Colorado Country Life January 2011 MVEA

JANUARY 2011

RODEO LEGEND Cowboy Gentleman Harry Vold

The official publication of the Colorado Rural Electric Association • Volume 42, Number 01

Publisher/Editor Associate Editor Editorial/Digital

Mona Neeley, CCC Donna Norris Carissa Sheehan

OFFICERS President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Executive Director

Chris Morgan, Gunnison Bob Bledsoe, Tri-State Bill Midcap, Fort Morgan Don Kaufman, Sangre De Cristo Kent Singer, CREA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Empire John Porter Grand Valley Sylvia Spangler Highline Jim Lueck Holy Cross Michael Glass K.C. Dan Mills LaPlata Tom Compton Mountain Parks Stan Cazier Mountain View B.D. Paddock Poudre Valley Jack Schneider San Isabel Joseph Costa, Reg Rudolph San Luis Valley Mike Rierson, John Villyard Sangre De Cristo Paul Erickson Southeast Mark Grasmick United Power Jim Jaeger White River Bill Jordan Y-W Stuart Travis Yampa Valley Sam Haslem Associate Members Basin Electric

Co-Bank

Moon Lake Electric

Wheatland Electric EDITORIAL Denver Corporate Office 5400 N. Washington • Denver, CO 80216 Phone: 303-455-4111 Email: MNeeley@coloradocountrylife.org Website: coloradocountrylife.coop Facebook: Colorado Country Life Twitter: @COCountryLife ADVERTISING Kris Wendtland NCM

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FEATURE Rodeo Legend

Harry Vold, is a household name

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Association, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 Periodical postage paid at Denver, Colorado.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216.

Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life, does not imply endorsement by any Colorado rural electric cooperative or the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Editorial opinions published in Colorado Country Life, magazine shall pertain to issues affecting rural electric cooperatives, rural communities and citizens. The opinion of CREA is not necessarily that of any particular cooperative

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COLUMNS

Recipes

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Gardening

Xeriscape a perfect solution for Colorado’s dry climate BY EVE GILMORE

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Outdoors

Hunting and fishing link us to those who come before us BY DENNIS SMITH

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Energy Tips

Seal our home to keep the warm in and the cold out BY BRIAN SLOBODA

DEPARTMENTS

We have the opportunity to find ways to tackle challenges BY KENT SINGER

published monthly for $9/$15 per year by Colorado Rural Electric

BY FREIA BRADFORD

Savory stews and soups will keep winter cold at bay BY LINH TRUONG

4 303-902-7276 800-626-1181

in rodeo

COLORADO COUNTRY LIFE (USPS 469-400/ISSN 1090-2503) is

or individual.

Rodeo legend Harry Vold and his wife, Karen.

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Viewpoint

Letters Calendar Co-op News NewsClips Industry Story Discoveries

COVER: COLORADO’S

HARRY VOLD ATOP OF ONE OF HIS FAVORITE HORSES AT THE NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HARRY VOLD’S COLLECTION.

With New Beginnings We have an opportunity to find new ways to tackle our challenges

BY KENT SINGER, CRE A E XECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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hen the Colorado General Assembly convenes on January 12 at the State Capitol building in Denver, many of the senators and representatives will need to wear those labels that say “Hi! My name is____.”

That’s because of the 100 Kent Singer members of the state legislature, 30 will be new to their jobs, having been elected in November.

With those new faces comes a shift in the balance of power in Colorado.

The Colorado House of Representatives, which had a Democratic 38-27 majority in the last session, now has a 33-32 Republican majority as the result of the election. The Republican majority has elected a new Speaker of the House (Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch) and has also determined the composition and focus of the various committees that will consider legislation.

The Republicans also picked up one seat in the Colorado Senate in November, but the Democrats maintain a 20-15 majority.

A similar shift occurred on the federal level, where the Republicans picked up 63 seats in the U.S. House of Re-presentatives and now hold their largest majority in over 60 years.

The Republicans also gained six seats in the U.S. Senate and reduced the Democratic edge to a count of 53-47. (The Independent and Democratic-Socialist senators caucus with the Democrats.)

So what is the significance of this power shift to the Colorado Rural Electric Association and the Colorado co-ops?

I believe there will be a couple of important impacts.

On the state level, I believe we will see a more balanced approach to energy policy. Over the last four years of Gov.

4 Colorado Country Life JANUARY 2011

Bill Ritter’s New Energy Economy, the Colorado legislature adopted 57 separate bills to implement new energy policies focused on the development of renewable energy and the promotion of energy efficiency. The electric co-op community supported some of these ideas, but tried to make sure that they were implemented in ways that did not result in significantly higher costs to Colorado ratepayers.

We are pleased that Governor-elect John Hickenlooper appears to be more open to electric co-op concerns when it comes to legislation. We were glad to accompany him on a tour of the Craig Station, one of our power generating plants, prior to the election, and we believe he understands that additional regulations can translate to higher power costs.

So, by “a more balanced approach” I mean that the recent emphasis on developing more environmentally-friendly power sources will and should continue, but we also have to recognize that Colorado’s homes and businesses will continue to rely on traditional sources of energy for the foreseeable future.

Make no mistake, we at CREA and our members have a significant investment in the continued development of the New Energy Economy because there are many benefits, including jobs, rural development and a more diversified power portfolio. In fact, last year the co-op community opposed an effort by an out-of-state group to dilute the renewable portfolio standard by allowing utilities to opt out from that standard.

But we also have a responsibility to our customers to provide reliable and affordable electric service, particularly

in light of the tough economic conditions that currently prevail in Colorado. At CREA, we will continue to fight for policies that protect rural electric members.

On the national level, it appears that any kind of regulatory move by Congress to regulate carbon will not occur in the near future. However, even if Congress does not act, the Environmental Protection Agency is forging ahead with administrative rules that would create new permitting requirements for power plants and other industrial emitters of greenhouse gases. We continue to believe that this is not an appropriate role for the EPA and that only Congress has the authority to determine how and whether or not to regulate these gases.

From a broader national perspective, there is no question that the most serious problems facing the country are the economic recession and the fearsome national debt. While energy policy is important and will continue to have a primary position in the local and national political discourse, it will likely take a backseat to other issues in the next Congress.

With a new Congress and new state legislature, it is a time to be optimistic that our elected leaders will have the intestinal fortitude to act decisively to address many of the problems facing Colorado the U.S. To do so, it will take innovative thinking and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.

Today’s political leaders would be wise to follow the advice of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Executive Director

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

Defining Moderate Increases I’m writing in regard to your News Clips article titled “Projections Call for Moderate Increases in Home Heating Bills With Winter Weather” (November 2010). I don’t consider an 8 percent increase in the price of propane to be moderate. I’m retired and there will be no increase in my Social Security payments for the second year in a row. The cost of much of what I buy has increased while my income has not.

Patricia Carey, Bellvue

Buoyed by Book Review Thanks to Julie Simpson for her lovely review of my book Crested Butte Stories … Through My Lens. I was flattered by her comments and wonderfully surprised by some book orders for Christmas. It was a treat to meet all the nice people who called.

I’ve always liked your magazine. Good work.

Sandra Cortner, Almont

Viewing Wildlife In reference to the letter (December 2010) concerning the November Outdoor article

by Dennis Smith, I can assure the writer that Dennis Smith’s outdoor ethics and his hunting ethics do not include riding around on a noisy contraption all day. I don’t know what the writer tried to read into the story, but I am sorry he missed the intention of the article.

John Stuart, Loveland

In regard to the Letter to the Editor (December 2010) regarding Dennis Smith’s November Outdoors article, I did not read the article. All I can say is that I have the fortunate privilege of seeing deer and bears in my own front yard. I get to view the elk wintering in the pastures in the valley.

I love the Animas Valley and I consider myself lucky.

Debbie Sterling, Durango

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end your letter to the editor by mail to 5400 S N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or by emailing it to mneeley@coloradocountrylife. org. You must include your name and address to be published. Letters may be edited.

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JANUARY 2011 Colorado

Country Life 5

JANUARY

CA L EN D A R Through March 18 near Dolores

January 15 in Leadville

January 22 in Grand Lake

February 2 in Pueblo

Keith Hutcheson Art Exhibition

State Snowshoe Championships

Moonlight Snowmobile Ride

Anasazi Heritage Center 3 miles west of Dolores, Highway 184 970-882-5600 www.co.blm.gov/ahc

Preregistration required 970-845-0931 pedalpwr@vail.net www.pedalpowerbike.com

Starts at Idleglen at 7 p.m.

Ride to Hatchett Park to watch the moon rise 303-908-6950 www.grandlakechamber.com

Head Games: Football’s Concussion Crisis

January 6-9 in Ouray

January 15-16 in Crested Butte

Ouray Ice Festival

USASA Half Pipe and Slopestyle Competitions

January 23 in Trinidad

Snowdown Winter Celebration

The Polar Bear Ball

Crested Butte Mountain Resort 970-349-1168 www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com

First Street Gallery 719-859-7702 www.historictrinidad.com/tourism/ events.html

Costume party, parade with a monster theme www.snowdown.org

Family events, ice-climbing competitions 970-325-4288 http://ourayicefestival.com

February 2-6 in Durango

January 19 in Crested Butte

Big Thunder Draft Horse Show

Full Moon Yurt Dinner Tour

January 25-27 in Greeley

Ranch-Way Feeds Indoor Arena at The Ranch January 14: 7 p.m.

January 15-16: 2 p.m.

970-619-4003 www.bigthundershow.com

Crested Butte Nordic Center 970-349-1168 www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com

The Colorado Farm Show

Winter Festival Contests, chili cook-off, carriage rides 970-577-9900 www.estesparkcvb.com/events.cfm

Island Grove Regional Park 970-356-9426 coloradofarmshow.com

Pikes Peak Ringers Concert

January 27 in Telluride

Abbey Events Center, Performance by a nonprofit handbell choir 7 p.m. www.canoncity.com/ community-calendar.php

Historic Pub Crawl Discover the history of Telluride’s watering holes Reservations required; starts 5 p.m.

