La Veta – Cuchara Valley Blog

“Many years ago I resolved to never bother with  New Year’s Resolutions, and I’ve  stuck with it ever since.”  (Dave Beard)

But I did make a big resolution  last year.  And this Saturday will be my one year anniversary of not smoking.  Hallelulah!

Lots of parties in the valley Friday night.  And live band dancing all around too.  Dog Bar host the Silver Eagle,  La Veta Inn has Planet O, the Bistro Brewery has Savages  and Sammies will feature Rockin’ Horse.  Come join in the fun.

Local Gym may stay open for another winter.  Operator John Liese has obtained an approval from building owners to continue operating the gym through at least April, 2011.  Membership has dwindled somewhat and overhead expenses have left no room for a reasonable return.  But the community would surely miss the gym if it is not able to stay open.  We look forward to the continued access, for now.

A Christmas Shopping Blog

Here’s blogging you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from our Home to Yours. We just finished unwrapping our presents from one to the other – and it made me happy to realize that 99% of our gifts were found RIMBY – Right In My Back Yard!  Paper and ribbon is here and there! Weather station from True Value; Polar Fleece & T-shirts from Dakota Duke’s; Nuts, Fudge & Fruits from Charlie’s (as well as today’s Christmas Dinner & Breakfast), boots, jewelry, hats, gloves, soaps and jammies from North by Southwest, Desert Expressions and Valley Winds; Books Galore from Book Nook; Beautiful earrings for my sister from La Veta Fine Art Gallery. We also donated a La Veta Gift Basket to the recent fundraiser for the Cuchara Valley Recreation Foundation – it included items from Two Old Goats, Serado Valley, Ricky Tims, Gene Vories, Kathy Hill, Polly Harris, Kit Pogue, La Veta Coffee – What a great selection of gifts we have here in our La Veta/Cuchara Valley. We all try to shop at home through the holidays and into 2011! Money spent here with our local merchants keeps giving and giving!   Liz

See our Cuchara Christmas Story post at http://www.CucharaRealEstate.com

More Colorado Weather
You may be hearing a lot about Colorado weather on the news this week. Front-range winds along the I-25 corridor reached gusts of 60 and 70 miles per hour, tipping over numerous truck rigs. Meanwhile, the western slope mountains are expecting 2 to 5 feet of new snow this week. Coloradans are hanging on to our hats and snow shovels both.

Did you see the moon last night?  Well I did and here’s the evidence.  I was hoping for red or purple moon but here over the Cuchara Valley it began as  white.  This midnight photo shows the beginning stage of the eclipse.

Liz has been working with her friend Janey Waldrep all afternoon on their  Artist’s Room at the La Veta Inn.  Fellow artists Joan Hanley and Jude Baker Montano were in working as well.  Kurt’s  project has received overwhelming support and excitement. If you missed my earlier post on this, see some of the current efforts at http://lavetaartists.com/

  Don’t miss the Event of the Season in La Veta.  The annual Ricky Tims production of  Christmas in a Small Town presented Thurs/Fri/Sat  at the La Veta Performing Arts Theater.  Tickets are $20 available at Charlie’s Mkt. and  Tims Quilt Studio.  Details, video and more info. at  http://www.ChristmasInASmallTown.com

Well, talking about the weather, Front Range of eastern Colorado has been unseasonably warm and dry.  And our Cuchara Valley was no exception.  Today temp. hit nearly 50 up in Cuchara and 60 down at La Veta.  But all that is finally about to change.

Wednesday evening a nice wet storm comes thru here.  Forecast is for 6 inches of snow thru Thursday in La Veta and up to 12 inches at Cuchara.  Just in time for Ricky Tim’s annual production of Christmas in a Small Town this weekend.   We welcome the moisture and might even be in store for a White Christmas this year.

The Benefit to raise funds for the Cuchara Mountain Resort Foundation was a big success.  In a great evening of dancing and prancing, La Veta Inn was packed with locals, dignitaries and general supporters.  Cash Donations along with silent auction of  donated Art fetched us over $4,400 to contribute toward the Resort efforts.  Special thanks to all the contributor/donors.   Thanks also to Eric Bachman, Bob Reece, Ricki, Karen, Charleen, Liz, musicians, artists and everyone else that helped bring this effort together and to everyone that attended. 

This is truly the season to enjoy all the holiday cheer and gatherings that abound in our wonderful La Veta/Cuchara Community. Here is a quick holiday listing of some of the wonderful events coming up:

Sunday, December 12^th – House Concert at David & Annie Enke’s – featuring legendary Don Richmond. Also joining the concert will be Don Conoscenti. 5:30 p.m. – Potluck; 6:30 – Music begins. Bring what you enjoy (drink & food) and a little extra to share. Generous donations for the musicians will be gratefully accepted. 722 E. Francisco St, La Veta, CO – 719-742-5303

Hope you can join us – and we wish you all a Happy Holiday Season!

Liz & Jerry Henson