Grandma with Randy Travis

To me, there is nothing more important in this short life we live then to make those you love know that you love them everyday. My family always did a great job showing me as I was growing up, and now that I am capable, I strive to return the favor. To show my love to my grandmother, I took her to see one of her favorite musicians, Randy Travis, this last weekend at the Union Colony Civic Center. What happened that night was magical, and is a memory I know she will carry for the rest of her life as will I.

To make a long story short, I have always been extremely close to my mom’s parents, my grandma and grandpa. Sadly, about seven years ago my grandfather was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away within a few months. To this day, it is still the hardest thing I have been through, but before grandpa left us I promised him I would take care of grandma for the rest of her life. Knowing the toll grandpas death took on me, I couldn’t imagine what my grandma must have felt, so I vowed from that point on to be one of her best friends. To this day I make sure to call her at least once a day, have dinner/lunch at least once a week, and when possible get out and do something fun.

Even though she is getting up in age and has battled health issues for quite a few years now, including the need to be on oxygen at all times, I thought it would be neat to get us tickets to go see one of her favorite singers, Randy Travis, when he came to Greeley. So, for Christmas that is what she got, and boy was she excited! But, we hit a small bump in the road when she got tripped up at home and fell bumping her head pretty good and sending her to the hospital. Turns out, it was a good thing her fall happened because while there, doctors discovered she also had major heart issues. After an operation and over a week in the hospital grandma got to go home, but clearly wasn’t her old self. Heart issues, asthma, and weak legs can take a toll on a 70 year old and I was worried that she was going to miss the Randy Travis show. A head cold added to her troubles in the week leading up to the show, and even she wasn’t sure if she was going to make it to the show, but we decided if we took it slow and put her in a wheelchair we could make it to the show. So we went.

Throughout the beginning of the night I could tell grandma wasn’t feeling great, but we eventually made it to our seats. Mr. Travis came out, sounded wonderful and was very entertaining as he put on his hour and a half 25th anniversary show.

Then, because I am fortunate enough to work in a great industry that often offers perks some never have the opportunity to experience, I was able to take my grandma backstage to meet one of her idols. When we got to the green room to wait for Randy Travis to come say hello, everyone was relatively quiet except grandma. She had the whole room chuckling as she asked me questions like “Do I need to put on lipstick,” “Wonder if he would sing Amazing Grace if I asked,” and “My friends on Facebook are going to be so jealous!” We were informed that for whatever reason Mr. Travis doesn’t sign autographs, so it was just a picture and a handshake and then head out.

When it was grandmas turn to go up and take her picture, she jumped out of that wheelchair like she was 25 and said “this is a dream come true” in so much excitement that she once again had the whole room laughing, including Randy. He gave her a big hug, she took her picture, got back in her chair, and as I was pushing her out a woman came running up to us as if we had forgotten something. The woman who is Randy Travis’ fiance told my grandma and I to wait around in the lobby for a few minutes as she had something special for her. Pretty soon my grandmother had the only autograph Randy Travis signed the whole night.

She probably could have not only gotten out of the wheelchair and walked to the car, but ran. It was magical what he did for her. A poor farm girl almost all of her life, in 70 years it was the first “famous” person she had ever met, and one of her favorites too. Artists do meet and greets with fans every night, and at times they can turn into real impersonal occasions. Randy Travis has recently went through a divorce, had a highly publicized arrest for public intoxication, and he has been meeting with fans every night for 25 years. It would have been really easy for this meet and greet to be impersonal and ruin my grandmothers only experience like this in her 70 plus years, but Mr. Travis made it special. He realizes it is people like my grandma that have made him who he is today, and those 5 minutes he was kind to her will go down as a highlight of her life.

Grandma didn’t sleep at all that night, has been telling me how good she feels since then, and of course has told everyone she knows about the “coolest” experience of her life. Just a small example from my little world proving once again that love and kindness can cure anything!

Thanks to my grandma for a wonderful evening, and a huge thank you to Randy Travis and his fiance for the memory of a lifetime!

Photo by Drew Bankston

The 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue just came out.  It features sports stars Alex Morgan, Natalie Gulbis, and Natalie Coughlin in body paint swimsuits. In keeping with that tradition, I chose to have my body painted, but not a swimsuit. I had a giant Sloppy Joe painted on my belly!  Why a Manwich on my table-muscle?