970-728-3344 ext. 2 www.telluridemuseum.org/events.html

January 15 near Colorado Springs

Colorado Indian Market

January 27 in Crested Butte

Bob Taylor Memorial Ice Fishing Contest

The Denver Merchandise Mart 972-398-0052; 303-292-6278 http://indianmarket.net

ArtWalk Evening

January 21-22 in Winter Park

Downtown Crested Butte 5-8 p.m.

970-349-1168 www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com

Chef’s Cup Dinner and Dance January 15 in Grand Lake

Nordic Ski Fest Grand Lake Golf Course Free lessons; reservations required.970-627-8008 www.grandlakechamber.com

Winter Park Resort’s West Portal Station. Dinner and dance fundraiser 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

970-726-1564 www.playwinterpark.com/events

January 25-February 6 in Breckenridge

Snow Sculpture Championships Riverwalk Center parking lot and lawn 970-547-3100 www.townofbreckenridge.com

Nordic Ski Fest F or more information on these activities, visit www.coloradocountrylife. coop. Click on Events.

6 Colorado Country Life JANUARY 2011

February 4 in Fort Collins Downtown Fort Collins Special exhibitions, refreshments at galleries www.fortcollinsarts.com February 5 in Grand Lake

Winter Carnival Downtown Grand Lake Bedsled races, human bowling, more 970-531-1914 www.grandlakechamber.com February 5 in Durango

Bella Notte Handbell Concert St. Columba School gym 1801 E. Third Ave. Concert and Italian dinner 970-247-5527 February 7 in Grand Junction

Taste of Grand Valley Festival January 29 in Gunnison

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Downtown Steamboat Springs 970-879-0695 ext.100 www.sswsc.org

First Friday Gallery Walk

January 21 in Cañon City

January 22-24 in Denver

Antero Reservoir 50 miles west of Colorado Springs www.antero-icefishing-contest.com

February 2-6 in Steamboat Springs

Winter Carnival

January 14-16 in Loveland

January 14-17 in Estes Park

Lecture by Chris Nowinski Occhiato University Ballroom, 7 p.m.

719-549-2810

Hartman Rocks Recreation Area 970-349-1168 www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com

Two Rivers Convention Center 970-243-5364 www.visitgrandjunction.com/events

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC

Improvements or Politics

BY JIM HERRON, GENERAL MANAGER

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his month I would like such as climate change, is not to address some critical going to improve the reliability of areas of concern facing our electric system. The nation’s electric utilities. These issues electric power grid is growing were identified by CEO’s, genincreasingly complex and intereral managers, presidents, vice connected with a greater numpresidents and other executives ber of power buyers and sellers Jim Herron from the electric energy industry making a burgeoning number of at the 2010 Vital Issues Forum. transactions. This brings about uncertain The electric utilities have a history of changes in the way the grid is managed and providing affordable, reliable electricity stresses on our infrastructures they were based on sound engineering and technol- never designed to handle, which could ogy practices and a foundation of economic mean the lights may go out more often. principles. Unfortunately, the focus on Large power outages can cost millions in engineering and economics has been lost lost business and productivity, ultimately in government mandates and politics. This affecting an already struggling economy. change in focus has the industry uncertain In September 2010, a four-day “pulse on how to proceed to meet the future needs pool” of the 3500 delegates at the 21st World of the customers.

Energy Congress in Montreal was conducted It is never easy for anyone to accept or by Navigant Consulting. Those polled were understand why electric rates are increasing, comprised of energy producers, government but this is especially true during a recession when money is already tight. Fuel prices and increasing costs for infrastructure are usually picked as the obvious answer, but most people don’t realize the burden that costly regulations place on utilities. As a cooperative member, you have a direct source to learn of the impact legislative actions have on your electric rates. The “Our Energy, Our Future” campaign is one of the tools we have implemented to officials, consultants and academics from make not only our members aware of the five continents and more than 120 counenergy situation, but also our members of tries. Each day’s survey was aligned to one Congress. It is not something that we need of the four daily themes of the conference to focus on just for a short period of time, — accessibility, availability, acceptability but is an ongoing message. and accountability. Eighty-nine percent Utilities are constantly faced with new believed that the energy sector needs a regulations and mandates to implement. new regulatory framework to adapt to Compliance and implementation take effort, new environment and social requirements. time and money. The ability to provide “The international delegates echoed the cheaper electricity is impacted by these view held by many in the domestic industry challenges and the costs are passed on to that we need a regulatory overhaul to meet rate payers, or members. We are asking the industry’s emerging issues,” stated Bill lawmakers to keep energy policy fair, afford- Dickenson, Executive Managing Director able and achievable. A balanced approach at Navigant Consulting. to renewable energy remains an important Delegates also shared concerns about element for consideration. the lack of investment in infrastructure What Congress really needs to zone in in the energy sector. Two-thirds of the on is how to improve our infrastructure and respondents do not believe there is sufficient stop all the political maneuvering. Passing financing for energy projects and infrastrucmandates and discussing emotional issues, ture. Investment in new energy technoloWWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

gies was most cited as the area where the energy sector needs to make improvements, edging out environmental protection, managing CO2 emissions and adoption of sustainable development practices.

The delegates were split on whether or not the industry is on the right path forward with regards to developing new energy sources and addressing issues related to energy consumption. Asked if the world will achieve sustainability (a balance between fuel supply and consumption) in the energy sector by 2030, 47 percent believed it was achievable and 53 percent showed skepticism.

What we need to address is how to improve the electric technology and infrastructure in this country. Producing more renewable energy, in addition to what we already produce and dumping that onto the grid, strains it even further. One of

On behalf of the MVEA Board of Directors, staff and employees, I wish all of our members and their families a healthy and prosperous New Year.

the cures may be a “distributed power grid” in which hundreds of traditional and nontraditional generation sources and storage devices could supply power to the grid at various times and location, enabling less reliance on mega-scale power plants and giving the grid a broader, more stable foundation. But, with utilities struggling to keep up with all of Congress’ other mandates and regulations, there is little or no money to explore new solutions to our reliability issues.

I urge you to encourage your Congressmen to first address electric reliability, availability and affordability for you and the people of this nation before they dream up more regulation that ends up costing us more money and not improving our lives or the economy.

JANUARY 2011 Colorado

Country Life 7

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC

High Prairie Library Receives Books

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olorado Country Life magazine, through MVEA, donated approximately $230 worth of books to the High Prairie Library in Falcon. The books are recent publications that are a mix of fiction and nonfiction, including books

by Colorado authors. A huge thank you to the staff of CCL for the generous donation. The library opened on October 16, 2010, and is a much needed addition to the area. Previously, the closest library was on Union and Montebello. Located behind Farmers State Bank on Meridian and Highway 24, the library is open MondayTuesday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., and WednesdaySaturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. The library is closed on Sunday. Stop by and check out this beautiful new, energy-efficient library and the friendly staff.

(Back row left to right) Librarian Becky Campbell and library staff Vanessa Nash, Jenna Daugherty, Dale Auer, (front row left to right) Jennifer Owen and Julie Simmons show off the new books the library received.

NEW PHOTO CALENDAR CONTEST IN THE WORKS

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t seems unbelievable, but it is once again time for MVEA’s Photo Calendar Contest. This the eighth year and the calendar has just gotten better and better. Last year’s photos were incredible. MVEA invites you to send in your photos taken within MVEA’s territory and reflecting the seasons, people, lifestyle or landscape of the area. The winners will be included in the 2012 calendar. Please read the following guidelines carefully. The deadline for entry is July 1, 2011. If you have questions, please call the member service specialist at 719-495-2602 or 719-775-2861.

1. Only MVEA members, directors, employees and their family members are eligible.

2. Photos will not be accepted without a completed entry form. Cut out the form to the right and submit with photo or go online to www.mvea.coop, click on “Community” and then “Photo Calendar Contest.” Duplicate form if necessary.

3. Only two photos per person will be accepted. Submit a separate entry form for each photograph.

4. DO NOT WRITE YOUR NAME OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION ON THE PHOTOGRAPH. 5. Prints, CDs or disks will be accepted. It is not necessary to send enlargements. See note to digital camera users below.

6. Photos must have horizontal/landscape orientation.

7. DO NOT SUBMIT ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS. PHOTOS BECOME THE PROPERTY OF MVEA AND WILL NOT BE RETURNED. NO EXCEPTIONS. 8. Deadline: July 1, 2011. Mail to: Mountain View Electric Association, Member Service Specialist, 11140 E. Woodmen Road., Falcon, CO 80831.

Note to digital camera users: Resolution of digital photos printed on home printers is usually too low for commercial printing. If you submit a digital photo, be sure that you retain the original, untouched digital photograph, which would have to be submitted if your photo is chosen for publication. Resolution also needs to be at least 300 dpi.

8 Colorado Country Life JANUARY 2011

ENTRY FORM

2011 MVEA Photo Calendar Contest Name:_______________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________ City, State, ZIP:________________________________________ Home Phone:_ ________________________________________ Work Phone:__________________________________________ MVEA Account Number:_ ________________________________ E-mail Address:________________________________________ Describe Your Entry:_ ___________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

Limit two entries per person. Send a completed form with each entry.

Deadline is July 1, 2011. Copy or photocopy form for additional entries.

Mail to: MVEA, Member Service Specialist, 11140 E. Woodmen Rd., Falcon, CO 80831.

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MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC

BLACK FOREST FRIENDS CREATE EVER AFTER STORIES

BY D E B O R A H S K I L L I C O R N

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o you still have one of those tattered books from your childhood that you made your parents read to you over and over? Well, two authors from Black Forest are still creating those wonderful children’s books that will be cherished through the generations.

