Cool Fall Morning at the Lake

This one particular morning I could not wait to get down to the lake with my camera.

First flakes of snow fell at Windy Hills today! Wow...so ends September....

The Steeds of Windy Hills

When visiting the ranch, you likely had the pleasure of sharing a conversation or even a trail with one of WH's beloved equine friends. This band of trail-mates offer depth to the experience and scenery of the ranch as a whole, while also offering fun and challenge to our day's work.

Chip (aka: Chipper, Chipsy, Chippy-Long-Stocking...)

Moose (aka: Moose-ey, Big Guy, Old Hound)

Roxy (aka: Roxy'Rolla', Roxanne, why you little ....)

May (aka: Mayzee, Old Girl)

And announcing our newest addition....

SHASTA! (aka: Shasty Girl, Sweet Thing, Little Princess....)

This week

Greetings from Windy Hills!

While most friends of WH are still in summer mode, a noticable shift in seasons is apparent on our fair mountain. The first frost of autumn fell on Sunday night, and the evening and morning temperatures have plummetted. While afternoons are still bright and balmy, the early morning greets us with a slower sun and frosty breath. Be sure to pack your sweater and even some mittys on your next trip up!

What's happening this week at the ranch:
- The eagles and geese have moved on to winter grounds, along with all but two of the hummingbirds.
- Projects in the works outside include a fuel shed (by the generator), installation of a gorgeous new tub, garden clean-up, horse schooling, and the daily this'n'that.
- The house is a feeling the warmth of a more frequent fire in the woodstove (a fact not missed by the woodshed mice!).

Enjoy your week, and may your road lead up to these Windy Hills before long!

Our week at Windyhills proved to be an amazing way to vacation. We relaxed, played, worked a little, made new friends and spent time with family. Deb had lots of time to relax and read before she is back to school for another year. I was able to spend some time on the water fishing - something that I have not had a lot of time to do recently. The fishing was great and most fish were sent back to grow a little larger for the next time. Brody had lots of time to play with his cousin Nathan - more than a few miles were put onto the dirt bikes.

Here are a few photos taken during the week.

Windyhills isn't all play.

In order for Windyhills to be the place we all enjoy there has to be a lot of hard work done. This summer Robby, Bryson and Dylan were the hired help with Earl as the supervisor. There were a few others that chipped in from time to time with a little work along with play. Of course we can not forget Rene, Myrna and Errol for providing the fuel to keep them going (and the rest of us). Thanks to all of their efforts to make Windyhills such a great place to stay and relax.

Conflict at Windyhills

On Sunday night the peace was broken at Windyhills when war broke out between the Allies and the Axis. Fortunately the Allies prevailed but not until there had been plenty of paint spilled. For those that may be coming to the Windyhills in the future be prepared in the event of another conflict. You may be conscripted.

Firsts at Windhills

This week at Windyhills we invited Brody's favorite cousin, Nathan. There have been a few firsts for Nathan. The pictures tell the story. The first time fishing, first time driving a dirt bike, first time on a horse and the first time driving a quad.

There is something funny with the first fish photo. Nathan did indeed catch these 2 trout. But, when it came time to actually pose with his trophies - well that is another story.

I discovered this past weekend that Windy Hills has different meaning for each individual that visits. For me it is about relaxing, capturing some of God's beauty with my camera, catching some fish (without worms) and having fun with family and friends. To others however, is seems to be about the toys THE BIG TOYS!

"The bigger the boy the bigger the toy" - right Earl.

New Family

Greetings from Windy Hills!

This summer, these Hills were embraced by a new family-- the Dycks. Jeremy, baby Jeremiah, and me (Deanna), were deeply blessed to join the Windy Hills family as caretakers (and loyal fans!). You'll see us around; greeting you upon arrival, performing basic upkeep, working with the horses, dogs, plants, and other created things, making coffee,or slipping away on a walk or onto the Lake. Walk along or stop and chat at any time, please. We seeking to contribute to the beauty and community of WH and would love to ensure your visit is all it can be. We look forward to meeting you as your road leads up this mountain, and we pray we can live as a support and blessing to this gorgeous place and this unique and gifted community.

A bit about us....

Married 5 years with a one year old bambino. Interested in pursuing our God, reading/writing, playing outside, resting outside, settling in for a good movie night, working with living things, enjoying some great wine/coffee/chocolate, roasting coffee, sleeping (it's been awhile...), tinkering/crafting, dreaming big and little and different....

We look forward to sharing life with you!

There's a new kid in town at Windy Hills. Recently add as a ranch hand is Jeremiah. Won't be long before he is ropin and ridin. Be sure to say hi next time you are up.

OK ... so it wasn't always summer at Windy Hills and there was a whole lot of fun that happened this past winter. Many an adult relived moments from thier childhood as they sped down the slope towards the lake. The getting down was great ... it was the getting back up that wasn't.








Christmas at Windy Hills was very special - nothing like a quiet evening by the fireplace after a day in the snow. Thanks to you know who for allowing our family to experience the fun that can be had in the great outdoors with the right sort of equipment.











Then of course there was the day on the lake when a hockey game broke out. The ice was a little rough but I am thinking ZAMBONI.

Summer Has Arrived at Windy Hills

Summer has arrived at Windy Hills. What a great time to sit on the back porch with a coffee and look over the lake and the wild flowers growing on the slope to the lake.

Or better yet, spend some time on the lake in search of the big one that got away

PS - this one did not!