Friday, January 16, 2026

Dr. Appt 3 / Search For Pho Continued

 

Song: My Truth

Artist:  Cocteau Twins


Today...
the temperature was in the low 20 F...
and tonight it is supposed to be around 10 F.

Today was a rare day...
as it was overcast.

I was driving to Colorado Springs here...
on my way to a doctor's appointment.




My doctor ordered more tests and referred me to another specialist.

After my appointment...
I headed out to another highly rated Pho place...
which was only a couple miles away from the doctor's office.



Pikes Peak in the background.


It was located in the downtown district area...
and was one of six food stalls.





I had never been to such a food place as this.

It had a common area for people to eat...
and I had chosen a seat at the bar.







I had ordered two Spring Rolls...
and Crab Rangoons as appetizers...


...and a large bowl of Smoked Brisket Pho.

I was quite torn...
as the food was so flavorful...
and each of the sauces were so delicious.

However...
I disliked the atmosphere.

I understand that being in the business district...
young professionals eat there...
and the music they played was for them.

But...
for me...
ambiance is a huge part of the meal.

And so...
no matter how much I loved my meal...
I won't be returning...
as I like serenity when I eat.



And so...
I headed home...
still in search of fantastic Pho.




Just eight miles down the highway from Woodland Park...
is the town of Divide.


Every time I go to and from Woodland Park or Colorado Springs...
I see this tiny eatery just off the highway.

They serve a variety of items...
and all with a home cooked flavor.

As I was already hungry again...
I decided to stop on in.


This was a picture on the wall of the 100 year old log cabin that the owner had bought
and had made into the tiny eatery (Margaret's).




I had ordered a BLT.

It had come with sweet potato chips.

This was a very good BLT...
as not only had they used...
and cooked to perfection...
the bacon 
(country bacon...thick, and wide...and just crisped on the outside...
but juicy and chewy on the inside...
and so full of flavor)...
but they used toasted sourdough bread.


They made a variety of specialty shakes...
and homemade whip cream.

It was a very good shake.


I then continued on home listening to my music in the car...
and letting my mind drift.



And so...
here I sit at my computer up in the loft...
with a full belly...
and just worn out from my day.

I will just relax in bed for a while...
most likely for the rest of the day and night.

Perhaps I will start a new Japanese or Korean drama.

--------

Life is still so wonderful...
and so...
I have no complaints.

Life is always so good up here.


-----------

As I was lying in bed...
amber light had once again shone through my bedroom blinds.

I went up to the loft and out onto the third deck to take these photos.

That is one thing about here...
the weather often changes.

Today went from grey...
to some nice colors at sunset.



















Dr. Appt 2 / Mexican Supper

 


Song:  Falling

Artist:  Julie Cruise

I had my second Dr. appointment...
this time...
it was with a specialist.

He also seemed to be a very good doctor.

However...
this time I went to the nearest hospital for my appt...
as it is also in my insurance coverage.


On my way to Woodland Park...
the location of my appointment.



I arrived in less than 30 minutes.
This is where all of my emergency care will be in the future.

It is a 24 hour major surgical hospital...
and again...
it was one of my major considerations when first selecting my home.


My appointment went well...
but I still have to schedule some tests to take.

But...
I first must see my general physician tomorrow to get another specialist appointment...
as it will be a pulmonologist to deal with my immediate concern of my lungs...
as I still have a deep cough and fatigue.



After departing the hospital...
I had this craving for a sit down Mexican meal for supper.


This is my favorite sit down Mexican restaurant in Woodland Park...
Casa Grande.





I had a delicious three enchilada meal...
one each of cheese, chicken, and beef.


Their dessert was also very good.
I had Flan with a side of vanilla ice cream.


After eating...
I drove home.


The sun was setting...
but as there were no clouds in the sky...
I knew the sunset would be uneventful.

Still...
as always...
I enjoyed my drive home as I played my favorite music playlist.







This mountain top is Sentinal Point...
just Northeast of my home.

Whenever I see this...
I know my home is just a few hundred feet away up the road...
and just around the next corner.

----------------

Whenever I must take more than just a short time in town...
I just leave Bandi at home.

She guards my home...
but...
she just sleeps on my bed unless she hears something.

Bandi is always so glad to see me once I arrive at home.
She wildly wags her tail and cuddles up to me.

Dogs are a wonderful addition to life.

I can't express this too often...
dogs represent the best attributes of all human beings...
and as such...
I much prefer their company to most other humans.

------------

Tomorrow...
I will be driving into Colorado Springs for my next Dr. appointment...
and as such...
I will be trying another Vietnamese restaurant...
in search of the perfect Pho.

------------

The Cripple Creek Ice Festival will be in one month...
and I will be going this year to take pictures...
and to try the many food vendors there.


Never lose your sense of adventure...
not only in new and beautiful sights...
but in food as well.

There are still so many places I will be seeing...
and many more restaurants I will be trying.

I would have already driven to many of the nearby ski areas 
to enjoy their Christmas lights...
had I not fallen ill.

But...
once I get better...
I shall be hitting the road for many more adventures all around Colorado...
and starting next year...
I will be taking trips to carefully selected places around the world...
to fulfill my bucket list before dusk arrives.

My sunset years have proven to be my best by far.

There are no worries...
and only things in which to look forward in the future...
 so much serenity to enjoy in the present...
and complete freedom from my past.


Dr. Appt 3 / Search For Pho Continued

  Song: My Truth Artist:  Cocteau Twins Today... the temperature was in the low 20 F... and tonight it is supposed to be around 10 F. Today ...