RAMIREZ CHRISTMAS 2007

The family portrait before Danny, Lindsay, Christina, and Steve left this morning. Notice Guiness and Brewer (sitting) and Quintus (in Linda's arms).

We have had a blast celebrating the birth of Christ, the one who taught us all those principles we try to live our lives by every day. Lindsay and Danny trekked all the way from Eugene, Oregon to Sheridan, Wyoming to join us in the first part of our family reunion. We took them up to the Big Horn Mountains for a quick sight of frozen Sibley Lake at 8,300 ft of altitude. We then moved the celebration to our place in Montana where Danny, Christina and Steve were able to visit friends from high school and college. Megie, Christina's best friend joined us for Christmas dinner on the 22nd.

It feels odd to be "done" with our Christmas celebration on December 23rd, but we have inmensely enjoyed having been able to get our family together during this time of the year. As we reflect on our lives, we acknowledge the birth of Christ, and what he taught us during his life in this world as our guiding light. We are thankful for all the joy and love we share. We look forward to a happy and healthy 2008. JIR

VIOLETS ARE WHITE

Last Spring we decided to get ourselves back into growing African Violets. Horticulturists we are not, but we have always enjoyed house plants and have been succesful growing these beautiful plants in the past. Melissa Twins is a proliphic violet that has been flowering almost constantly since we brought it home. It always flowers in pairs, which explains its unusual name. This last flowering brought us 5 pairs of twin white flowers highlighted by a unique light purplish hue in the midle of each of the sections of each flower. Another one of Nature's wonders we are so blessed to be able to enjoy. JIR

Blankies, you never outgrow them

I was checking a group I belong to that makes homemade items to send to our military overseas, and knew they had a hospital in Afghanistan that needed some items (why the h--- does an American hospital in a war need sheets????), and was going to have my list handy, as I always do so if I saw something on sale, I could pick it up. One of the questions the group asked was if we could send homemade quilts or blankets, here was the contacts reply:

"I helped to prep a bunch of soldiers this morning that were headed to Landstuhl and they all had hand made quilts. The only thing they cared about and repeatedly checked was that they had their blanket! So please feel free to send hand made quilts and blankets it is truly something they enjoy."

For those that aren't aware, if they are being shipped to Landstuhl is an American military hospital in Germany where troops from Iraq and Afghanistan often go for further treatment.

I have much to do with Christmas happening early at our home this year, and at least one QOV to get right on, but I will then make some 'blankies'(quilts) to send to these brave men and women. I do think I might sent my senator a letter on the sheets though, that is appalling.

4th QOV

This is my fourth QOV, and I am honored that it is going to a Capt. in Afghanistan, on a third deployment! I had a good time putting the 'eagle on it, as that was a first time I quilted a design like that. I put the picture of the back up so you could see the eagle, it is hard to notice from the front, but that was my intention as the front is busy enough with the string blocks, piano key border and the Army logos. This is a great quilt to sew, you don't need a pattern, and it uses all scraps. I had ladies from the sewing group add some strings for the border so there is a little bit of Sheridan in the quilt.

THANKFUL WEEKEND

We are very thankful for each other and for our family. We give thanks for our lives being replete with love and togetherness. All else emanates from this basic foundation. JIR

SHADES OF WINTER

Shades of Winter, dark and white
Tree limbs naked, dry tall grass

Sunlight dims the geese's swift flight

To southern, greener, wamer land

Calm winter day, clear blue sky

Snow crystals turn to wetness

As radiant heat penetrates their web

Freezing solid in the dark

Shades of Winter, dark and white

Mysteries of nature in disguise

Fill my spirit and energize

The soulful muse of my life. JIR

Letter to the editor

Hi everyone, I thought I'd share this letter I wrote to the editor of our newspaper. I think we all need a reminder now and again of how simple and easy our lives for, and those who sacrificed so that we may have these freedoms.

