MERRY CHRISTMAS From our outfit to yours!

In The Old Days

There was a time not so long ago where you wouldn't be sued for wishing someone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. But that was long ago. The following the politically correct way to greet someone (just in case you were a wonder'n)

Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion as well as those who choose not to practice a religion at all; Additionally, a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2006, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions have helped make our society great, without regard to the race, creed, color, religious, or sexual preferences of their wishes.

Disclaimer: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others and no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these greetings may bring to those not caught up in the holiday spirit.

God works in mysterious ways...

We have been praying for the ability to build an old fashioned board and batton clad church. In search of aged barn board I inquired of John Nett permission to tear down an old tool shed on one of the properties he is developing. To my surprise not only did he give me that old tool shed he gave us permission to tear down, remove or move an entire old homestead. Judi and I counted at least five out buildings plus the old ranch house. We were like kids at Christmas. Hey we are kids - God's kids and it is Christmas! Over the next few months we will be dismanteling the buildings we can't move. The rest will be moved in sections to our ranch property. Step one - Check!

We will keep you posted. God just never stops surprising me.

Cowboy Evangelism by Stephen Taylor, 2007

Most Christians, I suppose, if asked what comes to mind when you speak of evangelism and Colorado Springs, CO, would think of the broad-based radio ministry there called Focus on the Family, James Dobson’s religious-political organization. When I think of evangelism taking place in Colorado Springs, I think of a ranch and little known cowboy who practices what we call life-style evangelism.Drive out to the Garden of the Gods and take a couple of lefts and you’ll end up at the Flying-W Ranch.

Most of the open land there has been gobbled up by sub-divisions now, so the ranchers at the Flying W have taken to selling their beef in plate-size portions instead of on the hoof. They have a simple, barn-like structure filled with long picnic tables in a room that will seat about a 1000. During the summer the place fills up quickly. People go through the lines and get their Bar-B-Que, beans and potatoes on tin plates. There’s baked chicken if you want it instead, but they’ll laugh at you. Chickens and cowboys don’t jive, ‘cause you can’t rope a chicken. After everyone has eaten the Flying-W Wranglers come on stage, five men who play and sing western songs. The one on the bass is Scotty Vaughan, a six foot, two, pure cowboy who does most of the talking and tells the jokes between the songs.

Scotty told one about his grandfather who as a teen wanted to drive a stagecoach. He was turned down over and over and finally a grizzly old coach driver took him on. He was told to be the look-out and not to talk. He sat there and looked and looked and finally he saw riders off in the distance behind them. There’s a couple riders behind us, he told the driver. How far away? Said the driver. Maybe a couple miles, said Scotty’s granddad. See, that shows you’re nothing but a green-horn, said the driver. Out here, we tell distance by saying how big the person is. Well they’re this big, said the boy, holding his fingers about an inch apart. Forget em said the driver.The young man kept looking, and he then told the driver. They’re closer. How close. Well now they’re this big, spreading his fingers on one hand as far apart as they would go. Just leave em alone, but watch em, he was told.

Watch them he did and finally he said. They’re closer. And? Well, how they’re this big he said using to hand to indicate about 12 inches. Keep watching. It wasn’t long an he said, Now they’re this big, ( 36 inches) and this time the driver said, get your rifle out and shoot them.He picked up his rifle and took aim, but there weren’t any shots fired. The driver shouted at him, I said shoot them. The young man took aim again, but still did not shoot. What’s wrong with you, the driver asked. Shoot them. I can’t, said his granddad, I’ve know em since they was this (fingers apart) big, he said.After the laughter dies down, Scotty goes on with his story. I like that story a lot, he says, cause it’s a lot about me, in a way. See, I was a late-bloomer, he says to all those people every night. I didn’t become a follower of Jesus until I was in my mid-thirties. There were a lot of bad things in my life that I couldn’t get rid of on my own, cause I’d gotten so used to them. They started out as little things, but they kept getting bigger and bigger. I tried to change my ways, but I couldn’t on my own.It took turning my life over to Jesus and following him, and that’s true for anyone. I couldn’t do it on my own, and neither can you.

