Happy Ranch New Year

Starting @ Tal-Wi-Wi lodge, then to Greer @ Molly Butler, then the XA
Happy New Year! We have tons of snow, good friends, cozy fireplaces.
Happy New Year. Be Safe!
Love, Dad/Ur

Food!

Muzzle-loader Coues deer. Venison for dinner! Fun hunt w good friends.

Ranch Life..

Well, didn't get too far..that is an official hill billy in a ditch with blinkers on and horse trailer attached! Everyone is fine, buddies came out of the snow from everywhere, and we saved everything from going over into the morass! Took out a few tree limbs and Justice isn't too pleased but, what the heck, we are good! Trying still to get home but now in Globe!
Later, Dad/UR

Ranch life.

Trying to get the horse down to Tucson...12 hrs too late it seems. Nice (?)  big winter storm up here, but I think it's today or next year!
Still, it's nice and comfy in the cabin!

NFR Time!

Greetings from Thomas and Mack in Las Vegas, Rodeo time!
We brought up the Bonanza Wed eve, the usual great shopping, and the rodeo of course.
Love to all,
Dad/UR

Updates:

Hello all, Just some notes and some updates. Just got back from a really nice visit in Kansas: took the Bonana to the ranch, spent a couple of nights, then flew "almost" non-stop to Emporia. Gassed up in El Dorado. Got there in good shape, then Jim and I were joined by Wayne and Anna in a cutsey little bar there on Main street, Emporia, for a couple of libations. While there we witnessed the Emporia Kansas Christmas Parade! I did spend a couple of days with Mom aka G'Ma in Brewster Place, had a couple of nice drives, a couple of nice lunches. As you all know, she isn't doing very well. I spend the nights with Augusta and cousin Jim and had a lot of fun. One really nice dinner was in Cottonwood Falls in an old hotel dining room that's been there from the get-go; cattlemen era, with buffalo on the walls. It was a great evening with Uncle Bill, Aunt Naomi, Wayne/Anna, and Jim and Joyce and Augusta. Another evening I had dinner with my old friend Bob Dyck in the Blind Tiger, that little barbecue/bar-grill in Topeka. I started home Friday am accompanied at the airport by a group who wanted to see the airplane and take off, etc. Made all the way to Tucson with a couple of stops in between for fuel. It's going to be busy around here for a few days. Tonight is the Kansas State football game vs Texas; if we win that, Fiesta Bowl in Tempe! We are all hoping Mark M will join us if he can down from Kansas City! Our first of a couple of Christmas parties starts tonight as well. Wednesday Lynn and I head for Las Vegas NV in the Bonanza for the Nat'l Finals Rodeo time again! Love it up there this time of year! Watching Georgia play Alabama right now: in defference to Kristin, Go Georgia!! Love to all, UR/Dad

OK! Going to try it again! For the second consecutive week we will miss a lot of starters, incldg our qb! Go 'Cats! (U of A, KSU!)

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Reach

Heading up, quick turn around. Haven't had rain for awhile, thought we'd take DroughtBuster!

Travel

Old Dad and Justice on the Los Charros Ride...

Ranch

It's autumn in the high country, leaves are turning, chilly @ night but warm days. Nice.

Los Charros

OK. Half way to my annual men's Horse ride and camp..
Never driven one of these things before..I think Lynn's trying to get rid of me letting me drive it down here!
Justice is one smart horse. Would Not get into the trailer.
So he's riding in the living room...
Small dirt roads in the Sonoita ranch country the next challenge..here we go!
Love to all, UR/Dad.

AQHA Show, L.V. Nev

Primping..

Las Vegas

The motley crew: Lynn, her friend Lisa, the trainer for their barn, and Kirby, one of their horses.

