My Backyard

Spoiled Minnesotans

2012-01-24T07:14:00.003-06:00

We have been extremely spoiled with warm temps and minimal snow this winter. We finally had enough snowfall to have to "move" it! It should make the snowmobilers happy. I wonder what the rest of winter will have in store for us...

Winter?

2012-01-10T19:01:00.001-06:00

I've been wanting to add a winter picture...the problem is, we have no snow! There is some sick looking ice down there on the water, but it is still brown!

Starry Night

2011-12-09T09:45:00.005-06:00

Peaceful. No moon. Snowflakes falling. A tractor, hayrack, husband and wife.

Five new bales were dumped into five steel bale feeders. The cows were munching and I hooked up the hitch pin. Rather than riding in the nice cozy heated cab of the tractor with my hubby, I decided to jump onto the rickety old hayrack instead. I laid back and closed my eyes to smell the fresh night air. As we proceeded down the dirt path, I opened my eyes and gazed up into the vast starless sky. We had driven down hill and were proceeding along the road as my imagination soared. The lights from the tractor shown upwards into the trees. The shadows of the branches danced and startled me. I thought perhaps a predator or night owl was rustling within the branches. Nope, just my eyes playing tricks. As we proceeded, I continued to look up into the darkness. Shiny flecks of snow were making their way down to the ground. The lights from the tractor were the only ones in sight. The hayrack continued to squeak and squawk over every little bump on that old dirt path. The temperature was not bitter, yet seemingly pleasant for a December night. As I rode along, my mind ran through memories of hayrack rides years past. Years ago, riding on the hayrack was the "coolest thing ever!" Now, one takes things for granted. The simple things. The peaceful things.

That bumpy slow ride reminded me of slowing down and taking time to remember those precious times with a different driver who was probably looking down at me through the snowflakes in that starless night. It also reminded me to take the time to allow my kids to make the same memories of my youth. Different time, different driver, yet still so very important.

Rollin' in the Soybeans

2011-10-02T08:54:00.002-05:00

Runnin' Bare Smokin' in Lisbon

2011-08-28T13:07:00.003-05:00

Tearing up the dirt track at the Ransom County Fair.

MinnPost - From ethnic turmoil to vibrant diversity, trio helped Pelican Rapids transform its culture

2011-08-17T16:10:00.000-05:00

MinnPost - From ethnic turmoil to vibrant diversity, trio helped Pelican Rapids transform its culture

Heartbreaking

2011-08-02T18:07:00.003-05:00

Today was one of the hardest days I have ever had as a parent. After finding out my youngest baby girl's 1st grade teacher passed away, we had the tough task of telling her the news. I broke down before telling her as I knew it would just rip through her like a freight train. I left the room, gained composure and then went in to tell her. I couldn't do it. I just picked her up and the tears flowed. I tried twice, but each time I looked into her brown eyes, I broke down. I proceeded to bring her to her father, who finally was able to let the words slip out.

She sobbed for about an hour and has asked the innocent teary questions periodically throughout the day. He was very important to her. He will be greatly missed at school and in every day life. It is a reminder that each day is precious.

School will start in a month, with my youngest entering 2nd grade, yet I know she will still feel a loss, as will the entire school staff and student body.

A few weeks ago, this same man gave us roadside assistance when it was needed. We planned on getting him a gift card to take his wife out for a wonderful supper as thanks. Now that will never happen. They will never again enjoy an evening out together. My heart breaks for her and their two beautiful young daughters. May he rest in peace always and be remembered by those whose lives he touched.

Woman Lake Lodge-Canada

2011-07-22T09:04:00.002-05:00

Walleye!

Woman Lake Lodge

2011-07-03T18:23:00.005-05:00

If you want to fish walleye, lake trout, and northern pike, I recommend this remote lodge in Ontario, Canada. Contact details can be found on the website!
www.womanlakelodgecanada.com

Vacation

2011-07-01T21:13:00.004-05:00

Well, we did it! We took our first major family vacation and have arrived home safe and sound. 5 days in Oregon and 4 on the road. 44 hrs in the car with 3 girls went amazingly well. The girls got to experience the ocean, although it was too cold and rough to swim in. They saw their first mountain views and waterfalls. We were able to visit some dear friends and experience their new surroundings. One of my favorite parts of the trip---NO MOSQUITOES! The climate was fantastic, visiting with friends was priceless and the scenery was beautiful. A trip to remember...

Hay!

2011-06-07T08:30:00.002-05:00

First crop is started! Beautiful weather is the forecast. My hubby is hooked up to the haybine and the rows are smelling of sweet alfalfa freshly cut. Softball has started and summer has officially begun. The thermometer in town mistakenly read 104 yesterday, but it did reach 92 degrees! The kids jumped in their pool for the first time yesterday after basketball camp. They splashed and played for quite some time. It has been 3 years since I have set up the pool. It sure is nice to have the option of jumping in on a sultry day.

Technology

2011-06-06T23:36:00.002-05:00

Not a PG post. Please proceed if you are okay with light swearing.

Hands free. A guy I know has hands free technology in his pickup. We were chatting about how people are driving and texting or talking on their cells phones constantly and how dangerous it is. The guy proceeded to show us his hands free technology in his pickup. (After he finally found the on switch.)

"Say a command!" the computer said.

I cannot correctly tell you what command was said next. But I can tell you that the computer did not decipher it and repeated, "Say a command".

The next words out of the guys mouth were, "Shut up!" Again the computer came back with, "Say a command." Of course, not utilizing the feature, led to frustration in how to shut it back off again! In the mean time, laughter started to flow between the 3 spectators as this was the first time we had ever seen a guy fight with his pickup truck.

In the mean time, us spectators began to have fun. (A command...) "Kiss my a--!" (I'd like to see pickup accomplish that!) "Shut up or I'll run you into a pole!" "Shut up or I'll roll you in the ditch!" and so on and so forth. We were in tears. I guess you just had to be there...

Happy Friday the 13th!

