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Rod & Susan Caughell
Heather Caughell
Brad & Cari Fieldhouse
Dan & Annette Lockhart
Eric & Bo Totemeier
Hunter Totemeier
Graydon White
Julie White
Joyce & Norm Wieder
Allison & Aruther Vanleuvn
Barbara & Lauren Porcher
Mike Hecker
Ben Sprague
Taylor Thompson
W. Wags
Ron Dickman
Guy & Suzannah Martin
Cheryl Lindy
Les Jones
Mike Graffiths
Dianna Christensen
Dolly Madsen
Carla Jacobsen
Mary Swain
Glenn Shanks
Dorthy Rush
Mary Overall
Bin & Donna Brawn
Gary & Barg Wacr
Jason Hannon
Lyn Burich
Dwane Elder
Paul Azoril
Bridgette Demille
Christin Holmsen
Nuzzolillos
Riley Mason
Dave Clark
Allan Bosko
Shaun Juneal
Kenneth Kahn
Arod
Jean Mackie
Steven Weinglass
Carol Czajka
Hailee Heuer
Dave & Kim Heuer
Randy & Sheryl Rosness
Doria & Dave Humes
Shawnelle & Sue
Chester Wasem
Henry, Christine & Andy Metz
Connie Meynet
Josh & Rayna Wierenga
Bill & Leslie Ooms
Chip Wullbrandt
Lynn & Frank Kirk
Gary Allen
Maile Kennedy
Bobby & Netta Jones
Craig & Becky Shields
Ralph Castellanos
Bion & Anna Rice
Mary August
Jacquelyn Kaufman
Megan Anderson
Sarah Anderson
Elizabeth Anderson
Pat Roth
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NEW & IMPROVED RECOVERY RANCH WEBSITE!!!
We have updated our website! We have added videos, pictures, slideshows, links and all kinds of new information on Recovery Ranch!! Please check it out!!!!
WWW.THERECOVERYRANCH.COM |
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Two Nights at Cachuma Lake!
by: Peter Kostos Just s few weeks ago, the brothers here at Recovery Ranch had the privilege to spend 2 nights camping outdoors at Lake Cachuma. We had an amazing experience on a campsite that overlooked the glistening water of the lake. Just a few feet away from the shore we fished, ate, practiced our recovery, and bonded with each other while sitting by a warm campfire. I think it's unanimous that his was one of the best outings we've had at the Ranch, and personally, it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I say this because not only was it my first experience outdoors, but it was an experience in which I realized how beautiful, meaningful, and enjoyable life is sober. Ultimately, this experience, along withthe entire experience at the Ranch, has brought me sense of peace and hope because I realize I am now taking the steps to change my life into a life worth living.
Camping at Cachuma Lake - From the Kitchen By: Jonathan Rapoport
On May 18th all of the residents at Recovery Ranch along with co-founders Daniel Ross and Andy Kirk, as well as house manager Dan Kilgore, went camping for two nights and three days at the Santa Barbara County campground at Cachuma Lake. We pitched our two ten-man cabin tents and set up a kitchen in the group barbeque pit. We then went down to the lake - a man made reservoir which is the primary water supply for the Santa Ynez Valley. Some of us fished by the lakeshore while others launched the Recovery Ranch fishing boat and went trolling for bass and trout. By nightfall we grilled the fish we had caught and cooked burgers and hot dogs. We built a campfire and talked about ourselves and recovery. The next morning we woke up and made coffee, eggs, and bacon on the barbeque. We spent the day fishing and reading as a group from the Big Book. On our second evening, we put on a barbeque with our fresh caught fish and Santa Maria Tri-
Tip, a cut of beef local to the Central Coast of California. We spent the rest of the evening and night the campfire along with Daniel Ross and his sons Gavin and Dylan. We told jokes and stories. Most importantly, we shared our personal stories and our perspectives on recovery from alcoholism and addiction. The next day we fished and then packed up and went back to Recovery Ranch. At Recovery Ranch we say that we work hard and play hard and on this camping trip we did exactly that. We left the camping trip closer together and knowing each other better.