Sally Burr and Gail Ross have been friends for 20 years and had always talked about writing and illustrating a book for their children based on the animals of the Black Forest area. But with work and family, they never really had the time to make that dream happen. With the real estate market taking a downturn, Gail had some time on her hands, so the two friends got together and created their first book.

This book was originally written just for their children, and even though the result was extremely good, the two really had not thought about marketing their product.

When friends and relatives saw what beautiful work the two accomplished, they all wanted copies. Gail fired up her desktop printer and pumped out the books and she and Sally bound them. They were encouraged to print more books and take them to the Black Forest Art Guild Sale. The two put together 15 more books, thinking that would be plenty; however, those books, sold out in about 3 minutes.

At this point, the friends thought they might be onto something. So for the next two to three years, the duo continued to self publish, managed to write a second book and plan a series of books and characters, all still centered on the Black Forest. A friend suggested they take their books down to Borders bookstore, which was interested in books by local authors. The manager of the store sat down, read their books, and wanted the books in the store.

The rest is history. The books are now in stores in 23 states, in Barnes and Noble and 15 foreign countries. Gail’s husband, Chuck, is in charge of marketing.

Needless to say, Gail and Sally no longer publish on their desktop printer. They are currently published by Mother’s House Publishing in Colorado Springs. Their 12th and last book in their Black Forest Friends book series was released in December, and they have a new series based on Cheyenne

WWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

Authors Sally Burr and Gail Ross

Mountain Zoo animals in the works, along with a few individual books.

The illustrations in these books are beautiful watercolors that Gail and Sally paint together. It is fascinating how one of them starts on a painting and the other adds to it until they get the picture just right. “We wanted the art to be real,” Gail says. “All of the animals, trees, plants, everything you see in the illustrations are indigenous to

the Black Forest.”

The stories themselves each have a life lesson to be learned from the exciting adventures, or misadventures, of the main characters. There are also activities and facts about the animals of the Black Forest included in each book. If you love the illustrations, many are available for framing.

But Gail and Sally do much more with their books than just sell them in a bookstore. Both ladies make their characters come alive at workshops and encourage children to let their imaginations fly. They visit schools and other group settings to inspire children to develop a love of reading and learn about creating their own special worlds in writing, Gail says. They have several programs in a wide variety of subjects and can tailor them to fit the need and the age group.

If you would like to learn more about Gail and Sally and their beautiful books, illustrations and workshops, go to their website at www.everafterstories.com. Give your children stories they will treasure forever.

Country Kitchen

BY D E B O R A H S K I L L I C O R N

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ara Jane Hartman of Peyton contributed this month’s recipe. I was fortunate to taste this dish at her house while I was waiting for a tow truck to pick up my car, and it was delicious. Sara Jane used leftover Thanksgiving turkey for her filling, but you can also use chicken. Sara Jane is a microwave cooking guru and this turns out perfect in the microwave and also saves a ton of time. Thank you for your contribution, Sara Jane, and for keeping me warm.

Chicken Enchiladas 3-4 boneless chicken breasts, cubed and cooked or (leftover turkey) 1 can cream of chicken soup 3 cups grated cheese (Mexican mix is good) 1 small can chopped green chilies (optional) 1 can enchilada sauce (red or green) Tortillas

If you have a recipe you would like to share, send it to: MVEA, Attn: Deborah Skillicorn, 11140 E. Woodmen Road, Falcon, CO 80831. You will receive a $10 credit on your electric bill the month your recipe is published!

Place chicken or turkey in a microwave safe bowl. Add cream of chicken soup, 2 cups grated cheese and green chilies. Mix well.

Fill each tortilla, roll and place in a large shallow pan that will fit in your microwave. Pour enchilada sauce over rolled tortillas. Top with grated cheese. Seal and vent the container. Cook in microwave 8-10 minutes.

JANUARY 2011 Colorado

Country Life 9

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC

Be Prepared for Storm Outages

Pay Your Bill Online

Plan ahead for power outages that may accompany storms

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t’s hard to predict the weather, but it’s easy to prepare for it. Here’s how to plan ahead for unavoidable power outages that may accompany storms. p Listen to weather forecasts every day so you’ll know when high winds or heavy snows or ice are on the way. That kind of weather is most likely to affect power lines. p Prepare an outage kit that contains: a battery-powered radio, fresh batteries, a flashlight, candles, matches, a wind-up clock, bottled water, paper plates and plastic utensils. p Keep a stock of canned food in your cupboard along with a manual can opener.

Consider buying a camp stove and fuel that you can use (outdoors only) if you can’t cook on your electric stove.

p Tape MVEA’s phone number and your

account number on your refrigerator so it will be handy if you must report an outage. Do not take it for granted that your neighbor has made the call. Your cordless phones will not work so have a traditional phone or cell phone that you can use. p Dress in layers to stay warm during a winter outage. p Teach children to stay away from fallen or sagging power lines. They could be energized and dangerous, even if the power is out.

Our hope is that the weather will spare us; however, if we do have outages, we will restore your service as quickly as possible.

We also strive to keep our website up-todate on the outage situation so be sure to check it (if possible) for outage information.

IS YOUR WATER HEATER ENERGY EFFICIENT?

M

any consumers buy water heaters based only on the size of the storage tank. But what is actually more important is the first hour rating (FHR) provided on the Energy Guide label. This is a measure of how much hot water the heater will deliver during a busy hour. When you purchase a new water heater, think about your household’s largest demand and look for a unit with an FHR in that range.

Also look for a water heater with the highest energy factor (EF) which measures the efficiency of the water heater. The EF is based on recovery efficiency, standby losses and cycling losses. The higher the EF, the more efficient the water heater.

Electric water heaters have an EF ranging from 0.86 to 0.95; gas water heaters from 0.5 to 0.6, with a few high-efficiency models at around 0.8; oil water heaters from 0.7 to 0.85 and heat-pump water heaters from 1.5 to 2.0.

It also helps to install your water heater in an area out of the cold. Also, try to minmize the length of the pipes that must be run to your bathroom, kitchen and laundry.

Warranties on water heaters vary, so be sure to compare the warranties to 10 Colorado Country Life JANUARY 2011

make sure you are getting the best water heater for your money. MVEA sells Marathon water heaters through its offices at cost, in addition to giving rebates through MVEA and Tri-State Generation and Transmission on newly purchased electric water heaters. Although priced a little higher than an average electric water heater, the Marathon has a lifetime warranty and is one of the most energy-efficient water heaters on the market. It has a plastic tank, which prevents rust and corrosion, and foam insulation.

So, before you buy any water heater, be sure to check that little yellow tag on the side to make sure you know just what you are getting. For more information on energy efficiency credits go to MVEA’s website at www.mvea.coop.

Most people are surprised to learn that the second largest energy consumer in the home, after spaceconditioning, is water heating. Water heating uses more than 15% of the average home’s total energy use.

For the past several years, MVEA has offered its members the convenience of paying their electric bill online in a secure environment. Members can access their account information; view their bill, payment history and usage history and pay their bill with Visa, MasterCard or Discover 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Members using this service may also choose whether or not they receive a monthly printed statement in the mail. You can always view your paper bill image online.

By logging into your account through our “online bill pay” at www.mvea,coop you can also change your mailing address and phone number, request maintenance of an existing service, stop an existing service, request a new service and update your financial information.

If you want the ultimate in convenience, combine our budget billing for equal bills each month and automatic payment for your electric bill. You will receive notification through your email before the payment is drawn from your account. And, of course, you can always go online to check your account.

Go to www.mvea.coop and check out our services. If you have any questions about paying online, please give us a call at 719-775-2861 or 719-495-2283, or email us at billing@mvea.org.

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Controlling Costs Through Innovation.

It’s hard to predict the future, but one thing seems certain.

New government regulations will increase the cost of electricity.

Our energy efficiency programs help you manage your energy use, and we’re deploying state-of-the-art solutions to help control operating costs and improve service reliability. Find out how we’re Looking Out for You at www.crea.coop.

Colorado’s Electric Cooperatives

Out

Looking for

You

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JANUARY 2011 Colorado

Country Life 11

Last year’s Touchstone Energy six-horse draft hitch performs at the stock show.

Utilities in Colorado Save With Efficiency

E TOUCHSTONE ENERGY CONTINUES SUPPORT OF NATIONAL WESTERN STOCKSHOW

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olorado’s electric cooperatives will be there when Denver’s historic stockyards come to life in a few days as the 2011 National Western Stock Show plays host to more than 15,000 head of stock and hundreds of vendors, performers, rodeo competitors and much more January 8-23.

And for the 13th straight year, the region’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives will be a supporting sponsor of the event, presenting the popular six-horse draft hitch.

The hitch is one of the National Western’s top entertainment attractions and will be featured at 23 Pro Rodeo performances, two Mexican rodeo extravaganzas, the Martin Luther King Rodeo and the

annual NWSS Parade in downtown Denver. In addition to seeing the electric co-op Touchstone logo on the hitch, stock show attendees will see Touchstone Energy messaging in print and Internet promotions and throughout the event grounds. The Stock Show’s attendance historically exceeds 640,000 people during its 16-day run.

This year marks the 105th year of the NWSS. The first show opened on January 29, 1906. It ran for six days and it’s estimated that 15,000 people attended. That year’s grand champion steer sold for 33 cents a pound — 23 cents above the market price.

lectricity is being saved throughout Colorado thanks to aggressive energy efficiency programs put in place by the electric co-ops and other electric utilities. According to a recent report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Colorado electric utilities saved 203,344 kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2008.

Additional efficiencies were expected to be shown in the 2009 report since, according to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, utilities established efficiency budgets totaling $46.7 million for that year. And new programs are being added and de m a nd- s ide management is being expanded by several of the state’s electric utilities.

