DAD... YOU DA MAN!!

Just a little something for my Dad.

Dad,
... for all the sacrifices you made for us over the years (and there were many) to make sure we had food, clothes and shelter... you da man!

... for setting an example for us to follow, of discipline, honor, and and respect for others... you da man!

... for letting us see and know, that you loved our Mom... you da man!

... for all the camping weekends we spent together as a family growing up... you da man!

... for all the Easy Bake oven goodies you ate with enthusiasm, (in spite of how nasty they were)... you da man!

... for all the Father Daughter date nights you never missed... you da man!

... for getting up and out at 3:00 in the morning to pull me out of a snowy ditch, and not raise hell... you da man!

... for teaching me about money. How to earn, how to save, and how to spend... you da man!

... for making sure I was ready for the outside world, away from your protective cloak... you da man!

... for accepting, and loving my husband like he was one of your sons... you da man!

... for just being my dad... you da man!

I LOVE YOU!!

Today my Dad is completing a cross country move, from Montana back to Iowa. He and my mom have been living out west for the last nine years, and they've decided it was time to come back home. I wish I could have been there to help, but my Uncles are with them and they will get the job done.

Meanwhile, here in the sunny south, Harley and I plan to take a nice long ride today. My thoughts will be with my dad... wondering... "is he there yet?"

Happy Fathers Day Dad! I love you and appreciate all you've done for me... you da man!

Lady R

THANK YOU FOR THE RIDE... I LOVE YOU!!

Dear Diary... a glimpse into the pages of a journal written by a woman rider.

Sunday, June 14, 2009
Dear Diary,

I'm in love... still. H and I just celebrated another year together, making the grand total 29 years now. Some would say that's a long time, but surprisingly enough, it doesn't always seem that way. After this many years, he still puts a smile on my face keeps me laughing. He knows how to make me happy and today especially, he went out of his way to show me.

It's been about two weeks since I've been able to ride my Glide and I was craving some road therapy. After our road trip to Iowa, we turned around two days later and went to Panama City for the weekend . H rode his Street Glide down after work Friday, but since we had to take the pups, I loaded us all up in the Mazda and went down early. I like to get there in the afternoon so I can go and have Happy Hour with my gal pals.

A ride that was planned for that Saturday pizzled out due to various reasons, so I was a little disappointed about that. Our buddy had a Shovel Head all ready for me to borrow, but since the ride didn't pan out, I hung out with my girlfriends, doing lunch and lazying around.

When we got ready to leave and come home Sunday, H came to me and said, "You better go put your boots on." Not understanding what was up, I asked why and he responded, "If your gonna ride my motorcycle home today... you better put your boots on."

Woo Hoo! He didn't have to tell me twice! We loaded everything up and headed for home... him squished up in my little Mazda with two dogs and a bunch of crap, while I glided home on his beautiful blue Street Glide. With the sun in my face and wind on my knees, I was feeling that old feeling that's been missing the last couple weeks. Finding that feeling on a sweet ride like H's was even better.

I know it was a big deal for H to let me ride his baby. Some would wonder why, but other riders would know. It's a very personal thing. Your motorcycle is not something some can easily share. The fact that he was confident enough in my ability makes me feel very proud, and I love him for showing me that.

I couldn't have asked for a better anniversary present than getting to spend a nice afternoon, rumbling down the highway, rejuvenating the soul.

Thank you for the ride honey... I love you!

Me

PIC OF THE WEEK

PEACEFUL TRANQUILITY
This quiet little pond was on the grounds of the Moundville Archaeological State Park we rode through a few weekends ago. The park was not that big, but still had a camping area and nice picnic grounds for families to have large gatherings. We noticed a Dad and a couple kids fishing and I thought how nice it would be to spend a quiet weekend here sometime. It sure would be a change of pace from some of my more rambunctious camping weekends.

I hope you all had a nice weekend and have an even better week. I have lots to bring you, and hopefully with no plans to leave town again for a few weekends, I'll get some of my drafts posted.

Have a nice Monday everybody!

