Hello loyal blog readers (I came to the conclusion today, by the way, that the reason I have so many loyal readers is because this blog is essentially an extension of me, so when you can’t be with me all the time this give you the next best thing… right? Well, I’m back and so is my essence)!

So, I’ve decided that we need to add an element to the blog posts… a sort of humanitarian edge to my entries, as I’ve been accused of being too self involved (I don’t see it, but often times excellence is regarded as self-involved… hey- I didn’t ask for this gift, OK!); anyway, I’ve decided that I want to start acknowledging 1 quadruped each month that exemplifies what I think it is to be a truly great C Lazy U contributor (I couldn’t very well limit it to just horses- maybe one of those alpacas will actually step up and show us his or her stuff someday…maybe.

At any rate, I’m proud to introduce to you the first of our monthly quadrupeds of the month, Willow:

Why have I picked her for this great honor? Well, Willow was new to our herd as of last year, and made it into the adult string by the end of her first summer here- something very few newbies are able to accomplish in 1 season- you go girl!!

Well, that’s that for now. I look forward to writing something wonderful again in a few weeks. Until then!

The snow is melting and I can see my hooves again! Spring is officially here-the cowboy boots are getting brought out again, snow boots are being stored away for the season, people are walking around in their t-shirts, and most importantly, I’ll be making my semi-annual trip down to Denver to support my favorite baseball team, the Colorado Rockies, this weekend (I have to say, I’m a little nervous though, as I heard the managers talking about bringing me in from pasture a day early to hose me off and brush me down… I shudder at the thought!).

On the note of my trip to Coors Field, if anybody is going to be going to opening weekend, I will be there and out and about on Friday and Sunday that weekend, saying hello and posing for pictures with my adoring public. And even better than that (that’s how the management is billing this next bit, but I say, “What can be better than a picture with Petey?”) is the contest that we’re hosting, involving me: Petey Paparazzi! I’ve included a picture of the 3″x5″ card that we’ll be handing out at the game both Friday and Sunday (staring yours truly), so if anybody wants to stop and enter to win a trip to see me, I’d love to meet you!If you won’t be at the game, abut you have a really great picture with me from one of your trips, that works too- submit it and see what happens!

I hope to see you at Coors field, or this summer! Not booked your horseback riding vacation yet? I’ve heard that space is filling quickly, so if you want a spot, give our reservations department a call at: 970-887-3344.

Howdy blog readers! My little hooves are barely able to write this blog post today, as the snow is tummy deep here (my tummy… which usually only skims the surface of the snow, but these days it’s creating a nice gully behind me as I walk… not yours). At any rate, I just wanted to sign on and let you all know how awesome the snow conditions are here! check them out below.

Oh! If any of my blog readers lives in Denver, now hear this:

C Lazy U is offering a new, special “a la carte” nightly rate for anybody interested in coming up to ski the local ski areas (or our mountain). The rates that our reservationists would quote you includes your lodging, ice skating and hockey, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, plus complimentary shuttles to any from either of the ski areas nearby (Ski Granby Ranch and Winter Park Resort!). If you’d like, you can also add some of our other on ranch winter activities, or meals, to you package for an additional charge.

Give them a call if you want to take advantage of all the fresh “pow-pow” as the young people call it: 970-887-3344. This new “a la carte” nightly pricing is only good through this winter, by the way, so if you’re looking to “shred the gnar”, call quick!

We hope to see you here! Bring me snacks- all this talk of exercise has whetted my appetite! Thanks in advance!!

Well, the holidays have come and gone here at the ranch, and things have started to “quiet down” around here. I put that into air quotes because let’s face it- when you’re as popular as me, even when there are only a dozen guests on ranch any given weekend, I am inundated with photo shoots, and pettings and feedings (don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining- I love my adoring public… and the treats they bring me… I’m just saying, it takes a lot to give so much to so many, all the time).

Anyway, if you weren’t fortunate enough to join us for Christmas or New Year’s, below are a few pictures that recap some of the magic from those that wonderful time of year:

This is my favorite look of the lodge- adorned with white twinkle lights.

Singing Christmas carols while decorating the big tree in the main lodge is a C Lazy U tradition... sadly, no donkeys allowed in the main lodge means that I have to enjoy the singing from outside- it's still beautiful!

I don't think he knew that he was just supposed to open his present... he kept trying to re-wrap himself too!

Here comes Santa Clause, here comes Santa Clause!

And no one was forgotten.

Everyone got to see Santa and get a present

The holidays are such a special time of year for us here at the ranch, and we’re so thankful that we get to share them with such wonderful families (and I am also personally grateful that Santa always remembers that donkeys like presents too!).

Until next time, thanks for reading!

Happy Fall blog readers! Gosh, I tell you what- this donkey remembers when November was a quiet time at the ranch, but those days are no more- Thanksgiving only has a few rooms left available, and there are even less for Christmas and New Years this year- have you booked your fall vacation yet?

In ranch news, it might be mid-November, but that hasn’t deterred this Red Tail Hawk from hanging out. Everyday this guy (or gal) perches, for hours at a time, on the top of the gold panning station for people to admire (can you believe what some people will do for attention?!). Anyway, people think that he’s pretty neat, so I thought I might as well give you all a little peak at him (those of you who will be here this Thanksgiving might still be able to see him for yourselves- you wouldn’t believe what a kick he/she get’s out of being looked at… what a ham!)

