Leigh's Underworld

Sunday

I am laying here watching him sleep, it is so nice to hear his heartbeat and feel his breath. He arrived yesterday afternoon. We went and checked into the hotel, got settled into our room. (I'll leave the rest up to your imagination.)

We called his brother to let them know he had arrived safely and they asked us to meet them for dinner. I have to admit I was nervous as this was the first time I would meet mom and his brother. We arrived at the restaurant and didn't see them, so went to the bar and ordered a couple of drinks. (I needed to relax…lol)

After a few minutes we hooked up with the family. Jason introduced me to everyone. (I was still nervous.) His brother asked me what time I got in, I told him. He then proceeded to tell me that he and the wife and kids had gone up to the airport to give me a warm Rapid welcome. I felt bad because they had the times wrong, but it warmed my heart to know that they had made that effort and had opened their heart and home to me. After that, conversation flowed very easily.

As I, lay here and reflect, it was that way when I first met Jason. The first few minutes were nerve filled, but afterwards it was if we had known each other forever.

During dinner we were informed that we were to go to their house the next day for Easter dinner. We finished up eating and talked awhile. So we parted our ways for the night. Jason and I went back to the hotel. (Once again, use your imagination here.)

The next morning we got ready for the day, checked out and went ahead and ran some errands, doing our "dry" good shopping for the cabin. We headed over to Easter Dinner at the appointed time. It was a wonderful afternoon. Great Food, great conversation and great company. I felt so at home. We made plans for the next day, as they were coming up to the cabin with us for dinner and cards.

This evening was spent with his childhood friends, swapping tall tales and jokes. It has been a wonderful time thus far…….

I love laying here in his arms……

Monday

After waking up, we headed into town to hit a couple of stores. Jason decided to take me on a tour of the city, showing me his childhood hangouts, schools, etc….We headed up to Dinosaur Park at the top of the Hills, off of Skyline Rd. From up there the view of the city was breathtaking. I can't wait until we move up here for good, Rapid is such a beautiful city.

We headed over to the family's house to meet up with everyone. Mom had to go run some errands, so while we were waiting, Jason proceeded to teach us Pinochle. What a great time… Guys versus Girls. We had to take a break to come up to the cabin. After we got up here and got settled in, it was time to resume the game. I am proud to say that the girls were victorious. Muahahahahaha….

I have enjoyed the company. As goodbyes were said, we arranged for them to come back up so we could have a rematch. (The girls will WIN again!!!) Jason and I settled in for the night. ( once again use your imagination)

Tuesday

It was an early morning again, we have been up for the day around 5 or 6 every morning. We spent a lazy day around the cabin. Mom got here in time for dinner. We spent the evening chatting and playing cards, watching the deer play in the field outside. Watching the snow fall…… I would love to say that it has been a productive day, but I would be lying. Jason and I essentially spent the day listening to music, talking, playing around, and enjoying each other……

Wednesday

I woke Jason up about 6 this morning and told him to look outside. Mom's car was covered in snow, as well as the fields below…. The snow had finally decided to stick. I have missed snow….

The phrase Snow falling on cedars keeps running through my mind. I don't know why as the Hills are covered with Pine Trees…. I snapped a few pictures after breakfast . Jason has issued a Rummy challenge as I beat him last night….LOL

As I write this Jason and Mom are relaxing in front of the fireplace, awaiting my finish so I can once again kick their bums in Rummy...lol

Saturday, April 14th, 2007

Wednesday Continued

Since it had snowed, Jason & I decided to hike up the mountain behind our cabin to get some pictures. Mom declined to join, opting to relax in the cabin instead. I did good, considering I don't have any snow boots with me, I only slipped once… lol I think he may have gotten a picture of it, or at least me getting up…. Stinker… We got some wonderful pictures of the Hills and some good one's of us. (He had bought a tripod in town before we left.) We stayed up there awhile and enjoyed the scenery. We finally decided to head down to the cabin…

After chatting for awhile we decided to go into town to the local winery. Jason & I opted to taste all the wines, mom decided she should just stick with tasting 5. I have a weakness for wine…. I was extremely surprised at how wonderful these wines tasted, as I usually care only for French Wines from the Bordeaux region, (granted there are other brands I like, but those are my favorite ones). Almost all of their wines are produced from fruits native to this region. My favorite????? Raspberry Honey wine…. After we tasted the wines, which took quite awhile (there were 18 of them available to taste) we ordered a cheese platter and Baguette. Sat down in front of the fireplace and enjoyed our lunch over good conversation.

