About Colorado Springs' Fort Carson Army Base

The USO (United Services Organization) in the past has probably most been known for their performances for soldiers in the 2nd world war. It got quiet around them for a long time. Don't get me wrong, they were still there but all these volunteers were just not glamorous and simply helped military members and their families during stressful times.

I myself very so thankful for the USO when I was travelling overseas and was able to find a USO in an otherwise strange country. It was a bit of hope.

With the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq the USO again has taken on an even greater roll in the lives of our Armed Forces. Fort Carson here in Colorado has an active USO office and building. It's a great place to go and hang out, you are always welcome and there is always a smile for you.

On December 17th 'our' USO - Fort Carson is hosting a Christmas party. Open to Service Members: married, or single, and families. There will be games, prizes, crafts, bands, Miss Colorado visiting, a full meal catered by Texas Road House, Santa and a gift for children.

Recap: The party is on 17 December with two shifts to choose from 1100-1330 and 1430-1500.

THANK YOU, USO for your tireless work!

The beauty of the Colorado Springs area can be astounding. A person simply has to slow down long enough to notice.

The temperatures are dropping and the weather is very pleasant. The trees are just now starting to think about changing colors. Snow can be seen on the top of Pikes Peak.

The wild flowers are in bloom.

The sunrises and sunsets have been simply spectacular.

Colorado Springs: See It. Experience It. Live It.

Have you ever felt like you were chasing a rainbow? You keep driving towards it, trying to find the end of it.

These are some snapshots that I took while on the way to work at Fort Carson, Colorado one morning. It seems like the closer I got to the rainbow, the further away it moved.

It occurred to me that chasing a rainbow is similar to saying, "If only ______ happens, then I'll be happy."

"If only I were a little older, then I'll be happy."

"If only my kids were a little older, life will be easier."

"If I could just get this one pay raise (or home sold), then everything will be ok."

Waiting for the "if only's" in life to happen is like chasing a rainbow. If happiness is based on things happening, then happiness can seem elusive.

I hope that you have a wonderful day today by simply appreciating today for what you do have. Appreciate today for what it is. Not what you wish it could be.

By the way, Colorado is a great place to chase rainbows.....

Colorado: See It. Experience It. Live It.

The area to the south and south-east of the Colorado Springs city limits are popular areas to keep horses. The area is less populated. The land is flatter. There are fewer trees. Overall, the land is fairly suitable for horses so long as you have access to water. As result, there are a lot of horse properties in this area.

I’m calling this collection of pictures that I took yesterday: Horses Being Horses

Whenever I take a picture, I usually have great hopes of a wonderful photograph showing my horses at their best. Sometimes, horses are just horses and the best doesn't always come out. Each of these pictures represent some horses at Cactus Creek Canyon enjoying just being a horse.

"Hi....Will you pet me?"

Introducing Color Me Haida, the most expensive, well bred cutting horse that I own......

"Smile"

My black Arabian stallion, Flaming Asset: "Catch Me If You Can"

If you need someone to help you find a horse property, send me an email or call.

Colorado Springs: See It. Experience It. Live It.

(Sondra also Sells - Texas Style.)

Ten years ago, I was driving my children to school when I heard that a plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Today, I’m wearing an Army Combat Uniform and am nearing the halfwaypoint of my 24 hour CQ shift.

On my lunch break, I visited Fort Carson’s memorial to the World Trade Center. It is located in Colorado Springs on Highway 115 just outside of Fort Carson’s main gate. I then viewed the names of the Fort Carson soldiers who have lost their lives in the Global War on Terrorism. There are a lot.

Let me tell you, there is nothing romantic about war. It is ugly. When you talk to soldiers, their families and their children, you realize the sacrifices that are made cannot be quantified.

Yet, when I think of 9/11; when I see the pictures and the video; when I think of my own children and my grand-baby; I realize that it is a privilege and an honor to have been able to serve in this fight against terrorism.

.

.

.

This photograph of the memorial serves as a reminder of how the enemy on this war on terrorism changed everything. The tank off back in the left side of the picture was once very useful back when we fought "organized" armies. (You have to look hard to see it.) The days of Kit Carson, riding his horse, are long gone. 9/11 changed the world we live in.

Never forget 9/11.

(Note: I joined the Army in 2008 after my son left for college. Had it not been for 9/11, I would have never, ever considered the Army as a way to handle empty nest syndrome. I've been to Afghanistan. I'm looking very forward to the end of my contract and supporting the fight on terrorism as a civilian.)