12:34:56 on 07/08/09

Today...? Today was a pretty good day. Truck loaded, a full tank of gas and unusually bright eyed hopes for the near future, I left for Montana...later than I had hoped but it was without consequence. The cool grayness of the northwest clouds would soon dissipate, replaced by warm golden hills of wheat, alfalfa and corn. It surprised me how much the crops have grown in a week. Before I could make my break though, I had to stop at costco to pick up some jerky (necessary road trip snack) and some Starbucks Via for a gift. Ok, and a slice of pepperoni pizza. Why not. Today had it's own leisurely agenda. I met a couple from Montana who were quite nice to talk to and familiar with the boom town of Darby. They said the skiing is really nice and slopes are scarely crowded. The Pass was lovely. The lake, serene. I need to stop in Roslyn one of these trips. Ellensburg was a longer than usual pit stop. A friend noted a cool feed store called Ranch & Home. Lots of great things to look over, especially for those that like old hardware stores. I picked up a clearance shirt and a pair of gloves to protect my hands from repairing the barbed wire fences. There's a great photo of an old fella who still works there who had a pet buffalo...rather, raised buffalo and one had an extraordinary friendly disposisition as shown by him kneeling with the large beast towering over him. That friendship lasted 20 years.

I like seeing the various hues of gold. Even cooler was a field loaded with various heavy machinery, bailers, columbines, tractors...I'd like to try harvesting something sometime. I like the sculpture of the stampeding horses overlooking Vantage and the Columbia River. Glacing at the clock, my shopping/exploring day was coming to a screaching halt. Shane told me about Big R in Spokane for westernware. Fortunately, there was one in Moses Lake. The nicest clerk came to my rescue in the Cinderella moment of frustration. (ok, so it wasn't really Cinderella who was frustrated cuz the shoe actually fit, but I can't remember her big footed sisters names). The clerk patiently helped me find a perfect fitting pair of boots. She asked if they were for work or dress and I told her, "work likely, cleanup on Saturday to wear to church on Sunday.". She laughed and said, "That is the cowboy way...".

I missed connecting with a couple friends, Brice and Geoff. Perhaps on the return. I did connect briefly with my buddy Daniel, who is still hurting. The separation is yet to be reolved and the economy prohibits him from coming to the Ranch where I feel he could greatly benefit (if nothing else he could hammer out some frustration). Winding through the mountains, I let out a "whoa!" as the rising, 97% waning gibious, harvest moon appeared between mountain peaks. I've never seen it such a ripening pumpkin color before. It really is quite impossible to resist driving without headlights, guided only by moonbeams. It reminded me of night hikes I'd take in Hells Canyon, hearing wolf howls in the distance, watching deer and their shadows graze... there was one spectacular falling star that appeared to literally tear open the night sky to reveal a glimpse of heaven. I hope to never lose these memories.

Yup, today was a good day.

Peace vs frustration

Although there is little to nothing I can do about it, I've been feeling frustrated about my life. Guess the feelings are always there, just some days they rear their ugly heads. Had I been born and raised on a farm, I would know all sorts of things. Things that only (seemingly) a dying few know. Like when to sow and reap harvests, the nitrogen content of alfalfa, how to set & repair the sprinklers, how to repair farm machinery, how to drive a bailer, how to make substantial home repairs and improvements, how to tend a herd of cattle or buffalo, or how to grow a substantial garden, how to handle water issues, how to anticipate and protect from further issues,....on and on. So many things I don't know that I would like to know. The life of a rancher is non stop work, yet, it seems so appealing oR, had I been born in a different state, perhaps love would not have alluded me so easily. Life is what it is though...but I can't help but feel bummed that it's nothing like I thought it might be....

Montana is a gorgeous place...at least the Bitterroot Valley. It's been everything I imagined. One simply cannot help but feel close to God here. The rugged beauty and big sky draws the hearts of men. Women seem to prefer the city with all it's ammenities. Today was a peaceful day with rapid thunder showers rolling through. I'm glad the Lord ordained Sundays to be a day of rest.

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.