I love my ranch. Cloud 9 ranch is my secret spot. My soul rejuvenation secret spot. When I travel to the ranch I feel the world slip away, drifting silently away as a leaf on a rippling stream of cool clear water, tumbling over rocks and colorful pebbles.
When I turn off the highway onto the drive to the gate of my ranch I begin to become a different person. My anxiety leaves me, my worries drop behind me and I relax in my heart and soul.
I know that when I enter the gate I am in the best place I could ever think of being. I am happier now. Already relaxed and joyful in spirit.
While driving through the campgrounds I see friends already relaxing by the spring with their fishing poles at the ready, trying to entice those wonderful trout into catching themselves so they may become supper.
I see children everywhere playing games, wading in the stream, catching frogs, watching birds. The children are laughing and giggling as they run here and there looking for their next great adventure. The children are making new friends and learning to games as they wonder at the beauty of their new playground.
I can hear the birds in the trees that are swaying to and fro in a gentle breeze that rustles the leaves as it passes through every branch and limb.
Finally I see a campsite I want. Placing my lawnchair on the pad I go to register the site as mine. My new home away from home.
I love my ranch. Soon I will be fishing, riding my atv, hiking a trail. Maybe I will go to the stables for a ride through the forest and over the hills on a horse picked out just for me. This evening, around a fire ring I will make new friends as we all share a night of talk, companionship and reflections.
My soul is renourished, my heart renewed. I will always dream of C9R when I am away as if it were my heaven on earth, here and now. I feel blessed to have it in my life. My ranch is so wonderful for me and to me.
Mini golf, tennis courts, basketball, swimming pools, dances, teen center, preteen center, horseback riding, over 300 miles of ATV trails, hiking, trout fishing, hunting, nature and soul rejuvenation. What a wonderful place is my ranch. I love Cloud 9 Ranch. I own this place. My deed is my ticket for the best ride I know of. C9R.
Very Respectfully,
Joe
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Fourth of July at Cloud 9 Ranch
I forgot I had been so busy getting ready for this 4th of July, I forgot I did not post the pictures from 4th of July, 2008.
So, let's get ready for the fun!!! Fourth of July is just a little over a week away, why not join us down at CLOUD NINE RANCH!!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Memorial Day Weekend at the Ranch....
I waited with anticipation and Friday morning finally arrived...
Aeryn and I was heading down to the ranch to meet Steve and four other of our friends and families to spend the LONG weekend at the Ranch for some much needed RANCH TIME...
We were camping in Hill Country, we were on the end of Hill Country 2 on lot 76, the other four were right down the line. Cindy Morrison was down the Hill from us on the other side and the Nelson's were lucky enough to park right across from us, with the Buckingham's behind them. It was like old home week in a lot of ways.
When Aeryn and I finally arrived at the camper, the kids and the biggest kid of all (that would be Steve) was getting ready to run up to the pool. They were gone for hours, I thought the biggest kid would be burnt to a crisp, but he wasn't.
About 5pm I realized I was missing something, I did not have my four wheeler!!! I now had the job of tracking down Kadye as she was the caretaker of my bike while I was gone. Now to be honest, I was telling people that she stole my bike, but that was all in a good time, I knew she had it!!! I got my bike back and rode down to Fogey to see from friends from Rolla that perch themselves on the hill every chance they get. Later that evening, our fellow campers set down to a wonderful dinner and then sat around a campfire until we couldn't stay awake any longer.
The next day, I woke up early. One of my favorite times is early morning on the ranch. I love taking Aeryn for a walk and then sitting outside of camper with a cup of coffee and watching the Ranch wake up and come alive. But Saturday morning, I had no time to sit, I was meeting Connie up at the Big Top and help her with her table at the T-Top. I had never done this and I am glad I did. I got to see a lot of people that I had not seen since last summer. We chatted a lot and caught up. I always love spending time with Connie and Frank and I was glad that I got up and around and made my way up the hill to the Flea Market because everybody was there finding a bargain.
After the Flea Market, I had to go back to the camper and prepare my donations to the Cake Walk that was being put on by the Fun Addicts Committee. I prepared three pots of DIRT and then I had my mother's homemade Angel Food Cake. I got them up to the Club House right before the Family Bingo began. I also saw the ladies working feverishly in the kitchen on the preparations of the Funnel Cakes. I would of loved to have a Funnel Cake, but my taste buds were not up to par this weekend so I decided to wait until the 4th of July!!!
After delivering the goodies, I stopped by the Forum Tent and talked to some more member/owners. Kadye was ram roding the Forum Tent and as a fund raiser on behalf of the Forum, they were selling T-Shirts that honored the member/owners that served in the military. I bought two shirts for Steve and I. All donations went to the Miniature Golf Course, so I know my money went to a good cause!!! There were several members that stopped at the Forum Tent while I was there. I wish I could of helped more, but I was still pacing myself for the rest of the weekend. Back to the camper, I wanted to relax and then make my dish for dinner that night!!! After dinner, the kids enjoyed making pies on the campfire and we all enjoyed the relaxation of the evening!!
On Sunday, I got up and it was raining off and on. The boys got up and went for a ride after breakfast. I went up to find Stephanie and James Phillips, they were staying up by the stables and their parents. Stephanie and I went up the Big Top to watch over 200 riders take off on the Poker Run. This is always an amazing site, seeing all the four-wheelers and side by sides lined up to take off. It was even more amazing this time because it was pouring down rain!!!
The rain let up and I heard it was a very successful Poker Run. I was back at my camper getting ready for our big dinner that night. Now, that is a pretty funny thing to say, because it seems like every night is a big dinner when we are at the ranch!!! After dinner, the guys went for a night ride. They no more got going and it started pouring rain, but we didn't see them for a good two hours, they came back at midnight and announced that they had a good ride.
