Me N' He

Me N' He
Life on the Western Slope

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

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!