Cows & Fish

After a painfully slow start, my waterproofed feet were in the East Fork river struggling to find sure footing in the impressive current. Even Brad Pitt would have struggled. I learned a few new things and definitely enjoy fly fishing, but admit that being perpetually out of my element is taxing. I honestly wish I didn't get so frustrated.

The weather changed rapidly throughout the morning, settling on sunshine and cumulus clouds and warm breazes. I tore my shorts big time today. Fortunately my friend was a friend and told me before it became embarrassing. In route to the Greenhouse, I discovered a sickly looking calf. I sought help with no avail. Same no success in searching for boots too. By evening, I pleaded with the owners to help the baby calf...which they agreed just as a coyate crossed the field.

It took some effort by the four of us, but we managed to give it 2mm of penacillin. Mama cow watched from a distance. She might be pregnant again. The calf hobbled down to the pond for a drink, getting his legs stuck in the ponds edge. He choked out a mooo...stammered, and weakly moved his legs out of the mire. As darkness quickly approached, we gave distance to the blue-67 family. Can only hope tomorrow he'll be stronger.

Montana

The Bitterroot mountains are amazingly beautiful. I followed my heart, my spirit is satisfied, my body sore...I delight in the memories being created here with friends. More updates soon to follow.

The Winds of Change

So, I've totally slacked on my blog. In some ways, there hasn't been much worth reporting, but in some ways... I've not been able to find a way to be brief. Then time slips by...or....I just get distracted.

The school year is coming to a close, and my friends are moving on. I've enjoyed my college guys and watching each of them grow in their own ways. I complied an album on facebook, a year in pictures sort of thing. It's great to look back over our activities and the all the good times we've had. Our final get together was last night. We played a 9-hole par 3 round of golf in the warmth of the evening. Then it was off to the waterfront for two scoops of yummy ice cream in warm waffle cones. We walked to the end of the dock and watched the sunset. There were laughs all around, good conversation and a healthy dose of appreciation for living in such a beautiful place. We've had a bit of a heat wave, it's early for us to experience temps in the 80's, and the Puget Sound looked too inviting. We joked about going for a swim...pretending to push each other over... then the banter began of, "I will if you will"... and ..."NO, you go first..." Cells, hats, wallets, shoes and socks began to pile up as one by one, they leaped over the railing into the 46 degree water. Certainly, we were the only people in Seattle driving around an 80 degree evening with the heater cranked and blasting.








Tonight, after an Appreciation Dinner, the winds kicked up like crazy. The air has begun to cool. For some reason, I think of Mary Poppins when she says, "I will be around until the wind changes directions." The wind is blowing, this chapter is complete. I can only hope and pray that my guys will know that I am their friend, confidant and mentor, always... my commitment to them has no end.

Our year in pictures can be seen when you click the title link.

I am proud to say, "These are my friends"

Now, some of you may not recognize the latest dance craze called "Jerkin' It"... don't ask...I can't explain it... My guys made me breakfast a couple Saturdays ago and we watched some youtube vids about this new "style" of dance and shared some laughs and bewilderment. Well, who knew these boys would decide to throw their own video together... it really should catch the world by storm... C'mon... tell me what you're thinkin.... Single ladies, I can totally hook you up....

Today, my small group made me breakfast. It was delicious. And thoughtful. I came home, showered, then took a drive in the country, seeing parts of this state that I haven't seen before. There were lots of clouds, but the sun was shining bright and just a beautiful day for a drive. Up and over hills, twists and turns, viewed a valley that is typically the flooded in winter, a couple bridges, a dam, a few barns, a few horses, sheep, cows and goats, mere pockets of population terminating at a lake. It was quite the view the whole day through out. Quiet too. Driving home through traffic was a drag...but picking up 5 guys for church was awesome! (it would have been good if I had cleaned out my car first, but two hopped in back and made faces at the cars that were following us. That was pretty funny) The sermon was reliably good. Richard ranted a little story that made me feel we were twin brothers suffering the same circumstances. Saw a couple friends, too. We all had dinner--Chicken burritos. So good! Caught part of the sun set enroute to visiting another friend, laughing mostly about her ridiculous boss. Just came home to prepare for tomorrow... Pretty good day overall. Thank you, Lord.