To all BHA'ers 9/14/2009

Hello all...

Not much news here lately. I hope everyone had a good summer.

If any news comes by let me know...

Vince

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8/14/2009

Some news I received I just want to pass along.

We were recently at our place at the acres and were saddened to hear about the death (suicide) of Bob Harris, husband of Cindy Buchanan Harris. I thought I would find an obit notice on the website, but didn’t.   The Buchanan’s were long-time BHA residents.

From Mary Ganter.

If there is anymore news I will pass it along.

Vince
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8/09/2009

Kent sent me a message on how his recovery is progressing and I'd like to share it on the website. It was sent to me on 8/9/2009.

Here it is from Kent

I just got through reading the BHA website, something I have not done since my bike accident. I just want all my Creede friends to know how wonderful they are. I have had many cards, calls, and prayers, and without that my being here would be tough. I am home recovering and cannot wait to get up to Creede. I was packed and ready to go to BHA for the 4^th of July when my accident occurred on June 29th. My biggest hurdle right now is getting the cast off of my broken left arm and the neck and body braces off. My ribs feel healed but I won’t know about my left shoulder and spinal injuries until my next hospital visit in two weeks, My knees are pretty banged up but I think ok. Probably shoulder surgery but hopefully the spine is ok. Luckily I fish right handed. I will also have therapy twice per week for a while.   My wife Susan has been my real strength (Super Woman) as she has cleared every hurdle possible with the doctors and hospitals.

My hats are off to the best people in the world, those in Bristol Head Acres and Mineral County (including the best neighbor anyone ever had, RW). Can’t wait to get up there. If anything this may have quickened our plans to move up there.

Best Regards

Kent Sasser

505-412-5971 (calls welcomed)

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7/31/2009

Thought you might appreciate an update on how Kent is doing

When we left for Idaho on July 15 Kent was still in the hospital (he was struck by the vehicle on June 30). Since then he has spent a couple of weeks in a rehab facility and has made great (almost unbelievable) progress. As of yesterday Kent is back home. He is still receiving rehab services but is up and around, feels good and is cooperating well with his various caregivers. I spoke with him yesterday and he was upbeat, quick witted, grateful for all the help he has received, and looking forward to his next bike ride and Creede fishing adventure. His biggest concern seems to be that he has lost the bike conditioning he had built up over the summer.  That conditioning may well have saved his bacon. Kent and I spoke for about 15 minutes and he sounds exactly like the Kent of old - an almost unbelievable improvement over our last interaction at the hospital a little over two weeks ago. In short he sounds terrific and appears well on his way to recovery.

I'll be visiting the Sassers in Santa Fe next week and look forward to plotting future adventures with Kent while there.

Jim

A camera was found...

I have found an Olympus digital camera on La Font Drive. I think the camera is now junk, but there is a memory card in it that someone might want. I can be reached at 658-2653. Thanks

This from Sam Hufman.

I also haven't heard much about Kent but I think he is doing better. Mike may get out of the hospital this week and be able to go home to New Orleans next week. He is still in the Denver hospital.

I hope everyone is having a nice summer.

I'm here if someone needs to get the word out on something.

Vince
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Dear Friends of Kent,

I have just returned from spending three days with Kent in UNM Hospital in Albuquerque. He is responsive and wants to talk about future fishing, biking hiking, river floating and socializing activities. We have every reason to believe he'll be able to participate in those plans despite his many injuries. He is able to get out of bed and walks remarkably well for a guy with 20 (not ten as previously reported) broken ribs, fractured vertebra, etc. There is no surgery planned at the moment but they may have to do something with his shoulder (broken scapula, collar bone...) later. He is anxious to leave the hospital, to the point of walking out on his own, and Susan should spring him in the next couple of days. Kent will then go to a rehab facility for 2-4 weeks. He should return home after that. It was great spending time with my dear and long-time friend and I (as I know you do) look forward to his rapid recovery.

Jim

Side note:

Mike is still in ICU, hopefully, getting better

Also please send me pictures of the parade if you have them.

Thanks

Vince

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7/5/2009

Hello all...

Here is an update on Kent Sasser's condition and my cousin Mike.

This is from Jim Loud...

"Thought BHA residents would want to know how Kent Sasser is doing in the aftermath of his biking accident last week.  I'm very happy to tell you he is much improved.  Kent is still in ICU but alert and responsive, no longer heavily drugged, and much less burdened with wires and tubes to various monitors and bottles. Although Kent is somewhat uncomfortable and (as you can imagine) in some pain, he is much less restless than earlier in the week. There are no plans for major surgery as Kent's doctors believe that his multiple fractures should mend (in time) without their help and there is no significant organ damage other than his punctured right lung which is also expected to heal on its own. Good news all! I'm visiting Kent next week and will pass on the many expressions of support and sympathy from his BHA friends and neighbors."

My cousin Mike who had the ATV accident with us is improving also but he is still in the Denver Hospital. They found another tear in his lungs and they are still draining fluid from his lungs.

However, he is getting better slowly.

So we hope they get out of the hospital soon.

Take care

Vince

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7/1/2009

Hello all...

Two BHA friends were injured...

Many Bristol Head residents know Kent and Susan Sasser who have a home on the corner of Middle Creek and Bluebird. I thought Kent's many friends and acquaintances in Bristol Head should know that Kent was struck by a car yesterday (June 28) while biking in Los Alamos where he works as a consultant. A vehicle struck him from behind while he was enjoying one of his routine after work bike rides. The driver stated that "I never saw him."