GREEN GOO LOVES CO2

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lgae are feasting on flue gases in a carbon capture test project being conducted in Kentucky. This is one of many research projects around the country working on ways to eliminate the carbon dioxide being emitted from coal-fired generating power plants.

Since last June, smokestack emissions from the 195-megawatt facility have been piped into 1,000 gallons of algae and water contained in six 8-foot-long “reactor” tubes. Algae in the “primordial green goo,” as workers call the mixture, need carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides from the emissions to grow.

The resulting “crop” contains rich amounts of oil, protein and carbohydrates. The company will experiment with turning the algae into byproducts, such as animal feed and vehicle biofuels.

—RE Magazine

12 Colorado Country Life JANUARY 2011

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Electric Co-ops Publish Newsletter Focusing on Renewables, Efficiency

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olorado’s electric cooperatives have been promoting energy efficiency for their member-owners since the co-ops’ inception. In recent years the co-ops have gotten involved in an even wider variety of renewable energy projects. However, these programs have often been carried out without a lot of fanfare or promotion.

To help members and others concerned with energy efficiency and renewable energy learn more about what the electric co-ops are doing, the Colorado Rural Electric Association publishes a monthly e-newsletter.

Called simply Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the newsletter is available to anyone interested in staying up to date with what electric co-ops are doing.

A recent issue announces a wind farm coming on line, a co-op working with one of the cities it serves on more efficient street lighting and a new solar array being planned for the Western Slope.

Anyone interested in subscribing to this free newsletter may email their email address to Editor Mona Neeley at mneeley@colorado countrylife.org. Stay current with what Colorado’s electric co-ops are doing.

Coal Remains Dominant Despite Shift

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lthough the future of carbon-capping Electric Cooperative Association and the legislation remains uncertain, its G&T Accounting & Finance Association. potential has U.S. electric generaFor the 39 G&Ts responding, 12,618 MW tors rethinking how coal fits into future fuel of new capacity is planned over the next mixes. And, although coal is far from being decade: 70 percent will be natural gas and replaced as a leading source of power, cheap only 13 percent will be coal. Of the $25 natural gas and lowered demand also will billion expected to be spent on generation, contribute to coal’s reduced role in coming $3 billion is flagged for coal-fired generation. years.

A wave of plant retirements is also on the Craig Plant —Tri-State Two investor-owned utilities with coalhorizon, according to SNL Financial. Along Generation and Transmission heavy portfolios recently announced plans with Xcel, Duke Energy, Progress Energy, to reduce the fuel’s slice of the pie in coming years, according to Southern Co. and the Tennessee Valley Authority have discussed SNL Financial. Xcel Energy, which serves in Colorado, currently plans to phase out older, less-efficient plants. draws 50 percent of its power from coal generation. Xcel and Recent analysis by energy consulting firm Wood Mackenzie Colorado’s Public Utilities Commission have been reviewing the predicts the pattern will only intensify in coming years. utility’s plans to trim coal’s contribution to Xcel’s resource mix “To put this into context, over the last decade, less than 30 by retiring 551 megawatts of older coal generation and bringing gigawatts of power plants have been retired in North America, new renewable generation on line and increasing nuclear output. mostly representing old gas- and oil-fired steam generators,” said In the eastern part of the country, American Electric Power Hind Farag, North American power research manager for Wood Co. plans to scale back coal generation from 66 percent cur- Mackenzie. “Over the next 10 years, retirements could double to rently to 58 percent by 2017, primarily by boosting natural gas 60 GW, mainly from coal plants.” generation to 27 percent, up from 22 percent in 2009. Nuclear Despite these projections, slowed demand growth could mean and renewable generation will be increased slightly. the cuts have little impact on coal’s dominance as a fuel. Coal’s Generation and transmission cooperatives such as Tri-State share of the generating mix is predicted to fall from 48 percent Generation and Transmission, which serves Colorado and neigh- in 2008 to 44 percent in 2035, according to U.S. Energy Inforboring states, also have a less coal-intense 10-year plan, according mation Administration data. to results of a recent survey conducted by the National Rural — Solutions News Bulletin

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JANUARY 2011

Colorado Country Life 13

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INDUSTRY

Prices Under Pressure Local electric co-ops work to keep electric bills affordable as energy challenges grow

BY MEGAN MCCOY-NOE, CCC

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ressure cookers are ideal for heating liquids without reaching a boiling point. Outside influences are sealed off, and as pressure builds a liquid withstands higher and higher heat. But if you apply too much pressure, the liquid explodes, popping a gasket in the process.

Electric co-ops face a similar situation. Pressures from new government regulations, rising fuel and materials costs, escalating demand for electricity and required investments in both adding generation as well as upgrading existing power plants have been climbing over the last decade. While the current economic downturn released some steam — such as causing electric demand to dip — this respite may just mark the “calm before the storm” when financial fortunes rebound and pressure builds again.

Let’s lift the lid to explore different pressures impacting your electric bills.

1.

Pressure point: Growing electric demand

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) predicts by 2030 residential demand for electricity will increase between 16 percent and 36 percent above 2007 levels.

Historically, electric co-op demand has risen faster than the industry average.

For example, before the recession hit co-op sales increased by 4.4 percent, while industry sales only increased by 2.6 percent between 2006 and 2007.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts industry demand will rebound by 5 percent in 2010 and estimates that with strong economic growth, electricity prices will jump 19 percent by 2035. However, the forecaster fails to factor in added costs of complying with new federal regulations aimed at curbing emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, from power plants.

14 Colorado Country Life JANUARY 2011

POWER USE MIRRORS OVERALL ECONOMY For a quarter century America’s electricity consumption climbed steadily, making it fairly easy to forecast and plan for power needs 10, 20 or even 30 years down the road. That changed in December of 2007 with the first signs of a recession.

As the nation’s economy slowed, electricity sales dropped 0.8 percent in 2008 and another 4.2 percent in 2009 — the greatest single decline in six decades. Commercial and industrial use was the hardest hit. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, net power generation nationwide in 2009 sank below 2004 levels. Electric co-ops primarily serve residential members so the downward trend wasn’t as severe, but it was still apparent.

“With the economic recession affecting electricity demand, forecasts of future demand have resulted in greater uncertainty for both shortand long-term planning horizons,” states a 2010 report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, an organization charged with overseeing reliability of the United States’ electric grid.

Further illustrating uncertainty, EIA released two different forecasts for the next 25 years hinging on the nation’s economic growth — predictions that don’t take into account the cost of impending federal regulations to curb carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, North American Electric Reliability Corporation

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INDUSTRY

2.

Pressure point: Added regulation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will begin regulating greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, this month — an action made possible by a 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision (Massachusetts v. EPA) that gave the agency a green light to consider imposing such controls. In late 2009, the EPA declared that six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, “endanger the public health and welfare” of current and future generations.

Although CO2 measures crowd headlines, the cumulative impact of new federal mandates for handling coal ash water and limiting hazardous air pollutants along with state (and perhaps federal) requirements for renewable energy generation could become a much more expensive hurdle.

During the past 20 years the EPA has used the federal Clean Air Act to slash nationwide emissions of nitrogen oxides, which contribute to smog, by 54 percent, and cut acid rain-causing sulfur dioxide emissions by 42 percent. That’s an impressive reduction, considering electricity use rose 64 percent over the same period. However, proven technology existed to achieve those results — something not currently available for removing carbon dioxide and other areas under scrutiny.

“The Clean Air Act as written was never designed to deal with carbon dioxide, and it could be awkward at best and probably a disaster at worst,” warns Glenn English, CEO of National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

“We’re entering an era where regulatory activities are going to play a more significant role in the electric industry than what happens on the legislative front,” asserts Kirk Johnson, NRECA vice president of energy and environmental policy, noting Congress has debated climate change policy for more than a decade without reaching a clear consensus. “Environmental statutes that have been on the books since the 1970s, especially the Clean Air Act, are like a one-way ratchet: They only tighten.”

Tighter emissions standards could have a multi-billion dollar impact on the cost of doing business for electric co-ops, adding more pressure to electric bills.

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3.

Pressure Point: Need for new power plants

Even as new regulations are announced, utilities must be ready to make quick decisions on moving forward with power plants to meet growing electricity demand — especially since the number of operating plants may start to fall, not rise.

“Because of these new rules, we’re expecting a number of current power plants to go offline and retire,” predicts Johnson. “The cost to comply with the rules may simply be too much.”

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which oversees the reliability of the bulk power system covering the United States and most of Canada, estimates that by 2017 peak demand for electricity will jump 135,000 megawatts — equivalent to the current amount of power used by the entire western half of the nation. Planned new generation resources will only provide another 77,000 MW, far short of the amount of energy AmeriBy 2017 peak demand cans will need. will climb by 135,000 Co-ops are working hard to relieve megawatts, equal the some of this pressure and delay the amount of power used need for new plants through energy efficiency programs. Most co-ops offer by the western half energy efficiency education. Many take of the nation. this a step further; 77 percent provide residential energy audits while 49 percent offer financial incentives for members to make efficient choices. But these measures can only go so far.

“When the economy turns around, co-ops will resume growing faster than other electric utilities,” remarks English. “We’ve got to be ready for that development and have new power plants planned and largely ready to go. However, co-ops must first know how carbon dioxide and other rules could impact the price of power to make prudent decisions.”

4.

Pressure point: Cost of materials

Every year that investments in new power plants are delayed jacks up the final price tag. Worldwide, steel prices soared 42 percent between 2009 and 2010 while costs for other construction supplies like nickel and concrete jumped as well.

Materials costs for distribution co-ops are also climbing. Prices for copper, a critical raw material used for wire and to ground electrical equipment, reached a 27-month high at the end of 2010. Between 1990 and 2010 in the north-central part of the nation the price tag on utility poles, towers and fixtures skyrocketed 98 percent while line transformers spiked 154 percent.

