Rancho Morales Update

Rancho Morales Update

Raquel and I have spent the last 4 weekends planning and overseeing the driveway placement and construction on our property in Westcliffe, CO; and it has been very rewarding. The driveway ended up being almost a mile long and it really brings out the character of the property. The driveway was planned to pass by the two creeks and pond on up to the first potential building site. We were out there on Memorial day working with Shane (Excavating Contractor),building up the entrance to the property with some of the big rocks that were dug up during the driveway construction. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Joe Working with Shane on the rock placement

View from the Driveway entrance

The cut into the steep hill onto the property (much easier than walking)

Just before the culvert going over the first creek

Driving by the pond

Looking at the pond at the end of the road, before it starts going up to first hill

The last stretch going up to first potential building site. Rough road, still in work.

View from end of driveway

Looking at the driveway entrance from end of the road

Driving out, heading home

This has been a very exciting project, thanks for letting us share it with you. Now it will be much easier getting onto the property, to enjoy the serenity, creeks and pond, whispering trees, wildlife, rock formations, and the wonderful views.

Hasta luego,

Joe & Raquel

HAPPY MAY BIRTHDAYS: OMAR, ALEX & JESSICA

Familia,

May is a busy month for Family Birthdays:

Feliz Cumpleanos to:

OMAR - May 7th


ALEX - May 8th


JESSICA - May 13th


WE LOVE YOU!

Swine flu Map

Hey guys,

Here is a Google map of the swine flu cases in the world. very Interesting.


View H1N1 Swine Flu in a larger map

Swine Flu / Mexico City

Familia,

I spoke to my brother, Armando, this morning regarding the Swine Flu situation in Mexico City. He said it is very serious and authorities are doing everything possible to "Contain" what could become the next Global Pandemic.

All schools, Kinder Garden, Elementary, High Schools, Universities, Private, Public, have been closed down until May 6th, or further notice.

All Open Air Events, Soccer Games, Park Pic Nics, Farmer's Markets, have also been closed down. People are being urged to remain in their homes, and when it's necessary to go outside, to wear masks over their nose and mouth.

The Hospitals are overwhelmed with Mass Paranoia, people thinking they have the symptoms. So Doctors are coming out to the streets, where people are lining up ,to check their eyes and take their temperature to decide who should stay in line and who should go home.

Armando said that he spoke to Felipe, our oldest brother, this morning and he and his family are doing well. I left Felipe a voice mail.

I spoke to Jessica, our youngest sister, on Thursday , and she is in the State of Veracruz for the weekend, doing a Half Marathon with her Runner's Group, and should be home tonight. Veracruz is not one of the affected States, so far.

Armando and I agreed to remain in close contact. He thinks there's a strong possibilty Mexico City will be shut down soon, no one allowed in or out. I will keep you posted.

Everyone in the following pictures , taken in March, 2008 in Puerto Vallarta, lives in Mexico City, with the exception of Joe and I.

From Left to Right:The Siblings- Jessica, Felipe, Raquel and Armando:


From Left Top Right: Joe, Raquel, Melissa (Jessica's Daughter), Felipe, Nora (Felipe's Wife), Jessica, Lety (Armando's Wife), Armando.

Snow and blowing snow!!!

Hello family,

I'm sure everyone is busy digging out from the storm.....but here in Parker I think we got more snow than most.....over 25 inches!!!!

Like many of you I spent a few hours trying to dig out this morning.......but it's been snowing all day and now that it's about 4:00pm.....you can hardly tell where I shoveled. Plus....my snow blower decided to "break a belt" trying to throw all of the heavy wet snow which means it will be all "manual effort" digging out from this point forward.

Therefore, I have decided to let nature take it's course......take some pictures.....and come inside to relax, enjoy a great meal (Amy made elk chili and corn bread), and take the rest of the day off.

Wish you were all here with us to enjoy the simple pleasures of being warm, eating good food, and being with someone you love.

Life is good!!!

Love, Greg and Amy