We finally decided to leave after choosing the wines we wanted to bring back with us. Stopped in to the local market so I could get some apples to make an apple pie…. Then headed back up to the cabin.

Mom left to go back to town and get ready to head back to her house. It was a great visit. I got some really good pictures of her and Jason.

We spent the rest of the day, lounging around. It is nice up here with no TV to distract. He challenged me in a game of cards, which he won…. We finally decided to retire about midnight.

Thursday

It's been a lazy day so far. We got up around 6, ate breakfast. Then we continued our card game, which he won again… L lol That's ok, I'll beat him later. I do have to be nice to him.J Later on we are going to hike down the Michelson Trail and see if we can find some more good pictures.

We headed down the trail for a little ways, past the gold mine and both kept looking at the mountains to the left of us and came to the same conclusion. We headed off the trail to explore. We found some great places to take pictures. We thought we had stumbled upon a cave, but it ended up just being a VERY large sinkhole surrounded by rocks. It was cool though. After spending a couple of hours exploring we made our way back to the cabin. Arriving back on the property we were treated to a couple of deer grazing just a few feet in front of us. So Jason snapped some pictures. They finally got spooked and took off .

The rest of the day was spent lazing around the cabin. The temperature dropped as evening fell. The snow started falling. It stuck, but stopped for the night. Had it continued, we would have woken up to the ground covered again.

Friday

We decided to walk into town this morning and check out the local shops. After walking around town we decided to have lunch at a local German restaurant. It was very good. We then proceeded to head to a coffee shop and have some Chai as we needed to warm up.

On the walk back to the cabin we explored the local cemetery. We found several interesting graves from the late 1800's and early 1900's. Quite a few of them had a certain kind of bush planted around them. I need to do research and find out the significance of the bush. One grave stood out, as cemented all the around the grave was Rose Quartz. I could only conclude that this was her favorite stone.

Once we got back to the cabin, we decided it was nap time, our bellies were full, bodies cold and needed warming up…..

While in town, I found a shop that sold beer bread mixes, so I picked up some spinach parmesan bread to go with our dinner.

Waking up from our nap, the deer were back grazing out in the field below the cabin. Every time I go out to smoke I envision the mountain lion coming down and attacking one of them. We had found mountain lion tracks in the snow near the cabin on the first day, and on our walk yesterday discovered a deer leg, torn at the joint.

It has been a beautiful day today, the sun shining most of the day, while in town we had a couple of snow flurries fall on us, but upon waking the sun was shining brightly. It actually got up past 50 today. I am hoping it will be nice tomorrow as we are having his friends up to the cabin to grill out.

God, I love laying here in his arms..... I will miss this so bad.....

Tuesday, April 17th, 2007

Saturday

Today was a beautiful day, T-shirt weather with a light jacket. Everyone came up and we grilled out. Once again, time was spent listening to tall tales and "one time at" (nah, I'm kidding with that last part, but envision this, 1 retired Air Force, 1 former Army, 1 Active Army plus former Marine and National Guard; What do think is going to happen????? LMAO)

We enjoyed their company. After they left we spent the remainder of the evening kicked back, a nap, lol, a card game (which unfortunately he is up on me, :( )

Sunday

Out of all the days here, this has got to be my favorite so far. The reasoning??? Well, hmmmm....lol Ok, so on my webcam there is a video option. Which I would love to upload all the videos we made today on here, but as we are both laying naked in bed, it wouldn't be a good thing.

And no, it's not all about sex... (maybe one, but that is all...;)) I love when Jason gets in a silly mood, the things that come out of his mouth....lol

P-I-R-A-T-E.......ARRRGGGHHH.....

LOL, sorry folks, a private joke, but it had to be said....

