OK so semi annual didn't really work out the way it was supposed to. How about an annual quick summary just incase someone out there really does check in now and then. Actually, I've found that most people are on facebook ( with the exception of Sandy) and it seems to be the place to keep up on things.

Anyway, the past year has been pretty good. I had a few colds last winter which goes with the territory I guess. But, other then that things have been chugging along just fine.
We did make a trip back east last summer for Mom's memorial service and a few weeks on the cape with the Faulkner group. The weather was great and I think everyone had a good time. Not too sure I want to go to the cape again as Colorado is beautiful in the summer.

The fall has been the best in years in Colorado and we are now in AZ until Dec. 1st. Hopefully my golf will improve slightly and I can recoup some of my losses to Mike.

Everyone take care and if you do check in here, let me know. Maybe it will inspire me to keep it going.

Semi Annual Update at least for now!

First a little reflection on how this blog was started. As you may recall, in the fall of 2002 I visited the Mayo Hilton in Scottsdale for awhile. Sandy thought it would be a good time to start a blog sight to keep those interested in the loop and up to date with my progress. Well, here we are, just over 7 years later! My point is, it's a good thing that I haven't updated my blog! That means there is nothing to report and all is good.
Sooo, what happened to the blog you might ask? Well, I think it's turned into a private version of Facebook for the select few that are interested. In that case, How about a short update for the past 5 months.

Summer went by quickly and before we knew it, it was Oct and time to think about going to Scottdale. At least I was thinking about it. Susan was doing it! We left the ranch on Oct 5th and headed for the Boulders.

As usual, we played way too much golf. The picture above is just coming off the 10th green at dusk.

Lunch at Bogeys

I will say , however, we became very social and met several other couples from Colorado.

The weather was terrific and we stayed until a week before Thanksgiving.

We were home for a week and then off to Boulder for Thanksgiving with all the kids.
Below are a few pictures of a day at the Denver Zoo.

Brooke and the girls at the Polar Bear Exhibit. And yes, they are growing like weeds. Elizabeth is now 5 and Alex and Zoe just turned 3.



Elizabeth, Liam and Finn had a fun time together. It's even harder to realize that Liam is in 1st grade and Finn is 4.
Where does the time go?????
Finn, Elizabeth and Liam stole a ride in the old push cart, while Aldie got stuck pushing.

Everyone was hungry so they headed for lunch.


I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Happy Holidays to all.

Rarely Seen New Additions To Red Dog Ranch


These baby bobcats were spotted just below the house by our grandsons, Liam and Finn during their visit a week ago. Dad ( Craig) was able to snap a few photos with his IPhone.


What a wonderful new addtion ro all the wildlife here at the ranch.
Look carefully as there are 2 of them in the picture below.

August in the Rockies

This time of year in Colorado has to be some of the best weather in the country. The days are in the low 80s and nights low 50s.


The other morning, I was up at six just as the sun was coming up over the mountains.


Gus and Jake were up also, so we decides to take an early morning walk.

Later that morning I rode the scooter over Ophir Pass and ended up in the little town of Silverton for lunch.

Enjoy everyday.
I know I am!!!

All finished in AZ



Looks like everything has worked out just perfectly for Susan.
Sooooo, Colorado, here we come!
Hopefully the next month or so can be a little quieter at the ranch.



GOOD Day at Red Dog

Susan had her cardiac Ablation yesterday to " cure" her tachycardia. ( fast heart beat) Well, it worked. The procedure was a complete success with text book results. The Dr. said that the abnormality is usually found in a certain pathway in the heart 60% of the time and sure enough, that's exactly where he found the problem. One zap of radio frequency and it was fixed. So just think, no more heart drugs, ever! He said there is less then a 5% chance it could return, but he doubts very much that it will.

We are going to stay in AZ. for a few days while the very small incision area heals and then head back to beautiful CO. It's way too hot here in AZ. 107 today.

So once again remember to say thank you and:

Enjoy everyday!

Sad Day at Red Dog

Dina, Gus, and Jake

Last Weds. was not a good day at the ranch. To put it simply, I lost my horse, Dina. We're not exactly sure what happened, but we think she had a heart attack and then some severe injuries. In any event, we had to put her down. She was 21. Dina was an amazing horse. I have been riding her ( as many of you know) for 15 years working cattle and trail riding and not once has she made a mistake or acted up in any way. I could ride her the first day of spring and you would think she had been ridden all winter. Absolutely no surprises. Ever. She was alwats energetic and willing to go. She was the matriarch of the barn and kept the other horses in line. In fact the day of her passing, both Pat and Tonka ( the other 2 horses) were lost. They wouldn't go out to eat and just stood in the paddock looking for her. They truely missed her. I will miss her also.

On another note, we are now in AZ preparing for Susan's ablation procedure on Friday. If all goes well, no more drugs for tachycardia. I'll keep you posted.