Kent was air lifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque where he is being treated for his injuries which include a skull fracture, broken ribs, 2 fractured vertebra, and a variety of related injuries. Although Kent's injuries are serious and extensive, Susan told me this morning that Kent had regained consciousness and was able to communicate with her and the medical staff, although still heavily sedated. Kent shows no signs of paralysis and his prognosis is guarded but optimistic. In Kent's favor is his excellent physical condition honed by his many outdoor pursuits, including fishing, hiking, skiing - and biking, that led him to Creede more than 12 years ago. Susan Sasser, who is a registered nurse, remains at his side, and (like me) is encouraged by his overnight progress.

If any of the Sasser's Creede neighbors and friends would like to send their regards, the Sasser address is 54C San Jacinto Rd.  Santa Fe, NM 87508. In the meantime I'd hope all of us will keep in mind that there are many bikers on our roads this time of year. It's easy to let the natural beauty and critters of Mineral County distract us from our driving but I know none of us would ever want to say "I never saw him."

On another note of an injured friend...

My cousin was injured in an ATV accident with us yesterday. We were riding near South Fork when he crashed the ATV. He was air lifted out of Del Norte to Denver with internal injuries. He has 7 broken ribs and a lacerated kidney. Hopefully, he will get out of ICU tomorrow but he is in pretty bad shape. I hope Kent Sasser and Mike get well soon.

Be careful out there this 4th of July.

Vince

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06/25/2009

Another note from Tammie Sundin...

Hi Vince,

Just a short update on the cabin progress. As you can see on the webcam, the first-floor walls are pretty much up!! Roger and Jacob have made real progress this past week, despite the rain showers. Roger said they plan to make just as much progress next week, unless the fish really start biting of course. They did make time for a beautiful four-wheeling ride up to Ruby Lake with visiting friends, Nora and Abel Farias.

Our friend, Harry Whitney, arrived this week to help Roger and Jacob out, and he will be there most of the summer too. What a blessing he is to us and to our dream!! Robert Scott and I arrive this weekend, and boy are we anxious to escape this Texas heat. My car (parked on an asphault parking lot) thermometer said 108 degrees when I left work today.

Roger and Jacob have seen a few elk and moose up the mountain by the blow down, and Jacob actually rode up on a bear (a safe 30 yards away). He said the little guy was just to fast to get a pic, but Jacob loved getting a glimpse of him anyway.

A big thanks to those who have taken food to my guys and who have stopped by to say hello!!

I can't wait to see everyone at the July 1 breakfast!!

Hugs from Texas,

Tammie

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06/12/2009

Note from Tammie Sundin...

Hi!!

Glad to report we are finally starting our cabin on Dooley. Roger and Jacob are onsite and ready to get started. A dream on the verge of coming true.

Tell everyone to stop by and say hello!!

I am coming up June 26 for two weeks, but they will be there the whole summer!

Tammie Sundin

USDA OIG Investigations

101 South Main, Suite 311

Temple, TX 75601

PHN (254)743-6544

FAX (254)298-1358

Hello all...

I hope you all are having a great year so far. It is always fun in BHA during the summer.

I hope you all have a fun and safe time where ever you may find yourself this summer.

If anyone has any news, or anything they would like posted email me at:

kutacv@comcast.net

I'll be glad to do it. Check out this years "Up The Mountain Breakfast" schedule

Vince

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4/11/09

Not much to tell, all is quiet. I hope all is well with everyone. I added a couple sets of pictures from Neal Newman of BHA in the old days and a few of the area recently from Doug McDonald of wildlife.

Thanks a bunch for sending them.

Take a look at Neal Newman's pictures of BHA on 4/3/09. They were taken in 1987. Then look at the ones he sent on 9/5/08. Before and After... man has BHA got bigger. Thanks again Carolyn and Neil.

Vince

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3/4/09

Here is a letter published in the Mineral County Miner by Sarah Garrett.

There are some really good people in this world.

To: The Editor - Mineral County Miner

I wish to thank all of my dear friends for their prayers, cards, phone calls and beautiful flowers during this sad time. So many people did so much. The Philbern family opened their home and kitchen for our out of town family members. Ladies Aid and many others provided food at the house, a beautiful lunch following the service and also took care of the laundry after I left. Nancy Blackford, Carol Pierce and Leslie Dustin were there with their continued love and support. Bill Philbern, Jr., Jimmy Adelman, Randy Woods, Randy Riggs and Wayne Parrack cleaned the snow from the drive,turned on the heat, De-winterized the house and then Re-winterized the house for me.

The service was so beautiful thanks to the lovely music from Debbie Whitmore and the eloquent eulogy by our friend and pastor, Jeff Scott. I know how emotionally difficult it was for Susan Madrid and CeCe Russell to do the music during the service but it was perfect and I am grateful to them. Mr. Ed tolled the church bell. The US Marine Corps sent an Honor Guard to provide the respect and honor that Marines provide for a fellow warrior. During his 20 odd years of service as a U.S. Marine, Bob had served twice in the Korean War and once in the Vietnam War. Ernie Thompson, a former Marine and friend, was the catalyst for getting the Marine Corps notified and arranging for the Honor Guard to come to Creede. To a Marine wife it was one of the most important parts of the service. I was also very touched that John and Joan Cavaliere, a Marine family, came from Alamosa to be with us. They lost their grandson Randy during the opening weeks of the Iraqi War. It is so true that Marine families look after their own. Bill Philbern, Jr. was my focal point in Colorado from Texas helping with the Strohmeyer arrangements and with Danny Rogers on the cemetery needs. Whatever I ask for his reply was "Whatever you want, it's done" and it was as he said it would be. He and Cathy are such a treasures to me.

However, I would have to say the the awe inspiring sight at the cemetery could never be planned by some mere mortal. As we sat at the graveside for the ceremony and the twenty-one gun salute, a beautiful Golden Eagle flew in and circled above us 3 times and then the bright sun burst through the clouds for a brief moment and then both disappeared. The Lord had provided a magnificent fly-by and it put my heart at peace. It symbolized for me a sign from heaven. In the Marine Corps Hymn the golden streets of Heaven are guarded by United States Marines. MSgt Robert A. Garrett, Retired, U.S.M.C. will be reporting in for guard duty at his new Duty Station.

