Experience and Expectation

One year ago this time we looked forward to expectation and hopes for a good year. Now we do the same for the next year with no idea what really lies ahead. As we look back on our experiences from this past year we clearly see hardship and gain. Hardship in having experienced the third worst wildfire in Colorado history, the loss of our beloved Bozley to a stroke, the struggles of our two remaining dogs Bozwell and Echo with cauda equinus a lower spine stenosis. The gain is two stronger people and expectation for a better year to come.

Unpleasant occurrences experienced for sure but once the trauma passed we believe we came out stronger people. Difficult circumstances was not the dominating or controlling factor but simply a hurdle to move past and learn from. We did get our firewood in for this winter safely and even managed to donate several cords to LaPuente to distribute to those unable to obtain their own firewood to keep warm. There were many people and organizations like the Red Cross and Church for Christ that stepped forward and helped us move through the wildfire. There were so many friends and family that were there for us that it humbled us greatly. We live a pretty self sufficient lifestyle and to have so many come forward for us is truly humbling and we will forever be grateful.

We had strong wind throughout the year and it broke trees off but none really did any damage to our home or structure and their removal opened up the forest for new and stronger growth. The wildfire burned a few trees but for the most part our homestead is green and intact. We feel blessed to still have our home and land virtually untouched. Our view is certainly different but the new openness gives us better views. Our home was the only one on our road to survive for which we are grateful but we feel sadness for the 134 land owners that lost their homes.

We/I had one very nice surprise when our daughter came for a few days visit. It was so good to have here here and to do things together like we used to when she was a young girl.

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We have no idea what the next year will bring but we know from what we have survived so far that we will deal with it in the same manner that we dealt with this past year thanks to so many supporting us. We will face the new year with hope and good expectations and if bad things happen face them with the same resolve that got us through the past ones. God blessed us greatly this past year and He will bless and be with us this coming year if it is His will for us.

We wish all readers a healthy, happy, prosperous 2019 and may any problems encountered end up to be your strengths.  Everyone from time to time has difficulties and we hope for peace and tranquility for friends, family and readers but if difficulties do come your way our hope is that you have the same uplifting support we had this past year. Friends, family and strangers all came forward to assist, support and encourage us to move on.  A hearty heartfelt thank you to all those who helped us through difficult times.

Happy 2019..... and may your new year be filled with peace, joy and happiness.