July 2024 - Note From the Saddle Bench

Photo Courtesy of Mattie Sargent

Greetings from Far West Texas!

Hope you all had a good Fourth of July. It was certainly good here in the mountains. It started trying to rain just like it's supposed to. We have had afternoon showers almost daily the last 10 days or so. We are a long ways from being in good shape, but at least it's trying and we haven't had any more big damaging storms. Just small showers around in different places.

The elk seem to have disappeared. When it starts getting hot they head for the mountains. I did see some buck mule deer here at the house last week which something we don't see very often anymore. Several ranchers have told me they are seeing Hatches of quail ,that's always a good sign. I don't know what it is about this year but we certainly have plenty of gophers and mice. Anyone you speak with has a mouse problem. Going to have to get more barn cats I guess.

If you or anyone you know is interested in corporate gifts now is a good time to get them ordered. We can do just about anything with a logo, name, or brand on it either hand carved or with our new laser machine (if you order 25 or more, the laser work is free). We can also engrave on metal like knife blades or knife handles.

There are some great events coming up in the next few weeks here in Alpine. The Viva Big Bend Music Festival runs July 24th-28th. Be sure to come by the store for a campfire breakfast and live music the morning of July 27th. Also, don't forget the Big Bend Ranch Rodeo August 9th-10th. In addition to the adult teams competing that weekend there will also be a youth ranch rodeo on Saturday morning that is a bunch of fun to watch. Hope to see y'all in Alpine for one of both of these events!

Jayson and Zetta Jones have been keeping us posted on the fires and flooding in the Ruidoso area. It has been devastating, not only to the ranchers but the merchants in Ruidoso as well. Please keep these good people in your prayers. Hope you have a good month.

Adios for now,
Gary Dunshee

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