The next morning, we woke up to more rain. We knew that we needed to pack up and leave our weekend was over. As we left the ranch at noon, I looked up at the gate and there was Larry Armstrong helping everybody get through the gate as fast and without any problems. You can always count on Larry being there at the end of a holiday weekend. He was there wishing everybody a safe trip home and urging everybody to come back soon!!!
Even though I was sick and injured and I didn't get to enjoy the trails or the mud (yes, I love to play in the mud), I did enjoy my weekend at the ranch. I am looking forward to going back again soon!!!
See you at Cloud 9 Ranch... Stop by and visit or let's go for a ride!!!
Aeryn and I was heading down to the ranch to meet Steve and four other of our friends and families to spend the LONG weekend at the Ranch for some much needed RANCH TIME...
We were camping in Hill Country, we were on the end of Hill Country 2 on lot 76, the other four were right down the line. Cindy Morrison was down the Hill from us on the other side and the Nelson's were lucky enough to park right across from us, with the Buckingham's behind them. It was like old home week in a lot of ways.
When Aeryn and I finally arrived at the camper, the kids and the biggest kid of all (that would be Steve) was getting ready to run up to the pool. They were gone for hours, I thought the biggest kid would be burnt to a crisp, but he wasn't.
About 5pm I realized I was missing something, I did not have my four wheeler!!! I now had the job of tracking down Kadye as she was the caretaker of my bike while I was gone. Now to be honest, I was telling people that she stole my bike, but that was all in a good time, I knew she had it!!! I got my bike back and rode down to Fogey to see from friends from Rolla that perch themselves on the hill every chance they get. Later that evening, our fellow campers set down to a wonderful dinner and then sat around a campfire until we couldn't stay awake any longer.
The next day, I woke up early. One of my favorite times is early morning on the ranch. I love taking Aeryn for a walk and then sitting outside of camper with a cup of coffee and watching the Ranch wake up and come alive. But Saturday morning, I had no time to sit, I was meeting Connie up at the Big Top and help her with her table at the T-Top. I had never done this and I am glad I did. I got to see a lot of people that I had not seen since last summer. We chatted a lot and caught up. I always love spending time with Connie and Frank and I was glad that I got up and around and made my way up the hill to the Flea Market because everybody was there finding a bargain.
After the Flea Market, I had to go back to the camper and prepare my donations to the Cake Walk that was being put on by the Fun Addicts Committee. I prepared three pots of DIRT and then I had my mother's homemade Angel Food Cake. I got them up to the Club House right before the Family Bingo began. I also saw the ladies working feverishly in the kitchen on the preparations of the Funnel Cakes. I would of loved to have a Funnel Cake, but my taste buds were not up to par this weekend so I decided to wait until the 4th of July!!!
After delivering the goodies, I stopped by the Forum Tent and talked to some more member/owners. Kadye was ram roding the Forum Tent and as a fund raiser on behalf of the Forum, they were selling T-Shirts that honored the member/owners that served in the military. I bought two shirts for Steve and I. All donations went to the Miniature Golf Course, so I know my money went to a good cause!!! There were several members that stopped at the Forum Tent while I was there. I wish I could of helped more, but I was still pacing myself for the rest of the weekend. Back to the camper, I wanted to relax and then make my dish for dinner that night!!! After dinner, the kids enjoyed making pies on the campfire and we all enjoyed the relaxation of the evening!!
On Sunday, I got up and it was raining off and on. The boys got up and went for a ride after breakfast. I went up to find Stephanie and James Phillips, they were staying up by the stables and their parents. Stephanie and I went up the Big Top to watch over 200 riders take off on the Poker Run. This is always an amazing site, seeing all the four-wheelers and side by sides lined up to take off. It was even more amazing this time because it was pouring down rain!!!
The rain let up and I heard it was a very successful Poker Run. I was back at my camper getting ready for our big dinner that night. Now, that is a pretty funny thing to say, because it seems like every night is a big dinner when we are at the ranch!!! After dinner, the guys went for a night ride. They no more got going and it started pouring rain, but we didn't see them for a good two hours, they came back at midnight and announced that they had a good ride.
The next morning, we woke up to more rain. We knew that we needed to pack up and leave our weekend was over. As we left the ranch at noon, I looked up at the gate and there was Larry Armstrong helping everybody get through the gate as fast and without any problems. You can always count on Larry being there at the end of a holiday weekend. He was there wishing everybody a safe trip home and urging everybody to come back soon!!!
Even though I was sick and injured and I didn't get to enjoy the trails or the mud (yes, I love to play in the mud), I did enjoy my weekend at the ranch. I am looking forward to going back again soon!!!
See you at Cloud 9 Ranch... Stop by and visit or let's go for a ride!!!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Beginning of Summer
I can't wait, it is almost here...
I know that most people are hearing this alot lately with school getting out, summer vacations being planned and MEMORIAL DAY Weekend is just a few short days away.
I CAN'T WAIT, IT IS ALMOST HERE!!!
The last few months have been difficult for Steve and I. Our grand plans of spending a lot of weekends at the Ranch this spring, just didn't happen. What with me starting a new job, breaking my foot, hitting a tree with my jeep, and Steve changing shifts. The spring season just slipped right by us.
But guess what Memorial Day Weekend is almost here and we will finally get to spend four or five days at the ranch! I think the ranch is getting ready for us too...
To me Easter Weekend is the opening of camping season at the Ranch, but this year we will have to make it Memorial Day Weekend and I know that both Steve and I and the Ranch are anxiously waiting to get together.
