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...
Monday, December 20, 2010
#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!
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!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
#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.
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
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!
#3: The drive along #550
Saturday, July 10, 2010:
We repacked the RV at leisure, and started out to Ouray("your ray").
The drive would take about 2 hours, we hoped that we might find favor in arriving early, and get checked in.
Driving along #50 is always very scenic, and we stopped along the way for some photo opportunities.
Montrose is "the turn", onto the new roadway 550, and is the area's largest "small town".
Highway(2 lane road)550, took us through farm territory for the first part, and as we inched closer to Ouray, we caught sight of the magnificent San Jan & Cimmarron mountain ranges ahead.
Absolutely gorgeous, we learned that this area has been nicknamed, "The Switzerland of America". No doubt!
At one point, I just sat in awe, goosebumps overtaking not just my arms, but my whole body.
As beautiful as this was, I couldn't remember a time where something was "big" enough to send goosebumps over my entire person!
Then I did.
My first visit to Crowfoot(our old neighborhood).
Back to the scenery..
We passed along the way, the Ridgway Resevoir, beautiful, surrounded by mountains, and easily accessible.
We made note to ourselves to explore it with the canoe, NEXT visit.
(Yes, we silently already agreed, we'd be back!)
Our KOA was 30 more minutes south.
We found it tucked in the foothills, with a river flowing through it, and sycamore trees spotted within.
We checked in, set up camp, and explored with the dogs.
WOW! is really all I could think/say.
We repacked the RV at leisure, and started out to Ouray("your ray").
The drive would take about 2 hours, we hoped that we might find favor in arriving early, and get checked in.
Driving along #50 is always very scenic, and we stopped along the way for some photo opportunities.
Montrose is "the turn", onto the new roadway 550, and is the area's largest "small town".
Highway(2 lane road)550, took us through farm territory for the first part, and as we inched closer to Ouray, we caught sight of the magnificent San Jan & Cimmarron mountain ranges ahead.
Absolutely gorgeous, we learned that this area has been nicknamed, "The Switzerland of America". No doubt!
At one point, I just sat in awe, goosebumps overtaking not just my arms, but my whole body.
As beautiful as this was, I couldn't remember a time where something was "big" enough to send goosebumps over my entire person!
Then I did.
My first visit to Crowfoot(our old neighborhood
Back to the scenery..
We passed along the way, the Ridgway Resevoir, beautiful, surrounded by mountains, and easily accessible.
We made note to ourselves to explore it with the canoe, NEXT visit.
(Yes, we silently already agreed, we'd be back!)
Our KOA was 30 more minutes south.
We found it tucked in the foothills, with a river flowing through it, and sycamore trees spotted within.
We checked in, set up camp, and explored with the dogs.
WOW! is really all I could think/say.
Friday, December 17, 2010
#2: Where to go?
After having soo many people here for the reunion/4th of July holiday, we had agreed beforehand, that we would black out 4 days, to hook up the RV, and get away.
Not having made reservations, we called the variety of campgrounds around Old Faithful, Yellowstone, only to find they were full.
Okay, Plan B.
Gunnison? Blue Mesa Resevoir?
Sticking to just KOA campgrounds, for the familiarity of amenities, we checked with the KOA in Gunnison, for availability of our 4 days.
No openings for the four days, but the first two nights were available.
We checked the KOA map, and saw one in Ouray. We checked for our 4 days there, and still no availability, but, 2 nights on the BACK end of our dates, so, we reserved between the two, and headed out.
Our stay in Gunnison was pleasant. Aside from our water connection being below standard, we did enjoy driving around Crested Butte, and over Keblar pass, stopping for photography opportunities.
Harry enjoyed biking across the road to the community pond, and fishing for lunch.
Also nearby, we found an extensive recreational trail for off road hobbyists, which Harry took on, with his bicycle.
We were visiting during their "Cattleman Days", and participated in the pre rodeo/Welcome dinner for the area residents and rodeo participants.