2011-05-13T13:31:00.002-05:00

It is a dreary sprinkly kind of day here in NW MN. Blustery and chilly. My Weatherbug says it is 43 degrees and it is 1:33 pm, typically the warmest part of the day! The sprinkles have not kept my hubby from the field though, and so he is out digging the ground and preparing to plant some corn. I think tonight will be an awesome movie and blanket night! Two kids at sleepovers and another is going to play with her cousin for a while! Saturday sleep in...here I come!

School's Out!

2011-05-09T17:32:00.004-05:00

One degree down! An AA is in the mail for this old farm wife!

21 credits to go on my ADN!

Since my very last test of the year, a final last Thursday, I haven't really had much time to let it sink in! We did enjoy a fantastic Saturday evening with a bonfire. We roasted brats, hotdogs, and the guys (who had been hauling liquid manure all day) made steaks over the open flame. They said they were the best steaks they have ever had. In fact my hubby, who usually ruins a good steak with steak sauce, didn't douse it with 57. Amazingly, he still said it was the best steak ever. So, next time we light a fire, I think I may have to try it!

We had quite the light show last night. I had fallen asleep in the recliner while watching tv and woke up to the living room booming and lit up like the 4th of July. I stumbled my way into bed and fell back to sleep immediately, as if the rain was lulling me back to dream land. Four tenths of an inch in the gauge this morning. Not too much, but enough to push the wheat to sprout.

Other than that, I worked all weekend and spent the afternoon today seeding rye grass in the pasture with the kids. The cows came running to check out the sack which contained the forage grass. They thought maybe there were some tasty treats in the bag. Little do they know, in a few weeks, those tiny little bits which were sprinkled in the dirt will be a very tasty treat indeed.

When talking about the cows, one always has to mention the calves, who have been busy playing tag. Occasionally a curious little soul will come up to you and just when you think he/she will allow you to pet them, they take off with their heels in the air going mach 10 the opposite direction. They sure are cute!

May Day 2011

2011-05-01T09:02:00.002-05:00

Yes. Snow. Again.

Just when I was starting to enjoy the "no coat" weather!

Happy May Day!

Spring

2011-04-30T08:49:00.001-05:00

And so it begins.

1 of 2 Albino babies!

Farm Wife

2011-03-16T21:42:00.003-05:00

Farm wife. That's me! How can you be sure? Well, I learned another new skill this week: How to change the hydraulic fluid on an International 686. Thanks dear! My new found knowledge might come in handy some day! But seriously, a farm wife really is a vast wealth of knowledge. Not only do they cook, clean and wash the blue jeans, they help fix, drive tractor, fence, mow the lawn, raise the kids, and feed the animals, among other things that pop up.

Probably the most interesting thing I did last year was ride on the back of the planter while my hubby drove the tractor and sowed seeds. Why? Well, the bottom of the drill is flat, so when you are on the last field and the seed costs $5 million a bag (okay a slight exaggeration) you want to utilize each and every last morsel. Now, let me describe what riding on the back of a drill is like. First, you don't plant seed at 1 mph, so you are literally hanging on for dear life while balancing a cover open and walking between two platforms in order to see each end of the planter and occasionally shoving your hands in the seed to spread them evenly throughout the compartment. Did I mention the field is rough? Okay, doable. Next, the dirt is so dry that the dust is flying around the tractor (which has a cab and air conditioning/heat mind you) and drill that when you finally can't take inhaling one more piece of dust, you now have the extra task of pulling your shirt up over your nose while hanging on for dear life, while balancing a cover open, walking between two platforms, and reorganizing seeds. Finally, when you finish the field, your eyes are packed with dirt, the sun is going down, it looks like you are wearing permanent mascara and eye liner and you end up blowing dirt out of your nose for a week. Fun!

Speaking of dirty jobs, hauling hay. Pocket gophers are not a hay field's friend. Driving a skid loader without an air ride seat through a hay field in order to load bales in the wind, wearing sun glasses to protect your eyes from chaff, which flows easily down your shirt for itchiness. Shower anyone? Or, if you'd rather, driving the truck with a loaded trailer following closely behind, praying the top bales stay put. Remember, it takes 4 times as long to stop a full load and much more foot feed effort to move forward, perhaps in a low gear, if driving a manual transmission.

Last fall, you could find me hauling chopper boxes loaded with tons of silage up a 60 degree slope, requiring down shifting and praying that the tractor didn't stop half way up the hill. On one trip, the tractor almost powered out and let me tell you...I was one second away from filling my shorts. (Chopper boxes are highly tricky to have go backwards down a hill.) A disaster waiting to happen, but a job which has to be done in a timely manner.

More memories? Okay, delivering a calf with both your gloved arms inside the cow to rearrange the baby which is presented incorrectly. Why? Because you do what you have to in order to save the baby and of course mom! You learn vet work real fast when emergencies arise.

Being a farm wife is not always an easy task. What makes it worth it? The "I love you!" after the planter is empty and you are looking your best with dirt covered clothes, hair and face. Knowing the crops are in and you may now have some time together to relax, that is until haying season begins. The "I love you!" when you are covered in oil. The "I love you!" when the feed is up for the winter. The baby calves playing tag in the cattle yard while feeding the cows and he watches them with a smile on his face. He makes it worth your while. That smile you find on his face after the chaos and stress of each "season", calving season, planting season, haying season, harvest season, and repair season. The farmer makes it worth it.

Mini Winter Vacation

2011-03-07T21:19:00.003-06:00

We had a belated birthday celebration for our youngest this weekend. We spent it in Baxter, at the Holiday Inn Express. The girls enjoyed their "Three Bears Waterpark" very much. It was fun for all ages. Below is just a few shots of their fabulously fun waterpark. It was a last minute and much needed mini vacation.

The Silent One

2011-02-17T23:35:00.002-06:00

The other day, our middle child, who is the "silent one" caused a gut bursting laugh from her daddy and myself. Her joke:

Why did Tigger go down the toilet?

To look for Pooh!

Now I'm sure the joke has been floating around for quite some time, but for her to say it...priceless!

