Denver 25.6.2012 – USA Travel Journal

Well what an amazing day today…I am on such a high , that I am finding it very hard to come down.

We went into Denver today to check out the sights and see what we could do while we were in town. We got some advice from the wonderful staff at the Denver information centre.

Information Centre

Information Centre

Gave us some brochures on places to see. One of them was a wildlife sanctuary just outside of Denver. We are going to check that out tomorrow. We were also told to check out the Reserve Bank.

Dave at the Reserve Bank

Dave at the Reserve Bank

Love the art work around the city

Love the art work around the city

So we decided to takeĀ the tour and got to take home a bag of shreaded money. Equates to about $165 US. Dave found it fasinating. Checking out how to spot a counterfeit. I got some things for scrapbooking.

We then headed to the Hard Rock Cafe so I could collect another glass for the collection.

Some Bon Jovi Memorabilia

Some Bon Jovi Memorabilia

While there I checked my facebook and seen that Bret Michaels was going to be in Denver at a Pet store for some signing of products and promote his dog accessories line.

I have to say a huge THANKYOU to MICHELLE MILLS for letting me know about the concert. Poison and Def Leppard happen to be playing in Denver tonight. So I booked some tickets.

So I looked up the address of where Bret was going to be and Dave and I took a little road trip. Well turns out he was only about 15mins from our motel. Unfortunately they had posted that you had to have a lanyard to meet him. You had to purchase one of his dog accessories by a certain date, but they had sold out. But on his website it said you could still go and catch a glimpse of him. So that was good enough for me. Little did I know what was in store for me.

When we arrived we were greeted by the most gorgeous lady. She asked if we needed help. I told her we were there to just catch a glimpse of Bret and that we were only in Denver for the day and that we were from Australia and really had hoped to meet him, as I didn’t know about the purchase of products. She told us to wait and she would find out if she could do anything for us. She said that if we bought something that he would more than likely sign it for us, but unfortunately when she did some asking, she was told politely that we couldn’t do anything without a lanyard. I said I totally understood and that just to see him was good enough. She offered to give me her lanyard at the end if we were still there as she was not that interested in seeing him. I couldn’t thank her enough.

Anyway she went about her duties and Dave could tell that I really wanted to get to see him. So my most amazing husband disappeared outside. He came back with a lanyard. I was estatic…my smile must of been out of this world. I asked him how he got it and he said that he asked a couple that had been to meet Bret with their son and if they would be interested in selling the lanyard to us. They were so sweet that they gave Dave the one that hadn’t been signed. They didn’t even want money for it. I can’t thank them enough. They could quite easy of said no. I wish them all the happiness in the world and hope that one day its paid forward to them.

So my wonderful husband went out and got the camera and waited patiently while I stood in line. I was the last of the public to meet him. The others were the store staff. When it was my turn to see him, they asked if we had a camera to take photos. I said yes my husband has the camera, she offered to take the pic. Dave said if he could be in the pic as well. They were so sweet and said ‘of course’. So Dave got to see Bret as well.

When I finally got to meet him. I walked straight into his open arms and boy did he smell and feel good šŸ™‚ . OMG he is even more gorgeous in person and what a bod…mmmmmm. He shook Dave’s hand and thanked us for coming and when he realised we were from Australia he was saying he had just been down there and that he took the tour bus out to the beaches all along the east coast. I told him I was bummed that he didn’t make it to Perth…he said he would be down to Australia on his own and that Perth was on the list…I missed my opportunity to offer my mobile number and say I would be his tour guide. *darn it* .

Dave said he had watched his shows and was so glad to see him on his feet and looking well. Bret was so appreciative of that, he thanked him for it. Shook his hand and signed his shirt. I also got the lanyard and a dog frisbee signed….my doggie ain’t having that!!

BretĀ is one of the most down to earth person I have ever met. I told him I was a fan of his, that I had met the guys of Def Leppard and Jon and he said that they were all fantastic guys, he said that Jon was a great guy. It will be a day I will never forget. I had told Bret that we were going to the concert and that I was waiting on confirmation of my tickets, he said to me not to worry, turned to one of his staff and said put this young lady on the Poison list for 2 tickets. I was amazed. Never expected that at all. He posed for a couple of photos and wished us all the best and thanked us for coming out and hoped to see us again. He gave me a kiss on the cheek and said goodbye. I don’t know who was buzzing more Dave or I. Dave had said to me and the kids before we left Australia, that all he wanted to do was take a pic with a celebrity that he knew. Mission accomplished. I personally want to thank Bret Michaels and his staff for such a wonderful experience and one I will never forget. His generosity was amazing. I want to say that the tickets were fantastic and we had the best night. Bret still got it and bought the house down. It was so good.

I am still on a high and don’t think I will sleep much tonight, but what a holiday to remember for life.

Love my husband to bits for making this possible and Michelle Mills for giving me the heads up on the concert. You rock girlfriend. Hope to see you real soon and drinks are on me!!!!

