Summer 2009 - The Close of Our 44th Season

Another season comes to a close on the Ranch - but this year will be our LAST summer closing! As of this writing, the Ranch will be staying open 365 days a year. The True Brothers Summer Renovations are in full swing, in preparation for the "Season Kick Off" on September 3, 2009. (There's even a special package available for the grand re-opening...)

Many of you have received our written newsletter - please be assured - - we are still compiling our e-mail list for future communications to save paper.  As so many projects go - it is taking longer than we had hoped... But we'll get there!

Michael and Kristin have recently purchased property on the east side of Tucson. Just a stones throw from Saguaro National Park East, it is a beautiful 16 acre parcel with horse facilities which we are hoping to use for our retired ranch horses.  The main house is 3,800 square feet and they are planning to offer it as an extended stay (one month or longer)vacation property.  Eventually, we will create a link with more information from this site - but at the moment, any inquiries can be directed to Michael or Kristin via e-mail or phone.

The 2009 True Brothers Summer Renovations are focused on "behind the scenes" projects that will surely improve everyone's comfort - A complete kitchen renovation and new central air conditioning for rooms 1-12 are at the top of the list. 

After 44 years and approximately 2 million dollars in capital improvements over the last fifteen years, we are finally reaching our vision for the Ranch.  Of course, no property exists without constant repairs and updates, and we are ever mindful of the opportunities to increase comforts and conveniences for you.  But essentially, the big pieces are all in place as we envisioned them.

Gratitude is something that we have an abundance of here on the ranch. Yes, we are fortunate to have jobs we love and believe in, but it is You, our guests that provide the opportunity to do this work. Loyalty comes to us in so many ways; some guests visit monthly, some annually, some every three or four years, some post photos and reviews that introduce us to new guests, some refer their family and friends and some share candid observations that help us see the ranch from your point of view. Be assured that we appreciate all of it and thank you sincerely.

It will come as no surprise to any of you that we are a bit slow on the uptake concerning technology - we take a "wait and see" approach to most new developments.  And it seems this attitude has paid off - we eventually adopt the ones that have staying power.
Wireless Internet is a good example, our Facebook page seems to be another and TripAdvisor has exceeded our wildest expectations  - so, who knew?  
We are not anxious to trade our personal, direct contact with you for faceless technology - but we can appreciate the convenience that technology offers you. Having said that, please don't hesitate to call us when you have questions - hospitality and personal service are what we believe in!

On a personal note - David and Steven are staying in the East for the summer, so Gail and Russell will join the boys for a visit to Colonial Williamsburg and some family time. Michael and Kristin are hosting their Norwegian niece and nephews on a cruise to Mexico and a road trip through California and Nevada. Three teenagers and two weeks later, there should be some great stories to tell!

You will notice many new rides have been created, and we frequently create new "Specials" which focus on a variety of interests. Your requests and suggestions are Welcome!  Have a safe Summer, see you in the Fall!

                  Michael and Chex 
         a Comeback at June Ranch Rodeo

On June 6th, Michael stepped up onto his long time bulldogging horse Chex and bulldogged a steer. A pretty ordinary event for both of them, unless you know the road they've recently traveled and the obstacles they've overcome.  There had been a false start only a week before, when Chex took a bad step and pulled his shoe - along with a good chunk of hoof.  By June 6th, the hoof was healing, shoe back on and they were ready to try again!

Michael is a PRCA Bulldogger and Team Roper. He has attended as many rodeos as possible in the last 20 years while running the Ranch with family.  At 5'11" and 180 lb.s he is pretty light for a bulldogger, but has enjoyed quite a lot of success! In the course of his career, he has hurt his knees, ankles and back but has always been able to keep going.  Until one day, he was roping on a different horse - Cutter, when he ruptured two discs as Cutter tried (unsuccessfully) to buck him off.

Despite doing everything to avoid surgery, the condition worsened and Michael finally agreed to surgery. While he was struggling with a back that wouldn't heal - Chex was having his own health issues.  A long string of lameness and injuries and rehabilitation had Chex out of the arena, out of competition.  The day Chex was to get his Vet check for a clean bill of health, he caught his hip on a piece of metal in the horse trailer. The resulting damage was terrible, with severe tissue damage and bone fragments to be removed... 

Months of treatment later, he has healed and is completely sound.  All this time, we were wondering if Michael and Chex were going to be forced into retirement.  Michael's answer has always been "If Chex makes a comeback, so will I."   On June 6th, they came back - full force, right on time and looking as if they never missed a rodeo!

Photos courtesy of Simon Tutchener