We usually drive straight from Dallas to Portal when we go to the KT Ranch. But this August we took a detour to visit our friends Ann and Ruedi Hunziker at their place near Santa Fe. We explored El Rancho de Las Golondrinas and Leonora Curtin Wetland Reserve, adjoining properties that were new to us and offered a fascinating combination of indigenous and Spanish history, American logging settlement and ecological refuge. As always, there was great food and conversation – and we got to see Ruedi’s latest sculpture project, Everpresence.

Karen’s sister Sallie visited the KT Ranch in August, for the first time since 2003! We stayed at both Casa Paloma in Tumacacori and Casa de San Pedro in Hereford during her visit. Each place is unique, but they both are relaxing inns in lovely natural surroundings, with charming hosts and delicious food. Sallie got her first tastes of Arizona wines as well at Rune Wines, Pillsbury Wine Company, and Bodega Pierce. Our time at the ranch itself was filled with hiking in the Chiricahuas, birding on the property and cooking, hanging out and enjoying our time together. Hopefully she’ll be back soon.

We had a larger gathering in late October and early November. Terry’s sister Nancy and Kim joined us for a week. Since they hadn’t been out since before COVID, this was their first chance to see all the renovations and additions. They were happy to see the reality instead of just the online photos. We had a good time, as always, relaxing at the KT and exploring the Chiricahuas.

For a few days during their stay, our group expanded. Ann and Ruedi visited us on their return from family gatherings in California and Tucson. They brought along Ruedi’s cousin Jörg from Switzerland. Sadly, it was too cold and windy to grill and eat at our outdoor dining table. But we cooked up a storm indoors and had long, philosophical discussions about the state of the nation and the world.

Our times in Arizona are improved greatly by having our friends Josie and Tom Harding living outside Tucson. They stopped by for a quick visit in April (on the way home from a family visit in Texas) and we inaugurated the new grill. Tom’s grilling advice was invaluable! They came over again for a longer time in August, when they marveled at our squash crop, grilled some more, and joined us for our first dinner in the new courtyard. We ended the year at their home, Casa Porque, with a New Year’s celebration that – to our amazement – lasted past 1 AM! We’re looking ahead to more fun times in 2025.

Our friends in southeast Arizona include Portal neighbors we see regularly – Rose Ann Rowlett and Richard Webster, Mike Boley and Rhonda Votino and Bill and Jill Cavaliere. Our nearby friends also now include Joanne Garnett, a planner friend of Karen’s, who has relocated to Tucson. Having friends close by is one of the nice features of the KT, and surprising since the location itself is rather remote. We look forward to more fun in 2025!