Well better go and see if I can get some sleep.

Signing off with ears still ringing šŸ™‚

J

xoxo

Dave and I with Bret...what an amazing person..Dave Dave and I with Bret…what an amazing person..

Road to Denver – USA Travel Journal – 24.6.2012

Well not much to report today. Just drove through to Denver from Steamboat Springs.
We spent most of the day driving each other around the bend. It was my turn to drive. Now while Dave has done most of the driving, I have said a few ‘don’t do that, or don’t do this’ but have tried really hard not to nag, well it was completely different when I got in the car to drive. I was told ‘set it to cruise control, easier to drive, drive faster, don’t be so nervous etc etc.
Well Jodie has found the solution to the problem. Me navigator, Dave driver – problem solved.
I will stick to planning the route we take, as Dave and any electrical device – touchpad phone, gps etc , not so good. So leave me to that, he can deal with the roads and the drivers, he fits in really well, he is as mad as they are. I still have to remind him occasionally though – stay right!!!
We did get to see some moose today along the way. Dave got some shots of them.
We seen our very first Moose

We seen our very first Moose

We had plenty of twists and turns in the road again. I started feeling sick. I really don’t think they know how to make a straight road…lol.
We finallyĀ  made it to Denver and are now settled in our room and checking out what we can do tomorrow.
So I will call it a night.

J

xoxo

Road to Steamboat Springs – 23.6.2012 – USA Travel Journal

After our day of rest in Salt Lake City, today we set off again on our road trip. We started the morning by looking at a swap meet where we went to the Drive In last night. It was nothing like our swap meets. Its more like our commercialised markets. Anyway we picked a point on the map and started driving. Again we headed through mountains and then we hit desert and then great lakes. The scenery is just something to be seen. At every twist and turn it changes.

Also on our way through we stumbled across a Car Show. Dave was like woohooo lets go. So we got to see some really beautiful cars and dream about one day, having one of our own classic cars. After spending some time drooling over the cars , we decided to get back out on the road and continue our journey.

Dave with his new car...lol

Dave with his new car…lol

Car Show - Utah

Car Show – Utah

Hotrod

Hotrod

We have now stopped in a little place called Steamboat Springs. It reminds me of an old town from the western era. We found this lodge right in the main street and luckily for us they had one room left. We were so lucky to get anything coz there happens to be a rodeo on this weekend. Well its finished now, but I guess they are booked out all over the town. Not that we minded at all, the place is beautiful, the room is clean and tidy, has a fridge and microwave and free internet. Couldn’t ask for more. I am looking forward to exploring this place a little more tomorrow. Well I must go now, as have heaps of pics to upload and we are going to check out the rodeo.

Ready to Rodeo

Ready to Rodeo

Save a horse, Ride a Cowboy!!! Thats what I think anyway šŸ™‚

Salt Lake City – 22.6.15 – USA Travel Journal

Today we slept in to 11am…gee that was so nice. We had no plans today, just to relax and take a look around. Dave let me go find some scrapbook stores…not sure if that was such a great idea. He is such a patient man, sitting in the car while I was in shopping and no complaints. Such a great husband. I met the sweetest lady Karen who owns Mom and Me scrapbooking. She was so friendly and gave me some great tips on places to see. I admired all her work. Some of her displays and designs were gorgeous and I have heaps of ideas. Her shop was so awe inspiring. Made me feel right at home, so much that I spent more than an hour chatting away and they were meant to close. She actually reminded me of Holly Madison. So sweet.
Dave went off to find some pawn shops to look at while I was shopping. Karen asked me where he had disappeared to and without batting an eyelid just casually said ‘Oh he has gone to look at some pawn shops but of course, with my accentĀ  she thought I meant the porn shop. Classic moment. I quickly explained that he definately was not looking at that…so funny.
On our way to find the scrap shops, I saw a Drive in screen.Ā So I came back to the motel to look up if they still operated andĀ to my surprise, it was still on, it actually has 5 screens, plays 2 movies and all for $7each. Such great value and the sound comes through the fm station. So we had a date with a Drive in screen. I knew exactly what I was going to see. Rock of Ages and they were alsoĀ playing Men In Black III, so Dave and I were happy little vegemites. What a great way to spend a Friday night with my man. So wish we still had Drive Ins in Perth…such a shame that there is only one or two left. Here the Drive In was so popular that there were lines of cars waiting to get in.

So now its very late. 2am to be exact and I need to go to bed. Loving every moment of this holiday and makes me appreciate the life I have even more. I miss my children dearly but it is going to be so good to see them and share our many adventures.

Love you my babies

xoxox

Road to Salt Lake City – 21.6.2012 – USA Travel Journal

Waterfalls along the way

Waterfalls along the way

The road to Salt Lake City, Utah was a great drive. We knew we didn’t have far to travel today. We wanted to get there with some time to relax and get laundry done (never escapes me). Catch up on sleep and make sure my little package was waiting for me ( Blue Bear).