I cannot begin to list everyone I want to thank. You each know who you are. I received over 100 cards and many many phone calls in addition to all the beautiful flowers. Each gave me a measure of comfort and strength and I appreciated all of them. It is such a blessing to me to know how much everyone admired and loved Bob. He was such a good man and I have no doubt he would have lain down his life for me without a second thought. I' m very blessed to have been his wife and to have had his love for 29 years on this earth. God Bless.

Sarah Garrett
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2/23/09

Here is a note from Sarah Garrett...

I would like to thank everyone in BHA for the cards, flowers and "Toys for Tots" contributions in memory of Bob. I would especially like to thank Randy Woods and Wayne Parrack for cleaning the driveway so my family and I could get into our house. Also a great big thank you to Carol Pierce for all of her help in preparing and leaving food for dinner for all of us to eat the night we arrived there.

I am dreadfully missing my Sweetie . Please keep me tucked in your
prayers a little while longer.

Love and blessings upon you all,

Sarah Garrett
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2/04/2009

I am very sorry to inform you thatBob Garrett passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2008. Funeral services and burial will be held in Creede at the Community Church on Monday, February 9 at 10:30. Sarah has asked that cut flowers may be sent but no potted plants. Contributions in memory of may be sent to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Fund. Carol Pierce is going to send flowers from anyone who wishes to contribute. You can send a check to her at PO Box 616, Creede. Any left over funds will forward to the Marine Corp Fund. Sarah will be arriving in Creede Saturday evening and will stay until Wednesday.

Regretfully,

RW

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12/21/08

Hello everyone,

First I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Just a couple of notes...

I thought in the "Creede Current Forecast" page the link was to Creede but it was to the general area. I changed it. I thank David Barrett for pointing this out to me.

I added a "Joke of the day" link. I hope everyone enjoys it.

Also I have been having a little trouble with the weather station. I hope to fix that soon.

Happy holiday everyone.

Vince
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12/06/2008

Here is a bear cub story sent to me by Randy Wood. It is amazing. It was by a man named Tom Sears.

Click here for the amazing true story...

Vince
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11/23/2008

To all of our friends in Bristol Head Acres,

            Our very good friend Wayne has acquired a wonderful dog, Miss Flo. She has been the very best of friends forWayne ever since he got her. She is the sweetest and most loyal dog a man could have, until? Wayne has been bugging me for some pumpkin pie recently, he has asked if he bought one if I would cook it for him. RW cook a pie, I don’t think so. So this last week Wayne bought a store made Pumpkin Pie at Our Place. No problem, except? He made one more stop on the way home at another restraint for coffee, not a good idea. While in the restaurant Flo ate all of the pie except for the crust. Must have been good! Wayne was fit to be tied. I hope you all enjoy this as much as Wayne & I do.

RW

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11/02/08

Hi all...

I haven't heard any new lately so I haven't put anything up on the website. If anyone has any new or anything they would like posted just send me an email at: kutacv@comcast.net

Always looking for new photos to post...

Vince
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9/30/2008

There are some new photos from folks I added in the Photo Gallery.

Thanks for sending them to me.

Vince
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9/5/08

Sorry for the lack of updates. It has been a busy and rough summer. I have some great pictures I want to put in which I will do soon but first this...

Here is a special note from Tommy, Kim & Kambrie Dyer. It tells of the great folks in BHA always willing to help:

We wanted to write and express a public thanks to Randy Wood, Wayne Parrack and Doc & Allie Hawthorne. We live inInola, Oklahoma and purchased a lot in Bristol Head last year. We are long time friends of the Hawthornes and have been vacationing in Creede for many years in our Motor home.

This year we experienced a radiator failure in Alamosa and our unit was towed to Pagosa for repair. We drove our tow vehicle to Creede and Doc & Allie allowed us stay in their spare bed rooms (and Allie fed us quite well) and we were able to enjoy our vacation despite the mechanical break down.Our Motor home was to be ready on a Friday before our planned Saturday departure. Unfortunately, it was not ready and it became clear that the completion date was very uncertain. We had no choice but to return home without our RV.

Doc, Randy and Wayne traveled over to Pagosa on the following Wednesday and Randy drove our rig back to Bristol Head Acres. (I hear Randy was a bit nervous driving a big Motor home for the first time but was passing slow moving trucks by the time he made it to Cottonwood Cove!) Wayne graciously allowed us to leave the rig in his yard for several weeks before we could return and checked the refrigerator on a daily basis. When the battery power failed, Wayne emptied our refrigerator into his own to save our food.

Bristol Head is a wonderful community and these great folks are wonderful ambassadors. I know most everyone in Bristol Head knows Randy, Wayne, Doc & Allie and already knows how wonderful they are. Regardless, we wanted to publicly thank them for their help in our time of need. You will find no better friends anywhere than these four great folks. Thanks again!

Tommy, Kim & Kambrie Dyer

Inola, Oklahoma

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7/21/08

Hello again...

I hope everyone has seen the great bear picture Bob Melnar took in BHA. The bear has been roaming around the area messing with folks bird feeders and scrounging for food.

Also thanks to everyone who has mentioned they love the website and webcam and the generous donations. It all goes to keeping the website up and running.

There has been a few folks come by looking for where the webcam is located. I'm glad they found it. It seems lots of folks are enjoying the live view of the area. I am pretty sure it is the only one near Creede.

I hope to be posting more pictures. I have put in a new set of photos taken by my nephew Nicholas.

Such a beautiful area.

Vince

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7/7/2008

Another great 4th of July in Creede >> click here for photos of the parade and fireworks show.

