Opinion

From My Window: Family still a strong pull during holidays; lights, Broncos shine

Sean McMahon, Editor
Sean McMahon, Editor
Just got done riding around Meeker after Friday night’s big snow and there certainly isn’t a lot of pavement to be found. Even on Sunday, after about 36 hours without snow, there are a lot of cars that might be tough to find as well.
Between the snows that had fallen last week, the snow that fell on Friday night and the snow plows, there are more than just a few vehicles such as trailers, cars and even trucks that were still going to be under huge drifts on Monday morning.
Friday was as much a white Christmas as I have seen in years and it was kind of fun to watch “White Christmas” in the evening before heading off to 11 p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve. It wasn’t quite the fully delightful day as I found out a brother who had been declared lung cancer free on Jan. 31, 2014, had found less than a week earlier that the cancer was back.
Anyway, here is to hoping that you had the Christmas you were hoping for and that you were able to spend the day with good friends, your family and/or other loved ones. That makes for a great day and a complete holiday.
For those of you not able to be with your family and other loved ones, it isn’t too late to give them a call, drop them a line, drive across town, etc. Family is important, whether we always want to admit it or not. There truly is no time like the December holidays to open those doors to those we may have lost track of or those who we may have written off over a stupid argument years go.
Make use of the present before it is too late and they escape us before we have the chance to cross their paths again.

Today is New Year’s Eve.
An entire new chapter of our life begins as we enter the new year, and I think it is great that we have such a day set aside for us to decide whether we want or need to have a day set aside for new beginnings.
I have made probably as many New Year’s resolutions as anyone I know and I honestly can’t tell you if I ever kept a single one. From exercise to losing weight to throwing away the cigarettes. From switching to a better, healthier diet to trying to stop using four-letter words quite so often, not much has worked; not much has taken place.
I gave up on New Year’s resolutions about five years ago.
I figured I had only been fooling myself for roughly 57 years as of then, so why continue? It certainly doesn’t make me feel good to admit, “Well, I blew it again!”
Weight and exercise were always the lead resolutions in my long battle against excess weight. I would be able to hold that resolution as a youth until Mom served New Year dinner. If the ham and turkey and turkey gravy and mashed potatoes didn’t ruin me, then it was probably the pumpkin and, oh, yes, the pecan pies that she would make.
Meanwhile, if I am at least 1 percent honest with myself, I know what my weaknesses are. I know where I need to improve health-wise, socially, professionally and personally. I don’t need to write them down and tell everyone and feel bad when when I fail.
I decided this year I am going to try to improve on them all, be unhappy with myself when I come up short, be proud when I prevail and just make this year a better year from within.
I don’t expect a perfect year, but even a slight improvement would be a big move if I do it with the right outcome being the overall goal. None of us are where we could be in leading a flawless life, and actually that sounds pretty boring. But a year of being more mellow, more career/job oriented and being more socially aware sounds like a pretty good year.
The thought of being more politically correct doesn’t sound like a lot of fun nor does it sound particularly exciting. I guess I am still going to be more—but try to do that in a healthier, more sociable and more professional way.
I am grateful that the ill health that was with me from early October through the New Year is now officially past me, and I am grateful for New Year’s Day. No resolutions forthcoming but hopefully improvement will become a reality.

Thanks and congratulations to those who went to the trouble of putting up lights for Christmas—as a good number of folks in Meeker and Rangely did.
It seems like a few folks waited longer this year than last, but in the end, I would say there were a couple more folks who did so this year.
Obviously, some displays are a lot of work that doesn’t get done in one day. Some other folks may just put an hour or two into putting a single string of lights on their porch railing.
But each and every single added display complements the season and adds to the experience enjoyed while driving around from town to town or even neighborhood to neighborhood.
One of the most eye-catching displays I saw during the holidays was perhaps one of the dimmest yet one of the most enjoyable. The home had at least 12 front windows and—while all house lights were turned off and the rest of the house and yard was dark—each single window had one lone candle light, and the light wasn’t very bright. You really had to look at the house to see them. For some reason, the effect was one of the most touching.
Again, thanks to those who went the extra mile with the garage lights, the store lights and the home/yard lights. You made a difference in my attitude and I would bet the attitudes of a lot of other folks.

I am writing this column on Sunday evening, and am holding this part of my column until Tuesday morning because the Denver Broncos don’t play until Monday night, hosting the Cincinnati Bengals in a very important game.
If the Broncos win, they will be the No. 2 seed in the AFC, and if they lose, they will be tied with the Kansas City Chiefs atop the AFC West.
Denver has the advantage over the Chiefs if they are tied, but there is still one game left. I would point out that the last game of the year is at home against the San Diego Chargers, one of the teams that beat the Broncos earlier this year.
And, by the way, Denver, as of Sunday, still had not earned a playoff berth.
The other flip side of the coin is that with the Patriots having lost on Sunday, if Denver wins against Cincinnati and against the Chargers, the Broncos will have the home field advantage throughout the playoffs if the Patriots lose their last game.
Go Broncos!!!
As of Tuesday morning:
Oh my God! If luck wasn’t a part of that victory over the Bengals, I don’t know what luck is. That game-winning fumble was unheard of. It was the first time the announcers could find that a playoff game was ever won on a walk-off fumble.
You know, it would be a lot easier on all Bronco fans and the Broncos if the team decided to show up and play one full game instead of one great half and one dismal half.
If Denver wins this weekend, they will have a round-one bye and home field advantage for the first game they do play. With some major luck, Denver could win and the Patriots lose and Denver would have the home field advantage all the way through the AFC Championship game.
With a Denver loss, Denver will be a busy team throughout the playoffs if they want to make Super Bowl 50.

Happy New Year to you all.
Jan. 1 is a great day to start over with something that may have gone awry. Make the best of it!!!

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  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
3 hours ago
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1/9
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
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Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
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Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
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Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
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