Remember

Enjoy Everyday

Off to AZ For A Week

Just a short update for now. As many of you know, Susan has been playing around with a tachycardia issue for many years. Well it's time to do something about it. We visited the Arizona Heart Institute last week and decided to have a procedure called a Cardiac Ablation performed next week. It's a fairly simple procedure with over 90% success rate. If all goes well, Susan will be off all medication and never have to deal with it again.
So for now,


Remember
Enjoy everyday!

Everyone visits Red Dog Ranch

It's been a busy month of June with visits from all the kids! Rather then go into a long narrative let me just say that Aldie and Craig were at Red Dog for a week and the day they left, Brooke and Mike and Sandy and Melissa arrive. So here are a few pictures and comments for you.


Gramps and Alex lift everyone up in the bucket of the Kabota. Of course someone had to fall out and a big thank you to Sandy for being such a good sport.
Sandy and Elizabeth up in the bucket of the Kabota tractor.
Alex had a wonderful time on Tonka!

Sandy, Steve and Jared hanging out on the fence while Mike continued to win all the croquet games.


Sandy's friend Melissa and I Attempted to figure out a way to beat Mike, but, no such luck.


So how many think this should be the Kugler Christmas card for next year? Needless to say the girls are into horses. It seems Alex has adopted Tonka, while Elizebeth and Zoe have claimed Dina.


The animal control truck was one of many trucks at the " Touch a Truck" fund raiser Munchkins preschool in Telluride.


" The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music" as song by Elizabeth, and Alex while Zoe waits for her turn for a solo.

Finn waits for his turn in the backhoe bucket!



Liam had a ball swinging in the bucket of the backhoe.



After that they both took a ride in the back of " Ol Stinky" Ahhh, Life at Red Dog Ranch.

Steve and MayumiDavis ( Aldie's cousin and close childhood friend) came from Portland Maine while Aldie and Craig were at the ranch. Everyone enjoyed the kids and Craig and friends went in to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Needless to say it was a busy week.

I'm not sure how hard Craig was sqeezing Liam.

Things are finally back to normal. Today, Susan and I are making a quick trip to Scottsdale for a check up on Tuesday. If all goes well we'll be back home by the end of the week. By the way all my blood work is still normal!!!

Happy 4th of July!!

and

Remember

Enjoy everyday!!

Another update!!

OK, so sandy has been on my case to make updates so they don't become huge long novels.
This week was exciting as Susan had a little bit of tachacardia ( fast heart beat) and ended up in the Montrose Hilton Hospital for 3 days while they adjusted her medication. Turns out, nothing too serious and she came home today. Hopefully the new meds will keep everything in check.

Incase everyone thinks the weather is always beautiful in southern CO, it's not! This week has been a little like New England with rain everyday. We don't complain though as going into the summer it's a good hedge against forest fires.

Until next time:

Remember
Enjoy everyday

At Last- an update

OK I guess this blog thing just isn't my cup of tea. Certainly, I have been remiss in keeping everyone who has an interest updated on the adventures of Steve and Susan.

Well, here goes. If you remember in my last post, I had a very bad bronchial infection. Evidently it developed into an asmatic condition that left me very short of breath and in fact on oxygen at nite for about a month. After many 3 and 4 hrs of sleep a night, I was totally frustrated and ended up seeing a pulmonary guy at the Mayo. I don't know what he did or of it was just the 2 weeks we spent in Scottsdale, but the whole thing left as quickly as it came. So enough of that. Done , finished, on to the next thing.
We went to Scottsdale in Feb for 2 weeks during the speed events of Masters racing. ( I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid- I don't do the speed events). This worked out perfectly, as it was a big birthday for Susan and I had arranged a surprise party for her. To say she was surprised would be an under statement. It worked out perfectly and a good time was had by all.

Brooke and crew arrive Thurs nite and completely surprised her. Then on Friday, her neice, Susie and family showed up and then after explaining that no one else was coming, Aldie and crew arrived. On Sat. her childhood friend, MaryLee and her husband Rolf appeared on the scene. Mean while her sister Carol (and Don) just happened to be spending the week with us. All of this of course had taken a month or so to put together. To finish it off, Sandy put together a major video production wishing Susan a very happy birthday. I wish I knew how to put it on here, but I'm afraid it's too long. Here are just a few pictures of the event.




March , as several of you know, is the peak of the ski race season and this year was no exception. Although I didn't go to the Nationals this year ( first one missed in 7 years and it was in Sunday River Ma.) ,I was able to finish the season with an overall 2nd in both GS and Slalom. Needless to say after being out for 5 weeks I was more then pleased with the results.

April 1st came very quickly this year and it was off to Scottsdale again for about 5 weeks of warmth, avoiding mud season, and golf. ( I'd just as soon forget the golf part) MaryLee and Rolf spent a few days with us on their way from Cal. to CO. Once again, a few rounds of golf and a good time.
My sister, Gleyn, her two girls, Morgan and Sam, and Poppa flew out from the east for a week. We had a fun trip to the Gand Canyon as the girls had never been there and Gleyn needed to be refreshed as her last visit there was over 15 years ago. Here are a few shots of that trip.



