June 11, 2023
Today we are heading back to Manitou Springs to meet Carissa, Brian, and our four grandchildren, Georgeann, Lachlan, Emmeline, and Ellia. The destination is the Manitou Penny Arcade. Penny is a very gigantic misnomer. It took us both a while to find a place to park but we finally did. We met at the arcade and found an ATM and a change machine. The games take nothing but quarters. We all walked around and the kids tried a few different games, here and there. Ellia seemed to enjoy rides more than games but whatever makes them happy. The biggest hit of the day was air hockey. It started with Grandma playing Lachlan. He was really enjoying it. Grandma told Carissa that maybe they need one for their basement. She replied that Brian was already on it. Then it was time for Grandpa to play Emmeline. Then Georgeann played Ellia. Then we continued to walk around and play games. Eventually it was time to go so the kids were told to choose a last game. A couple of them wanted to play air hockey again.
They wanted to walk a block or two to the Sasquatch Sign Shop. Nancy and I had been in there a couple of days ago. They have a sign for just about anyone or anything. I’ll attach some photos here. We decided to go to Old Colorado City for an early dinner. We went to Front Range BBQ. It has appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. I was really looking forward to the meal. I, of course, ordered the triple meat platter to try the various items. I had ribs, brisket (what else? :) ) and burnt ends. I had their baked beans and the Southern Side of the Day, collard greens. The meal was good but I found the ribs to be a little dry. The burnt ends were good but really charred. Nancy again opted to have a grilled cheese but we also had fried artichoke hearts as an appetizer so she had planned ahead. They were good.
As we were dining a storm pushed in. Surprise! Surprise! We are talking thunder, lightning, and heavy down pours. We finished eating and paid and did so between downpours. Since we did not get a chance to walk to a good ice cream place with the grandchildren, Nancy and I attempted to find an ice cream shop on the route home. We found a Josh and John’s Ice Cream downtown. This is the same shop we had experienced in Manitou Springs last week. We got some pre-packaged and headed home. The grandchildren had a good time and it was nice spending time with our western family.