Then he introduces a song he wrote, called Circuit Riding Preacher.Night after night in the midst of music and laughter, Scotty Vaughan tells his own story of needing Jesus and the transformation Jesus brought to him. That’s evangelism, that’s Focusing on the Lord and letting our own story name the name of the Savior before others

Cattleman's Prayer

Now O Lord please lend thine ear,
The prayer of the Cattleman to hear;
No doubt many prayers to thee seem strange,
But won't you bless this cattle range?
Bless the round-up year by year
And don't forget the growing steer;
Water the land with brooks and rills
For my cattle that roam a thousand hills.
Now, O Lord, won't you be good
And give our livestock plenty of food;
And to avert a winter's woe
Give Italian skies and little snow.
Prairie fires won't you please stop,
Let thunder roll and water drop,
It frightens me to see the smoke,
Unless it's stopped, I'll go dead broke.
As you, O Lord, our herds behold--
Which represents a sack of gold--
I think at least five cents per pound
Should be the price of beef year round.
One more thing and then I'm through,
Instead of one calf, give my cows two.
I may pray different than some others,
but thenI've had my say, and now amen.

Author--unknown, circa 1890

What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday. Last week we were out on the range rounding up about seventy head. Our horses did great and the cows cooperated (for the most part) with the round up and the sorting.

Right about noon we were contemplating riding out again to find the last 12-15 head that were missing. However, Art looks at us with a grin and says we should have a bite to eat first. Perhaps them cows will come in on their own. We kind of gave him a sideways glance. But he had seen them a coming. Sure enough we no sooner had our coffee out when all 15 of them wandered right up to the corrals. Old timers! You gotta love them.

A Sad Day

A few days ago I went for that "walk" with two of our horses. That "walk" where three of you go out and only one returns. I hate those walks, but some times things are difficult on the farm. Unfortunately, Gracie's leg was not improving, in fact it grew worse with the passing of each day. She limped continually and had to spread out her legs to eat. The reason I put her mom down was that Liberty had poor conformation, some pretty bad habits and was basically untrained. She was for all intents and purposes - useless. If I had allowed her to live after taking the foal she would of suffered needlessly. Some mares even go so far as to have a mental melt down. All in all it needed to be done. It is not like we have unlimited resources to feed horses that will never amount to anything. As hard and cold as that sounds, it is reality.

I know that I will have to take this walk again, both with our old dog and my old gelding. Jessie we've had for 14 years and Bud has been my horse for going on twenty years. That my friend will be a sad day indeed.

Back At It!

Judi and I have just about used up our days off. We had a great day today as we worked at bringing in the last few loads of this winter's firewood. We fell about a dozen (standing dead) trees and then bucked them up. Judi operated the splitter and I split and loaded about 8 cords. We burned up all the branches and debris. With the autumn colors in full displayand the aromatic smell of fresh cut wood, intermingled with the smoke smell I thought I was in heaven.

On Tuesday Art picked my horse and I up and we rode all day bringing in a neighbors cattle. I love this area. Four of us on horse back brought in several hundred head and sorted them for the liners to transport. Funny... some folk dream of a vaction a broad, but not this guy. I get such a charge out of brush popping cattle and spending time in the saddle. My horse although very green is starting to get some "cow sense". It is neat to see him coming along.

We are without a doubt, blessed!

Happy Anniversary Judi!

Wild and free, and lots of fun.
She wasn’t even twenty-one,
It don’t seem that long ago,
I married a pretty Miss I’d met,
at a Kid’s camp in Ontario.
Now I never was no handsome dude,
And she was pretty as can be,
So I suppose her friends was wonderin,
Just what she saw in me!
She’s been by my side ever since,
Through the good times, wrecks and tears.
Somehow it don’t seem possible,
We’ve been married thirty three years.
While I’ve gained some weight and lost some hair,
She’s still pretty as can be,
And I’ve spent thirty three years a wonderin’
Just what she sees in me!