Why not?  Sloppy Joes are tasty!  I love them.   Brian Gary loves Twinkies.  He had a Twinkie tattooed on his arm. I wasn’t ready for that type of commitment, but I still wanted to join the party. I had to get a Sloppy Joe on my stomach.

Luckily I have a friend who is a brilliant artist.  TheArtist Kelsie is an expert in Body Art/face painting, Fine Art, Makeup Art, Photography,  Murals, and much more. We threw around a bunch of ideas, and almost went with a bucket of KFC on my gut. But alas, the mighty Manwich prevailed.

Videographer Drew Bankston from Star Painter Productions captured the action from start to finish.

Star Painter Productions is available to film your event. Whether personal or business get your quote from Star Painter first at (970) 581-9119 or visit their Facebook page.  Here are some photos that Drew took with Todd’s camera:

Rich Anderson, Flickr

The wind is reeking havoc in the Colorado Mountains and all along the Front Range.  A High Wind Warning is in effect until tomorrow morning.  Highway 287 and Highway 85 were both closed last night, but have since been re-opened.  I-25 from the Wyoming border to Cheyenne is restricted for high-profile vehicles or light trailers this morning.  I-25 North of Cheyenne is closed due to winter conditions.

According to the National Weather Service, the High Wind Warning remains in effect until 5 a.m. Thursday.  These are the areas that are affected by the Warning:

• Larimer County below 6000 feet
• Northwest Weld County
• Boulder and Jefferson Counties below 6000 feet
• West Broomfield County
• Including the cities of…Fort Collins, Hereford, Loveland, Nunn, Arvada, Boulder, Golden, Lakewood, Longmont

Periods of strong gusty winds will occur today and tonight. The strongest winds are expected to occur from later this morning into the early evening hours. Winds will then decrease late tonight as a cold front pushes across the area.

Wind gusts between 70 and 80 mph. The strong winds will be found close to the base of the foothills with lighter winds farther east toward I-25.

Strong winds will produce hazardous driving conditions for high profile vehicles near the base of the foothills…Especially along highway 93 between golden and boulder…U.S. 36between Broomfield and Lyons…As well as highway 287 from Broomfield through Fort Collins.

Precautionary/preparedness actions…

• Remember…A high wind warning means that strong and potentially damaging winds are either occurring or highly likely. Travel in high profile vehicles is discouraged.

• Residents in the warning area are urged to bring indoors any loose items such as garbage cans and patio furniture that may be blown about by the strong winds.

Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

Country hitmaker Joe Nichols and his wife, Heather, are about to get a visit from the stork, according to People. Nichols, who released his record ‘It’s All Good’ at the beginning of November, has one 13-year-old daughter, Ashelyn, from a previous relationship, but is extremely excited to be expecting for the first time with his wife of more than four years.

“After trying to have a baby for so long, we are thrilled to announce that I am pregnant,” Heather says. And the excited father-to-be adds, “I have to give all the credit to my wife — she has been a trooper through all of this, and I am so happy.”

The ‘Gimme That Girl’ singer married his wife in September of 2007 with a Georgia wedding, and they have been talking for a couple of years now about taking the next step to become parents together. After quite a bit of trying, they’re finally able to realize that dream and look forward to the arrival of a new little Nichols.

The country singer released a ‘Greatest Hits’ album last January, and this year he’s slated to perform at the WYRK Taste of Country concert June 1 at the Coca-Cola Field in Buffalo, N.Y. along with Eric Church and Eli Young Band.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Alex Wong, Getty Images

• Army Pfc. Cesar Cortez – Died February 11, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom24, of Oceanside, Calif., assigned to 5th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Fort Bliss, Texas; died Feb. 11, in Bahrain in a vehicle accident.

• Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kyler L. Estrada – Died February 14, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom21, of Maricopa, Ariz.; assigned to 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; died Feb. 14 as a result of a non-combat training incident in Djibouti.

• Army Sgt. Jerry D. Reed II – Died February 16, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom30, of Russellville, Ark.; assigned to 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Separate Infantry Brigade, Grafenwoehr, Germany; died Feb. 16 in Pakitka province, Afghanistan, of unspecified causes.

• Navy Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Paris S. Pough – Died February 17, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom40, of Columbus, Ga.; assigned to the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson, homeported in San Diego; died Feb. 17 of non-combat causes during a port visit.

