A Year of Change

Lori and I woke up early to load up the car and head out to the ranch. We were a little tired from the week so we didn’t actually get on the road until about 10 minutes after 7. We decided to go up via Steamboat for a change as the drive is much prettier. It’s about 15 minutes longer but that was ok with us. After about an hour on the road Robi called as she remembered from the blog that we were going up today. She thanked me for taking Mom and Dad up and felt bad that she couldn’t be there with us. I told her not to feel bad and that we’d send her pictures. We talked for a while about what we were going to do and I told her what our plans were.

About 90 minutes later we pulled into Walden and we stopped at the lumber yard to buy a shovel as we had decided to bury Mom and Dad’s ashes together. We did save a few to spread around but I wanted them to have a final resting place where they’d always be together. Driving up the road I told Lori we were going down by the old homestead cabin and she said she thought we were going up into the rocks. We debated this and in the end opted for the old cabin as that’s where Dad said he wanted to be when I was a boy.

Driving down County Road 2, I sure was glad Lori was with me. I know how hard a 6 hour plus car ride is on her back and I had told her she didn’t have to go but no way was she letting me go alone and without her, it would have been just me as no one else could go. The boys had a lot of homework plus it was really early and Jag had a soccer game at 4 and Tom and Ali couldn’t make it. We pulled in up the dirt road and the big tree I mentioned a day ago from when we were very young was lying on the ground half burned from the fire a couple years ago. I had forgot about this but decided to find a stout aspen tree that had a good view looking out on the ranch. Once I found what I decided would be “their” tree, I carved their initials in it to mark it forever. If you know anything about aspen trees, once you carve something in one, the carving turns black and ends up having the carving raised and stays a part of the tree forever.

After this I dug a hole in front of the tree and then put most of Dads ashes in the hole and then put most of Moms on top. I actually stirred them up a bit so they’d be together, ha. After covering the hole, we found a few small wildflowers and carefully dug them up at the roots to transplant them where hopefully they’ll grow forever. I took some water and we watered them after planting. Meanwhile Lori had picked some other flowers to lay on top as well. I then took the remainder of their ashes and spread them around in a big circle making sure to again put them together. We brought along a picture of Mom and one of Dad’s favorite cowboy hats to also mark the spot. After the work was done, we stopped to just think about the whole thing. Our conversation went from as deep as talking about just what is life and how in the end you end up being a bag of bones and ashes to wondering what Mom and Dad were thinking about having just seen what we had just done. In the end we decided they’d be happy that we brought them up here and laid them to rest together in such a peaceful place that meant so much to both of them but especially to Dad. I promised Dad when I was 10 years old I’d do this so no way I was not following through. Plus with everything they did for all of us, this was the least I could do and Lori felt the same way. Hell I would have drove 1000 miles if that’s what it would have taken to make sure they were together resting peacefully for eternity.

We packed up the shovel and pick and headed home. We did take a lot of pictures and below are a few. I feel good about the day but again, sure was glad Lori was with me as it wasn’t as easy as I thought it’d be. It’s hard to put into words just what your parents mean to you and sadly I don’t think anyone realizes that to the full extent until you no longer have them. I’d give anything to just talk to them for even a couple minutes to say so many things I should have said when they were still here. I’d thank them and tell them how grateful I was for all they did for me, let them know how much I loved them and make sure that they’d know I’d be alright and never ever forget them and every day for the rest of my life try to make them proud. There’s more but for now, I’ll leave it at that. So Mom and Dad, rest in peace and I know exactly where you are and will see you again soon.

God Bless

Today is just about the middle day between when Mom passed away (Sept. 9th) and when Dad passed away, (August 16th) So it’s kind of appropriate that today is the day when they both are going to the ranch. It’s still hard to believe they’re both gone. Every day I miss them both very much.

When I was a kid, probably about 10 years old, Dad said he wanted to be buried or have his ashes spread by the big tree by the old cabin. Apparently, according to Mom, I said “Ok I’ll drag you up there”. They always teased me about this growing up. To be honest I don’t remember saying it when I was 10  but Mom sure did so I know it’s true. So here we go, off to the big tree down by the old homestead cabin. It’s a good day to go, sunny with blue skies and around 70 degrees. I’m sure they’ll both be happy there together.

