Firstly, a HUGE “Thank You” to everyone who has supported us throughout 2019. This goes for family, friends, staff, guests, and everyone working in the area who does their piece to make our ranch possible. We are so grateful to our guests, new & return, for you are what keep this ranch alive and lively. Writing this in a quiet lodge, with Dolly Parton softly singing in the background and snow outside the window, I can’t help but compare it with the contrast of the summer with its bustling energy and strong sunshine. Looking around me, I know we will all be well-rested and very ready for the guests in 2020 who will be celebrating our guest ranch’s 20th anniversary with us.
Maria and Ben on Blaze and Lulu
Looking back over 2019, there are so many special moments to recall. We’ve picked a very few to share with everyone, but this is by no means a full list!
In January, Anna, Tom, and Arthur moved full-time to the ranch. Tom has finished his PhD, and has received permanent residence status in the U.S. He is working full-time in Helena at a financial institute called SoFi. Anna and Arthur are on the ranch, and their schedule is pretty varied. It’s lovely though, because Anna gets to ride, teach, and treat horses and also be Mom without too much worry.
In June, Julia changed from having a work permit to becoming a full permanent U.S. resident. That means we have one more year-round, full-time employee. We are so pleased to have Julia with us here, and she is enjoying her little house in Canyon Creek and working in the sometimes freezing weather (though she definitely prefers the warm!). We call Julia “Your Highness” around the ranch, because she can reach things without a ladder unlike the rest of us. She is a great asset to the ranch, and we are so pleased to have helped her realize her dream and move to Montana.
We got to spend some very special time with family this year as well. Taking the grandkids out riding is something very dear to Patty’s heart, and she was overjoyed to get to ride more this past year with many them. She hopes that this year you have all also gotten to spend time with your own families and make memories.
