SuSu is Back and Went to Loveland, Colorado

Time marches on and sort of left me in the dust for a couple of months!

But now I am catching up and over the next few days I plan to add the adventures I had, bringing this all up-to-date.

During my time in Colorado, which was spent mainly in the north-eastern section, or the Front Range as it is called and up close to the Wyoming border, I did manage to make a few day trips to Boulder and Loveland and several other small local towns.

Loveland

Street art is big and Loveland is the art capital of Colorado with some of the most gorgeous sculptures I have seen.

"Molly, Deeter and Susie" is one of my favorites and was created by Loveland's Pat Kennedy, then donated to the city in 2007. It is just one of the many sculptures that appear around just about every corner, in every tiny or large park or public space. It would take days to see them all but I saw enough to know that next time I am there, I will make a point of spending several days exploring. I consider my time there just a taste of what the area holds.

"Persistence of Vision," another sculpture by Pat Kennedy was the first one to catch my eye. Outside the historic Rialto Theatre, it is dedicated to the memory of Phyllis Wallbye who was the Arts editor of the Loveland Reporter-Herald newspaper. And right close to the newspaper office is the charming bike-riding paperboy! Down on the main street, a sleek, stylized cougar rests on the back of a bench and close by, in a tiny park, an apparently controversial, elegant nude woman cuddles her baby. So classically gorgeous, I wonder why anyone would be offended by the sculpture, titled  "Moulding Our Future" by Denny Haskew.

Loveland isn't all bronzes and art. There are also wonderful restaurants and coffee shops that are begging to be visited. From my short time there, I get the laid-back atmosphere and the vibe that to me indicates a lot of gentrification is going on. The lovely old buildings are begging to be restored and it is starting to happen. Some of them have been gutted and converted to very expensive condos.

Loveland is snug up against the base of the Rockies, so ski areas are very close, plus it is not far from Denver so it could possibly become a bedroom community which would be a shame, really, as it has so much charm now.

Next time I am in Colorado, I will make sure I go back to Loveland and take in more of the sites. It most likely won't be in the winter as I am not much of a snow person, so watch for updates next spring.

Never Lose Anything Again

Dynotags are a Cool Way to Label Your Stuff

Sometimes you don't even have to leave home to have an adventure! My latest excitement is what I found during my recent internet "travels."

I just discovered these very cool QR-enabled tags called Dynotags that you can attach to all nature of things, so you never lose anything again. (And who hasn't lost a bag when traveling, or left your keys somewhere when someone else was driving? And not because you are in the granny/grandpa bracket, either!)

Dynotags have your unique QR code on them so anyone with a smartphone (or computer because there is a unique web site address too) can scan your code and all the pertinent info pops up, like your name and phone number so your belongings can be returned to you.

How cool is that!

One of the best uses, I think, is the one they have for pets. You know what it's like when you see a lost dog running around on the street. You call him over (and hopefully the pooch isn't too freaked) and look at the collar and see - a license and not much else, which is really no help at all. But with a Dynotag on the collar, you simply whip out your phone, scan the code and call the owner immediately. Done deal. Dog goes home happy and safe, owners thrilled and the poor animal doesn't have to spend time in at the lost and found, waiting to be rescued.

There are various styles, like the medic alert-type, which is very cool, as first responders can scan the code and immediately have access to whatever information you would want someone like that to have. Such as: allergies, medications you take, your doctor's contact info and naturally, you emergency contact. You decide what is visible to the scanner and all your other info is kept private.

The uses for these smart codes is endless, really! I keep thinking of ways they can be used. The stickers can be used on phones, computers and there are even special ones for sports equipment. So when you have a lousy golf shot and toss the offending club into the weeds and walk off the course, whoever finds it can scan the code on the shank and your temper tantrum is discovered! Ha!

I am so taken by these (I LOVE technology) that I have added a couple to my eBay store, so check it out and help fund Granny Susu's travels!

Down Home Cookin'

Two Grannies and a Grandpa Went Out on the Town for Breakfast Today!

Truck stops always seem to have the reputation for good and plentiful food! Those truckers need to fuel up often and a lot of these guys (and girls) are pretty hefty and you wouldn't want to serve up anything that didn't taste good! It might be the last meal you serve!

The Double Clutch Cafe in Evans, Colorado has been voted to have the best home cooking in Weld County!  I have driven by the place several times, seen it sitting off the side of the freeway off-ramp, the parking lot filled with gas and oil tank truck, cattle trucks and other big rigs. It's a real truck stop with fuel, the Cafe, a convenience store, showers, lounge and free wifi.

