Chapter Changes

8/24/07 - 4th Day - After Breakfast. A chapter of our lives here on the land has come to an end as David and Susan Sifford, whose barn was completed last week, moved their camper and their stuff up to their land on Wednesday. David and Susan were down here almost from the very beginning, and it is kind of bittersweet to watch them moving to their own homestead. They were here when there was nothing on the land, and when we had just started the cabin. This was long before outhouses and field showers and other niceties. No matter how hard some of the new folks have had it, nobody out here has had any hardships or difficulties like those we had that first year as we carved this place out of the wilderness, and it was the hard work and diligence of everyone here from the very beginning that paved a smoother road for everyone who would follow. I remember when we first found the local creeks and ponds to bathe in after a hot day of work on the land - and I remember hauling water sometimes twice a day in 104 degree heat for ourselves and our animals. Dave and Sue came from the city, and you really could not have designed a more challenging and drastic change in lifestyle than that they experienced that first year; it would have made a great reality show. Still would. I also have fond memories of sitting out at night (this was long before a screened porch) and talking in the cool of the evening until the bugs ate us up enough to send us to bed. Anyway, I congratulate them on their accomplishment and on getting their homestead up and livable. While we now enjoy the unimpeded view out of the front of the cabin, we already miss the camaraderie we've had over the last two years. We look forward to the next chapter of our friendship.

My recovery is going well, and I've gotten stronger and I am now able to eat three meals in a day - which is good. I still get tired easy and am a bit weak.

We're looking forward to fall Ranchfest and, right now, it looks like we could have a great showing. As of yesterday there were about 18 people who had either confirmed, or who were still planning on coming. We know that there are usually a lot of cancellations between now and then, but we hope that these numbers hold up. If you are still considering a trip down for Ranchfest and you haven't let us know yet, please do so ASAP.

The weather is warm, but seasonal. The slight hint of fall is in the air early in the mornings, and we look forward to another change of seasons.

I hope all is well with you all. Thanks for stopping by. I hope to send out a Q&A Friday issue sometime today (DV).

Michael Bunker