• Air Force 1st Lt. Justin J. Wilkens – Died February 18, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom26, of Bend, Ore.; assigned to the 34th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.; died Feb. 18 near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, when his U-28 aircraft was involved in an accident.

• Air Force Capt. Nicholas S. Whitlock – Died February 18, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom29, of Newnan, Ga.; assigned to the 34th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.; died Feb. 18 near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, when his U-28 aircraft was involved in an accident.

• Air Force Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten – Died February 18, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom26, of Upper Marlboro, Md.; assigned to 25th Intelligence Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.; died Feb. 18 near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, when his U-28 aircraft was involved in an accident.

• Air Force Capt. Ryan P. Hall – Died February 18, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom30, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; assigned to the 319th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.; died Feb. 18 near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, when his U-28 aircraft was involved in an accident.

Photo by Charley Barnes

I’m not sure exactly what happened and if you have ever been in an accident, especially with a motorcycle, it happens in the blink of an eye and hard to remember much.

I was on my way to the Bud Center Friday after work and as I was approaching the turn lane to the Bud Center off of Crossroads a vehicle decided that was where he/she needed to turn as well.  So they started to move into my lane which forced me to duck in behind the vehicle in front of me, also turning, and that’s when I saw all the snow and ridges in the middle of the turn lane and by then it was way to late.  I tried to move more to the right to get onto the dry pavement but I couldn’t get out of the frozen ruts and the bike just followed all the groves for a few seconds before going sideways and then slammed down throwing me into the pavement and the bike and I skidded off the road into the ditch on the right.

Funny thing is that I can’t even tell you what color the vehicle was that cut me off.  Couldn’t tell you if it was a truck, a VW bug or an airplane!  No idea.  The only thing I can remember is the semi that was screaming by on my left. {And how thankful I was that I was sliding to the right}

Scary!

Funny thing was there were a bunch of cars behind me who surely saw all this happen in front of them so when I finally came to stop and picked myself up out of the muddy ditch covered head to toe in slush, water and mud I knew there would be one or two cars stopping to see if I needed help.

Nope!

No one…I watched 5 cars drive right on past; 3 of whom got in the turn lane to get to the Monster Truck show. Seriously?  That was more important than a guy lying in the ditch after having to lay his bike down?  Many have told me that people don’t stop because of the fear of what will happen if they do.

Here is my simple answer to that:  I am reasonably sure that when you witness some wrecking a motorcycle they probably didn’t do it for the sole purpose of jacking you when you stopped!

Finally had to wave someone down to stop!

He helped me pick up my sled, I shook his hand and said thank you multiple times and I headed off to the Bud Center to do the crowd welcome and then straight home to lick my wounds. All this in less than 5 minutes.

I think the worst of it was riding home completely soaked in water and mud in the snow after I had done the crowd welcome.  Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

For the most part, I am the luckiest guy in the world.  May have a cracked rib and sore about everywhere and my bike sustained very minor damage. All in all…VERY LUCKY!  Both of us!

I never did get the name of my road angel so if you are reading this or know who he is please get in touch with me so I can thank you/him properly!    I know I shook his hand and said thank you several times but I should have taken his name and number and I feel horrible about that!

Photo by Charley Barnes

Just The Facts

• Every guard takes 21 seconds to make each pass. {True but much more to it.  He does not execute an about face. He stops on the 21st step, then turns and faces the Tomb for 21 seconds. Then he turns to face back down the mat, changes his weapon to the outside shoulder, counts 21 seconds, then steps off for another 21 step walk down the mat. He faces the Tomb at each end of the 21 step walk for 21 seconds. The Sentinel then repeats this over and over until he is relieved at the Guard Change.}

• Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. {The Guard is changed every thirty minutes during the summer (April 1 to Sep 30) and every hour during the winter (Oct 1 to Mar 31). During the hours the cemetery is closed, the guard is changed every 2 hours. The Tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In fact, there has been a Sentinel on duty in front of the Tomb every minute of every day since 1937.}

• To apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5′ 10′ and 6′ 2′ tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30. {True but there is more to it. Those who know can tell what shift is just by size.  1st Relief 6’2″ to 6’4″/2nd Relief 6′ to 6’2″/3rd Relief 5’11″ to 6′}

• They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb. {False. The average tour at the Tomb is about a year. There is NO set time for service}