The exterior is very unprepossessing and rather uninspiring. Our tiny Honda FIT was dwarf by all the pickups in the cafe parking lot. Definitely, bigger is better here in Colorado!

Once inside the cavernous restaurant, it felt like a step back in time. No decor to speak of, other than the rather 80s theme throughout.

We chose a booth under a big window, with enough light to counteract the dark furnishings. Our friendly server was quick to appear with the coffee pot and we put in our orders quickly. It's an extensive menu, with basic breakfast, lunch and dinner fare. The table was quickly covered with bowls filled with individual serving packs of half and half, a "creamy spread," aka margarine, not butter, Smuckers grape and strawberry jam. And because Susan was having pancakes, a big pouring pitcher of syrup.

When the food arrived there was barely room for the large, filled plates. The food was plentiful and good, nothing particularly special and not as hot as it should have been. But I did enjoy the hash-browns which I haven't had for ages!

The Double Clutch is a place to go for basic, down home cookin'. Don't expect anything fancy, like any sort of "plating" of your meal. The menu includes things like pot roast, chicken fried steaks, hamburgers and the like. And of course, desserts and homemade donuts!

A funny little note. As we were leaving I popped through to the convenience store side to see what was there. When I got back to the cashier, she asked if I had been in there the previous week. When I told her it was my first time there, she said someone had told her I looked like a woman who apparently skipped out on her bill! I may be famous, but don't want to be infamous around here!

[box type="shadow"]

Double Clutch Cafe

675 31 St Street

Evans, CO 80620-1500

(970) 506-3330[/box]

Where in the World is Ault?

 

Where in the world is Ault?

If you blink as you drive north on Hwy 85, from Eaton, Colorado, you might miss this dot on the map, billed as "A Unique Little Town," covering a total area of 0.7 square miles (1.8 km²). Incorporated in 1904, it is also known as “Gateway to the Pawnee Grasslands.” 

Ault sits directly on a railway line, (a rail runs through it) with vast farm lands stretching for miles around it. The main landmark is the tall grain elevator that appears to be out of use.

Although the town is tiny, it's well worth a stop to explore the antique stores that line the main street. On the day I visited, it was the middle of the week and the streets were quiet. We had the run of the place, and wandered through acres of antiques, marveling at the finds! One of the stores specializes in china and glassware, so the other granny Susan queried about some china she has stashed in a box somewhere. Next visit, we'll take the stashed china with us.

My favorite so far, is Jen's Antique Mall, (we didn't have time to visit all the stores). Located in an old (the whole street is old!) building, there are nooks and crannies to explore and an enormous assortment of stuff. I saw lots of old kitchenware and utensils, old toys, masses of salt and pepper shakers and other goodies that I didn't know were considered antiques as I used them when I was a kid! Hmmm.... makes you think!

Although we were too late to partake of the goodies at Gray's Cafe, (they close at 2pm) the cinnamon rolls are famous in this neck of the woods. Apparently they are huge! So next time we make the jaunt north to Ault, we'll plan on being there before they close, preferably for the also famous breakfast.

Jen's Antique Mall

220 1st St Ault, CO 80610 (970) 834-2877

JR's Antiques Etc.

(China and glassware) 213 1st St, Ault, CO 80610 (970) 834-2291

Antiques Whistle Stop LLC

213 1st St Ault, CO 80610 (970) 834-2198

Gray's Cafe

200 1st St Ault, CO 80610 (970) 834-0741

On the Wild Side

I just went on a wild adventure that I don't think many grannies get to experience! But remember, this is Colorado and the beginning of the year brought momentous changes to the state! (As it has in Washington) so you get my drift! A friend of mine (who wishes to remain un-named) suffers from pretty severe arthritis, and having tried numerous remedies and who regularly abuses her liver with ibuprofen, decided it was time to try the age-old fix, marijuana. Coming from Washington, it really wasn't that much of a stretch to go that route, but ACTUALLY going to a weed store was something neither of us have ever done.

After doing a little research online to find a dispensary close by, we found two on the outskirts of Greeley and on the spur of the moment, hopped in the car and headed on over. The first one - with a very green door - was just off the main road. A sticker on said green door said that they weren't doing recreational weed yet but could dispense medical weed, as long as you had your permit. We went in anyway, through a wafting cloud of smoke, and a young hippy girl with a headband and flowers in her hair suggested the other dispensary, "just around the corner." We snagged business cards, including one for a doctor who will write a prescription - no medical records required - and went "around the corner" to the recreational store.