So, umm, yeah, we weren't very productive today, we just played around with the video camera... Look for one being downloaded as I promise we will get dressed at some point and make one, because Jason has this one bit, that I feel the world deserves to hear....LOL

Monday

We woke up to another beautiful day. This time is was just t-shirt weather, period. We walked into town for lunch and browsed around the shops, then grabbed some coffee and sat outside the shop enjoying the weather.

We finally decided to head back up here to the cabin and had just laid down to take a nap (he's old, he needs his beauty rest ;)) when we heard a truck pull up. 

It was his brother... So we got dressed and off we went. Scouting for a good hunting spot and slate. His brother comes up to the hills to fill the truck up with slate for landscaping purposes. The backroads he took us down, wow, some of the sites.... Gorgeous!!! I can't wait to move up here.

Battle Ax road. Jason says we will build our house here and he will greet everyone in a Norseman suit. The gate to the property will have battle Axes on it. He changed his tune though and pouted for a few when we came upon a property that had battle axes mounted. So, he had to come up with a name for a new road. (Which I won't share, guess you'll have to visit when we move up here to find out.)

We took off on this one trail on foot and well, anyone that knows me well, understands how sidetracked I get. I have a huge rock/shell fetish. Up here in the hills, Quartz is just laying all around!! Various types of quartz, so I wandered off on my own and well, lost track of the time and the guys, so we got seperated.

It happened innocently enough, I was jumping from one huge rock to another, pretending to be a mountain lion, when I looked up they were gone...

ooops...

Good thing I have a gps built into my head. I almost opted to trek back through the woods to look for them, but figured that wouldn't be a good idea, since I had no clue what direction they had gone. So I headed for the road and came up to the trail that way. They finally showed up a few minutes later.  (men, ~rolling eyes here~, nah, I'm joking)

I enjoyed myself, found some good specimens to bring back.

After that, I think the boys were scared to play in the woods with me, so we headed into Rapid.

We arrived at their house around 7 or so and decided the girls needed to beat them again at Pinochle. So we did. Then it got to be 11 and we were in the middle of another game, I decided I was tired as Jason & I still had an hour drive back to the cabin, (and remember, we didn't get our nap today!! lol) so I pulled a fast one and ended the game real quick by letting the guys win. It was only fair, We were up by two.... We do need to lure them into a false sense of security....

On the drive back to the cabin, we saw so many deer... I am glad we didn't hit one... I think we are going to Mt. Rushmore tomorrow, we will see.... for that is another day.....

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Tuesday

We awoke to a beautiful day. Bummed around the cabin for a couple of hours then got dressed to go explore for the day.

The drive to Mt. Rushmore was beautiful, of course, that seems to be my favorite adjective when describing anything in these parts. We are only 15 miles or so away from there, so it didn't take long. We stopped and took some pictures along the way. One place had gorgeous rocks everywhere, so I had to go climb while he was getting pics of the side of Washington's face.

He met me up at the top eventually. You know, I have to say this, I am an extremely lucky girl to have a boyfriend who puts up with my flights of fancy.

Ok, back to our day. Once we arrived we headed to the Ranger Station/Bookstore to pick up Ranger workbooks since Jason was deadset on getting his Ranger badge. (He is just to damn cute...)

We were going to eat there, but after studying what all they offered, we decided to wait until we got back down into Keystone. It was a perfect day to visit the mountain, as the sun was shining, it wasn't to hot or to cold, and there was hardly anyone there. I was SO happy it wasn't crowded.

I'm not sure how long we spent going through the exhibits, getting our answers for the Ranger badges, etc... We finished up and headed back to the Ranger station/bookstore to return our pens and so Jason could be sworn in as a Ranger and get his badge.

I am quite certain we are the only two adults that, that ranger has ever seen complete the books, as he had an amused expression on his face the whole time. Jason disagree's with me, but anyways....lol

As we were headed out to the truck, we were treated to Mountain Goat. They had come down from the hills. I did well, I really, really, really wanted to pet them, but as they were wild animals Jason thought it best that I didn't. I choked back the urge and didn't try. We got some great shots of them. (well, I say we, I should say he, as he had the camera.)