Cat's Gone Wild

2011-02-04T07:29:00.002-06:00

Last night as I was trying to relax after a long day of clinicals and homework, the cat lost his mind. He was attacking the couch for no apparent reason. The same couch in which my hubby was putting up his feet. At one point I looked over and the cat had his head and front feet under the couch while laying on his back, and had his back feet up on a higher area of the couch. I think he was trying to send my hubby a message...talk to the tail! My hubby proceeded to touch his belly (which is rather healthy looking this winter...) and that, I believe started the war. The cat jumped up and attacked his arm, ran away at top speed and came back a few more times to take some more "love bites". He doesn't ever bite hard, just playfully. He keeps life interesting, especially when the dog gets involved!

Goodbye 2010!

2010-12-31T10:59:00.004-06:00

Although it looks like a beautiful day, the chilling air nearly froze my fingers while shooting a few outdoor photos. Round 2 is due to arrive this afternoon and drop another 6-12 inches on us. The drift in front of the door was impressive, as you can see from the photo. There were several mates to that one throughout the yard. A sun dog hung out in the morning sky, the calm after the storm...and before the next! The ditches are officially full and the plows will now have issues keeping the drifts from crossing the highway each time the wind blows. Should be fun watching the traffic! I may have a new hobby! Happy New Year!

Winter $X#$@

2010-12-30T21:27:00.003-06:00

Well, I believe this winter has surpassed the previous years with the storms and snowfall which has graced our area so far. I just let the pup outside for bladder relief and don't think she appreciated Old Man Winter to say the least. There is a 3 foot drift in front of the door. We opened up the other door which gives us a pretty good view of the yard and anywhere the snow could find a place to stick, the drifts are massive. The rest of the yard is ice shining in the bright of the yard light. The hubby is going to have a major snow blowing fiasco after it stops! His favorite job in the whole wide world...NOT!

We are supposed to have a slight let up tomorrow morning before the "heavy snow" arrives. That is kind of scary considering how much snow we have with the current system which has shut down the Interstate from Moorhead to Alexandria and has the Otter Tail County Sheriff demanding no travel within in the county. I will try to snap a few photos in the daylight hours in between or after the blast is over. I am very thankful for our awesome Christmas gifts of snowshoes which may be needed by all Otter Tail County residents after this swirling white stuff settles.

Until then, I am content to stay indoors with the girls and their new treasures from Christmas and hopefully catch a movie with the hubby. I'm off to snuggle! Hope you do the same!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-25T10:14:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Annual Trek

2010-12-23T05:31:00.003-06:00

Well, the day has arrived. The one day I am not fond of. The day of shopping. I know, being a woman and all, I am supposed to like or even love shopping, but I have never been that fond of it. Why the 23rd? Procrastination? Probably. Too busy studying to be able to get away for a day! :) 3 semesters left!

I wish safe travels and Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Collage of Christmas

2010-12-07T11:49:00.000-06:00

Cold Toes

2010-11-22T16:49:00.002-06:00

Brrr...

I believe winter is here to stay! Today we received several inches of soft fluffy snow! I just came home from class and my toes are having issues warming up. Apparently they are not ready for winter yet.

In the past two days, we have had two new baby calves decide to pop into the world. Brrr...They should have came early during the 70 degree weather! That will teach them to be born during the cold snap! They are both healthy and have good mothers taking care of them. We are up to 8 little comedians in the yard. Their favorite game is king of the hill. They must think they are little giants when up there, because whenever we are in the yard, up the hill they stride. We bedded the shed extra heavy with straw so they can snuggle in for these next few wintery days.

On the home front...I am getting excited for another semester to end and the down time that comes during the break. This weather is giving me the urge to bake, so I may have to start my Christmas cookies this week! The girls are enjoying school and have made us proud with Straight A's! (You can't tell I'm proud, can you?) My husband was the blessed one to listen to the teachers talk about our girls at conferences. How I wish I could have been there too, but class is also important to attend. I guess setting a good example as a college student is also a good lesson for the girls.

Now that you are updated and my toes have begun to thaw, I better go see what I can conjure up for supper. I hope everybody has a fantastic Thanksgiving!

No School?

2010-11-10T07:23:00.003-06:00

After bringing my youngest to the eye doctor yesterday, we had a conversation while on the way home to show dad the options for frames.

"Mom, I think I should stay home for a while."

"Oh yeah? How come?" I asked her.

"I should stay home from school for a while because I can't see anyways."

She needs to wear glasses all the time, but especially in school. Since she doesn't have them yet, she figures why go to school when she can't see right anyways! Although school was okay with her normal vision up until she heard the eye doctor say how important her glasses are to wear during school so she can learn properly. What a kid!

Peek a boo

2010-11-02T07:40:00.002-05:00

The middle child walked into the living room before school the other day, right after the fall snow storm to this sight...

She was laughing so hard, I was wondering what was wrong with her, until I saw it. The cat decided that snow pants are like a jungle gym. You go through the tunnel, but unfortunately for him, he is a little bigger than the leg! Goofy cat.

Good Morning!

2010-10-27T08:08:00.002-05:00

A couple of photos of our backyard after feeding the cattle this morning. It is obviously still snowing. It is hard on the face with the wind, even though the wind has died down some. I was glad I put on coveralls and thick socks. Brrr.

It Always Comes to This...

2010-10-26T22:58:00.003-05:00

Well, I guess the weather decided to change! Apparently hurricane force winds and snow have decided to move on through. The NWS says we may have recorded the lowest barometric pressure reading in the area. Apparently the same type of barometric pressure which comes with a category 3 hurricane. Interesting.

Thought I'd take a few nighttime photos. We'll see if the weather lets up during the night. The forecast says no. 100% chance of snow/blowing snow for tomorrow as well. I would estimate at least two inches of s.. s... uh hmmm...snow accumulation so far. I wasn't quite ready for that word.

Ah...Harvest Complete

2010-10-18T07:51:00.003-05:00

I took these photos on the last day of the soybean harvest, October 11, 2010. What a nice view in my backyard! It is definitely a nice feeling to be done with 2010 harvest.

I would have posted these sooner, but I had an extremely busy week with school and also the arrival of our new herd. I took a few snap shots of them as well. What a nice group of cattle. They are very tame and settling in very nicely, even during the major power outage last night.