A Servants Bell

Tho this cowboy's life is a livin' rage,

and his lovely wife he lives to please.
There lurks inside of him a little boy,

Who dearly loves to tease.
Now on a recent trip to town,

the logic of his purchase, I really couldn't tell.
But you could see the devil in his eyes,

when he found this Servants Bell.

Now a Servants Bell is what rich folks use,
when calling their servants to fill their every need.
Why they're suppose to fetch and carry,

or even groom the masters steed.
Well this cowboy bought that tinklin' bell,

and headed for the ranch.
And pondered on the benefits,

if this bell should work perchance.
Now his wife she is a pleasant gal,

and she doesn't mind his tease.
Ya see she loves her scruffy cowboy,

and does her best to please.
Well, . . . The details of this story, . . .
I really don't think I want to tell.
"Cause things didn't work quite out the way

they were suppose to, when he rang his little bell.

But there is one thing that I can tell you,
and that is that we hope that someday doctors

may find some cures. To explain why he jingles when he walks,

'cause he does it without spurs.

Rudy Gonzales Cowboy Poetry

What's Up With Gracie?

What Gracie has: Angular Limb Deviation (ALD) is seen most commonly in young foals and is defined as a deviation from the normal axis of the limb in the frontal plane. There are two general terms used to describe the deviation. Valgus refers to a lateral deviation of the limb distal (below) the point of the deformity. Varus refers to a medial deviation of the limb distal to the point of the deformity. The most common deviation (as in Gracie’s case) seen in young foals is a lateral deviation which originates at the level of the carpus (knee), known as carpus valgus.

There are a few options, most are very expensive. We are checking into the next steps for Gracie’s future. At this point, although I am a very positive person it does not look very bright for her. We will keep you informed.

What man is a man who doesn’t change for the better, the world he lives in?

Reflecting on this statement I am compelled to say that not only do I personally strive to live this, I am fortunate to have friends with the same mind set. Today that was proven more than once. My “world” (circle of life) was strengthened today. First, by my friend Art Harfman. As some of you may know I had a wreck last year on “Jazz”, a horse I was breaking. Besides a bruised ego, and few sore bones I also I ended up with a fear of riding that I couldn’t seem to shake. In my stressed out mind only my old Quarter Horse “Bud” was safe. Earlier this year I bought a very well bred Foundation Quarter Horse. He is an incredible dun gelding, but only ground broke. I saved and saved and finally sent him to Rod Lewis a trainer Art recommended. When I went to get him Rod showed me the results and I was amazed. Rod had put an incredible “stop” on him. Yet I was real antsy about throwing a leg over. I took him home and rode about ten minutes. Koda was great, but I was… well I was nervous. My confidence level was low. A short while later our friend Coralee (excellent horse person) was down for a few days and she put a few hours on him and even got me riding a bit. But in the back of my minded was this cloud of apprehension. Day before last Art called and asked me to go on a round-up. He sort of asked me, but it was more of a convincing me to ride Koda on this cattle round-up. I wavered in my going or not going…. But like the friend he is he persevered and along with Judi’s push (even though it was her birthday) I finally went (I thought it was my idea). Those two are good!

Well, today I conquered my fear. I still have respect, you need that, but I’m over my hesitation. Koda was great! Six to seven hours in the saddle, brush popping cattle can work wonders for both your confidence and your horse.

Then to top off the day (Judi’s birthday) a dear friend of ours, Trevor dropped by with a card and flowers for Jude. Wow, we were almost in tears. Thoughtfulness is a gift! So to all of you who have changed our lives for the better ….. THANK YOU!

Side-car Madness

After the trailer incident (see Dang It! post) the cows refused to travel with us. It wasn't until our friend Lawerance brought up his motorcyle and side car that the cows agreed to hit the road (ooops bad choice of words). Thanks Lawerance!

