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.
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...
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
