July 20 - Spaghetti & Meatballs, Our Anniversary and
                                  Crucian Pups and People

After the rodeo we were invited to the home of Steve (Hattie) Hatfield, a good friend of Teddi and Fred, who lives in a gorgeous mountain home in the hills near Westcliffe.  Teddi and Hattie 'go way back'!  Long-time friends are the best friends and it was fun to get together for an evening.  Hattie has not only a gorgeous home, but views to die for and that evening the sunset was perfect.  It was the last evening before a series of storms were to roll through. Deer were eating at the feeding station when we arrived.

Dinner was fabulous.  Fran is famous for her Spaghetti Sauce... it is a old family recipe that is days in the making and just oozes with the love of its creation.  Partnering in the food prep, Teddi made homemade meatballs that were simmered in this sauce and Fred made his delicious garlic bread.  I contributed an Olive Garden inspired salad that was a great complement to the rest of the food. 
Oh yumm, what a feast!  Homemade cookies by Teddi for the finale!  The best part of the evening was the camraderie though.  So great to be around great people.


Oh... did I mention that Tucker came with us?  Of course!  This was not only a re-union of Crucian friends but of Crucian puppies too!   10 years ago Asha and I were helping to place a litter of puppies that had come in to the shelter and were being fostered by Donna.  Teddi would up getting two of the puppies and transporting them to her friend Hattie.   Such lucky pups! They are named Hatfield and McCoy and they are the kings (both boys) of their mountain camp.   I'm sure they were not overly pleased when long-time friend Carina (Teddi and Fred's dog) and her buddy Angelo (Fran's dog) arrived on Thursday night.  Just as the house was settling in to the fun that is four small dogs in one house ... We show up on Saturday night and introduce Tucker to the confusion.  Oh boy!  There was some definite dog fun going on.  We 5 Crucian people loved having 5 Crucian puppies to observe enjoy the big yard and each other's company.  (Tucker loved Carina and Carina loved Tucker... Angelo loved everybody, and Hatfield and McCoy were tolerantly waiting for us all to leave).

One last thing... but a big thing... It was John and I's 34th wedding anniversary.   We were thrilled to be able to spend it surrounded by good friends, great food and the beauty of Colorado. 

We've been through a lot of adventures in our marriage.  Some have been great, some have been challenging, some have been unexpected, some have been heart-breaking.  We have been very fortunate and our life is charmed in my eyes.  Cheers to a lot more adventures TOGETHER, with love and respect for EACH OTHER!