language, it’s Trick or Treat. Face it, two burros stuffing their head into your car window is scary. Say your dare to roll up your window. Say you refuse to feed the determined demanding donkeys. You get the trick. Out come their big tongues and they slime your windows.
Happy Halloween from Peggy and me.
BLOGGING FRIENDS
No tricks here, it was all treats as we met up with blogging friend last week…
“Alison and Don have arrived!” Peggy said with a laugh. She was facing the door of the Washington Avenue Grill in White Rock, British Columbia. I stood up just in time for Alison to come barreling into me and give me a big hug, followed shortly afterwards by Don. It was a warm greeting between old friends— who we had never met in person. We are blogging friends. I’m not sure when we started following each other. My guess is around ten years ago. Alison and Don had sold all of their worldly possessions in their 60s, established their blog, Adventures in Wonderland — a pilgrimage of the heart. and took off to explore the world. I’ve been along with them for most of their journeys including visits to India, Australia, South America, Europe, and Asia. Their’s has been an inward as well as an outward journey. As they say in About Us, “We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works… Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both.” They certainly opened their hearts to us. We talked for three hours, nonstop, learning more about each other and laughing a lot. If you aren’t familiar with their blog, enjoy great photography, and love learning about and participating in other cultures, I would highly recommend that you hop over and visit Alison and Don as they explore wonderland.“We think you have the longest arms,” we told Crystal and gave her the selfie responsibilities. Unlike Don and Alison, we had met her before. Twice. The first time, she had commented on my blog that she was coming down to the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland and would like to have lunch with us. We insisted that she stay over at our house. I was already a fan of her blog, Conscious Engagement. Peggy enjoyed our visit with Crystal so much she made her a quilt that featured Dragons and now lives on Crystal’s bed. (Crystal loves dragons.) The second time, she had brought her new, special friend, Pedro, down to explore Southern Oregon. And, I am pleased to say, meet us. Our visit with Crystal at her home in Oregon was a bit last-minute, since I wasn’t sure when we would be where, which is kind of how we travel. We were ever so lucky that Crystal not only agreed that we had to get together but that we had to stay at her house! She has a beautiful country home filled with momentos of her travels and of her passion for the Cherokee Nation, of which she is a proud member. (She even took Bone with her to visit the Cherokees in Oklahoma.) After a wonderful dinner that featured salsa that Pedro had taught her to make and a lasagna that was scrumptious, we sat around her wood-burning stove and swapped tales while Racecar, her 17-year-old cat, decided that we had mainly come by to hold her in our laps and scratch her in the places she loves to be scratched. You will find tales of travel and adventure that are well documented with excellent photography on Crystal’s blog, but she also features her wonderful sense of humor and her commitment to making the world a better place to live, a bit challenging in this day and age. Visit her and become a part of her interesting and thoughtful world.
OTHER FRIENDS
The Northwest is a great place to live. Not surprisingly, we visited with other friends over the past couple of weeks (and still are) who live in Washington and Oregon. So far this has included:
Our niece, Christina, and her two beautiful dogs, Zoe, the princess on the left, and Bella, the empress dowager, on the right. Christina, in addition to being a relative, is a good friend, so good that she zipped down from her home in Tumwater, Washington to help us pack when we were moving from Oregon to Virginia.
Bella, by the way, is a serious watchdog. She lies on top of Christina’s couch, parts the curtains with her nose, and on occasion barks loudly at someone who dares to walk by her domain.
Zoe is more than willing to join in, or even lead in barking, but she is more interested in having her ball thrown. This is her, “Get with it; throw my ball,” look.
We also met another Bella, this one in Bellingham, Washington, when we were visiting with our friends David and Celia. They had invited over for a wonderful seafood dinner featuring salmon, ling cod and crabs they had caught. Dave went with us on our 18-day private Grand Canyon tour 12 years ago. He took us as passengers on his raft several times and let us play at paddling (but not in serious rapids). We forgot to get a photo of Dave and Celia but he sent us this picture of Bella. I’m going with the yellow thingy being her Halloween costume, that or a teething ring. She nibbled on us quite liberally.And finally, we also spent a pleasant day with Michelle, Brian, and their dog Atli. (Atlisis the name of a First Nation tribe.) Michelle and Peggy were principals together in the Dry Creek School District near Sacramento. Michelle also hired our daughter, Tasha, to teach at her school. After Dry Creek, Michelle went on to get her Phd and serve as a superintendent of schools. Brian is a writer and an avid bicyclist, still doing centuries (100 miles in a day) in his 70s. And with that, Peggy and I will bid you farewell on this scary day. It’s been fun visiting with you!
