Pictures from Ghost Ranch

Sharon conquers Chimney Rock! It's probably been 20 years since she last climbed anything at Ghost Ranch, so this was a thrill and major accomplishment. A group of six from the vocal camp made the trek before breakfast one morning.

Dwight and Kyra enjoyed their walks to the Dining Hall and Pinon (where the kids program was based) every morning.

Ghost Ranch - the magic place!

We spent a wonderful week in New Mexico, July 11-17, at the Presbyterian Conference Center near Abiquiu called Ghost Ranch. Kyra (almost 7) came with us and had a blast.

Sharon spent the week in a vocal camp, culminating in a Saturday night concert performing 2 masses - one in Latin and the other a rockin' gospel piece. What fun! Dwight did some sermon work, took a bunch of pictures and read a lot. It was hot hot hot and there is no A/C anywhere at the ranch except in the main office and Trading Post (bookstore/gift shop), but it was wonderful to be there again. No TV, no cell phone service, no street lights. The last time we were at the ranch was in 1998 when Steve was on the college staff. Now we're hooked again and already looking forward to returning next year.

Sadly, we learned while in New Mexico that Sharon's mother had been hospitalized. Her dad fell about a month ago and has been in nursing care ever since. Mother could not make it alone and now they are both in nursing care (sharing a room), and will not be returning to the apartment. Sister Kathy is packing up everything and preparing the apartment to be sold. We will visit Mom and Dad this weekend when we fly to Wisconsin for our nephew's wedding (which will be the following weekend).

July 4th weekend in the Vail Valley

Steve and Beth just headed home after spending a week in Colorado celebrating their first wedding anniversary. We worshipped at Eagle River Presbyterian Church in Avon on July 3rd, where they were married a year before. Dwight preached and we enjoyed seeing members of the congregation again. Dwight and Sharon stayed at the (beautiful!) home of Ruth and Tom Powers in Edwards, while Beth and Steve spent the week in a wonderful time share condo in Vail, a wedding gift from friends Jon and Danny Yeagley. The July 3rd fireworks in Avon were spectacular, and we got to enjoy them with granddaughter Kyra and her mom Angela, who came up overnight to see them. Last night, Dwight, Sharon, Beth and Steve spent the evening listening to live cowboy music and eating unusual appetizers at the Buckhorn (Denver's oldest restaurant). Tomorrow, Dwight, Sharon and Kyra head to New Mexico for a week at Ghost Ranch, including a visit with Fred and Pat Trusell in Santa Fe. Kyra will very likely become addicted to Ghost Ranch, like all Blackstocks before her!

July 4th - Rocky Mountain high!

We celebrated the July 4th holiday at Sylvan Lake near Eagle, Colorado with Beth and Steve.

Happy Anniversary Beth & Steve!