Kinda quiet here today. My sister and her family are gone back to Ontario. Our cows have been shipped, the Meier's side grandchildren are back on the island, Casey's kids are in school.... it feels more like Empty Nest than Eagles Nest. Yet, the quiet has its own beauty. The aspens are turning color, the aroma is incredible and the air is cool and crisp. Thank God for His indescribable beauty...... mmmmmm guess I'll go get me a coffee.

Koda Is Back

Here is a pic of the girls having some bonding time. It was a great day for playing with the ponies. Coralee is on Koda and Judi is catching up on old Bud, or is Coralee a lap behind. Somethings are best left unsolved;)

Dang it!

Yesterday we moved our small herd out of the pastures to our holding pens. We then began sorting and loading the cattle in preparation to be transported to the Harfman ranch. Due to us using our four horse trailer several trips were neccessary. On our second to last load after sqeezing in as many head as we could we were forced to keep four yearlings back. I left the trailer and chute area to double check the holding pen gate (my first mistake). Thereby I had inadvertently neglected to secure the trailer door. Everything seemed ok, so we confidently headed out with three cows and four steer calves in the trailer. Well, that was what we thought.

Once out on Sidley Mountain Road I checked the rear view and gasped as I saw cows and calves doing arobics, summersaults, headstands, tumbling one over the other on to the gravel road. They spilled out of the trailer when the sliding door - slide open. Talk about your mad cow! Thankfully we had taken the back road at 5-10 kph rather than the Highway at 100. Besides a few scrapes and bruises everyone survived. If it wasn't so stupid it would be funny!

My Girl - My Horse

Judi and I spent all of yesterday rounding up our herd and shipping them over to the Harfman ranch. It was an awesome day with the exception of one "little incident" (next posting). When we arrived back at the ranch a friend of ours from the coast had arrived for a ride on my new horse "Koda". Her and Judi decided on a trail ride and they had a great time of fellowshiping (girls and horses - go figure) together.

Out Numbered!

So if you've been following the saga of "whats her name", you know we've been a while getting her a name. We had as of ten days ago choosen "Scooter". However, after a number of suggestions we have changed it to "Gracie". That is it! No more changes. It is over, done, completed, written in stone, non- negotiable. I think????

We have a Name!

Ok, after 10 days of deep consideration we have a name (I think). First we say thank you to all of you who have submitted suggestions. It was fun. Thanks. So here it is..... "Scooter"

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING TOTALY DIFFERENT

X

T

E

R

M

O

W

N

A

T

O

R

I know it is a bit unrealistic but I've had a blast putting this baby together. This year Modified Class next year Super Modified. It was a total Tim Taylor (Tool Time) moment.

Choices, Choices, Choices!

Wiggly Butt, Jiggles, Daisy, Butterfly, Anya, Asha, Morning Glory, Lady Grand, Autumn, Autumn Breeze, Hightime, Faith, Ceiarra, Cheyenne, Sassy, Nevada, Beshala, Imacomen, Calamity, Dinah, Majestic, Majesty, Breezy, Gypsy Rose, Becoming, Brandy, Quick Step, Dancer, What's Her Name, Lady,

Who Is Who?

What's Her Name Is Still Nameless

On the way to church this morning we passed What's Her Name in the field and I said, gee I hope that this doesn't end up being her name.
Judi was pretty sure it wouldn't be but I don't know????? Maybe "Wiggly Butt" or "Jiggles".

Come on people we need some help here!
I guess I'll just have to pick one....

"Whats Her Name"

Well here are a few more pics of "Whats her name". As cute as she is she is going to need a name. Some of our favorites are "High Time", "Autumn", "Autumn Breeze", "Ceiarra", "Cheyenne" and "Becoming".

We could use your help in picking just the right name for her. She is a sweety and is improving with each day. She has lots of life and a very clear bright eye.

