Well, ol dad time and mother nature have brought us through another year. I hope you will allow me a measure of your time to reflect on some of mine and ours together here at the Double Spear. I did not send a newsletter in 02. It would seem, occasionally, that problems in our lives take a position, forgiving no actions or the fears that may sway abilities of coping.

2002 was our 4^th year of drought. We planted crops that just withered and died. Fires consumed thousands of acres; livestock were short of water and feed; our lake was so low that no boating was allowed and in general we were affected by all of it. We had as good a summer as possible thru and by the efforts of Shorty, Inga, Ute, Ben and Casper. I witnessed smiling faces, improvisations (Ben mostly), hard work and humor abound. Ben and Casper stayed the summer in the tipi. Ben hung his store bought jerky inside and they all painted their faces and played war whoop games a time or two;))))) and of coarse water fights went to extremes with Ben’s bazooka guns. Lisa, my daughter and Gary were married here at the ranch in May. The day I dreaded since the day she was born. I could not have been more proud of the out come. I can’t thank any of these guys enough for the joy and the help they gave us. Ute and Inga were so good for the soul this summer and their smiles and joking in all phases made everyday life so much happier. I miss them bother

03 started with Shorty receiving her work visa. It was a happy day. We did not have any hay for the winter so we placed the cattle in the feedlot and proposed to spend the winter at home fixing corrals and putting some polish on the place for the next year. That worked fine till February and we took 758 yearling heifers to calve out for the neighbor. We were fraught with problems from the beginning but did a good job for what they gave us. We entered the summer tired and only some of the planned improving done. Rain came in June and then quit. It turned ungodly hot and dry, same problem as before, only worse now. There were days that guests could literally do nothing but stay in and cool. It was 54 C on the front porch one day. Our waterbeds even dried up ;))))) There were good times had but it was a strain on the nerves. We were blessed with guests that understood and coped well with the conditions and I believe our circle of friends grew in number and in degree. There were many beautiful sunsets and rises and we shared lots of personal moments that we may not have otherwise. Jerry, from Australia (just a hair older than me;)), provided guitar and songs at fireside and quality times. He helped fix things, rode and this gave him a chance to do some horse training plus spend some quality time with his daughter (Thalie) and our guests. His bein here was a true gift to us all. I felt sorry for him though cause the young guests that were here (male variety;))) kept Thalie busy and the paternal worry was in the air;))). Now to add a little kinlin to the fire we also had a tall lean lady-killer from Germany (Stephen). This duo doin the leadin in most of the worrysom’s and “thou shalt nots”, kept the rest entertained, detained, sustained and maintained all at the same time, usually;)). There’s a little stretch there but not much;))     

And I must add, Stephan was a pure pleasure to us all. He worked hard and well. He was our ranch dance man and I think he represented the male gender with class, talent and beyond the call of duty;))). What a way to go huh! The girls were always grinning and he took the pressures off Shorty and I in so many ways. I have to announce that my son Lee and his wife Shannon had a nice little grandson in July. I dubbed him “Little Waddy” Remembering LEE at that age brought back lots of good memories. Had to clear the eyes a few times. He was my little cowboy too!

I had cancer cut from my face two times this spring. The second time they took a big chunk of my cheek and when the stitching was done I had my ear just below my right eye. It was all good though; I got rid of the cancer and my hearing improved.

I have not given the whole story. There’s a lot between the lines.

I got lost a bit, in all the dirties of drought; some people and just plain wear and tare.

We finished the summer and this fall’s main jobs with the cattle and other business. I guess the ol bones were worse off than I thought. When the slack time came I got the bear disease (daylight hibernation). Don’t tell anybody but I got a call one day at 10:00 A M and they woke me up. Dam! ;)) .I felt worn out so I just bogged my head and laid low. I didn’t even send impulses from my brain. Just before they wanted to do an autopsy I blinked and I think the dastardly in me is gone now…... I feel ornery;)))).

 I still don’t know what to do with the cattle and drought but I do know that the biggest wad of fixm’s in my medicine poke is my worldwide bunch of friends and loved ones. Worrying and chompin at the bit didn’t help any so I’m trusting in the future and count’n the good side of things. We have taken time to assess our tracks in time and my being officially a bachelor now sort of matches this beginning anew, we now have a rodeo arena. Our corral system has been almost totally redone and all of it is in cement. Some of our late comers can attest to that fact;))))))). We have additions to the barnyard repertoire; two lamas Tony and Dolly;)))). Shorty got the chicken bug this spring and we have new fuzzy, fury and feathered friends all over the place; ducks, one goose and the turkeys announce each new day. We had a touch of snow and I had a dead cow on the ridge above the old barn. So each morning I looked over to see three coyotes having breakfast while the magpies and crows watched for their turn. We’ve seen two cougars this fall fairly close to the ranch. The girls on the road crew had a grizzly bear looking at them from the bushes for a while this summer. The drought has moved the pheasants in close to the house now and we have one pasture left now that has water in it. But I’m pack’n a smile and Shorty and I have our crew for next year all lined out to come and help us. I’m tickled to say we plan some real nice doings next summer. The arena affords us a place to train horses and help guests to do the same. We will be having good old-fashioned rodeo fun where everyone can participate and learn at the same time. It won’t be fancy, just good family type home spun boot stealing horsing around;)))).

 There’s one more thing I need to touch on a bit. I have received so many mails this past year and some did not get answered. Some of the reason was this dam box (crashed 3 times, lost all mail saved and many addresses too) and the heavier side falls on me. I think of so many of you out there and it brings tears sometimes and I wanted each of you to know that I meant well. My ability to keep up with it all just went to the winds at times. My heart and thoughts are with you, your memories and the hopes of seeing each of you again. I’d give my hat and boots away before letting a friendship bruise on my account so please know ;)

In the spirit of sharing and exchanging mail our website has a “guest book” and many have left messages and comments. Thank you. 03 has seen many new faces here at the ranch. Marie learned to “stay on” her horse and was lead on a mountain trip. She even sipped beer from the bottle. Emma gained real confidence in many ways and I was proud of her. So many guests this year proved to be so enjoyable and brought with them new insights into the world outside our fences;))). Axel and Lars, Sheena & Vicki, Franz, Goddi & kids, Steffi, Heide, Katy, Irene, Andeas, Eva, Eva Marie, Volker, Gary& Anne, Barb &Diane, Andrew & Earl, Natalia, Lisa & Barrie, Andy, Tracy, Jo & Lynne, Jo, Jayne, Orlo;), Kraut & Nann and so many more, entered as guests and left as fiends and a part of our memories. We had fewer guests this year but truly did enjoy them more;))). One new item I have is a real good digital camera. My plan is to be able to share more with you thru pictures on the website and emails. I need a lot of help in this task so we will see;)).

As for the new year, we have more bookings and offer the same discounts as before and on the web page I will soon offer chances to win greater discounts for a few lucky ones;) I want to especially thank SHORTY this year for her mountain of help here at the ranch. She is talent unlimited;)) I love’r for all that she has done!!!;))) Also I want to invite everyone to visit the website at DSRANCH.COM where Shorty’s brother, Gerhard, has done a beautiful job. Last but not least at all, I want to thank the many of you who brighten our lives and have shared with us many fond memories and precious moments. Please accept my wishes for good health, full pockets and nice reasons for going into the New Year. I hope happiness visits often and time takes care of you and your camps. Lots of love. Tony, Shorty and the gang at Double Spear.

The link below says a lot of what I believe. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERY ONE!

 http://www.angel45-2b.com/justone.html