Hello to all and I hope that all is well with you on this fine Wednesday morning.
According to our weatherman Ed Greene up in Denver, we should have at least 6 or 8 inches of snow on the ground. Evidently, our Mr. Winter is not cooperating with Mr. Greene. Better yet, instead of snow, we have received a good rain, off and on, since Monday. We watched huge snowflakes falling yesterday morning, but that didnt last long. The snow level is almost down to Rico, and what has fallen here melts immediately. We see a change this morning (Wednesday a.m.), and it might accumulate on our lawns by nightfall.
We learned yesterday that it is not quite time for the bears to begin their winter hibernation. The Lincoln family downriver put their little dog Noodles outside to get a breath of fresh air. Suddenly, Noodles was barking frantically. Karen opened the door, Noodles streaked in and she was face to face with a huge black bear. She screamed! The bear ran! Noodles was untouched. Happy dog! Karen will probably insist that husband Richard do the the dog thing from now on.
As far as we know, Rico has been fairly quiet and cannot recall any confrontations this summer. We believe that the bear-proof trash containers are our saving grace.
Two or three weeks ago, we put a notice in the Rico Report that a Dolores citizen found a fly fishermans fly box on Highway 145 either just above or below our fair town. It was a masterpiece of art with row upon row of hand-tied flies, etc. We have not heard if it was claimed. If not, please, lets help this fisherperson know that this friend in Dolores can be reached by calling 970-729-2112 or call us at 970-967-2162. Maybe an out-of-state friend or relative was visiting and fishing.
Glen Baer (Louise) of Rico and Cortez just had some work done on his other knee. We called to check on him, and he is doing fine. He must have a good attitude!
Many of you know some of the history of the Baer family. I asked Glen about his mother Allie and father Alfred. He mentioned that the family lived in Rico and when it came time for his mother to deliver, she was taken down to Cortez to the Johnson hospital. Trouble was that the whooping cough epidemic was invading the city and Allie could not be admitted to the hospital. Therefore, Glen was born at his Aunt Marys (1937) and the family proceeded to return to Rico via the Galloping Goose train.
Allie Baer became the towns midwife, nurse and physician. According to Glen, the back door of the Baer family became the emergency aide station. She delivered babies, sewed up cut-off fingers, treated broken bones and did whatever she could to handle other emergencies that befell Ricos citizenry.
The Baer family home has been well cared for, and the Baer clan spends as much time as possible up here during the summer months.
Marlene Hazen has lived in Rico for two decades. An active member of the community, she participates in organizations such as the Rico Womens Club and Rico Historical Society.