#42--Cook-a-thon declared a tie...couldn't be much better.

Well the finale of the cook off was the ultimate. Tom smoked a pork butt roast all day and then it was grilled veggie kabobs with dill sauce, Spaghetti squash w/butter, grilled portabella mushrooms, and then an Italian veggie salad I made. It was all absolutely wonderful. We just decided that I won on quantity, since I cooked more evenings but it was a respectable tie for quality—anyone hanging out with Tom and I in the same room, would be eating well. Those lucky girls…

And now they are all fighting over the Betsy contribution—homemade apple crisp. There are groans of pleasure happening at the table as we write. And now that everyone is served there is just silence and forks and plates scraping. Short break…

Just came back from the apple crisp feast—it was the perfect ending. The cook-a-thon has to end today—we would be blimps—all of us—if we didn’t leave tomorrow! So I guess we will head out tomorrow. The first half of the day will just be splitting up leftovers!

Betsy & I went on a ride this afternoon. I did the first half on Romeo just for the challenge of making him do what I want—then I was told I had to ride a mule before I got one, so I rode home on Sapphire. I wanted to know where to drop the quarter in for the push button ride. She’s spoiled but if you want to do what she wants--she is a piece of cake. I was just along for the ride. Romeo had insisted on some battles so Sapphire was a pleasant break—and yes I still want a mule as long as it has an out of character pretty head and is gaited. Doesn’t seem like too much to ask.

The morning was another stellar start with my Sausage gravy over Tom’s homemade biscuits and hash browns. I think we all enjoyed this Sunday more than most. It’s been a very good day.

We just retired to our trailer and one of the reasons we have to leave is that we are all sore—not from riding but from laughing…It’s been amazing what has come out of everyone’s mouth—not just me—everyone has been an offender and it has been not only an eat-a-thon it has been more importantly a laugh fest. We’ve decided we all have a very sick sense of humor…people like us shouldn’t gather in groups. And especially never stay together for a week! And poor Tom—the only guy around 4 women…He’ll be looking for his manhood for the next 6 months. Good thing he seemed to enjoy himself.

Tomorrow we will go to Mesa Verde National park where we have reservations for the next 2 nights with FULL HOOKUPS! That means long showers every day if we want! Very cool…Hopefully we will have internet—otherwise the update won’t be till Wednesday when we arrive in Albuquerque…the beginning of the end. But it’s been a good time…Thanks Tom & Betsy for making this part special.