The Story of Lori, Chapter 2

[Dances With Trees]

Congratulations, Lori!
I'm certain Gold Prospecting: A Practical Field Guide will be much more than a flash in the pan!

[Lori Dee ✅]

Congratulations, Lori!
I'm certain Gold Prospecting: A Practical Field Guide will be much more than a flash in the pan!

The nice thing about field guides is that they are a very small niche, so they remain relevant for many years. Not big sellers, but steady. I just hope people can use it to learn about the hobby.

[Stottie Girl]

I have completed my second book, Gold Prospecting: A Practical Field Guide, and it is ready to publish. I will receive my proof copy tomorrow to see how everything looks printed.

I had compiled my notes from 15 years of prospecting, and the articles I had written on my website, reorganized them, and voila. Then I went back through hundreds of photos from my notes, cleaned them up, and used some to illustrate the guide.

It won't be available as an ebook because it would be difficult to see the diagrams and photos. So I went all out and opted for a larger 7" x 10" paperback with premium white paper and full-color photographs. Seeing a gold nugget in grayscale just isn't the same. But that just means my printing costs will be higher.

Now that I have that done, I redesigned my website and am re-uploading the Gold Gallery photo album. I am spending time with each photo to try to improve its look. Many of them are over ten years old and were photographed through murky water. I figured out how to correct that; it just takes time, as it involves several steps for each photo. And I took a lot of photos to document what I found, where it was, how much, etc.

I had another electrolysis appointment today, and have another one on Thursday. To say I am staying busy is an understatement.

I'm just waiting for Memorial Day when they open up the gold fields so I can get out and resume digging!

Now that could be an interesting read Lori, Would you say it was US centric or would it apply to countries like the UK too? I have seen people panning for gold in Perthshire in Scotland and I believe there are areas in the Cairngorm mountains where you can find it too.

[Lori Dee ✅]

Now that could be an interesting read Lori, Would you say it was US centric or would it apply to countries like the UK too? I have seen people panning for gold in Perthshire in Scotland and I believe there are areas in the Cairngorm mountains where you can find it too.

Many prospecting books focus on specific regions. I just explained what to look for and why it works. So it is valid in the U.S., U.K., Australia, or anywhere.

The last two sentences of the book:

"I have followed these principles in the Black Hills and the Rocky Mountains for more than a decade.

They work anywhere gold follows gravity."

[Lori Dee ✅]

@Jessica_Rose sent me a pic taken from her balcony of smoke in the Fort Carson area. A wildfire had started near Highway 115 and crossed over onto the military base. Later that day, the fire had grown to over 50 acres and was 35% contained, but they shut down the highway, which is how we get to Colorado Springs when avoiding the high traffic of I-25.

Yesterday, the fire was 80% contained, and the highway was open, but a short segment was down to one lane. They were using a small turnout to stage firefighting trucks. As I went on my way to my electrolysis appointment, I saw flames below a butte. The Big Bear Hotshots crew was on scene, as were military personnel from Fort Carson. Farther north, at the Turkey Creek Firing Range Complex, they had extra firetrucks and bulldozers on standby.

My appointment lasted an hour. On the way home, the winds had picked up, and the fire crossed the containment lines. I was about a mile away, and the State Troopers shut down the highway again and turned us around back to the Springs.

This morning, the news reported that the fire had reached 1,067 acres and was still uncontained. 120 firefighters from the surrounding areas were on-scene. Fort Carson is supplying two C-130 aircraft to drop fire retardant, and there are helicopters dumping buckets of water.

This afternoon, the county Sheriff announced evacuation orders for anyone living within 2 miles, and pre-evacuation for anyone within 3 miles. The fire is about 6 miles north of Penrose, CO, in Fremont County (not close to us in Pueblo County).

Thoughts and prayers appreciated for the firefighters, the people being evacuated, and their pets and livestock. This is an ongoing event.

https://krdo.com/news/2026/03/20/evacuations-ordered-for-24-fire-in-fremont-county/ 🔗

[Sephirah]

Wildfires always make me uneasy. No matter which country is suffering them. I saw a documentary once about so-called "Black Saturday" in Australia. As someone from the UK... I can't begin to imagine. My thoughts go out to you, Lori, and to the people tasked with trying to deal with something which... seems to have a mind of its own.

I am sure (I hope) you will be okay. And that the people who do an amazing job day after day, can get it under control.

[Lori Dee ✅]

They have set up an evacuation area in the town of Florence, which is west of Penrose. The Red Cross is there, providing food, water, and shelter for humans, pets, and livestock.

I contacted the Sheriff's Department to ask if I could bring several cases of bottled water to the firefighters. I would need them to let me through the roadblock. They thanked me for the offer but said they were well supplied by the Red Cross.

The Red Cross does not bring a few cases of water; they bring a truckload on pallets. The same with food, cots, and blankets. So I will let them handle it. They are doing a better job than I can.

😀

[Emma1017]

Lori, you have been busy, publishing a book and dealing with wildfires.

Congratulations on your second book!!! So cool!