We stayed off the highway for most part of the trip and stopped at a little place to have lunch. It was such a quaint spot. Had a real cowboy feel to it. For the life of me can’t remember the name of it. Dave and I both took a look around while waiting for our order. They had some crafty things for sale. I found the most adorable bag and watch, so lunch turned out to be a lot more than anticipated. LOL. As we sat back down to enjoy our lunch, Dave noticed a little handmade out house. Well curiosity got the better of him and he tried to open the door, as he thought that it must of had something inside it…well indeed it did. As he opened the door, the whole thing exploded with walls and roof flying everywhere and I have never seen Dave jump so high in my life…it was definately a moment to remember and left me laughing so hard that I had tears streaming down my face and the other patrons in uncontrollable fits of laughter. That will teach him to leave things alone!!! But what a scream to see his face….priceless.

So he put it back together and spent the rest of lunch wondering how he was going to make one!! While we were eating some others came into the restaurant and as I was checking out the items for sale, I heard Dave and the rest of the restuarant laughing. The little out house had claimed another victim. So funny. So we left there feeling great. Laughter truely is the best medicine.

We arrived at the motel around 4pm and our little package was waiting for us…I have never been so happy to see a stuffed toy in my life..and Blue Bear was very happy to be reunited with us but boy was he in big trouble. He is now in detention and will not be allowed out to play for a few days.

Blue Bear Banished.

Blue Bear Banished.

Think its time he took a ride in the washing machine…he needs to be cleaned up after his little journey!!

Well time to head out and do the laundry. Take care.

J

xoxox

Some awesome artwork along the way

Some awesome artwork along the way

Road to Mountain Home – 20.6.2012 – Travel Journal USA.

Ā 

Today we set out to get as close to Salt Lake City as possible. We have made it as far as a place called Mountain Home. So glad we are only here for the night but it must be a popular place to stop as we tried to get into some of the motels and they were booked out, so now I am sitting in a dingy little motel run by a creepy chinese man. Think I will definatelyĀ be out of here early in the morning.

Along our way today we stopped at a little place called Mitchell.

Couldn’t really pass it by, having a son called Mitchell. It was like a little ghost town but it actually had a main street, 2 cafes and a little shop called Judy’s place…she had the most amazing array of antiques and collectables and she was a fountain of knowledge concerning her little town called Mitchell. She told us about its residents, and who owned the previous buildings that now stand empty. She chatted with the locals and told us about the young men building the house in the street. How his grandfather used to own it. Dave watched while they operated a crane, all the while thinking and wanting to operate it for them, as they really didn’t have much of an idea. He quietly stood there, talking to himself saying – lower the rope, boom up and boom down…meanwhile I was laughing thinking how work never really is far from his mind. Judy was an amazing women and it was such a great time to spend getting to the heart of this country…this is what makes the trip special.

Looking forward to stopping along the trail , meeting and talking with more unique and wonderful people and hearing about their passion for their town…

So now I will sign off and look forward to what tomorrow brings.

J

xoxo

Road to Redmond – 19.6.12 – USA Travel Journal

2014-08-05 13.06.18

Well Dave and I must of needed that. I dove out of bed at 10am this morning. Dave was mortified. We like to be on the road about 8am , so we can get some miles laid down. But I say lets just take it as it comes. Love the fact I only had some of the trip planned and that we can look at the map and go ‘lets go here today’ but if we choose to change direction then we can do that too..

So as we got a few milesĀ and aboutĀ 4 hours down the road, I had a sick feeling to my stomach ….BLUE BEAR IS MISSING!!!!

He decided that it was too comfy in bed and didn’t make it to the car on time…I am beside myself with worry. Luckily we made a call to the Motel 6 in Grants Pass and the lovely Rose was able to let us know that he is safe and sound and that they have him. You have no idea how relieved I am…I had felt like I was missing an arm, as I was crying like a baby and trying to tell Dave that he is my link to my children. I feel like they are with me all the way. I have sweaty eyeballs as I write. So BB will be taking a road trip of his own and hopefully will be awaiting us in Utah, Salt Lake City in a couple of days. I know you must all think I am crazy but he really is part of the family. My son loves to see his travels daily. I had to break the news to him just a while ago and he is now worried that he is going to get lost. I have assured him that I will make sure he is safe and sound with us very soon. I am crossing everything he finds his way to us as well. So with much sadness tonight, I must say goodnight or good day to you all and will sleep very restlessly until I have him safe in my hands and then I am going to strap him in the car and make sure he doesn’t disappear again. I’m sure he thought it would be great to take an adventure all of his own.

Blue Bear tucked up in Bed.

Blue Bear tucked up in Bed.

Well signing off now and heading to bed as its very late and hopefully an early start in the morning.

J