Please send your comments or recipe ideas to recoveryranchpost@gmail.com
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SPORTS & RECREATION
 | | Adam lands a whale as his first catch |
RANCH VIDEO GALLERY
"A Fish in the Life" By: Adam Spechler
It was about 5:00 p.m. on June 1st, 2012. We were at Cachuma Lake on the boat we had recently reconstructed ourselves when a fish bit on brother Jameson's line. He immediately called me over to reel it in. I began reeling as fast as I could with all the guys screaming and cheering. Mark grabbed the net and scooped up the fish to further fuel the group's enthusiasm. Daniel was videotaping it all on his phone and got Chris, Hani, Mark, Jameson, and myself all screaming uncontrollably on video. That moment is one of the many I have made here at Recovery Ranch and one that I will never forget. That evening every person on the boat caught at least one fish and more importantly, we all had a blast. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be living life to the great extent that I am today. However, with the help of Andy, Daniel, D.K. and all my brothers here at Recovery Ranch, I am now building the foundation of the beautiful life I have always dreamed of.
 "Dodger Game"
By: Hani Alasfoor
I did not know what to make of it and what to expect. The ride to the Dodger's game was filed
with reflect ions of my early memories as a kid watching various baseball games as a kid on T.V., wishing
I was part of the crowd let alone any baseball team. That day finally arrived at the age of 34 I was
seated 8 rows from the field watching the Dodgers play against the Cardinals at Dodgers Stadium. I still
remember before the game started hoe both teams had their time to warm up by throwing the ball to
various team players and some were taking batting practice. I was in awe at how lively it was as
everyone at the stadium cheering, laughing, getting their food and drinks and getting ready for both
teams to play ball. D.K., Adam, Chris and I took a quick tour around and I was filled with questions and
couldn't wait for them to answer me back. We finally found our seats through the crowd and the game
began after much anticipation. I remember how I was absorbing every moment that I shared with my brothers and how I will always cherish those moments for the rest of my life. We cheered, laughed, and got to wee the
Dodger's win by 6 to nothing. That night I was a kid again and got to witness my first baseball game.
There were so many great memories that I got to experience that night. I got to participate in my first
wave amongst the crowd. My first Dodger Dog and my first cheer. The thing that stuck out the most
was seeing the players come up close and personal with the kids in the stands and sign balls for them in
between innings. It was awesome to see the kids and their interaction with the players. Thanks to
Daniel Ross, Andy Kirk, and D.K. for making it happen. If not for them I would not be where I am today.
Only in sobriety would I get the opportunity to do things like experience my first Dodger game. I can't
wait to go again.
"Pin Pals"
by: Sydney Wasem
Hello again. I'm Sydney Wasem and I have been here for just about 3 months now. We are still having a great time and doing a lot. We all piled into the van and took a trip down to Santa Barbara to go bowling a couple of weeks ago at Zodo's Bowling and Beyond. I had an amazing time with my brothers. I used to spend a lot of time at Zodo's playing in leagues, but I never had such a good time until we all went down there together. The difference is that I was with people who I love and who I know love me too. We competed and took it seriously, but we also laughed and joked around even more. I feel like I am part of something special today. I have true friends and for that I am grateful.
"Going Deep" by: Jameson Swain
We recently loaded all of our gloves and bats up and headed to Sunny Fields Park to play a couple games of softball for DK's birthday. We all got to celebrate and appreciate this day with a man who is now a big part of not only just our recovery but our lives. The park was full as it was the Memorial Day Holiday and at some points during the afternoon the bleachers filled up and we had a crowd. It was nice to be able to go out there and re-live my childhood dreams and get back in touch with the game I love. I still got the same feelings while I was out there too; the competitive spirit, the youthful exuberance and being a part of a team. The stakes were high; the losing team had to make all of the beds of the winning teams and pick up their daily chores around the house. After a total of 17 innings and a valiant effort to come back, my team fell just short and thus got to make the beds for all of the winning team. Although only one team could win, we're all winners in life today and that is apparent to me with each day that passes me while here at the ranch. It was an awesome day and besides the fact many of us were basically useless the next few days because of how sore we were, it was a day of unity and brotherhood and I'm grateful to have been able to share this day with my brothers!
"The Golf Challenge" By: Chris C.
Here at the Ranch we have a golf challenge. It is a test of one's patience and also of one's character. For being only a golf challenge it definitely brings about a lot of excitement to the Ranch. There are prizes offered to all, from rounds of golf to Dodger tickets, to no chores for a day to free sodas and candy. We have putting challenges and we also have some mats that we place in different areas of the yard to chip from onto the green. It is really important to pay attention to each player, on for your own safety and so you can also cheer on your brother so that they do well in the challenge. It is definitely a great part of my day because I love to play golf. It also breaks up the day after working hard either at the Ranch or on some other property or in the gym or after a significantly long group session. We find the challenges to be competitive and inspirational because no one likes to lose, yet we compete and cheer each other on because that is what brothers do.
