Hello friends! As I begin todays Rico Report, I just want to let you know that most of the fall colors remain even though we have had a shower or two and an occasional breeze. Travelers over Lizard Head Pass reported that it was snowing up there this past Tuesday and we have nothing more to report at this time, except that today, the 5th, we see a snow squall over on Mt. Expectation this morning. Also, not unusual, a piece of blue sky is peeking out south of Rico. So there is hope that we will see some sunshine today.
We bid our friend Virginia Lee Hinton goodbye, and plan to see her next June. She and her friend Helen Drummond, mother of Mary Lou Milstead (Jay), both of Yuma, Ariz., are the matriarchs of our summer residents. Mary Lou and her mother will be leaving shortly, and husband Jay will remain for a few more weeks.
Ginger Hintons daughter, Jean Ann Morris (Bob), asked that we add a special thank you to her mothers friends and community for their thoughtfulness, love and attention this summer. That was no problem our Ginger is a jewel to be admired.
Duane Holt, our favorite weatherman, gathered 3.05 inches of precipitation for September, which is not surprising because during the black powder season nine days it rained off and on for six of those days!
Doc Dr. Harvey Frame to be more specific and wife, Laurie, made a quick trip down to Red Rock, Ariz., so Doc could do his annual wild turkey hunt and, due to circumstances (always circumstances!) he was not successful in his hunt. I guess there is always next year, for sure.
Found! We have good news for the fly fishing sportsman who lost his or her total collection of flies in a fly box. It was found by a Dolores resident either above or below Rico on Highway 145 on Sept. 26th. Please call 970-729-2112 in Dolores and, if not successful, call me at 970-967-2162! We just hope that our unfortunate fisherperson is not from this area and has given up ever the search.
Our retired surveyor friend, Willie Willimann, a resident here in Rico, has not been in good health for some time and he has been admitted to a hospital in Denver. For those who know Willie, we have no up-to-date information as to his condition or situation.
We feel sad for community member and friend, Erin Johnson and her family, whose father, Eugene E. Johnson passed away on Sept. 24, 2011, in Cortez at the age of 86 years. He was born in the old Johnson Hospital that was built and operated by his father, Dr. Emil Enander Johnson. Our sincere condolences to Eugenes family members and friends. Services were held Friday, Sept. 30, at the Cortez Elks Lodge.
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.