Xenophobia and Xenia

X...this letter gave me fits last year, but since I had signed up multiple blogs to the challenge last year I really had to stretch.  I used X Marks the spot, the city of Xenia Ohio, and X...well here, take a look

There are 6 cities/towns with the name of Xenia in the United States.  One in Colorado in Washington County at 4,534 feet of elevation, Kansas in Boubon County at 1,040 feet, one in Iowa in Dallas County at 1,027 feet, also one that used to be in Hardin County, but there's very little documentation of this, Illinois has a Xenia in Clay County at 534 feet (this location is now known as Altanta), and the one most known for the horrible tornado in Ohio.

Additionally, there used to be a city/village in Missouri named after Xenia Ohio as a matter of fact, that no longer exists.  There is a sign marking where the village used to be in Nodaway County.  It moved to Pickerington when it was by passed by the railroads and ceased to exist back in 1870.
There was a small skirmish during the Civil War between The Union from the Iowa Calvary and the Confederates from southern Nodaway County.

XENOPHOBIA:
 fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners or of anything that is strange or foreign

**After the close of April's A-Z, I plan to continue to write a post a day in the month of May using again the A-B-C's as my guide.  My focus for the month of May will be Spain.  I've been planning and almost have every letter thought out.  If others are interested in continuing to blog daily using our A-B-C's, please let me know.  We could start a linky and continue what we've begun during April.  I don't imagine it will be anywhere near the scope of the annual April Challenge.  But, if you're interested, please let me know in your comment.  And even if you're not up for another blog challenge, do stop back in, I have much to share from recent travels to Spain.**

If you're a new follower, please let me know so I can reciprocate.

ULLR in Breckenridge Colorado

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Meet ULLR, a Norse God by Richard Jagoda in Beckenridge, Colorado.  One of many outdoor art pieces.

Ullr is thought to be the son of Sif, and the stepson of Thor in Norse Mythology.  Information is a bit sketchy, but it's believed he was a major Prehistoric God, The God of Hunting, Bow, Shield and Ski.  It's prounced Ooh-ler.  Legend has it that he flew the sky on his wooden ski's so fast he made stars as he passed.

This past Janaury, 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of The Ullr Fest in Breckenridge.  The fest started in 1963, to pay homage to and give thanks to, The God of Good Snow.  The fest has grown through the years, but has always been a "party", celebrated by locals.  There's a parade down Main Street, live entertainment, food and drink a plenty, bone fires, Ullympics, and ice sculpting.  He's become known as The God of Winter and Snow.

The festival ran from Jan 6th through January 12th this year and is scheduled for Jan 5th-11th, in 2014. 


Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.
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Historic Breckenridge, Colorado

Such a pretty little yellow church with a red door. Not a color combination you see everyday. Look how narrow the windows are, look closer (remember you can always click to enlarge pictures) and you'll see original leaded windows. This quaint little church is old. It's located at 100 North French Street in Breckenridge, Colorado. Walking around to explore I was taken in my this cute little building. Looking futher I've learned it was built way back in 1887. It's served the community is several capacities; which is often is the case histrically with churches. It was more then a church, it was a place people could come together.
Giving you a side videw. The Original building is the part you see in front, while the back portion is the addition. This church was moved from just across the street when they needed to enlarge it. It's been several different denominations from Episcopal to Baptist. This building was the first in Breckenridge to install electric lights back in 1891.
While the sign is a bit hard to read, you can tell it's listed on The National Register of Historic Places. Old, small and quaint perhaps; but it's still serving the community. It's not just a building to look on and consider it's place in history, it is a busy and thriving church in modern times.
A stone's throw away from the cute yellow church is this impressive Catholic Church, St. Mary's. This historic church was built in 1881 and is therefore a bit older than the previous church. The Bedll and Belfrey was added in 1899 and is original. A nice courtyard, pretty flower bed surround the church. They've added on a modern addition to the left of this which is really disappointing, as it looks modern and frankly out of place. I wanted to get pictures of the inside when I saw the door opened; but as I approached realized a wedding was taking place.
It also is listed on The National Register of Historic Places. My daughter attended Mass here on Sunday and said it was held in the new addition which was disappointing, as she too hope to see the inside of the historic chapel.
Another view of the quaint historic church. When you travel, go off the beaten path. Churches have historical been the center of communities, see what you see and learn.

Girls Traveling in Breckenridge Colorado

First thing ladies traveling in Breckenridge want to do is get a facial and a pedicure. Pretty feet are fun, and well pretty!
Can't show you a picture of the facial cause my eyes were closed. Aside from just plain feeling good, and pampering yourself girls; it's healthy. The air in Breckenridge is dry, DRY, very dry! There is no humidity which is comfortable, but a bit hard on your skin. You do need to use moisturizers even if you don't normally. Walk down Main Street and you'll find plenty of spa's for your comfort, and some accept walk-ins while others require appointments. Our appointments were scheduled for us by the hotel. Care to quess which toes are mine and which are my daughters?

Everywhere you walk you'll see beautiful flowers, all kinds and more colors then you can count. The walkways, the flower boxes, the downtown, The Riverwalk. Truly gorgeous. Stop and enjoy them. The quaint town of Breckenridge is to be enjoyed and is truly more than "just" a ski town.