Lady R

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER... PIC OF THE WEEK

THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI
Twofer bonus... for being late!
I grew up on this river and never realized just how much I missed it until I came home for a visit. My friends and I would turn into river rats during our summers as we water skied up and down the river hitting our favorite little inlets, and floated around on pontoons, partying from one sand bar to the other. We'd have secret places along the river banks that made great areas for our weekends of camping and of course, cool parties our parents didn't know about.

Coming home to Iowa always brings forth a plethora of memories, but when I stand on this bluff in Eagle Point Park and over look the Mighty Mississippi River, it really feels like I'm home. I had a great visit with my family and I hated to leave them. I'm already feeling a bit homesick and look forward to the day we can return. Thankfully, I have a lot to keep me busy during the next few days, so hopefully, I'll be able to survive my adjustment.

Sorry I missed you on Monday, but 'better late... than never' I always say. I hope to get back into the swing of things real soon. Have a nice rest of the week!

Lady R

TRUCKIN' IT TO IOWA

Harley and I leave for Iowa today. Even though I'm extremely disappointed we're not taking the motorcycles, I'm feeling really good about going home and seeing my family. My parents are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary and we (all their kids) are going to go home and throw them a big party!

I hope to get online and drop a quick "Hi from Iowa" post while I'm there. It's a shame I can't just hop on the Glide and go see the Iowa Harley Girl and Fasthair while I'm that close. But then if I did that, I would have to swing over and say hi to that cheese head in Wisconsin (you know who you are!). And while I was at it I could ride a little further north and see Mr. Motorcycle too! But... I guess it's a good thing I wont have my sweet ol' girl there with me. My family obligations will keep me tied up and pretty much close to Dubuque for the four days I'll be there.

I hope you all have a great rest of the week and enjoy your weekend. Get out there and ride, and put a few miles on the road for me too!

See ya'll next week!

Lady R

PIC OF THE WEEK

CRUISIN' ROUND MOUNDVILLE
Harley and I took a nice little ride up to the Moundville Archaeological Park which lies on the banks of the Black Warrior River in Central Alabama. This really cool park is rich with history and includes a Museum, Camping and Picnic areas. It would be a great place to hold reunions and family gatherings and I plan to post a little more about our visit here another time.

While I was climbing a very large and steep set of stairs to get to the top of one of the mounds, Harley took the opportunity to cruise around the park while he waited for me to get through taking pictures. The view was great!

Have a nice Monday everyone!

Lady R

FUN ON TWO WHEELS AND BIKE FEST WRAP UP

Emerald Coast Bike Fest 2009 - All weekend long, during the rally, the drag strip stays busy with qualifying runs, eliminations, and stunt riders, all before the actual races on Sunday. We would ride the golf carts from the camp site to the track several times during the weekend to enjoy a little "high speed" entertainment. I love watching drag races. My problem is... I want to be on one of those bikes! Woo Hoo! (I snatched this photo from the Emerald Coast Bike Fest website. Pretty cool, heh?)

We were were watching some amazing tricks performed by the stunt riders, when these two caught my attention in particular.
While I was watching them, the announcer was telling us, that even though this young married couple just had their first baby about six months ago, they're at the track often, practicing their tricks. Congratulations! How cool is that? I imagine as soon as that little one is ready to roll, he or she will be at the track with Mom and Dad, learning the family skills.
I'm guessing they are getting ready for another stunt, but I swear the caption on this pic needs to be, "Will you get your head outta my ass and let me ride!" LOL!
I tried to get a close up, but if you look down the track, you can see that she's facing backwards in front of him while he controls the bike. Hmmm. He's probably thinking, " uh, honey... while your there..." LOL! They were really fun to watch.

I put together a little slide show, wrapping up my rally experience that's sure to satisfy the peeps with lots of motorcycle candy. Most of you know I'm a die hard rocker, but something about this catchy country song just struck my fancy. Besides, I tacked on a little treat for myself at the end... saving the best for last.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Woo Hoo! That was fun all over again! What a weekend! I know several of you are making plans to attend Sturgis this year. I just want to say... RIDE ON! Go and have lots of fun and get your fill. Then get your butt's (safely) back home and blog, blog, blog. Those of us who can't go will be waiting anxiously like chicks in a nest... come back with food!

Lady R