Always great to meet and learn about other people along the way.
It's the best part of traveling the country, RV style, and opening new doors!
Fast, fun two days! Now on to Ouray...
Not having made reservations, we called the variety of campgrounds around Old Faithful, Yellowstone, only to find they were full.
Okay, Plan B.
Gunnison? Blue Mesa Resevoir?
Sticking to just KOA campgrounds, for the familiarity of amenities, we checked with the KOA in Gunnison, for availability of our 4 days.
No openings for the four days, but the first two nights were available.
We checked the KOA map, and saw one in Ouray. We checked for our 4 days there, and still no availability, but, 2 nights on the BACK end of our dates, so, we reserved between the two, and headed out.
Our stay in Gunnison was pleasant. Aside from our water connection being below standard, we did enjoy driving around Crested Butte, and over Keblar pass, stopping for photography opportunities.
Harry enjoyed biking across the road to the community pond, and fishing for lunch.
Also nearby, we found an extensive recreational trail for off road hobbyists, which Harry took on, with his bicycle.
We were visiting during their "Cattleman Days", and participated in the pre rodeo/Welcome dinner for the area residents and rodeo participants.
Always great to meet and learn about other people along the way.
It's the best part of traveling the country, RV style, and opening new doors!
Fast, fun two days! Now on to Ouray...
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
#1 Our new journey to Ridgway, Colorado
July 4th 2010, fell on a weekend this year. It was that weekend, the Alfred family had agreed to come together for a reunion, near and far to our home in Colorado Springs, CO.
Everyone made the most of the tourist attractions in the area, sprinkled with casual get togethers at our place on Thursday, and also at the host hotel on Friday. Saturday, was the day scheduled to ALL get together, and meet, greet, and catch up with cousin's, uncles, aunts, grandparents, son's, daughters, moms, dads, sisters, & brothers! Whew!
In true reunion style, we opted to purchase shirts that would stand us out in a crowd, and found cheap $3.00 shirts at Walmart, with the US Flag, colored within the outline of our country. The variety of colors, allowed each branch to be distinguished.
We opened up our "RV" pad, and welcomed 3 families, who arrived in their self contained "housing" on wheels. Things went as smoothly as one would hope, reconnecting with everyone was such a blessing.
Sunday, we had saved a row of seats for anyone who wished to join us for worship at our church. Then tourist opportunities, for the day, had some meeting back at the house so the kids could ride the horses, while the adults finished conversations started throughout the weekend.
Topping off the weekend, were the fireworks(in the rain) being shot off from the Air Force Academy. We met at the hotel, and watched from our cars in the parking lot.
A GReat weekend, but one we knew would benefit with a "get away" trip in our own RV, to decompress from all the activity, and so, begins, our "Journey to Ridgway"...
Everyone made the most of the tourist attractions in the area, sprinkled with casual get togethers at our place on Thursday, and also at the host hotel on Friday. Saturday, was the day scheduled to ALL get together, and meet, greet, and catch up with cousin's, uncles, aunts, grandparents, son's, daughters, moms, dads, sisters, & brothers! Whew!
In true reunion style, we opted to purchase shirts that would stand us out in a crowd, and found cheap $3.00 shirts at Walmart, with the US Flag, colored within the outline of our country. The variety of colors, allowed each branch to be distinguished.
We opened up our "RV" pad, and welcomed 3 families, who arrived in their self contained "housing" on wheels. Things went as smoothly as one would hope, reconnecting with everyone was such a blessing.
Sunday, we had saved a row of seats for anyone who wished to join us for worship at our church. Then tourist opportunities, for the day, had some meeting back at the house so the kids could ride the horses, while the adults finished conversations started throughout the weekend.
Topping off the weekend, were the fireworks(in the rain) being shot off from the Air Force Academy. We met at the hotel, and watched from our cars in the parking lot.
A GReat weekend, but one we knew would benefit with a "get away" trip in our own RV, to decompress from all the activity, and so, begins, our "Journey to Ridgway"...
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