What am I all excited about??? I am all excited about getting together with our friends and riding and camping. I am excited about seeing friends that I have not seen since last summer and catching up with them. I am excited to participate in all that the ranch has to offer.
I will be busy making a few cakes for the Fun Addicts CAKEWALK Fundraiser. I have not been or participated in a CAKEWALK for at least 35 years ago. Will I be participating in this one? Only time will tell. But I will, at the very least, donate a few homemade cakes for the occasion!! Fun Addicts is a new committee on the ranch, it is totally all about family fun. They are putting on a Pirate Theme Party for the kids during the Poker Run. How fun is that!!!
I am also looking forward to watching the trail rides and I may participate in the lessons on care of a horse, why not, it is a good thing. I grew up with horses, but again have not rode one for 30 years.
Saturday morning, we must attend the Flea Market and then I will need to make sure my brownies are down at the Craft House for the Bake Sale. I love the Craft House, you never know what you will find down there.
We are hoping the minature golf course will be ready and open to play and then of course the pools will be open and busy!!
What with a band on Saturday Night and the Forum Fest and then we also have a Poker Run, stocking of the fish, swimming, getting ice cream, shopping at the Trading Post, and fishing, I can only hope I can get into some serious ride and social time!!!
Now I know that I won't be able to participate in everything that the ranch has to offer this next weekend, but I will try to donate as much time as possible. I am a big supporter of Ranch Time and Ranch Time can screw up the best intentions!!! I am glad that the ranch is offering all the activities, because no matter who you are... YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A GOOD TIME AT CLOUD NINE RANCH!!!
IS IT TIME YET??? ARE WE ALL READY TO MEET DOWN AT THE RANCH?? WE ONLY HAVE A FEW SHORT DAYS LEFT AND THEN WE CAN LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!
I know that most people are hearing this alot lately with school getting out, summer vacations being planned and MEMORIAL DAY Weekend is just a few short days away.
I CAN'T WAIT, IT IS ALMOST HERE!!!
The last few months have been difficult for Steve and I. Our grand plans of spending a lot of weekends at the Ranch this spring, just didn't happen. What with me starting a new job, breaking my foot, hitting a tree with my jeep, and Steve changing shifts. The spring season just slipped right by us.
But guess what Memorial Day Weekend is almost here and we will finally get to spend four or five days at the ranch! I think the ranch is getting ready for us too...
To me Easter Weekend is the opening of camping season at the Ranch, but this year we will have to make it Memorial Day Weekend and I know that both Steve and I and the Ranch are anxiously waiting to get together.
What am I all excited about??? I am all excited about getting together with our friends and riding and camping. I am excited about seeing friends that I have not seen since last summer and catching up with them. I am excited to participate in all that the ranch has to offer.
I will be busy making a few cakes for the Fun Addicts CAKEWALK Fundraiser. I have not been or participated in a CAKEWALK for at least 35 years ago. Will I be participating in this one? Only time will tell. But I will, at the very least, donate a few homemade cakes for the occasion!! Fun Addicts is a new committee on the ranch, it is totally all about family fun. They are putting on a Pirate Theme Party for the kids during the Poker Run. How fun is that!!!
I am also looking forward to watching the trail rides and I may participate in the lessons on care of a horse, why not, it is a good thing. I grew up with horses, but again have not rode one for 30 years.
Saturday morning, we must attend the Flea Market and then I will need to make sure my brownies are down at the Craft House for the Bake Sale. I love the Craft House, you never know what you will find down there.
We are hoping the minature golf course will be ready and open to play and then of course the pools will be open and busy!!
What with a band on Saturday Night and the Forum Fest and then we also have a Poker Run, stocking of the fish, swimming, getting ice cream, shopping at the Trading Post, and fishing, I can only hope I can get into some serious ride and social time!!!
Now I know that I won't be able to participate in everything that the ranch has to offer this next weekend, but I will try to donate as much time as possible. I am a big supporter of Ranch Time and Ranch Time can screw up the best intentions!!! I am glad that the ranch is offering all the activities, because no matter who you are... YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A GOOD TIME AT CLOUD NINE RANCH!!!
IS IT TIME YET??? ARE WE ALL READY TO MEET DOWN AT THE RANCH?? WE ONLY HAVE A FEW SHORT DAYS LEFT AND THEN WE CAN LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Getting to know the members of Cloud 9 Ranch
Cloud 9 Ranch is full of different members from every walk of life. My next few blogs are going to be introductions from some of the members... We would love for you to join us at Cloud 9 Ranch one day soon...
My name is Cindi and I live in central Arkansas with my Pomeranian, Ragamuffin (Rags) and two cats. I am a free-lance paralegal and tax preparer and devoted Ranch member.
My "real" life responsibilities may lie in Arkansas but my heart and soul are always at and with the Ranch! I first came to the Ranch in 1999 with my (then) boyfriend, whose family purchased a membership at the Ranch's beginning in the 70's. That first time turning off Highway 160 and seeing the Cloud 9 archway that greets us, my love of the Ranch began and grows stronger each time I am here.
In 2004, I purchased my own membership and came to the Ranch every chance I could and stayed in the 17' rentals. It didn't matter that the rentals were older and small. What mattered was - I WAS AT OUR RANCH!!! Last year I was fortunate enough to purchase a small used travel trailer of my own, and this year, I've added a 4-wheeler to my Ranch toys!
Many people who may not know me by name, might know that I supported the golf cart rental revenue by always renting a golf cart while at the Ranch, with Rags in the basket and/or front seat. Rags is probably much more well known around the Ranch than I am!
