White Sauce and Clingy Dogs

This morning I saw the last of Nebraska for the foreseeable future. I was sent off with classic Nebraskan food: waffles with white sauce. Maddie made a sauce using milk, buttermilk, butter, and I think sugar (it was certainly sweet) and waffles for breakfast. It was very tasty, I can see why her family doesn't use syrup with waffles.

Maddie and me, minutes before departure.

I was on the road by 9 AM, and drove fairly directly to Castle Pines, CO, a seven hour drive. The first six and a half hours had some fairly substantial rains, which was enjoyable to drive through (I do like a good challenge). Nevertheless, I made it to Castle Pines (with one stop for fuel and pop tarts). It was lots of fun to see hills again as I entered the Denver area.

In Castle Pines, I visited the Johnsons, old family friends who moved to Colorado from California 8 years ago. I enjoyed reconnecting with Aaron, their youngest, who I used to hang out with in middle school. We played some games, chatted, watched some NBA finals, and pet their dog. Since I'm going to be living within an hour of them this summer, I hope to see them a few times throughout June and July.

Their dog, Katie, is one of the largest, fluffiest, friendliest dogs I have ever met, and is pretty much the cutest thing ever (if one is ok with four foot tall five foot long cuteness, which I definitely am). She loves people, and was weaving in and out of my legs for the first 10 minutes or so I arrived (which admittedly made walking difficult). We had several intensive doggy cuddle sessions, culminating in Katie climbing me (which I think qualifies as winning doggy affection).

Katie and me, she really likes to cuddle, even with the back of my head.

In the mean time: Eddard (my computer) lives again! One factory reset later, and I am the proud owner of a "new HP computer." And hey, it's been on for an hour and hasn't bluescreened! I'll take it.

Tomorrow I prepare for a long drive, as from here to Phoenix is 12 hours (without stops), but I should get to see Daniel (former physics major) and Quinn (former Californian), both of which should be fun visits.

Denver, I'll be back for you in a week and a half, for now, onward to California!

Next Stop: Phoenix, AZ.