• They must live in a barracks under the tomb and can’t drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. {False. The Sentinels live either in a barracks on Ft. Myer (the Army post located adjacent to the cemetery) or off base if they like. They do have quarters under the steps of the amphitheater where they stay during their 24 hour shifts, but when they are off, they are off. If they are of legal drinking age they may do so but not while on duty.}

• They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and can’t disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way. {False.  Of course they can’t disgrace their uniform but when they are off duty they can swear like sailors in any bar or pub they want as long as they are of legal age etc.}

• After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served asguard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin. {False. The Tomb Guard Identification Badge is awarded after the Sentinel passes a special test,not something simply handed out to everyone who serves for a given period of time. The Badge is permanently awarded after a Sentinel has served 9 months as a Sentinel at the Tomb. Currently there are 525 awarded. And while the Badge can be revoked, the offense must be very severe, such as a felony conviction. But you can drink a beer and even swear and still keep the Badge. And the Badge is a full size award, worn on the right pocket of the uniform jacket, not a lapel pin.}

• Their shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. {False.  The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand so that his back is straight and perpendicular to the ground.  The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a “horseshoe” steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole.  Then there is the “clicker”. It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to click his heels during certain movements.}

• The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred.  {False.  The truth is that they have so much to learn and memorize they don’t have much time for anything else like TV but it is not forbidden.}

• Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.  {False.  It usually takes up to 8 hours to get their uniform ready for their next shift.}

Dana Romanoff/Getty Images

February is National Heart Month, but these lessons apply all year: The health benefits of regular walking or hiking are numerous, ranging from losing excess pounds, lowering chances of getting heart disease, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, to improving mental health. Get outdoors for these hikes and programs in Larimer County’s Open Spaces, and have fun while doing your body good!

Guided Hikes and Programs
 
Wednesday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m. “Moon Over My Open Space: The Moon in Legends from Around the World” Join Naturalists Jay and Caroline for a moon-lit walk around the Wild Loop at Devil’s Backbone Open Space, located just west of Loveland off Hwy 34. You will be dazzled by legends and myths of our most familiar celestial body. You may be surprised at many of them! Program is free and registration is required at http://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/registration/ Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring plenty of water for the trail. Hike rating: easy. Approximately 1.5-hour program. Please direct questions to Heather at (970) 679-4489.

Saturday, March 10 at 10:00 a.m. “Wiley Coyotes” Coyotes are one of the most ubiquitous species in the country, and define our western landscapes. Join Naturalist Bob for a nature hike at River Bluffs Open Space, located just west of the I-25/Windsor interchange off of CR32E, dedicated to the secret life of these sometimes charismatic, sometimes misunderstood wild dogs. Program is free. Hike rating: easy. Please bring along water for the trail and dress appropriately for the weather. Approximately 2-hour program. No registration required. Please direct questions to Heather at (970) 679-4489.
  
Saturday, March 24 at 9:00 a.m. “Wintertime Plant Walk” Join Naturalist Kathy for a wintertime plant walk at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, located just west of Fort Collins on CR 38E. Kathy will explain how plants handle the harsh winter season and point out some species that just won’t quit! We recommend you wear yaktrax or another means of traction for your boots. Approximately 3-hour hike. Hike rating: easy. Program is free; a $6 daily entrance permit is required. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring along water for the trail. Please direct questions to Heather at (970) 679-4489.
 
Saturday, March 31 at 10:00 a.m. “Antlers and Horns” Join Naturalist Bob at Devil’s Backbone Open Space, located just west of Loveland off Hwy 34, for an interactive look at elk, mule deer, and big horn sheep’s most striking features, their antlers and horns! Program is free. No registration required. Please direct questions to Heather at (970) 679-4489.

[larimer.org/naturalresources]

fourdoxn, flickr

I love good girlfriends that I can hang out with, laughing in a hot tube, talking too much in a movie theater, crying on each other shoulders or just being us. Through these friendships we learn thing’s about ourselves we didn’t know and laugh at our imperfections. I have found some great quotes to live by and to bring to the next girls night out.