The power went out at 7:45 last night and didn't come back on before we finally settled in for the night. I am not sure how long the power was off, but to be safe, rather than sorry, we hooked up the generator so the electric fence and water supply would both be available to our newest members of the family. When we woke up this morning, we could see the yard lights were back on in the distance. Other than a few little outages now and then, that hasn't happened for many years! Luckily, the generator kept everybody safe and sound within the boundaries of their fence. Thanks to those men (and possibly women) who stayed up late last night to get the power back on.

Teachers

2010-10-14T19:40:00.002-05:00

A couple of days ago, I asked my youngest, "So, what did your teacher know today?"

She replied, "Mo-o-om, he doesn't tell us what he knows!"

I wonder if she knows just how funny she is. I am glad her teacher does tell his students what he doesn't know...I guess!

Can you hear what I hear?

2010-10-14T19:35:00.002-05:00

I hear a...mooooo....mooooo....and yet another mooooo!

The cows are home! Separation from their calves is causing a whole lot of mooing going on. As I walked among them this evening, I had one friendly old black want a nice scratch behind the ears. The others were not as sure as she was. They followed me around, but didn't want to get too close. It is pretty exciting to have the yard filled with life. Soon the mooing will subside and we will have happy alfalfa chewing, silage eating bovines lounging around. Until then....MOO!

Living at the End of the Rainbow

2010-10-09T19:07:00.002-05:00

Our Pot of Gold!

Beans...will be the death of me!

2010-10-07T20:26:00.002-05:00

Soybeans. Soybeans. Soybeans. Eat, breathe, sleep soybeans. Harvest is not going well today. Repairs are not fun.

We are lucky to be able to utilize machinery from family. We help them, they help us! It is really a nice deal when times get busy. We happen to be last leg on the harvest of beans this year. With rain in the forecast for Saturday, concerns are mounting. We have had nothing but issues with the big green machine today. First the tailings elevator. Next, the sickle. And once those were patched back together, the gear box. So, the combine sits and so does the hubby. Sad day.

On the bright side, we had our 5th baby today! Fall calving is going well. The yard looks a little different, due to the white faces this year. Hereford bulls have strong genetics, I guess. I went down to check on the herd and see what new things were waiting to be discovered this evening while the hubby and the repair technician from Hawley attempted to fix the green beast. In the far corner of the cattle yard, a new bull calf was resting with his momma near by. As I approached to double check the gender of our new friend, momma gave me a concerned bellow. For a moment I was concerned she might charge me! What a good momma protecting her precious baby boy. I put out my hand so she could smell me and then proceeded to give the boy a little tussle on his head. He decided I was not his momma and stood up on his wobbly legs to stand nearer his protector. I let them be. I counted baby heads as I was leaving the yard and made sure they all appeared healthy and fed. It sure is a good feeling to see those little critters playing in the yard.

New life in the cattle yard makes the rest of the bad day fade away. Things could be worse and tomorrow is a new day. We just hope the fix it man will have a decent solution in the morning.

Autumn's Arrival

2010-09-21T13:36:00.003-05:00

It has been chilly, overcast and downright dreary lately! The leaves are quickly changing colors and making the scenery become more beautiful every day. The soybeans are drying down and will soon be threshed. The mosquitoes can rest in peace. Good riddance!

The only thing that seems to flourish is the lawn! I wish it wouldn't! It has been one LONG year of mowing, although teaching the girls to mow was one of the best ideas ever! As long as they stay out of the ditches, I am happy to let them drive around with their smiling faces on the mower. I never knew that children would actually battle each other to mow the lawn!

With the starting of school and the change in the weather, we have had the cold bug hit the house. That darn bug could stay away as well! Tis the season, I guess.

Once the fog leaves my head, I think it would be the perfect time of the year to go out and snap some pictures of the farm before the white stuff fluffs its way into our lives. I am hoping for one last blast of summer before that happens!

Bountiful Harvest

2010-09-18T11:29:00.002-05:00

For not having a garden, I have procured an abundant harvest! I have a very generous cousin, uncle, neighbor and of course the store who had too much produce to handle!

It all started with bread and butter pickles. My cousin had cucumbers coming out of her ears and generously dropped off a few grocery bags full! I made 2 batches of fridge pickles, creamy cucumber salad, and 5 quarts of bread and butter pickles. I would have done more, but time would not allow!

The two large bags of beets arrived the same weekend as the cucumbers. Luckily my husband's aunt is an expert pickled beet "canner". Relieved to hear it, I gladly handed over the task to her so my husband can have his pickled beets all year! Thanks ma'am!

Next, tomatoes. My neighbor had a TON of extra tomatoes this year! Nothing in the world compares to canned tomatoes in a hot-dish!

Peaches. The rotary peaches. Although they were not the best peaches I have seen from the organization, I canned every single one that I could. I cannot wait to have a tasty peachy treat with supper some night this winter!

And lastly the pears. Every year I wait for those lugs to arrive at Larry's! I bought two this year! The kids absolutely LOVE canned pears! Peeling pears is one task I am not fond of, but the reward of a huge smile on 3 little faces when I take out a jar for supper is well worth the trouble!

For not having a garden this year, I sure did have a bountiful harvest! I am so thankful to the generous giving of our friends and family.

4 Day School Week

2010-09-15T14:58:00.003-05:00

After two weeks of the newly approved 4 day school week for Pelican Rapids schools, my kids are loving it! They swear that the days go faster than previous years. Of course they definitely didn't mind having a bonfire with mom and dad last Sunday night either! They were pretty excited to be able to stay home on Monday, instead of having that extra 5th day of school. So far, mom and dad are not minding the change either. I will keep you posted throughout the year as to what our family think about the change!

Addition

2010-09-07T23:24:00.003-05:00

Today we had an addition to our farm. A rabbit. Madison to be exact! One of our neighbors was gracious enough to give the girls a new pet.

I have never owned a rabbit, although my best friend in high school happened to raise a few which I got to see through a fence every once in a while when I was out visiting at their farm. It is safe to say that my rabbit knowledge is pretty null and void.