Linda

Dear Editor,

I would like to wish everyone in Sheridan and the surrounding areas peace and blessings over this holiday season.

As we take the time to celebrate with family and friends, and remember all we have to be thankful for, I would like to ask your readers to also remember all those who have sacrificed for this country as part of America’s armed forces, including active duty and our nation’s veterans.

Equally important, is that we continue our support for these men and women throughout the coming year. I encourage everyone to put their political beliefs aside, and take the time to find an organization that fits a manner in which you can show your appreciation. I have supported our troops in many different ways during the last four years. The satisfaction I have received from these actions have greatly outweighed the work I have dedicated to them.

Beside our local organizations and VA hospital, other means to show support to our military are:
1) www.americasupportsyou.org, a very comprehensive list of many support organizations,
2) www.qovf.org, an organization that provides quilts to injured military men and women, and
3) www.iava.org, a non partisan organization that works to ensure our veterans get the treatment they have earned and deserve.

Thank you for allowing me to address this matter.

Sincerely,
Linda A. Ramirez

THE HANDYMAN STRIKES AGAIN

Not bad for my first experience installing laminate flooring. It took a few evenings and weekends, but the project has now been completed. It certainly augments the looks of the foyer and breakfast nook. In the kitchen, it complements the new appliances and gorgeous quartz countertops. I am currently taking a well-deserved break, but watch out, it's only a matter of time before the handyman strikes again. JIR

DINNER AT CHICKY'S

Why is it that Guiness and Brewer (Steve's dogs) get more pictures than the humans? Well, they are soooo cute! Anyway, Chicky had us over to her house for a awesome beef stew and a good time was had by all.

The little things

Today is cleaning day, but the little things that Jenny used to do, like hide from the vacuum cleaner, are making it a tougher day then I would like. So I am working at many things, just trying to keep busy. In the process, I came across a piece of paper I jotted notes on, during our last trip to Ireland. I thought I'd share.

Early on we saw a roadsign that read "Traffic Calming". Jorge's translation to this was, "It means, slow your ass down."

Another common road side was: "Back of Beyond" (Dead end)

I don't remember where we saw this, but it is an Irish expression: "There is no use in keening when the funeral has moved off. (Ni hoan maith a bheith ag caonineadh nuaira imionn an tsochraid.)" It means, don't be late.

ORBITUARY: GENEVIEVE RAMIREZ

Genevieve was born in rural Montana on a ranch near Augusta in the early Summer of 1996. The daughter of a champion tracker, she lived up to her father's reputation by utilizing her acute sense of smell during her entire life. We chose her over her sister, a lemon bassett. We often wondered how it would have been if we had brought them both home.
Smart dog, but sutbborn and obstinate at times when her nose would take control. "Geneveevee" or "Jenny-wenie" were some of her nicknames, but almost always it would be "Jenny". Good dog, loyal and loving, who should have been a lap dog, all 65 pounds of her at her peak. She learned quickly early in life from our golden retriever Teddy Bear, having to undergo 2 surgeries for swallowing rocks, which she did not chew like Teddy did.
Well traveled dog, living in three states during her short life. Florida was too hot for this Rocky Mountain pup, we could tell. Out trips to Montana during the last 2 years stressed her, as she would never lay down in the car. But after catching up on her sleep for several hours she would be ready to enjoy the mountain air and chase the deer that would dare come near the house. The last time we were in Montana 2 weeks ago, her energy was gone and she did not even see the deer approach within a few feet of her.
We will miss you Jenny, your funny howl and your big ears. We will look for you at night when it's time for your big biscuit. We will miss your gentle greeting when we come home. You enriched our lives, individually and as a family. Your memory will always be with us. JIR

Genevieve

Our beloved Jenny: June 1996 to October 17, 2007

We will miss you.

