2012 in review

January:

The opportunity came up for us, to visit our desired area, Montrose(north of Ridgway), with friends who were going over to Montrose to teach a class.  We had nothing going on, and hadn't been over to visit during the winter months, so we went along. 

The real estate agents we were working with, had kept us abreast of new listings, and we would bookmark them, for future visits.  One property stood out from the others, due to the WHOLE package, and priced within our budget.  We did a drive by, called the agents, and did a run through the house, on our last day's stay, and went home. 

Long story short, we went back two weeks later, for another walk through, and made an offer~

Various obstacles were overcome, and we, not having sold our house in Colorado Springs, yet...we felt that this was OUR property. 

Sadly, by months end, it became very evident that our Dice girl wasn't to be with us much longer, and had to make that always horrible decision to give her peace. Ironically, within a week of her 10th birthday, AND within a week of meeting her grand puppy girl.

February:

"Trixie" arrived in time to offset the sadness of losing Dice, and just couldn't believe how much LIKE her she is! Sweet girl, we'd been waiting on since our Popeye litter in 2007.
A typical February, a good full kennel for most of the month.

A typical February, a good full kennel for most of the month, Harry traveling to the new place for Inspections, and giving my clients an early "heads up", that we were starting on our way, to Montrose, Colorado.  Closing was scheduled for mid April, with the possession date of April 30th. 

We had decided to not list our property during the wet winter months, via MLS, but did have it listed FSBO, through Militaryforsalebyowner.com.  March 1st was the target date to relist the property, at a much lower price, and hope that this would create movement in a dry economy.

 

March:

We re listed the house with a large agency in Colorado Springs, and hoped for the best!

We had planned on attending our first Good Sam's RV Rally, meeting David & Elaine at our usual meet up, Phoenix International Raceway.
We enjoyed a week of camaraderie with thousands of other RV'rs, great entertainment, and walking away with Norton winning the "Best Biscuit Balance" contest, at the Good Sam's dog show! Fun!

April:

Another good month of dog keeping, we continued in keeping the house in show condition, and with my Art project, coming due, we kept busy in all departments!

I neglected to mention our housemate, Osie, who, since July 2011, took up residence in our back section of the house. Osie was a godsend, for the times we indulged in a little travel. August 2011, we had 3 weeks planned to cross the country, to visit Marta's family in NJ, for her cousin's wedding. Again in January and March, we enjoyed ourselves, knowing that the house and the horses were being well cared for!

Easter Sunday we spent with our friends Jack, Mary, and a few of their friends from church. After dinner, we felt called to pray over each other, and extra time was spent as they prayed over us, and our upcoming situation that would stretch our finances, until our house sold.

The next day(Monday), we had a showing that resulted in a buyer! There was drama involved, but in the long run, we finally found ourselves living in a location that fits us sooo well without compromising our finances!

May:

We took possession of our new house, and in order for us to accomplish both, readying the new place, replacing carpet, and a new layer of paint for the downstairs bedrooms, AND packing and cleaning house for the sale of our place in the Springs, kept us pretty busy! A few trips over the Pass to tow each of our trailers, left us separated to be able to accomplish all that was needed, by the next closing date which was fast approaching!  30 days, were the terms that came about with the sale of our place, so, while we thought we would be "moving at leisure", we had to high tail it out! 

This all worked in the technical, but it left us NO time to share with our friends, and say proper goodbyes!  We hope to rectify that, in some way..  Either by their visits to see us, and bless our new home with their presence, or to spend a little time "Camping" on the front range to meet with them. 

June: 

We had an opportunity to visit NYC in June, and subsequently NJ family, due to Harry being called for a deposition with an attorney for the Home Depot, in a case that is over 20 years old.  We appreciated time with the nephews and sweet niece, Ella, when Sandra drove everyone in to NYC, to visit us at our hotel, and play in Central park.   We book ended the trip with visits to NJ, so we could spend time with everyone else! 

Again, we were comfortable leaving the animals for this time, thanks to Osie, who drove over to Montrose, from Colorado Springs, (5 hours minimum) to keep an eye on the "kids"~!

A Send Out Cards convention in Las Vegas, had Marta able to drive(10 hours) and meet up with Elaine(sister in law) and Kathy(friend and upline) for some fun and encouraging girl time! 

We've enjoyed our account with Send Out Cards, and find that it keeps us better connected, especially with our friends and family who are NOT on Facebook!