Look at him working it for the camera (I saw this picture being taken- the photographer was 5 ft. from him!) I tell you what: I think I could take him (and might have to if he keeps trying to steal my thunder).  He doesn’t look so big…. although, his talons look pretty sharp… as does his beak… you know what: maybe he’ll take a fall vacation too. *sigh* I feel a photo-shoot coming on- those always make me feel better. Stand by for new pictures from your handsome man (the handsomest, some have said, but I don’t mean to brag).

Until next time, I remain, adorably yours,

Petey

Hello to all my loyal blog readers- it’s been a while… but holy cow has it been a busy summer! I have to say that the thing that took up most of my time was posing for pictures with all of you at Rockies games, or during your stays at the ranch. I’ve never felt so very loved before- thank you all so much for spending time with me, taking pictures with me, and participating in the Petey Paparazzi contest that we helpd(there were a lot of pictures submitted). I especially want to give a shout out to the winner of our contest: Lori Ruf’s daughter! I still remember this kiss- it was a good one… thanks so much for loving me!

I have so much more to update you one (the fall has hit the ranch in a big way, so we’ve got lot’s of pictures to show you!). Stand by for more, as I’m back on line and raring to tell you all about ranch life these days!

I was late in saying it last year, as I got caught up in our ranch festivities, so I’m getting an early start in 2012! Hooray for Independence Day!

Now, I reflected on what last July 4th was like for me, and immediately remember that everyone what quite a bit more patriotically dressed than I was, and gosh do I feel like I disappointed people not getting decked out. This year, I plan to dress to impress (now, I know what you’re all thinking- I am quite impressive all on my own, and I don’t need an outfit to make me remarkable, consequential, striking, etc.. etc…. and you’re right. But, when you are in a position like me it is important to give the people what they want when it’s possible, so I’m going for it). Below are a few shots from my photo shoot this morning- my way of giving back to all of you (you’re welcome):

Do you feel my sass?

My "come hither" look

I was going for a look of far off wonderment in this one- do you feel it?

Well everyone- I’d better head out and start preparing for our parade. I hope y’all have a wonderful 4th!

Thank you so much to all those of you that have called and emailed with your concerns for the ranch in regards to the many wildfires burning throughout Colorado. I am happy to report that the C Lazy U Ranch is no immediate danger (we are about 100 miles from the nearest fire), and with the exception of a few hours yesterday, we have not breathed a single bit of smoke either (which is great, because I’m a bit of an asthmatic, and I don’t think I’d be able to perform all my duties in smokey conditions!); in fact, we got rain yesterday, and the day before (we will, of course, need tons more, but we count each blessing as it comes)!

On the note of counting our blessings, we are about to dive into our 4th week of summer guests, and it’s been so nice to see so many familiar faces, and so many new ones (I have to say, the new guests we’ve gotten this year are very trainable- the amount of between meals snacks that I’ve been getting is awesome!!). We are truly fortunate to have such a wonderful extended family here, and yes, you are truly fortunate to have me… you’re welcome.

It’s about lunch time, so I’ll leave you all with this: We continue to pray for those who are being effected throughout the state, and the country, and send our hugs:

and kisses:

I will continue to update you here, and don’t forget to check out our Facebook page too.

“Let’s go up!”
Echoes the wrangler’s cry in the distance of the crisp summer morning.
“Clip” “clop” go the hooves on the dirt ranch driveway-
180 horses snort and whinney as they make their way into the corrals,
Ready for breakfast.

A dart of green here A flash of red there
The hummingbirds have arrived,
Whistling their happy tune as they chase one another,
feeling safe to play
B
E
N
E
A
T
H
A canopy of neon green speckles-
The Aspens have leafed.

“Who’s on Shoshone?”
“Hold your reins like ice-cream cones.”
“I’m scared!”
“A long time ago a man named Shorty lived on the ranch.”
“I said a boom-chick-boom!”
“Hey, wanna come to my cabin during cabin time?”
“Can we lope again?”
“Mud fight!”
“This is awesome!”
“Welcome to the C Lazy U SHODEO!”
“This is my address, let’s be pen pals.”

The sun peaks down behind the mountain,
Illuminating,
For a moment,
The ranch,
In a pool of gold.

Smoke risING
As kids giggle and roast s’mores
Around the campfire
And watch a cowboy brand their boots.
A souvenir of their stay.

Happy Tails
To our first week of guess, and welcome to our second!

From my personal journal last night:

The smell of barbecue fills the air as the first Patio House cookout of the year gets underway (smoked wild bore leg I’ve been told… *gulp* they don’t eat donkeys too, do they?!); compounded with the sunny days and warm temperatures we’ve had these last few days, and the new pasture the wranglers are jingling to, grass lush and green, ripe for the eating, it is difficult not to feel giddy about summer-a few short weeks and our first round of Summer guests will be making their way down our mile long driveway to be greeted by a ranch hand; it’s a wonderful tradition really: as they are escorted into the Outfitter’s Cabin, the sound of good ol’ country music playing melodically in the background, setting the atmosphere for their stay, faces light up at the site of friends from years past, stories are recounted as old friends catch up, and astonished looks spread across the faces of new guests who never knew that something could be so breathtaking as this.

Having lived here as long as I have, I’ve seen a lot of hugs and handshakes as old and new families are greeted during this Sunday afternoon ritual here at C Lazy U, but my heart still swells each time I see it- this place, the C Lazy U Ranch, is my home- with so many friends living here with me all year, I can truly say that I am surrounded by family- and yet, I’m still never as full as when our guest arrive for the season- that is when my family is complete.

As twilight falls around my friends and I, I realize that I’ve neglected my dinner, and so I end tonight with this- friends, old and new, I can’t wait to see you- your C Lazy U family awaits you, but, right now, my grass awaits me!