Saturday, March 31, 2007

Trip to Cody

Last weekend Jason and I traveled to Cody, WY (about 7 hours away, just outside Yellowstone). Friday I did research at the Park Co. Archives, located in Cody’s historic court house. I was looking for information on one of our female prisoners. Afterwards, I met up with Linda Orrell, a classmate from West Georgia! Linda is the collections manager, plus some, at the Meeteetse Bank Museum just outside of Cody. Together we went to the “4th Friday” at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and heard a talk from the new art curator, watched a preview of a documentary about James Audubon and strolled through the Whitney (art) Gallery. It was wonderful! Jason attended the annual Game Wardens’ Association that evening and joined us for dinner afterwards. My favorite, fried green tomatoes were on the menu so I was in HEAVEN! We both had a wonderful time with Linda, and her husband, Wendy. They are wonderful, bright, intelligent, kind individuals. I am thankful to have friends all the way from Georgia in Wyoming!

Sat. Jason spent most of the day in meetings while I strolled around downtown Cody. It was warm, in the high 60s, while it was snowing in Laramie! Late afternoon Julie (girlfriend of Game Warden Jordan stationed in Jason’s hometown, Elk Mountain) and I took a drive out of town looking for some big horn sheep. After about 25 minutes we were well rewarded! Didn’t see any really big guys, but instead a whole heard of females and their young right by the road. It was amazing.

Full moon Braveheart style

That evening the Game Wardens’ hosted a banquet and fundraiser. Jason won a new hunting bow! He is planning on going bow fishing Easter weekend outside of Wheatland, WY. Here is an illustration I found online: Sunday we went back to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and spent about 3 hours racing through exhibits. It is so big! There is so much to see, you really have to pick your favorite topics and start there first. There are five galleries: Natural History, Native American, Buffalo Bill Cody, Firearms, and Art. With admission, you get a two day pass. I wish we could have stayed longer!

Late afternoon we headed back to Laramie. We took our time, stopping to get ice cream at the famous Shoshone ice cream parlor, open since 1909. It use to be a bank! (Historic photos: http://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/shoshoni.html) Now there isn’t much to the town of Shoshone (right outside of the Wind River Reservation). In about 5 minutes, I took all of the following photographs:
Some pictures from along the road:
I love it when Jason gets creative! He took this picture of my boots as we were stomping around the side of the road, looking at the scenery.

We got back to Laramie after midnight, tired but happy with a weekend well spent. Thanks to Bill and Dee for watching the pets. They got a kick out of how Shelby rides in the car. She looks so fat! (70 plus? pounds). I think her and Rocky are cohorts in the anti-diet department!

Monday, March 05, 2007

Golly and updates

Golly, we got a lot of hits on that last one! Thanks everyone. It was a hard decision, I liked Shelby Lou, Shelby Sue, Shelby Lynn, and Shelby Dawn.

Jason and I finally decided on Shelby ... actually, you know us and our decision making abilities. We haven't decided yet!!! Lately, Jason has been calling her "Shel".

In other news, Trey hosted an Oscar party as a fundraiser for the local animal shelter, we bought a pick-up, went to the rodeo, watched Wild Hogs, Trey won a trip to Washington, D.C. with the History Channel, Tilley is in heat, the cat got licked, Shelby ran away from the camera and it was warm today (in the high 40s). Sarah, Storm, Meg and Trey Jason's new Ford pick-up. Only in America! Look at our driveway full of vehicles.
The day before Rocky got licked he tried to sneak up on Shelby while she was sleeping. The next day Shelby randomly walked up to Rocky and licked him from his chest to his face, then walked off. I think the cat was in shock. He sat there for a moment stunded before running off to hide. (I didn't get my camera out quick enough!) Tillie is in heat. Here she is in her panty pads with her orange trunk monkey.

Shelby doesn't like the camera... when ever I get it out, she runs away, which becomes a game of chase. Here she is making circles between the living room and hallway while Tilley stands guard in the hall.Rocky, enjoying the warm day outside.