These beautiful orange Poppies were so pretty they didn't look real to me. Not a house, apartment, condo, or shop is without beautiful flowers!

Don't forget to shop for your souvenirs. It's not one tacky t-shirt shop after another; there are some fabulous shops to buy handmade jewelry. Do take advantage of them. Prices seemed very good to me. Bought these fabulous green dream catcher earrings for my daughter. She LOVED them, greens her color.

Hubby was at a convention the week before we vacationed in Breckenridge and therefore we didn't get to spend our 37th wedding anniversary together. As I admired this bracelet, I suggested it would be a good anniversary gift. lol I love it and wear it often.

We girls found an awesome place to paint pottery while hubby was off playing golf. This is the outside of my pasta bowl before firing. I decided to make it funky so I wouldn't have to worry about straight lines and designs much. You might remember my first attempt at painting pottery was....well, left much to be desired. I felt like my first piece was a first grade level and here I was shooting for 4th or maybe 5th grade. lol Hey, you can't expect miracles right, but it would be a slight improvement.

Here you can see how the colors look after it was fired. Didn't want to pack it, so they packed and shipped for us.
Now darling daughter's got talent. We established that before, remember? She used pouf paints and free handed these fireflies. I think they're cute.
Look at her detail and colors! I've not seen her piece fired as it was shipped to her in STL. As much as we didn't recommend the shop we painted in while in St. Louis; we highly recommend this shop. Ready Paint Fire is located at 323 North Main Street, within walking distance of almost everywhere. Spend the afternoon there. The shop is clean, neat, organized, and quite professional. A wonderful selection. We really enjoyed ourselves and would most definitely return.

The list of things to see and do in Breckenridge is unending. Truly there is something for everyone from those who want to camp, hike, fish, canoe, to those who want to enjoy the scenery, to people traveling with dogs and pets, to those who love the arts. And I've not even yet touched on all the history that exists; but will in a later post.

*** 8-18-10 afternoon and pm---Jan from Animal Talk is on countdown now with surgery scheduled bright an early tomorrow am. She's running last minute errands today to be as ready as possible. I'll post update tomorrow after surgery, and do my best from there forward, until such time she has a live computer again....and or when she's able to sit up and communicate with you all herself. Send good vibs and prayers her way, please.

****UPDATE
AS OF 1:00 PM same day as surgery
Surgery went well, she has metal plates, and 2 metal rods. Based on the testing done during surgery, there didn't appear to be any permanent nerve damage which is great news. Due to being nauseated, she was in recovery a bit longer then expected. When I left the hospital, she was sleeping and obviously in pain. Her husband, my brother and a good friend who's a nurse were with her. We'll go back later when's she's more rested and presumably awake. Do check back, I will update again later.

Breckenridge, Colorado has a softer side

Breckenridge, Colorado has a softer side, one you might not know about. Yes it's known for skiing, and hiking, and camping, and fishing, and lots of outdoor activities. But, there is indeed a softer side, The Arts are alive and well in Breckenridge.

Take a walk down Main Street or The Riverwalk and you'll see lovely and interesting sculptures all along the way.


Tiki Crane Stance by Mark Mahorney, carved Beetle Kill Wood
Through The Eye of The Needle by Rik Sargent
Story Time by Rosalind Cook located at 124 S. Main Street
Ullr The Snow God by Richard Jagoda. The Scandinavian protector of all who participate in winter sports.
Girl Flute by Jane Rankin
3 Cowboys "they all agreed, the trail is that way" by Stephen Hanson
Cowboy and his horse one view
A second view surrounding by a lovely flower garden. I missed who's piece this is, sorry to say.
Clarity Assembly, Marble and Steel by Christophere Hecker
Athena 1st Violin/Lydia 1st Violin by Michael Adams.

After walking both Main Street and The Riverwalk enjoying the walk and the art; there's still more for you to enjoy. There's The Breckenridge Theatre, The Backstage Center, and The Riverwalk Performing Arts. Something going on all the time. I even got to take in an art festival, briefly as it began to rain; still though I truly enjoyed myself enjoying the softer side of Breckenridge.

***Jan from Animal Talk is on countdown now with surgery scheduled bright an early tomorrow am. She's running last minute errands today to be as ready as possible. I'll post update tomorrow after surgery, and do my best from there forward, until such time she has a life computer again....and or when she's able to sit up and communicate with you all herself. Send good vibs and prayers her way, please.

Going to the Dogs, Breckenridge Colorado

Breckenridge Colorado is an active outdoor community with much to offer. I'll post about many activities in Breckenridge like skiing, kayaking, hiking etc; but this post is for all my friends with pets. With as much traveling as I do this is the first time I've seen a "special area like this". Look at that marvelous view of the mountains. You can enjoy beautiful blue skies, snow capped mountains while your dog can run, jump and chase in their very own very special Dog Park.

This park has more to offer then dogs catching flying freebies. There's a pavilion, tennis courts, picnic tables and more. There's nearly a full acre of land here at the park. Off on the edge of the park I noticed a trailhead for hikers.

This fabulous and very unique park is located just 4 blocks East of Main Street at the south end of High Street, super accessible. When I visited, it seemed visitors and locals alike were enjoying the area.

Breckenridge, Colorado

The sponsorship of this post wasn't honored by Breckenridge Vacation Rentals and so was deleted. There will be multiple interesting posts about Breckenridge instead.