Four things a woman should know: How to look like a girl, How to act like a lady, How to think like a man, And how to work like a dog.
Author Unknown

A girl can wait for the right man to come along but in the meantime that still doesn’t mean she can’t have a wonderful time with all the wrong ones.
Cher

To find out a girl’s faults, praise her to her girl friends.
Benjamin Franklin

I really can’t deny it, I am who I am. I’m pretty normal. I’m not that smooth type of girl. I run into things, I trip, I spill food. I say stupid things… I really don’t have it all together.
Katie Holmes

Girls blush, sometimes, because they are alive, half wishing they were dead to save the shame. The sudden blush devours them, neck and brow; They have drawn too near the fire of life, like gnats, and flare up bodily, wings and all. What then? Who’s sorry for a gnat or girl?
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

There are so many quotes and notions about girls, women and life… Do you like quotes? I bet you can remember something that your mom or dad said all the time… those little sayings that stick with you. There are quotes that make you smile at the past and others that make you think “good gravy I sound like my mom” – what are some of your favorites?

Tickets for the show go on sale Saturday, but K99 has your chance to win FREE tickets!

Get the details!

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Country Superstar Alan Jackson will be peforming his hits and his new stuff Thursday June 28th at Red Rocks Amphitheater!

Tickets will go on sale Saturday February 25th through Ticketmaster. $39.50 – $79.50

K99 has your chance at FREE TICKETS!

Listen to The K99 Good Morning Guys on Friday morning- they will have your chance to win tickets BEFORE you can buy them!

AND–K99 Country Club Members alo have the chance to win FREE tickets!

K99 Country Club Members who take the K99 Song Survey will be given the BONUS CODE to be entered to a pair of tickets the the Alan Jackson concert!

Alan has sold nearly 60-million albums worldwide, topped the country singles charts 35 times, and scored more than 50 Top-10 hits. He’s a 17-time ACM Award winner, a 16-time CMA Award recipient, and a two-time Grammy-honored artist whose songwriting has earned him the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award and an induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame as a 2011 Songwriter/Artist inductee.

Alan Jackson will likely be performing songs off his yet upcoming as of yet untitled release on ACR (Alan’s Country Records) and EMI Records Nashville.

The first single off that album is already climbing the charts across America and on K99!

Take the poll now and let’s see how much meat a horoscope actually has and to find out your non-Pisces horoscope for today, click here.

Michael Loccisano, Getty Images

Sugarland have long been embroiled in a lawsuit surrounding the August 13, 2011 stage collapse at their show at the Indiana State Fair. Now, responding to lawsuits coming at them, they’re claiming one last time that the incident, which left seven dead and more than 40 injured, was not their fault.

As Taste of Country previously reported, the stage collapsed after Sara Bareilles’ performance and just before Sugarland was about to take the stage. Since then, Indiana State Fair Commission executive director Cindy Hoye claimed in an affidavit that she sent the show’s promoter twice to the band and was told twice that they wanted to carry on with the show, making them responsible for negligence in the situation.

In response to the negligence claims, the duo are asserting that the fatal accident was just that – “a true accident, or an act of God,” according to CNN. In a court document, the band responded by saying that they “had nothing to do with the construction of the venue” and that the scaffolding collapse was due to a “gust of wind of unprecedented intensity.”

Responding to the civil lawsuit filed by several victims Nov. 22, the band maintained that they had nothing to do with the construction of the venue itself and that the claims were the result of “an open and obvious danger,” and that some of the plaintiff’s injuries “resulted from their own fault.” When all fingers started pointing at them, Sugarland began pointing at others, suggesting that they shouldn’t be the only ones held accountable for the horrific event. They say others played a part as well, including Indiana State Fair officials, Indiana State Police, member of the labor union who constructed the stage and the entire state of Indiana.

Their claim does seem to be backed by some empirical evidence, as a Feb. 8 report by the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration revealed that the stage scaffolding was not constructed properly nor properly inspected after it was erected on the site. With all the finger pointing, Sugarland and their fans are left to wait and see where the lines fall in the end.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

The Collegiate Horsemen’s Association at Colorado State University holds it’s Spring Fling Hunter/Jumper Schooling Show Saturday March 24 at the BW Pickett Arena in northwest Fort Collins. I’ve attended Spring Fling in the past to show in halter and western pleasure. It’s always a treat to ride and play ‘ponies’ inside in March!

While I do thank my co-workers who offered football and motorcycle helmets, I must find a RIDING helmet and hope my dressage saddle will suffice.

