Happy news. The sailing Hagans have returned. Mary and Mike, and children, Ava, Lydia, and Noah, left for the high seas more than a year ago.
Besides being tutored by their mother, these three have stored a wealth of history and knowledge of this world in their minds. Through the years, they have visited many countries.
I remember the time during summer Bible school that the teacher asked if anyone knew where Colombia was and the two Hagans present raised their hands. Imagine the surprise.
Anyway, the family is back, (including their pet seafaring kitty cat) and we are glad to welcome them into the fold.
This past weekend, we were talking about how it was hard to imagine the city of Denver receiving a heavy snowfall a few times in past years on Labor Day weekend. Here we are in Rico, and on Tuesday past we watched the temperature gauge take a dive. Then and there we realized that in our high country, these weather changes happen in a hurry.
Speaking of Labor Day weekend, Rico was practically deserted and the same for Cortez. Our one last chance to enjoy time out before we settle into our usual winter routines, after enjoying a summer full of weekend vacations. A summer vacation can consist of just working in the garden in cool Colorado.
Earlier this month, we mentioned that bow season might be one of those hot ones, but since opening day the temperatures have cooled down somewhat. Of course, we know that when there is hardly a breeze at 9,000 feet, one can feel the sun more intensely.
We were up on the Dunton meadows last weekend and were surprised at just how many hunting camps there were. We met one lady walking her dog, and she told us that they were from Pennsylvania and came to Colorado just for this bow hunting season. Im impressed. We still have no idea how the harvest is going in our area.
I know one thing: The mushroom season this year, for us where we hunt, was not good; too dry. Our friends, the Lesems, did find a mother lode of chanterelles somewhere up around Engels cabin and we dare not ask just where.
Carole Rychtarik of Rico and Tucson (a longtime Rico resident) conducted her stained glass classes again this year, and plans are to do the same next summer. The classes are for beginner and intermediate students, and she has always enjoyed a full class of interested friends because of her excellent reputation. I actually should have mentioned the class at the beginning of the summer season. There is a small fee to take the class. Planning can begin right now for next summer season. Call 967-2595, or after September, call 520-885-6492.
Our rain man Duane Holt reports that we have received 0.64 inches this month, which is almost three quarters of an inch. Well take it.
Marlene Hazen has lived in Rico for two decades. An active member of the community, she participates in organizations such as the Rico Womens Club and Rico Historical Society.