"Mount Oso" By: David Sult
Being outdoors is a blast with the Recovery Ranch. During Memorial Day we went on a four mile hike up Mount Oso located in Cachuma Lake State Park. The view at the top was 360 degrees of wildlife preserve. The valleys were gorgeous, especially once highlighted by the sunset. The air was clean and the wildlife intriguing. I saw quite a few of the brothers here from our ranch really push themselves both going up the mountain and down the mountain. This kind of behavior really inspires me and pushes me to go further than I ever thought I could. If there was one word I would use to describe the scene once at the top it would be serene. What a great way to culminate Memorial Day Weekend.
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"On the Lake"
By Alek Neal There seemed to be no better way to initiate a newcomer to the Recovery Ranch brotherhood than with a camping experience on beautiful Lake Cachuma. The serenity of the whole trip was unexpected in the most positive way. From fishing to smores, there was never a dull or negative moment. The outing gives hope that we can live clean, sober productive lives as gentlemen, all with a common goal. Bonds grew stronger and camaraderie was high as we all shared, laughed and lived life to the fullest in those full but forever memorable days. In that trip I found in Recovery Ranch a second family and a new home. By: Chris C.
I would have to say that two of the proudest moments in my life were the birth of my two sons
CJ and Cody who are eleven and nine respectively. It was amazing to see each of them born at home. I was full of exhilaration both times. I remember how I cried and smiled from ear to ear knowing that these were my boys. It also so interesting that each of them have their own distinct look and personality. I love them so much I can't wait to see them. You see I am an alcoholic who is now 87 days sober. For several years I became a distant and disengaged father because all I did was think about myself. I was all caught up in my personal struggles and I didn't know how to cope with them. I put off a lot of my responsibilities and I was not accountable. Since entering the Ranch I have been engaging in my boys' lives. I am seeing them as often as I can, going to their baseball games, having them come visit me at the Ranch, and calling them often. I am also handling my responsibilities and I am being accountable for so many things now. Bottom line there is nothing greater than being an engaged father who is taking action and making each day his masterpiece.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
"Battleship" Review by: Chris Mason
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Liam Neeson, Rihanna
I got the pleasure of watching Battleship with a few of my brothers on a senior resident trip to Santa Barbara. It was a very entertaining movie based around the premise of the board game that I grew up on. It was very clever how they incorporated the whole premise. Not your normal alien invasion movie, however action, comedy, and save the world suspense kept me engaged during the entire film. I would recommend this film to anyone especially if you have the chance to see it in theaters.
 "The Avengers" by: Kyle Jones Being a long time comic book reader, the Avengers was one of my favorites. So naturally, the release of the Avengers had me a little giddy. The all-star cast included Robert Downey, Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johanssen, Jeremy Renner, Chris Hemsworth, and Chris Evans. The movie starts with introductions of each character, touching on their powers and specialties. Then the movie dives into action and a build up that has you both laughing and waiting on what will happen next. A lot of times had me thinking "How can they get out of this one?" At the end the Avengers were able to put aside their differences and work for a common goal: saving the human race from people who wanted to destroy it. The end thematic had me in awe and wanting more. This film was powerful, epic, light-hearted, and astonishing. I would give it 8 spurs. |
 "Finding my voice AHEM!!! FINDING MY VOICE!!!"
By: Bryan B.
All of my life I've had trouble finding my voice. It's always been there but never seemed to find its way out. I was always the quiet kid in school that never said much, I was always observant of what was going on around me but when it came time to speak I would always freeze up. Over the years my
voice has become more and more distant; I became accustomed to being quiet even when I had much to say. I got used to being quiet and stopped trying to be heard. I had lost my voice. Today, I'm finally learning to speak up and let myself be heard, unlike I have ever been heard before. I still struggle at times to let it out. However, today I know it exists. The Ranch has helped me regain my voice, today I'm able to speak for what I believe in and even though it can be hard to speak up. My brothers help me through it. Today I have a voice.
"Vaccuclean"
by: Adam Spechler
I learned the other day that vacuuming the inside of an Escalade is an art. Under the seats, in between the cracks, and getting Taco Bell off the backseat floor takes effort, time, and attention to detail. After about 37 minutes, my first car interior vacuuming experience was quite impeccable, if I do say so myself. Just in case you didn't know, for the last 23 years, detailed and Adam Spechler have basically been antonymous. However, here at Recovery Ranch, things we never thought would change do so every day. Things we never thought would happen do so every day. Today, I believe that miracles are possible. Never did I ever think I would get such satisfaction out of cleaning the inside of a car. Of course, I didn't think I'd get satisfaction being sober, but today I do. The point is this: Today I get to participate in the little things in life that make it worth living. Mundane or exhilarating, life's worth every second because I am clean and sober.
