Hanging with Mr. Cooper!

I know, it has been a long time since we have blogged.  For that I am sorry, or you are welcome, whichever the case may be.  Its not like we haven't been doing a bunch of stuff.  Sometimes when I go to share it, it does not come out as planned so I dump it.  I think I need an editor...

I read that bloggers can make some serious money in advertising if they can attract enough followers.  I also read that people post sexy pictures to attract a big following.  There are even twin fitness buffs that are paying for their college by posting their pictures to attract followers and therefore advertisers.

Pete looking super sexy in Las Vegas!

Hello, hello?  Oh, I thought I had lost you.  Okay, perhaps that is not what people are looking for, but you have to admit Pete is a good sport allowing me to post his picture with its come hither look.  Perhaps the Russians will like that!

Retirement life has been relaxing.  The best part is being able to pick up and go where we want, whenever we want.  We can work out together which I love.  We enjoy movies and dinners out. What is the point of all of this?  Well, it has all come to a screeching halt!  No, no one is sick.  

Meet Mr. Cooper, otherwise known as Cooper!

This is Cooper just after he was born.  He is a mini-Goldendoodle.  Yes, that is a heart on his head.  He was born September 25th and we went to see him when he was 4 weeks old.

4 weeks old

We bought Cooper from a breeder in Eagle Mountain, Utah.  He was one of six puppies.  Julie wanted to get two, but cooler heads prevailed.  The only thing crazier than one puppy is two!  

Cooper at 8 weeks old on his way home.

Why a mini-Goldendoodle?  We love Goldendoodles.   Some of our family has them and they are the greatest dog.  We wanted a smaller one just because they are more transportable.  Julie has plans to take Cooper everywhere. Yes, we will be "those people".  We recently saw someone with a dog stroller in a casino!  I said we will not be "those people"...  Let me know if you know where to buy those strollers...  Back to Goldendoodles.  They do not shed!  I have found out that they track in leaves, rocks and everything else in their hair, but NO SHEDDING!  Don't you know, they mix all kinds of dogs with poodles to make them better.  For example, 

Cockapoo = Poodle + Cocker Spaniel. ... 

Maltipoo = Poodle + Maltese. ... 

Labradoodle = Poodle + Labrador.

Schnoodle = Poodle + Schnauzer crossbreed. ... 

Peekapoo = Poodle + Pekingese. ... 

Yorkipoo = Poodle + Yorkshire Terrier.

I was wondering....

 +   =

I guess it is too late for that.  Anyway, you get the point.  We have had Cooper for 4 days now.  It is hard to imagine life without him now.  I mean, sleeping through the night, clean carpets, and being able to go anywhere any time are all highly overrated.  He makes up for all of that with snuggles, funny movements and complete and utter joy at being removed from his crate, not to mention his kisses.  Ahhh, puppy breath.  If you are a dog person you will know exactly what I mean.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Love, Dave and Julie

Stubborn Like A Mule!

Frank and Chalula.  They had a thing going on!

No, I know what you are thinking...  This blog is NOT about Pete.  It is actually about an amazing adventure that Julie and I recently went on.  Upon retirement, two of our very good friends gave us the gift of mule rides to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with a nights stay at the historic Phantom Ranch and and then of course a ride out.  The gift was originally intended for me and my oldest grandson, Jack.  Unfortunately Jack did not make the height requirements this year so Julie graciously stepped in to accompany me.

First you need to know a little about mules.  I will not bore you with all that I learned over the course of the two days, but some of the facts are quite interesting.  Mules are the combination of a male donkey and a female horse.

First meeting with the mules.  Also one of our wranglers.

Check out those ears!

Male Donkey + Female Horse = Mule

Please do not confuse the mule with a hinny...  That is the combination of a female donkey and male horse.  The hinny does not have all the good traits of a mule and is therefore not as popular.  The mule is about the size of a horse and makes it perfect for hauling cargo and people.  For our ride, the weight limit per individual was 200 pounds.  I was sweating bullets over the burger I had for lunch as they put me on the scale out in public.  They do not make exceptions to the 200 pound rule.  Luckily I made it!  By quite a lot actually.  Mules have these big ears that are part of their cooling system.  We saw this first hand as we came out of the canyon.  Moisture (sweat) started to form on their ears and neck.  The eyes of a mule also are positioned differently than a horse which allows them to see behind themselves.  When we stopped, people would want to pass on the trail but were scared of getting kicked.  The two wranglers that escorted us on our ride assured people that the mules would not startle and therefore not kick.  Having ridden behind another mule for two days, it was not kicking that would worry me.  When they go to the bathroom, you do not want to be caught in the shower that takes place.  One more thing about mules, these mules were semi-autonomous in their steering.  What does that mean?  You really did not have to do a lot of directing.  They pretty much knew the routine and followed it well.  As a matter of fact, when they were walking along the edge with hundreds of feet drop off, it was best not to mess with them.  After all, they do not want to fall!  There were however times when we need to take control  My mule, let's call him Frank...because that is his name.  When Frank spotted anything green within reach, he would go for it.  They explicitly told us not to let them eat or we would be there all day watching them eat as that is what mules do 24/7 when they are not hauling tourists.  I would have to pull Frank away from anything edible which was no small task.  Julie's mule was Chalula.  Now that one was stubborn.  The mule, not Julie!  She would go where she wanted when she wanted.  This was a match made in heaven as Julie was up to the challenge of bossing this beast around for the entire trip.  It was fun to watch someone else getting it...  😊

