Thanks for the Memory
The following is reprinted with permission from The Signature Newspaper and appeared there in my column
By now my readers know I am a recovering sentimentalist. One of my favorite songs is the one made famous by Bob Hope in the movie, The Big Broadcast of 1938 with co-stars W. C. Fields, Dorothy Lamour and Martha Ray. And it is the song that became Bob Hope’s theme song, with lyrics modified to the situation for which it was used-”Thanks for the Memory!”
For nearly a quarter of a century, the love affair my wife and I have had with the Cuchara Valley and the Spanish Peaks region has been wonderful. Though I am not trying to recall all the magnificent times, those that bubble up are from the farthest past (and these are certainly not “all inclusive”-not enough pages in the newspaper).
First and foremost the majesty and beauty of the region captivated our hearts when, on a mid-October afternoon, we first drove up CO 12 and entered the upper Cuchara Valley at The Gap. We were smitten.
And we fondly recall the welcome received on our first few trips to the valley and getting to know folks who rolled out the welcome mat. Folks like Dainne and Dave Baldwin, Jo Anne VanLue, Jim Vietti, Pat McMahon, Charlie Masinton, Marilyn Hall, Joe and Ernie, Dave & Billie Carole Evans and Gary and Shawn Bridges.
In that era there seemed to be no boundaries, no limits, no sides. Just nice folks, out to help and support other folks, be they from near or far. It was about cooperation, support and surviving together in the paradise God provided them all.
The valley had a winter soul, a summer soul and an autumn soul. The seasonal folks were embraced and appreciated by all. Everyone had no choice but to get along with one another, because that was the way it was done.
And over the past two decades we have been blessed with so many friends, so many opportunities, so many wonderful experiences, so many memories. So, to paraphrase those beloved lyrics from the song:
Thanks for the memory
How lovely it was!
Many’s the time that we feasted,
And many’s the time that we fasted.
Oh, well, it was swell while it lasted.
We did have fun and no harm done.
So, thanks for the memory.
And how are all the little dreams that never did come true?
Aw’flly glad I met you, cheerio, and toodle-oo
And thank you so much!
It’s been a great few decades to be in Huerfano County,
Epilogue
I extend my deepest feelings of appreciation to Renee and Dave Rinehart, publishers-editors of The Signature Newspaper, for allowing me to write in their outstanding newspaper. It was a college dream, maybe fantasy, to be able to be a regular writer/contributor to a magazine or newspaper. Although I had no such experience, they were gracious enough to let me make a “fool” of myself in the weekly submission. Thanks. Steve Perkins