Wow! What and incredible week last week was! Two amazing clients AND Westcliffe Rodeo/Stampede! The Ranch of Hope is in charge of the Kiddie Events for the three rodeos. There are 4 kid events: Steer Riding, Mutton Bustin’, Calf Scramble and Stick Pony Race!
The fun never stops; but no one has more fun than Dave!
The kids are pretty brave when signing up for the steer riding and mutton bustin’ – however; some lose their bravado when about to board the animal. My husband works the chutes for these events and had me laughing Saturday night when he told me one little girl watched the boy in front of her ride and politely told him “I’m Bailing!”
We had an incredible group of volunteers this year and of course many hands make the load light. Many, many thanks to Brian, Mike, Rose, Alysha and Neil; we couldn’t do it without you! I’m in there too but I won’t thank myself for having fun!
Cowboy Church was awesome on Sunday morning with wonderful friends, fellowship, music and message!
So, if you ever wish a really fun time in the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley…and stand in awe of the grandeur of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains; come visit Westcliffe Colorado the third weekend in July for Rodeo/Stampede! The Ranch of Hope would love to have you come heal your heart here anytime!
On June 8th I wrote a really wonderful blog to post about the 66th
anniversary of D-Day; it has disappeared into cyberspace….you’ll
know it if you find it.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen spoke in Bedford, VA. Bedford VA suffered the most per capita casualties of the D-Day offensive than any other town in America. The National D-Day Memorial is located there. Admiral Mullen noted that no matter what war we are fighting; our soldiers that come home must “re-learn” how to live in peace. That being said, the Ranch of Hope is so pleased to be able to care for our soldiers when they come home. If they need help readjusting to married/family life or just need someone to listen to them. We are always here to help.
Yesterday was Flag Day. It is celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the US flag in 1777; so, happy 233rd birthday to our nation’s flag.
Shame on me for being nearly two weeks behind on a blog; some days never seem to have enough hours in them.
Two weeks ago we hosted our first Chaplain from the military. Our second Chaplain arrives May 31. This opportunity came to us via our website. Working with the head Chaplain we hope to be able to continue to serve this "underserved" clientele. We take for granted that those who are called to religious service are above needing help themselves. They have to be strong for so many, yet what they see and hear can effect them deeply. We are priviledged and honored to be able to "Care for our caregivers".
Our first chaplain could not say enough good things about, not only, the Ranch of Hope, but also the wonderful, friendly town we live in. Thank you, Westcliffe, for always showing out of town guests your very best hospitality. We especially appreciate the Mountain View B & B for there wonderful accommodations and food at their restaurant, The Feed Store.
Come share a week with us at the Ranch of Hope. We will not disappoint and you can bet you will leave refreshed, renewed and revitalized. We heal hearts here and send you on your way with the skills and tools necessary for continued healing.
On a side note: only a month until my first grandbaby is due. My husband and I are extremely excited. We will not know the sex of the baby until arrival—as our daughter says “a baby’s sex at delivery is one of the last real surprises left on earth”. She is so right. Saturday 5-22 is also “baby shower/bar-b-que” day! Can hardly wait!
If you don’t hear from me again next week – everyone please have a safe Memorial Day and remember why we celebrate this day. To all our fallen, who paid the ultimate price for our freedom, a heartfelt “Thank You!”
Last Friday it was a snowstorm, this week it is a dust storm; can’t see the mountains in either storm. Reminds me of someone trying to find themselves, or find their heart. Blinded by outside sources. The Ranch of Hope tries to cut through those obstacles and help you find yourself and heal your heart.
We are busy here at the Ranch. We are entertaining two Chaplains from the Illinois National Guard on two different weeks in May. They have just returned from tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. We are very much looking forward to their stays.
We are planning a work party week in June (June 14-18) to finish the stable for the Ranch’s horses and collect firewood for the wood furnace at the Ranch (relatively free heat in the winter). Come join us, we can always use extra hands and the food is GREAT!
So, last week I realized after I had posted the blog that it was Tax Day.
Guess when you do them so far in advance; the due date is never important.
So I will state that today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. I was 12 when
the celebration began and it seems to have grown over the years; however, there are many who still pollute and don't recycle.
You never realize how much you need your phone (especially if you only have cell service) until it is unavailable. Colorado had wicked rain storms last night and because of that the Verizon cell service is down. This is not good for me as I have only a cell phone. Had to get to the Ranch to call Verizon and be told that nearly the whole state and parts of Wyoming were without cell service. Feel very vulnerable.
Vulnerable; most of us feel this way at times in our lives. It is not a good feeling. You seem to have no control about what is going to happen to you. Here at the Ranch, we can help you get a grip on that feeling and make a difference in how you cope when these stress situations arrive….maybe not the feeling of dread by being down to the wire on submitting taxes, but most every stressful situation.
