Where does the time go? We’re still getting plenty of sunlight over here at Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, but now there’s a bit of a bite to the air and the days are becoming shorter and shorter. Around the ranch, as the leaves turn gold, we’re getting into our fall chores: moving the horses down to their winter pasture, closing up the cabins, and bringing up hay for the stud who will spend the winter here.
Our last round of guests left a few weeks ago, and we ended an awesome summer season with our 22nd annual Montana Cowgirl Quilt Retreat. The retreat is led by the same two teachers each year, international quilting instructors Charlotte Warr Andersen and Georgia Bonesteel. We’ve all become great friends, and it was quite the treat to see each other another year running!
Early fall is a peaceful and beautiful time at the ranch. As each quilter worked away on their quilting projects, there was a subtle sense that winter was on its way — but we weren’t worried at all. There’s something so soothing about piecing together functional works of art that will keep our loved ones warm for countless generations. All twenty ladies took home a good start — if not finished products — on two amazing quilts from new patterns by the talented Georgia and Charlotte.
With Kameron taking over the reins as the ranch management this year, our fall transition on the ranch end of things is off a good start. Out of our 119 head of horses, we have four new foals from last spring to train up this year — we’ll start by getting them comfortable wearing a saddle, then lead them around the corral and try them out with a few drills. We’ll also spend time with about 18 others: our one-. two-, and three-year-olds who need to brush up on their manners.
The rest of the Kelsey family is business as usual — well, except for Kim and Kelly, who are in San Luis Obispo enjoying their newfound time off. Konnor and his wife Amy are spending lots of time with their healthy eight-month-old baby girl, Shaye; and Kyleen is starting her third year at the University of Montana.
For those of you who helped make the summer of 2016 memorable, fun, and full of adventure, a huge thank you from all of the Kelsey family! We absolutely love what we do, and couldn’t do it without you. Stay tuned for more news from the ranch over the chilly months, and stay in touch.
Until we meet again!
-The Kelseys
