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travelin'

It's funny the things you miss about a place. For me, there wasn't much to miss about Southern California when I left there, other than good friends (I know, that's huge), the weather and In-And-Out Burger. I definitely have not missed the smog. Yesterday, it was completely obscuring the San Gabriel Mountains from the San Fernando Valley. When I first moved to CA many moons ago, it was several months before I knew those mountains were even there. Then one day the wind blew, the air cleared and, as if by magic, they appeared. They really are beautiful.
After visiting the dentist in Encino yesterday morning (and leaving him with more money than I can make at the winery in three months), I went on a one hour search for a double-double, fries and vanilla shake. I found it. Yay! Yummy! They really should probably rename the place. It should now be called In-And-wait just a little while-just a few more minutes-almost ready-Out Burger. It's not so fast as it used to be and much bigger with full on seating inside. The seating is actually nice. The old In-And-Outs had just a walk up window, a drive up window and two picnic tables outside, if you were lucky. The lines would often circle the building. Now, you can stand in line inside, in the comfort of air conditioning. There's even a bench to sit on while you wait for your number to be called. It's just as tasty, however, and that is what really matters most. After an artery-clogging lunch, I high-tailed it back to LAX and jumped another plane to come to Denver. Within minutes, I remembered something that I had hated about this place. Don't get me wrong. I actually really like Denver. It's a city with lots going for it. There's just this one thing that really bugged me: static. No, not on the radio. It's the static electricity that's generated when you slide your okole across the car seat while exiting the vehicle. You inadvertantly touch the metal door and youch! Shock! Sparks fly! It's so irritating.
It's a fabulous, sunny day here in Denver, with fall colors just beginning their display here in the flatlands. I'm looking forward to seeing the show as I wind my way to higher elevations enroute to beautiful, sunny Gunnison.
The hotel's computer will, for some reason, not read my photo card, so I am unable to upload my photos just yet. Stay tuned. I'll figure out a way to have some eye candy for you with the next post.
A hui hou. Aloha.

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