Once we got back into town, we found a place to eat. Of course, we were being silly as usual snapping photos of each other. (see my pics for evidence of that...lol) After a late lunch, which was excellent by the way; I had a veggie wrap with mushrooms and spinach, Jason had the bbq buffalo sandwich; we headed to some shops.

We finally found an old time photo shop that is opening while we are here. So tomorrow we are heading back to do that. I'm not sure what I will dress up as, probably a whore, as I am sure Jason will want cleavage in them...LOL

The fudge shop was closed :(( but the taffy place was open. 2 lbs of taffy isn't to bad...lol We went through a couple of more shops then decided to head back towards the cabin.

We opted to take a back road through the mountain instead of going around it. Wow...... Once again, I was blown away by the beauty of it all. I know I have said it before, but I can't wait until we get to move up here for good.

When we hit the town close to our cabin we decided to stop in at the local restaurant for coffee and dessert. Then headed back up here to talk about our day and make plans for tomorrow.

I think we have decided to go see Crazy Horse tomorrow and get the pictures made. It should be another interesting day.

God, I am going to miss him so bad when he has to go back. I can't wait for the day that I can wake up in his arms again, everyday..... sigh.....

Thursday, April 19th, 2007

Wednesday

We woke up to another gorgeous day, so we got dressed and headed out once again. Our destination? Crazy Horse Memorial.

If you are ever in the area, it is worth going to. I think we spent about 3 hours just looking through the exhibits, reading the history, etc. It does require a lot of reading in order to fully understand and appreciate it.

While we were there, we were even treated to them blasting.

Ok, taking a commercial break here.

~Tired of donating to those same ole charities year after year, never quite sure where your money is going? Donate to a worthy cause, donate to the Crazy Horse Memorial. It is not only a sculpture on a mountain, eventually there will be a university, medical center, etc. Put your money into something tangible, something that generations to come will be able to appreciate and enjoy.~

Ok, commercial break is over.

After we spent several hours there, we decided to go find lunch. Our quest for lunch took us through Custer State Park. There, we were treated to Bison (Tatanka), Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Goats, and of course, Deer.... Once again, another beautiful drive.....

I spend so much time in awe here.

We finally ended up in Keystone for another late lunch. Then headed back to the cabin to get ready for the night. 

It was off to Rapid for movies and dinner. BTW, if you haven't gone to see 300 yet, that is an awesome movie!!!!!

Our plans today were to hike up to Harney peak (6 mile trail roundtrip). But upon waking, it was raining. Now, as I sit here and type it is snowing. I think our hike is out. So who knows what today will bring. Tomorrow we head to Deadwood for the day and night....

Thursday, April 19th, 2007

Thursday

I decided to go ahead and journal our day, tonight, since I am not sure if we will have internet tomorrow. It has been a crazy weather day, spoiling our hiking plans.

We opted to spend the day in the cabin, with one short jaunt into town, as the shop I have been waiting to go to was open. I needed to get a sage smudge stick for him, since I forgot one at home. It was an awesome shop. I could tell the lady who was working was Native American, and she was very pleased to find out that I knew what sage was used for and asking for it.

Although, it was a small shop, I could spend hours in there. It carried all the items I want to carry in my shop that I want to open up one day, missing a few things of course, but I love shops I step into and you have the immediate sense of peace. Incense burning, music playing, the arrangement is pleasing and soothing..... I enjoyed the shop.

I was pleased to find out that sage grows wild here in the Black Hills, along with some other herbs I work with. These hills have been full of surprises and offerings!!! I can not wait till we move up here....

We got back to the cabin and well, I proceeded to finish off a bottle of wine, and Jason for the first time, actually got pretty darn buzzed... The videos I teased you about the other day? Were FINALLY made today!! I will upload them later, when we get to high speed, this dial up crap takes to long...;))

I just woke up from a nap, he is still up there napping...... It has hit me that this is Thursday. Tonight is our last night in the cabin and tomorrow will bring new adventures. Our time together is coming to an end. Monday will be here before I know it and we will be parting ways for another few months.....:((

I am tearing up, even thinking about it..... ~sigh~

Anyways...... tomorrow will we go visit my graveyard, Mt. Moriah Cemetary. I thought it would be cool for me to put on my black dress, red lipstick with a red rose in my mouth, lay across a grave and have Jason take a picture with only my lips and rose in color, the rest b&w. I think that was to strange for even him though, as he just gave me a strange look when I suggested it....