Even if the Red Cross is there to help those hurt by the wildfiers, there are many gaps in its support.  After so many hurricanes, particularly Sandy, we learned to check with the local schools and churches to see what is needed.  We even did a fundraiser for Costco and Home Depot gift certificates.  What really seems to help is to wait until the TV cameras move on to the next story, wait a week or two, then see what they need.  That is when their emotions are at their lowest and support is really appreciated.

If you come to NYC, you can write about the gold diggers here...😁

[Lori Dee ✅]

Lori, you have been busy, publishing a book and dealing with wildfires.

Congratulations on your second book!!! So cool!

Even if the Red Cross is there to help those hurt by the wildfiers, there are many gaps in its support.  After so many hurricanes, particularly Sandy, we learned to check with the local schools and churches to see what is needed.  We even did a fundraiser for Costco and Home Depot gift certificates.  What really seems to help is to wait until the TV cameras move on to the next story, wait a week or two, then see what they need.  That is when their emotions are at their lowest and support is really appreciated.

If you come to NYC, you can write about the gold diggers here...😁

They have six firefighting agencies helping out, but most of the effort is being done by soldiers at Fort Carson. As of last night, the fire has grown to 1,923 acres and remains at 0% containment. They have issued another Pre-evacuation Notice for areas north of the fire.

I am in no danger, but if it shifts south, it could start entering populated areas. Jessica has a good view from her place up on a hill. She can see which way it is moving.

[Stottie Girl]

They have six firefighting agencies helping out, but most of the effort is being done by soldiers at Fort Carson. As of last night, the fire has grown to 1,923 acres and remains at 0% containment. They have issued another Pre-evacuation Notice for areas north of the fire.

I am in no danger, but if it shifts south, it could start entering populated areas. Jessica has a good view from her place up on a hill. She can see which way it is moving.

I hope both you and Jessica are safe, sounds a bit dicey where Jessica is. Wildfires in the uk almost never pose a risk to humans it's too wet here but the footage we see of the West coast and in Australia is very scary indeed.

[Emma1017]

Absolutely, stay safe!!! 

Having the military close by is great.  The Navy sent landing barges to our beach after Hurricane Sandy, and they were a huge help!

I hope the wind dies down!

[Lori Dee ✅]

Thanks, ladies.

We are in no danger so far. The fire is on the military base, in the training area where there are no structures. It is about 20 miles south of the main base, but only 8 miles from the city of Penrose. I was looking at Google Maps last night, and Jess's place is a good 14 miles (straight-line distance) from the edge of the fire zone.

The biggest danger is that it is along the east side of Highway 115. There are houses along the west side, so they are working to ensure it doesn't cross the road. I would guess that those homes are within the evacuation area.

Today is a lot cooler. It has been 90 the past couple of days and windy. Today, the wind has died down with temps in the 70s. The biggest problem is how dry everything is. The weather service said that Colorado is in the warmest water-year period in the past 130 years, and the driest winter on record. The ski resorts in the mountains are closing early due to a lack of snowpack.

That will create problems in a few months because that is where we get our drinking water. Water tables will drop, and shallow streams will dry up. Colorado Springs is already advising its residents to conserve water.

I typically enjoy warm, dry winters, but I also know what the impact will be later. If we are lucky, we will get a rainy April and May to help offset things.

[davina61]

As one of our local weather man used to say "nature balances the books".

[Lori Dee ✅]

Yesterday, my neighbor and I went to the local No Kings Rally here in Pueblo.

I survived!

There was a good turnout, but not as big as I had expected. I thought the rally would be held in front of Memorial Hall, where the State Democrats were holding their State Assembly to choose candidates for the midterm ballots.

For security reasons (I assume), the march went from the library, then about a mile through downtown to Twin Sisters Plaza. The plaza is about a block from Memorial Hall and on the opposite side of the river. The library parking lot was full, so we had to walk a way from a hiking trail parking area.

Democratic candidates who decided not to attend the Assembly instead attended rallies farther north in larger cities. So there were only three guest speakers, and the crowd didn't seem to notice. They were busy having their own political discussions among themselves rather than listening to the speeches.

The march was heavily patrolled by local police who did a good job keeping marchers from blocking the street. We heard quite a few comments from people that the heavy police presence was why the turnout was so low.

We met some wonderful people, had some interesting, mostly non-political conversations, and ended up having dinner at a local vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free cafe. Then the long walk back to the car.

My legs were stiff when I got up this morning, so I stretched them while grocery shopping at Walmart. The Pueblo Chieftain published some photos of the march and rally.
https://www.chieftain.com/picture-gallery/news/2026/03/28/photos-thousands-turn-out-for-no-kings-rally-in-downtown-pueblo/89373047007/ 🔗

Since my neighbor wore his "F--- Trump" T-shirt, they avoided taking his picture. I am in one way in the back. Baseball cap, sunglasses, and a blue T-shirt with a Minion on the front.

[Northern Star Girl ✅]

@Lori Dee
Dear Lori:
I am so happy that safely returned from you time at the No Kings rally in Pueblo.