For more information, contact Trinette Ross (970)491-8173, trinette.ross@colostate.edu; or Alyssa Demaree (812)701-0556, ademaree@rams.colostate.edu

AFP/Getty

We don’t know much about the details, but there have been reports that Google is developing a car that drives itself, guided by computers, GPS and a whole bunch of sensors. A computer-driven Prius has been spotted around Northern California.

Click here to view details from the folks at mashable.com.

And, now, the State of Nevada is trying to get in on the action, developing laws that specifically address the testing of computer-driven cars. Click here to learn more about self-driving cars from the folks at The Huffington Post.

Gilligan's Island Facebook Fan Page

Sunday morning I found myself awake at 4:30 am and did what most people do…I drove to Wal-Mart. There were not a lot of people there at that time. No one was there to laugh at my purchase of a 20 pound bag of dog food and season 2 of Gilligan’s Island on DVD. Now I know that Gilligan was not ground breaking television but it takes me back to another time.

Brian's smartphone

I remember coming home from school every day and watching all the afternoon shows on TV. There was Father Knows Best then Leave it to Beaver then Brady Bunch and Gilligan’s Island. For some reason just popping that in the DVD player took me to my youth. For just a couple hours I was a kid again. I am not saying it was a better time back then but it certainly was a more simple time. As I sat right down and heard a tale. A tale of a fateful trip. I too was on a trip. I didn’t think of bills or work or family problems. I was just a young boy looking for an after-school snack and some mindless viewing.

Old shows and music have a way of transforming us to another time and space mentally. How many times do you take out an old CD and just let the memories flow out of your speakers? You can do the same thing with an old TV show or movie. There is nothing wrong with escaping now and then and taking a trip back to a more simple world. Just keep working hard in the world you’re in so you can enjoy the escape. Have a great day at work and I will meet you in front of the TV where we will try to figure out how they could make coconut crème pie but not a raft. I don’t think they wanted to leave and face the real world either.

What was your favorite after school TV show?

Photo from Todd's iPhone

My wife Jenny is very talented.  She is a brilliant artist, but has never called her creations art.  Her passions range from knitting and crocheting to quilting, beading, ceramics, sewing, and so much more! I have convinced her to share some of her talents with you. I call it, “Todd’s Crafty Wife”. She would probably call it, “My Crafty Life”.  This is how Jenny developed her passion for creating beautiful things, in her own words:

My Crafty Life

It all started when I was 10 years old. Grandma and Grandpa were visiting the new house in Colorado. Grandma handed me a steel crochet hook and thread and said “you are going to learn how to crochet”. After a frustrating afternoon the light bulb went on and I was hooked. I made a lot of doilies in those days, baby blankets, and started a lot of things that never got finished but loved the process. I did knit a baby blue cable sweater in High School home ec class and it even got put in the display case! One of my prized possessions is the intricate crocheted Aran Afghan I made for my grandmother in honor of her teaching me how. That afghan thankfully came back to me after she passed.

Mom had always sewn my clothes, but I never really paid attention to sewing until I was junior high age and started making some of my own clothes. I attended at least four dances in High School, never once did I wear a store bought dress. Never even considered it, when I wanted a dress mom drove us to the fabric store where we poured over patterns then chose the fabric and notions. We made all of them together (but Mom did all the hard stuff, and still does).That was during the “Gunny Sack” days. Boy I wish I had kept just one of those dresses. I also made bridesmaids dresses for 6 years. I didn’t get to keep any of them either.

I made my first quilt when I was 12 years old on Grandma’s farm where I lived every summer. It’s the ratty one I keep in the car now, some day I plan to repair it and give it a new life. Mom, her best friend (Wilma), and I sew every week. Our quilting has come a long way! Mom now has a long arm quilter so that we can do our quilts from start to finish. We keep very few of them, but I finally finished one that is on our guest bed.

Photo by Todd Harding

Photo by Todd Harding

Other things I sew now are Halloween Costumes and every now and then CAM the CSU ram needs a new jacket. It was designed and sewn by my friend Marci and me.

You name the craft and I have probably at least tried it. Stamping, beading, quilting, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, tatting, sewing, ceramics (not pottery), leather kits, wood burning, loom hot pads, a little bit of upholstering, paint by numbers (almost forgot about that one!).