“Electric co-ops have an obligation to keep the lights on and electric bills affordable at a time when the costs for fuel and raw materials to build new generation are steadily rising,” acknowledges English. “Combined with costs of additional regulatory compliance, these are just some of the pressure points that will affect electric bills in years to come — all of which are largely beyond the control of local co-ops.”

U.S. Energy Information Administration, North American Electric Reliability Corporation

JANUARY 2011

Colorado Country Life 15

What makes a rodeo legend? Did it happen when a saddle bronc was turned out of the chute at the Vold brothers’ Asker Stampede in 1944?

RODEO LEGEND Gentleman Cowboy — Harry Vold

BY FREIA HOOPER-BRADFORD

16 Colorado Country Life JANUARY 2011

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n a time when integrity has gone out of style, Harry Vold still lives by the code of the West. Supplying bucking stock to 12 of the leading rodeos in the country, Harry seals every deal with a handshake. He moves among the kind of businessmen and women who live by their word. “They’d be insulted if I came up with a paper contract,” he says.

For this and many other reasons, Harry Vold is a household name in the rodeo world. Another reason is simply because he’s been around so long. Harry has been supplying the f lashiest bucking stock to rodeos for 60 out of his 86 years. Ty Murray, seven-times all-around world rodeo champion; Marty Wood, world champion saddle bronc rider; and Harry Tompkins, eight-time world champion bull and bronc rider have all ridden into fame on the back of Harry’s stock. And then there are also Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee Larry Mahan and the legendary Jim Shoulders and Casey Tibbs (now in cowboy heaven). Their brilliant rodeo careers were not only due to their athletic skills, but also to Harry’s bucking horses and bulls.

But then you don’t have to ask for testimonials to discover the depth of Harry’s contribution to the rodeo world. Proof can be found in a collection of saucer-sized silver buckles that cover tables made from wagon wheels in the Vold home. A sample of the gold inscriptions read “Stock Contractor of the Year” for eight consecutive years and “1985 PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association) Man of the Year.” They join the collection of nine silver-adorned halters for Angel Sings, Rusty, Wrangler Savvy, and other bucking horses of the year. Harry is especially proud of Bobby Joe Skoal, three time world champion, and his 777, his world champion bull.

Every inch of the walls in the original homestead on Harry’s Red Top Ranch near Fowler is covered with photos that tell of a life few men can top. It is doubtful that there is any famous rodeo rider from the past 60 years who is not in one of Harry’s photographs.

Despite all the fanfare and fame, Harry is a modest man who takes pride in having

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Harry Vold is a rodeo legend with all of his buckles measuring his accomplishments.

contributed his part to rodeo. Without exceptional bucking stock, a rodeo is — well — just another show.

His humility may stem in part from a recognition that happenstance played a part in his destiny. That, and an appreciation for where he is now in comparison to his humble beginnings.

“I started from nothing,” he recalls.

He was born in 1924 in Ponoka, Alberta, Canada. His daddy, Nansen Vold, immigrated to Canada from North Dakota, making a living buying, selling and trading horses. The Great Depression colored young Harry’s growing years and taught him to value every cent. His brother Clifford earned a dollar a day on roundups, which was cut to 50 cents as the depression deepened. Vold remembers Clifford winning the bucking horse event at the Ponoka rodeo. Six dollars was as much as a week’s wages. “Back then,” Harry says, “the bucking horses were snubbed to another

horse. There were no chutes or fancy facilities.” That wild and dusty Ponoka rodeo, the introduction to Harry’s future, would later become the second largest rodeo in Canada next to the famous Calgary Stampede.

Although Ponoka was Harry’s start in rodeo, he still had to pay his dues before rodeo would become his calling. Working in the horse business with his daddy was a way to scrape by. Even good horses brought not much more than a hundred dollars during those hard times. Regardless of tough times and though he needed a job, Harry’s mother had ideas different than rodeo work for her son.

“My mother, born and raised in Oslo, Norway, figured that as a 16 year old, I had better learn manners,” Harry remembers.

Kirsten Vold shipped Harry off to a Youth Training School in Bashaw, Alberta, where teaching manners was the most important part of the curriculum.

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Colorado Country Life 17

Harry and Karen Vold are an extraordinary rodeo couple.

The Vold children Wayne, Doug, Dona and Darce spend time on a Canadian ranch during their childhoods.

[continued from page 17] today,” Harry shakes his head with a bit of sadness. “We learned to set a table, stand up when a lady entered the room and remove our hats.”

Those “manners” would become an integral part of doing business in the growing world of rodeo.

When he finished school, Harry returned home to help his father. The horse business had recovered and horses started to bring a decent price. Fortunes continued to improve when Leo Cremer, a rodeo stock contractor and producer from Big Timber, Montana, sent a representative to Canada to ship stock to Montana.

Destiny once again intervened and would lead, although not obvious at the time, to Harry’s legendary success in rodeo.

It started when, in 1952, disaster struck Harry’s rodeo business. The Canadian border closed because of an outbreak of hoof-and-mouth disease. “We couldn’t ship horses anymore, and there was nothing we could do with them, couldn’t even sell them,” Harry recalls.

That desperate time turned into an opportunity. Harry offered the bucking stock to the Ponoca Stampede for free.

The horses were good broncs and caught the eye of the neighboring town of Stettler.

“They paid $8 a head for 40 horses for three days,” Harry says. The rodeo business started to look real good.

Those first years of supplying bucking

truly “ride like an Indian” and knew every trick in the book about rounding up horses.

Young Harry also learned plenty of horse sense from other top cowboys. “I worked with cowboy Lawrence Bruce. He taught me more than anyone,” Harry says. He also credits Bruce with teaching him the skills of rounding up, roping and handling rough stock. On the Vold Red Top Ranch, Harry handles his seasoned bucking horses as well as his up-andcoming colts the old-fashioned way. No four wheelers. No chutes for branding.

If you work on the Red Top Ranch, you’ve got to be a real cowboy or cowgirl.

As Harry gained a reputation, he was also in competition with other stock contractors. A good relationship with the largest stock contractor at the time, Beutler Brothers, led to a partnership that became Beutler, Vold, and Cervy and was based in the United States. After four years, Vold decided to work independently and eventually became the largest rodeo stock contractor in the U.S. Today, he supplies bucking horses and bulls in 15 states. And he’s still on the road.

Harry was highly regarded as an auctioneer and owned a livestock auction barn. “I couldn’t be a real homebody,” he says, looking at his pretty wife, Karen. “It takes a special wife to put up with that kind of life.”

And Karen Vold is a special wife. She

18 Colorado Country Life JANUARY 2011

stock to rodeos far from home demanded tough hands to drive horses dozens of miles. “We drove as far as 150 miles, poking along,” Harry recalls. “We’d spend up to one week on the trail, and pay was 25 to 30 cents a day.”

Although Harry has fond memories of grub served from a chuck wagon and sleeping on the ground in bedrolls after trailing horses 25 miles per day, he certainly appreciated the railroad. As his business grew, he could finally afford the luxury of shipping his bucking stock by train. Rodeos wanted fresh horses, ready to buck, and Harry could deliver them over long distances by rail. Today, he wishes he could still ship by rail, but bucking stock is now transported in stock trucks. “The railroad is safer and more reliable, no breakdowns on the road,” he says.

During those early years of driving bucking horses, the drovers had to have a lot of cowboy savvy. “There are tricks to controlling a herd,” says Harry. He remembers learning early in life how to handle horses that want to stampede.

“You don’t drive horses from behind. You are out to the sides and in front.” Harry learned valuable skills from the Sarcee tribe when he grazed large herds of horses on their reservation. Harry talks with admiration particularly about Rupert Crowchild, a horseman who he says could

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is an extraordinary woman who was a trick rider on the rodeo circuit and still teaches trick riding at the Red Top Ranch. Karen Womack Vold is in the Cowgirl Hall of Fame, while husband Harry is in the Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Harry met Karen when he hired his wife’s group of trick riders for one of his rodeo specialty acts in Wainwright, Alberta.

They were rained out but traveled to the next rodeo and continued performing in the U.S.A. She caught his eye, and eventually he caught her hand in marriage.

Karen was born and raised in the rodeo business and is no stranger to the vagabond way of life that makes their business so successful.

Harry, although he regrets his busy schedule when his children were growing up, must have done something right, seeing as all of his children are not only involved with but also love and live the rodeo life. “They were all good kids,“ Harry says with obvious admiration. “None of them gave us any trouble.”

Daughters Darce and Dona and son Doug own the Triple V Rodeo Stock Company. Darce has proved herself in the rodeo world. Likewise, Dona, also a horsewoman, has followed in her father’s footsteps as a rodeo contractor. Daughter Nancy (who passed away in 2008) Doug rode in and worked rodeos, was also a first-rate saddle bronc rider, inducted into the Canadian Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame. Wayne is the oldest, also inducted into the Canadian Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame. He owns a rodeo stock contracting business in Canada and proved himself early in his career with saddle bronc titles. Daughter Kirsten is now manager of the Vold Rodeo Corporation. Like her mother, she was a talented trick rider. After graduating from college, she was the only member of the family who drifted away from the life of rodeo, but that separation didn’t last long. She earned a degree in marketing and after two years, Kirsten came home to follow what’s in her blood.

If you want to see a proud daddy, just look at Harry. He doesn’t need to praise his children because it’s written all over his face. About Kirsten he brags, “She has all the horses on a computer. I use a pad and 25-cent lead pencil.”

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The Vold clan’s home is an 1865 homestead on the 32,000-acre Red Top Ranch a ways out of Avondale. Harry and Karen still live in the house, although they added onto the original homestead. When I visited, we were comfortably seated in the ‘new part’ at a round table that could accommodate the entire Vold clan. A bull hide Karen had brought from Brazil covered the table. Handsome western art added a sense of gracious western living. The surprise came when Harry invited me into the homestead part of the house.

