So, I’m in Ely again. Surprised? I blame it all on my girlfriend. She’s too damn irresistible.
When we parted ways after her last visit, we weren’t sure when we’d see each other again. For once, we didn’t have any future visits planned – only because Tara is focused on moving out here there ASAP. Her job search has begun. Things could conceivably move fast, if everything falls into place. So there’d been talk of meeting up in Boise for a weekend, but that was it. And then, suddenly, opportunity presented itself. Her dad (who she is living with until she moves) was headed out of town for several days, and the kids are with their mother this week. The lure of four nights together in Ely proved impossible to resist, so we made plans for me to drive down on Wednesday. Even then, we were nearly thwarted by a snowstorm, a case of the stomach flu, and an appointment with the state of Washington regarding my unemployment. But everything always seems to work out perfectly for us, and all of those became non-issues; at 4:41 AM I pulled out of my condo complex and began the long trek to Ely. Just a little over twelve hours later I pulled up in front of Tara’s office and we embraced. It had been an excruciating eleven days apart.
Yes, I’m serious. And may this passion never fade.
The trip down was uneventful. Cold and windy, but not a cloud in the sky the entire 837 miles. There’s snow on the ground here, but not a ton. Still, more than I encountered in December. Go figure. The desert is quite beautiful in late winter, as a matter of fact, with the snow-covered mountains that stretch north to south nearly the entire length of northern Nevada, and acres of silver sagebrush dotting the plains. It got down to 12 degrees my first morning here, but warmed up to the mid-40s. Today it was 16, but on the way up to 60, with clear skies. I couldn’t ask for better weather.
Wednesday evening, Tara made me egg rolls and sesame noodles. It was a great meal after a long drive. Felt weird to be in her dad’s house – my last two trips here, I stayed at Tara’s, but her place is rented out now – although, weird in a good way. He’s got a real nice home. Thursday, Tara had to head into Wells on business, so I accompanied her. Wells is two hours away, and even though I’d spent the entire previous day in the car, this drive was pretty spectacular. Maybe it was the grazing antelope we spotted shortly after heading out. Or the detour down a dirt road. Let’s just say, great drive! After several hours in Wells, we drove to Elko, another hour away. There, we toured Lamoille Canyon, stopped for Bloody Marys and hush puppies at JJ’s in Spring Creek, visited with Tara’s aunt and uncle, and met up with her cousin and his family for dinner at a “sushi” place called Flying Fish. I use the term loosely because it’s not traditional sushi, but is still quite good. They have something like 30 different “long rolls” you can choose from; I opted for the Godzilla, consisting of shrimp, crab, scallops, avocado and eel sauce in a tempura batter. Sooo good. Add in the appetizers – inari, stuffed avocado, and lumpia – and we were pretty damn full. Afterwards, we made a quick stop at K-Mart (because Ely does not have any big box retail outlets and Tara has to take advantage whenever she’s in “the city” to stock up on necessities), and then made the 2.5-hour drive back home, chasing a brilliant full moon the entire way.
All in all, it’s been a very nice visit so far, and is only halfway done. The next couple of days shouldn’t be so hectic. Tara’s working until noon today, and then we’re going to relax the afternoon away before heading to Rack’s to meet up with some friends for drinks. Because in Ely on a Friday night, that’s what you do. Tomorrow we’ve got nothing planned other than breakfast in town and a walk to the duck pond. It sounds like a perfectly idyllic day to me. Sunday morning, I’ll head back home. Sadly, we lose an hour thanks to @#$&% Daylight Savings Time, which I already hate as it is. But, hey – what are you going to do? At least we’re enjoying a nice little bonus visit in the meantime!
Mark Petruska 
I’m so glad you are having a good visit. You deserve time with the woman you love. Hope you have a wonderful weekend together!
Hugs,
Kathy
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Every day we spend together is wonderful. 🙂
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Led Zep shirt ! I’d say based on this alone Mark, she’s a keeper.
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Funny you should mention that, Carl. One of the things we first bonded over years ago was our mutual love for great music. It’s impossible to go wrong with Led Zeppelin!
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It is certainly beautiful there. I’m so glad to hear you got more time together and it sounds like it’s going absolutely fabulous! Enjoy it and have a safe trip home!
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I never realized Nevada was quite this beautiful until I came out last year. I’d been here before, of course – at least in the southern portion of the state. But that was many years ago. I can definitely appreciate natural beauty more now!
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I hope you both have a fabulous time!
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Oh, that goes without saying. 🙂
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Love love LOVE seeing pix of my gorgeous state — and of gorgeous you two, too!
🙂
Safe travels, and Tara: Best of luck in the job search!
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Your state is quite stunning, Mikalee. Especially the Reno area. Haven’t been there in ages – we’ll have to visit soon, and meet up for a drink!
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Ok, I love this post. The title is so endearing; I know Tara knows how lucky she is, but that’s still the sweetest thing ever.
I love that SHE got you to drink so many bloody mary’s over the past couple months. Good job Tara! May the mary’s never end!
The food you guys are eating is insane. I’m so jealous. I’m also starving right now, waiting for Joe to get done with work and feed me. LOL. I’m totally craving some eggrolls and godzilla rolls. Yum!
And lastly, but not leastly, gorgeous photos as always. You know, you’re going to have a pretty sweet collection of your travels this past year!
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And to think that I never cared for Bloody Marys before I met her. What was wrong with me?!?! Lol. I’m drinking one now as I leave this comment, as a matter of fact. 🙂
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I have to chime in with Jess and say….love this post title!
And I am sooooooo jealous, Mark….
“Today it was 16, but on the way up to 60, with clear skies. I couldn’t ask for better weather.”
OMG, how lucky you are to be experiencing the tail end of winter like it’s supposed to be….COLD! And I’m with you on the daylight savings time – HATE IT!
Your photos are STUNNING! Love the ones of the snowy mountains and also the one of the car – great capture!
Sounds like you and Tara are having an awesome time. Enjoy the rest of your days there, buddy! Drive safe coming home.
Wishing you and Tara a faaaaaaaabulous weekend!
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I hate to rub anything in, Ron, but even Portland is calling for a chance of a few snowflakes this week. In mid-March. Go figure! I doubt we’ll see anything, but if we do, rest assured I’ll be thinking of you.
And, yeah…I really love that shot of the old car, too!
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I want to know more about these egg rolls she made!
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Ground beef, Jimmy Dean sausage, shredded carrots, and diced onions. Served with sweet ‘n sour dipping sauce. There’s nothing Asian about them (other than the wrapper) but man, are they good!!
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I really am the luckiest girl. Just a few short days, but they have been wonderful.
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Sweetie, I feel like the lucky one here. I’m just so happy that we both appreciate what we have, and are so good at completing each other. 🙂
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So glad you were able to get down for a short visit and are enjoying yourself.- it looks so gorgeous there! 🙂
Also, digging the new look of the blog! 🙂
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It is, indeed, beautiful here. It’s a different sort of beauty than what we have in the Pacific Northwest. More rugged. Less green. But still a sight to behold.
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