In order to make the mules do what you want them to do, you sometimes need to use a motivator.  Most of us would call it a whip, but because we had some millennial snowflakes on the ride, we referred to them as bio-feedback devices so as not to harm their delicate senses.  The millennials, not the mules!  Julie became quite proficient with her bio-feedback device as Chalula was prone to falling behind the pack.  It is important to stay together for communication and safety.  What was funny was when Julie would "motivate" her mule, mine would jump to.  I almost never had to whip him.  When I did, I ended up hitting myself about 50 percent of the time.  I think I heard Frank snicker, or was that nicker when this occurred.

Julie and Chalula

Dave and Frank

There were ten riders and two wranglers.  The ride down went without a hitch. (another mule reference, see if you can figure it out)  It was raining when we left so they provided Mule Rider rain jackets.  Mine was pretty well used, but did its job.  The rain was nice as it kept things cool  The clouds did not provide good views of the canyon.  Since we have seen the canyon on several occasions this was not a concern.  We stopped mid-ride after a couple of hours and had lunch at Indian Garden.  This is a lush oasis in an otherwise arid landscape.  The packed lunch was the thickest sliced turkey and cheese sandwich ever!  Also chips, a cookie, carrots and and apple.  I could not eat everything so I shared half of the apple with Frank.  What a mess!  When he was done there was a big pile of slobber with some apple.  Oh well!  After a quick lunch and potty break it was up on the mules and off again.  Next stop Phantom Ranch.  I will not go into the history of Phantom Ranch but if you are interested, here is a link.  I will tell you that the mule ride tradition to Phantom Ranch has been going on for over 100 years!  365 days per year.
https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/photosmultimedia/grand-canyon-in-depth-03.htm

Once we arrived at the Ranch, everyone was anxious to dismount.  My behind was slightly sore, but my knees were really sore from the ride.  After a short walk it got better.  We stayed in a small cabin that had 4 bunks AND a bathroom!!!  Oh, and air conditioning!  Dinner that evening was in the Ranch restaurant with the rest of our group.  We had steak, baked potato, salad, greed beans, corn bread and wine!  All brought down by the daily mule train that hauls in everything the ranch needs to operate and hauls out all the waste.  We encountered one of these mule trains on our way out.  They were on the Kaibab Trail that ties into the Bright Angle Trail which we were on.  We could see them coming down the cliffs and the wranglers coordinated by radio to make sure we did not pass each other of the trail.  Oh, did I mention the shower?  The ranch had showers for our use.  They were not fancy, but they were just what we needed at the end of the day before going to bed.

Home Sweet Home

Mule Deer were everywhere at the Ranch! We enjoyed them with our tea as we sat on the veranda.

The following morning we had a wonderful breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage and pancakes before mounting up for the ride out.  Fortunately for me they did not weigh us in after breakfast or I may have been walking.  The food was that good!  On the way out we passed lots of hikers.  Some with backpacks, some with day packs and others with nothing more that shorts, tee shirt and flip flops.  One thing they all had in common was the need to take pictures of the mules and riders.  The pictures were endless.  I think I may have had more pictures taken of me and Frank on The Bright Angel Trail than Hillary had on the campaign trail!  We had to stop many times on the way out to give the mules a breather.  Each time the mules would automatically turn and face the canyon, all in a row.  All except Chalula that is....

The line up.

Dave and Julie on the right.

The mule ride and staying overnight at the famous Phantom Ranch was the experience of a lifetime.  We had a great time and made many new friends along the way.

Thank you Brian and Helen for this wonderful gift!  

Dave and Pete try out the latest fad, Cryotherapy.