I think it would be an awesome picture! We have a couple of poses we will have to do, that I have found in a couple of places. Look for those in the next couple of days. I know the location for the first one. It will be done tomorrow, RAIN OR SHINE! (let me add snow too, since it has been doing that off and on all day)

The other pose, I think we will do when we go to the prairie this weekend with his brother.....

Sunday, April 22nd, 2007

Friday

We awoke to a beautiful morning again, the weather has been so funny... I hated getting everything packed to go. I will miss our hidaway in the woods.

The drive to Deadwood once again provided breathtaking scenery. Jason pointed out various areas along with childhood memories.... It will be nice when we get up here and we can make memories with our kids, taking them to the places and doing the things he treasured from his childhood.

As soon as we arrived in Deadwood we headed straight for the Mt. Moriah cemetary. I can't imagine trying to drive that road with snow and ice, it would be scary.....

As you can tell from the pictures, we got some great pictures of us in the graveyard. I resisted my urge to lay on top of one...lol Although, I have to say our visits to the graveyards have futher confirmed my conviction of Jason putting my body on a boat and setting me afire and shipping me out to sea. If people want something to visit, he can just erect a life-size nude statue of me on top of a mountain and my public can make their yearly treks to pay homage....

After our visit to Mt. Moriah, we headed down to town to check-in to our hotel. We then headed to the Midnight Star casino to eat lunch. I decided to be brave and have a Carribean Tea....lol So if you look closely at the pics you can tell I was a wee bit buzzed....lol

With our bellies full we headed over to the old time photo place to get our pictures made. I do have to say they came out very good, of course he was in them....lol

As I was still a bit buzzed we headed back to the room to take a nap. Upon waking we headed to the casino's for the night, trying our luck. I did well, spent 4 bucks and won 20. (Yeah, I know, big spender....lol penny slots are AWESOME!!)

We hit the all you can eat crab buffet for dinner and played around in the casino's until we were ready for bed.

Saturday

We headed back into Rapid City, discussing areas to live along the way, scouting out communities for the type of terrain we want for when we move up here.

We headed to the sushi bar for lunch, then to his brothers house. I am proud to say us girls, once again, kicked the boys bums in pinochle, only giving up one win to them. So the girls are victorious in our games!!!

We decided to catch a movie Pathfinder late at night. In all honesty, don't waste your money. It wasn't worth it. We dropped his brother back off at his house and headed to his friends house.

Sunday

We are down to our last 24 hours..... Tomorrow we will both be on planes headed miles apart.... I do hate goodbyes..... This is all I will write today. When I fly into Houston tomorrow, I pick up my rental car and head to San Antonio. I am staying the night at Dea's, it will be nice to see her and Darron and the boys again.... God, I'm going to miss him...:((

Tuesday, April 24th, 2007

Twilight Zone

As I was driving back from San Antonio today, I hit an area that felt like the Twilight Zone.

There is a stretch of road that passes through an Indian Reservation. As I was about to enter, I noticed the tops of the trees swaying in the wind, but in front of me, it was a surreal scene. All around the car, leaves were whirling in the air as if they were suspended in time, not sure which direction they should blow. Almost doing a spiral dance...

It was odd, I know I am not doing justice in explaining it, and I had I not been in such a hurry to get home I would've pulled over and snapped some photo's..... Of course, my over active imagination could see the spirits dancing in the wind throwing leaves up over their head laughing as the passerby's stared in amazement at the dance of the leaves....

This time, this place, so perfect yet so imperfect.

Forgive me, for my mind is thousands of miles away and I am rambling on with no thought whatsoever as to what my fingers are typing.....

Distance sucks......:(

Twilight Zone, Groundhog Day; it doesn't fucking matter what you call it, it is one and the same......

Link to videos uploaded from our "Drunk Day"

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2024836924

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=2024838699

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=2024841520

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=2024843408

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=2024849246

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=2024852607

All Videos I have uploaded: (kids mainly)

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.myvideos