From "Cowboy Grandpa"

Ok…so here’s the latest. Sean, my oldest son, and his family have been staying with us on the ranch. Here is Phoenix on Moses, before giggling at a trot. Note the blue cowboy boots, care of Granny Jael and I. He actually now has chaps and a hat as well as spurs. The spurs are his favorite because they jingle when he walks and they help "make my horse go real fast." He refers to me as “Cowboy Grandpa.” He entertains himself, skipping across the barn yard and singing all while he plays. It’s been wonderful to have them around during this off-season.

We spent election night together here at our house. Sean made us a ton of sushi (not exactly "ranch food") and we stuffed ourselves while keeping our eye on events on three separate computers as we don’t have a TV. It was a special evening. Sean is an amazing chef. He wants to open up a restaurant in Rapid City that has a plains Indian theme. He is hoping to spend some time with Julia and learn more about edible plants in this area as part of his ongoing research and inspiration.

I traveled to Sacramento for a meeting this weekend and Jael took all the kids to Chico Hot Springs for an overnight stay without me. Bummer! They had a good time though and I am glad they were able to do it. Sarabeth, Luke's next oldest sister has gotten engaged, with a March 7th date. Anxious to be wed, there was no talking her into a summer wedding on the ranch. Afterall that would be eight months from engagement to wedding:) It is a great time for our family, although hard for me to let go of my baby girl, despite my fondness for her fiance.

It is hunting season and Luke wants to hunt any chance we get. I think we still have to get a turkey as well as a couple of deer and a couple of elk. It will be good to get out in the high country and walk around. We don’t have snow on the ground right now but it may snow a little tonight. We got four feet a month ago and that was amazing. It was gone in a week though.

God bless

Gerald