It is Super Bowl Sunday.  Whatever that may mean to you, I hope that your visit here
may be a slight diversion, for a few moments of time.  I share a few of the many
pictures that I captured, from our week at the guest ranch.  Everywhere I looked
was unimaginable beauty, and I could not help but want to, in some small way,
take bits of that beauty home with me.

Dusk was one of the prettiest times of all, especially when the surrounding cabin lights were lit.

Finn is my brother-in-law's dog, and he delights in making new friends, each week at the
ranch.

Icicles hanging from our porch roof.

After our first three and half days of snow, the sun came out, lighting up the morning sky.
Stepping outside after breakfast, this was the breathtaking sight we were greeted with.

Personally, my husband and I had never seen so much snow!

Snow tubing was one of the most fun sports that we took part in.  Here one of the guests
chose this way to go down the hill.  The speed made it even more of an adventure!

Being a bit on the cautious side, I chose a slower, more in control way to race down
the mountain:).

Our nephew grooms 13 - 14 miles of trails in the adjoining National Forrest.
He does it at night, because it is easier to see the outline of the trail in the dark.

The walking trails are cleared throughout the ranch grounds.

This sight is what we saw, whenever we looked out our window, during the sunsets.

Our guide, while snowshoeing one brilliant afternoon.  Since I was right behind him, I had to stop and capture this scene.

On another afternoon of snowshoeing, our guide took the time to stop and explain
to us, all the many types of pine trees that were growing on the trail.  What a fascinating
study on nature.

The snow slid off the roof of our cabin, with the warmth of the afternoon sun.

The ranch snow removal equipment was in full gear, as you can see here.  Round the clock,
the crews worked.

All hours of the day, exhibited it's own display of exquisite splendor!

Ice crystals covered every limb and tiny branch, making it all look like a winter
wonderland.

Sleigh rides are provided often, along with big cups of hot chocolate to take along with
each guest.

One of our favorite times of the days, were the breathtaking sunsets that graced the
skies.  Snow scenes and sunsets...what a perfect combination!

Snowshoeing quickly became one of our favorite past times!

And, after hours in the snow and cold, the fireplace at the lodge, always beckoned
us, with it's warmth.

 

Not to mention, the jars of homemade, freshly baked cookies, that were a

staple each day.

 

Those that operate this ranch, truly have mastered real, genuine,

western hospitality.  We will never forget the week that we were most

blessed, to have spent here.

 

Thank you for stopping by!  I hope you enjoyed stepping into

the world of this ranch, for a few brief minutes today.

 

 Good Morning Dear Blogging Friends!

Once again, I took a break.  One of the reasons for this absence, was because of this
fine looking cowboy.  You see, he had a birthday in the month of January, and it
was not just any birthday, it was his 65th birthday.  And, totally out of his usual
practice, he planned his own birthday celebration.  He made reservations to visit
his younger brother, at the ranch in CO. 

 

Gratefully, he made reservations for me too.:) 

After 40 some years of marriage to this guy, I was still

excited to head west with him.  His younger brother, who was born when

he was 14 years old, has always held a special place in his heart, and

spending time with him, along with his nephew, and his sister's

son, who all happen to work at the same guest ranch, was the best way

he could possibly hope to spend his birthday.

 

I must tell you, that I was quite hesitant to share this happening

with the blogging world.  Being the somewhat private person that

I am, I felt maybe it would not be a good idea to share it all.

 

BUT, I decided that it was just way to beautiful to not share!  It was one of those

once in a lifetime experiences, especially since it took place during one of those

historic snow events.  Where the ranch is located, they had 90 inches of snow

within a two week time period, and we were there in the midst of it.

 

 Here is the scene we would take in, whenever we walked out of the front cabin door. 

When we walked out of the back door of our cabin, these are the two scenes we were
greeted with each evening.

The lights in the cabins, and the stillness of the night, made it seem magical.

This is my handsome brother-in-law.  He has been managing the guest ranch for the
last 10 years.  The job fits him perfectly!  His warm, welcoming, caring personality
makes everyone feel happy to be there.  I admire that he can sit down at
any table of guests, and strike up engaging conversations.  The people love him!
It is so easy to understand why that is so.  What a gift he has been given of
real, genuine hospitality!