I am also Chairman of the Rules Committee. As a Ranch 'family', we have our share of differences of opinion, but in the end, we are all united by our love of the Ranch. I believe with all my heart that respectful communication amongst ourselves, and with the Board and Ranch management is the path that will lead the Ranch into a long and prosperous future. As my signature says, no one is ever 100% right and no one is ever 100% wrong, and the truth lies somewhere in the middle. To my forum friends that I have not met personally as yet, I look forward to learning about the rest of you, and meeting you in person through the summer. To my personal Ranch friends, I can't wait to see you soon! Cindi
A member from Kansas:
Roger, my kids call me bigdaddy, my 5 grandkids call me Grampa Roger. Sorry I had to leave earlier without replying but I had to go to my second job (I own 2 apt. buildings). I am an avid atv'r who has been riding atv's since 1985 , started with 3 wheelers, went to highly modified sport bikes and have finally slowed down to a Rincon. We have rode about everywhere except on a beach. I look forward to meeting you someday on the ranch. We are fair weather riders who enjoy riding in the early spring and fall during non-crowded weekends. We will be down on the first weekend of May for 5 days for my wifes birthday. We are in a 40' KZ toyhauler most likely in Wilder springs! Cheers!
A member that grew up coming to Cloud 9 Ranch:
My name is Melynda. I have been going to the ranch since 1983. I was only three years old at that time. I have been back there every summer since.
My family and I even lived on the ranch for a time while growing up. My mom is best known for her job while working at the ranch and making the Moe -burgers, for those of you who remember. My father was also a ranger for a period of time. I even worked at the ranch myself for a summer.
I too met my husband, Karsten, online. We will be married 2 years in May. We actually got engaged at the ranch in Melody Lane trailer 24. We were married in West Plains. We added a new addition to our family last July. We plan to raise our beautiful daughter, Jenna, with summer trips to the ranch. We also take our wonderful black lab, Lucie, along for the trips.
After many years of coming to the ranch with family members, I decided to buy a membership in 2006. I might be a new member, but I am not new to the ranch.I am a teacher in El Dorado Springs Missouri. My husband is one of the managers at Peerless Products in Fort Scott, KS. The ranch has been a huge part in our family and we plan to continue it that way.
My name is Cindi and I live in central Arkansas with my Pomeranian, Ragamuffin (Rags) and two cats. I am a free-lance paralegal and tax preparer and devoted Ranch member.
My "real" life responsibilities may lie in Arkansas but my heart and soul are always at and with the Ranch! I first came to the Ranch in 1999 with my (then) boyfriend, whose family purchased a membership at the Ranch's beginning in the 70's. That first time turning off Highway 160 and seeing the Cloud 9 archway that greets us, my love of the Ranch began and grows stronger each time I am here.
In 2004, I purchased my own membership and came to the Ranch every chance I could and stayed in the 17' rentals. It didn't matter that the rentals were older and small. What mattered was - I WAS AT OUR RANCH!!! Last year I was fortunate enough to purchase a small used travel trailer of my own, and this year, I've added a 4-wheeler to my Ranch toys!
Many people who may not know me by name, might know that I supported the golf cart rental revenue by always renting a golf cart while at the Ranch, with Rags in the basket and/or front seat. Rags is probably much more well known around the Ranch than I am!
I am also Chairman of the Rules Committee. As a Ranch 'family', we have our share of differences of opinion, but in the end, we are all united by our love of the Ranch. I believe with all my heart that respectful communication amongst ourselves, and with the Board and Ranch management is the path that will lead the Ranch into a long and prosperous future. As my signature says, no one is ever 100% right and no one is ever 100% wrong, and the truth lies somewhere in the middle. To my forum friends that I have not met personally as yet, I look forward to learning about the rest of you, and meeting you in person through the summer. To my personal Ranch friends, I can't wait to see you soon! Cindi
A member from Kansas:
Roger, my kids call me bigdaddy, my 5 grandkids call me Grampa Roger. Sorry I had to leave earlier without replying but I had to go to my second job (I own 2 apt. buildings). I am an avid atv'r who has been riding atv's since 1985 , started with 3 wheelers, went to highly modified sport bikes and have finally slowed down to a Rincon. We have rode about everywhere except on a beach. I look forward to meeting you someday on the ranch. We are fair weather riders who enjoy riding in the early spring and fall during non-crowded weekends. We will be down on the first weekend of May for 5 days for my wifes birthday. We are in a 40' KZ toyhauler most likely in Wilder springs! Cheers!
A member that grew up coming to Cloud 9 Ranch:
My name is Melynda. I have been going to the ranch since 1983. I was only three years old at that time. I have been back there every summer since.
My family and I even lived on the ranch for a time while growing up. My mom is best known for her job while working at the ranch and making the Moe -burgers, for those of you who remember. My father was also a ranger for a period of time. I even worked at the ranch myself for a summer.
I too met my husband, Karsten, online. We will be married 2 years in May. We actually got engaged at the ranch in Melody Lane trailer 24. We were married in West Plains. We added a new addition to our family last July. We plan to raise our beautiful daughter, Jenna, with summer trips to the ranch. We also take our wonderful black lab, Lucie, along for the trips.
After many years of coming to the ranch with family members, I decided to buy a membership in 2006. I might be a new member, but I am not new to the ranch.I am a teacher in El Dorado Springs Missouri. My husband is one of the managers at Peerless Products in Fort Scott, KS. The ranch has been a huge part in our family and we plan to continue it that way.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter Message from the Office Manager
We had lots and lots of help stocking fish this morning, it was a wonderful turn out and there are some big big fish in there. I swear that ain’t no fish story either. I do want to thank all who showed up to help in the rain mud and crossing the creek. I saw them getting wet on their four-wheelers, but I think they were hoping those big fish would remember who they were so they could catch them tomorrow.