Travel, Las Vegas

OK, tell you right now, if you don't enjoy horses and adventures w Lynn, just delete the next several!
Made it to Vegas w 2 horses and Lisa (friend of Lynn's) in tow. Almost. Made it to Kingman, then Vegas after some truck repair!
Drove UNDER the hotel/casino where there are climate-controlled stalls for about 1500 horses, unloaded, set up, then, exhausted, checked in. This appears to be a group of people seriously enthusiastic about their Quarter horses...

Fwd: First day first win under both judges Hunter Under Saddle!!

From Lynn today in Scottsdale! Congratulations Sweetie!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Lynn Bianchi" <lbianchi09@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 28, 2012 2:00 PM
Subject: Fwd: First day first win under both judges Hunter Under Saddle!!
To: "Richard Dickson" <rcd6600@gmail.com>

Lynn Bianchi

Begin forwarded message:

From: Lynn Bianchi <lbianchi09@gmail.com>
Date: September 28, 2012, 1:59:35 PM MST
To: Lynn Bianchi <lbianchi09@gmail.com>
Subject: First day first win under both judges Hunter Under Saddle!!

Lynn Bianchi

Fencing Status

Hello All,

 Just a quick up-date on where the fence issue is.

 I did not hear to the contrary, so why don't we plan on T-Posts 18 feet apart, Smooth Wire, 4 wires horizontal, w the bottom wire 18 inches above the ground to facilitate elk calves ingress and egress w/o harm. OK?

 Second: Jim Younger is putting together a proposal through his company to see if he can be competitive...Yea! That will be forthcoming I do believe. Then I will simply put out the known costs involved, the $$ we have with which to work, and go from there. I do not think we have enough for the full project, so maybe we should buy the materiel, then work on it in pieces. The alternatives include increasing a temporary dues increase vs "special assessment" and I think I join the most of you, uh, no.

  I haven't been able to get up there for some time, it seems. I've had a rather unusual work schedule this summer, and, as most of you know, my land-lady unceremoniouslyl kicked me out in the street so I've had to move. Luckily I found a relative safe place so stability has increased somewhat. I do hear that for those who are lucky enough to enjoy that beautiful country the weather has improved and there is that "chill" in the air finally that implies a beautiful fall.

 See you later, and I don't think there is any other news. If there is, don't forget, anyone can publish a post (including a photo if you want), by writing to : rcdickson.autie@blogger.com.

Rich

Happy Labor Day!

A little horse trip into the back country.

John Wayne Ranch tour

A few of us visited the 26-Bar Ranch, once owned and frequented by The Duke here in Springerville. I'm holding the rifle he used in Rooster Cogburn, and the saddle its the one used in The Shootist. Many other very interesting artifacts and stories there as well. You're is free, very well worth the visit!

Fwd: Fishin

Could Not pass this up!
Beautiful little girl, beautiful Big Fish!
Can't wait to hear thus story!
Good going Hannah!
See you soon, UR

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Dickson Douglas" <dicksondc99@hotmail.com>
Date: Aug 28, 2012 1:15 AM
Subject: Fishin
To: "Richard Dickson" <rcd6600@gmail.com>

Up-Dates

Greetings from the Ranch; Been up here a few days now! #1. I do believe I am still allowed to come to the wedding after all! Yay! Getting closer and closer!! #2. I thought I would share a breakfast recipe. If you are ever in a bind for some good breakfast, try this: One left over pizza slice, poach an egg in a pan of water about 1" deep (put some either white vinegar, apple cider, or coca cola in to help the egg white stay together), and put in a moderately fresh egg. Microwave the pizza slice, put the egg on top, and add Mexican style chile beans. Yum!! The beans are optional.. #3. Weather has been nice up here, cooling off nicely. I have had nice afternoon rain showers. The nights are cool, but only up to about a 1/2-dog night. Still, Campfire time in the mountains! It is so green up here and I've been busy mowing, weeding, spraying, and trying to accomplish some rodent/pest control.. #4. Having trouble with rodents up here. I still have about 4 squirrels making a total mess of the barn (putting horse manure, alfalfa, nuts, bolts, various electical connectors) even in the ATV. Found a rope end down stairs, only stayed connected to the upstairs railing since it was tied. I figure the racoons would have untied it but squirrels can't figure that out yet. And then there's the mice. I've tried traps of various ilk and even resorted to mouse poison. It seems the squirrels are eating the mouse stuff, which is not enough to hurt anything, and the mice are getting into the traps and eating the squirrel food. Great. My next step is just to get some TNT and blow the barn up and start over.. #5. The plan is for me to fly home tomorrow am, get ready to move again somewhere, drive to Phoenix to go the Neil Diamond concert, then come back up for the Labor Day. #6. Everyone is busy busy; a wonderful wedding coming up, travel plans, work, life in general. Wishing everyone a safe Labor Day and we'll all meet up in San Diego!! Love to all, UR/Dad