Julie, Dave and Pete recently attended Fit Con, a two day expo in STG where vendors displayed everything fitness and health related.  It was fun and entertaining.  They had many exhibits, but the most fun was the American Ninja Warrior Course.  Dave tried the log roll.  This is where you wrap your arms and legs around a log that is set up on a track.  Once you take off the log rolls down a slope and you spin with it.  If you can hang on, you get to ride it to the end.  If not, the centrifugal force tosses you off.  Dave rode it to the end, but was dizzy for about the next five minutes.  Not recommended for anyone who suffers from motion sickness which he does.  Dave has a new respect for the contestants on TV who get off of the log roll only to jump into the next stage of the race.  There were a number of hanging and climbing obstacles that were very tantalizing, but Dave is recovering from elbow tendonitis and had to pass.  He did try the warped wall which was only 12 feet high.  The one on TV is 14 feet.  After several valiant attempts, he was finally worn out and never made it over the wall.  As Dave says, there are no points for almost making it.  Next year.

One of the vendors was offering discounts on the most amazing treatment that does away with all aches and pains, helps in recovery from injuries and burns calories long after the treatment is over.  What is this miracle?  Cryotherapy  In simple terms, all that I am capable of, they put you in a tube and fill it with nitrogen gas, which is cold, VERY cold.  In fact the gas surrounding your body is -260 degrees F.  I know that sounds unbearable, and for some people it is.  It last 3 minutes.  During that 3 minutes the blood in your body rushes to your core in order to keep you from dying.  When the 3 minutes is finally up, the blood rushes back increasing circulation to your extremities, and bringing all kids of good stuff with it.  They provide socks and slippers as well as gloves which you will be very happy to have as the cold gas washes over your fingers.  Besides that, we only wore our skivvies.

With our discount coupons in hand, we arrived at the office early Saturday morning.  We signed all the wavers which may have overstated the dangers of exposing your body to -260 degrees.  I mean really, nothing is going to fall off, is it?  I decided to go first in order to put Pete at ease with the process.  After undressing and putting on the socks, slippers and gloves, I entered the booth which was already pretty cold.  I rang the buzzer that it was safe for the attendant, Pete and Julie to witness the process.  The attendant cranked up the gas and down the temperature as soon I was covered in freezing gas.  I will have to be honest, it was not all that bad.  I have been colder in a ski lift line.  None the less, I whined and complained to enhance the experience for Pete who was by this time white as nitrogen gas. Before I knew it the time was up and now it was Pete's turn.  We waited for Pete to change his clothes and enter the booth.  After several minutes of not hearing anything, I bravely entered the room ahead of the ladies not knowing what I might see.  What I saw was Pete struggling to get into the booth as he had to stand on a stack of pads that they put in the booth to keep vertically challenged people's heads above the layer of nitrogen gas.  It was also apparent that Pete had not listened to the attendants warnings as he had not donned the gloves.  We eventually got him sorted out and soon it was time to start the gas.  Pretty quickly Pete began to feel the full effects.  In response to the cold he began moving with the confines of the booth trying to keep warm.  Here are some pictures of his experience...

This is not so bad...

I think I like my body parts going numb!

Ummm, how much longer?  I miss my boys...

Don't ever ask me to do this again...

Well, the big question is how did it work?  To tell you the truth, neither Pete or I experienced the advertised effects.  While it was a fun and highly entertaining experience, we do not think we will be going back.  Besides, there are so many new gimmicks to try!  We will keep you posted!

P.S., Pete has not "fully" recovered if you know what I mean...

Cookie Transitioning!!!

I understand that this is a highly personal subject, but I just had to share it with you loyal blog readers.  If you are not "loyal", please stop reading immediately.  Ok, Cookie approached Julie and I several weeks ago on the subject of transitioning.  Honestly, at 69 years of age, I was shocked.  Julie on the other hand was not surprised as she knows her mother had some issues and concerns about the identity which she was given rather than selected herself.  She patiently explained that she feels like she has been living a lie and would finally like to let people know who she really is.  I do not believe she has shared this with the other kids or family members, so please do not say a word.

We spoke with Pete in private to get his perspective since he would be impacted on a daily basis by this change.  "Don't make me no never mind" was his immediate response. "I have known for some time that she was unhappy living a lie and wanted to get the truth out"  While I may have quoted him, his statement was less elegant and somewhat incomprehensible so I took some liberties so you could get his point.  Julie was not as supportive of the change.  "Why tell us now after all this time?"  "She has had plenty of opportunities to transition before this and did not do anything.  I think she should just remain who she has been and deal with it".  As many of you may know, Julie suffers from Nopathy.  This is a complete lack of sympathy and empathy in some but not all instances.  I on the other hand have enough sympathy and empathy for the two of us, so I am reaching out to you, the blog readers to get your input.  Should we transition Cookie's name to PJ, short for pajamas, the clothing she wears most days, all day long?  She is very keen on the idea of being known as PJ rather than Cookie by the reader's of this blog.  I personally hate to change it, but will let you help me decide.  Also, no hacking by the Russians please.  I want honest input....not like our election!