Finally, I have a very difficult bit of news to pass along. Stan Slaby, one of my closest friends of over 44 years passed away last week. Stan was one of the infamous 5 North group. Most of those reading this know about the 5 North group and for those that don't, let me just say that 5 of us have been the best of friends since college. We are all both shocked and sadden by the loss of Stan. Susan and I flew east last week to see him before he died. All I can say is, I'm glad I did. May he rest in peace.
Never has it had more meaning!
Remember
Live life to the fullest
and
ENJOY EVERYDAY


Stan, Jim, Guz, and Steve
2005












A Long January

The new year year started off just alittle bit on the wrong side of center. Let me just say that when someone tells you to stay away from the grandkids when they are sick ---LISTEN.
It seems that I was just a little hard of hearing when that advise was given out as I contracted the "Grandkid Cooties" . It seems that it developed inter a rather severe bronchitis that then developed into a form of asthma. It is now Feb 6th and I think I'm finally on the mend. Of course, I've been saying that for the past 3 weeks and it always seems like it wants to return. But this time, I think it's a go.

The good new is I saw Dr Fonseca on Tues and all my blood work is A-OK and will see him again in April for another check up.

Needless to say, the ski season has been rather slow in developing, but should begin to get back on track toward the end of Feb and really heat up for the month of March. Then, It's off to Scottsdale for about a month of golf and relaxation.

Until next time remember:

Enjoy everyday!!!!

Happy New Year!

As I reflect on the past year and all the things that happened, I can't wait to see what 2009 will bring.
2008 had many memorable events. Let's see, a trip to The Galapagos Island, a new house in Scottsdale, a slalom and GS championship season, the passing of two of my best friends, Storm and Annie, several fanastic weeks of enjoying the grand kids, a wonderful summer of golf and new drugs to keep me going! I'm sure I could go on and on, but you get the idea.

2009 already has some exciting prospects.

It looks like I'll be able to race again this winter. Although not as strong, at least I'll be there!
Susan and I will have a chance for a little R&R in Feb. in Scottsdale to enjoy some golf and hopefully Poppa, Gleyn. Morgan and Sam will visit us in AZ in April. I don't dare project much farther then that as one never knows what's coming down the pike.

So, Happy New Year to all!

Remember, enjoy every day!
Weds. was an exciting day for the telluride ski area as they had the grand openning of the new Revelation Bowl and yours truelly was there to take in the experience. WOW what an addition to the ski area. Here are just a few pictures of the ceremony and ribbon cutting.




Early winter in Southern Colorado as the elk migrate through our area on their way down to warmer climate.







We are expecting another big snow storm on Sunday which shoulld deliver a few feet of fluff. Keep your fingers crossed.
If all goes well, we will be heading for Lafayette on Monday for Christmas with the kids.
ENJOY EVERY DAY!








Still Waiting For Snow

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know we did.

Brooke and Mike came to Red Dog on Sat. and stayed until Weds before venturing on the Mike's folks in Breckenridge for a full blown Thanksgiving weekend with the rest of the Kugler clan. ( 19 in all and all staying at the house) Aldie and Craig arrived on Monday and stayed until Sat.

Check out a few pictures on Brooke's blog http://www.brookekugler.blogspot.com/

I think the most fun was watching all the kids interact. Even Zoe and Alex ( at 2 yrs old) eat dinner with the " older kids" without a fuss.

Liam and Finn persuade " Grampa Stevie" to set up a tether ball in the garage and it seemed to do the trick. They spent quite abit of time trying to hit the ball out of the park.

Now that things have settled down abit, we have been doing some skiing. Unfortunately, we do need some major snow. I feel like I'm skiing at Mohawk in CT. One lift and one run. Hopefully we'll get some snow this Monday or Tues.

Looks like we'll be heading for Boulder on the 15th in preparation for Christmas and my first masters races of the season. I have even been able to convince Sandy to become a "masters racer". He and Nana will arrive on the 19th and the next morning he and I will head for loveland.

Stay tuned for the results of that adventure.

Until then enjoy the next for weeks of chaos in preparation for Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

The Beat Goes On - Louder and Louder

Well, it's mid November and that meant another trip to the doctor. Once again the news is good. My numbers are the best they've ever been. In fact, as of yesterday morning they have suggested that I am currently in a complete remission. Now before we all get too excited about that, let me explain. What that means is that right now there is now sign of desease in my blood work. The part that will always be there is that it can come back at any time.

Having said that, It's ski season, so let the race season begin!!! Stay tuned for winter updates. Susan and I will be heading back to Telluride tomorrow morning.

Oh and if anyone is interested, check out www.321cure.com

And the beat goes on!

Oct with the Kugler Family


How about a few pictures from our visits with the Kugler family. First, we flew up to Boulder from Phoenix for birthdays and about 2 weeks later, Brooke and family (can you imagine) flew down to visit us in AZ. The picutres are not in any particular order so just enjoy. I know I am.















Also, here are a few sunset and back yard pictures of the new house.





REMEMBER
ENJOY EVERYDAY!