A fun post Curt. Personally I detest Halloween. It has invaded the UK like a virus. We used to have a simple affair called Bonfire (Guy Fawkes) night on 5th November but it has been completely subsumed by US trash commercialism of 31st October. Such a shame. Time marches on.
As I understand it the Irish lay claim to the origins of this contagious festival…
You sure scared up some loving fun with your bloggin friends Curt. Were the skeletons the oldies but goodies from the good ole days paying your hand at cards.
Such spectacular pics collected. Those mules sure aren’t shy. Allison and Don are kindred spirits alright. No wonder y’all get along so well. I’ll head to check them out.
Love the Aussies.. they are the best!! I have a mix of a golden, Australian Shepard..(damn neighbors dog.. lol ) I was going for a pure bred but she was and awesome dog. Your niece is pretty cute too.
Good luck with the packing up and moving on,
Great pics and glad you’re having fun! ❣️
Thanks, Cindy. Much fun, with both putting the post together and visiting. We are still visiting. I feel like a social butterfly. 🙂
The burros were anything but shy! Laughing about the neighbor’s dog. I’m convinced that mutts are healthier, anyway, being somewhat a nut myself (and proud of it).
On Monday we begin our way east with only six weeks to reach Florida. Sigh. Life’s tough. 🙂 –Curt
You’re so welcome and happy you are fluttering your wings and flying to new heights while you make your way east.
Don’t pick up strays along the way unless they are as nutty as you.. teasing.. see you on the flip side of your travels and stay safe. 💗
Not sure about new heights. Grin. But we always love our adventures. As for strays. We qualify. No need for anymore. Thanks, Cindy.
Well how about this? 2 strays or cool cats. finding their way.. 😻😻 xo ❤️
It is indeed a bonus Christie! Friends and great scenery! It would be hard to ask for more. Thanks. We had fun with the T-Rex. Peggy was very careful inserting and pulling out her head. 🙂 –Curt
So good to finally meet you two in person. It felt like a reunion even though we’d never met. Let’s do it again sometime?!
I had no idea T-Rex was so ferocious looking, nor that donkeys could be so pushy.
It sure looks like you are having a fine time in your ramblings.
Alison
PS neither of the links for us and Crystal work 😦
Whoops, better get back and check those links. And yes, Alison, it was so much fun. My apologies for not responding sooner. I’ve been being a social butterfly. 🙂
It was great to see you Curt and Peggy! How fun to be able to extend our online lives into our real life lives. I enjoyed all these photos which were scary and funny, and wow, Peggy is so brave to put her head inside the T-Rex mouth. She must be a dino tamer! As Margy said, the capture of the burst bubble is excellent. I’m glad you got it!
Laughing. Inserting and pulling her head out of that T-Rex mouth did require care. Lots of teeth! Big teeth! Likewise in terms of our visit. It certainly speaks to a special benefit of blogging. As for the bubble, I didn’t even realized I captured it until I was looking through our photos later!
That is a great set of scary photos! (Some funny ones, too.) I have always found Devil’s Tower to have a very ominous look – great inclusion! I’m so glad you met and enjoyed Alison and Don. We felt the same way at our meeting in September in Vancouver, like we’d known them forever!
Glad you enjoyed my ‘scary’ photos. Lexi. I thought that the burros were a particularly good addition. Grin. Devil’s Tower is impressive. I’ll do a post on it eventually. (I have so much material sitting out there now, I could stay home for a year and not run out of things to write about.) Alison and Don really are special! Thanks. –Curt
Wandering through Time and Place 
I especially like the bursting bubble photo!
It was fun, Margy. I was lucky to catch it. Thanks. –Curt
Yes me too! What a great catch!
Great post, Curt. You do Halloween well!!
Thanks, G. 🙂 Also, nothing like a batty flasher. 🙂
Wonderful series! Happy Halloween! 👻🕸️🎃🌕👽🍭
Thanks, Cindy, and to you as well.
Great fun. My favourites are the dinosaur and the donkeys.
Thanks, Peggy. Both were amusing and interesting. 🙂
A fun post Curt. Personally I detest Halloween. It has invaded the UK like a virus. We used to have a simple affair called Bonfire (Guy Fawkes) night on 5th November but it has been completely subsumed by US trash commercialism of 31st October. Such a shame. Time marches on.
