Winters Here!

Hi Everyone! Winter arrived a week ago with a major snowstorm that you probably heard about on the news. Out on the front range about 8" of light powdery snow fell around the ranch. I love the snow, especially viewing it from the window or the porch. I must admit I'm learning to drive in the snow. You go slow and careful and if it is packed snow, it's not too scary!

Henry and I sang in the Fort Morgan Chorals Christmas performance Dec. 2nd. It was great fun and funny to see Hank in the audience watching us perform instead of the opposite as is normal. HaHa, he had to pay $5 of his own money to see us! The collection of music included old traditional songs like "Carol of the Bells" and some modern music like "I'll Be Home for Christmas" , which made me sad knowing that this year we will not come home to Alabama or Ohio.

We've decorated the house for Christmas as you'll see in the picture. We are really enjoying our home on CR 44. There is plenty of room for friends to come for dinner, teenagers to play video games, and families to bake Christmas Cookies.

This picture is of Jesse and Denise Rannalls with Hank baking and watching Holiday movies like," Santa Claus is Coming to Town".

Thought I post an updated picture of Grizzly and Chole's puppies. They are so soft. Denise is selling two, a boy and a girl so if you're interested in a peek-a-poo / bishon mixed pup, give us a call.

This year Hank is coming to Alabama to spend a week during the holiday season. Henry and I plan to come to town when Eric and Leigh Anne's baby is born, due January 7th.

Well, enough enough for now.. I've neglected writing on the blog, been down with the blahs!

Looks like we will have a White Christmas! Hope yours is a Merry One!

Girlee gets a rider

Hey, you remember me writing about our horse, Girlee, the 3 year old that had never been ridden! Well, our friend and young cowboy, Loran, has been coming over to work with her in hopes to get a ride.

He saddled her up with a new saddle and all the other gear that Henry bought at an auction. First he put on a lead rope and walked her around and around to see how she obeyed his promptings. Next, using the lead rope, he ran her around the barn yard. I think this was all more about getting her attention and use to him than anything.

Henry then took the reigns and Loran began leaning on her, putting his weight onto her body and stroking her neck. It took a bit of time to get his boot into the strirrups and lift himself onto her back. Surprise, Girlee just turned her head and looked at him as if to say, "what cha doin?". Encouraging the horse, Loran began to walk her around the yard, first one direction then another.

He rode for about 20 minutes without any bucking!

It was a good day for Girlee and good for us to see that she can be ridden. Maybe one day you'll see a picture of one of the Prattes in the saddle. Thanks, Loran!

Eric Catches a Big One!

Last weekend, Eric came to visit us at the Ranch. I had been after him to come and with the baby on the way, it was now or much later. So he took a long weekend and fly to Denver. I picked him up Friday morning and we make the journey back to the ranch.

As many of you would, his comments were how different the landscape was from the lush green of Alabama. The perception of the Colorado mountains is pretty different from the flat semi desert of the Front Range. Being the homebody that he is, it was apparent from the moment he arrived that he was ready to go , as in been there ; done that; go on to the next thing!

We arrived at the house following a 6 mile ride along some dirt farm roads and he was glad to get out of the car. I didn't realize how scary it was to travel 60 mph along dirt roads when you're not use to it everyday.

I showed him to his room and gave him a tour of the house and barn. Following lunch, we went to borrow some fishing equipment and hit the bass pond. With a full charge on the trolling motor and fishing poles and tackes and a cooler, we pushed off of the pier. Starting with a recommended bait, we didn't catch a thing. Eric noticed a school of silvery small fish and thought that it would be a good idea to change to a like plastic worm. He found one in the tackle box, quickly changed out the lure and within minutes he had caught a bass, followed by another one that weighed about 4 pounds! Eric is a good fisherman, reading the pond just right.

Henry cranked up the old jeep and took Eric for a ride. The Eric kinda claimed the jeep during his visit. It's fun to drive and a pretty cool toy. We took four-wheeler wides all around the ranch and Eric got a good picture of the area where we live.

Friday night friends from the ranch came over for a bonfire weiner roast. That was fun for everyone and Eric got to meet some of friends and co-workers.

Saturday was more fishing and four wheeler riding followed by a trip to AJ's Tavern for burgers and pool.

