It’s been a wonderfully wet and green summer here in the San Luis Valley. I’m hearing regularly these days that, even in the north end of the valley, “it’s as green as I can …
The recent release of the Alamosa School District's preliminary Performance Frameworks has brought forth a wave of optimism within our school community. These reports, which offer a comprehensive overview of school and district performance based on statewide and local measures, are not just dry statistics; they are a reflection of our students' dedication, our educators' passion, and the collective effort of a community that deeply values education.
Looking back over my lifetime, I can recall some first dates I’ve had, and I must admit that I really failed in selecting what to do. If you look online there are always suggestions of things to do on a first date and all of them seem to require a substantial outlay of cash. As a reader of this column, you know that Ol’ Dutch has that old Scottish blood that makes us tighter than bark on a tree, and my first dates suffered because of it.
More frequent wildfires in the West can turn hiking through beautiful, high-elevation country into a dangerous game for hikers. In July, seven friends from Idaho, Colorado, Washington and Montana took off for a week of backpacking in southwestern Montana. Everything went off without a hitch their first night. A rainstorm passed through but it wasn’t a big deal.
It is with tremendous sadness that I must tell you that my dearest friend and companion, Mr. Cooper, has passed to the great beyond. He was my constant companion and a friend like no other, so my missing him is the greatest understatement of the century.
I suppose it’s the human thing on a hiking trail to acknowledge one another when passing. But on a well-used trail, the same comments come up time and time again.
We’ve all seen the positive changes sweeping through the Alamosa School District, and it’s clear that our collective efforts are making a difference. From the ambitious Strategic Plan to …
This past weekend Ol’ Dutch got a coveted invitation for a bear hunting trip down into the storied State of New Mexico around Cimarron, which in name alone has always been connected to stories …
As students return to school this year, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation in the Alamosa School District (ASD). This academic year promises to be one of the most promising yet, …
You don’t have to have lived as long as Ol’ Dutch to have heard the phrase “Is your cup half empty or half full?” It’s a storied line used by psycho-babble people of …
Today Miss Trixie left for Texas to attend the funeral of a dear friend to us both. I would have gone along but Cooper the dog is very sick and so I am holding him 24-7 and praying. That's all I can …
Just when we thought the threat of the latest variant of COVID-19 was not much of a threat, cases have been growing again across the San Luis Valley and nationally, particularly since early July, …
Ol’ Dutch comes from a long line of rock collectors so it only stands to reason that he would also find pleasure in studying and finding rocks of different kinds. Rockhounding started way back …
All during the time I was growing up and continuing into adulthood, I’ve enjoyed reading a newspaper. Even in High School I would spend my lunch hour reading two of the larger papers in the …
As most of you know, Miss Trixie and I have been driving for Narrow Ridge Outdoors/ Mountain Man Rafting for several years now.
As you read this, most of us will be celebrating the 4th of July and the founding of our Great Nation.
This past week I helped shuttle some fishermen’s rigs and one of the trucks had 403,356 miles on it.
This past week has been a whirlwind of activity, par for the course when you are in close proximity to Miss Trixie.
Yep, it looks like another year has rolled around for Ol’ Dutch and I can chalk another birthday up on the proverbial wall, which seems to be taking more and more space to tally on.
As you know, Miss Trixie and I arrived safe and sound once again in Colorful Colorado and we are glad to be out of that Texas heat and into this nice cool weather.