Vince
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7/4/2008

Happy 4th of July everyone. It was a great 4th. I hope everyone had a good time where ever they might of been.

It was a great day in Creede and in BHA and a nice fireworks show to end the day.

If anyone has pictures they would like me to post that would be great. I will have some of ours I will post of the 4th coming up soon.

Take care and have safe travels...

Vince
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6/1/2008

Hello again...

Cecil Davis has been a fixture in the BHA area for many years and lived a long prosperous life. He had a great family and good friends.

Randy Wood sent me some history and pictures of Cecil Davis so I put them together as a little tribute to him.

Click here for tribute to Cecil Davis

We will miss him in BHA

Vince

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5/27/2008

Cecil Davis passed away yesterday...

Funeral services for Cecil Davis, 93, of Las Animas (and Bristol Head Acres, Creede, CO) will be Friday, May 30, 2008 at 11 AM at the Las Animas United Methodist Church followed by commital service at the Bent County Cemetery with Rev. Carrie West officiating.

Mr. Davis died May 26 at his home in Las Animas.

He was born on Feb. 10, 1915 in Mt. Juliet, Tenn. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Agnes; children, Judy Thomeczek of Las Animas, and Jim Davis of Phoenix; also five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial gifts may be given to Las Animas United Methodist, Creede Community Church or Arkansas Valley Hospice.

Vince
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5/22/2008 (More important news)

Hello all...

Well I think I am ready to switch over to a new host for our website. I am going to take down the Weather Link for a while until everything is in place.

I have two websites I am running right now. One is the Creede ATV website at: http://www.creedeohvclub.com

and the other is ours: http://www.bristolheadacres.com

There will be some expense with the new host server but I would think everyone would like to continue the BHA website. I don't think the webcam will be affected but there could be a little down time. Everything else shouldn't be noticeable.

I will then work with the websites on the new server. I'll let everyone know when it has been completed.

Have a great Memorial Weekend to kick off the summer of 2008.

Vince

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5/15/2008

I am currently going to lose the hosting site BHA is on. We have had it for many years with smooth sailing. However, he is going to shut his service down. All things must come to an end.

I will have to work on getting a new hosting site.

I hope there will not be interruptions. Please bare with me if there are. There might be some glitches and bumps along the road.

I haven't received much news or information from anyone lately but if anyone has any news or pictures to send my way please do.

I hope everyone has a great summer and I hope everything will move along smoothly.

Vince

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5/9/2008

I am having a little trouble with the Weather Link but I will hopefully have it fixed soon. The current time and temperature is working fine but the history is not updating correctly.

Sorry for no updates but not much going on. Summer is on the way and gas prices are outrageous that is a given. I hope folks will be able to travel out to Creede this year.

It was a good snow year even though it stopped snowing early. We got in some good snowmobiling this year and had a great time.

There were a couple of glitches with the Weather Link and camera this winter but all-in-all it went good, even with the cold temperatures.

I sure miss George up there keeping me informed, but I will keep plugging away.

Take care until next time...

Vince

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4/09/2008

More sad news to pass along...

Georgia Christal passed away this morning. There will be a memorial service Saturday in Mabank TX at the First United Methodist Church.

She will be missed.

Otherwise I hope everyone else is doing OK. Sorry the updates have been minimal but it has been going kind of rough around here.

I'll keep you posted.

Vince
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3/02/2008

Hello to all, I have some information I want to pass on to all BHA residents from Jim Loud and Randy Wood.

The sad news is that we apparently have some thieves "working" in the Bristolhead area. No need to panic but those of us who brave the winters here in Bristolhead should keep our eyes out for any suspicious activity and all of us should probably take some extra precautions when we leave our homes unoccupied for any length of time.

Sorry for the bad news but hopefully we'll have some good news regarding justice served soon. I'll keep you posted.

Jim Loud
719-658-1280

Randy Wood
719-658-1048

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2/10/2008

Hello again. I finally got some new pictures in the photo gallery. The snow has been coming down. There are some amazing drifts around folks cabins this year so I wanted to give you all a feel for what BHA is like right now. It is hard to get around. I have been around here for over 20 years and there have been very few like this one.

I hope you enjoy the new photo's. More to come for 2008.

Also thanks for your donations. I will continue to keep working on the website.

Talk to you all again soon.

Vince
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1/31/08

Hello to everyone. I hope everyone is having a good year and winter so far in 2008. BHA has been getting snow and more snow. It has been one incredible snow year. It just won't stop.

Wolf Creek Ski Area is reporting 162" and it just keeps on coming. There will be snow in the high country a long time I'm sure come spring.

We usually take a snowmobiling trip somewhere every year for a few days to explore the area. It looks like we will go to Creede this year and enjoy all the snow. There is a lot of great riding up there right now.

If anyone has pictures they would like posted just send me an email. The camera has really been doing good for us this year and the weather station has not acted up too much. I will post some of my Dad's photo's soon of all the snow.

Thanks to everyone for there donations to the BHA website and have a great Superbowl weekend.

Vince

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1/14/2008

Tragic news sent to me to pass along...

Milton and Betty Schmidt's grandson Bradley died in an automobile accident early Sunday morning. The funeral will be Tuesday at 2:00 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in LaGrange, TX.

Bradley was a senior at LaGrange High School. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church for a scholarship in Bradley's name. These gifts can be mailed to Milton and Betty and they will take care of getting them to the church Youth Fund. This is such a tragic thing to happen in any family and I know all of our neighbors would want to know about his death.

Thank you, Virginia Domico domicosjv@suddenlink.net

Vince
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1/09/2008

The holiday went by quick. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

It was really cold up there this year. We had 29 below 0 at the cabin one night and one day the high was 0 degrees. The snowmobiling was the best I have seen up there in a long time. However, the cold temps make machines hard to start. We put a small heater that Randy Wood loaned us in the snowmobile trailer to keep the machines at 0 degrees so they would start better in the morning, nothing starts good at 20 to 30 below 0 it seems.

