Monday, July 20, 2020

How Cool Is This

The morning of the 16th began with my bare feet slapping the floor just after 4am. Because my bladder told me so. Was out the door before 5am for a dawn patrol bike ride. I shot some photos from an irrigation canal that constituted pure magic with an amazingly glorious reflection. Sent This Video To Friends


At this point, made a vow to reply with personal messages to the friends that responded. I included replies with how they have influenced or attributed to in one way or another. This process invested ample time but I felt the time was well spent. Plus, I am proud to sat that I have never in my life replied with the letter K. My normal acknowledgment is 10-4 but an emoji face thing or the K.

What A Gift On The 16th of July 
My next move for the day was packing up my computer, drinking down a fruit filled smoothie, and riding to the station on my old Cannonade Red Racer. She is the true definition of an oldie but a goodie. I was fortunate enough to host The Jazzway Boulevard Show from 9am to noon. Listen ( https://www.radiofreeamerica.com/show/jazzway-blvd-kafm-community-radio  ) here for another week or so. Its Bitchin Jazz!! No Sleepy Elevator Tunes


That link starts off with the ending of a horrible song, The Entertainment Calendar comes up next, and then I began the show with a classic gem of Everybody Loves The Sunshine by Takuya Kuroda. Almost hip hop beats on the wide spectrum of Jazz. Almost anyway and the majority of callers were unsure about how their normally traditional weekly jazz show sounded. But they still chose to called me and share there trepidatious attitudes regarding my style. Their positive feedback was well received!! A number of usual suspects called as well and were "jazzed" about the upbeat diversity in audio wave forms. So That Is Way Cool


Basically, I wasn't going to allow C19 to ruin my day. I have unquestionably taken live music for granted over the years. I clearly see that now. I never imagined that I would NOT be surrounded by friends and family on this, the 16th of July. Sure miss the other 10,000 friends in attendance during any given Red Rocks Summer Tour.


So after my version/interpretation of a jazz radio show, packed the car, towards the continental divide I drove. And I Drove. Drove Some MORE. 3+ hours later, Leadville Colorado landed on my radar. A welcoming light rain was beginning to fall upon my face as I unloaded my belongings. I didn't mind as I just escaped 103F / 39.4C Valley Temps. Bring It Baby


The town of Leadville, perched at a secluded elevation of 10,100ft / 3,078m, accommodated me with a tiny house on wheels. If fact, they actually have a small community of tiny homes for rent. The particular tiny house of mine was named Destiny. Fitting??? These tiny homes are designed for energy-effecincies and are built on tandem axel trailers. Shower, commode, sink, oven, 4 top burner, full size refrain, coffee maker, toaster oven, lounge area, and a step ladder to the loft were just about all the amenities. Would love to design and build one some day as they have so much potential for using creative functional space in multiple ways. Not quite as cool as a treehouse but still.


Within about two minutes of feeling "moved in", Mother Nature opened up her beauty. Pouring rain accompanied pea-size hail stones, lightning bolts that actually danced a few seconds when connecting to Mother Earth, hammering thunder shook the little place, and the asphalt covered streets were consumed by nature once again. Rivers of water ran down the streets and the clean mountain smells were prevalent. Yes, the tiny house windows were open.


After a basic meal of steamed veggies, beans, rice, and a flour tortilla, I meandered along the quaint small town streets of the ever so charming town of Leadville. Dogs greeted me with a bark or two, wild flowers swaying in the after storm breeze, and an unforgettable sunset illuminated the vast evergreen hillsides with multitudes of vibrant color schemes. Completely Engrossing


Within no time at all, eyeballs rolled towards the back of my head for the evening. Here was my little bed on the loft and this was my view out one of the many loft windows. Stunning Really!! The highlights of waking up before Mr Sunrise is witnessing the clear night skies above. With the naked eyes, NAKED, five planets greeted me with early morning goodness. The ringed planet of Saturn floated just above the brightest of all Jupiter in the southwestern sky. The Red Planet Mars was visible along the horizon in the southeast sky. Venus truly blazed in the eastern sky and Mercury danced along with Mr Moon sky high. How Lucky Am I?? So lucky that Comet NEOWISE showered a trail like nobodies business. That Lucky


After vegan style pancakes ( my first go with spelt, almond milk, added chopped apples and whole organic blueberries ) my favorite all time disc golf course awaited my presence. Let me be clear here, I love everything about this course, improvements over the past few years were notable. I mean, Check Out This First Tee Pad!! Bafflingly Desirable