It was very busy!

A tall, young security guard carded us (yep, two old gray haired ladies had to show ID) and we were in. Of course, we were both giggling and so were the other customers who all looked liked teenagers to us. And there was a lot of laughter as my friend talked to the receptionist and said, "We're on a fact finding mission and can't buy anything until Wednesday, when I get my Social Security check!" But we got the information we needed and decided to actually go into the "inner sanctum" to check out the goods.

We took a number and waited our turn, then followed a youngster into the back room! It felt very clandestine! In the actual store, the edibles, which is what my friend needs, were displayed in a case, and a charming young Hispanic man told us about the brownies, rice crispie treats, caramels and other candies. He explained the "Jewels" which are small 10mg hard candies of various flavors, and suggested that they might be the way to go, as the active ingredients are absorbed sublingually, so the effects are much quicker than say, eating a brownie. It's also a measured dose. This makes a lot of sense. The blend of active stuff is designed for pain relief and for sleep, exactly what she needs.

We forked over the cash, she chose Kiwi Strawberry flavor, green hard candy Jewels and we headed out the door, feeling very chuffed about the whole thing!

What a fun experience that was - so now I can say I have been into a "head shop," which still feels a little shady, despite it being legal!

Cloud 9 Caregivers LLC

2506 6th Ave​

Greeley, CO 80631

970-352-4119

Exploring Locally

As those of you who read this blog know, I believe in exploring and adventuring wherever I happen to be. Recently, I've been moving around a lot, which gives me great opportunities to get out and discover what's happening.

Arriving in Eaton, Colorado ahead of the snow that hit the Rockies the day after I wound my way through them, I quickly got settled at  Susan and Dan's, which is right in Eaton, a small, farming community. That doesn't mean bucolic, pastoral fields of cows grazing, corn growing and vegetable gardens in every yard. This is industrial farming. Miles and miles of flat, cultivated and irrigated land that is just now being turned and will soon be fertilized with heaven knows what! And with the oil and gas boom, just about every field is dotted with fracked wells. Not a pretty sight, but the locals are happy - megabucks pouring into the area and MacMansions popping up in place of corn.

Aaaahhh...progress...

However...

Nothing is going to stop the exploring, so Susan and my first little adventure was into Greeley, a college town about 10 miles from here. Sunday morning and we got a recommendation for a good coffee shop (NOT Starbucks, or Charbucks, as I call it) and made out way into the University District to The Blue Mug @margies, a charming place that reminded us of Port Townsend. Funky furniture, high ceilings with wonderful old tinned tiles and most importantly...good coffee. It wasn't too crowded, being Sunday and the college students were probably still sleeping off heavy Saturday night parties. It wasn't really warm enough to b out on the delightful patio, though. Once it warms up a bit, that will be the place to enjoy sit out  under the big umbrellas and enjoy the surroundings.

As I mentioned, Eaton is a tiny dot on the map, but one of Susan's favorite places is The French Corner, an antique-y store with some lovely stuff. It smelled so good, too as there are bowls of potpourri strategically places, as well as scented candles to brighten the dark corners. It's in an old building that lends itself to the decor. The prices, for the most part, were reasonable and there is a huge variety of goods. We spent a sensory-filled hour or so wandering, touching, smelling and just enjoying.

Eaton actually has two French Corners and we visited both, the second one appearing to have more of a "sale" appearance, although I don't think that is the intention. Either way, both locations are fun places to go.

Yesterday, we planned to go to Fort Collins, which is half an hour or so away as there is supposedly a Farmers Market right in Old Town. Well, we didn't find it, but Old Town is a place I plan on going back to explore. We found out later that the market was indoors! So no wonder we didn't see it.

We made a circular route back to Eaton, but as I had found a Groupon for a tea place in Greeley, we decided to do that instead.

What fun that was!

For Susan, who lived in the area 30 years ago, it was an eye-opener, as the area has grown up so much, getting gentrified and moving beyond being an agricultural town known for its meatpacking plant (which is still here to handle the animals from the local stockyards). There are lovely old building, many brick ones that are starting to house a lot of restaurants, specialty stores and places like Cranford Cove Tea Tavern.

What a delightful place that turned out to be! The Groupon worked getting us in there and I know we will go back. It's in a storefront location and has a surprising twist to the tea theme. Of course, you can get a cuppa but the specialties are alcoholic drinks made with various teas and spirits! My libation was a hot spiced rum drink made with the special chai blend (I always go for rum) and Susan's was a Lemon Drop made with green tea and ...hmm I forget but it was delicious!

