Whew! My brain hurts from those last two entries. They consumed me for the last several days. But it had to pour out. Now my head is clear and I feel my heart again. :)
How about a pic from a new perspective on our beautiful Ranch?
Okay, here is another one. :)
In addition to those two time consuming entries, we've been dealing with my dad having surgery to fix a leg fracture, getting him settled in a rehab facility, my mom not having power at home while all that was going on, and both parents having sisters that are losing their fights for life. My energy has been low.
I just couldn't muster up enough to do regular entries in addition to all that. And I apologize that I've neglected emails for a few days. I'll get to them. Thanks for your understanding. :)
We did get to see most of the Ryder Cup and really enjoyed that. Way to go Louisville! :) Plus we got to see Linda's mom and Adam on TV working as volunteers on the 7th hole.
Linda and I have been holding down the fort here with Karen gone for a week. We've been doing our usual cleaning chores, reservations, hosting dessert hour every night, etc. We've met a lot more great people the last few days.
Today, I sprayed weed control on thistle and ran the wood splitter just a little bit. But I was more in tune with the surroundings than I have been in several days.
I took several shots on this absolutely gorgeous afternoon.
The golden willows in the horseshoe bend of the Weminuche.
A view of the Ranch cabins and RV sites from the drive.
Most of the towering aspens are just starting to change color a little.
These have a little more color.
It was just a day to take it all in, cast off any cobwebs, and get back to normal. :)
Welcome back, Howard!
Our minds and personas are no different than our holding tanks - ignore the color. Once dumped, they operate much better.
What you said needed to be said, and the minute details will be different for each reader. However, to me the underlying and vital message everyone should heed, is "get involved with your elected representatives!"
Brevity would not have done justice to the subjects you so passionately addressed. It is not important that we all agree on every word, but it is vital we all get involved with the voting process and be heard.
We have a great country so many have fought and died for, and we must take up this fight to save what they fought for.
Your "dump" helped your outlook, just do not let it douse your fire.
Charles
Posted by: Charles | Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 07:31 AM
Dear Howard, Glad to see you got it out of your system, I think a few of us might like to, here in NASHVILLE as we are OUT of GAS. Anyone traveling through Nashville TN better have your tanks filled. It is a kick back to the 70's. Long lines and GAS RAGE arrests. Check it out on the tv station web sites, ch2,4,5 in Nashville TN. Another SAD note, Gaylord Maxwell, founder of LIFE on WHEEL (LOW) has passed away. Not sure what will happen as he did not have an exit plan for LOW. Thanks again for your info on our Govt. it was very well done as I shared it with my peers who also needed a review of Government politics. Thanks again. Ken (Nashville TN)
Posted by: Ken | Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Great rant...
I'm thinking Libertarian !!
Looks like a duck---sounds like a duck...
Larey
Posted by: Larey Hazelton | Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Howard...Sherri and I would love to come and visit there! It looks so pretty. I wish that I had been retired I would have jumped at the chance to take Dougs place...Oh well I have always been a day late and a dollar short...
Joe and Sherri
Posted by: Joe Pitman | Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Have you thought about buying the place or something similar? Linda and you certainly have the gift of hospitality … what makes the place work … and the business sense. You could still travel the winter. It is such a paradise that you could do a Tom Sawyer … charge someone for working there!
Posted by: Dave | Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Your writings have been thought provoking for your readers, and a form of medicine for you. Saying what's on your mind clears your thoughts to move forward.
Thoughts and prayers for your father's recovery.
Posted by: Brenda L | Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Great paper Howard. It should be published all over the place. :) You put to paper what Bruce and I have been ranting about of late. You are preaching to the choir, and this choir needs to get off our butts and "Just Do It!"
We pray your dad's recovery is swift, and that your aunt's do not suffer long.
Our best to you and Linda.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 12:23 PM