"Trash Pick-Up"
By: Kyle K.
It's Friday, late afternoon, and I was single file along the side of the road with Eric, Alek, and
Molfino picking up trash. The burnet yellow of California hills stretches to my right with trees that grow
sideways before they grow tall, and I can't help thinking that's how I've lived and grown too. A molten, red glue sticks to the latex on my fingers from a lollipop I picked up a while back, and a scrapbook of half-
wrappers, tattered paper and strange plastics now clinging to my hand. I breathe, I smile, and I'm really in the moment. Eric reminds us of the importance of such a simple task. He talks about providing for the
community and doing something selfless, and uses words like unity and humility and pride. Before he's
finished, an old man in an old, white pickup pulls to our side and yells, "great job, guys, thanks!" and I feel just a little bit warmer. I smile and wave, boasting the litter of trash that now completely layers my
right hand. I think about humility and we push on. I think of unity and of support, knowing that if I miss
something on the road - in my life at the Ranch - which I have, at any moment, brothers at my back and we push on. I think of pride, how it was once so fleeting and so poor, and is now rooted in something
simple and honest and good and rich. I heard someone say once that a true act of selflessness is doing something for another without them even knowing it I feel that now. We're Recovery Ranch. We're out
there, we're sober and we push on.
"WHAT I HOPE TO GAIN WHILE AT THE RANCH"
By: Fredy J.
What I want to gain from the Ranch is first and foremost to be sober, to work on my self-esteem and getting the motivation back in my life. After losing my family and my career I lost all of those things and turned to alcohol. When I needed to do things I would tell myself that I would do it tomorrow and I  would procrastinate. I started drinking and had no interest in anything. So what I want to gain while I am here at the Ranch is working on being sober, finding motivation and regaining my self-esteem. My goal is to help others who need It and clear my head and only being sober and well myself can I begin to do that.
"Gratitude"
By Mark Burmester
Before I arrived at the Ranch all I could focus on in my life was the negative things. Before I knew it they consumed me. My fall down happened very fast and hard. I felt I was at a place where I would never be able to get out of. I was wrong! Today, I'm learning to stay focused on the positive things and when I do this they are rapidly multiplying. Today my life is great, good things keep happening for me and the people around me. I'm grateful to be here at the Ranch and for all the support from my brothers. |
"Representing the Ranch"
Let's go Hawks!!!
By: Eric A.
Recently I had the opportunity to travel back home for my first home visit. It was an exciting time for me as it would be the first time I had been home since I left back in December. I went back home with my brother Chris M. We were armed with a schedule and list of must do's while I was there. Being home was amazing. It was great to see my wife, to be back home with her, and to see my family. It was really cool all three of my sisters were able to come down from Minneapolis to have lunch with
us. My niece was born in March and I had the opportunity to meet her for the first time. It was a wonderful feeling seeing this little person and realizing I am an uncle. The best part about it is she doesn't ever have to know me as the man I was, but gets to grow up knowing me as the man I am today. Sober and happy. We went to two meetings a day and talk to a lot of people before and after the meetings who welcomed me home, gave me their numbers, and invited me back. The recovery community back home is very strong and I am excited to be a part of it when I return home for good. Part of the plan for me was to find a job while I was there. I made a ton of phone calls and got an interview for a job as a landscaping crew leader. In all my years I have never been offered a job I have interviewed for. I sat and talked with a man about my vast experience in landscaping, all three months of it, told him the real reason I was in California, not the beach, and suddenly I found myself being offered the position. Had
the circumstances been different I would have taken the job, but there is still work to do here. It was a
tremendous boost for me and something I will rely on in the future. Chris and I had a lot of fun there as well. We went to an Iowa Cubs game, hit the driving range, walked around an awesome mall and I was able to show him around my home town as we dashed across town trying to get to meetings on time. The things that are happening in my life, reconnecting with my wife, re-establishing relationships with my sisters and mom, employment opportunities, are all very exciting. None of these things would be possible if I was not here at the Ranch. The beautiful life Andy and Daniel talk about us being able to have is attainable and will be there if I continue to work hard and trust in the process.