Making the Tea Tavern even more special is that it is not-only-for-profit enterprise, that benefits Love Made Claim, a non-profit with "a mission to reach those in the sex industry with the truth that they are loved and valued." I do like to support social entrepreneurs as I believe this is the way of the future.

The Blue Mug

931 16th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80631 (970) 356-6364

The French Corner Market

" A Vintage Shop" 108 Oak Ave ( Hwy 85 ) Eaton, Colorado 80615 970-454-2006

Cranford Cove Tea Tavern

823 10th St. Greeley, CO 80631 970-515-5527

Spectacular Drive to Colorado

I am so glad I decided to forgo Route 66 along the southern route through Arizona and New Mexico to Colorado. The scenery on my chosen route, US70, was unbelievably spectacular. Every twist and turn displayed new views and awe-inspiring rocky vistas. My overnight was in Richfield, Utah and from there, I had a choice to either drive north through Wyoming and miss some of the mountain passes, or go up and over. I chose the latter as I didn't think I wanted to see all the fracking wells that Susan said she had seen in Wyoming, coming from Washington.

Crossing the state border into Colorado and heading up into the mountains, I remembered how I had felt when I first came to Colorado back in the very-early 70s, when Aspen was a very small village and Snowmass only had a couple of ski runs. I actually learned to ski on the bunny slope in Snowmass! It was in John Denver's day, and I so wanted to move to the Rocky Mountain High he sang about. I loved the mountains and the smells, the clean air. We (my ex Randy) and I spent quite a bit of time there as his brother lived in Snowmass. We were there in all the seasons, my favorite being spring, when the mountains and meadows bloomed. We never did make the move...I had discovered a tiny town called Ouray that seemed, at the time, to be perfect.  Driving through Grand Junction this time, I almost made the the right turn on Highway 550 to go check it out. Maybe on the way back? On Highway 70, I cruised through Vail and Breckenridge where it was snowing! During my weather check that morning there was no indication that it would do that, and I was fortunate that it was very light, although the white stuff was piled high alongside the highway and there were signs saying "icy road" so I was very careful. My little car does not have all weather tires! And I didn't carry any chains, which in hindsight was probably not a good idea! I made it up and over the mountains without mishap, enjoying the change in scenery - gone were the golds, browns, reds and tans of the high desert. Emerald forests and blinding white snow blanketed the mountain sides and the road winds up and down, through valleys and alongside rivers and through some very l-0-n-g tunnels, which I don't like!

Late in the afternoon, I popped out on the eastern side of the Rockies - and stretching as far as I could see, it was FLAT! No wonder people thought the earth was flat - it sure looked like it from my perch! The Flat Earth Society is probably in Denver! From there, it was literally, downhill! Traffic and trucks and people!

Thank goodness for Lucy (my and Betsy's name for Waze) who directed me around rush hour traffic to Eaton, Colorado where I got a big welcome from Susan and Dan and the animals!

p.s These are all iPhone 5 pix and I shot and edited them in Camera+, a really cool app that has lots of editing options.

On the Road Again

 

I managed to blast out of Los Angeles traffic around 11 this morning, missing any congestion . As soon as I  got on the 210 freeway, I turned on an audiobook and cruised. Harry Bosch kept me amused most of the day.

I did manage to drive a short section of Route 66 in Victorville, which was very uninspiring. In fact, most of the scenery, until I reach northern Nevada was desert, desert, and more desert with a lot of cactus breaking up the monotoned scenery.

When I reached Las Vegas, I decided not to stop - I think I want to pick a "special" and go for a weekend and see a show and take in the sights. It needs more than a quick drive by - especially if I want pix.

There was a huge solar plant, I think it's called Searchlight and I wasn't the only one slowing down to check it out. And by slowing down, we slowed to 70 instead of 80!

Then I got to the good part! Amazing rock formations and cliffs, striated layers of various hues and colors formed on both sides of the highway and it was the perfect time of day - late afternoon and it just glowed. The tops of some of the bluffs were frosted with a light snow glaze which shimmered in the golden light.

I know I was driving erratically; it was hard to keep my eyes on the road, surrounded by such spectacular beauty. I actually hadn't realized how close the highway is to Zion National Park and that what I was seeing on my right, was the western border of the park.

As darkness fell, it became apparent I wasn't going to get to Richfield for the night, but figured 500 miles was a good day and pulled in to Beaver, Utah for a good night's rest.

Barring anything untoward, I should be in Eaton tomorrow evening.