Harry then, in turn, took off on a trip to California, to visit with family out there.  Due to the previous trips, I had not yet found critter care, to accompany him, and Osie was back home in the Springs.  Next time.. definately!

 

July: 

We participated in our 2nd(annual) FJ Cruiser Summit. Traversing the mountain trails in Ouray, CO. Ouray is best known as "Little Switzerland of America", and great 4 wheel drive trails!
We also enjoyed a visit from Marta's childhood friend, Renee' and her family!  It,sadly, had been over 14 years, since seeing each other! What a great time! Hoping that this reconnection in the physical, keeps up!

 

August:

We settled down a bit in August, nothing too major on the calender, although we did enjoy a visit from our friends, previously mentioned, Jack & Mary, along with their granddaughter. 

I should mention, that as soon as we were living over here, I collected the community papers that contain the Community calenders.  Coming off the big art project, and losing that community of artists/mentors, I jumped in and signed up for the "Paint out on Main street", during the Alpine Artists Holiday, in Ouray, CO.  We were to pick out a scene near Main Street, and had 90 minutes to paint the scene.  Art was then framed, hung, judged and auctioned.  While I did not win any ribbon for my "Livery Barn", I was pleasantly surprised when a lady from Texas, placed a winning bid for it, and I can say I sold my first piece of artwork! 

Our new place has a connecting studio/workshop to the garage, in which I have taken way too long to figure out order!  While I do, this is where you can think of me, when I am online.  Full view windows face south, and the mountain range.

 

September: 

Again, because of the Community Calender, I was made aware of an Artist exhibition, that this year, included Photography. Having exhibited a few pieces in our local County fair, and winning a ribbon on each piece, AND "People's choice" award, I exhibited those pieces that I have framed, and again took home an award on my "Morning Mist" photograph taken in Utah last fall.   All of my recent photographs and artwork can be found at www.FineArtAmerica.com/MartaAlfred.
We enjoyed a last minute surprise visit from our previous neighbors, John & Pat Laboda, from our "Crowfoot" neighborhood. We had a great time traversing the mountains over to Silverton! Perfect day, and perfect fall colors! Blessed!

 

October: 

Aside from capturing local areas of fall color, not much else going on, we took time to chill...
Krista & Larry were teaching a class north of us in Grand Junction , and set aside a day to come visit our new home. Great times again!

Not much else going on, taking time to breathe, continue getting organized, and readying ourselves for our next trip to Phoenix, for the Nascar Race at PIR.

 

November:

We took a few days before our meet up with David and Elaine, to stop and visit Lucas & Heidi, Jacee and Landreth.  We enjoyed a nice birthday visit for Landreth, and some time at the RV roasting marshmellows!  This works out, on our new route to Phoenix, so, we're thankful to be closer to family!

Spending time at the racetrack is always fun, and afterwards spent some time in the Verde Valley of AZ. We camped with David & Elaine, and the dogs.. 

Everyone indulged me in visiting local attractions, "Out of Africa" wildlife park.   Had a great time photographing the animals in a natural setting.  We also visited Jerome, AZ.  Arizona's mile high town, and artist colony, and enjoyed lunch and some time exploring the infamous The Gold King Mine & Ghost Town.  For me as a photographer, I could have spend all day picking and choosing various shots around the place!  For the sake of those with me, I kept it pretty short, and collected so many images, I have yet to process them all! 
This was also the first Thanksgiving since Jon & Lucas were teenagers, that we were able to spend around the dinner table!  So far, our move closer to Utah, has resulted in a visit during a holiday! Which brings us to...

 December:

The fact that its the middle of the month, and I've finally carved out some time to update you all! 
We are thoroughly enjoying chasing the sun for capturing spectacular landscapes in the area, meeting new people, expanding our comfort zone(well, ME anyway, and pushing forth in the painting side of my talent) and look forward to life in Montrose!

Wishing everyone a happy and productive 2013!
 

#8: Going back...

So the house is listed.

Craigslist becomes my new "habit", in selling off the extra stuff we have from 21 years of being together.

Whatever happens on the other side, we KNOW, will require just the bare necessities!

Going back to visit, presented itself, when we learned that Lucas(Harry's younger son), would be graduating from the S. Utah Police Academy.

Not having any previous "boarding reservations" for that weekend, it was easily decided to go celebrate with him.

GREAT time celebrating with Lucas, Heidi and the kids, and spending the night with them at our campsite north of St. George to escape the summer heat S. George is famous for!

Memories made, for sure!