Here is a sample of the blog using PJ instead of Cookie.

As many of you know, we told PJ that Pete had been mauled by a bobcat and sprayed by a skunk on our recent mountain bike trip.  If you did not get it, it was only a joke.  His leg was scratched by the rear sprocket and the only stink on Pete was of his own making.  It did not seem to impact PJ as she was most concerned with the TV not working rather than Pete's welfare.  Well, on a recent "family vacation" with Pete and PJ, we had another opportunity to play a harmless prank on her.  We love to tease her and she seems to enjoy it...most of the time.  Some people have taken offense at our teasing, but I guess that is their opinion and they are wrong.  PJ's phone was eating up the battery life for some reason.  She borrowed Pete's phone and promptly lost it in our car without knowing it...  I of course found it among the crumbs left by the kids (PJ and Pete) in the backseat and put it in my pocket.

"Pete, where is the phone?"
"You had it the last time I saw it."  "Don't tell me you lost it already!!!"
"I gave it back to you!!!!"
"Like h3ll you did!!!!!"

I of course kept quiet.  Only Julie knew the real location of the phone.  The next morning we walked to Starbucks with Pete while PJ caught up on beauty sleep.  15 hours of sleep is normal isn't it?  Anyway, I confessed I had his phone all along.  As we enjoyed our drinks, we plotted our next move.

Later that morning when PJ came to our room, I suggested she try their home phone in case someone found the phone.  I know, it is prosperous that someone would find the phone and get their home number from it, but soon she was calling the answering machine.  This is what she heard...

Hello, this is Sergeant Lee of  the San Francisco police department. We have in our possession a cell phone registered to a Paul Vernon Moss. I regret to inform you that the phone was found on the body of a homeless man on Market street early this morning. We need to speak with Mr Moss as soon as possible. Please contact us at 415-707-9025

"OMG!!!  The police have Pete's phone!  It was on a dead person!!!"  "Call our room and get him down here to hear this!!!"

Pete quickly came down and listened to the voice message that I left on their home phone.
Pete thought about it for a second and then said, "Well, I think you better call them, it was you who lost the phone."

I jumped in and confessed we had set up the entire scenario as a joke. Surprisingly, PJ smiled and asked about who's idea it was and who's voice was on the message.  She is a pretty good sport.  We do have an agreement that if Pete expires on one of our rides or hikes, we will contact her immediately as she plans to purchase a new Cadillac before Pete reaches room temperature.  That is no joke!

Here are some pictures of PJ's PJ obsession....

Pete is caught putting way PJ's, PJ's...  She has three drawers of them all arranged like the one in the picture!

Julie and PJ organizing the PJ drawers.  OK, only Julie is organizing.  PJ's went into three piles...keep, donate, toss.  Yes, some of the PJ's were so bad even people in Haiti would not want them.

After Julie's magic!

I can even make these PJ's look good, if I do say so myself! 

Oh, one more thing....  Cookie or PJ is recovery from knee replacement surgery.  She is doing great!

Western Spirit South Dakota Mountain Bike Trip

"We dun did it" Pete Moss  June 2017

Well, we could not have picked a better week to slip out of St. George and head to Rapid City, South Dakota.  With temperatures reaching 110 in STG, the 75 degree highs in S.D. were welcome relief.  It also made the daily mountain bike rides comfortable.  It was also Father's Day Weekend so what better way to show our love than to take Pete on a rigorous, treacherous mountain biking trip.

We picked Pete up at 3 AM and started our 14 hour drive.  We did not hit him with the Dramamine/Benedryl cocktail as it was unnecessary.  He was fast asleep soon after we left.  The drive was fortunately uneventful but did not pass by nearly fast enough.  We eventually entered Wyoming where we spotted numerous pronghorn (antelope) along the side of the highway.  There is not a lot to see in Wyoming but wide open space.  When we entered S.D. the scenery changed to rocks and rolling hills, our riding terrain for the next 5 days.  We also saw an occasional buffalo which excited Pete.  We eventually got to our hotel and then went to eat at the Firehouse Brewery.

Dave shows his love for Pete.  Pete does not reciprocate!

Dave and Julie

Dave and Julie's child, Pete!