Bringing the Ranch East
by: Chris Mason
I got the honor of supporting my brother Eric on a home visit to Des Moines, Iowa. I had no idea the magnitude of importance this would have in my recovery but coming through the other side of it now, I have a new perception on recovery. I got to not only support and love my brother and hold him accountable, but truly use the tools I have been taught here at the ranch. It was a true test of character. What was I going to do when no one was watching. Well I am here to tell you that Eric and I brought everything we learned here and did it there. Everything down to two meetings a day, job searching, family time, and of course a community service trash pick up. During everything we were always smiling. I am so grateful to have found the Ranch and to have been blessed with this opportunity. There is nothing like knowing that I have recovery in my life and I work very hard for it. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to have made that trip and to be able to share it with you.
OUR MISSION AT RECOVERY RANCH
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A True Miracle For a True Gentleman By Jameson Swain
I'd just like to take this time to congratulate the Kirk family on their newborn baby boy, Ace! We at the ranch got the news early morning on May 29th that the wait was finally over and that the arrival of baby Ace was here. Andy is a huge inspiration to me and I strive to someday be where he is at in his life. He is a role model and prime example of what a man of character and integrity truly is. Andy showed up every day still when he knew he could be getting the phone call at any moment that it was time. His commitment to this house and love for what he does every day is unquestionable and moving. I'll never forget when I first got to the ranch and one of my first conversations with Andy. He shared he never envisioned himself being where he was at today, that he is able to
coach his son's little league baseball team. That talk really hit home for me. I wouldn't be at the place I'm at in my life today if it wasn't for you. I love you and respect you beyond words and again, Andy and Ashley congratulations on the new addition to your beautiful family and I look forward to the day I get to meet your baby boy!
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TESTIMONIALS
Testimonial by Linda Jones
Up until these last few months of Kyle being at the Ranch I, we, were truly beside ourselves. We tried at home rehab, group therapy, detox, guilt tripping him into giving up drugs, and the list goes on and it just wasn't working. I wanted my son back. I prayed for his safety and the family all the time. Things weren't looking good, he was only getting worse and we weren't helping. How could we, we are only his parents and not the professional help he really needed. We did what we could and as much as we could but that just wasn't enough. He wasn't a welling participate in helping himself quit. He couldn't, he was to addicted and by my account to far into it. As it is said, its either death or homeless. I accepted neither of these as a choice. My prayers were answered one day when I had picked up the local SUN times paper and found an article about the Recovery Ranch. This is it, the answer I had been looking for. Finally a place where I know he would be safe, watched after and become Kyle once again. Clean and sober. I know it was a chance but a chance I was willing to take. After all it was either death or homeless if this wasn't it. The choice was made and I called.That was the best call I had ever made in my life. Daniel and I talked, I told him all about Kyle, he listened with a sympathetic ear and knew exactly what we were going through, and so I asked about taking a tour of the place. Gotta admit I was abit set back by all that I saw. After all, not having to had gone through any of........(READ MORE)
Testimonial by Marcia Kostos
On Super Bowl Sunday 2010 our lives changes forever. I was passing by the kitchen counter and heard
our son Peter's cell phone buzzing with a text message. Normally, I would have never given this a
second thought, but that evening a voice inside me said you need to look at that text message, and I
did. The text was from Peter's drug dealer. My husband and I were devastated, and thus began our
journey to save our son's life. Were there signs that he was quickly becoming an addict? In hindsight,
all is clear and we should have at least suspected. We thought he was being a typical teenager, sassy,
disrespectful, moody, at times depressed, sneaking out the window at night, taking money from my
wallet - a $20 here, a $20 there, and he lied about everything and anything. We were baffled - we
didn't raise him to be like this. He was a senior in high school and had maintained over a 4.0 grade point
average, taking AP and honors classes, and was 1st chair alto saxophone in the school band. We just
didn't know what we didn't know.
The last few years have been like a roller coaster. Nothing we tried seemed to help him. We put him in
outpatient care. We attended Al-Anon meetings. We threatened Peter with everything from not being
allowed to drive the car to being tossed on the street if he used drugs or alcohol in our home again. He
said he wanted help, but his behavior wasn't in sync with his actions. One night during Christmas break
he was so high that I couldn't wake him up. I thought he was dead. Hysterical, I slapped him hard across
......(READ MORE)
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 RECOVERY RANCH STORE
Call or Email to order your Recovery Ranch Gear and accessories! All proceeds go towards our Scholarship Fund. |
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