Every hole offers these commanding views and the fairways demand your full attention. I loaded up and uncorked my driver in order to par the 343ft / 104.5 meters on this particularly beautiful first hole. After the second hole drive, I quickly realized that my mid-range Shark would be the preferred disc to tee off with. The fairways are simply to narrow with pine trees for my wildly thrown drivers. Sure, I suck and I am cool with that. Fire Away


See what I mean?? That is the tee pad way back there for hole number 4. You are looking at the basket of hole 4 and clearly no room for error with your drives. The Mt Lincoln on the 5th hole sign, each hole is named after a 14'er, the red dot indicates the basket is unambiguously right there. Once again, the fairway is lined with trees and that basket for hole 5 is tucked nicely behind a grouping of trees. Accuracy is uncanny with unforeseeable hungry tree limbs chopping at those pesky flying disc.  First Bogie On The Round


These were pretty cool. Tree stumps for sitting were sprinkled in throughout the 18 hole course. I never actually sat down but found them intriguing. Shall I fabricate a few??? I would lacquer the tops for sure and I just might have a few adequate bottle caps for this project.


The above photo is the whole reason why I played this course today. I discovered solitude on the tee pad and was able to drive the length of the 8th hole. That red disc flew on my imaginary flight path and struck the base of that metal pole with such force that the sound echoed throughout the forestry landscape. My one and only birdie for the day. STOKED


And then there was this amazing tee pad and the second reason of why I played this round. I mean REALLY?!?!?! Postcard Perfect!! The basket is way down to the left there and was designed for a forehand hyzar drive player like myself. I retrieved my driver with no hesitation, full on grip and rip, just cleared that evergreen Alberta Pine to the right, my disc settled firm in the breeze, and faded perfectly to the left in front of the basket. My putt, not so hot. Another Par For The Course And Pun Intended


I two-putted a lot during the day but I really couldn't care less. This game was about simply being. Before each and every drive off the tee pad, I soaked up the views. With every approached shot, I appreciated the atmosphere. With every putt, I humbly tried again. Call Me Mr Mulligan


Then, there was this moment in time. The basket is dead center there with a Ponderosa Pine on the right and three more lined to my left. I launched my putter on a collision course with the tree to the right of the basket. My putter narrowly somehow avoided contact and slammed into the chains with velocity. As quickly as my birdie filled excitement boiled up, my putter fell to the ground, missing the basket. "Well Sh*T Fire" I muttered to myself. There is a very unique sound of a plastic disc making contact within the chains of a basket. There is also an onomatopoeia sound when your disc lands upon the dirt floor. Oh Well


Overall, the 18 hole round was satisfying in every way, shape, and form. My Shark driven drives were fairly well played, my first putts were atrocious, but my mulligan putts always found their mark. Beautifully defined cumulonimbus clouds built up with the summer time heat and produced afternoon rains once again. Excellent timing on my part and the ideal backdrop for enjoying a packed lunch. My poor mans trail mix was a nice tied-me-over move while playing but The Donger Needs Food!! That Is A 16 Candles Reference. Then, I roamed around Leadville before departing. No real hurry to drive back down to GJ where the baking desert oven awaits.


The town of Red Cliff here. The Boy Dog & I walked along that lower bridge many a times. My friend SA still lives there with JS. The Boy Dog & I would visit both in the Summer and Winter months. He loved winter romps and there are a number of outstanding hikes outside of Red Cliff. Its A Sight To See


So That's It Folks. Another Trip Around The Sun. The Anniversary Of Ones Arrival On This Planet Is Definitely Something To Celebrate No Matter What Else Is Going On.


One final note here and this is NOT a debbie downer for a number of reasons. Will share those reasons on air, will be hosting a Tribute Show for the late KAFM programmer Old Dog. Ron passed away almost two weeks after his beloved dog Sarah passed. They are happily joined together again and are no doubtingly spreading propaganda were ever they find fit. The show will be on Tuesday the 28th of July. Ol Dog on the Freeway was the name of the show and I genuinely hope to cover it with justice, integrity, and dignity. Listen HERE

Stay Strong & Think Of Others First,
Cheers

84 comments:

  1. First photo is magic.
    If I had to get up that early you would find me back in the bed!
    Bridge, trees the view all good to see in your part of the country for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It Was Magical - Sure Wish I Could Nap Somedays - But Its Just So Fun Getting Old - Thanx For Checking Out All The Photos