We did not get any storm damage last night it did rain though. Saturday is suppose to be beautiful let’s keep our fingers crossed that it is.
I want to thank everyone that has stepped forward and volunteered to help at the ranch. It has been as simple as asking and I have received. Fish stocking, paper supplies, debris clean-up, and packet stuffing. We have worked together to achieve something that we all wanted.
People were having a blast today and smiles were big. I will be thinking about what we need done next so all you wonderful volunteers don’t run out of things to volunteer for. Haha!
I almost forgot we have several trained first responders on the ranch now. This is a wonderful thing if you ever find yourself in need of them.
People have been coming in quite steady today. It is wonderful to watch the owners coming back, it’s kinda like watching the geese fly north you know that spring isn’t far away.
We had our first horse ride of the season this morning and another one this afternoon. The rain seems to be letting up just enough to let them ride.
Of course the four-wheelers are going despite the rain. I think they might like the mud.
Thank you for the supplies donated to the Fun Addicts, I know that they are greatly appreciated. Well gotta go just wanted all to know that I appreciate all the help and donations that we have received.
God bless all of you. Julie
We did not get any storm damage last night it did rain though. Saturday is suppose to be beautiful let’s keep our fingers crossed that it is.
I want to thank everyone that has stepped forward and volunteered to help at the ranch. It has been as simple as asking and I have received. Fish stocking, paper supplies, debris clean-up, and packet stuffing. We have worked together to achieve something that we all wanted.
People were having a blast today and smiles were big. I will be thinking about what we need done next so all you wonderful volunteers don’t run out of things to volunteer for. Haha!
I almost forgot we have several trained first responders on the ranch now. This is a wonderful thing if you ever find yourself in need of them.
People have been coming in quite steady today. It is wonderful to watch the owners coming back, it’s kinda like watching the geese fly north you know that spring isn’t far away.
We had our first horse ride of the season this morning and another one this afternoon. The rain seems to be letting up just enough to let them ride.
Of course the four-wheelers are going despite the rain. I think they might like the mud.
Thank you for the supplies donated to the Fun Addicts, I know that they are greatly appreciated. Well gotta go just wanted all to know that I appreciate all the help and donations that we have received.
God bless all of you. Julie
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Campfires and Peeps...
It is the time of the year again that everybodies attention is once again being focused on "WHEN CAN WE START CAMPING"!!! Well people are migrating down to the ranch and setting up camp and starting to enjoy the longer days and cooler nights. It is also SPRING and Easter will be around the corner. Spring brings camping and campfires and Easter brings PEEPS.
I never understood the fascination with Peeps, until I became an owner at Cloud 9 Ranch Club. Roasting Peeps over a campfire is a common occurrence this time of the year at Cloud 9 Ranch. On any given evening you will be able to walk up to any campfire and enjoy a Peep with whoever is there.
I have asked the roasting peep experts regarding the art of roasting peeps and this is what they have told me...
1. You want to expose the peeps to air. So open them up and let them get a little body to them. Apparently they are easier to roast. I am also going to take this suggestion into consideration when marshmallow roasting season starts!!!
2. Put two of your favorite peeps on a BBQ Skewer or Roasting fork (using a stick may not work because Peeps are thin). Put them over a low camp fire or some hot coals.
3. Roasting Peeps require adult supervision, because the sugar hitting the hot coals will cause a slight spark and as the Peeps roast they can be difficult to keep on the roasting fork.
The Roasting of Peeps are not only fun, but the caramelized sugar and melted marshmallow is a combination not to be missed.
So Spring has sprung and it is time to get out and about and enjoy the great outdoors. I hope that everybody can make it down to Cloud 9 Ranch Club and enjoy the 6600 acres that encompass the ranch, the friendly people and while you are down there, make sure you sit down around a campfire and enjoy a Peep or two!!!
See you at the ranch and don't forget to bring a couple of packages of PEEPS with you!!!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Concrete vs Grass - James Phillips
Before we were owners of Cloud 9 Ranch we were roller coaster fanatics We did the Six Flags thing almost every vacation, now mind you my wonderful wife and I were married in 1990.
We always go everywhere together on vacation. We would go to places that had concrete and very little grass or trees and we would stand in the lines for hours for 60 seconds of adrenaline rush just to walk and stand in another line only to listen to young kids talking language that would make a sailor blush,our feet would be sore and for what, it was more work than it was play.
Fast forward to 2005:
I was always an outdoor enthusiast doing the fishing and hunting thing regularly gone a lot of weekends looking for that whopper of a fish or that perfect buck. My kids would sit in front of the TV in game land looking for that perfect flawless game score of all time, my wife she would read her books or do housework, before the game system the kids went with me, but as they got older I was not as interesting as I used to be.
Now mind you I could not get my wife to camp or fish, she detested it, she despised baiting a hook and getting dirty. I took her fishing at Wolf Creek State Park in Shelbyville Il, and I baited her hooks, she caught a boat load of fish and was enjoying fishing for once, she even had a smile when other tournament fisherman were upset that a woman had out fished them. I mean the nerve that a woman could catch more fish than the pro.
A few years later my wife and I were invited to Cloud 9 by my in-laws so we decided to go down and visit, WOW we had a good time! By the time we left I could not believe my ears when the kids and my wife were left begging for more. I had to look over and look at the woman sitting next to me when she proclaimed she wanted to camp more often, I thought my real wife was abducted by aliens!