Our barn is now housing a rabbit inside it's hutch on a wooden stand. I put some straw in her little shelter and she eagerly burrowed a nice spot for warmth. (Now that the weather decided to chill!) She has her pellets, water, and a snack which her previous owner had purchased for her eating pleasure. She also has her wood for gnawing. I am told that rabbits must gnaw their teeth in order to keep them from growing out of control. The bunny also came equipped with a harness and leash so the girls can take her out and play. And play they did! They had a pretty fun stint of "walking the rabbit" after they got home from their first day of school. My oldest took a few pictures which I will post later.

First goal for me...My "bestie" in Oregon happens to be a breeder! Since I am a rabbit novice, I need to consult with my expert in Oregon on proper rabbit care. I also need to figure out what type of rabbit we now own! Once I have more rabbit knowledge, I will give you an update! Lastly, I do not have an excuse on why I should not let the girls be in 4-H. So, 4-H...here we come! Project #1...Rabbit.

MSCTC

2010-09-01T17:54:00.002-05:00

I just had to share this on my blog! The link is not working, so here is the article from the Fergus Falls Daily Journal and can be found at the website below!

http://wp.fergusfallsjournal.com/2010/08/31/m-state-among-top-colleges/

M State among top colleges

Published 10:17am Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Minnesota State Community and Technical College-Fergus Falls has been named one of the top 50 two-year colleges in the nation, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU) system announced Monday.

M State in Fergus Falls placed 37th in the annual ranking of “America’s Best Colleges” published in the September-October issue of Washington Monthly magazine. Five other Minnesota schools were also named.

“We are proud of the Fergus Falls campus and the entire college for the growing success we have had with student experience, retention and graduation rates,” said Dr. Ann Valentine, president of M State. “The data used in the Washington Monthly article was based on those factors to quantify student metrics, not to develop a college ranking, but we are happy to be recognized. M State’s students, faculty and staff continue to do great things!”

The rankings are based on data provided by the Comm-unity College Survey of Student Engagement, established by the Comm-unity College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin, and graduation data from the U.S. Department of Education. Student engagement data comes from surveys of students at about 650 community colleges.

Saint Paul College ranked first based on student-faculty interaction, support for learning, graduation rates and collaborative learning methods. The college was also cited for efficiency by spending less than $10,000 per student. The other Minnesota colleges that ranked among the top 50 are the Northeast Higher Education District-Itasca Community College, 5th ; Alexandria Technical and Community College, 8th; Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Pipestone, 30th; and the Northeast Higher Education District-Vermilion Community College, 43rd.

“We are pleased that six of our colleges ranked among the top 50 in the nation,” Scott Olson, interim vice chancellor of academic and student affairs at MNSCU, stated in a press release. “Faculty and staff at all 25 community and technical colleges have worked hard to engage students, keep costs low and serve groups that traditionally have been underrepresented in higher education — low-income students, students of color and first-generation college students. Being recognized for these efforts is gratifying, but the real reward is in helping all those students achieve their dreams.”

Roses are Pink

2010-08-15T22:35:00.000-05:00

The Fergus Falls Daily Journal - Pelican Rapids school district's four-day week approved

2010-08-13T22:39:00.000-05:00

The Fergus Falls Daily Journal - Pelican Rapids school district's four-day week approved

That Will Leave A Mark

2010-08-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

Hope these never reach the Pelican River!

Teamwork

2010-08-11T22:35:00.006-05:00

When I was a little girl, my grandfather occasionally started up his D-14 Allis Chalmers to gather the brown jersey cows from the luscious green pasture and lead them to the big red barn for milking. Most of the time the ladies would come home with the "HERE BOSS!" that Grandpa would yell from the north door of the barn, but the absolute favorite for us kids was when that orange tractor started up and headed around the south side of the house down the dirt road which led to the pasture gate. We would throw our shoes on as fast as we could to chase him down before he got too far away from us. Of course if he made it around the bend past the chokecherry bushes, we could always cut through the woods on the "shortcut" path which went by a very scary abandoned shed which I always believed was haunted. Once on the other side, we knew we could catch him before he entered through the electric fence gate. From the gate it was down down down to the bottom of the hill near the lake. At the bottom of the bank of the hill, we would hang a sharp right and drive past the old worn out corn crib and machinery graveyard and on past the north side of the barn which was above us on that hill. We would keep traveling east until we saw some brown backs with the occasional black face and 16 sets of big brown eyes peering at us from afar. I don't know why, but the cows always started for "home" when the tractor was near. Some of my favorite memories of childhood include the wind blowing through my hair while sitting on an orange fender with
a great man behind the wheel. He was the kind of man who would turn the heater on in the old blue Chevy while bringing home 3 freezing kids from swimming lessons at Loghaven on a 90 degree day, even though he was drenched with sweat. I don't believe Grandpa always used the tractor to gather the bossy, but I think he knew he would have some extra special teamwork from three eager kids if the old Allis was fired up.

I was reminded of my childhood fun yesterday as my husband and one of my daughters rode together on our 686 International gathering straw bales for easy loading onto the trailer to bring them back home. I was extremely nervous when she climbed up on the fender to ride on the red tractor with her daddy. I was scared she would fall off that fender and end up under that rear tire. As I watched with anticipation and anxiety, I recalled always being extremely careful when in the same situation when I was her age. So, I drove the skidsteer and stacked together bales and they made memories together much like I did 25 or so years ago. Each time we passed each other I had a big wave and smile from a blond girl looking so big and proud with her daddy beside her with the same look on his face. It doesn't get much better than that.

Seriously?

2010-08-11T13:37:00.002-05:00

Below is an article which was ran in The Daily Journal today. Not only has the Hardware store been violated, but several other businesses in town have also been targets of a serial menace. I really hope for the sake of small businesses in town that law enforcement can catch the criminals who have hurt and shaken our community.

Money Stolen from Pelican Hardware Store

By The Daily Journal (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published 11:43 a.m., August 11, 2010

Pelican Rapids police have no suspects in a burglary that occurred at Strand Hardware on the 100 block of South Broadway on Monday night or Tuesday morning.

The burglar removed a window to access the store and took an undetermined amount of money from the cash register.

He or she then unsuccessfully attempted to kick in a door that led from the store into an adjacent business.

There were also screens that were cut on the outside of the business; however, the burglar was not able to access it.