      Cheers

      Delete
  2. The first photo is great. I only use K as a text to my partner and sister. Colorado has a continental divide. Interesting. Your accommodation looks good too, but what is a refrain? Google won't help. A typo? It sounds like you were playing golf, but not with golf balls? The bridge supported by an arch is good too.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Refrigerator??? North America Was An Amazing Gorgeous Continental Divide - The Canadian Rockies Are Majestic And Our Baby Rocky Mountains Are Something Special - The Boy Dog And I For A Years Would Track All The Headwaters - Loads Of Photos From Doing So - Will Create A Post With Disc Golf Details Soon As Many Questions Have Come About - Take Care Brother Man

      Cheers

      Delete
  3. Very beautiful mountain photos!
    Were you not afraid that the ladybug will eat your leg? LOL
    But yes ... the bugs love bugs!

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    Replies
    1. Incredible Mountain Town - No Bedbugs Thankfully

      Cheers

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  4. Hello, I enjoyed all the photos, the views are fabulous. Seeing a rainbow is always a treat. We could use some rain here. I would like a tiny home, I have watched the DIY show where they build the tiny homes, some are luxurious. Love the cute ladybug..Wishing you a great day and happy week ahead.

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    1. Thanx For Admiring The Photos - Stoked You Noticed The Ladybug - Sure Made My Day - You Know, Its Those Simple Moments In Life

      Cheers

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  5. ...I have seen many rainbows, but as nice as these. Now that's some disc golf course, my son and grandson would love it. Keep on keepin on.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ... Wish I Could Share The Videos From My iPhone - The Sounds Of Rain, All The Birds, And A Few Singing Dogs - True Magic In The Air

      Cheers

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  6. Belated best wishes! You celebrated in a great way! Nature makes us feel young!

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  7. That sounds like the perfect way to spend celebrating, I've been hearing from my sisters how hot it's been so going up to Leadville...
    great idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I Am Thinking Snow - Excellent Celebration For Sure - Sending Vibes

      Cheers

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  8. Wonderful captures all. Have never stayed in a trailer/camper but I do hope to do so someday! The views from your bed are amazing!

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    Replies
    1. The Views Were 360 Degrees Of Amazing - Thanx For Checking Out These Shots - Always Nice Hearing From You There Magic

      Cheers

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  9. Dearest Travis,
    Congrats on your early rising Birthday!
    Often I'm planting my feet to the ground around that time as my kidney function forces me to make another trip yet.
    But at times I don't mind starting early, with a fresh mind.
    Wish that in 3 hours driving distance we too could arrive at such a heavenly place.
    You are right about solitude and during this crazy political season we need it more than ever.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Floating Kidneys, I Know That Feeling Well - Wish You Could See The Beauty In First Person - Be Well And Thanx For Checking In

      Cheers

      Delete
  10. A wonderful way to celebrate. Beauty and peace everywhere. I love the tiny accomodations you have. Life is best when it is simple and enjoyed. Great post and some beautiful photos, Padre. You have a great attitude and I'm glad you love to share it.
    Stay safe, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sure Was Mr Bill - Righteous Accommodations - I Appreciate The Kind Words - Thank You

      Cheers

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  11. You are an amazing photographer!

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  12. Sounds like the perfect birthday trip to me! Neowise! We can't see it here--we live too close to Chicago and the lights. Hoping to see its tail in Wisco this weekend. Did you get to try any good beers in Leadville?

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    1. It Was And So Sorry About Those Chi-Town Lights - Passed On Walking Into Bars, Shops, etc For Obvious Reasons - Stay Strong Little W

      Cheers

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  13. The rainbow shots are amazing. We did an rv adventure in January. Not my cuppa tea, but hubby loved it.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The Double Rainbow Made The Night - Pleased You Were Traveling Around In January - Sure Wish The Hubby & I Could Crack A Brew Together

      Cheers

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    2. If you're ever in Indiana, he'd love to crack a brew with you. You two would get along swimmingly with your love of biking, kayaking, and the great outdoors!

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  14. Once again..
    Like going home week for me. I know Leadville like the back of my hand. Beautiful. (Lived enjoying the meal with you among the pine) AND your socks!

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    1. How Wonderful - You Could Possibly Paint A Picture In Your Mind As You Went Through This Post - The Disc Golf Course Is Behind The College - The Tiny Home Community Is On West 2nd Street - Now I Wish I Shot A Few More Photos Of The Buildings, Saloons, etc - Leadville, Beautiful Town, But I Am Not Tough A Enough To Live There

      Cheers

      Delete
  15. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  16. Hello,
    What a wonderful pictures.
    So amazing to see these places of nature with fantastic views.
    Pictures 18, 19 and 21 are so very well taken. Wonderful.