Next visit, I promised myself to take a few hours —although that would not be

horse.

“I’ve always had black horses,” he says.

“This latest black horse, Scott, is quite a looker, but also bombproof.” Vold wouldn’t let much grass grow under his horse’s hoofs even when he had to stay on the ground for a time because of a knee replacement. “The knee problems probably started 50 years ago,” he says, “I chased horses in Canada and I had one fall with me.”

Although there is no doubt he could still ride with the best, Vold no longer rides pickup. Pickup riders pick up the bronc rider — provided he stays on — aside from taking the bucking horse out of the arena. Vold explains that he hires only the best pickup men and clowns (bull fighters that who keep the cowboy out of danger). It’s just another way of doing things right.

Once rodeo season is over, ending in mid-September with only two rodeos remaining the rest of the year, Vold gets to enjoy his handsome ranch. The stone ranch buildings with red roofs cut silhouettes into the expansive prairie sky.

A new crop of colts — possible future champion bucking horses — that already dwarf the average riding horses turn and race into the infinity of the land.

They have plenty of good grass nurtured Harry always takes time to visit with the by prairie thunderstorms. “I feel very cowboys and performers at the rodeo events. blessed when the horses get fat and enough — to check out the museum-sized strong and are in good shape,” Vold says collection of memorabilia. It’s safe to say with a smile. there are a thousand photos of rodeo stars, Harry and Karen’s home snuggles dozens of champion bucking horses and under trees by the Huerfano River. It’s bulls, honorable awards, and gifts of admi- the sort of ranch you could stay home on ration and gratitude all the time, but Harry Vold, even at age No doubt, Vold is proud of his accom- 86, is still a vagabond. He already looks plishments, but he takes greater pride in forward to another busy summer and how others respect and remember him. to his favorite rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier He pointed at a headdress from the Sarcee Days, the daddy of ’em all. He’s looking tribe in Canada when it made him hon- forward to providing a couple thousand orary Chief. The name Chief Many animals, horses for rodeo queens and Horses fits Vold perfectly. That respect dignitaries, selecting specialty acts, and obviously means more to Vold than the being with the 1,300 contestant. Every bottom line. one of the contestants, by the way, will Countless friendships keep Vold actively know who Harry Vold is. involved in rodeo, but it’s also in his blood.

Not much can keep this rodeo man from Freia Hooper Bradford knew Harry Vold during being in the saddle. Vold isn’t just a rodeo the late ’60s and ’70s, when her husband Joe businessman, he is a genuine cowboy who Hooper put on weekly rodeos at Paradise Ranch. wouldn’t think of quitting. And, if you see Freia worked as a pickup rider and remembers, Harry Vold in the Grand Entry at any of “Even for an amateur rodeo, we got really good his rodeos, he will be mounted on a black bucking stock from Harry Vold.”

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Colorado Country Life 19

Soul-Warming Soups Prepare savory stews and soups during winter’s blustery days

BY LINH TRUONG

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o keep your family warm during those cold Colorado winter days, serve them a delicious soup or stew. Convenient and versatile, these savory meals can be cooked on the stove top, in a slow cooker or even over a campfire.

Colorado Green Chili (Chili Verde) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 1/2 pounds cubed pork stew meat salt and pepper to taste 1 large yellow onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups chopped, roasted green chilies 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice 1 1/2 cups tomatillo salsa 5 cups chicken broth 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1 pinch ground clove Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over mediumhigh heat. Season the pork with salt and pepper to taste, then place into the hot oil. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 7 minutes. Once browned, remove the pork and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium, and stir in the onion and garlic. Cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes.

Return the pork to the pot and stir in the green chilies, diced tomatoes with juice, tomatillo salsa and chicken broth. Season with oregano and clove. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove 2 cups of the soup (ensure there are no pork cubes in it), and pour into a blender. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree until smooth, then pour back into the cooking pot. This will create a thicker texture for your chili and will eliminate some of the chunky bits of chiles.

Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pork is very tender, at least 35 minutes more.

Courtesy of www.allrecipes.com

Fail-safe Potato Soup 1 cup chopped onion 8 large potatoes, cubed 2 chicken bouillon cubes 2 tablespoons margarine or butter 2 tablespoons parsley or dried parsley flakes 6 cups water 2 cups milk (or evaporated milk) 1/2 cup flour Combine first six ingredients in slow cooker on low heat for about 6 hours. About 30 minutes before dinner, mix milk (or evaporated milk) with flour and stir into the soup. When the soup has thickened, it’s ready. (Note: To create a fabulous Potato-Cheese Soup, just add 1/4 pound of grated cheese.)

Courtesy of www.coloradopotato.org

e 20 Colorado Country Life JANUARY 2011

F or more soup and stew recipes, visit our website at www.coloradocountrylife. coop. Click on Recipes.

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Bonus recipe: We know this isn’t a soup but the recipe is so delicious we had to share it with our readers.

Sweet Onion Soup 2 sweet onions, peeled, cut in half and sliced thin 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 2/3 cup sparkling white wine 1/2 cup heavy cream 2/3 cup water salt to taste Combine sweet onions and olive oil in cold pot. Put over low heat and let onions sweat. Salt slightly to prevent onions from caramelizing. Stir occasionally.

When onions have released most of their juices (about 2 hours), add sparkling white wine and cook another hour. When all alcohol is cooked off, remove from heat and blend in blender, then strain through a fine sieve. Whisk in cream and water, and add salt to taste. Chill or serve hot.

Ever made soup that was too salty?

Lentil Soup 1/4 cup olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 carrots, diced 2 stalks celery, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon dried basil 2 cups dry lentils 8 cups water 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes 1/2 cup spinach, rinsed and thinly sliced 2 tablespoons vinegar salt to taste ground black pepper to taste In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots and celery; cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in garlic, oregano, bay leaf and basil; cook for 2 minutes.

Stir in lentils, and add water and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve stir in spinach, and cook until it wilts. Stir in vinegar, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add more vinegar if desired.

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All you need to do is place a raw potato into your soup pot and simmer it with the soup for about 15 minutes. Not only does the potato absorb the extra salt, but as an added snack for the cook, it also absorbs all that flavor and becomes a fantastic taste treat.

Sweet Potato Soufflé 2 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium-large) 1/2 cup sugar 2 eggs 6 tablespoons butter, melted 1 cup milk* 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Topping: 3/4 cup crushed cornflakes 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup brown sugar 6 tablespoons butter, melted

Mix all base ingredients. Pour into 9-inch square casserole dish. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Mix topping ingredients, spread evenly over partially baked soufflé and bake an additional 10 minutes. * (If you are using canned instead fresh potatoes, decrease milk to 2/3 cup.)

Courtesy of Pam Wood

Classic Minestrone 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 leek, sliced 2 carrots, chopped 1 zucchini, thinly sliced 4 ounces green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced 1 1/2 quarts vegetable stock 1 pound chopped tomatoes 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, with liquid 1/4 cup elbow macaroni salt and ground black pepper to taste Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add leek, carrots, zucchini, green beans and celery. Cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Stir in the stock, tomatoes and thyme. Bring to a boil, then replace the lid and reduce heat to low; simmer gently for 30 minutes. Stir in the cannellini beans with its liquid and pasta. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

JANUARY 2011

Colorado Country Life 21

Gardening High and Dry Exactly what does it mean to landscape through Xeriscape?

BY EVE GILMORE

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hat is Xeriscape? Good question.

If you’ve heard different things and are confused, you aren’t the only one. Defining xeriscape is a slippery slope. The root word “xeri” comes from the Greek word for dry, and “scape” is of course in reference to landscape. I pronounce it “zairy-scape” to clarify that it is not “zeroscape.” Beyond that, I’ve been on a quest to uncover the original intent for the word and the practice as well as the common usage now, covering a 30-year period. From what I gather, it can be broken down into three separate stages over the course of its development. (No wonder there’s confusion!)

“No water” gardening One school of thought, perhaps the most foundational in Xeriscape’s evolution, is born of the notion that dry means dry, and that a dry landscape is just that: One where no water is added by the hand of humans. Plants are planted that are suited to the particular climate, soil and general conditions. This categorization includes many plants native to the region where they are being planted. It closely, if not exactly, resembles dryland gardening, as discussed in Robert Nold’s book, High and Dry: Gardening with Cold-Hardy Dryland Plants. This method is also called “no water gardening,” which nicely bypasses any ambiguity.

Xeric plants In my experience, what has become the most common working definition of Xeriscape at this juncture is one that embraces plants considered xeric. This means a plant that has relatively low water needs. However, as Nold pointed out in a recent interview (for more on my interview with Nold and more ideas about Xeriscape, see www. xeriscapegardens.com), a plant such as agastache, generally considered xeric, is from southern Arizona where the rainfall pattern is different than it is in Colorado.

This means that although it requires little water, it requires it at a specific time of year to be successful. Plants like these, then, still demand irrigation when planted in 22 Colorado Country Life JANUARY 2011

Seven principles of Xeriscape Xeriscape gardening is perfect alternative in Colorado’s dry climate.

Colorado even though they are considered xeric. Most Xeriscapes today would not make it without ongoing irrigation, which contradicts the translation of Xeriscape from its root words.

While it seems to me a step in the right direction, I would like to think that watered xeriscapes (an oxymoron, right?) are a stepping stone, something more palatable to the masses than the first notions of what it may have been. But eventually, I for one would like to see us in Colorado, the birthplace of Xeriscape (as of 2004, Xeriscape public education programs existed in cities in 42 states), get back to its roots where less and eventually no water is used in our landscapes. That would be Xeriscape to its truest definition.

