My daughter is encouraging me in my attempt to resume running regularly. Last weekend she took me to a place I have seen a thousand times from the highway, but never explored on foot. 

Pulpit Rock is a pocket of rugged inside the city of Colorado Springs. Popular with hikers, I was curious to discover the appeal of this pile of rocks.

I didn't run much, as the trail was steep and rocky. The hike was wonderful. The weather is changing from an unusually lush, green season to a hot, dry, get-ready-for-fall phase. The vegetation was beginning to dry up. Still, there were flowers hanging on. 

This weekend we ran with the Women's FIT Team on a paved walking trail. I did actually run a bit.

The last year and a half have been challenging for everyone, and knocked many of us off our routines. I hope you are regaining your balance, and reconnecting to what you love.

Earlier this month, my husband and I enjoyed a rare camping trip with our adult children and their families. We met up in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Even my grand-cats Yakumo and Tenma came along. We did all the silly tourist stuff like the Cosmos Mystery Area, Wall Drug, and Storybook Island.

I was born in Sioux Falls, so I had already experienced most of the amazing scenery and national treasures contained in western South Dakota. One of my favorite moments was leaving the crowded main street of Keystone and taking the self-guided walking tour.

Revisiting Mount Rushmore was particularly inspiring. My husband and I enjoy historical biographies, and had read books recently that covered all four presidents carved on the mountain. The program before the lighting of the monument was thoughtful, and included honoring all veterans in the audience.

Our visit to Crazy Horse began with a film on the history of the continuing project. Without seeing the film, the rest of our visit wouldn't have had the same meaning.

We tackled too much in too few days, rushing through some experiences that deserved more time. We all agreed that the Black Hills deserves a return trip.

Even with all the touristy bustling about, I still had moments to catch my breath and reflect. This is an amazing country we inherited from our predecessors. I'm inspired to learn more about the great men and women of the American past.

I recently completed a cozy mystery for the new Annie's Museum Mysteries series. My novel will be number three in the series, and has a pirate theme. 

Since beginning to write the novel, I have seen pirates everywhere. On Pirate's Booty snacks. On International Talk Like a Pirate Day T-shirts. Hiding in a corner at Hillside Gardens in Colorado Springs. Even in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

We went to Storybook Island in Rapid City with our daughters and their families. Yes, there was a pirate ship. We took turns at the wheel.

Storybook Island has exhibits based on childhood favorites like Winnie the Pooh, Raggedy Ann and Andy, the Three Little Pigs, the Wizard of Oz, and on and on.

I'll admit, the Peter Pan pirate ship was my favorite.

While completing a novel is a welcome closure, I was a little sad to reach The End on this one. I'll let you know when the series becomes available.