We added two nights at a campground in Grand Junction on our way out to St. George.
This was so we could assess the drive time to/from Ridgway - Grand Junction, as GJ was noted as having one of the best VA hospitals in the country!

This was shared with Harry, on a previous visit to the Denver VA, while sharing an elevator with a World War II veteran.

This veteran had been under the care of the US VA hospitals since the day after D-day, and just happened to mention that the VA in Grand Junction, was the best by far.

A confirmation Harry was happy to discover.

So, with the medical scenario at his fingertips, we pressed onward.

(Just 30 minutes north of Ridgway is the town of Montrose, which has the nearest VA clinic.)

We took the opportunity to learn what we could about Ridgway, on our own.
We loved meeting people and chatting up the scenery, and how they liked living life here.

With certain addresses in mind, we stumbled upon a piece of raw land, that we hadn't seen previously, and made note to find out more.

We had reserved a KOA in Durango, on our way back from St. George, in order that we could travel the route to Ridgway from the "other end"(SWcorner) of Colorado, and record the distance from Durango to St. George from the southern route.

We headed home, by way of Durango, and made the drive from Durango, over the Silver Dollar Pass.
Through Silverton, Ouray, into Ridgway, we met with Rob, and spent the day zig zagging around Ridgway.

It seems two contrasting areas of choice, being down in town, the basin between Mesa's, or up on the Mesa.

Either area would suit me to a T. The small town community is something we are comfortable in, and look forward to one day being there.

One day...

#7: God's Network

We took our time, pinning down whether or not to list our home, in such a down market, needing to speak with our previous real estate contacts.

Not getting a postive feeling over the idea, from either of our RE contacts, we spent more time online, researching Ridgway.
The properties for sale, and what our next move would be.

One property, we were interested in, forced us to fill out a RE assessment, in order for someone to contact us with information.
The call we received was from a local agent, who was persistant and positive, in regard to marketing our home.

We went with her.

4590 Arrowhead Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80908
has been on the ML service since end of July.
We've had a ton of hits on the website, and 4 showings.
Not bad, really.
Actually more than I would have figured, but still none that "stuck".



Our house isn't "Cookie cutter" and anyone wanting to see it, has a "plan" in mind, as far as considering it, for their new home.

Not having shared our thoughts & plans with any of our friends circles, we started making "dates" with different groups. This was so we could share this monumental decision, and ask for prayer support while we are "Being Still" & "Trusting in the Lord".

We found interesting, everyone's responses'.

98% of those we told, reacted positively, in that, they seemed to agree that this was a move we were being "lead" to make.
A few shared their disappointment, but, its the positive "agreement", that made an impact with me(and my goosebumps).

Interesting too, was the few TINY confirmations we kept finding..

The street around the corner from us, is named, "Ridgway Lane".
ALWAYS has been, but never having noticed before, it took on a new meaning.

Spending more time than usual online(Craigslist/research), I had fwd'd an email I thought a friend from Bible study would appreciate, but since she had moved back to Minnesota, we hadn't kept in touch much.

Hearing from Sandra, in response, started the chit chat, as to what each other were up to.

When I explained briefly about our "plan", she responded back, with an animated email that read: "Ridgway"? We have lifelong friends in Ridgway"!

"Ohhhhhhhkay? Will you share their contacts"?

So, turns out the husband of the one couple is a local Ridgway RE agent, and we looked forward to having him show us around, as soon as we could get back!

From researching online, we'd found the most interesting properties up on "Log Hill Mesa", and were anxious to get back and check things out! Coincidently, the other couple live up on the "Mesa".


One of my "not so thrilled" friends, I kept in the dark as to actually where, we'd be going, but in an email to her, I slipped and happened to mention that we'd be going back to Ridgway to do some research.

RIDGWAY??? She was excited to tell me that she had sold some of her Yaks to two couples from Ridgway!
Turns out, we camped right across the street from the one, when we were there in July!

We then had plans to attend a BBQ held by the leader of Harry's Golf small group.
Good to see everyone and to a few, we shared our "plan".
Turns out, one of the guys grew up there! Knows all about Ridgway! How neat!

Mentioning our trip to a friend in Choir, had her exclaim, "We used to live in Norwood"! Which is west a bit from Ridgway, along the road to Telluride.

Another friend from choir,+ is familiar with the area as his brother used to live there(may he RIP).

So nothing to sneeze at, when all of a sudden, one quick visit to Ouray county, produced a desire to want to live there, AND actually be pre-introduced to "new friends"!

