Back Home In Indiana

(Indianapolis, Indiana) 94 degrees, hot and humid

Evan

My nephews graduation from high school was an event that could not be missed.  I flew back to Indianapolis for a week to attend his graduation and see a few friends and family.  It was so good to be home and I spent a fun week seeing as many people as possible.  My friend, Debbie, invited me to stay at her home for a few days and the rest of the time was spent at my brothers. 

Hunter

The first day I stopped at the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) to see how Hunter was doing.  He is Debbie's grandson that I have written about earlier. He is recovering from open heart surgery and is doing really well.  They are hopeful that he can come home in a few weeks.  What great news and an answer to so many prayers. 

 

My step daughter has moved back to Indianapolis and it was so nice to spend some time with her.  She has a great job now and is very happy that her boy friend, Rob,  has now moved to Indy too. 

I made a surprise visit to see my co-workers at a baseball outing they were attending.  My boss, Jackie, had invited me and it was fun to surprise them. It was fun to catch up with everyone and it was a perfect day for a baseball game. 

CPIA Team Community Health Network

Debbie and I had a nice dinner with our friend Jean at Maggiano's.  We used to work together at St. Vincent and have remained friends for many years. 

Jean and Debbie

John and I belong to a Indy Good Sam's Club and I really was looking forward to seeing our friends John and Norma. They had just spent the weekend camping with our club and caught me up on all the news.   

Jen, Rob, and I spent the rest of the time at my brother's house.  We helped get everything ready for the open house and attended Evan's graduation.  We are so proud of Evan and all that he has accomplished.  He will be attending Purdue this fall and is majoring in pharmacy.  The high school has over 75% of the graduating class attending college in the fall. 

Evan and friend (nine of his class will be attending Purdue)

Most of the family was able to come for Evan's graduation.  We had a full house and it was a lot of fun. 

Family

Me, Evan, and Jen

The next day everyone was put into action to prepare for the open house.  There was lots of food and it was well attended.  Jackie's sisters and Mom are amazing in the kitchen.   Jackie was very prepared and had a list we all followed that kept everything very organzied.  Rob and Jen have both worked in food service and they really helped with all kinds of tasks.

Evan and Harry had also put together a movie that was  about Evan from birth to graduation.  It was set to music that Evan picked out.  Most of us shed a few tears watching it. 

Friends

Evan and Harry

Harry, Evan, Jackie, and Alison

The week went by quickly. Soon I was on my way back to Colorado. John picked me up at the airport in Denver and he had spent  a busy week at the campground.  It sure was good to see him and Jimmy.

A Walk Across the Sky...Just Don't Look Down - Royal Gorge Bridge

(Canon City, Colorado) 56 degrees, cloudy skies

Drive to Canon City

Yesterday we decided to drive to a very popular sightseeing destination in the area- Royal Gorge Bridge and Park (one of the world's highest suspension bridges).  From Cripple Creek it is a very beautiful drive (1 1/2 hours) through rolling hills and ranch land.  

Admission to the park and bridge is $24.95.  Luckily there was a military discount during May for 50% off admission.  That was a nice surprise.  It seemed like to steep price to see a bridge but there is a lot included in the price. 

River Gorge Bridge

The Royal Gorge Bridge was built in 1929 as a tourist attraction.  It was never intended to be used for transportation purposes.  It is 1270 feet long, 18 feet wide, and 150 feet high.  It's most impressive feature is the height from the Arkansas River to the bridge - 1,178 feet.  Looking over the bridge down to the river can be a very dizzy experience. 

Arkansas River (note rafts shooting the rapids)

The views from the gift shop were spectacular.  Included in the price is an incline railway trip down to the river.  We rode down at a 45 degree angle to the bottom of the canyon with granite walls surrounding us.  This is quite an engineering feat.

Incline Railway

Arkansas River

Afterwards we rode the aerial tram across the canyon.  It was not as scary as anticipated and the views were breathtaking. 

Once arriving on the other side we walked through a small wildlife park.  The park was very excited about a white baby bison that had been born three days ago.  He was really cute. 

White baby bison

Proud Papa

Big Horned Sheep

Mama with baby big horned sheep (one week old)

So, to get back to the other side...well you had to walk over the bridge.  Or, you could ride a trolley.  John was all about walking.  I'm really glad that I decided to be brave and walk but it was a little unnerving at times when it swayed back and forth.  Oh, and I did look down...not recommended!

Bungee jumping anyone??

It was a very enjoyable day.  Afterwards, we drove around the town of Canon City and had dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant called Diritos on Main Street.  We will definitely return here again for dinner.   

Well, our "weekend" is over.  Time to get back to work  Thanks for stopping by.