Thank you for posting the picture, but you are way, way back...  I did see the
baseball cap and blue t-shirt so that must have been you.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

[Stottie Girl]

Yesterday, my neighbor and I went to the local No Kings Rally here in Pueblo.

I survived!

There was a good turnout, but not as big as I had expected. I thought the rally would be held in front of Memorial Hall, where the State Democrats were holding their State Assembly to choose candidates for the midterm ballots.

For security reasons (I assume), the march went from the library, then about a mile through downtown to Twin Sisters Plaza. The plaza is about a block from Memorial Hall and on the opposite side of the river. The library parking lot was full, so we had to walk a way from a hiking trail parking area.

Democratic candidates who decided not to attend the Assembly instead attended rallies farther north in larger cities. So there were only three guest speakers, and the crowd didn't seem to notice. They were busy having their own political discussions among themselves rather than listening to the speeches.

The march was heavily patrolled by local police who did a good job keeping marchers from blocking the street. We heard quite a few comments from people that the heavy police presence was why the turnout was so low.

We met some wonderful people, had some interesting, mostly non-political conversations, and ended up having dinner at a local vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free cafe. Then the long walk back to the car.

My legs were stiff when I got up this morning, so I stretched them while grocery shopping at Walmart. The Pueblo Chieftain published some photos of the march and rally.
https://www.chieftain.com/picture-gallery/news/2026/03/28/photos-thousands-turn-out-for-no-kings-rally-in-downtown-pueblo/89373047007/ 🔗

Since my neighbor wore his "F--- Trump" T-shirt, they avoided taking his picture. I am in one way in the back. Baseball cap, sunglasses, and a blue T-shirt with a Minion on the front.

It's nice to know this is going on. It looks very peaceful and happy compared to protests in Europe and the UK which can get very edgy at times when anger boils over. Sometimes counter protests emerge too. How many would you say turned up in your location Lori? I'm curious what are the no kings movement's core demands?

london had a large scale anti-far right protest at the weekend which some estimates suggest had a turn out of 500,000 people. That's a lot for the twisting narrow streets of London. People all over are voicing their concerns and anger at the rise of the far right.

[Lori Dee ✅]

It's nice to know this is going on. It looks very peaceful and happy compared to protests in Europe and the UK which can get very edgy at times when anger boils over. Sometimes counter protests emerge too. How many would you say turned up in your location Lori? I'm curious what are the no kings movement's core demands?

london had a large scale anti-far right protest at the weekend which some estimates suggest had a turn out of 500,000 people. That's a lot for the twisting narrow streets of London. People all over are voicing their concerns and anger at the rise of the far right.

Ours was a small rally, so maybe 1,000 people. But there were over 4,000 rallies held across the U.S., and estimates suggest that between 8 and 9 million people turned out.

As the name implies, it is to protest against acts of tyranny. Not only has Trump acted like a dictator, but he and his Administration have posted images online of him wearing a crown. He does not respect the law, the Constitution, or anything but himself.

https://www.susans.org/index.php?topic=250087.msg2292494#msg2292494

The protests are to let people know that we are not okay with his actions. With the midterm elections coming up, we are showing people that they are not alone in rejecting his illegal activities at home and abroad. Many people at the rally held signs apologizing to the rest of the world.

Many held signs asking the international community to take action and arrest him, for Congress to impeach and remove him, and others.

CNN asked people around the country what their reasons were for attending:

https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/30/us/no-kings-protests-why-people-joined 🔗

[Lori Dee ✅]

I have a video appointment with the VA Endocrinology Clinic this morning.

The VA website has been offline for maintenance since Friday. My previous appointment with this clinic was by phone, but no one called me.

This morning's appointment is with a different provider in the same clinic, so we will see if anyone shows up this time. My first appointment was in person, and I waited in the waiting room for an hour to be seen. All they wanted to do was argue about my dosage level without doing labs or reviewing my medical records first. They said they will consult with the department head and get back to me. They never did, but they also didn't change my meds.

So now, we will see what happens.

[ChrissyRyan]

I have a video appointment with the VA Endocrinology Clinic this morning.

The VA website has been offline for maintenance since Friday. My previous appointment with this clinic was by phone, but no one called me.

This morning's appointment is with a different provider in the same clinic, so we will see if anyone shows up this time. My first appointment was in person, and I waited in the waiting room for an hour to be seen. All they wanted to do was argue about my dosage level without doing labs or reviewing my medical records first. They said they will consult with the department head and get back to me. They never did, but they also didn't change my meds.

So now, we will see what happens.

Lori,

I hope you get good, thoughtful care this time.  Do these people understand medical care for transsexuals?  Or is it they think that they should not be providing this care for you?

Can you get free or almost free care at a local community health center for this?
If so, maybe you can continue with what care is provided by the VA, and end up having the full dosage that you need to have?

Can you call to verify today's appointment beforehand?

Chrissy

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

They sound incredibly unprofessional when in theory getting care through official routes should be the safest. I hope that the outcome is better this time. I look after my own meds and don't make any changes without getting levels and working from them. Its all back to front!

Charlotte x