Photo by Jenny Harding

My current project is the Bernat Mystery Crochet-A-Long (CAL) and Knit-A-Long (KAL). Every week the Bernat website posts the new block for each afghan. People from all over the world have joined in and are blogging about their color choices and how exited they are to get started. But more about that next time!

Photo by Todd Harding

It’s become a very controversial issue in a very short time.   Should CSU build a new on campus stadium and if so, where?  There are supporters of a new stadium and there supporters of keeping  Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium.  Colorado State has announced series of 10 public forums to collect  input regarding the proposed on-campus stadium. Registration is required!

CSU President Tony Frank has created a Stadium Advisory Committee, chaired by Vice President for University Operations Amy Parsons and Athletic Director Jack Graham, which held its first meeting February 3rd . The committee must prepare a report by the end of the semester on whether the university should pursue an on-campus stadium, as well as specifics about where it could be built and how it would be funded.

According to a press release from Colorado State University: Dr. Frank said any recommendations on a stadium must fall within the following parameters:

• CSU won’t consider putting the stadium on existing open green space, including the intramural fields.

• CSU won’t consider putting the stadium in front of significant existing view sheds so as to protect views of the mountains.

• All recommendations from the Advisory Committee must take into serious account any impact on neighbors in areas adjacent or near a new stadium.

• State appropriation, tuition, fees or taxes will not be considered as funding sources for a stadium project.

Dates, times and locations for public forums

• Thursday February 23 from 4:15-6:15 p.m. in the Cherokee Room in the Lory Student Center

• Thursday February 23 from 7-9 p.m. in the Cherokee Room in the Lory Student Center

• Monday February 27 from 4:15-6:15 p.m. in the Cherokee Room in the Lory Student Center

• Monday February 27 from 7-9 p.m. in the Cherokee Room in the Lory Student Center

• Saturday March 3 from 9-11 a.m. in the West Ballroom in the Lory Student Center

• Saturday March 3 from noon-2 p.m. in the West Ballroom in the Lory Student Center

• Tuesday March 6 from 4:15-6:15 p.m. in the West Ballroom in the Lory Student Center

• Tuesday March 6 from 7-9 p.m. in the West Ballroom in the Lory Student Center

• Wednesday March 7 from 4:15-6:15 p.m. at the Drake Centre on 802 West Drake Road

• Wednesday March 7 from 7-9 p.m. at the Drake Centre on 802 West Drake Road

Parking on all A lots and metered lots on CSU campus, including the lots just north of the Lory Student Center, is free starting at 4 p.m.

Walk-ups will be seated only if space is available. Participants can RSVP HERE or by calling the CSU Communication Studies department (which houses the CPD) at 970-491-6140.

A second phase of forums may be announced in late March or April.

Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Neal McCoy will release his new album ‘XII’ on March 6 after a five-year hiatus. The album, produced by country couple Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, is McCoy’s 12th studio effort. The singer just shared the track listing for the album, along with some accolades from his high-profile production team.

McCoy is proud of the fact that the album will make the listener feel like he or she is at a Neal McCoy show. “It’s like my shows, a little bit of everything that makes music special,” said the country music veteran. “‘XII’ has a little bit of church, a little bit of bar-room, a couple ballads that’ll encourage, and a real Texas thing about finding your groove in the midst of heartbreak with a cold beer and a good jukebox. Blake and Miranda had definite ideas about what this should be – you almost couldn’t hold ‘em back.’

Shelton called McCoy not only a friend, but a hero, and spoke about producing the platter, saying, “Our first priority with this album was that Neal only cut songs that he truly loved and was excited about. That was very important to us.” His equally excited and talented wife commented, “It was a blast seeing Neal and Blake together…had the place laughing all the time. I think fans will hear three different artists coming together on this album with their individual takes on the music.”

Produced by Shelton and Lambert, with a little bit of church, a little bit of watering hole energy and ballads, combined with the idea of getting your groove back despite heartache? This album just keeps getting better and better, as Neal is, for lack of a better word, the real McCoy.

‘XII’ Track Listing

‘A-OK’
‘Real Good Feel Good’
‘Judge a Man By the Woman’
‘Mouth’
‘Shotgun Rider’
‘That’s You’
‘Crazy Women’
‘Lucky Enough’
‘Every Fire’
‘That’s Just How She Gets’
‘Borderline Crazy’
‘Van Gogh’

Source: TasteofCountry.com