https://latigoranch.com RSS feeds for Latigo Ranch 60 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/443/Cowboy-Life-Lessons-for-2021#Comments 0 https://latigoranch.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=541&ArticleID=443 https://latigoranch.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=443&PortalID=0&TabID=95 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/443/Cowboy-Life-Lessons-for-2021 When tough times come knocking, ranch life just might be the answer.  “Courage is being scared to death—and saddling up anyway.”  —John Wayne This past year has required all of us to muster courage in different ways. And while the ranching way of life can’t cure a pandemic, it can show us a way to live that keeps our minds right, our bodies healthy, and our priorities straight. We think the world could use a little dose of cowboy wisdom: If you’re riding ahead of the herd, look back every once in a while to make sure it’s still with you.  We all need to remember that we’re part of something bigger. It’s our job to look out for the collective, mind the little ones, keep an eye on the old-timers and make sure everyone makes the river crossings in one piece.  Generally, you ain’t learning anything when your mouth’s movin’.  Seems like everyone’s got something to say and a platform to say it on these days. Out here, things are quieter, and nobody cares about likes or 5G or all that noise. Cowboys are slow to speak and quick to think. It’s not a bad way to go about your day.  Don’t interfere with something that ain’t botherin' you none.  It’s tempting to see something you don’t like and want to correct it, fix it, or shoo it away. But like a sleeping dog or wandering skunk, don’t poke or chase what isn’t doing you any harm. We don’t need to control everything or other creatures or how they live, think and breathe. Live and let live. Instead, focus on the present moment and living your own best life.  Some people follow wagon tracks while others break new trails.  In general, Westerners prefer to peel off from the crowd. There’s nothing like exploring wide open spaces, towering peaks, and big horizons to give you a glorious dose of solitude. That’s what we call social distancing.  Just because trouble comes visiting doesn’t mean you need to offer it a place to sit down.  Everyone’s had their share of worry and heartache, that’s for sure. But out here, we can’t afford to share our sorrows and complaints with everyone when there’s work to be done. Coffee to be made. Sunrises to catch. Yaks to be born. Wildflowers to ramble through. Blue skies to wrap ourselves in. All that hard work, natural rhythm, and beauty help us remember that troubles come and troubles go, but we don’t need to focus on them when there is so much right going on in the world every minute.  Photo by Emily O’Brien Randy Tue, 19 Jan 2021 19:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:443 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/392/Indulge-in-Fine-Cuisine-in-Colorado#Comments 0 https://latigoranch.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=541&ArticleID=392 https://latigoranch.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=392&PortalID=0&TabID=95 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/392/Indulge-in-Fine-Cuisine-in-Colorado Experience outstanding dining at the Latigo Rannch in Kremmling, CO. Randy Tue, 26 Mar 2019 17:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:392 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/387/Cross-country-Skiing-in-Grand-County-Colorado#Comments 0 https://latigoranch.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=541&ArticleID=387 https://latigoranch.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=387&PortalID=0&TabID=95 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/387/Cross-country-Skiing-in-Grand-County-Colorado Latigo Ranch has wonderful XC Skiing and beautiful groomed trails. Randy Wed, 06 Mar 2019 22:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:387 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/315/Christmas-at-the-Ranch#Comments 0 https://latigoranch.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=541&ArticleID=315 https://latigoranch.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=315&PortalID=0&TabID=95 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/315/Christmas-at-the-Ranch The Holiday season means different things to each who participates in the festivities. For some, it means good, home cooked food and extravagant indulgence in cookies. Randy Thu, 07 Dec 2017 13:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:315 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/314/Reflections-on-Fall-by-Hannah-George#Comments 0 https://latigoranch.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=541&ArticleID=314 https://latigoranch.