The scenic route

Yesterday I spent an hour getting ready to attend the wedding of a friend from work.  I left the house 45 minutes before the start of the big event...after programming my GPS.  It was an outdoor location somewhere in the Black Hills.  I followed the directions precisely, taking each curve at the designated 35 mph.  When "Thomasine" announced I had reached my destination, I turned into a gravel driveway thinking there must be some sort of venue up the hill behind the barn.  Not the case, however.  I quickly exited the small yard and headed back to the highway.  I kept driving without seeing anything that looked like a "destination".  I turned around and started back and again Thomasine reminded me when I had reached my destination.  So this time, I pulled onto the property across the road in spite of "destination is on the left".   It this was it, I was certainly the only one there.  Well, me and the horses.  Now I decided to dig out the invitation and follow those directions, which were no more helpful than Thomasine.  I breathed a sigh of relief when I approached a woman getting her mail (out in this uninhabited land).  She, however, had no idea where to find Copper Canyon Lodge, but suggested I keep driving for a few more miles.  Following her advice, I kept going into the Black Hills National Forest.  After 5 miles I turned around and retraced my route--no wedding balloons in sight.  I frantically texted a friend who was going to see if she had made it and HOW she got there.  No response.  So I tried again, without Thomasine's help.  I drove for what seemed like miles before seeing balloons at the entrance of a long drive.  Hopefully it doesn't matter that I was only there for the processional  (must have been a short ceremony)..I was only 25 mins late.  I offered my congratulations and talked for a bit.  When I started the car to return to town, the "low fuel" warning blinked at me.  Ahhhh, I have really never been a fan of weddings!

Quiet evening planning

Yesterday was one of those days that one gets through by thinking about the one thing they plan to do to unwind when it is over.  Some people plan a quiet dinner, a long walk or a leisurely soak in the bath or hot tub.  By noon, I was already thinking about the view of the full moon from my back yard swing.  Of course, it is only quiet and relaxing once the neighbor children are tucked into bed.  At 9:30 I put on my flip flops, grabbed a cold beer from the fridge and headed out for my well-deserved quiet time.  The moon provided just enough light through the trees to guide my trek across the yard.  A flashlight might have been a better choice, however.  Unfortunately,  I did not discover the large, thick spider web until it clung to my face and hair.  I discovered the spider when it crawled onto my arm.  Needless-to-say, I had a change in plans.

The magic of children

Isn't it wonderful how sometimes a child's laughter can brighten even the darkest of days.  Last weekend, four-year old Haley and her mom stopped by for a bit.  Haley is quite a talker and always engaging.  To keep her entertained, I offered her the opportunity to "hula hoop".   Watching her send the "hallow  hoop" (as she called it) was quite entertaining.  Her mother was as surprised as I that she could actually keep it moving with her cute little wiggles.  As we laughed, she just cracked herself up with how funny she was.  Ahh, such music to my ears.

A Classic

The most classic look of the Rally was a far cry from leather, boots or tattoos.  I had to stop for gas at a station half way between Sturgis and Rapid City.  It was crowded with motorcycles coming and going from every direction.   As I pulled up to the pump, I noticed a silver car that resembled my own parked at the next pump over.  I was awestruck by the little old lady who had just finished filling her tank.  A frail little lady, probably at least 70 made her way through the throng of bikes without a moment's hesitation.  She was wearing a flowing floral skirt and white blouse, beige strapped pumps, and carrying an oversized brown leather purse.  She completed her ensemble with a bright red tightly fitting hat  that appeared to be made of nylon netting material.  I nearly followed her into the station to get a better look; but instead, I watched the looks of the many bikers (male and female) who may have shared my reaction "What a classy woman"....

Hairy Looks

It seems the men of the Rally generally wear the same black t-shirts, leather vests, jeans and boots.  They make their own fashion statements with their hair--or lack thereof.  For every bald/shaved-head seen on a bike there are at least two or three others with long braids or shaggy mops.  Those that make a statement with their beards are unique.  I wonder how they manage to eat, drink or smoke with their long (some covering their bellies) bushy, unkempt beards.  Then I wonder about the women they are with....eeewww, the idea of that face kissing someone is repulsive.  I did do a real double-take when I noted one man with a thick white beard that appeared to be banded in a couple spots.  Truly thought he was holding a shih Tzu on his lap while driving--but, alas, just another fashion statement.

Leather looks

The styles are becoming a bit more risqué as the Rally rambles into Day 4.  Certainly the theme is always leather--vests, riding gear, gloves, head gear and accessories.  I have no idea what band might have been playing this evening as riders made their way to the concert locations, weaving slowly through downtown Sturgis traffic.  I noted at least three, age unknown ladies on the back of bikes sporting above the knee leather boots and short-short shorts.  Two were wearing tank tops and another was wearing a lace see through number over a decorative bra.  I suspect the chick in the leather bikini and leather boots was not anticipating a walk on the beach, but she will no doubt get plenty of attention.  Perhaps this is her rain gear!

Unofficial Day 2

Friday after work, I joined a friend for drinks in Sturgis.  There were plenty of cycles on the way there, but I did not notice any remarkable attire.  However, I did see a couple outfits worth mentioning.... As we finished our drinks at our outdoor table, my friend seemed to stop in mid-sentence and forget her train of thought.      Walking through the parking lot toward the door were two unforgettable less than young women.  One was wearing very tight cut-off shorts that appeared extremely uncomfortable, her black biker boots provided the finishing touch.   Her companion (who I suspect was her mother) was wearing a tightly form-fitting top displaying  voluptuous, firm breasts with a large gaudy necklace to highlight the cleavage.   Personally, I am feeling rather good about my age but it gets so much better.   As I was turning onto the Interstate, I noticed a leather-clad biker pulled off the side of the road.  I did a double-take and nearly hit the car in front of me as I gawked at the 70+ year old, grey, long-haired, weathered faced woman astride her Harley.  Damn, I look good for my age!!

Rally attire

The Sturgis Rally officially starts on 8/5 but the motorcycle enthusiasts have been arriving all week and preparing for the annual party.  Of course, they are difficult to ignore; so, I have decided to watch for the most interesting/outlandish looks of The 2013 Rally.  Today I saw two looks that top the list thus far.  One rather robust, bearded gentleman on a motorcycle chose his own unique helmet--a dark colored helmet with rather long animal horns on each side.  I am uncertain whether he was seeking the Vikings look or that of a longhorn steer.   The second sighting was a  motorcycle carrying a pleasingly plump (or perhaps seriously overweight) couple wearing their "tourist" shorts and Mt. Rushmore t-shirts sporting matching designer helmets.  The brightly colored helmet design--M&M candies.  I'm sure the week promises many more fashion statements!!