Lunch w dad ... Yum

Ranch Life

Hello All, Greetings from a Warm high country valley! It's not sizzling like down in Tucson or, I suspect, Phoenix, but it is warm for up here! We all need to say some special prayers of Thanksgiving for our family, and special prayers for Kathy and Bill Derrick, and their family. Their little grandson Brody, who is one cute little kid, just was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. They have some hard times ahead of them, maybe the hardest. This will be hard for all of us up here. Brings us back around as to just what is important in life, to love one another, to look after and care for one another. Take care, Love, DAD

Life

Off a dirty road, high country little cafe/bar. Life is exemplary.
Haven't seen a mug like this since Tombstone 130 yrs ago.

Travel

Just to keep in touch...
Had an absolutely incredible day today, floated the Roaring Fork from Basalt down to Glenwood Springs, caught a zillion big Rainbow and Browns, good friend, all is good.
Sitting on patio sipping a martini out two, with Snowmass Mtn in the background. It's just amazing here. And, wait 'til you see my new cowboy hat...you're going to hate it.
Time to eat, Prime Rib it is!
Love to all,
Dad

Ranch/Travel Update:

This Dad is at the ranch, nice flight up this am.

 Plan is tomorrow early take off again heading for Rifle, CO, to enjoy some high country fishing with a good friend who spends his summers in Aspen/Snowmass.

 Assuming all goes well, flying home to ranch either Wed afternoon late or Thursday am early; looks like about a 2 hour stint.

 Lynn is planning on coming up Thursday night/Fri am, the Nutrioso BBQ Sat night, then home Sunday. If anyone is left hanging around with nothing to do, door's Open!

 Then, have another week to work in Tucson.

Have fun,

Love DAD

Friendly neighborhood spider

Ah, Monsoons in Tucson!

4 Buddies

Just to help in a nice week-end in Phx last Sunday. Cat was pouting,  didn't show up...

FW: fish tale Exhibit A

Richard,

 

For your blog, or whatever. 

 

Full disclosure:  The largest fish shown hanging below and the two smallest were caught by others on the boat.  The other four were hauled in by Douglas and me (everyone ‘s limit was two) and we had to let several 15 -20 pounders go back.

 

I am sure you would enjoy scheduling a trip like this sometime, but caveat: my left arm was still sore from the exercise a week later.

 

KCD

 

From: Kenneth C Dickson [mailto:kcdickson@verizon.net]
Sent: Sunday, July 15, 2012 1:19 PM
To: Ron/Diane Mittenmeyer
Subject: Fwd: fish tale Exhibit A

 

Back from visit to Anchorage earlier this week.  Trip included a successful fishing excursion this time.  See attached for documentary evidence.  Better yet hurry out here, there is a good deal of tangible physical evidence in the freezer.  Do you like halibut?
Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

From: Kenneth C Dickson <kcdickson@verizon.net>
Date: July 14, 2012 4:20:20 PM PDT

Subject: fish tale Exhibit A

 

Sent from my iPad

Travel Plans!