Having re-connected with God, after finding my dream property 10 years ago, and building our dream home, it was easy to see his fingerprints in the steps that had brough us to Colorado!
We hadn't recognized them as *HIS* as it was happening.

NOW, its soo much more interesting to see HIS hand in things, as they happen!

Stay tuned!

#6: True Grit

The rest of July, was business as usual.
Dogs coming, dogs going, easy weekends, Life is Good!

We added "True Grit" to our Netflix queue, and as it arrived on a Friday, we made a lazy morning of it on Saturday, and watched it.

Appreciating the humor more as an adult, than remembering it as a teen, we chuckled our way through the story, that had been filmed in an area we couldn't get out of our heads.
In fact, we kept looking for some time to go back, and explore MORE!

After the movie, and discussing our recent memories, we separated to our offices, and began the inital search into Ridgway.
Together, but separately...we hadn't realized what the other was doing, until I stopped by Harry's desk to see what he wanted to do for the rest of the day, and found he had "Mapquested" driving directions to Utah, FROM Ridgway!

Since both son's & their families live in Utah, he had been curious to see the distance.

Hmmmmmm...

I had just spent a decent amount of time researching the Ridgway area, in regard to property, community, weather..not really realizing why.

The "goosebump" moment I had back in blog #3, driving into Ouray, I had again, just THINKING about it!

I was reminded of the LAST time I felt them in such a strong manner, was back in 1999, when I had taken a detour route home(on purpose), and found this 40 acre property, with a GREAT view of Pikes Peak!

Ohhhkay...What?

Still small voice...I'ma listening!

We both came to the conclusion, that after spending the first part of the month with family, that we needed to be closer to them.

It was decided very matter of factly, that Ridgway, Colorado, was to be our eventual home.
It shaved a whole day of travel, off our visits to Utah, and subsequently Phoenix, and California.
NJ & GA was still a hop through Texas by plane, so that didn't change at all.

With all the work we put in to this home/business/community, I didn't expect to have such a peace over a huge decision like this, but it came naturally.

#5 Ridgway, Colorado

After learning the history behind the town & movie, we lingered through the townsquare & park, imprinting the "scenes". Once we got home, we would rent "True Grit", and see the land as it was years ago!

We took a back road back to the KOA.
A road, Harry saw as a nice little bike work out, and grabbed his bike, once we got back to the RV.

It was nice to be out of the truck, and so I enjoyed taking the dogs for a walk, while Harry went off on a little bike ride.

Knowing we had a long drive home the next day, we agreed to just "chill" at camp, and again, visit with our neighbor campers, as well as dinner at the Kafe.
We REALLY fell in love with the area, and was sad, we hadn't planned for it better.

Time came to pack up and head home.

The ride home was uneventful, but not being able, while towing the RV, to yell "STOP!" for photographic purposes, I resorted to sticking my pocket camera out the window.
Even so, this allowed me to capture some of the scenery! Not too bad!
Back home, we fell back into the swing, and all was good!

#4 Ouray cont'd

Sunday, July 11, 2010:

We had decided the night before, what we would spend time doing on Sunday.
Telluride, a popular Colorado ski resort/town, was within an hours drive, and so we figured, "When in Dodge.." we might as well visit!
The drive took us back north about 20 minutes, on highway 550, turning left, on SH#62, within the town of Ridgway.

According to our Colorado excursion book, by John Fielder, we would benefit from taking a Forest road, atop the mesa, and travel to Telluride via "Last Dollar Road".
Never one to doubt John Fielder's expertise, we did just that!

Again, the scenery...
Farm land in the foreground, mountains in the background.
This made our drive to Telluride somewhat longer than the hour, as Miss Photographer, was very busy looking for shots, and shouting STOP! more frequently than my Driver, would have probably liked.

At a fork, with little confirmation as to which way was "correct", we ended up taking the "wrong" way.
We STILL connected back to the main road to Telluride, but with a few more switchbacks than we planned for, or even THOUGHT about! Yikes!

After being in the truck for longer than we predicted, AND the hour drive BACK on the regular road, we buzzed through Telluride, and headed back.
The main road, was just as scenic as the scenic route, with a faster drive time!

Not having stopped for lunch, we got to the little town of Ridgway, and strolled through the Main Street, and found the "True Grit" Cafe.

Lunch at the True Grit, we soon learned of Ridgway's claim to fame!

The original movie, "True Grit" starring John Wayne, was filmed there years ago, thus, Ridgway's "claim to fame"!

That would explain "The Duke's" images around town and at the gas/convenience stations!