What's wrong with this picture?

On our day trip Saturday, we digressed briefly to this place. The building was constructed entirely from materials of a now defunct, local, steel plant. Great building - but we were a little out of our element.

Take a closer look. It's probably a rare day when one of these:

Is seen in a place where this brand is all they sell:


We got more than a few confused stares in the parking lot and the shop. Probably a few of the salespeople thought , "Well, I'm not going to be selling that guy anything.".

So, how was your day?

This is how mine went.

A blue sky, perfect temperature day quickly became a blue sky, perfect temperature day spent on a touring motorcycle.

Our spur of the moment day trip took us over the Monte Cristo loop where the maples were turning to brilliant reds and oranges. There were no cars/trucks to slow us down through the twisties and we were in the zone. It couldn't be any better that. But it was!

After lunch by Bear Lake, we headed back home by way of Logan Canyon. The spectacular ride took us through a narrow mountain canyon dressed in full fall colors. We were thrilled at the light traffic and wonderful twisting turns. Oh, and a river ran through it. Beautiful!

Usually the final miles toward home are nerve wracking with heavy traffic and trucks on the interstate. But not this time. For the last 10 miles, we diverted to a brand new highway where large trucks and 18 wheelers are prohibited. It was 10 miles of smooth asphalt and little traffic. Awesome!

It was such a great day, we're going to do it again tomorrow.

And you thought I was going to whine and complain at how awful my day was.

I'm Confused

The public areas in the apartment building where I live have been redecorated over the past month or so. The new carpeting and wall covering have been done for awhile. With the installation of tables, art and lamps in each of the elevator lobbies, I guess the work is done. However, I'm not quite sure what style the decorator had in mind. The building is very traditional, almost conservative, in architecture. The new carpet pattern leans somewhat towards the traditional. The hall tables are more contemporary.

But the lamps - well, what do you think? What decorating theme do these fit?


How about this one?


Or this?

If you can't make up your mind, does this one help?


I really don't understand this lamp.


But, I'll have plenty of time to figure it out since it's the one I get to look at every day when I leave my apartment.

Playing the Please Game

After several handfuls of crackers, Aidan asked for more.

Grandma: "Can you say please?"

Aidan: "Please."

Grandma: "Can you say, please, Grandma, can I have some more fishy crackers?"

Aidan" "Please, Grandma, can I have some more fishy crackers?"

Grandma: "Can you say, please, Grandma. You are my favorite Grandma."

Aidan: "Please, Grandma. I am your favorite Aidan."

He got what he wanted.

Drum Roll Please

This is my 100th post.

I suppose I should think of something profound to say, but nothing is coming to mind.

I guess the fact that I've maintained this blog long enough to reach 100 posts is kind of profound. Or maybe, I should find something more worthwhile to do in my life.

Unrelated Thoughts

You know, I think I need to change the my screen name. Motorcycle Grandma doesn't quite fit right now. Due to circumstances some what beyond my control, I haven't spent much time on a motorcycle this year. Any ideas for a new name?

Last week, the weather here was just about perfect. It made me wish that I had a yard and garden to work in and get it ready for winter. Well, that thought only lasted about a minute or two.

I'm adjusting to living in 1300 sq ft. One of the best things about it is that it takes about a half hour to clean the place. Plus, I can plug the vacuum into a central outlet and vacuum the entire apartment without having to move the plug.

According to my Live Feed traffic map, there have been a lot visits to my blog from people all over the country and around the world. I wonder how these people found my blog? Most of them have to be total strangers. Maybe it's a case for going private.

A few days ago, I was window shopping in Ann Taylor Loft. I suddenly realized that my wardrobe is in serious need of updating. Maybe Clinton and Stacey of "What Not To Wear" would like to hand me one of those $5000 credit cards for a shopping spree.

It's been two months since I moved from the house downhill from the Nimbys. I got a phone call today from a friend and neighbor who is still lives in that neighborhood. I guess things have gotten kind of ugly with the Nimbys and some of the neighbors. I'm glad I don't have to put up with that stuff anymore.

Two posts in one day. Well, I'm just trying to get to 100 posts. This one is 99.

Not so fast....

Since moving into our apartment, my husband and I have been casually looking at homes for sale.

On Saturday, we were walking in our neighborhood and came across an open house. We decided to check the home out.

We went in with our mental checklist:

1. Well priced - check
2. Good main floor living space - check
3. Moderate sized yard - check
4. 2 car garage - check
5. Architecturally interesting - check
6. Lots of light - check
7. In the 20th Ward boundaries - check
8. Close to downtown - check
9. Nice sized master bedroom - check
10. Good kitchen - check
11. Needs a little updating, but not too much - check

It was kind of hard to believe that this house might actually work for us. Then we realized that there was a significant problem. The house is next door to an apartment building. In the Avenues neighborhood, that's not uncommon. But this apartment building is a transient/halfway house - just one step above the homeless shelters...a deal breaker for sure.

Rats!!