As I understand it the Irish lay claim to the origins of this contagious festival…
Like Christmas and every other holiday, Andrew, if a profit can be made… And thanks.
Your post was a treat Curt.
Eye of potato, head of lettuce, hand of bananas – – vegan witches.
Thanks, Ray. Sounds like a great veggie brew. 🙂
You sure scared up some loving fun with your bloggin friends Curt. Were the skeletons the oldies but goodies from the good ole days paying your hand at cards.
Such spectacular pics collected. Those mules sure aren’t shy. Allison and Don are kindred spirits alright. No wonder y’all get along so well. I’ll head to check them out.
Love the Aussies.. they are the best!! I have a mix of a golden, Australian Shepard..(damn neighbors dog.. lol ) I was going for a pure bred but she was and awesome dog. Your niece is pretty cute too.
Good luck with the packing up and moving on,
Great pics and glad you’re having fun! ❣️
Thanks, Cindy. Much fun, with both putting the post together and visiting. We are still visiting. I feel like a social butterfly. 🙂
The burros were anything but shy! Laughing about the neighbor’s dog. I’m convinced that mutts are healthier, anyway, being somewhat a nut myself (and proud of it).
On Monday we begin our way east with only six weeks to reach Florida. Sigh. Life’s tough. 🙂 –Curt
You’re so welcome and happy you are fluttering your wings and flying to new heights while you make your way east.
Don’t pick up strays along the way unless they are as nutty as you.. teasing.. see you on the flip side of your travels and stay safe. 💗
Not sure about new heights. Grin. But we always love our adventures. As for strays. We qualify. No need for anymore. Thanks, Cindy.
Well how about this? 2 strays or cool cats. finding their way.. 😻😻 xo ❤️
FYI… both sites can’t be reached… not sure why ..
Jus heard that Cindy. Will check it out. Thanks.
❤️
Well, you did miss one stop in Oregon. 😉 Ah, the trials of being so popular.
Happy Halloween, and be careful how you stack your mashed potatoes.
I did, Dave. And sorry for it I am! 🙂 As for stacking mash potatoes, I am relatively good at stacking them in my stomach. 🙂
Always fun meeting up with friends, and a bonus, while roaming a beautiful country🤗
A funny picture with Peggy and the T-Rex!
It is indeed a bonus Christie! Friends and great scenery! It would be hard to ask for more. Thanks. We had fun with the T-Rex. Peggy was very careful inserting and pulling out her head. 🙂 –Curt
So good to finally meet you two in person. It felt like a reunion even though we’d never met. Let’s do it again sometime?!
I had no idea T-Rex was so ferocious looking, nor that donkeys could be so pushy.
It sure looks like you are having a fine time in your ramblings.
Alison
PS neither of the links for us and Crystal work 😦
Whoops, better get back and check those links. And yes, Alison, it was so much fun. My apologies for not responding sooner. I’ve been being a social butterfly. 🙂
What fun sites for a spooky post, Kirt, but you’re right about the bloggers you visited with – not scary at all. Everyone is smiling! Great photos.
Thanks, D. I had fun putting the post together. As for bloggers, I am always amazed at the friendships that develop. –Curt
It was great to see you Curt and Peggy! How fun to be able to extend our online lives into our real life lives. I enjoyed all these photos which were scary and funny, and wow, Peggy is so brave to put her head inside the T-Rex mouth. She must be a dino tamer! As Margy said, the capture of the burst bubble is excellent. I’m glad you got it!
Laughing. Inserting and pulling her head out of that T-Rex mouth did require care. Lots of teeth! Big teeth! Likewise in terms of our visit. It certainly speaks to a special benefit of blogging. As for the bubble, I didn’t even realized I captured it until I was looking through our photos later!
That is a great set of scary photos! (Some funny ones, too.) I have always found Devil’s Tower to have a very ominous look – great inclusion! I’m so glad you met and enjoyed Alison and Don. We felt the same way at our meeting in September in Vancouver, like we’d known them forever!
Glad you enjoyed my ‘scary’ photos. Lexi. I thought that the burros were a particularly good addition. Grin. Devil’s Tower is impressive. I’ll do a post on it eventually. (I have so much material sitting out there now, I could stay home for a year and not run out of things to write about.) Alison and Don really are special! Thanks. –Curt