Happy belated Mother’s Day to our mothers who, from the day we were born, were dedicated and loving and did their best to instill in us the basics of living a life of good works, knowing good from bad, and all kinds of other values to observe in one’s lifetime.
Our family decided to have a nice little picnic down at the Ryman Creek Park, which is located across from the old Montelores bridge on Highway 145. The clouds up north looked a bit dark around the edges, but true to form, we decided we could manage that problem — if it was a problem. So, up went the canopy over the table, and the table was loaded with good stuff like homemade potato salad and all the other basics. The canopy was tied down, but the next thing we knew it was upside down on top of the pickup. The wind was cold, and half of the group got into their cars with the heater on high. That is OK! Basic survival techniques are in order at a time like this. We were undaunted though, and finished the picnic in good fashion. The sleet and light rain was becoming uncomfortable, so we packed up and headed for Rico. The thermometer in the car read 41 degrees. Didn’t our mothers warn us that life was not a total bed of roses?
The Masons are in the process of remodeling the first floor of their lodge, which is located across from the post office. The environmental team doing the remedial clean-up north of Rico in the area of the acid plant and all the ponds that are polluted by the runoff from the mines in the big mountain will be leasing the Masons’ first floor upon completion of the five offices needed for business. Chris Sanchez of Anderson Company is still the responsible executive (as far as I know) on this project. We were informed by a reliable source that there may be as many as 25 or so workers involved this summer.
We put our bear-proof trash receptacle out on the street Wednesday morning, and much to our surprise, we found big teeth marks on the lid that were not there the day before. It was not turned over. We have seen videos of huge black bears jumping up and down on the bear-proof containers up around Telluride! Amazing!
We want to welcome one of our first snowbird arrivals this spring. Pat and Bob Vancil of Rico and Gilbert, Ariz., were seen having lunch at Herk’s. They have been spending summers in Rico for several years. This time of year is always fun for our year-round citizens. We miss those who leave us in the fall and head down south for greener pastures.
Marlene Hazen has lived in Rico for two decades. An active member of the community, she participates in organizations such as the Rico Women’s Club and Rico Historical Society.