Police believe the burglary occurred between 10 p.m. on Monday and 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

Bolts

2010-07-27T16:35:00.003-05:00

We have had one crazy night and day of funky weather. From a tornado warning at 2 am to severe thunderstorms and at least 3.7 inches of rain in less than 24 hours, it has been a whirlwind!

Above are a few photos of some storm clouds overlooking our farm.

Mark Haarstick Perham

2010-07-25T20:56:00.000-05:00

Chicken Pox?

2010-07-21T16:10:00.002-05:00

After taking my youngest to the doctor today, we picked up her great-grandma and went out to Ruby Tuesday's for lunch. It is pretty warm and humid today and Ruby turned on the air! After I finished my meal, I told my little one that she should finish up her chicken strips. She said, "I can't! I've got the chicken pox on my legs!"

She was cold from the air conditioning and had goosebumps. Love those one liners!

Pelican Rapids approves four-day school week | INFORUM | Fargo, ND

2010-07-20T04:07:00.000-05:00

Pelican Rapids approves four-day school week | INFORUM | Fargo, ND

The Fergus Falls Daily Journal - Pelican Turkey Days a hit with the mayor

2010-07-08T08:43:00.000-05:00

The Fergus Falls Daily Journal - Pelican Turkey Days a hit with the mayor

Sea of Soy

2010-07-06T21:40:00.003-05:00

Martina McBride - Independence Day

2010-07-04T13:52:00.000-05:00

Boomer

2010-07-04T00:53:00.003-05:00

This evening we had some pretty intense lightning grace us with its presence. Along with that came torrential rains which measured nearly 3.5 inches the next morning!

I was in the vehicle so I could run in to town to pick up a few last minute 4th of July groceries when the first flash/sonic boom sounded. After the next two, which seemed like I could reach out and touch sounded off, I ran for the house to wait out the danger. For the next 5 minutes, the house shook as the lightning struck the ground outside. It terrified the girls, who ran for the basement and covered up in the SW corner with their blankets and snuggled their stuffed animals for comfort. They really do not like severe weather.

After the storm blew over, I left so I could make sure I got to the store before they closed for the evening. I made it to town, but then a wall of rain struck again. I could hardly see to drive! I slowly plugged away to the grocery store through the water filled streets due to the rapid rainfall. Once there, I ran inside the building to go about my business, and to feel a little safer!

The downpour continued on and off a few more times before it finally settled down to be a beautiful, although breezy, 4th of July! Happy Independence Day!

Spirit Award

2010-06-24T22:09:00.002-05:00

Well, she didn't win Miss MN, but she did win the Spirit Award!

Congrats Lacey!

Tales of a 6 year old

2010-05-29T10:57:00.003-05:00

"Mom is there 2,086 people on this island?" I asked, "Which island?" She says seriously, "The island of Minnesota!" (Like duh mom!)

She comes walking into the kitchen at 10:05 this morning and says, "I didn't sleep in!" Holding back my laugh, I asked, "Why?" She replies, "Cause I wasn't that tired!" She wakes up at 6 am during the week.

LACEY ERICKSON, CONTESTANT #3

2010-05-17T13:43:00.002-05:00

And the next Miss Minnesota is...

She is Contestant #3
Her name...Lacey Erickson.
She reigns as Miss Heart of the Lakes.
Her talent will be a vocal solo - "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen)
Her platform is "Special Olympics - Go for the G.O.L.D.!"

Pelican Rapids is cheering for you!

Courtesy of:
http://missminnesota.org/2010fastfacts.html

Another link for details of the Pelican Rapids, MN native:
http://www.missminnesota.org/Locals/hotl.html

Kiddy Cat-tail

2010-05-15T14:30:00.002-05:00

Our youngest was the "special" child one evening a few weeks back. She got to go out for supper with her Grandma, Grandpa, Dad, and Mom all by herself with NO sisters. Grandma decided to take us all out for Daddy's birthday and I'm pretty sure the guest of honor was 6, not 30 something... As we were ordering, Grandma decided our little princess should have a kiddy cocktail. It was a fruity drink which she excitedly drank with her chicken strips and fries.

A few days ago, while driving in the vehicle, she was telling her sisters all about her dining experience at The Pelican. She told them all about the "kiddy cat-tail" that Grandma had bought her to go with her supper. My hubby and I laughed as quietly as possible for it was a serious conversation, you know. Eventually we corrected her, but not until we had heard about the delicious cat-tail several more times as her jealous sisters listened. Some day we will venture back and I'm sure they'll have to have a cat-tail too.

The joys of little ones and their mispronunciations! She is full of them too! One evening, her sisters were arguing back and forth over a recorder. The oldest had the middle child's recorder and was playing it...most annoyingly I might add. I asked her to stop and to finish cleaning up their bedroom. The middle child happened to be in the kitchen while the oldest and youngest began the task of cleaning. A few seconds later we hear, "She threw away your ookulele!" Which she repeated several more times until the middle child went running. Evidently they must be discussing ukuleles in school. It was all too funny at the time and of course even more hilarious when you add a 6 year old speech impediment.

Breakfast in Bed

2010-04-18T09:53:00.003-05:00

I specifically bought some "easy" blueberry muffin mixes the last time I went grocery shopping in hopes of having the girls learn how to bake. Last evening, while I was making chicken fajitas for 5, I placed two of the bags on the kitchen table in front of my oldest and said, "Here, you make breakfast in the morning!"

"Ok!" she replied, and then asked, "How do I make them?"

So, I explained that they are very simple and she just needs to follow the directions on the back of the package. I showed her where the muffin pan was and also where to find the paper muffin cups. I then told her that since there was two packages, she would have to double everything on the recipe. So, she says, "Okay, I turn the oven on to 800 then?"

Laughing, I said, "No, that stays the same!" What a funny girl!

Anyway, at 7 am this morning, I am awoken with a, "THEY'RE IN THE OVEN!" Not exactly how I thought her making breakfast would go. I kind of was hoping to catch a few extra winks since she had breakfast covered, but oh well! She did a great job. They were a big hit with her sisters and of course, the parents!

Next weekend...omelets?

