December’s Changing Weather

If you were at the Ranch and up early at the beginning of the week, you would have seen the beautiful sunrises

over the Sangre De Cristo Mountains.  At this time of year, the air is so clear and crisp in the early mornings that the mountains feel very close.  At the Ranch we have finished our Holiday decorations in preparation for Christmas and the New Year.  The major function at the Ranch in December is the annual ROA meeting.  The Ranch staff looks forward to having owners attend this annual meeting to review the accomplishments for the year and discuss the upcoming plans for the coming year.  Much effort goes into preparing the presentations and finalizing the budget for the coming year.  If you missed the annual meeting this year, please mark your calendar and plan on attending in 2010.  The 2010 meeting is tentatively scheduled for December 3^rd. 

As the week draws to a close, a gentl e snowfall envelops the Ranch.  This is a great time to break out the snowshoes or water-proof boots and snowshoe or hike around the ranch.  The deer, elk, and antelope are all in view and it is easy to identify and track animals in the new-fallen snow. 

The weather at this time of year swings easily between bright, sunny days and overcast, snowy days.   The ground is starting to freeze, now, and our Winter activities are being planned.  During the winter, it is a good time to work on projects that get overlooked during the busy summer and fall seasons.  These projects may include working on the Organic System Plan that is needed to maintain our organic certification; planning our beef marketing and advertising strategy for the coming year; doing extra cleaning in the cookhouse of oft forgotten items like chandeliers, satellite dishes and upper story windows; moving and cleaning behind refrigerators;  and organizing the shop equipment.   We look forward to hearing from you during the Winter months.  It is a great time to visit the Ranch and look for the snow-covered deer.  It is at this time of year that we want to wish you a Very Happy Holiday Season and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.