Life on the High Plains

Last weekend Irv and I ventured down to Pueblo with Jillian.  As president of our county's 4-H Horse Advisory Committee she had the duty of taking pizza to our county's kids who were showing their horses at the fair--both of them.  Yes, only two kids from our county were participating in the horse show which is almost unbelievable. After dropping off the pizza we decided to walk around a little bit and take a look at the animals. Have I mentioned yet that it was HOT?  Very hot, at least for us Colorado folks. The cows were trying to keep cool. The sheep were all dressed up and ready for their show. This one was begging for me to take him home.  Irv said no, he always says no. There were all varieties of chickens. I even found a cranky old goose. And then there were the bunnies.  So cute!  Some of them were even for sale.  Irv said no. They were making a butter sculpture.  It...

The girls and I and one of Jillian's friends did another painting class.  We did this three days after I had my appendectomy which probably wasn't the best idea I ever had.  Not only did it mean that I had to sit upright on a stool for two hours, but it also meant there couldn't be any wine for me or pain killers since I had to drive myself into town. This was our goal for the evening. This was probably way too aggressive for beginners who only have two hours to complete it. We started with a blank canvas. Then added the various levels of the painting. Added a little dimension with leaves and grass.  Painted the beautiful autumn foliage.  At this point all we could see was a raging forest fire. Maybe that comes from living in Colorado for the last two years.  This one could be named Waldo Canyon.  This one is Black Forest. Here's my finished product.  Still all I can see is a fo...

The Eastern Colorado Plains monsoon season continues.  Woohoo!  I tried to get some good lightening shots, but I became afraid for my life.  Obviously, my horse, Doc, feels the same way.  I'm hoping my little twig of willow tree survives. .46 inches of rain so far this evening.  You see, when you life in the country and you've been in a drought for years, you like to know exactly how much rain you're getting.  It's always a topic of conversation with any rancher/farmer.  "Did you get any rain last night?" "Yep, point 46."   Luckily Irv has a really nice electronic rain gauge that we can read from inside the house. Happy Skywatch Friday! UPDATE:  As of 9:30 last night when our electricity went out we had 2.54 inches of rain.  Of course our rain gauge resets when the electricity goes out, but it rained for several more hours.  I'd bet we had 3.5 to 4 inches of rain.  That is crazy for thi...

This was Mr. Beans' first day of the 7th grade.  How is that possible?  It seems like just yesterday that he was starting kindergarten. He is so lucky to be able to wear a uniform to school.  What I would give to not have to think about what I'm going to wear every day.  I vote for khakis and a polo shirt for everybody.  Who agrees? What a sweet boy! I'm going back to work tomorrow.  I'm not quite sure what I'm going to wear since I can't handle anything around my waist yet.  Do you think it's okay if I show up in sweat pants? Actually, my biggest worry is how am I going to make it without a nap every couple hours.

Tuesday began as any other day.  I got up early and was at work by 6:30 a.m.  We had just returned the day previous from a long weekend in South Dakota.  We had the opportunity to spend several days with my dad and brothers at two family reunions in the Dakota Territory.  I'm getting more and more sentimental in my old age and I have to admit that I love spending time with the men in my life--my Dad, brothers Alan and Bob, and of course my loving hubbie. The never ending pain on my right side seemed a little worse than usual, but when you have chronic pain you learn to just make it through each day without paying too much attention to your body.  It's the only way to survive.  On Tuesday, however, I just felt "punky".  Couldn't eat, couldn't get comfortable, and just plain felt bad.  Around noon I decided it was time to make the dreaded trip to the emergency room.  My thoughts were that I more than likely had a kidney stone. I went home f...

I've had a very exciting week which involved a quick weekend trip to South Dakota, a visit to the ER, an unexpected trip to the OR for an appendectomy, a night in the hospital, and recovery time at home.  My oh my, it's weeks like this that remind me that I'm not the One in charge around here.  I'll cover all these events in subsequent blogs, but today I want to focus on one of the most touching moments of our trip to South Dakota--a visit to the family farmstead. My dad grew up in Moody County, South Dakota--part of the Norgaard Clan. Nels Norgaard was my great-great grandfather.  He was the first farm steader in Moody County.  This is his farmstead.  Of course, it doesn't look anything like it used to, but it's still his farm. This is where I come from. Nels donated the land to build the first church in the area.  It's right across the road from where the farmstead is.  We had the opportunity to worship there Sunday morning...

Dear Mr. Beans, I just wanted you to know that no matter how old you are, if you're the youngest you still have to sit in the middle.  Without complaining.  It's best to just accept that this is your role when it comes to riding in the car. Love, Grammy

  Irv's dad has been under the weather and in the hospital for the last few days.  We've been really worried about him.  It makes me sad that such a wonderful man is not feeling good.    Dad is my most loyal follower.  But I've been thinking, maybe he should start his own blog...he has a story for everything, a walking history lesson.  A proud man who served his country for years.  Maybe the next time I'm in Albuquerque I'll help him start a blog.  All those stories should be preserved somewhere and what could be better than posting them on the World Wide Web for the whole world to see?  What do you think about that idea, Dad?   Hurry up and get better!   We love you!

When it rains it pours, thank goodness.  In Eastern Colorado we've been experiencing a drought for the last several years--maybe 7 or 8 years.  Everything has just been brown.  For the last couple weeks our monsoon rains have returned.  Yippee! There are now creeks where none have existed for years.  Ponds are filling up again. The prairie is green, beautiful, and filled with sun flowers. Rain is a good thing!  Thank you, Lord! Happy Skywatch Friday !

I know he's going to be here any day now. Rusty...where are you?  I've been waiting and waiting. I wonder if Irv will put a big green and gold Ram's bow on him.  After all, Rusty is my graduation present...or so I thought.  I'm patient.  I can keep waiting for a few more days. Rusty, I can't wait until you get here. By the way, this is the best family photo ever!

So, the vote is in.  Orange Crush, or painting #4 is the big winner. Who is the artist you may  be asking...Irv.  Yes, who knew he was so talented?  I must admit that his flowers are amazing. Way to go Irv! It's so nice to have the first ever "Polcat" painting.  Kids, this is your inheritance...it's going to be worth millions some day.                

Last Tuesday the family finally made it out to cheer on Jillian's volleyball team.  Jillian has been playing on this team for a couple years.  Last year Irv and Brian played on it too.  They never used to win...it was just for fun (or so they said--my hubbie is way too competitive for anything to be "just for fun").  This year, however, they've won quite a few matches. Could that be because Irv and Brian have been replaced by two very athletic young women from my office plus a couple college-age kids?  No, couldn't be.  It's just coincidence. Even Mr. Beans and Mary came out to watch.  Irv and I came not only for the beautiful weather and volleyball, but also for the adult malted beverages and beach food. We had fun and I must admit the team has greatly improved, but they lost this match.  Better luck next time!