Fireball lights up sky over parts of Midwest | INFORUM | Fargo, ND

2010-04-15T13:11:00.001-05:00

Fireball lights up sky over parts of Midwest | INFORUM | Fargo, ND

Posted using ShareThis

Meteor?

2010-04-14T22:09:00.000-05:00

As I was shutting the living room window a few short minutes ago, I happened to get a glimpse of what I can only describe as a blue meteor! As it approached the ground, it changed to a bright yellow. I have no idea how far away from us it actually was, but it sure was unlike anything I have ever seen in the night sky! It's just one of those times when you wish you had your camera in your hands!

Special Request

2010-04-01T13:15:00.000-05:00

When a person steps foot in a store to buy dairy products or milk, they rarely think about how that product arrived on the shelf. I can tell you exactly where it comes from and all the labor that goes in to producing it!

I have worked with pre-school kids in past years and one of my favorite field trips is out to a local dairy farm. Each year, the farmer asks the kids where milk comes from. MANY kids reply, "The store!" They have no idea that cows produce the products they know and love, such as cheese and ice cream. During their visit, the kids learn about the animals and really seem to get a kick out of petting a cow and calves. Of course many of them also wrinkle their little noses due to the "smell" which I usually call the "smell of money". The children enjoy a string cheese snack and head back to school with pencils and stickers courtesy of the American Dairy Association. The most important thing that the kids learn on their trip to the local dairy is that COWS, not stores are the start of some of their favorite foods!

I often wonder about all of the other children in the world that have no idea that milk, ice cream and cheese comes from cows. Not even a 100 years ago, it was a common thing to own your own cow in order to have your own supply of milk, butter and for a special treat, make your own ice cream. People knew how much work it took to provide these simple foods for their family. Over time, the small family farms have faded and now it is up to the few dairy farmers left to supply the world with the products the public takes for granted.

Dairy farmers have worked for years with out any "raise". The costs of production are at an all time high, yet the return is not there in order to sustain a decent living. Many farms around our area, including our small farm, have discontinued dairy due to the fact that it is just not worth it anymore. That being said, I have had a request to get information out to people regarding a bill which would help dairy farmers ensure a fair price for their product. Bill S-1645

Please take the time to help those dairy farmers sticking it out. Please allow future generations to continue their family tradition of dairy farming.

Fencing Fun!

2010-03-22T14:18:00.001-05:00

Who knew it was so fun to fence the day away? Apparently it was a hit with the kids! How do I know? Well, I didn't hear, "Mom, can we go home?" at all during the entire day. Why? Exploring and 4 wheeler rides are my guess.

I took a few photos of the farm while out and about. The ice is melting fast and open water is showing along the edges of "sloughview". Soon, white caps or glistening landscapes will be all that we see where the ice was resting. I cannot wait for the "big melt"! Warmer temps are sure to stay once the ice has gone away!

What lies beneath?

2010-03-22T14:15:00.000-05:00

FOR REAL?

2010-02-26T14:10:00.000-06:00

TIMERWOLVES CRUNCH ROCKS PELICAN

2010-02-26T12:31:00.000-06:00

Rusty

2010-02-24T12:46:00.000-06:00

I have been informed that I must be getting a bit rusty due to the lack of posts in the past month. I must have a bit of writers block. Between homework, work, and family things, I haven't had much time to even dream up a blog. So, here goes nothing...

Snowshoes. Yep, we've all seen them in movies. I know for a fact that my husband's great-grandfather used them while trekking 10 miles to see his sweety 80-90 years ago. I never really have given much thought to snowshoes until I heard that our local library decided to purchase a few sets so the public could "check" them out. Both my husband and I were curious and decided to give them a try. We were pretty astonished to find how much we enjoyed trekking on the snow with the modernized snowshoes the library provided us with. In fact, we checked out some for the kids and renewed the other pair so they could try them as well.

The girls came home one beautiful Wednesday evening and the four of us ventured out to the pasture and back. Along the way, the oldest decided she wanted to break a new trail by herself and trekked away and beat all of us back home again. The youngest stayed literally right on my heels and sometimes on them! About 2/3 of the way back up to the yard, she expressed her thoughts on snowshoes. "Mom, I think this would be much more funner if you were pulling me in the sled behind you!" Leave it to the baby to make the quote of the day! Our middle child decided that she was going to take her sweet time and arrived home 10 minutes after the rest of us! It was fun to get them out to view winter's nature, such as the different animal tracks and each one of them received a Typha. I remember thinking how neat Typha were when I was their age. Of course, they were not allowed in the house once we arrived home.

All in all, it was a fun learning experience. I learned that you definitely don't want to wear too many clothes while trekking with snowshoes. My oldest learned that she absolutely loves snowshoes and went out with dad for at least a mile trek after our first "mini trek". My middle baby decided she liked the snowshoes, but definitely did not like bringing the dog along and prefers to stay closer to home. And the baby...well, we know what she thinks! Christmas ideas for next year...gift certificates to the sporting goods store to purchase snowshoes! :)

Cow Comedians

2010-01-11T21:41:00.000-06:00

I found myself laughing this evening as I watched the gate for my better half as he fed and bedded the cows. After putting a hay bale in one feeder, he began to put out the last hay bale of the night. It happened to be a smaller bale than normal. He set it upright in order to remove the plastic net wrap and then spotted a piece of garbage in the yard which he walked over the fence so it could be disposed of properly. When we both looked up at the little bale, pretty much simultaneously, it was no longer where he had left it. Normally he puts the bale feeder over top immediately, but since he broke his habit this evening, the bull decided the bale would look better some other place in the yard. 30 feet to the East to be exact. The bull left a nice long trail of hay from the spot of origin. I giggled to myself as I heard a few choice words spoken as he trudged back to the skid loader to finish the job.

I don't know if you have ever watched cattle after you lay down fresh bedding, but it is quite amusing. The older cows use their noggins and hooves to spread the straw around, which in turn riles up the babies. The calves in the yard were especially squirrelly tonight. They were playing chase the leader. Five of them were running around the yard in a big circle and kicking up their heels. I always get a kick out of this. It is almost like you can hear them chanting, nananabooboo, you can't catch me! I don't particularily know why bovines get so goofy when it comes to a routine chore. I guess that is their way of keeping life interesting.