Eve Gilmore is a garden coach, consultant, and designer with Gardens by Eve, LLC in Durango.

For more tips and discussion check out her blog at www.xeriscapegardens.com.

Denver Water is credited with making the notion of Xeriscape more official. According to its website, (www.denverwater.org/Conservation/Xeriscape/), “Denver Water coined the word in 1981 to help make low-water-use landscaping an easily recognized concept.”

Seven principles were assigned to this version of landscaping to help define what Xeriscape means, what it is and how a gardener could go about practicing it. They are: 1. Planning and design 2. Soil improvements 3. Efficient irrigation 4. Hydrozones 5. Mulch 6. Turf alternatives 7. Maintenance According to some versions of this definition, the water requirements of any plant could be met as long as it is grouped with other plants with the same needs, which sums up the idea behind hydrozoning.

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The Duke of the Chutes

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odeo stock contractor Harry Vold has won nearly every award in rodeo, and now a new book, the first ever written on Vold, chronicles his 60 years in the business.

The Duke of the Chutes: Harry Vold’s Sixty Years in Rodeo, was written by Loren R. Whittemore, a Colorado rancher and long-time rodeo enthusiast. “Harry’s story exemplifies the ideals of the American West: patriotism, perseverance, hard work, and faith,” says Whittemore.

In the 144-page hardcover book illustrated with Vold family photos, Whittemore digs deep into Vold’s Canadian roots, profiles his entrance into rodeo contracting, and highlights remembrances of rodeo legends such as Leo Cremer, Harry Knight and Gene Autry. The book chronicles how the Harry Vold Rodeo Company has managed and produced some of the largest rodeos around, including 33 consecutive years as the Cheyenne Frontier Days stock contractor.

“My goal has always been to produce top rodeos all over North America and to have the best stock at the biggest and best rodeos, featuring the top cowboys,” says Vold. The story also tells how Vold and his family created a rodeo dynasty in the United States and in Canada.

The 86-year-old cowboy was also recently inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association also honored Vold with the ProRodeo Hall of Fame Legend Award at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, as Vold is one of only two contractors to have supplied stock for the entire 50-year history of the WNFR. The Duke of the Chutes hardcover book is now available book stores or direct from the publisher, Filter Press Books, by calling 888-570-2663 or visit www.filterpress.com.

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— Robert Browninga

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JANUARY 2011 Colorado

Country Life 23

Connections Hunting, fishing, outdoor living links us to our ancestors

BY DENNIS SMITH

S

ome of us had the remarkably good fortune to grow up in a time or place where hunting and fishing were pursued as a matter of course rather than just for the sport of it all. If you were one of those fortunate few, if you hunted or fished, you could bet your relatives, friends and neighbors did too. Likewise, fish, game and other wild bounty were significant, if not critical, entrées in your diet.

I was one of the fortunate. In my neck of the woods, bluegills, bullheads and brook trout were spring and summertime staples at the dinner table. Come fall, southern-fried rabbit, squirrel and the occasional pheasant graced our tables.

Likely as not, venison and ruffed grouse rounded out the larder. Our neighbor lady, Old “Ma” Myers, was regionally famous for her spaghetti sauce concocted from the meat of gray squirrels. I’d give anything to have her recipe today, although I would be hard pressed to find a gray squirrel in Colorado — much less one raised almost exclusively on a diet of white oak acorns, beech and hickory nuts and black walnuts.

I still distinctly remember making midsummer expeditions with neighbors and church groups to fill our tin pails and milk buckets with the supersweet strawberries and jumbosized black cap mushrooms that grew wild in our area. We also took September jaunts to forage for juicy, blue -bla ck huck leber r ie s i n t he boulder-studded hills close by. The ladies turned them into fresh pies and preserves and canned the rest for special desserts on cold winter nights. Berrying was a big social deal back then — and a delicious adventure for a 6-year-old. Nothing you could

24 Colorado Country Life JANUARY 2011

buy in a supermarket today approaches the intensely sweet, lip-smacking flavor of those wild, hand-picked berries.

Very few of us hunt or fish to live anymore, but some of us still live to hunt and fish. Some do it for its demanding challenges, some for the satisfaction of practicing ancient skill sets. Some do it for the meat. For those with strict dietary restrictions, hunting or fishing remains one of the few ways to obtain food free of antibiotics, synthetic steroids, artificial growth hormones, nitrates, sulfites or insecticide residues.

But I’d venture to say many of us hunt because we find that it deepens our sense of connection to the surrounding natural world and sharpens our awareness that we too are animals — not separate from them but twisted together with them in one great braid of life. We hunt because it not only brings us into the wild, it also brings the wild into us. We are inextricably linked to our ancestors, genetically predisposed to follow in the footsteps of our fathers, grandfathers and greatgrandfathers who hunted before us.

I received an email today from a reader who was excited to tell me that his young 16 -year-old fr iend, Colton Mullinix, had just taken his first deer — a huge 6 x 5 white-tailed buck. I wasn’t able to get the details before my deadline, but I think it’s especially telling that Colton was in the company of his brother, Clayton; his father, Brad; and his grand father, Ralph, when he made the kill. They were all there making those important connections at an important time.

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Read outdoor columns at www.colorado countrylife.coop. Click on Outdoors.

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Stopping the Draft Seal your home to keep the warm in and cold out … or vice versa

BY BRIAN SLOBODA, COOPERATIVE RESEARCH NETWORK

W

hat are some energy-efficient and cost-effective ways to deal with a drafty house?

When a home feels too cold or too warm, folks often purchase air conditioners or space heaters to improve comfort. In most cases, these appliances only address the symptoms, not the actual issue. However, there are two simple and relatively inexpensive solutions to the problem — sealing air leaks and adding insulation.

To find leaks, walk around your house on a cold day and feel for drafts around exterior doors and windows, electrical outlets and entrance points for television and telephone cables. In basements, target dryer vents, gas lines and any other place with an opening in the wall.

To fix leaks, apply caulk, spray foam or weather stripping to these areas. Spray foam is the best option for large openings, but be careful: The foam expands and can damage weak wood and loose brick. When purchasing caulk, pay careful attention to whether it is rated for interior or exterior use and if you can paint over it.

An insulation kit can provide a temporary solution for older windows during the winter. This method requires applying a clear plastic sheet to the interior of windows, then using a hair dryer to remove wrinkles and make the sheet almost as clear as the glass.

If your home has a forced air heating or cooling system, consider sealing the ductwork. According to Energy Star, a standard for rating energy-efficient consumer products, about 20 percent of the air moving through ductwork is lost through leaks and holes. For exposed duct work in basements or attics, a duct sealant can be applied — either tape, aerosol or mastic — depending on the skill level of the person performing the application.

Once leaks are sealed, focus on places where insulation could be added. Insulation is your home’s first line of defense when it comes to keeping out heat and cold. Insulation can be made of fiberWWW.COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.COOP

Adding the right kind of insulation in the right places can keep your home warmer

glass (batt or blown), cellulose, rigid foam board, spray foam or ref lective (also called radiant barrier) forms. Your local hardware store can help you choose the one that best fits your area and particular needs.

When buying insulation, consider its R-value. Typical insulation levels for an attic range from R-30 to R-60, while floor requirements vary from R-13 to R-30.

Walls provide the biggest challenge for adding insulation. Ideally, wall insulation can be added when siding is being replaced.

In most areas of the country, either R-5 or R-6 insulative wall sheathing would be put into place and then the wall would be filled with blown-in insulation. If your home does not have siding or you won’t be replacing it anytime soon, you can also cut holes in the wall to blow the insulation in.

But be careful: This is generally a tricky

undertaking and can cause significant damage if not done properly.

Sealing up those air leaks and adding insulation can significantly increase the comfort and the energy efficiency of your home. Get to work using some of these easy and relatively inexpensive solutions to seal your home against the elements and enjoy a warmer home this winter.

Brian Sloboda is a program manager specializing in energy efficiency for the Cooperative Research Network, a service of the Arlington, Virginia-based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

The Cooperative Research Network monitors, evaluates and applies technologies that help electric cooperatives control costs, increase productivity and enhance service to their consumers.

Additional research provided by ESource.

JANUARY 2011 Colorado

Country Life 25

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Colorado Country Life 27

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD Please type or print your ad on a separate paper. Indicate how many months you would like your ad to run and which month to start. There is a minimum of 12 words at $1.63 per word/month. Be sure to include your full name and address for our records. Check MUST accompany this order or call to pay with a credit card. Send your ad to: Mail: Colorado Country Life

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ANTIQUES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

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(858-10-11)

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Some parts available. Free estimates. 719-924-9192. (87402-11)

ANTLERS ANTLER CHANDELIERS made only from REAL antlers. We are the manufacturer and we sell all of our products at wholesale prices; save as much as 60% from store prices. Many other antler products and mounts, including giant 5’ Moose Mount, 56” Elk Mount and giant Moose Paddles.

Showroom open May 15 through October 15 in Granby, CO. 15 years at this location, over 900 satisfied customers!

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BOOKS LET US PUBLISH your book!

We can take your manuscript, design a cover, edit and format it, and print it. Check us out.

Personalized service is our specialty. 719-749-2126. www. peakvistapress.com (93303-11)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (These opportunities have not been investigated by Colorado Country Life.)

BEGIN YOUR OWN BUSINESS! Mia Bella Candles/Gifts/ Beauty. Try the best! www. naturesbest.scent-team.com.

Free weekly drawing. Great income potential. (831-01-11)

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INSTANTLY RENEW METAL, rubber, flat roofs. Saves replacement. Email aztec collc@socket.net, 573-4899346. (938-08-11) K-LAWN – LAWN FERTILIZING business opportunity. Parttime seasonal work. Be your own boss. NOT a franchise.