    Greetings, Marco

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Honestly, I Was Oblivious To How My Photos Were Uploaded - I Was Like, 18 - So I Counted And WoW - Thank You For Drawing My Attention - Pleased You Enjoy - Thanx So Much For Stopping By - But I Must Say, YOU Capture Wonderful Photos

      Cheers

      Delete
  17. Such wonderful captures of the rainbow, very pretty! All the food sounds so yummy and healthy, have a lovely day ☺

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    1. Thank You - Right Place, Right Time - You Would Have Love The Trail Mix

      Cheers

      Delete
  18. :-) My bladder tells me a lot at night, too, LOL. Are "we" getting old?!
    The rainbow... you did make wishes, right (or is that a German saying?).

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I Know, Right - Whats Next, Dinner At 2:30??? U Bet I Made Three Wishes Because It Was A Double After All - A Wish For Me, A Wish For Friends, And One More For Mother Earth

      Cheers

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  19. Your sky views are amazing. A double rainbow! 🌈We haven't been able to see the comet. No visible view to the horizon and too much light pollution from the city. So thank you for your description as I was able to visualize the scene. Take care.

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    1. We Are So Fortunate To Witness The Comet Often - Started Out Early In The AM And Is Now Visible A Few Hours After Night Fall - Thanx For Dropping A Comment And So Pleased You Scrolled Though The Photos - Stay Strong

      Cheers

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  20. SO Happy You Are Enjoying These Photos And I Appreciate The Virtual Hug - Thanx Man - Stay Strong

    Cheers

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  21. A highly entertaining post - as usual. I must say that golf course is the best I've ever seen. Looks like a good walk not spoiled by a load of balls!

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    1. Totally, Real Golf Can Sure Ruin A Good Walk - Plus, Disc Golf Is Free To Play - Thanx For Popping In Mr Phil - Have A Fantastic Weekend

      Cheers

      Delete
  22. Happy happy belated birthday Padre, you celebrated like a champion! How super cool your small accommodation looks, to wake up to the stars must have been magical 💙 I've learnt some new words here re your disc golf experience. Are you totally vegetarian, of was that just easier while traveling? Can you believe I just listened to your last show while working on blog tonight, the link didn't work for me so I got it off SQ who lives in the Phillipines, it's a small world 😉 Enjoyed all you photos today, you finished with a superb moody image 💜

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank You Perth - The Blanket Of Stars At 10,000+ft Were Totally Magical For Sure - I Am Not A Pure Vegetarian But Have Cut Way Back On Dead Animals Over The Years - Not Sure Way The Link Is So Wonky As My Cuz In The UK Experienced Troubles As Well - Thank You SQ!! Take Care And Again, Thank YOU

      Cheers

      Delete
  23. Thank you for taking me on your virtual tour. I enjoy your stories and beautiful photos, especially a rainbow that I haven't seen in a long time.

    Greetings.

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    1. You Are Very Welcome And Thank You For Checking In - Long Live Those Double Rainbows As We Need The Rain

      Cheers

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  24. I'm up early but it takes me a little while before I head outside. So good for you to get out and enjoy those beautiful mornings. And nice rainbows too. I haven't played disc golf in probably 20 years but that looks like a good course.

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    1. No Worries, Head Out When Your Ready - Disc Golf Is Free And I Encourage You To Start Putting Around Soon - No Big Throws - Just A Simple Walk About And Nice Easy Tosses

      Cheers

      Delete
  25. So good to join you on your excursions once again...those amazing views are really something!
    I love those gorgeous rainbows too...and, WOW, your accomodation looks so cozy! We are in the New Forest, in Hampshire, in our trailer for the week...sheer paradise after such an extened period in lockdown!😊😊
    Love the ladybug too. There have been loads of them around here this spring...such cute little critters!

    Have a super day!

    Cheers 👍👍

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    1. Cute Little Beatles For Sure - Enjoy Your Cozy Camper - Please Share Some Spooky New Forest Photos When You Have A Free Second

      Cheers

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  26. Replies
    1. Thank You - Not Bad For An Old iPhone6

      Cheers

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  27. Amazing sunset and lovely rainbow, I always love your pics!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself


    My Instagram

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  28. it sounds like the perfect birthday celebration, better than any party i have ever attended!! nature always provides all that we really need...and a ladybug never hurts either!! i see your golf is much different than ours, it sounds quite interesting and fun!!

    the rainbows are gorgeous, we have been having some great summer storms with pretty rainbows too!!

    so sorry about your friend and the dog. for obvious reasons, we never say debbie downer, it's negative nancy for reasons you now know!!

