[[ARETE LOGO]] John Herzog, CFO 7102 La Vista Place Niwot, Colorado 80503 Tel. (303) 652-3113 Fax: (303) 652-1488, (303)766-0637 Email: johnherzog@comcast.net October 13, 2005 Lily Dang United States Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Corporate Finance 100 F Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20549-7010 Dear Ms Dang: We need to request an extension until Monday October 24, 2005 to file response to your letter of September 22, 2005. Our SEC attorney, Mr. Raul Rodriguez, informs us that as a result of his discussion with Mr. Hiller that we should have the Chairman of the Audit Committee and all officers/directors approve and sign off on the proposed changes in the marked copy that we send to you. Mr. Prosser, the Chairman of the Audit Committee, is out of the country until October 20, 2005 on vacation. When he returns, I will have the changes reviewed and send the documents to you via overnight FEDEX for delivery on Monday, October 24, 2005. Sincerely, By: /s/ John Herzog ----------------------- John Herzog Chief Financial Officer