"What?"

"The Lawn Ranger!"

The last couple of days have brought back many memories of days gone by. Days and nights for that matter spent in the shop fabricating and customizing motorcycles. Well as you can see by the above picture that aint no motorcycle. It is a riding lawnmower. It is being stripped down and customized for the Rock Creek Fall Fair Lawn Mower Madness. I made my own header system and am presently building a throttle assembly. I will put pics up as this baby comes together. As Tim Taylor from Tool Time says, "Ughhhh, Awwwwe!"

TA DA!

Well here we are! She is such a sweet filly. We have had a few suggestions for her name. I like "Hightime" and "Autumn Breeze" which came from the grand kids, and "Becoming" submitted by Savanah and Jasmine. But we'll wait a bit more. There is a little concern with "Whats Her Name"... she is still very unstable (12 hours after birth) and is walking low on her fetlocks. After some inquiries it was thought that this may be a normal process and if it doesn't correct it self we might have to give her a shot of Vit. A-D and Silenium. I thought I'd mention it to you so you can say a prayer for her. We will keep you updated. More pics will follow.

NEW ARRIVAL

Liberty for Liberty! In the wee hours of this the glorious first day of September in the the year of our Lord 2007, we had lift off - or should I say touch down. Liberty gave birth to a strong filly. I've already done the navel dip precaution and rubbed her all over. I witnessed her eating and having her first bowel movement (poop). These are two very import events!

She is gorgeous. As soon as I get my camera from our sleeping neighbors I will get some pics.

We would like some suggestions for her name, I was leaning toward "Imacomen" (I am a coming), but this morning when I saw her and the sun was just breaking over us I thought of the name "Autumn". But hey, we don't need a name for a day or two so if you have a suggestion, let us us know

A Season Of Change

There is a change taking place on the ranch. After many years of dealing with cattle we have made a big decision. It is a well known fact among ranchers that there is no money in cows. Most of us have done it for a "lifestyle". Judi and I have spoken with Casey and we thought it might be good to sell the cows and focus on the horses. Now this was just a thought, but someone heard our thoughts and early, very early this morning we sold our entire herd.

We got a fair deal and did not lose any profit on trucking or auction commissons. Although we are excited, we are also a bit sad. Any way thanks for dropping by - have a great day.

Now you might be thinking - Gee Liberty looks sad... Well she's not sad she's waiting to have her baby. We expected her to foal last week, but hey, it is probably a stud colt and he's not quite ready yet to make his entrance. We might call him, "Imacomen" or "Mr Tardy". If I knew how to spell menyana that would work too. Any how well keep those of you who care posted.

I have often reflected on the wonderful gifts the Lord has given me. I am very grateful for family and friends, they are indeed a great treasure. I am also grateful for where we live. I so appreciate our ranch property and the community we are located in. The Sidley Mountain folk are an incredible group of people moved by an old fashioned values, and a strong work ethic.

This past week we had the honor of doing another community wedding. Congratulations to Rhett and Kirsten Miller.

"Horse Whispering"

Every once in a life time you meet people with an extraordinary gift. Last week I watched with awe as my six year old grandaughter called our new foal in from the field. She had "Rummy" standing nose to nose with her. Mercedez asked, can you do that Opa? I had to admit the foal wouldn't do that for me. She asked then, "Do you know how I do that?" Again I replied, no. She said, "I would tell you, but it is a secret".


Over the next few days I discovered her secret... she sang to the filly. She'd stand very still by the fence and in a quiet, reasuring, voice she sang, "Be still little one, be still little one...." over and over. This sweet melody had an amazing effect on the filly. Her movements and body language were all in wonderful harmony, producing a world of peace and serenity.

"Gibbs As A Young'n"

I was sure surprised to get a picture e-mailed to me of our five year old Gibbs when he was a youngster. He is a registered Arabian from the CMK line. Apparently the "K" stands for Kellogs a very, very good blood line. I knew it was him the moment I opened the file. Those ears, I'd recognize them any where.