We had a good visit. Now I'm looking forward to the day when he will bring his family out to see Grandma! It's getting close, only about 6 weeks to go before LeighAnne and Eric welcome a little boy into their family.

Jane

Preg Checking

A couple of weeks ago I watched a new activity on the ranch, Preg checking. Now preg checking is probably what you imagine when you read the title but I'll explain anyway.

First 400 or more cows are gathered from the pastures. These cows are driven in an old fashion cattle drive into holding pens by the cowboy on horse back. The young man in the picture is Joe, he works along side the cowboys to help herd. He has pretty good poise on that big on horse, I'd say. The gathering can take several hours as the animals graze on about 5,000 acre pastures. Once the cows are in the pens, the real work begins.

The pens are outfitted with alley ways that lead into skinnier alley ways that end up at a cattle chute. A couple of cowboys and / or cowgirls parse out a few cows at a time and head them into the alley. As the alley gets tighter the cows are forced to for a single file row of mooing varments.

Along the way, helpers encourage the cows to move closer and closer to the squeeze chute. The "squeeze" chute is the end of the line and where all the action occurs. There awaits the vet. Now the vet has the task of preg checking as he examines the cow to see if a calf is in the womb. He seems methodical and professional as he completes each examination. Upon completion, he instructs assistants to mark the cow, bred or open, provides any necessary medication and the frees the cow from the chute. The chute opens and the bred cows go into one pen and the un-bred cows go another. The open cows may end up at the market, I'm not sure. The bred cows will be moved into fields where their diet and their general health will be monitored as everyone waits the eventual birth of the spring calf.

Quite interesting if you ask me. There is more to ranching than I ever knew.

Until next time...Jane

An actor is born.

Hank was in the recent production of Huck Finn at Wiggins High School. His character was the con man, Bridgewater. This was his acting debut and he certainly surprised Henry and I. For a small school with limited number of students interested, I thought Mrs. Epple, the English teacher did a great job.

News from the Ranch

Hi Friends and Family,

The chill is in the air and it seems fall has arrived.

So much is happening, I can't believe less than a year ago I was complaining because I wasn't socially involved. During the last couple of months, Hank started his Junior year at Wiggins High. For those of you that remember when he was born, it probably as hard for you as for me to imagine him so grown up. See his recent picture!

Again he is running cross country and posted his best 5K time of 19mins 38 seconds at the Fort Morgan Invitational race two weeks ago. With the small number of members on the team it's understandable that they are a close knit group. At a recent meet in Limon, CO I met my friend, Kris's, mom and sister. Here is there picture, see the family resemblances.

For the first time ever, my son will be on the stage for a performance of Huck Finn. He landed the part of the Con Man and a Slave Trader. When I told him not to get too comfortable with that role he said, "Mom, there are going to tar and feather me. I think I'll learn my lesson". Ha! Hank assures me that his grades are good and classes are going well - progress meetings won't be far off so...

The Fort Morgan Chorale began practicing for the Christmas performance. Guess what? Henry decided to sing also. Yeah! I'll be glad to have him go to practice, especially on snowy or foggy nights. It will also be nice to get to know folks as a couple, there are several husband and wives that sing together. Haven't got the performance dates but expect it will be early December. I'm selling tickets so come on out, I even have a spare room for out of town guest.

Speaking of out of town guest, Jane and Cathy came for a 5 day visit. We had a great time!! Our days were spent bumming around the ranch, watching the Elk mating activities at Estes Park, attending church at the Air Force Academy, and shopping in Manitou Springs. The cog railroad trip to the top of Pikes Peak was in our plans but a forest fire prevented our trip - oh well, something for the next vacation. On the last day Cathy planned our agenda so we could drive to Applejacks. Applejacks is a huge wine and spirits store and professed to have the largest collection of Colorado wines. I don't know if that is true, but they have a huge selection that spans the globe and Cathy wanted to read all the labels. She is becoming quite knowledgeable and even helped us pick out some to take home and test. Monday evening we had our own wine tasting party.

Oh, oh, oh, since I last wrote I learned that not only am I going to be a grandma, IT'S A BOY!! Now we'll have a grandson to add to the two fine sons we love so much. Can't wait until Jan. 13th.

