Pumpkin Patch Ranch: Fall brings changes

To the weather, that is. Sam and I recently spent a couple nights in the White Mountains. Mom was at Becky's, so we made a getaway!

We mostly relaxed, visited with friends one evening, and took short walks in the forest. The wildflowers attract Sam like a magnet. I like them, too.

Because of the wildfires around Globe, Salt River Canyon was closed. Our usual 4 hour trip extended to 6 or 7 hours, past Roosevelt Lake (above) and Payson, with a lot of traffic from Phoenix.

So on the drive home, we headed east and discovered the beautiful, scenic route through Alpine and the Gila National Forest in New Mexico before dropping down to Safford and home.

The highlight of the trip was spotting this large herd of elk. Can you see them?

The buck on the left kept his eye on us the entire time we were stopped.

There also were a few elk right in the town of Alpine.

And more wildflowers!

This goat had the funniest expression on his face. Goats seem to have a lot of personality. Some of you raise them (Brenda!), so you know that more than I.

Someday we want to explore more in this area.

Last weekend we went on a day trip to Coronado National Memorial with J.J. and Nona.

It's south of Sierra Vista, about a mile from the U.S. border, and such a pretty drive. We've all been in southern Arizona for years, but none of us have ever been here.

NPS website

Incredible views, and really pretty at the visitor center down in the trees, too.

Back at the ranch, fall is in the air, with morning temperatures in the 60's and evenings cool enough to enjoy our first dinner outdoors under the trees.

Always plenty of humor from both of my companions.

Sam is back to work driving a school bus, for Benson School District this time, instead of Vail. His commute is half as far, which means more time at home, and only 12 drivers instead of dozens.

What a handsome guy!

I stopped by after doing laundry today to watch him prepare and pre-trip for the afternoon run. It's a brand new bus, and his route is out in the country, which he loves.

Also last week, we brought Sam's International truck to the PPR. It drove fine, but would only go 40 miles an hour because the two-speed rear end wouldn't shift into high gear.

Sam's excited to have this fun project truck to tinker with.

Of course, there's always other things to do. Our mechanic has been gone all summer, so Sam change the oil in the Honda. Not an easy job on a small car with even smaller ramps.

We continue to work on the dry well for the washing machine. After going through 3 layers of soil (brown, red and white) Sam finally declared the hole deep enough at about 6 feet.

Next we dug the trench for the drain, about 8 inches deep.

Sam needed a slope of one inch per foot, so the builder's level we bought years ago came in very handy.

As of today, much of the pipe is in place. Once again, this story will be continued.

With the cooler weather I've been moving and organizing things, using our garden cart. I get tired of clutter and enjoy making the living areas of the ranch look more tidy.