Well we found ourselves going back for each holiday weekend and a weeks worth of the Cloud 9 experience in July. Stephanie was hooked, I found ourselves by my devising a little plan of visiting the local motorsports shop buying a couple of Atv’s, I then started to see a glimmer in her eye I had never seen, she loved the Atv she loved getting filthy dirty. Now mind you most women want diamonds or flowers for their anniversary, I soon found out my wife wanted pure power and the feeling of mud and dirt.
So again by a plan of my devising I bought her very own ATV, I had to have a his and hers machine RIGHT? Next thing I know we bought a camper and traded in the kiddie ATV for two more ATV’s every member of our family had their own ATV now.
The best thing about Cloud 9 is it fits our needs, it has camping fishing and Atving, but better than that it allows you to get to know your family again and knowing there is actually grass under your feet.
Living in the city desensitizes you, you find yourself not knowing how a deer inhabits the earth or seeing animals you would never see in the city. Living in the city you see no streams or timber, you really never experience the power of a fish when it’s on the end of your line, or the feeling you get when you bag that buck of a lifetime. You never experience what God has really put on earth. Living in the city there is no adventure, no adrenaline rush from trailing on your ATV all day long. Living in the city you find yourself in a rut longing for adventure and thrills of the outdoors.
Camping at Cloud 9 you find yourself with never a dull moment, always surrounded by new friends enjoying the stars realizing your family just needed something that every member of it could relate to and partake in something together, the outdoors trees and grass.
Cloud 9 has brought our family together and we always have something to talk about, my wife and I are proud owners of our Ranch. We are proud that we are part of something that has a meaning and that meaning is family. Now when I look at my family, I see James Michael my oldest the horse enthusiast and then I see Austin Cody my youngest the Atv/dirt bike enthusiast. I see Stephanie my wife the Atv/camping fanatic, and I see me the proud father and husband of such an interesting family.
Enjoy each day your family has at the Ranch and take it all in and you will be the better for it. Toss the game system in the trash and live your life to the fullest.
I have a motto in my life, I want to live not just exist!
I still live in the city but I am and always have been a country boy. We travel six and a half hours to Cloud 9 and love every mile it takes us to get there because the end result is worth it.
Get off the couch load the truck and head to the outdoors. Forget the sidewalk, forget work and really get to know your family.
James Phillips
We always go everywhere together on vacation. We would go to places that had concrete and very little grass or trees and we would stand in the lines for hours for 60 seconds of adrenaline rush just to walk and stand in another line only to listen to young kids talking language that would make a sailor blush,our feet would be sore and for what, it was more work than it was play.
Fast forward to 2005:
I was always an outdoor enthusiast doing the fishing and hunting thing regularly gone a lot of weekends looking for that whopper of a fish or that perfect buck. My kids would sit in front of the TV in game land looking for that perfect flawless game score of all time, my wife she would read her books or do housework, before the game system the kids went with me, but as they got older I was not as interesting as I used to be.
Now mind you I could not get my wife to camp or fish, she detested it, she despised baiting a hook and getting dirty. I took her fishing at Wolf Creek State Park in Shelbyville Il, and I baited her hooks, she caught a boat load of fish and was enjoying fishing for once, she even had a smile when other tournament fisherman were upset that a woman had out fished them. I mean the nerve that a woman could catch more fish than the pro.
A few years later my wife and I were invited to Cloud 9 by my in-laws so we decided to go down and visit, WOW we had a good time! By the time we left I could not believe my ears when the kids and my wife were left begging for more. I had to look over and look at the woman sitting next to me when she proclaimed she wanted to camp more often, I thought my real wife was abducted by aliens!
Well we found ourselves going back for each holiday weekend and a weeks worth of the Cloud 9 experience in July. Stephanie was hooked, I found ourselves by my devising a little plan of visiting the local motorsports shop buying a couple of Atv’s, I then started to see a glimmer in her eye I had never seen, she loved the Atv she loved getting filthy dirty. Now mind you most women want diamonds or flowers for their anniversary, I soon found out my wife wanted pure power and the feeling of mud and dirt.
So again by a plan of my devising I bought her very own ATV, I had to have a his and hers machine RIGHT? Next thing I know we bought a camper and traded in the kiddie ATV for two more ATV’s every member of our family had their own ATV now.
The best thing about Cloud 9 is it fits our needs, it has camping fishing and Atving, but better than that it allows you to get to know your family again and knowing there is actually grass under your feet.
Living in the city desensitizes you, you find yourself not knowing how a deer inhabits the earth or seeing animals you would never see in the city. Living in the city you see no streams or timber, you really never experience the power of a fish when it’s on the end of your line, or the feeling you get when you bag that buck of a lifetime. You never experience what God has really put on earth. Living in the city there is no adventure, no adrenaline rush from trailing on your ATV all day long. Living in the city you find yourself in a rut longing for adventure and thrills of the outdoors.
Camping at Cloud 9 you find yourself with never a dull moment, always surrounded by new friends enjoying the stars realizing your family just needed something that every member of it could relate to and partake in something together, the outdoors trees and grass.
Cloud 9 has brought our family together and we always have something to talk about, my wife and I are proud owners of our Ranch. We are proud that we are part of something that has a meaning and that meaning is family. Now when I look at my family, I see James Michael my oldest the horse enthusiast and then I see Austin Cody my youngest the Atv/dirt bike enthusiast. I see Stephanie my wife the Atv/camping fanatic, and I see me the proud father and husband of such an interesting family.
Enjoy each day your family has at the Ranch and take it all in and you will be the better for it. Toss the game system in the trash and live your life to the fullest.
I have a motto in my life, I want to live not just exist!
