It does not seem to matter how long one lives in the ranch. This place seems to draw people of a certain make up, a certain set of base characteristics, a certain core that we all have bonded with, that drew us to this land.
Wednesday I met a man that just bought a cabin here. New blood replacing a couple with a twenty plus year bond to this ranch. He invited me into his home. With friends, we interpreted his solar system, helped get a fire going to prevent an evening chill, and met a very genuine nice man who is now our ranch neighbor. He asked many questions I asked a year ago. It was nice to proffer some wisdom, limited though it may be.
Thursday I made a new and true friend, simply for, when driving by, he stopped here to introduce himself. Another friend was here, we finished our errands, and ventured up the hill to this new fellow’s special, custom, hand finished cabin he had be laboring over for seven plus years. I’ve not seem a home in the ranch yet that is more personalized, unique, and brimming with one human’s life history embedded. A manifested vision, and it is a wonder to behold.
Friday night was dinner with neighbors and friends, and a chance to get introduced to some folks in the ranch. Slightly embarrassed, but comforted by familiar friends and a familiar setting, I managed to fall asleep in the living room during conversation. Apparently, I did not rouse easily, but luckily, was not snoring.
Saturday night was dinner with other friends, a fest, a night that ended after 1.30 a.m., but was full of laughter, sharing, and love.
Yesterday was a day of goodbyes. Two men whom I am proud to call friends left the ranch. The seasons are changing. People are making winter plans. I am too, mine just focus upon hunkering down here in the wilderness, excited that for a spell, the quiet, the blanketed snow, the peace shall return to this special place.
I am lucky to get to winter here yet again.