Happy 4Th of July Everybody!!!

Happy Birthday, UNITED STATES of AMERICA!

If you are an American, today is our birthday. America is 234 years old today, and even though we most certainly have our share of problems, and some of them seem to get worse every year, we’re still very privileged to be citizens of the greatest nation ever known. My hat is off and I salute those that have made  this possible and today we HONOR then all.

Meanwhile, we continue to enjoy our "little piece of Heaven" here in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is even more enjoyable with our "kids" Rollie and Gina here with us.

We told them that every morning at 07:30 we go for our morning hike at Stockade Lake in Custer State Park just 3 miles West of our place. They thought that was great, and I'm proud to say they have been going with us every day so far and are having a ball. They discovered a few muscles they didn't realize they had but didn't let it hinder them in the slightest. They are both such a joy to be around and do things with. Their enthusiasm is certainly outstanding and encouraging to us old guys........believe me, we need it!!

Gina is always "ALL SMILES" and a bundle of energy. This little gal enjoys life and puts joy into everyone's life around her!!

The 2nd morning they were here, Ms Pat and I backed the car out and there was no sign of Rollie and Gina. They had told us the night before they wanted to go with us, so I lightly knocked on their door. I heard their two little dogs bark and shortly Gina opened the door....still half asleep and said "Is it time to go already"?  I just had to snap a picture of her. She said "I was awake at 05:30, I must of dozed back to sleep".  I knew they were tired after such a long trip, so I told her to go back to sleep and get some rest. "OH NO", she hollered, "We're going"!  5 minutes later we were all on our way!!!

Above is Ms Pat and Gina relaxing and enjoying one of our favorite rock lookouts high above Stockade lake looking back towards our place near Custer.

The first half of this hike has some long steep inclines, but as you can see Gina is still smiling!

 

Here is Gina coming down from the toughest part of our hike hooping and hollering because she MADE IT!!

After Rollie and Gina arrived Tuesday at 9:30am , shortly after lunch we took them on a short ride to our personal cache site that we placed at an old mine. It was only a little over 3 miles round trip and they were anxious to get out a little further into the National Forest right across the road from our place. 

So, yesterday afternoon we took them way out on a trip to Hazelrodt Picnic area and on up to Cicero Peak. We traveled over 23 miles, saw some beautiful country and ended up at  Broken Arrow Campground.   We wanted to visit with Larry and Geri, the owners, but Larry was home sick with a flu bug.  We visited with Geri for a few minutes and then on home just in time (of course) for HAPPY HOUR!!!

This morning we are heading for Church and this evening we are looking forward to sitting in our front yard and watching the outstanding Custer Fireworks display. That is, if I can stay awake long enough!!

There is so much more going on around here and my Blog is getting way too long, so to see more click on Rollie and Gina's Blog.  Between both of our blogs, we'll try to keep you informed on what is going on.

Thanks for stopping by. I love your comments so please click on "Comments" at the bottom and join in. Its always great to know who is out there!!

It was a GREAT WEEK!!!!  God Bless You All!!!!

Remember, tell your Kids, Friends and Family that you love them.... they might not be around forever!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!

Mike

This Blog is Published every Sunday and Wednesday..