Italy - Day 1: Collesseum & Forum

The Colosseum & the Forum - quintessential Rome! The archetecture is stunning. The stories of the events that took place at the Colosseum are fanciful and horrific all at once. The infastructure is mind-blowing. This "stadium" held nearly 2/3 of the spectators Nebraska's Memorial Stadium holds as they watched not only the gladiator spectacles made so famous by the movies, but entire scenes of events, complete with extravagent staging, were acted out. An entire city was hidden below, housing animals, humans, props, and other necessities to effectuate the shows. The sheer magnitude of the structure is overwhelming. The Arch of Constantine separated the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. Aside from being physically massive and impressive, the stories the detailed carvings tell are equally impressive. The nearby forum was once the heart and soul of Rome, and viewing the many pieces that remain transports one back to that day, leaving one to imagine the buisiness that was conducted in this splendor - wondering if those that spent time here on a daily basis appreciated the grandeur they were surrounded with.

  

 

Italy - Day 1: Spanish Steps & Trevi Fountain

The Spanish Steps were a quick stop, as it was raining (that's me with the bright pink umbrella in the front), and then on to Trevi Fountain.  Absolutely breathtaking!  The fountain is built and carved into the side of the building, and tells the story of the four seasons.  I could have stood in front of the fountain and stared at the detail for hours.  Rome is so full of detail and artistry and wonder - and when one considers the tools individuals had at their disposal when creating their works of art, the awesomeness of it all magnifies!

NE Law Enforcement Memorial Ride 2012

Once again, I am so proud of my husband and his hard work organizing and implementing the 2012 Law Enforcement Memorial Ride for the western part of the state.  For the last few months, he's been gathering information and working the behind the scenes to get everything prepared and set up.  After a week of last-minute details Friday night was finally here!  We gathered for supper with old and new friends from Wyoming & other parts of Nebraska as we looked forward to the next two days, but dreaded the weather the next morning.  Saturday morning we woke up bright and early and Ty tested out the weather as he helped set up the tent and goodies for registration.  After piling on layers and layers of warm clothes in hopes I would be somewhat comfortable during our 250 mile journey, I joined him as we opened registration.  We were thrilled to have 13 bikes take the trip with us.  Several other people registered just to support the Memorial even though they couldn't ride along.  When we started out, it was 42 degrees and cloudy with reports of rain 30 miles ahead.  Sure enough, the reports were accurate and before we knew it, we were "enjoying" a spring shower!  I have never ridden in such weather, and although I cannot say I consider it one of the most enjoyable portions of rides I have ever taken, I think I had talked it up on my head to be so much worse that it was almost bearable!  By the time we got to North Platte and registered another 10 bikes, it had warmed up enough that we were no longer uncontrollably shivering.  When we arrived in Grand Island, the consensus was that although we weren't quite ready to take off any layers, we were all quite comfortable finally.  The sunshine was out and it was a beautiful day.  All of the riders with us met up with riders from the eastern part of Nebraska and we all rode in to the Memorial site together.  It was truly awesome and awe inspiring to not only see that many bikes riding together but to know that each person driving or riding together were doing it to remember and honor those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and paid the costliest price while serving and protecting the rest of us.  It took my breath away to look behind us and see the hundreds of other bikes following behind.  We rode into the memorial under a giant flag as the breeze gently waved it, welcoming us to the wall of remembrance.  We all stood around, humbly - and gratefully - pondering those officers nearest and dearest to us, and giving thanks that they were able to drive us to the Memorial and were in fact standing next to us, rather than seeing their names on the wall.  After some inspiring words from the Lieutenant Governor, we took pictures, and ventured on to finish the night, celebrating with other law enforcement, family, and friends.  The next day was a perfect riding day, and we slowly made our way back home, stopping along the way to enjoy sights and time with friends.  Thank you, Tyson- for helping make this weekend such a wonderful success; for doing your job every week with such dedication and passion; for being the most amazing husband; and for really being with me and enjoying every moment we have together!!!

Friday night gathering before the early morning ride

Leaving the Cabela's parking lot ... Not too terribly cold yet!

Onto the Interstate - it's getting a little chilly now!

The Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial

Hundreds of bikes, with their drivers & riders, all in support of our State's fallen Law Enforcement Officers.  What an amazing sight to see that many bikes all riding together for the same reason.

Riding in to the Memorial under the flag.  What a beautiful day to enjoy such a special event!

Fellow Brothers remembering and honoring those who paid the ultimate price. 

All the bikes on the way back

Love, Love, LOVE this picture of our new motorcycle!  The matte black with double red pinstrip is just stunning, and the comfort is next to none!  So thrilled to be one of the 300 owners to have such a stylish, luxurious bike!

Happy Friday!

1.  Happy Birthday, Mom!!  I'm guessing this year's celebration will be enjoyed a little more than last year's, and you'll probably eat a little more birthday cake this time around!  =)
2.  At lunch yesterday, I cut some flowers from our front flower gardens, threw together a quick arrangement, and now we have bright, cheery flowers decorating our office at work!  What a great way to end the week.

3.  I also started some honey whole wheat bread at lunch, and am so excited to smell fresh bread baking this evening and taste a thick slice fresh out of the oven with some butter spread on top.  I'm looking forward to trying it with a thick smear of homemade peanut butter on top, too.
4.  ...and the most exciting and surprising news... On the Law Ride last weekend, about 7 miles west of North Platte, I "lost" (dropped) my phone as I was "relaxing" (shivering) on the back of our oh-so-comfy new motorcycle.  As we were going about 80 mph on I-80 I figured it was a lost cause and not only would I NEVER find it, but it would NEVER be in working condition again, and made no effort to attempt to retrieve it.  My new motto: Never say Never!!!  Mom got a call from the NE Department of Roads saying they had just found a phone with her phone number listed under "Mom!"  Absolutely shocking!!!!  Not only that they found the phone to start with, but that it was in good enough shape (literally) for them to turn it on and access the phone book, and also that they were thoughtful enough to follow up on finding its owner.  I'm so thrilled and thankful!  I'm looking forward to receiving it in the mail next week sometime to see just how bad the damage really is...  =)

Italy - Day 1: Pantheon

Next stop - the Pantheon - with its individual chapels and altars.