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    1. The Lady Bug Cracked Me Up - Cruising All Around My Shin - Best Part Of A Storm - Do You Know What A Lazy Susan Is??? My Friend Jim And I Renamed It Flip And Slip - Take Care This Week

      Cheers

      Delete
  29. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  30. Most of the time, when I wake up at 4am (unless I'm working on sth) I go back to bed..but I have to say that it seems that waking up was worth it because you could go cycling at 5 am and enjoy the early start of the day. Waking up early appeals to me but I'm also a night owl so I usually have to give up on one of those things.

    The photos you took while cycling there are amazing. I know that I said it before but the nature there is truly stunning. Everything looks so green...and that's quite a view to make up to. How lucky you are to have been able to see five starts with bare eyes and the recent comet. I haven't seen the comet myself but my brother in law took photos and showed them to me so I know about the comet.
    Now, that some cool golf with the views. I don't think I ever saw something like that.

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    1. The Planets Were Out Of This World - HHHEEEEeeee HHHEeeeeee - The Disc Golf Course Is My Favorite For Sure - Thanx For Stopping By And For Dropping A Comment

      Cheers

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    2. you're welcome.
      P.S. love the rainbow photos as well.

      Delete
  31. Hi Loved your photos-amazing rainbows, wonderful views you have. and sounds like life is good-Happy Saturday

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    1. Not Too Shabby But An Even Better Last Week - Just Returned From An Outing

      Cheers

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    2. Fun! and thanks for the tip to drink more water-I rarely drink much liquid

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  32. All the photos are amazing. Spectacular to observe a double rainbow. I especially loved the first one, the sunset with the reflections of the clouds in the water was fantastic and the photo of the ladybug is so lovely.
    Hugs and all the best

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    1. Thank You For Checking IN And Pleased You Enjoyed The Photos - Pretty Cool To Have A Ladybug Stop And Say Hi - Something Special For Sure - Well Received Hugs - Thank You

      Cheers

      Delete
  33. Observing nature we have the best reflexions about life, pretty photos ❤

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  34. Happy Birthday! I'm so glad that you celebrated in such a fun way. I love Leadville - and I can tell that you do too. Due to the pups, we camp in the mountains nearby but it is gorgeous. Lovely photos!

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    1. Thank You - Leadville Is One Of Those Places - Bet Your Pack Throughly Enjoys The Camping Adventures - Amazing Comet Photos BTW

      Cheers

      Delete
  35. What a beautiful area! I had no idea that there were different discs for disc golf. I am not skilled in throwing frisbees :) Sounds like a fun tiny home adventure. Happy Birthday!

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    1. Gorgeous Area For Sure - Disc Golf Is The Best Because Its Free - Super Fun Adventure And Thanx For The Wishes - Pleased You Checked In And Dropped A Comment - Enjoy The Rest Of This Month

      Cheers

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  36. Why Thank You - Little Dish Of Bad News Last Night - I Appreciate You Reaching Out

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  37. Amazing sunset and lovely rainbow!!! Happy B-day!!!
    Happy August!

    Expressyourself


    My Instagram

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  38. My brother Padre, as usual these views are just dreamy and stunning for me! That one with the church, what I see on the sky is like it is under a beautiful Aurora, just like it's from somewhere in Norway or Finland. I wish you a very happy birthday my dear brother, you are the one who gave us a gift with your positivism and beautiful energy. Please don;t change, forever be you because we are happy because of you :) And also thank you for sharing that link of your Radio Show to my last Blog. I played it last Friday while I was on work and it's a different genre than the first one where you greeted me, but both so nice. I get to learn new music from different parts of the world and different periods in our time. Sending you birthday hugs and wishes!

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    1. Such Powerful Words - Thank You For Grounding My Wandering Mind - I Definitely Appreciate Your Radio Listening Support - Learning Is Precious And Rather Educational - Dig Them Birthday Vibes

      Cheers

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  39. It looks like you did some rainbow hunting ;) amazing photos, quite lovely the view you got from the loft window, it must be great to wake-up with a view in the morning.
    P.S: Happy birthday!

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    1. Fabulous Way Of Waking Up - Thank You

      Cheers

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  40. Beautiful photos and great places. I love rainbows 🌈😍!!!

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