Even his loyal buddy loves him so, and faithfully waits outside on the porch every
morning, watching longingly, his every move.

Watching these three fine men, in their roles of this successful operation, was a
real privilege for my husband and I.  Front left to right, his nephew, his brother.
Back left, his sister's son, and the now "65 year old" birthday boy.

After three days of heavy snow, the sun welcomed us on the morning of the forth day.  It
was such a glorious sight!!!

The next few posts will be sharing some of the highlights from our week, at this
location in the Colorado mountains.  Please stop by if you wish.  And, I want to thank
you all so much for your comments and emails while I was gone.  No matter what
you think of blogging, I cannot tell you what a blessing it is in my life.

 

 A snowy Saturday morning always makes me happy.

Last week, my daughter and I made a new recipe for hot chocolate mix, and without a
doubt, it will be our favorite for a long time.  It has an ingredient in it, that I've
never used before, let alone in hot chocolate.  It is Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla
Powder.  It ups the taste level in our book!  You might want to try it.
You can find the recipe here....  lifemadesimplebakes.com/
I know you will find other delicious looking recipes from Natalie there...warning:)

My husband gives it a good rating too.  He likes his special mega cup when he drinks
hot chocolate.

Since it makes a large portion, I used the mix for a gift I needed.  I filled this glass
canister, purchased a scoop and stuck it inside.  Fortunately, I found bags of these
tiny marshmallows that I am giving with the hot chocolate.  If you don't want to give
such a big portion, you could fill a quart size cellophane bag and place it in a mug.
Perfect winter gift, especially on a cold, snowy weekend.

Outside our back door is a hydrangea bush, filled with dried blooms, and

covered with snow.  Somehow, even in that form, it is a pretty sight.  But,

not as pretty as the picture that my friend sent me early this morning.

Apparently, she dried her hydrangeas the correct way.  Look how good they look in
the white pitcher, sitting by her window.  There is just something about snow and
hydrangeas that appeals to me. 

Speaking of things that I really like, I will randomly mention this little gem.  It is near the
top of my list of favorite things, and I have been using it for so many years.  My grandma
introduced me to it.  It is "Good Samaritan" ointment, and as you can see, it has been
around since 1906.  It has helped me out of small pains in my life, so often.  It has
helped me remove splinters from my family's limbs.  This morning, I had a painful,
small oven burn on my arm, and I placed the ointment liberally over it.  Within a
bit of time the pain had almost subsided. 

On the side of the container it says, "Dependable since Grandma was a girl".  I
totally understand why it says that.  I can't really tell you where you can get it though.
I had my for a long time.  Since you only need to use a small bit at a time, it lasts
for many years.  I know that they still make it though, because I see it at some of
our small country stores.  Have any of you used this ointment, and if so, how?  I
would love to hear of other uses.  My second favorite ointment in this same category,
is A&D Ointment.  Just in case you wanted to know.  I am not being paid to do
this advertisement. 

How is that for a Saturday post...hot chocolate recipe and a reliable pain reliever.

Hope your weekend is a good one!

"I am convinced that God has built into all of us an appreciation of beauty and has
even allowed us to participate in the creation of beautiful things and places.
It may be one way God brings healing to our brokenness, and a way that we
can contribute toward bringing wholeness to our fallen world."  Mary Jane Worden


I took this picture Sunday morning.  The coming year, I want to take time to
notice the scenes of the every day.  I so often live a pre-occupied
existence, with a mind filled with the insignificant and the burdensome
details of life.

I want to take time to notice tiny touches of beauty...

Recognize endearing moments...

To be thankful for smiles that lift my spirits...

Be grateful for the touches of affection, that I see being exhibited in ordinary situations
with the lives of my family...

And, small blessings that come in to us, in all different circumstances of life.  Time
is fleeting.  This month, my husband is anticipating his 65th birthday.  Our young
grandson here, is one year old.  I am praying that I take time to notice more of
the unexpected blessings of everyday life.

I want to do more listening, more holding them, more of simply being there.
More of noticing all that I see around me daily, whether it is with family,
friends, happenings, nature, or whatever I encounter. This is one of my
heartfelt prayers as I step into another new year of life.

Thank you for stopping by.