My Father and my Neice Jennifer built a snowcave out on the hill, so one night they put candles in it and I pointed the web camera at it to see the glow. That is what the new setting is.

I hope everyone is going to have a great 2008. I would hope folks would send me some pictures to put on the website this year and I am always ready to post information folks may pass along my way.

If anyone would like to donate money for expenses on the website this year it is always appreciated.

I'm looking forward to another year of BHA stuff.

Take care

Vince

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12/23/2007

It looks like another year is almost in the books. I have been working on keeping the weather station and the webcam up and running with some help from BHA'ers. Sorry I haven't done a lot with the website but it seems to be rolling along fine. I will throw in some jokes on the jokes page as they are kind of old. Again if anyone has anything they want to be posted on the website I will be happy to do it.

There is some good snow up there this year and cold temperatures. I hope everyone has been enjoying the webcam. I haven't received much news to pass along so that is probably good. I hope everyone has a nice Christmas. I will be in Albuquerque, NM for part of the week and then we will head up to BHA to do a little snowmobiling with our new machines.

They are fun to ride and we should get some good miles put on them.

I have been experimenting with a few ads from Google to see if I can get a little income to offset the cost. It is also an experiment to see what Google ads are all about.

Again I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I will wave if I drive by the webcam with my snowmobile.

Take and take to you again soon...

Vince

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11/07/07

Hello to everyone. It has been a while since I made an update, sorry about that. I do hope everyone had a great summer. It has been a dry time in BHA for now, no real snow yet.

We had a DSL failure today but everything is back to working again. This has happened a couple of times, so it the camera is ever down I probably know it (but maybe not) so I appreciate any emails letting me know what is going on out there. I will get it fixed as soon as possible.

I have been working mostly on trying to keep the Weather Link and camera going. I hope everyone has still been enjoying the views.

Now that it is getting dark so early I can be more at the house and doing some maintanance on the website.

So take care until next time...

Vince

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10/18/07

A note from Floyd and Karen Tempfel...

Floyd and Karen Tempfel would like to thank BHA folks and friends for all

they did when our daughter, Tracie, passed away on Sept. 23rd.

We want to thank all of you for the beautiful flowers, the food, and for the

phone calls and visits you made to let us know you cared.

Jim Pomeroy and Bill Pierce were among the EMT's that responded and did all

they could to help. Randy Wood was there every day to help, to drive us and

to transport from the airport. Many of our neighbors and friends were at the

Memorial service on Sept. 27th and some of the BHA women were among the Ladies Aid

members who prepared such a nice lunch.

A special thanks to Jan Thompson who painted a picture she named "Tracie's Tree"

and gave it to us. It will forever be a part of us and will always remind us of the

dear daughter we lost too early in life, but also of the BHA and Creede folks who

surrounded us with their love and caring.

Creede, and particularly BHA and the area, has to be the greatest place on earth to

live........the people there certainly are the BEST!!

Thanks again,

Floyd and Karen

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9/27/07

Here is some more information on Tracie Tempfel...

There will be a service for her on Oct. 4th in Boonville, Missouri, at the First

Presbyterian Church. Particularly it will be of interest to BHA folks that Rev. Clarinel

Nervick who was here at Creede will do the service for Tracie there. Her current

church is at Hartsburg, MO, which is only about 45 miles from Boonville.

Vince
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9/24/07

Sad news... We have been informed Tracie Tempfel passed away on Sunday (9/23/07). She was 22 years old. There will be a service at the Creede Community Church on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

She will be missed. If I get anymore information I will pass it along.

Vince

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9/17/07

Hello again. I have added a couple of pictures for everyone to see. There must of been a ton of sheep walking down Middle Creek road.

Also everyone can see how the Special Tree Planting came out at George's house. Some special trees are there for all to see and enjoy.

Thanks to everyone for their pictures they sent me.

Vince

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9/08/07

Hello to all.

Without Doug's help we would be in trouble. He was able to clean the lens and has been a big help keeping things working up there. I am so glad he is there to help. I miss George helping out up there.

However, things must go on. There is a new addition in Wolfe's Howl so I hope you will all check that out.

We got back from the Moab ATV ride on Labor Day weekend and man!! are those folks out there intense. They have some amazing equipment (Jeeps) and know how to drive up cliffs. It amazed me at what they can do.

We did some amazing stuff with our ATV's also. We were able to drive down a few cliff looking things when we got a little experience and know how. We learned a lot of good stuff and had a great time riding for four days.

Boy, it is hot in Moab though. I hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend also.

Take care until next time.

Vince

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8/27/07

It has been a while since I did an update, sorry about that, but life gets busy here in the summer. I have hopefully got the Weather Link going again and I have been informed there is something in the camera dome. I am working on getting it cleaned. Thanks for the information it was dirty and your being patient. It will get fixed as soon as possible.

It seems the summer is winding down fast and then I can pay more attention to the Website as winter rolls in.

Take care and have a great Labor Day. I will be heading out to Moab Utah ove the holiday.

Vince

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7/16/07

Hello to all again. Thanks to James Larimore for getting me some pictures of the Memorial Tree Planting and BHA Block Party. I was able to get some pictures on the website. I hope I didn't mess them up too bad. I got them via uploads and downloads and copying and pasting captions I may of lost a few during the process.

It was a great BHA Block Party and the Memorial Tree Planting was a very nice tribute. Thanks to all who worked on the projects. You all worked so much during the 4th of July I hope you were able to get in some fun time.

Until next time...