Jag scored a goal in soccer practice and broke a couple kids legs (figuratively) with his moves and has a game today at 4. Sonny spent the night and of course they are all sleeping. I was going to take them along but it’d just be a 6 hour car ride for them. Jag said he’d go if I wanted him to but I told him to sleep in as he has a game and has some homework.

Time to get moving as it’s 6:05 right now and I’d like to leave in 40 minutes so we’re back before 2. Hope everyone is well. Time to get out dad’s  best hat as I’m taking it along and get going to take them to their final resting place. God Bless you all and God Bless Mom and Dad.

Ugh, what a long week. Yesterday was the icing on the cake with my trip to Boulder and Niwot and then home. When I pulled into Vail at 5:10 I picked up Ty at school, then we went to get Harley and took her home and then I left right away to go back to school to get Jag from soccer. So by 6:30 I was home. Lori strolled in about 10 minutes later.

The first day of school was great for both boys. They like their teachers and classes and are glad to be back. I’m sure that “glad to be back” feeling will wear off pretty quick.

I made it to town and stopped at Tommy’s and saw Lorenzo briefly before heading to Boulder. He heads out today at 11 for home in New York.

Tomorrow it’s off to the ranch with Mom and Dad (their ashes) to take them to their final resting place. We should leave by about 6:30 so we make it back by 2 or so as Jag has a soccer game at 4. It’s a lot of driving, 6 hours, but needs to be done.

That’s it for today, nice and cool again which is great, Fall is on the way. Two earthquakes last night in northwestern Colorado which contributes to the over 100 quakes around the Ring of Fire from California to the South Pacific in the past week. Hope these are not precursors to the big one! Take care, God Bless.

Hard to believe Ty is in 9th grade and Jag in 11th. We’ve come a long way. Last night we had a whale of a rain storm that woke us at 3 am to shut the windows. It’s still raining now which is fine as it helps with the fires and we always need the water. I need to get moving as I have a lunch in Boulder at 11 and then a meeting at 1:30. Jody who works for me is here from Florida. Lorenzo is also here and spent the night at Tom and Ali’s after working Colorado Springs all day. Thanks for hosting him. I’ll drop Harley at 7:20 and then come back to get the boys on my way down the hill.

Lori has a full day as she did yesterday. It’s really hard on her when she’s gone for a few days as things get really backed up. Hopefully it’ll be a little bit better today but she’s going to have to get Ty from school. Jag has soccer.

Time to run, hope all’s well, take care and God Bless.

This morning I’ll bet both boys are a little wet. It rained most of the day yesterday and is raining again this morning. There’s even flash flood watches and both of them are on the water! I’m sure they’ll be looking forward to coming home this afternoon. Then school starts tomorrow.

I headed out to Denver around 2:30 yesterday after spending the entire day cleaning the house. Every room, bathroom and kitchen is sparkling clean. This includes toilets, floors, under beds and more. On my way down to Denver the highway was stopped just past Copper Mt. A car had rolled over which caused the delay. After about 20 minutes I made it through. It could have been a whole lot worse.

I made it to the airport just in time to pick up Lori and we headed home. Around 8:30 we pulled in making two dogs happy as they were waiting for dinner. We’re headed to the gym in about 15 minutes so time to go. For those of you on Facebook, apparently I’ve been blocked as part of the conservative purge. A friend called and asked why I don’t post anything anymore. I looked at my timeline and there are zero likes on things I shared even though none are political. Guess I’m in Facebook jail. Take note as this is not right not matter what you think.  Time to run as Lori is telling me we need to go. God Bless.

It’s nice and cool this morning with a cloud cover floating slowly by. I somehow managed to get a lot done around here yesterday but have a lot more to do. Lori lands around 6:15 tonight which gives me most of the day to clean. I was going to drive over to Buena Vista to sight in a rifle but I’ll do that later this week or early next. I have about 3 big trash bags of old clothes and trash that I’m throwing out. I wanted to get to the garage too but don’t think I’ll make it.

