My sister, Caryl Reed and her husband, Mike are living their dream life on a ranch west of Casper, Wyoming, which was the clear choice for their retirement years. Caryl was born in Casper, and our family has mostly lived here since right before Caryl was born. Caryl, however, has lived a number of places, so moving back here was a homecoming for her. They have been living here for a number of years now, and we have all been so blessed to have them near to the family. Like all of our family, this birthday will be a harder one, because of the passing of our sister, Alena Stevens, but we all consider ourselves blessed to have been near her and able to have sister get togethers over the years. Spending time with siblings is so important, and we five girls have always been close, so having Caryl back in Casper was an integral part of that continued closeness.
Caryl and Mike like to travel, and they have taken a number of great trips over the years, including Japan, when their son Allen Beach was stationed there; Oregon to visit Allen and his wife, Gaby; and Hawaii in 2023, where they spent a wonderful two weeks; and a number of other places over the years. While travel is great, 
their main location love is their home. They love the ranch atmosphere. Their house sits off the road a way, so they don’t hear traffic noises, and they are able to just enjoy the sounds of nature. They grow hay to sell, and that keeps them busy. Of course, Mike does most of the maintenance work and watering, and they hire the harvest, but they have really enjoyed watching the crops grow and have enjoyed the smell of the cut harvest.
Caryl and Mike have been married almost 23 years now, and they are just perfect for each other. They love doing the same things and have the same goals for their home and lives. Daughter, Andrea Beach and her son Chris Spicer have rented from them for a few years now, living in the apartment they built over the garage and recreation room. While it has been nice to have then pop in when they get home from work, the distance hasn’t really been ideal for them with their jobs, so this summer they plan to move into town. I know that will be a little bit hard on Caryl, because she has liked having her daughter so close, but at least they aren’t moving far away. Caryl, Andrea, and Chris take a week each summer and go to the Black Hills. They love seeing the sights, and that will continue, so that will be nice.
Caryl and Mike love being close to all of us sisters too, and to have a great church to attend. Most of the family attends the same church, and of course we take up about four rows of seats. Caryl and Mike didn’t really have a church when they were living in Rawlins, Wyoming. It’s a small town and there weren’t many churches, so they just caught the services our church put on Facebook and looked forward to the day they could attend regularly…and now they can. Today is Caryl’s birthday. Happy birthday Caryl!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
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