Take care

Vince

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7/13/07

Hello all, well it is Friday the 13th. I hope everyone had a good day. I have two black cats so that may counter act that fact I hope.

Here are three things that are going on.

There is a new event added which is going on in Creede this weekend and next so check that out.

I am going to be putting some photos in this weekend so stay tuned for that.

Barbara and Doug are working on the new BHA directory. She said you could call her at (719) 658-0621 for any information on changes or you can email me atkutacv@comcast.net and I will pass it along.

Talk to you soon.

Vince

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7/08/07

Hello all, well another 4th of July has past at Creede. It was a good time this year with a little rain but not during the parade or fireworks so that was good but it did rain some in between. The parade lasted an hour so there were many many floats. The streets of Creede were full of folks from all over. It always amazes me to see how many people are in Creede during the 4th. There was a big water fight at the end of the parade, not sure who won that one. The fireworks were on the hill this year with music so that was pretty neat. It was a pretty grand show. Thanks to all in Creede for all their hard work.

The BHA party at the Hawthorne's went off good with a band and everything this year. I am not sure how many showed up but there were a lot of folks and lots of food. Thanks to everyone and all the effort they put in to make it work. I hope everyone had a good time.

I was pretty busy this year but got to stop by and meet a few folks at the party. There are some really nice folks in BHA and I enjoyed talking to the folks I was able to meet.

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July where ever you all were in this USA and in Creede.

It is always a fun time for me but it goes by too fast. It looks like summer is in full swing and I hope everyone gets to BHA this year. It is so pretty up there and the river is flowing pretty high.

Take care and we I hope to meet more of you as time goes on.

Vince

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6/4/07

Hello to all. I hope you are all getting out to BHA and the Creede area this summer. The snow is still up in the high country and it will be a little different up in BHA without George. We will miss that.

I received the schedule for the "Up the Mountain" breakfast for 2007, so check it out in "Up and Coming Events"

Sorry I haven't had much news to post but Doug McDonald has been really nice about keeping the Weather Station up and running.

I hope everyone has a great summer and if anyone wants me to post pictures they have taken I would be happy to do it or any other news that needs posting.

Take care and have a great summer.

Vince

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5/18/07

Here is Lois Parrack's Obituary as it was written in the Mineral County Miner.

She had a full life and will be missed. Click here for a picture of Lois

Our beloved Lois Parrack (AKA Fluffy) went to be
with her Lord on Monday, May 14, 2007. Lois was born

to Samuel and Ethel Van Orden in 1936. She is
survived by her husband of 24 years, Wayne Parrack of
Mineral County Colorado. One sister, Dorothy Stanton
of
Pennsylvania; a brother, Charles Van Orden of
California; and a brother, Richard D. Orden of
Florida, also survive her.

Lois retired from a career with the Civil Service
where she supported the U. S. Air Force at
different bases through out the United States. She
also
worked in the capacity of a jet aircraft engine
inspector
in Germany for 3 years. After retirement, she and her
husband Wayne traveled extensively in their R.V.
and around 1999 purchased their cabin in Bristol Head
Acres, Mineral County Colorado. They enjoyed
fishing and camping together.

Ms. Lois immediately became active in neighborhood
and community functions. She attended her beloved
little red Creede Community Church regularly and
joined
the church in 2002. She tithed faithfully to support
the Church and it’s mission. She was the epitome of a
good Christian woman and set the example for all to
follow.

She contributed greatly to the community through
her efforts as a valuable member of the Creede Ladies
Aid Society. She served as Secretary and Treasurer
during November 2002 through September 2004. In 2002
she
prepared 4 containers of her famous Chili Relleno
Casseroles to sell in the July Bazaar. They sold
instantly and became the most popular item of the
Bazaar bake sale each year thereafter. In 2006
approximately 100 containers were prepared and sold
at the Bazaar with Lois’s help and recipe.

Dear Lois, with her fun sense of humor, was a joy
to all her neighbors. She loved the up-river Tuesday
card games. Her dear friend Patsy Burns remarked,
“She was put on this earth to love everyone and
beloved by everyone”. The Co-President of the
Ladies Aid, Nancy Blackford, expressed everyone’s
thoughts
beautifully when she said, “ What a blessing and
a gift we all share in having had this remarkable
friend touch our hearts so indelibly. Her love and
light
will forever shine within us”.

Lois passed peacefully after suffering bravely and
without complaint through many difficult illnesses.
She was small in stature but strong at heart and
will. Cremation followed her death. To allow the
attendance of her many summer friends the date for a
“Celebration of Her Life” will be Tuesday, June 5,
2007, 11:00
A.M. at the Creede Community Church. The family
requests
that Memorial Contributions be made to the Mineral
County Clinic Endowment Fund in Lois’s name.
Contributions may be mailed to Mineral County
Clinic Endowment Fund, c/o Janelle Kukuk, PO Box 70,
Creede,Colorado 81130.

5/13/07

Sad news... Lois Parrack passed away today at 12:30 PM. Funeral arrrangements are being made. If I get any other news I will pass it on.

Vince

Important news from Randy Wood

Our very good and dearest friend Lois Parrack is coming very close to ending all of the joy she has shared with us. She has suffered so much that now she needs some peace. I will let you all know when there is more news.

I am counting on everyone to say a prayer for her because if I did she would probably get hit by lightning.

Randy Wood
RW Contracting Inc.
402 McCall Drive
Creede, CO 81130
719-658-1048 Home
719-850-2196 Cell

I hope everyone is getting off to a great summer. It is coming up fast. I also hope everyone gets a chance to come out to Creede this summer. It will be a little different without George being there.

I also added a new feature on the Home Page called "Up and Coming Events" I am sure there is a lot going on up there and if folks know of something I will be very happy to get the word out.

So check it out and see what coming up on the new link...

