And, We're Back...

 

If you said, "It's what every radio DJ used to say after a commercial break," you get 5 bonus points.  If you said, "What's a radio DJ?"... get off my lawn, ya damn whippersnapper.

We had a mostly relaxing morning in: leisurely showers and nothing to get done at any specific time.  When Stephanie heard we were at Hart Ranch, she texted us a message with a link to a necklace in the shape of a cat's paw.  It is made by one of the local Black Hills Gold jewelry manufacturers, and they have it "on sale."  Spoiler alert: the silver and gold jewelry made by these local manufacturers is on sale.  But, Steph asked, "If you have time and you go by this place, would you get this for me?"

Pretty sure she knew we would make the time.  There isn't any touristy stuff we want to do in the short time we are here... so, we stopped at this manufacturer and their price was even a little better than the "on-line sale price."  They had it, we bought it.

From there, Joan wanted to stop at her favorite shoe store in the Black Hills.  I dropped her off in front of the store; it is in downtown, and there is no way this van with the storage carrier on back will fit in the snug diagonal parking.  I made a few laps, then found a spot about a block and a half away that actually had parallel parking, kind of off-street.  Just as I finished backing in, Joan called, "I got what I wanted, I saw you going around the corner just as I came out of the store.  I'll meet you at the corner when you come around."

"See you in a minute or two."

From there, we did have one stop in mind: a Mexican restaurant west of town.  Lunch was calling.  It was as good as we remembered.  Two more stops before heading "back to the ranch": groceries and top off the van's fuel tank.  Joan likes Safeway here; doesn't like the one that is about two miles from our place in Phoenix.  Gas tank topped off and we came back to our site at Hart Ranch...

 I put it as close as I could to where it was positioned before we left: the blocks had us perfectly level.  The weather weasels were calling for "a high of 60º, and a strong, cold northwest wind."  It was 68º when we got back, the wind was blowing 12 to 15.  Or, less.  As you can tell from the photo above, Joan left the slider door open and rolled down the screen.  This would allow the kitties to see out, as well as smell and feel the breeze (which was coming from the other side of the van).

Murphy was nosing around the screen, so Joan thought he might be ready to go outside.  Sorta...

 If I had a few days to work on the training, I could get him good on the leash again.  Since we are leaving tomorrow morning, I carried him out a ways and let him walk back to the van.  Repeated that a couple times.  He knows the van is his "safe place," but still a bit too much wind for his comfort.  I let him back inside.

I heard him tell Stella, "You should have seen me out there - I was SO brave!  Dad and I know all about this leash stuff."

To be fair, it has been a long time since he's been on a leash, since we have that great courtyard at home.  I can see that he and Stella could use some practice.

Murph sat by the screen, while Stella watched from behind...

 "Oh, brother, you are so brave"...

 "Go ahead, little sister - I'll be right here if you need me"...

 

I wouldn't say this in front of Murphy, but Stella might be a bit more adventurous than the big boy.  I'm good if they are happy just looking out, and not trying to get out.

A bit more chill time this afternoon, then I'll get tanks dumped, fresh water topped off, and we'll be ready to hit the road in the morning.  Heading for home.