I’m sure the boys are having fun. They both made it to their respective meeting points yesterday morning and are out on the water. Jag is on the Upper Colorado River and Ty is somewhere up by Dinosaur National Monument in a canoe. It wasn’t really cold by our standards so I’m sure they’re both doing fine. One more night for them as tomorrow Jag gets home around 3 and Ty around 4:30.

Being alone last night, I really didn’t do much. The dogs and I watched a little tv until around 9 and then went to bed. I need to get moving so I can get some more done around here and then will probably head down to Denver around 3 this afternoon. I was going to keep Harley home but she has a lot of fun at doggie daycare so I’ll drop her off this morning and pick her up at 2:30. I’m going to take her with me to Denver this afternoon for the car ride. She’s pretty good in the car.

That’s it, hope everyone is well. Fall is coming and then before you know it, winter will be here. Have a good day, GB.

It’s 5:51 and we (Ty and I) have been up for 40 minutes. Neither of us slept much and we need to leave in 15 minutes. I hope he packed all that was on his list as I haven’t looked in detail. I did catch a few missing items and we now have those. I’ll take him to Edwards and then rush back to take Harley to daycare and then rush back to get Jag and drop him for his trip. Then I have a call at 9 and noon.

It’s cool up here and tomorrow there will be rain on both kiddos. I’m sure they’ll have fun but when you live in the mountains you need to be prepared. Ty just came down and it’s clear we need to find a few other things so time to go. Lori is having fun and has a busy day. Have a good week, take care, be safe and God Bless.

Tomorrow both boys leave on their trips. Jag is kayaking and Ty is canoeing. Both are gone until Wednesday. Then school starts Thursday, here we go.

Mojo has an upset stomach as he was eating grass and threw up a little this morning, super. Not sure what he got in to yesterday. I’m headed to the gym before I get to work around here and there’s a lot to do. Lori made it t the airport on time and is having a blast in Sacramento. As I said, she’s gone until Tuesday night.

It’s a lot cooler up here this morning and we had some rain last night so there’s not much smoke outside, at least from our deck. Both boys are finishing up their school work while I’m told most kids haven’t even started. Of course we don’t care about the other kids, just ours so we’re glad they’re on it. The way to do well in school is to get out of the gate fast and don’t fall behind. It’s tough enough without having to do the regular homework week one plus what you were supposed to do over the summer. Oh well that’s it, have a great day, GB.

This morning we’re off to Denver so Lori can catch a plane to California. Sadly the fires there are worse than here! It’s probably much hotter there too. Our A/C froze up yesterday but will hopefully be ok today. I left it on all day by accident. I have the windows open now.

Ty has a lot of work to do in his room and both boys need to pack their gear for their trips on Monday. They’ll get back Wednesday and then the first day of school is Thursday. Soon the snow will be here. Right now we’re booked every single weekend through the middle of October, wow.

I’m going to purge the house as much as possible while Lori’s gone. There’s just too much stuff and I’ve decided I’m throwing a lot of it away. Seeing all the stuff in Moms was an eye opener. We’ll see how much progress I can make in a few days. We need to leave in an hour so I’d better get moving. With luck I’ll be home by noon. GB

I have a sales meeting in Denver today while Jag has soccer and Ty works. Both boys also have some school work to finish and they need to pack for their trips on Monday. Lori of course leaves tomorrow for California. Not the best timing but it is what it is. I’ll be driving her to the airport tomorrow while Jag has his first soccer game. Hate to miss it. Lori said she’d drive herself but that’d mean around $150 in parking. Oh well.

I need to get moving and shower so I can take Harley and Jag and drop both. The smoke up here sucks. We need to sleep with the window open but then you get a headache from the smoke. I closed it during the middle of the night but then we woke up with it being 75 degrees inside. Bring on the snow! Have a good day and weekend, take care and God Bless.