Early Monday morning we met up with the Western Spirit guides, Terrin and Chris as well as the rest of the riders which included Dave's much older brother Randy and his lovely wife Lynne. There was also a lovely family from Vermont and a fun couple from Salt Lake City.  "We" (actually Terrin and Chris) packed the truck with bikes and belongings and soon we were on our way to Mt. Rushmore.

"We" packed and unpacked the truck each day of the trip.

L to R:  Pete, Lynne, Dave, Randy and Julie

And off we go!  First stop Mount Rushmore.  If you have never been there, it is a must.  Not only is it a tribute to four presidents (Washington, Jefferson, T. Roosevelt and Lincoln), but it is also example of what is possible if you have a vision and the tenacity to carry in out against overwhelming odds.

Dave and Julie with four others...

Dave, Pete and Julie

Dave and Julie being photo bombed by Terrin, Pete and I think Randy.

We have been on a number of Western Spirit trips and have enjoyed them all.  If you are interested, you should check out there website.  The guides haul all your junk while you ride your bike. Once in camp they cook amazing meals.  Terrin and Chris made our trip one of the most enjoyable trips we have gone on.  Terrin's enthusiastic and bubbly personality was so nice to be around.  When we headed off on each ride she would shout "I will miss you!" and honestly sounded like she meant it.  She also cheered us on when the going got tough and her laugh was contagious.  Chris was a bit more subdued (as are most human beings relative to Terrin), but was patient, helpful and caring.  Did I mention they are getting married?!!!  September 16th!!!

After Mt. Rushmore we drove to our starting point where we would ride the rest of the way from lake to lake up hills, through streams and across vast meadows.  We even road through a green tunnel which is exactly that, grass as high as your handlebars with a very narrow trail somewhere below when you could find it.  Now for some pictures from our ride....

Starting point.  Beautiful Skies!

Pete on the trail

Bridge crossing

One day we had 42 crossing!!!

Day 3 of the trip was entitled "A river runs through it" which was apropos given the 42 stream crossing we encountered.  As you can see from the picture, most of the bridges were substantial and could be ridden if you could make the foot or more step up to get on it.  We also elected to ride through the stream which was anywhere from tricky to dangerous depending on rocks.  Each crossing was guaranteed to wet your feet if not your entire body depending what happened.  My motto, "Once you get went it can't get any worse"...  The trails were not extremely technical, although there was a half mile section where we were required to walk our bikes to avoid death and destruction.  We ended up mostly carrying them as the trail was narrow, covered in large sharp rocks, downed trees and other various debris.  Otherwise the trails were lovely.  

The scenery on the ride was absolutely gorgeous!  So was countryside.

For Michael P. 

Abandoned Rail Tunnel

Us!

Food!  The real reason for going on a Western Spirit trip is the food.  I watched them prepare the food on grills, in a Dutch Oven or with a propane flame thrower, but I honestly do not know how they do it.  The food is amazing and there is a LOT of it.  Just ask Pete who had seconds and thirds of everything and still managed to lose a pound on the trip!

Dutch Oven Cooking

Carrot Cake!  That is a vegetable isn't it?

Finished carrot cake.

Pete ENJOYING another meal/ 

Soft Tacos

Pete and Dave

Pete had the time of his life.  He also got his first bath on the trip, thankfully.

On the third day we rode a pontoon boat around the lake.  We also got to tube as the boat driver did everything she could to throw us off!  What fun!

YOWZA!

Pete, look at the camera! 

Terrin and Julie mixing it up

Terrin hamming it up in her fancy jacket.
Julie ordered one as soon as we had connectivity.

 

George and Pete from Vermont.  Two of the nicest young men you will ever meet.  They gave me hope for the future!

Bobcat ATTACKS!

One last thing...  Pete was lagging the group on the trail when a bobcat came out and attacked him.  Fortunately he was going fast enough to escape serious injury, but did sustain a nasty scratch on the back of his leg.  At least that is what we texted Cookie with the attached picture.  Shortly there after we lost connectivity.  The next day when we were able to text we sent her a note that Pete had been sprayed by a skunk!  Once again we lost connectivity.  On the last day as we were starting home we picked up a voice message from Cookie...

"Pete, where are you?  I miss you so much.  I'm so lonely...  Call me please..."

I thought how sweet, after all this time she still misses him when they are apart.  Well, we finally called Cookie and put Pete on the line.  

"Paul, the TV is not working!!!  No, How are you?  How is your leg?  Are you ok after the skunk spray.... I would even have accepted how is the trip going?  But NOooo, just complaining about the TV.  Paul helped her with the TV and she hung up.  So much for everlasting love.

See you on the trails!