Thankful for firewood!

A few more dead trees need to be added to our firewood for this winter.

So, down they came.

There was a surprise inside. This hollow part was filled with pine cones and a nest. The odd thing is that this tree was about 75' tall and this nest was at about 60'. It was a strange sight.

A beautiful sight is this dusting of snow across the mountains yesterday, Thursday, November 13. This was the morning that our low temperature was three (yes 3) degrees! We are thankful for our stacks of firewood!

Enter Fall!

Completing the deck with a couple of coats of penefin.

This ramp leads to the smoking/fire pit/parking. We are working on a plan for making good use of this area. Hopefully, revealed next summer. As we discussed this walkway, Mickey made an elaborate plan for it that included steps and lots of work. He was relieved when I suggested a simple ramp. Whew, this was so much easier!

These are the steps from the lower parking and the garage under the deck.

A little deck, then steps on to the upper level.

Yes, that is an iPhone on the lower step.

Lots of firewood is a necessity for winter here. 

Loading the trees onto our trailer.

Blocking.

Splitting. Now, it is all stacked and ready.

Watching the colors...

Ahhh... My favorite time of year.

Our son and his family arrived for a visit. Morning coffe with PawPaw is still a tradition.

 Measuring is just part of a visit to the cabin.

Brock is smokin' hot after a trip to the hot tub!

Working on the trail.

Riding the trail.

The trail is challenging.

It sometimes requires stopping for more rock moving.

Then, off again.

The zip line has been rerouted.

It is still fun!

And, then the paint ball fun.

Even the spectators have a good time!

This visit was a fun Columbus Day treat.

Our last group for the season arrived the next weekend.

See you in the Spring!

Summer Part 2

Our daughter and her four kids came for a visit. This is the pancake morning.

PawPaw has been waiting a long time for paint ball.

Let the games begin!

4 wheeling is a favorite!

Playing at the creek.

And the hot tub!

The Zip Line is exciting!

Mitchell and Charlotte were studying Great Britain in geography, so we made a Trifle. Yum.

At Philmont, Charlotte found a new friend.

Everyone enjoyed learning how to throw a hatchet.

In fact, they enjoyed it so much that they bought a hatchet and set up a throwing range back at the cabin! There also was a great interest in whittling. Charlotte and Mitchell took two projects home in their suitcases. I wonder what TSA thought of the sticks.

The girls like to pick flowers.

Jack has grown taller than his mom ( and so handsome) since his last visit!

Mitchell has grown taller and cuter!

Holly has grown prettier and taller!

Charlotte is sweeter and taller!

Working on the 4-wheeler trail.

Riding the new trail.

Success!

Our neighbor offered a morning ride!

The girls thanked Pancho by grooming him.

There is always time for an art project at the cabin.

Mitchell and Charlotte spent one afternoon cleaning and playing in the treehouse.

Mitchell, Holly and Charlotte decided to spend a night there.

Holly stayed all night, while the others returned to the cabin after sleeping half the night there.

There is always a project in the mountains.

Everyone gets involved.

The humming birds are always fun.

On the tram in Albuquerque.

At the top of the mountain.

Thank you all for making the long trip to NM!