OK all! Reservations made! Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa, 20 Sept - 23 Sept!! Can't wait! (Here's hoping it's the right place!!) Right, U.K. ?? It's all quiet here at the ranch again; Lynn (and Curly)is on the road to Tucson to work (ugh), and Jeff and Erica (and Seamus) just left for Phoenix. It's been a wonderful several days. All quiet on the Western Front. I'll be staying on for a couple more days, then flying Drought Buster back to the Hot Country. Love to all, Dad/UR

Having a fun day fishing :)  Dad says hi & Seamus is having a ball!

Advice for today..

Whenever life gives you a choice, take the bug on the Right!

Happy Fourth 2012!!

Peaceful scene at a local high mountain lake near the ranch.
Wish you all a Happy and Safe 4th of July, wherever life finds you today! It's cool and light overcast up here.
Did UK/AS make it to Alaska?
Where is Inger?
EJ/Jeff in Phx?
Ash/Paul & family enjoying Orihuela family in Chicago!
Kristin in Atlanta, AD/UR in KC or maybe Florida, Again?
Love to all, Dad

Updates

Greetings to all! Just a note to let dear ones know what's happening! It's been nice and cool up here the last several days and I see the forecast says highs of about 68 deg here in Nutri. We haven't had a lot of rain but it comes and goes; we are really Dry! But, the fishing is great. I've had 2 30+ days in a row at Canero! I brought home 2 yesterday of nice size and had the typical imnpromptu dinner party, and tonight I'm going over to Nick and Judy's for dinner. I will bring them 2 nice Rainbow as well. Except for a pretty constant stream of friends, fishing, and time spent sprucing up the yard and house, nothing outrangeous has happened yet! There's the usual leaving the water on and running out, however, and one of the little kids who showed up for dinner the other night apparently turned on the gas barbecue...luckily we caught it after not-too-long! Speaking of sprucing up, I did just about have my first heart attack! Who remembers that little yellow wooden articulate Snake that used to be up in the loft?? Well, now that I think about it, I have not seen it for a while..anyway, I was on my hands and knees out by the Oak tree cutting all those little oak trees that shoot up, when all of a sudden I see this very real looking Snake looking at me all coiled up!! It moved when I accidentally hit a nearby plant, and I about died. Now Who do we supposed took that Snake outdoors and carefully coiled it up??? Hmmm? Not to mention When..Doesn't look too bad so maybe it wasn't all that long ago? Anyway, I am fine, heart rate declining nicely. Over to Nick and Judy's with the Chipmans' this evening, and tomorrow will just sleep in and see what the 4th brings! Kind of supposed to get to Chipmans' for the fireworks but we'll see. Miss everyone! It is a fun time, wish you were here! Love, DAD/UR

Nice fish!

UK sent this pic of Doug and results of recent fishing expedition!
Looks like an amazing experience aright!
However, I Shudder at the thought,  of whatever size lure THAT must take, of having to unwrap it from around my neck and out of my cheek!
Nice fish Doug!

Nat'l Champs!

Congratulations to Arizona Baseball!

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Ranch life.

Always something!
Anyway, flew up yesterday am, nice evening w the Drachman's. Lake looks great, fish are rolling.
HOA meeting here this eve.
It is nice up here but warm and too dry.
Love to all, Dad/UR
ps: U of A plays for National Championship this eve, 5:00.
Go Cats!

Travel

Sadly enough, a great fun filled week comes to a close.
However, one last "Harrah"! A wonderful visit w U. Ken and A. Susan in their beautiful home in Murrieta! And a great lunch and rest-up before the great trek across the desert...home ward bound, EJ and Noe and G' Pa.
Now home to work...

San Clemente Pier

Just a little afternoon break..