On a lesser note, Grizzly mated with Chloe so in late November there will be some little Bischon-Poo's born up on the ranch. Chloe is a prissy little Bischon, all white and fluffy and you've see Griz so just image what these pups will look like. Don't worry, I'll send pictures.

Henry is doing great. Hay baling is still in full swing and the cattle are moving from a summer pasture to a good winter spot. There is lots of activity which means lots of equipment to move or fix. Loran, a ranch hand, took Henry to an action. Henry came home with saddles, blankets, reins, bridles and all that other horse stuff. You'd think he expects me to ride Grilly. He got the saddle on and took her for a walk. I hear tell that it went pretty well but there was some kicking going on at one point, although that is hear say.

Finally, our new home is feeling more like home. The new bathroom upstairs is nearing completion and painting is done for the most part. Warm country charm is how I'd describe the place. I hosted the Wiggins Book Club it seemed that the 12 folks felt pretty comfortable hanging out with us. It's about wiener roasting season and Henry will be getting the fire ring ready. The cross country team is expected over on Friday and the church youth group will be here on Sunday night.

Hope to see ya soon but in the meantime, keep the emails coming so I can keep up with you.

Jane

Gosh how did the summer get away so fast

I can't believe the summer is almost gone. Sorry I've not kept up the blog but busy,busy,busy has been the word for this summer.

First, in early June, Hank and I went with a mission team from Faith UMC to Quito, Ecuador. This is our fourth trip to work with the children of Atachucho and again it was rewarding. We go to extend a hand up to the improvished but we return with so much more that we give. This year I could really see the fruits of many years work. The day care that the missionary teams started working with graduated their first class and the children are eager to enter the state schools next year! Teachers were more confident, mothers were looking toward a brighter tomorrow and the children were smiling and happy.

My work has required lots of travel this summer; Midland twice, Farmington twice, Louisanna once and Birmingham 4 times. This hampered any ideas of a family vacation along with the fact that Hank had his first real job. He worked 7-3, 5 days a week on the golf course. Not as glamorus as it sounds as his primary task was weed eating. It didn't take long before he said, "Mom, I'm not sure I like this working stuff". I suggested he better get use to it since he'd have to do it for another 40 years or so. He did get to have some fun, went tubing down the South Platte, River Rafting with a group from Wiggins Community Church, and attended a cross country training camp in the Rocky Mountain National Forest.

The ranch continues to keep Henry busy, there is always lots of equipment to repair, hay or equipment to haul, or general maintenance. Henry enjoys the work and the folks that he works with. The activites have ranged from helping with branding, getting equipment ready for farming, working on pickup trucks and trailers, repairing mowers, and any number and type of other mechanical stuff that tends to break.

We've had a couple of new things happen this summer. Henry bought a horse! Yes, guess I'll have to learn about horses now! I call her Girlee. She is a 2 year old filly, a reddish color and never been ridden. I was recommending an old nag that was already broke and ready to ride, Henry had another idea, what was I thinking! (I'll get a picture and post it later.) Don't look for pictures of me getting bucked off because that won't be happening - I hope.

I finally went with Henry to Wyoming. He often works there near the town of Saratoga, WO. The drive took us through the Snowy Range mountains and we saw some beautiful views. The town of Saratoga was a delight. At the Saratoga Inn there are mineral hot springs, some very nice rooms, golfing, fly fishing and bike riding. Believe it or not, I got a bicycle and rode into town for breakfast and spend the day touring art galleries, small town shops, soaking in the mineral springs and relaxing in the rocking chairs on the porches. Great two day vacation!!

Also, we moved. Yep, still on the ranch, but to a lovely old farmhouse about 2 miles from our previous home. The place is charming and like a lot of old houses needs some TLC. With the help of some the ranch families, we've painted, put up some trim, stained the porches, and generally dolled up the place. Here's a good shot of the outside! Beautiful setting. Phone number is the same, address is 41459 CR 44, Orchard, CO 80649. We have more room for visitors, hint,hint...

Finally, the biggest news is that Henry and I are going to be grandparents! Eric and Leigh Ann are expecting a baby boy on or about Jan 13th. I'm so excited, the office will have a hard time getting me to stay late when I come to work in Alabama next year!