"Can It Get Much Better?"

Kids and horses, horses and kids, what an awesome mix.

Here a few of our herd are checking out the horses... no wait! Change that a few of our herd are checking out the kids.

What A Great Day

We had a great time at our first of four Day Camps. Casey and I along with Tracy Harfman have formed KIDS WEST (West Boundary). We are very pleased to be able to do something for the kids of our neighborhood. We had lots of donations and volunteer help.

"Another Wedding At The Ranch"

Joyce and Peter tied the knot at our ranch. Here they are about to leave on their honeymoon. Who ever said life ends at 50, never met this 70 something couple. Joyce is a dear friend of ours... you go girl!

"Casey's Shadow"

Our new filly was named "Rummy" to go with "Cola" her mom's name. Casey figured it was better than what the boys were going to suggest.... Truck, Spoon, Ceral, Toliet Paper.... basically anything that came to their little minds.

We are still waiting for Liberty to have her foal??????

"Just Horse'n Around"

Mr Bailey in all his glory!

This is not to be confused with looking a Gift Horse in the mouth.

A Perfect Day For A Wedding

Eric and Buryl get'n hitched.

Glad it was a John Deere, and not a Dear John.

Another Wedding

What a special time we had last Wednesday as we officiatted yet another wedding at the Ranch. Congratulations to Eric & Buryl Goodmen.

Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulties and fear assail your relationship, as they threaten all relationships at one time or another, remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives -- remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.

KIDS WEST

We are very excited as to the upcoming KIDS WEST Day Camps.

We will be hosting four day camps for ages 6-10 in August.

This is a fantastic opportunity to bless the Bridesville, Rock Creek and Sidley children. We are believing this to be but the first of many such events.

Cowboy Wedding

Judi and I had the honor of tieing the knot for Collin and PJ Hollywood. It was a great afternoon in God's wide open spaces, surrounded by a bunch of down home folk. We really appreciatted being asked to officiate.... blessings on you two!

You will feel no rain,

For each of you will be shelter to the other.

Now you will feel no cold,

For each of you will be warmth to the other.

Now there is no more loneliness,

For each of you will be companion to the other.

Now you are two bodies, But there is one life before you.

Go now to your dwelling place,

To enter into the days of your togetherness.

And may your days be good and long upon the earth….

A Different Point Of View

Every once and awhile you come across one of those "Life Lessons". We have a friend who is presently training one of our Quarter horses in the US. As she was going through her lesson her instructor said, "Stop looking down at the ground and the top of your horse, look up, look to God and just trust." Wow! How typical! We all look far too closely at our immediate surroundings and our present concerns. What great advice - look up - look to God - Trust! Be blessed!

"Mom and Six Hour Old Daughter"

"Hey you look familiar, I think I nose you!"

"It's A Girl!"

Here is our newest addition to the ranch. Cola (the mare) had her first foal - a healthy full of life filly. She was born in the early hours of July 6. She has not yet been named, that'll come soon enough. She is a sweety! Congrats to Casey this is his first foal. The sire is a registered paint stallion we aquired last year.

"Band Of Brothers"

Last Sunday a small group of mem met for a Prayer Walk on the ranch. It was a great begining to our fledgling men's group. We are hoping that God finds us "man enough" to be used by His Spirit in these last days.

This is "Lonestar" he is our Grand Champion Herford Bull. He is over 3,000 lbs. Halter broke and very gentle. This picture was taken just days before he was released to join his "ladies". We have Black Angus cows and the calves we get from this cross breeding are what we call "Black Baldys". They are black with a white face. This cross is presently the most popular in the cattle industry.

My name is "Quiz".

Can you guess why my owner called me this?

I got my name because of the "?" on my forhead.

Genesis 9:12-16
And God said, This [is] the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that [is] with you, for perpetual generations; I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which [is] between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that [is] upon the earth.