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=314&PortalID=0&TabID=95 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/314/Reflections-on-Fall-by-Hannah-George Autumn comes early in the mountains, and for me it is a time of endings and beginnings. Randy Tue, 12 Sep 2017 02:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:314 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/312/A-Summer-of-Gifts#Comments 0 https://latigoranch.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=541&ArticleID=312 https://latigoranch.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=312&PortalID=0&TabID=95 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/312/A-Summer-of-Gifts          "For the long haul," the breakfast chef explained, sliding a mug toward me, steam poking its way past a happy mound of whipped cream.      "Oh, thank you!"      "Don't thank me until you've tried it," she ordered, smiling.     I sipped gently, wondering at the bits of spice flecking the cream.      I'd watched as this flavor-chantress spun together a potion of rich black coffee, brown sugar, a dash of salt, and a jolly hoard of other elements all drafted from cupboard and pantry in this wonderland called the Latigo kitchen.      I cradled the mug in my hands, suddenly warmed. I took another slow sip, wanting the goodness to continue, wishing to hold the day right where it was. It was a dreamy, impossible wish...because today was Saturday--the least favorite day of the week for Latigo housekeepers. Saturdays mean guest goodbyes, long hours, wading through knee-deep laundry, and a general havoc of chores--a bone wearying, endurance demanding day to close off a busy week. Saturdays simply aren't for faint hearts.      The day stretched before me, daunting. Morning mist was clinging to aspen tops and melting into gray skies. The mountains had vanished in their sheath of clouds. I love just-after-rain days when the air smells clean and wet and piney, and everything feels more than a bit enchanted. Today Robert Frost rings clear. The woods are lovely dark and deep. / But I have promises to keep. / And miles to go before I sleep.      Miles to go before I sleep. Well said, old chap. Another sip. This stuff is fortifying.      I had come to Latigo Ranch to be a housekeeper. One who had never stepped foot on a dude ranch in her life. Though there was much to learn, I figured something out very quickly:  even the smallest act of service should be given as a gift.      There it was. Simple. Fifteen hundred miles west to learn it. Fifteen hundred miles worth it.      At Latigo, giving is part of every staff members' job description no matter what they do at the ranch. Helping a child mount a horse for the first time or learning new names by the stack, searching for a wayward cow or fixing a shower faucet, tackling a pile of dirty dishes with a will or simply smiling after a hard day--it's giving. Floor scrubbing, porch sweeping, Saturdays included. I’ve been surrounded by these gifts all summer.      Here, cupped in my hands, was yet another.      So what if there were days when I was tired of wet towels and muddy boots and hair in the drain? No one said giving was easy, but it is rewarding. If I could smile past the muddiness and wetness and hairiness - or better yet, in the midst of it--then that was a gift, too.       I'd read something recently. It was C.S. Lewis.      Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours.      Hmmmm, a puzzler but still ringing true. I would have to think on it...later. I looked into my empty mug, a smile brimming inside me. Right now there were goodbyes to say, cabins to clean, miles to go, gifts to give. It is still daunting, but today being Saturday and me a Latigo housekeeper, I feel nothing short of a veritable Santa. Randy Wed, 09 Aug 2017 22:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:312 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/311/We-Are-Meant-to-Wander-in-Wonder-by-Hannah-George#Comments 0 https://latigoranch.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=541&ArticleID=311 https://latigoranch.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=311&PortalID=0&TabID=95 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/311/We-Are-Meant-to-Wander-in-Wonder-by-Hannah-George I saw the ad in a magazine. “We are meant to wander in wonder” was printed in neat yellow type on a blue Colorado sky. “Come to life @ Colorado”, they encouraged. Well, I can tell you a thing or two about living in Colorado. Randy Mon, 03 Jul 2017 03:11:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:311 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/309/Lasting-Friendships#Comments 0 https://latigoranch.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=541&ArticleID=309 https://latigoranch.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=309&PortalID=0&TabID=95 https://latigoranch.com/Blog/ID/309/Lasting-Friendships People who will have very special places in our hearts for a lifetime Randy Fri, 31 Mar 2017 20:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:309