Well, thats it in a nutshell. Did your summer go this fast? Jane

Wildflowers!!

Wildflowers are abundant this year!! Although I saw none last year, it appears that the rain has encouraged the flowers to bloom. Here's some pictures for you to enjoy!

Family visits from Alabama!

Mom, Sally and Debbie came to CO on May 4. We had a great time and they experienced every kind of weather you can imagine in just 4 days!! I picked up the gang at the airport and lunch reservations were for Marlowe's, a downtown Denver favorite. We ate at outside where we could watch the crowd along the 16th street mall. Mom's grilled pear salad with shrimp was everybodys favorite. I've loaded our picture that the waitress snapped for us. Oh, the weather was sunny and the temp. was about 68 degrees.

Next we came back to the ranch where Henry and Hank waited to see the folks and be the hostess' for the evening as I had concert practice for Saturdays' performance. Debbie and Sally wanted to get the lay of the land, so Henry loaded everyone in the pick-up truck for an evening drive. Riding northeast of the house, they experienced the dry plains of Colorado. The wind picked up and you'd thought we were having a hurricane blow in, but no, just cold wind from the northwest. The temperature dropped to 40 degrees and the wind swirled the dust on the pararie. Deb and Sally climbed in the bed of the truck to feel the elements as Henry bounced on the open plains. The girls were thrilled!

Friday morning, Deb and Sally wanted to experience the beautiful sunrises I post online so we blundled up in blankets and perched on the porch - Henry got this shot of us in the glow of the morning lights. After a light breakfast we loaded up for a trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado. The sky was bright when we left the house and the air was cool, sweatshirt weather. The drive east on Hwy 34 wides through Loveland Canyon and it's shocking to see the tall mountains and winding river along the road. Beautiful drive! Entering the park, the Ranger told us that Trail Ridge Road was still closed due to snow and we'd have to confine our day to the lower eleveations. Well, the air was already turning colder and in a few miles, we began to see snowflakes! Yes, snowflakes on May 5th! See the photos! Good thing I'd piled some jackets and hats in the trunk. We saw many Elk as they grazed in the open fields and when we got to Bear Lake, the snow was coming down hard. Amazingly, we could bearly see the lake the flakes were so big. The existing snow from the winter covered the trail and made good snowballs. Debbie and Sally were giggling, sliding down a slope on their butts, throwing snowballs, and catching flakes in their mouths. We laughed so hard we pee'd our pants!

Finally, leaving, we headed back to the ranch and arrived pooped. Hank had a movie night planned complete with burgers cooked on the grill. All us girls were happy just to sit on the couch.

Saturday, the high school track meet was east of Wiggins in the town of Sterling, CO. Driving 65 miles was an easy task except for our final weather challenge, a storm tracked along with us. This storm packed cold winds, rain, and hail! We travelled in a dang hailstorm, hail about the size of your thumb and I'm not kidding. We drove along, hail came down, we (along with other travelors on the road), stopped on the side of the interstate waiting for the hail to pass fearing damage to the room of the car. This driving and stopping continued for about 30 miles. Finally seeing the exit that would lead us to the meet, we heard sirens! Tornado sited 3 miles ahead! Whoa! Calling Henry at the track meet, he said they had just stopped the meet and was sending everyone home. Can you believe it, 60 miles through inclement weather just to turn around and drive 60 miles back through another wave of the storm? Goodness another adventure.

Saturday night everyone dressed up to see me sing for the Fort Morgan Chorale. The Journey Through American Music program started with a 1770 song, Chester and ended with a 2002 number, Song for the Unsung Hero. The variety provided everyone with something that they could relate to including I'll be Seeing You and Joy to the World. There was a guitarist and drummer that helped on some of the more jazzer pieces. It was fun and the reviews were pretty good also.

Sunday morning, everyone loaded their suitcases back into the car for the trip back to the airport. But first, Sally had to drive Hank's four wheeler and Deb got a picture of the tumbleweed she'd collected!

I hated to see the family leave, our visit was too short. There were friends to meet, sights to see and new adventures that were left to the next visit. And I'm sure there will be a next visit. Hope you see something here that makes you want to come have a Colorado adventure also.