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CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS

FOR SALE

POULTRY/GAMEBIRDS

1995-2010 — SUBARUS, Foresters, Outbacks, Imprezas, WRXs and Tribecas! Great Prices! One-Year Warranty!

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2005 40 FT. ALFA GOLD motorhome, diesel, loaded, 2 slides, non-smokers, new $400K, now $145K, 970-5224600 (899-02-11)

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FREE – 5 EXOTIC CHICKS or 3 ducks with 100 frypan special @ $35.95 plus shipping.

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Cackle Hatchery – PO Box 529, Lebanon, MO 65536. www. cacklehatchery.com. (87607-11)

CLOCK REPAIR & RESTORATION DURANGO AREA. CLOCKS of all kinds repaired. Antique and modern. Call Robert 970-2477729. (109-03-11)

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DIET FOOD DISCOUNT DIET FOOD. Highest quality, lowest prices. Our plan or yours. Diethighprotein. com. (763-06-11)

FARM MACHINERY & PARTS SAWMILL EXCHANGE: North America’s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial equipment for woodlot owners and sawmill operations. Over 800 listings.

THE place to sell equipment.

800-459-2148 www.sawmill exchange.com. (267-03-11)

FINANCIAL SERVICES TIRED OF STOCK MARKET volatility? Low rates of return on your CD’s? Now you can earn 8% guaranteed with no risk to your principal, ever, as well as tax-deferred growth, guaranteed lifetime income, and liberal withdrawal benefits.

For more information, please contact Thad Scholl at Town & Country Insurance at 877887-3131 or thad.scholl@gmail. com. (851-01-11)

FREE FREE BOOKS/DVDS. Soon the “Mark of the Beast” will be enforced as Church and State unite! Let the Bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebible saystruth@yahoo.com, 888211-1715. (814-04-11)

HELP WANTED $400 WEEKLY ASSEMBLING PRODUCTS FROM HOME. For free information, send SASE: Home Assembly – CC, PO Box 450, New Britain, CT 060500450.

EARN $60,000/yr PART-TIME in the livestock or equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required. Classroom or home study courses available. 800-488-7570. www. amagappraisers.com (93505-11)

HOBBIES & CRAFTS AWARD WINNING LONG-ARM QUILTING — reasonable rates, quick turnaround. Karen Niemi, 303-470-9309, http://creative. stitching.home.comcast.net, creative.stitching@comcast.net (846-02-11) SPINNING, WEAVING, KNITTING, crochet, felting, dyeing, books, patterns, classes. Table Rock Llamas Fiber Arts Studio, 6520 Shoup Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80908, 866-4957747. (791-03-11)

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Pinons, pines, cedar. Artifacts, fossils. Call 970-731-9459.

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Will close quickly. Call Joe @ Red Creek Land 719-543-6663.

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Read classified ads at countrylife.coop.

Click on Classifieds.

28 Colorado Country Life JANUARY 2011

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RELIGION

VACATION RENTAL

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BECOME AN ORDAINED Minister by correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, PMB 207, 7549 W Cactus, #104, Peoria, AZ 85381. http://www.ordination.org. (44106-11)

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OLD POCKET WATCHES – working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-859-4209 watchdoctor@hotmail.com. (87006-12)

WANTED TO BUY

OLD TRACTORS that don’t run.

Jerry Browne, 2707 Weld Co. Rd. 19, Fort Lupton, CO 80621. 303659-7026. (220-04-11)

SPECIAL SERVICES CHIMNEY CLEANING. Gas, wood, and pellet stove installations/ service. Factory trained. Serving Custer and Fremont County.

719-942-3880 (929-02-11) LAKE OR POND? Aeration is your 1st step toward improved water quality. Complete systems $199 to $369!! Waterfall? 7,000 gph super Hi-Efficiency waterfall pump, just 3 amps! $399.99! wwwfishpond aerator.com, 608-254-2735. (87912-11)

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Call 1-888-NFR-rodeo (1-888637-7633) or www.NFR-Rodeo. com. *BBB Member; Since 1990.

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Don Simmons, PO Box 4734, Springfield, MO 65808, 417-8815645. DSimmons@corpranet.net.

(470-06-11) NAVAJO RUGS, old and recent, native baskets, pottery. Tribal Rugs, Salida. 719-539-5363, b_ inaz@hotmail.com. (817-04-11) OLD CARS. PRE 1970. Prefer complete cars. Not running okay. 970565-2653 after 3pm. (940-02-11) OLD COLO. LIVESTOCK Brand Books prior to 1950. Call Wes 303757-8553. (889-03-11)

WANTED TO BUY OLD GAS AND OIL items: Gas pumps, advertising signs, globes, etc. Pieces, parts, etc. considered. Also 1932-34 Ford cars and trucks, parts and pieces too. Any condition. Brandon, 719-250-5721.

(519-11-11)

WANT TO PURCHASE mineral and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. (402-02-11)

I learned my first lesson about words that sound alike while visiting my grandparents as a child. My grandfather was the mayor of a small village in northern Ohio. I loved visiting “the mayor” and my grandmother, but the horse in the barn was always my favorite part.

In those days I was horse crazy and always thinking about them. One day Grandmother and I went shopping at a store down the road and as she was sharing some local gossip with the store owner, he asked my grandmother, “How is the mayor doing today?” Having horse on my brain I replied, “He’s not a mare, he’s a gelding.”

Cindy Bush, Durango

WANTED: JEEP CJ OR WRANGLER. Reasonably priced. No rust buckets. 888-735-5337. (227-09-11) WE PAY CASH FOR minerals and oil/gas interests, producing and nonproducing. 800-733-8122.

(227-09-11)

WEDDINGS DO YOU WANT TO CREATE a magical, romantic, unforgettable wedding on the beach? The NEW Beach Wedding Planning Guide and Workbook shows you how.

Download now at www.Beach Wedding Magic.com. (106-12-11)

Get your cowboy a book

One day, my 3-year-old granddaughter was spending time with me at the farm. She is a very observant little girl. On the drive to take her back to her home, we passed a neighbor’s farm. She knew who lived there and said, “They brought us some eggs the other day.”

“That was nice of them,” I replied. Wanting to keep her in talking mode, I added, “I think it was on Tuesday, wasn’t it?”

“No, I think it was Threesday,” she answered.

Mary Belle Rafert, Amherst

An old man had electricity installed in his backwoods cabin. When the meter inspector made his first visit, he was amazed that so little energy was used.

“Don’t you use the lights?”

“Sure,” said the old man.

“How long at a time?” asked the inspector.

“Long enough to see to light my oil lamp,” the man answered.

Lila Taylor, Stratton

A mother and her little girl were sitting the

Buy a him book about the Wild West.

On sale for $25. (includes shipping)

Call 303-455-4111

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veterinarian’s office. A lady came in with her bulldog and sat across from them.

Soon the little girl started making ugly faces at the dog.

“Stop it,” her mother scolded.

“Well, Mom,” the little girl said, “He started it.”

Lila Taylor, Stratton We pay $15 to each person who submits a funny story that’s printed in the magazine. At the end of the year, we draw one name from those submitting jokes and that person will receive $150. Send your 2011 stories to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 or email them to funnystories@coloradocountrylife.org.

JANUARY 2011

Colorado Country Life 29

Till the Cows Come Home

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anching would be a lot easier if cows could take care of themselves. Since they can’t, K&K Manufacturing has invented something to make the cowboy’s job easier: an automatic cattle gate. This portable electric gate opens automatically when a cow approaches and closes when it has passed through. It can be used to corral cattle when set up as part of a temporary fence around a water source, allowing the cows to enter but preventing them from leaving. The gate is powered by a 12-volt battery charged by a photovoltaic panel. It measures 48 inches wide and 72 inches tall.

For more information or to purchase, contact K&K Manufacturing at 402-984-8864 or visit www. autocattlegate.com.

ANCHORED DOWN ON THE FARM

K

eeping hay dry with tarps can be a challenge. Hay Anchors offer an easy way to tie these coverings directly to the bales. Simply rotate these durable plastic stakes into the bales by hand or use a power tool. Then hook bungees or bailing twine to these strong, easily accessed anchors.

Conveniently removable for feeding access, Hay Anchors have been tested in winds over 80 miles per hour and can be used again and again.

Hay Anchors are manufactured in Longmont and can be found at www.

FarmTek.com or at www.HayAnchor.com.

Doctor’s Orders

F

or hearty, healthy horses, nutrition is key. Dr. Juliet Getty of Bayfield makes it easy to feed your horse correctly with her equine nutrition reference book, Feed Your Horse Like a Horse, now available on searchable CD. Dr. Getty is a popular speaker and consultant for everything to do with what horses eat. Her book is an equally valuable resource for breeders, competitors and your everyday recreational horse owner, addressing how to choose the right feed, alleviate arthritis, feed orphaned foals and much more.

To learn more about optimizing your horse’s health, find Feed Your Horse Like a Horse CD or book at www.gettyequine nutrition.com.

How Much Wood Can a Woodchuck Chuck?

F

or warmer and cleaner burning fires this winter, use Woodchucks logs as a smart alternative to regular wood.

Since they’re made with 100-percent clean recycled hardwood, Woodchucks burn with a higher Btu, or more heat energy, and produce less emissions, ash and creosote. Also, because they contain no additives, they’re safe to cook over and provide a naturally pleasant hardwood smoke flavor.

Made in Cortez, Woodchucks fire logs are available at www.woodchuckfirelogs.com.

e 30 Colorado Country Life JANUARY 2011

E nter to win Dukes of the Chutes: Harry Vold’s Sixty Years in Rodeo.

Visit our website at www.coloradocountrylife.coop and click on Contests. Deadline is January 15. We will also be giving away Colorado’s Rodeo Roots and Modern-Day Cowboys books during Janurary. You’ll find us at www.facebook.com/COCountryLife.

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