Vince

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04/30/07

HI ALL, HERE IS SOME INFORMATION FROM TIM AND DORIE KOONE

LOIS PARRACK IS IN THE ST. LUKES HOSPITAL IN DENVER. SHE IS, I THINK, IN INTENSIVE CARE. SO IT`S HARD TO GET ANY INFORMATION. WE TALKED TO WAYNE THIS AFTERNOON AND HE WASN`T SURE WHAT THEY THINK IS WRONG. SO PLEASE KEEP HER IN YOUR PRAYERS. WE WILL TRY TO KEEP EVERYONE UP TO DATE AS WE GET INFO FROM WAYNE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. TIM & DORIE KOONE.

I hope she gets better soon. Always looking to help BHA'ers get the word out.

Vince

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4/19/2007

I hope everyone is doing good. Summer is almost here again. Eadie sent me a note to add to Wolfe's Howl. You can read it on the link on the homepage. It would of been his Birthday today, April 19th.

George was a great guy and we all get busy but we don't want to forget what he started with the website.

Also if anyone has any news or information they would like on the website, send me an email and I will try to get it on the site.

Talk with you all soon,

Vince

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4/4/07

Hello to all again, it has been a while since I updated so I wanted to let folks know what is happening. I got the flu there for a while then started a big tile job at the folks house and before I knew it April was here. It has been a good winter in Creede and the camera has worked pretty flawlessly throughout. I have been happy about that.

I have had some trouble with the Weather Link though. Sometimes it loses its mind and stops talking to the computer. It is doing that right now so I will get it back online as soon as I can get someone over there. I have been able to keep it all running pretty successfully remotely but every once in a while there are the gremlins.

I hope everyone had a good winter and I bet lots of you will be returning to BHA. Summertime is on the way.

I am working on my list of BHA'ers and hopefully getting somewhere with it.

So I will try to add some new pictures when I get some and keep the BHA site up and running.

Vince

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3/9/07

Hello to all. I have stared and stared at the website a million times and I did not notice the year was incorrect. I can't believe I did not notice that. I apologize for that error. I also moved George's special PowerPoint presentation to the " Memories of George " page. Please feel free to go there and download the presentation.

It has been very busy lately but I continue to monitor the Weather Link and camera to make sure we have no major crashes. All seems to be working good. I hope everyone has been happy watching the winter in BHA. They got some good snow and cold temperatures this winter.

Sorry I haven't updated lately but time flies by. I did add some new stuff to the "Jokes, Poems and Tidbits" page.

If anyone has any pictures they would like to submit, to put on the website, I would be happy to put them in. Thanks again to everyone and their generous donations to the BHA website.

I got in a great snowmobiling trip to the Grand Junction area in February with my Brother Chris. We found plenty of beautiful country and tons of snow. We rode 5 days in a row.

So I hope everyone is doing fine and it looks like for some of us the clocks will spring forward on March 11^th, earlier than usual. It will mess up some of the dates on computers, Weather Link, and such but I will get them straightened out. It will be lighter later though.

Spring is on the way!!! but we could always use more of the white stuff.

Take care, talk to you again soon...

Vince

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2/23/07

I've been having trouble with the weather station so bear with me. I am working on it and will I will let you know when I have going again.

Again, I hope you are all enjoying Eadie's Power Point on her Dad. It seems people are able to download it OK. Thanks also for your email corrections. I will continue to update my list.

Have a great weekend.

Vince

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2/13/07

Check out the homepage and download George's Power Point presentation created by his Daughter Eadie. Instructions are on the homepage. It is very special. It might be hard for people who do not have fast Internet. The download could take quite a while but it is not too bad with cable or DSL. I had a very hard time trying to make it smaller for viewing, but I did not want to lose quaility. A flash video was small but it made the quality go way down. I hope everyone who wants to can view it. Thanks to everyone who is enjoying the website and again we miss George not being up there taking care of BHA.

Vince

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Hello again. I just thought I would give a little update. I have been working on the weather station to keep it up and running. We had a crash the other day but we were able to fix it. The camera appears to be working fine with no glitches as of late. I hope everyone is enjoying the views and is happy with the almost 360 view of the valley. It has been a pretty snowy winter in BHA this year. It would be nice to see a few elk walk by the camera like at John Perrin's house. See photo gallery.

I almost have a solution to the Power Point presentation of George and his life. I want to get that out soon for everyone to see but I have had a few complications with it being such a large presentation. I don't want to ruin the quality of the pictures. I miss ol' George being up there to talk to also.

I hope everyone is doing good and I have been working hard on the website to keep it running. I want to start adding more pictures when I get them also. Thanks to everyone for their donations. It has been helping a lot to keep the expenses in check. After I get the presentation out I will be looking into other stuff to put on the site.

Here was some sad news that happened last weekend. http://www.chieftain.com/metro/1170692005/7 I believe he was the Creede girls basketball coach. Hew was caught in an avalanche.

Here is a little more information on the avalanche
http://avalanche.state.co.us:80/Accidents/Colorado/By+Season/2006-07+Season/20070204+North+Mtn.htm

It was very unfortunate news.

If any news comes my way I will get it out to you.

Thanks, talk to you again soon.

Vince

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Hello again. I hope everyone is doing good at the beginning of this new year of 2007. The temperatures have been cold in BHA, but the view has been beautiful as always. The weather station seems to be updating fine now.

On another note about the webcam:

It does seem though most folks are very happy to see their place from wherever they might be via the webcam while they can't be physically in BHA, and they can also see what winters are like in BHA. I have received many positive responses and thanks again for the emails.

However, I did a little work on the camera's settings as there were a couple folks who were not happy with the camera showing their house and zooming in on it, which I can understand. I believe I have worked it out with advice from someone else whose house was in the zoom range. I have 6 presets now which cover the valley very nicely in the guest user mode so folks can look around the valley as always. I believe the unhappy folks are good with the new settings.

