Thunder, Lightning, Forest Fires and a Tornado

I'll admit that I do spin tales of fiction, but there is no way I could possibly make this up.

The clan and I recently returned from a family vacation in Colorado Springs, CO. For those of you who have never seen this beautiful state, place it on your bucket list!

As our flight traveled from Denver to Colorado Springs, we saw the raging forest fire below that destroyed thousands of acres in the Black Forest. Yep, you guessed it. The fires were in Colorado Springs.

Being from Pennsylvania, this type of natural behavior is not something that we're readily accustomed to and frankly, we were more than a little nervous. We said a silent prayer the fire wouldn't impact our vacation and it didn't, but our hearts certainly went out to the five hundred families who lost their homes. We were somewhat surprised that Colorado natives continued to go about their business as if the fires were a common occurrence. I guess they were. I suppose California natives act the same way about earthquakes.

Our travels took us to Garden of the Gods in which the name spoke for itself.



We also chuckled when we spotted the sign below since the signs in PA normally mention to clean up after your pet. lol

We took the cog train up to the very top of Pikes Peak. Yep, all 14,115 feet above sea level. They even sold oxygen at the train station.

That night, when we arrived back at the hotel, one of the hotel staff had asked me what we did that day. I told her that we had a great time taking the cog train up to Pikes Peak and a strange look crossed her face. She said, "Oh, please tell me your train was not the one that got struck by lightning today."

Thankfully, the Roberts family had managed to avoid the fires and did not get struck by lightning.

On another day, we traveled to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and we still hadn't had any rain. The sun was shining, there was a cool breeze in the air, a great day for visiting the zoo.

Yeah, well, let me tell you that mountain weather is totally unpredictable. Within minutes, rain, thunder, and it poured buckets! At least we saw most of the zoo.

We were stuck under a small roof for over a half an hour, but we were so thankful because we knew the rain would help the Colorado firefighters. As soon as the rain had quit pelting us, we made a mad dash to the car. Imagine our surprise when a huge crowd stood at the entrance to the zoo for tickets in the rain. I turned to my husband and asked him if they were nuts. We get in the car, I back out, and guess what folks? You got it. The clouds parted, the rain stopped, and the sun was blinding. Grrr...

During our vacation, I even managed to swing by two Barnes and Noble bookstores and both stores were sold out of X Marks the Scot. Woot! So I signed stock of Temptation in a Kilt. I found myself in the romance section in both stores and turned out the covers of my Sourcebooks sisters and "rearranged" them in a prime location.

When we arrived back at the hotel that night, we found out a tornado touched down at the Denver airport. Seriously. I didn't think Colorado was that dangerous.

The highlight of our vacation had to be the wolves. Yep, you heard me right. Wolves. My daughter has been forever fascinated with all-things wolves. Imagine her surprise when her awesome mother paid for her to get her picture taken with a wolf pup.

Priceless...

Through thunder, lightning, forest fires and a tornado, emerged a wonderful family vacation that I know we will always hold dear. 

What about you? What is the best family vacation you have ever taken?

Miramont Castle

As my close friends will undoubtedly attest, I have a fascination and addiction to everything Scotland. No, really. It's true! *smile*

Scotland is rich in history and its beauty is unsurpassed. Magnificent castles grace the rolling green countryside and are a staple of everything that is Scotland. From Edinburgh Castle to Eilean Donan Castle, the massive stone structures are rich in history and intrigue. If only the walls could talk!

Did you know there are plenty of historic castles within the United States to investigate and explore? USA Castles should not be overlooked and provide a vast array of history.

My dh and I had the pleasure of touring such a castle in Manitou Springs, CO. Miramont Castle is a must-see for any historical lover.

Jean Baptiste Francolon was a Catholic priest born in Clermont, France in 1854. He was the son of a wealthy diplomat.

In 1878, he was summoned by Bishop Lamy to travel to Sante Fe, NM, where he became the Bishop's secretary.

In the early 1890's, Father Francolon suffered an ailment. He was transferred to Manitou Springs in the hopes that the many mineral waters the area provided would restore his health. 

He began planning the Castle's construction and intended the structure to be a home he could share with his mother, Marie. It was to be called Miramont, meaning "look at (or see) the mountain."

The Castle was completed in 1896 and had running water and electricity. All of the comforts of home!

The Castle was adorned with many wealthy furnishings including a mahogany table inlaid with jewels, tapestries, oils, statuary, antique investments and laces.

There are nine distinct architectural designs within the Castle: Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, English Tudor, shingle-style Queen Anne, Flemish stepped gables, domestic Elizabethan, Venetian Ogee and half-timber Chateau. Father Francolon had apparently collected ideas from his early years of traveling the world with his father.

The Castle is built on four levels which boasts 14,000 square feet and 46 rooms. It has five fireplaces, the largest being sixteen feet wide and weighing 400,000 pounds.

An addition was made to the Castle sometime after its completion in 1896, but no records have been located in order to verify the date. The newer part of the Castle added a chapel, grand staircase and solarium. Pictures do not compliment the architecture of the Castle.

Miramont Castle was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 3, 1977.

If you are traveling to the Colorado Springs area, place Miramont Castle on the top of your list.