A long time ago in a not so far away place the relationship blossomed with a sweet embrace Over mountains, through valleys Time has melted away Now we can't wait for you to join us On our very special day.

Your love is special Like the flowers in spring that bloom Or when a butterfly emerges From within it's cocoon You remind me of that butterfly Loving, wild and free Bright and colorful For all the world to see. We will see sunshine and rainbows, Sometimes the rain and when it snows, We'll stand together through it While the cold winds blow. When the time is right We wont stop to ask why, Our love will take flight On the wings of a butterfly.

Your skin is my continent I dream of being nowhere else but in Your arms, wrapped tight. Elysium Your kiss drips with my desire, I crave your valleys like the desert Craves the rain. Eternally Your eyes pierce my soul As if you were looking through a window Capturing my heart. Entranced Your smile is my happiness lighting my Life like a candle in the darkness of this world. Illumination Your being is my passion I surrender to your power Find comfort in your confidence. Content

Imagine the year 1860. Kansas was still a territory. It was the year that Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the United States. It was also the year that 26-year-old J.R. Blackshere left his home and dry goods business in Virginia to pursue a serious interest in agriculture, especially livestock. He traveled west to the bluestem pastures of the Flint Hills. He staked a claim, built a one-room cabin – the back of the current home – to make it a legal homestead Mr. Blackshere raised the first successful alfalfa crop in Kansas. He introduced black Galloway cattle to Chase County and the Clover Cliff. This breed of cattle originated in Scotland and was known for long curly hair that resisted the cold Kansas winters. The Blacksheres also made major additions to the limestone house which was complete in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Homer Prather bought the ranch in 1912 from the heirs of Jacob Blackshere. The Prathers added modern plumbing and electricity as they became available. They converted the wooden porch to a wrap-around stone veranda and also built the three other houses that surround the main Ranch house. In addition to their family and an extended community of friends, they also opened their home to more notable visitors, including the poet Vachel Lindsay. In 1987 James and Joan Donahue bought the Clover Cliff Ranch from the Prather heirs. Their intent was to expand their farming operation. They devoted serious efforts to recognize, preserve and restore the unique features of the home. You will notice the copper, lead and tin alloy roof and also the roof railing that dates to the Blackshere era. The entry door with its beveled, leaded-glass insets. The dramatic serpentine staircase connecting the two stories is constructed of walnut with railing support posts made of maple. They entertained a number of famous individuals, including the crown prince of Dubai, who came with his entourage to participate in the 100-mile World Championship Equine Race.

Warren and Susie Harshman are proud to be the fourth owners of this historic 150-year-old ranch. Through the years and subsequent ownership the ranch has maintained its agricultural focus. The Clover Cliff Ranch was established as a working cattle ranch, a tradition that continues to this day. In addition to maintaining that agricultural heritage, Warren and Susie take seriously the tradition of gracious hospitality that has been such an important part of the ranch. They look forward to keeping that spirit alive.