Independence Day Weekend

We arrived in Centennial, Colorado on Friday July 2nd to spend the weekend and celebrate Independence Day with life-long friends Jerry Williams (who lives in Oklahoma City), her daughter Barbie and Barbie's husband Chris. 

On Saturday Jerry, Barbie, Monte and Shelley headed out with high hopes and full pockets en route to Colorado's gambling mecca, Black Hawk. We were a happy bunch on the way up through the mountains – the weather was perfect, the views spectacular and there was no traffic to fight. Four or so hours later our pockets were certainly no longer full, more like someone had cut a large hole in each of our pockets and the cash had poured out. However, we were still a happy bunch. On our way back down the mountain we got happier in that we had gone early in the day as the traffic on the Interstate that was headed up the mountain was backed up for no less than 10 miles – seriously 10 miles.

Sunday was Independence Day. We were joined for a 4th cookout by Shelley's brother Tom who lives just northeast of Denver. It rained most of the afternoon but the rain stopped just in time to get the steaks on the grill and cooked to perfection.  Dinner was great, and the company greater. Shortly after getting the steaks off of the grill the skies opened up again and it rained for several more hours.  We watched the Boston Pops concert and the $2 million dollar fireworks show from Boston on TV to finish off the day.  It is so wonderful to be able to visit with friends and family during our travels. And to do it on Independence Day makes it even more special. What a great country the USA is.

Thanks Barbie and Chris for the hospitality. Jerry – we'll see you again in OKC. Tom – I hope you get a chance to come to our house soon (after we get back home would be nice).