Back Home Sketches- Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

Jennie and Brandon brought the balloon and Joanna put my glitter on the mailbox.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOANNA!!!

We made it back to our home on Saturday afternoon.

I drew in the big sketchbook with the Micron 01 on July 2 and 3.  Wonder why it always feels like we haven't been gone?

For Scavenger Hunt 502
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1430029

Number 1, door
Number 2, bottle - wine bottle with Bolivian topper, very bright colors.

When we got back on Saturday evening, we went to the fireworks with Joanna, Jennie and Brandon.  Larry was working out east Texas someplace.  Bet he was hot and tired, taking photos of Little League and not sure what else.

Some of my iPhone photos put together.  I have an old phone, before the fancy cameras, not too bad.

It was a pleasant evening at Fisherman's Park.  Bastrop holds the fireworks on a separate day from the 4th so that the Austin Symphonic Band will come play.  They play patriotic tunes and show tunes for an hour before the fireworks start.  The city provided so much more to do all day.  Games, a water slide, lots of food and entertainment.  The local businesses sponsor the day, with the HEB Grocery store being the largest sponsor.  Very nice for a small town.  The beautiful fireworks last about 15 - 20 minutes.

You can see a fun time lapse on Joanna's Instagram here:  https://instagram.com/p/BWC0ULTAnkH/

This is where you come on to Highway 60 in Clovis, New Mexico, from Texas when we go through Lubbock.  We have been through there umpteen times!

The Colorado mountains just before we got to Walden.

Typical views after you leave the mountains.  I think they are Wyoming, Texas and Oklahoma respectfully.

 A mine and coal train just outside of Gillette, Wyoming.

I think this was in Texas, but I didn't check...... just picked a photo of the many I took.

The girls on the horses are my cousin, Pat's, granddaughters.  They practice breakaway roping, pole bending and barrel racing.  They are very good at it considering they are 8 and 12 years old.  They can really ride and love their rodeo life.  It takes lots of time practicing and caring for their horses and other livestock.  We watched for two evenings.  Applause to them, Lilly and Helen!!  This is in Gruver, Texas, about as far north as you can get in the Texas panhandle.

Our first summer trip covered nine large states.  We spent an overnight in Texas, both coming and going.  We tried to keep driving to under 5 hours a day.  Our first day out to Lubbock was the longest.  It is good to be home.  Tomorrow (July 4)  is Joanna's birthday and two nephews, Cody and Jerry.  Happy Birthday all!  And Happy Birthday to the good old USA!!