"And it can be that in a world so full and busy

The loss of one creature makes a void in any heart

So wide and deep that nothing

But the width and depth of eternity can fill it up." - Charles Dickens

LOVE BIRDS

Not the winged kind this time. The fresh mountain air and inspiring view gives us strength and determination. Many a world problem we have readily solved while sitting in the hot tub. Life's tribulations seem insignificant when we hold each other, when we profess the never-too-frequent "love you". Our life together has been full, replete with acomplishments, but most importantly with love. A legacy of family togetherness and love we have passed on, and will continue to convey to our children. Whatever else life has in store for us we'll face, holding on to each other as we say: "I love you". JIR

QOV #3

The back of the quilt.
This is one of the two quilting stitches I did, free form feathers.

This is the other, standard stippling.

The front of the quilt of war, for a soldier with ties to Montana. There are still more to make, I guess this is just my patriotic duty in all this. I always need to let our troops know they are not fighting this war alone. The whole country is at war, no matter how we feel about it, we are. So, I'll always keep supporting our troops until they all come home.

TRIBUTE TO GENEVIEVE

She is old and tired. A bad heart, failing joints. She still loves her favorite couch, but we have to carry her up to it. She still fakes having to pee, so she can get biscuits as reward. Of course, we fall for it on purpose anymore, because she is old and tired, and does not have long to live. She is our Genevieve, Christina's dog, our stepchild. Our funny dog, who has made us laugh, and made us run after her many times when her acute sense of smell overpowered all of our commands. Her time left with with us is short, so we honor her for having been part of our family and our lives. JIR

BIRDS OF FALL...AND WINTER

Pine Siskin on the edge after drinking water

The fearless bandit, the Chickadee, constantly in motion,

but steady in his resolve to gather as many black

oil sunflower seeds as it can

The red-breasted nuthatch, and his cousin with

the white breast, chirp as they move about
the rough-surfaced trunks and branches as if these

were made of smooth plastic

We never cease to be amazed by our sturdy winged friends who manage to stay in this frigid winter country, rather than head south like many of their fellow birds. Maybe it's the long flight, or the risks along the way. I think it may be that they are comfortable and content in this pristine environment, that offers them all they need to make it through.

OCTOBER IN MONTANA

We arrived at our mountain hideaway as the stormy cold front greeted us with the chill that makes for frosty mornings and wilted plants. Canadian gueese flying south, a sure sign of natural transition.The rain turns to a blanket of snow above 4,000 feet. Jackets and sweaters come out of dark closets after their summer slumber.

Lively roses now adorn our kitchen, the plants being covered with insulating mulch, protecting them from those deadly frigid days and nights still to come.

The furnace churns as the arctic air penetrates every crack, and defeats the most eficient insulation. The hot tub is filled and conforting, the AC is off.

Fall in Montana, a short season to be enjoyed and appreciated. Winter will soon follow, amazing us with its own uniqueness and awe-inspiring moments.

SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHT-SARA AND CHRIS WED IN HELENA, MT

We enjoyed the sharing of friendship and love of the gang that stayed
at our home in MT during the Labor Day weekend- Lindsay, Christina,
Nate, Don, Peter, George and Danny

Like father...like son

What's on your mind Linds...mischievous look

The cutest couple of the bunch

Beautiful girl

Danny reads the unforgetable poem he wrote to his best friends

Sara and Chris exchange vows

QOV

A Quilt of Valor.
This was a 'mystery' quilt, in other words, I didn't have a clue how it would look when it was finished. Although I am also doing a scrappy red/white/blue in this pattern, I wanted to make a second one, one that would be very up lifting. So I picked out colors that I thought would 'wow' me when I finished it. Again, remember I couldn't know how it would look, the directions come each week, so you can only pick the colors and hope. I picked the colors on their merit alone which made for an interesting but exciting way to choose fabric. These colors worked; the yellow jumps out, the blue and green scream at you, and the orange moves you all over the place! I'll post the red/white/blue when it is finished.
This QOV is going to a Captain, I hope he can find some comfort in it. It will be sent with wishes and prayers he recover quickly.