I will take off the zoom feature for now as it is really not necessary to enjoy the view. I might be able to bring it back if I relocate the camera in the summer but we will have to wait on that.

I hope everyone understands and will be happy with the new settings. This just happens to be the view off the front porch of my father's cabin and I did not want to upset anyone.

The login will remain the same so enjoy..... and thanks to all for their donations to the BHA website.

One last thing I received a note from Tim Koone. Cecil Davis fell and broke his hip. He is in a Care Center in Colorado Springs, Co. with his wife Agnes while he has therapy. If anyone would like to send a card or letter here is the address where he is at:

Cecil Davis
C/O Spring Village Care Center
110 W. Van Buren Rm 313
Colorado Springs Co. 80907

We hope he gets better soon.

Vince

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It has been quite the struggle, but I now have the weather station back online. Thanks to Dad for bringing up my serial card and putting it in the computer for the weather station. The station I have still uses a serial port like George's weather station did but the new computer did not come with one. I also have a remote link up to the computer in BHA so I can work it from NM. Luckily I was able to load the drivers and get the weather station to link up to the website all from here in NM. I believe it will take 24 hours before it updates the high and low temperature.

Boy, has it been cold up there in BHA. It is 13 below zero right now with a low of 23 below zero. I am sure happy we have that warm enclosure for the camera or we would be in big trouble with the old camera busting. It does seem we are giving it the test. I hope everyone is happy with the controls and the zoom feature.

I am also working on getting a Power Point presentation, created by George's Daughter Eadie, on the site. It is a special tribute to George. It really shows what an amazing guy he was. I have been struggling with the format but I hope to have it up on the website soon.

I have been working like crazy to get it all going, camera, weather link, and website. I thank everyone who has helped me get it going again. I believe George's daughters have turned off the DSL at George's cabin so they will not have that expense. I appreciate them keeping it on as long as they did.

The expenses have been high, however. The cost for the DSL, equipment, and software. If anyone would like to donate money to keep the site up and running it would certainly be appreciated but only if you feel you would like to help. I will do my best to keep things running smoothly. I have received some donations so far and I really do appreciate them. The money will go in the website fund and only be used for expenses.

My address is:

Vince Kutac
359 Ridgecrest Ave
Los Alamos NM, 87544

Also I don't mind how much work it is because I enjoy keeping the website going for all BHA'ers to enjoy when they are away. I hope they can get a feel for what winter is like in the Creede area and enjoy the beauty in the summer time. The camera will run 24/7.

That is the latest from here. It will be interesting to see how cold it will get in BHA. Thanks again for everyone's comments. I am also working on a blog for people to input information so I will keep at it.

Talk with you soon.

Vince

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I think everything is working good with the camera, so I am going to enable the Guest User again. There is a zoom feature and 7 presets. Up to 30 users can be logged in at a time. If more folks than 30 login it will give us a grey screen.

So please have fun with it but click off your browser when you are finished. We will try it for a while and see how it goes.

The Guest User login is the same as before:

Username: bhalobo
Password: george

This camera is pretty amazing because it looks like daylight in the dead of night. It has a better pan than the old camera so you can really look around the valley.

Just below the Latest News... link there is a login instructions link.

I hope everyone will enjoy it.

Vince

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I hope everyone made it through the holidays safe and had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.

And with a lot of work... Chris (my Brother) and I got the camera installed and working. We had some help from his son Nicholas and my Cousin Mike who was up visiting with his wife over the Christmas break. Dad also helped so it was a big project. It will sit there for now and we may consider moving it when summer comes. It is now in a heated enclosure. We put it on the deck on top of a 4 x 4 post 12 feet high. I will be enabling the guest user account as soon as I am sure the bugs are worked out so you can all enjoy moving it around to see the beautiful valley. George's daughter Eadie and family came up to their cabin to enjoy a break from Mississippi. She has completed the Power Point presentation on her Dad's (George) life and what a life he had. I will get that on the website soon so people can see it. She worked very hard and did a great job.

The Weather Link was almost completely moved except the computer needed a serial port, which to my surprise, it did not have. I will have to get one and we should be off and running on that too.

I hope you all keep enjoying the website and the new camera.

Vince

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I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year... Here comes 2007.

I received the new camera and I am in the process of putting it together. This should be a lot of fun. Lots and lots of parts but it will be really nice after it is installed. I believe it is the only one in the Creede area so we are a first thanks to George and his idea. I will bring up the weather station to get that installed also. It looks like it will all come together next week.

I have been working with my new software for the website and put in a flash banner to tell folks when there has been an update. I will continue to work on the site and add new features as I can.

So again... have a Merry Christmas everyone.

Vince

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The new Website...

The time has arrived. I think I have finally came up with a more user friendly website. I hope everyone will be happy with the change. I have added a "Memories of George" page which I hope folks will enjoy. There are some pictures of him scattered around in there, boy he was one great guy. I will add more stuff as I can. Also if anyone has anything to add to this page please let me know and I will put it in. I am dedicating the BHA site to George as he put so much effort into getting it all started.

I added some new links I think folks will find helpful. The current time and date come up each time the page is loaded on your browser. I also added some new funnies.

There was a barrage of photos on the server that were not out there for the folks to see. I think George made a few photo albums that never got out on the old website and others that got taken off, moved around, and misplaced. I put all the ones I had back on by date and who took them as best I could figure out. If anyone has more information on the photos I would be happy to get it in there. My plan is to add photos regularly, so I hope folks will submit some of theirs.

So "alas" it is a work-in-progress. The new pan-tilt-zoom camera will come soon and I will get the new weather station installed

So enjoy... and if anything is not working properly let me know. No matter how many times I go over it I always find something I can tweak on.

Vince

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