I still live in the city but I am and always have been a country boy. We travel six and a half hours to Cloud 9 and love every mile it takes us to get there because the end result is worth it.
Get off the couch load the truck and head to the outdoors. Forget the sidewalk, forget work and really get to know your family.
James Phillips
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
VOLUNTEER CLEANUP OF ICE STORM DAMAGE
It was snowing at 9:00 a.m. on February 28th. Several members had arrived and were gathering at the assigned location in front of the School House for a scheduled day of ice storm damage cleanup by members who had volunteered to do their part. We had asked the Ranch Manager, Greg Watts, for some suggestions on where our volunteers help was most needed. He suggested Melody Lane and Trailer Row, and along Spring Road down the hill. Earlier smaller volunteers had worked in Fogey, Wilder and Lonesome on clearer days. Because this group was supposedly going to be larger, because I am living on the Ranch I was “unofficially” put in charge of the workday. When I say “unofficially” I mean just that. As it turned out, this group didn’t need a leader, only an organizer, and I had agreed to take on the organization process for the rest of the helpers. This wasn’t the first day that volunteers had showed up to work, but this was the first larger “organized” event and the largest since the ice storm ravaged our beautiful landscape.
At 9:05, I was a little discouraged in that we only had 7 or 8 of us gathered together. Larry Armstrong suggested that they go ahead and get on over to Melody Lane and begin working. Keep in mind, it was already snowing, but our hopes was that it would pass and we’d get a break from Mother Nature. So, I waved them on and stayed for a few minutes longer in case others showed up. Within a few minutes, 8 others showed up, then within an hour 6 more had arrived. In all, we had 22 dedicated members who showed up in the snow, all dressed in warm clothing, several layers, and were doing their part to rid the Ranch of the devastation caused by January’s deluge of ice.
Mother Nature didn’t give us a break. Within an hour, the snow was coming down so hard we could barely see each other. But that didn’t stop anyone. We just kept wiping our glasses and hauling that wood. We were working so hard that many of us were wanting to rid ourselves of a couple of layers of clothing. The outer layers were getting wet and heavy and the inner layers were collecting perspiration as quickly as the outer layers were collecting snow. But that didn’t stop anyone!!
Having a Ranch deed means a lot of things to different people. Some owners only show up to have fun, which is fine - that’s what the Ranch is for. Some owners complain about everything - that’s fine, too, as there is a lot that needs to be done. Some owners have their own agenda - which I’m not sure is okay, but they have that right. Some owners understand the term “undivided interest,” and they are the backbone of Cloud 9 Ranch Club, Inc. Not all of these owners that showed up to lend a hand live close by. Rick Carter drove from around St. Louis; Frank Gauthier came from Poplar Bluff; James and Stephanie Phillips drove down from Decatur, IL; the Payne families came from the Wheatland, MO area. They all came, they worked, and not one complaint from anyone was heard. Aside from helping the Ranch as a whole, we were able to meet and talk to each other; and that’s what being a Ranch owner should be - getting to know each other and working together as a team.
And the day wasn’t all work and no play. The group had a lot of fun with what I chose as our radio call code. VCM 1 and VCM 2 stood for Volunteer Crew Member. During the day VCM was translated to several different things: Some of the cleaner interpretations were “Volunteer Chainsaw Master” - “Volunteer Chainsaw Masacre” - “Very Cold Member” - “Violent Crazy Member” - just to name a few!! And, oh, yes, I did take time out to plot my big old butt down in that beautiful new fallen snow and make a snow angel. If you ever want to know just how much weight you’ve gained, that’s a good test. My goodness, that was one big angel! Thank goodness no one was close by with the camera.
Standing in the snow at 3:00 p.m., this group of workers were not complaining about how cold we really were, how the snow had been relentless, how our fingers and toes were stinging. No, we were all standing around in the snow discussing when we could get together again and do more. There were about six ladies working and we called ourselves, “Team Estrogen.” Team Estrogen told Team Testosterone that were finished for the day. Six hours of hauling limbs and firewood was about all this old lady could do, and the others agreed with me. Some of Team Testosterone were talking about heading for the trails, but I did not organize that! Yes, I came home, put on dry clothes and got in bed for an hour or two. Yes, I was extremely sore for two days. But the first time I drove past Melody Lane and Trailer Row, I had to stop and take a deep breath. After the snow melted, you could see just how much we did that snowy day. It was so evident that a group of people hung tough, we worked through the bad weather and kept the course. Few times in my life have I been able to say that I was so proud of a group effort like this one. Yes, I am proud of dedicated members who put the best interest of the Ranch ownership before their own comforts. You should be very proud of the members listed below, as they did all Cloud 9 Ranch owners a great service one snowy day in February. Because of members like these, you will have a clean campground!
Volunteers:
Larry & Deanna Armstrong
Mel & Cherie Hedrick
Adam Vandyke
Frank Gauthier
Rick Carter
James & Stephanie Phillips
Tracy Phillips (guest)
Cody Phillips
Bill & Dottie Phillips
Wendell & Kadye Ward
Wilbur & Willa Payne
Chris Payne
Curtis Payne
Carmen Huffmaster
Eric Jones
Cliff Webb
In closing, I want to say that snowy day was not the only day that volunteers have come to the Ranch to help with the ice storm cleanup. I’m sure there have been many limbs and sticks cut and picked up over the last few weeks. I do know of a few that I feel need mentioning. On a previous work day, Mary Ann Greig and Steve Horn drove down from Rolla. Larry and Deanna Armstrong and Mel and Cherie Hedrick live in close proximity to the Ranch, along with Adam VanDyke and Ed Horton. They all have worked many hours, not just one day. They don’t need organization or a leader, because they see what needs to be done and they do it.