Travel/Disneyland

So, it happened like this. I did not really want to risk life and limb on Splash Mtn, like any sane person, so I was not too disappointed when, just as we were to be sacrificed, the ride Broke!! So, we had a nice dinner, then took our chance at the Indiana Jones ride, Temple of Doom. (That is AMAZING and fun and worth the wait/trip out here all by itself!!). Anyway, just as we were next to go in, the gate-keeper put the rope out. I said "Aw com'on, just 3 more??". So he said, "tell you what, you name a Disney movie, I will ask a trivia question, you answer right, you get in now plus 3 fast passes for any ride in the park". EJ and I are looking at each other trying to remember a Disney Movie, Any movie, then he looked down at Noe and asked, "What about You?". Noe piped up, "Rapunzel!", no hesitation. I never heard of it, EJ at least knew it was a movie, so I figured we were in for another long wait in the line. So he asked Noe a detailed question as to what spell her mother used to give Rapunzel Glowing hair, or something like that. I was going to guess a nice Bloody Mary, but Noe piped up (again) with the right potion mixed in with sunlight, etc etc, and just thought every one knew that...so the guy let is in promptly and gave us the fast passes....laughing all the way. So that's how we came to ride Indiana Jones and then Splash Mountain all in the same hour. Kind of like a Biannual Flght review in the Bonanza going inverted and playing with black widow spiders, all in an impending tornado, all while being blasted at some rock concert. Yep, that's about it. Today is an adult day. Hopefully.

Splash Mtn

we are soaking soaking Wet.  Oh my God.
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Splash Mtn

We are going to die now.

Disneyland

This made it worth the wait...

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Travel

I'm not sure Noe is very impressed, and I have no idea how I got in here..

Travel

Shift Change!

Lego Land

Rally!

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Travel

Prelude to a storm....

Travel

And it's Another day @ Leggo Land! It's freezing...

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Travel

Ah, Memories! Now, New Ones!

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Travel

Just a big Thank You to U Ken and A Susan for driving down and sharing a delightful evening with us.  We are so blessed w an extensive and living family!
Looking forward to a fun time in San Diego next September!!
Another cheesy pic, but it sure was fun!
Now it's Off to Disneyland! Hope Davey Crockett remembers me! (that doesn't date me too much does it?)

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Travel

From the condo, Horses, Ice Cream!

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Travel :

OK; I got ahead of myself. We are currently in Carlsbad CA for a week of activities in So-Cal! It's the annual trek to the time share with Hilton Grand Vacat Club, just across from Leggo Land. Ash and Paul and the grand-kids have come over too! We all had a great day at Leggo Land, and tomorrow is Disneyland if everything goes as planned. That promises to be a blast. This evening, as perhaps you have surmised, U Ken and A Susan drove down and we had a great dinner together and some Chamnpagne after in the condo. Was a really fun time remembering past experiences together and planning the Big Wedding! Incidentally, I finally got a glimpse of the Bridegroom to Be from a nice big photo!! Handsome Dude, Kristin! (looks a lot like Doug). A pic of the view from the condo follows..the ocean is indeed visible from the new balcony but is about 1/2 mile away. The kids are so fun, are really enjoying the rides and activities. Matteo and Addie each got their Driver's License on the race track (kind of like their mom did...), rode the "horses" in the jousting tournament, up this and down that, even the roller coasters! For kicks I'll experiment and see if I can "publish" a couple here. Have two more full days, then I'll take Ash to a meeting in Laguna Beach and Paul heads home. I head for Orange Co. airport and pick up Erica for another couple of days, then we all drive home Sat pm to stay in Phx Sat night. Some photos will follow hopefully.. Love to all, DAD

Travel

My little brother and his poor suffering wife, driving home in their M-B Convertible, cold coastal CA weather, top down, since it's too hard to figure it out... Memo to self...get a newer car. Our a new parka!
Had a wonderful fun evening, though!
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Travel

Nice family dinner in Carlsbad CA!
More photos to come, a really fun day at, you guessed it, LEGGO LAND...I am Exhausted!
Love to all,
Dad

