Ted Drake (March 8, 1945 - May 27, 2026)

Ted Drake moved to Windermere in 1989. We write this in loving acknowledgment of Ted and his 37 years of service at the Ranch, and his 54 years as an MSIA minister (he was ordained April 18, 1972)

New life at Windermere. Kidding, not kidding.

In the time since I last wrote to you all. Three baby goats (kids) were conceived and born at Windermere Ranch. Read on for the full story.

With the complexity and speed of life today, I like to practice reducing each day to one question, "How can I leave this day better than I found it?"

On July 1, the Tuesday after the MSIA Conference, Windermere Ranch hosted Community Day: A Celebration of Peace and Community, inspired by the children’s book of a similar name: You, Me, We: A Celebration of Peace and Community.

I want to start by thanking you for being part of this community and for being interested in what we do and how we do it. Thank you for supporting the ranch from wherever you are and in whatever ways you are called to serve, give, and participate.

First and foremost, Happy New Year! 

We last wrote a Windermere update in October about the August and September goings-on around the Ranch.

You likely have heard the classic adage from the film, Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come (link).”

Nurturing a community is much like nurturing a garden. The relationships are mutually beneficial. Sometimes the garden gives to you. Sometimes you give to the garden. Sometimes you give to the community. Sometimes the community gives to you. 

The green landscape produced by spring showers has now been replaced by summer brown. It’s hot. I find myself wanting to do little and just say, “It’s hot.” And as always, there is much to do on the Ranch.

David and I are currently listening to Dr. Becky Kennedy's book, Good Inside, where she introduces the powerful concept of 'Two Things Are True.'