There will be more work days scheduled over the next few weeks. Hopefully, it won't be snowing on those days. If you have some time available to help, please let any of the above names know or go to the member-owned Discussion Forum under Big Top section at http://www.cloud9ranch.net/ (not an official Ranch website) for dates of "organized" cleanups when you can be here and what you plan to do. Greg Watts has asked that we turn in all manhours worked on the ice storm damage cleanup to him. Make sure if you do some work on your own, that you notify the office or give a Ranger a note to give the office if you're here over a weekend.
At 9:05, I was a little discouraged in that we only had 7 or 8 of us gathered together. Larry Armstrong suggested that they go ahead and get on over to Melody Lane and begin working. Keep in mind, it was already snowing, but our hopes was that it would pass and we’d get a break from Mother Nature. So, I waved them on and stayed for a few minutes longer in case others showed up. Within a few minutes, 8 others showed up, then within an hour 6 more had arrived. In all, we had 22 dedicated members who showed up in the snow, all dressed in warm clothing, several layers, and were doing their part to rid the Ranch of the devastation caused by January’s deluge of ice.
Mother Nature didn’t give us a break. Within an hour, the snow was coming down so hard we could barely see each other. But that didn’t stop anyone. We just kept wiping our glasses and hauling that wood. We were working so hard that many of us were wanting to rid ourselves of a couple of layers of clothing. The outer layers were getting wet and heavy and the inner layers were collecting perspiration as quickly as the outer layers were collecting snow. But that didn’t stop anyone!!
Having a Ranch deed means a lot of things to different people. Some owners only show up to have fun, which is fine - that’s what the Ranch is for. Some owners complain about everything - that’s fine, too, as there is a lot that needs to be done. Some owners have their own agenda - which I’m not sure is okay, but they have that right. Some owners understand the term “undivided interest,” and they are the backbone of Cloud 9 Ranch Club, Inc. Not all of these owners that showed up to lend a hand live close by. Rick Carter drove from around St. Louis; Frank Gauthier came from Poplar Bluff; James and Stephanie Phillips drove down from Decatur, IL; the Payne families came from the Wheatland, MO area. They all came, they worked, and not one complaint from anyone was heard. Aside from helping the Ranch as a whole, we were able to meet and talk to each other; and that’s what being a Ranch owner should be - getting to know each other and working together as a team.
And the day wasn’t all work and no play. The group had a lot of fun with what I chose as our radio call code. VCM 1 and VCM 2 stood for Volunteer Crew Member. During the day VCM was translated to several different things: Some of the cleaner interpretations were “Volunteer Chainsaw Master” - “Volunteer Chainsaw Masacre” - “Very Cold Member” - “Violent Crazy Member” - just to name a few!! And, oh, yes, I did take time out to plot my big old butt down in that beautiful new fallen snow and make a snow angel. If you ever want to know just how much weight you’ve gained, that’s a good test. My goodness, that was one big angel! Thank goodness no one was close by with the camera.
Standing in the snow at 3:00 p.m., this group of workers were not complaining about how cold we really were, how the snow had been relentless, how our fingers and toes were stinging. No, we were all standing around in the snow discussing when we could get together again and do more. There were about six ladies working and we called ourselves, “Team Estrogen.” Team Estrogen told Team Testosterone that were finished for the day. Six hours of hauling limbs and firewood was about all this old lady could do, and the others agreed with me. Some of Team Testosterone were talking about heading for the trails, but I did not organize that! Yes, I came home, put on dry clothes and got in bed for an hour or two. Yes, I was extremely sore for two days. But the first time I drove past Melody Lane and Trailer Row, I had to stop and take a deep breath. After the snow melted, you could see just how much we did that snowy day. It was so evident that a group of people hung tough, we worked through the bad weather and kept the course. Few times in my life have I been able to say that I was so proud of a group effort like this one. Yes, I am proud of dedicated members who put the best interest of the Ranch ownership before their own comforts. You should be very proud of the members listed below, as they did all Cloud 9 Ranch owners a great service one snowy day in February. Because of members like these, you will have a clean campground!
Volunteers:
Larry & Deanna Armstrong
Mel & Cherie Hedrick
Adam Vandyke
Frank Gauthier
Rick Carter
James & Stephanie Phillips
Tracy Phillips (guest)
Cody Phillips
Bill & Dottie Phillips
Wendell & Kadye Ward
Wilbur & Willa Payne
Chris Payne
Curtis Payne
Carmen Huffmaster
Eric Jones
Cliff Webb
In closing, I want to say that snowy day was not the only day that volunteers have come to the Ranch to help with the ice storm cleanup. I’m sure there have been many limbs and sticks cut and picked up over the last few weeks. I do know of a few that I feel need mentioning. On a previous work day, Mary Ann Greig and Steve Horn drove down from Rolla. Larry and Deanna Armstrong and Mel and Cherie Hedrick live in close proximity to the Ranch, along with Adam VanDyke and Ed Horton. They all have worked many hours, not just one day. They don’t need organization or a leader, because they see what needs to be done and they do it.
There will be more work days scheduled over the next few weeks. Hopefully, it won't be snowing on those days. If you have some time available to help, please let any of the above names know or go to the member-owned Discussion Forum under Big Top section at http://www.cloud9ranch.net/ (not an official Ranch website) for dates of "organized" cleanups when you can be here and what you plan to do. Greg Watts has asked that we turn in all manhours worked on the ice storm damage cleanup to him. Make sure if you do some work on your own, that you notify the office or give a Ranger a note to give the office if you're here over a weekend.
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