Ranch Activity/News

Hi All, Greetings from the high country. Lynn and Mark Jr left a few hours ago, Bobby Chavez and I ate our sorrows away at Bear Wallow (aka Barely Swallow..), and I am marveling at the beautiful full moon bathing the pasture in moonlight. Beautiful. Tomorrow it's fix fence (again), and make sure waterer works. The weather has been wonderful and we did an extensive and fun ATV ride today up in the high country. We came back via Auger Canyon road and how we didn't get burned up last year is beyond me! Happenings: the first morning Lynn let her horses out of the barn stalls (kept in there the first night since they have NEVER been loose like that), they followed Justice on a nice gallop-tour around the pasture perimeter. Except Forrrest, that is; he stands at about 17 + hands and looks more like a huge greyhound, and I don't mean bus. He came to the first fence and just jumped it. Same with the second, same with the third. He then looked around and wondered where everyone was and went nuts. So he saw Lynn with the magic green bucket and jumped 3 more to get back to the road. Never seen anything like it. He is now more acclimated, knows if he wants to stay with his friends, he Does Not Jump Fences!!! So, now in the pasture, are 3 happy horses; Justice, my buckskin, and HotShot, a real pretty paint, and Forrest, who comes billed as a quarter horse but is definitely part greyhound. He is something, wait 'til you see him. Tues am I get up Early to get to Hidden Meadow Ranch to do a guide job for half a day, then to Tucson. I have to get to Tucson to Get My Car Fixed where Ashley backed into it...ha! Sunday am the Orihuela's and I head for Carlsbad!! Now about Carlsbad. It looks like Lynn and her outfit can't come after all. Sad for me, OK for Lynn! She has a bona fide shot at being eligible for the World Championships in the AQHA shows, but found out she needs to bolster her position and there is only one more shot at doing that. Of course that is Flagstaff, the 21st through the 24th. IF/When she does well there, she gets to go to Las Vegas in October. Chances like this do not come around every so often, so she Needs to go to Flag! In Las Vegas in October the event is held at South Pointe; think NFR in the Quarter horse world! One more gaze at the full moon, then to bed. Love to all, Dad

Ranch

Typical night @ the ranch. I know, let's have a dinner party! Was fun, though, 'til the dishwasher went kaput.

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Ranch Activity

Hi All! So, here's the schedule for the next several weeks so get out your calendars... Up to ranch Thursday pm, taking a couple (few) horses for the summer. Time to fix fences, get the water ready, etc etc. We will return Sunday afternoon at the earliest, maybe not 'til a bit later in the week. It will be Lynn and I and Autie and maybe Mark Jr, plus Justice and HotShot and maybe Forrest. The Next Sunday am : head for Carlsbad CA! I have Ash/Paul and family logged Sunday to at least Thursday, Erica Thursday to Sunday. We will have a ton of fun. Hoping to meet up with my "kid" brother and favorite Sister-in-Law sometime in there!! Remmber, it is a 3 bedroom! The next week :-( I have to work. Ugh. But, Then, back to the ranch! Then it will be time to think about the 4th of July! As always, any and All are Welcome at any time, anywhere!! Love, Dad

Memorial Day

Little barbecue @ Jeff and Erica's. I'm pretty sure I'm related to almost all of these pretty girls! But an old friend snuck in there too.
Happy Memorial Day; Remember those who have their lives for us.
Dad

Leaving.

Sad to say, last night.  But, One or two last beers,  the Red Light district, Amsterdam. Fun place!
Arrive Phx about 3:30 pm tomorrow.. Can someone come get us? Delta.
Live to all, Dad

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Howdy!

Greetings from Amsterdam! Bad news, have to come home tomorrow! Need to pack.
Hoping we can get a ride home to EJ's?
Www.flightaware.com..
Delta # 259 to MN, then # 899 to% Phx.  Lvg Amsterdam 10:30 or so.
Arr about 3:30 I think!
What a great trip!
Lots of pics to share.
See you soon! Love, Dad

Ste. Michelle

A lonely empty fireplace...I remember a little blond girl cavort ing around in here once! 33 yrs ago or so...