Save the Trees!

2010-01-08T15:58:00.000-06:00

Every winter it seems we have issues with snow "mosquitoes" and our baby evergreen trees.  They have successfully killed a few and the season is early.  The poor tree above will more than likely no longer be with us in the spring.  What I don't get is the fact that there is plenty of ditch in the area where these trees are planted in which snowmobile drivers can successfully navigate without coming anywhere near our fragile babies.  RESPECT is the only word that comes to mind when I think about trespassing snowmobile drivers.  It is one word that seems to be lacking in their vocabulary.  

Hopefully this picture of our dying investment will deter the same mistake from happening someplace else.  Please take the time to be respectful of other people's personal property, especially the future carbon dioxide inhibitors.  

2009 Harvest FINALLY Completed

2009-12-30T14:52:00.000-06:00

Freshly combined corn stalks
and our "Winter Wonderland"

Last week, right before Christmas, we finally were able to finish combining the corn left standing in the fields due to an extremely wet fall. The late harvest was an adventure in itself! Semi trucks and combines are pretty worthless in snowy conditions, but luckily the two of us were able to pull it all off without leaving a piece of machinery out in the snow all winter long! When the last field was finally finished and all the machinery was back in the shed, we breathed a sigh of relief.

One thing I continue to believe is that beavers are naughty corn wrecking, water stopping creatures! I cannot believe how much damage they can do to a field. Of course the coons knocked some down and ate plenty of cobs, but the beavers use the entire stalk! It is like they are a corn demolition crew! I wonder if they wore hard hats to protect their beady heads from falling cobs. I am pretty sure they wrecked several acres of corn. I should have taken a picture of the 3 fields that had the most damage.

My husband has decided he should plant many more acres of corn next year so he can be sure he can combine until spring planting. NOT! If he chose to do so, he would have one UNHAPPY momma on his hands! Papers, tests, finals, baking and decorating, not to mention the kid's activities are enough in December for me. Harvest is meant to be finished in the fall! I believe that is why we have THANKSGIVING in order to celebrate the fall harvest and all it entailed. Speaking of holidays, I want to wish everyone who tunes in to "My Backyard" a very

Happy New Year!

Homemade Snack is Big Hit!

2009-12-30T14:40:00.000-06:00

Homemade Butter Toffee Popcorn

I had the opportunity to try a new snack recipe last night! It was a major hit with the family and fairly simple! A special thank you goes out to my father in-law for testing out the recipe and then sharing! The only problem with my first batch of the tasty treat was the occasional un-popped kernel of popcorn that tried to severely impair my molars. Luckily I have strong healthy teeth! (Thanks mom!) Advice, separate un-popped kernels before adding toffee to bake!

1st Gingerbread House!

2009-12-25T17:22:00.000-06:00

Gingerbread House completed by the girls 12-24-2009.

Tasty!

Notice the Christmas tree and star! :)

The house is slowly being demolished and enjoyed by the creators.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2009-12-25T00:07:00.000-06:00

Another white Christmas is upon us. The snow is coming down and the girls are snuggled up in their beds, dreaming of Santa and all his wonderful magic. Although not all of our family is able to travel, Christmas will go on. Better safe than sorry! Two Christmas "parties" down, only one left, due to cancellation of the other. Instead of 4 Christmas', we will have to settle for 3. Luckily they are not as "interesting" as the movie! Tomorrow I will try and take some photos of the current snowfall and the beauty it has brought to the neighborhood.

Merry Christmas!

Recommended by Sloughview

2009-12-21T19:50:00.000-06:00

The Fergus Falls Daily Journal - Taqueria El Agave opens in Pelican Rapids

The Fergus Falls Daily Journal - Hispanic Christmas customs cherished

2009-12-20T09:02:00.000-06:00

The Fergus Falls Daily Journal - Hispanic Christmas customs cherished

Pelican to Andes on Shiny #9

2009-12-18T21:20:00.001-06:00

Hats and Gloves

2009-12-08T22:43:00.000-06:00

It's officially time for extra winter clothes! The chill is in the air and the man is under the blanket. You know it's cold when he decides the comforter should be worn while lounging in the recliner!

I am labeling today as unproductive. So much field work to be done due to a wet fall, and frustration when things don't happen the way you would like them to. I experienced my first lesson in the semi today. I got to drive while being pulled by a tractor! Ha! My next adventure, after work and before the evening activity for our oldest, was to pull my hubby around with one tractor while he "started" the other by poppin' the clutch. It kind of reminded me of the Karate Kid. After at least 5 laps around the yard, we got it! Never a dull moment.

School is almost finished for 2009. Only 6 more tests (4 finals, 1 lab practical and 1 chapter test), 4 more half hour trips to and from school, and then 3 weeks of "vacation" starts! I am ready to give my brain a little rest.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T17:35:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

What a Failure!

2009-11-15T18:49:00.000-06:00

I arrived home about an hour ago. My 2009 deer hunt was unsuccessful. Yesterday the only animal I laid my brown eyes upon was a gray squirrel, attempting to fly from an oak tree to a box elder tree without wings. Lucky for him, he made it! This morning, only 10 minutes after I sat down, a coyote came into range. He was only 50 yards away from me and stood there broadside for a good five minutes. I was extremely tempted to take him out because he came from the direction of our cattle yard, but instead let him run off with his padded feet. I watched him as he ran through the corn rows until I could see him no longer. I figured maybe he would kick out a deer for me to shoot instead, but the deer must have decided he was full and not a threat by himself.
Tonight the only living things I actually laid my eyes upon were birds and a fly. A lone seagull flew over me as I sat in the above "seat". About 4 o'clock I heard a mad squeaking noise coming from the log on the left. I figure I must have been using a mouse's house as my prop for my rotting seat. He ran up and down the hollow log making noises as he went until he finally accepted I wasn't going away. After that, the woods were pretty quiet. A woodpecker here, a flock of geese there, not a deer in sight. As I sat there among nature, I noticed a little vine growing up along the dead tree I use as my backrest. You can actually see it in the above picture. The woodpeckers really like the dead tree. There are holes from their feeding up and down the entire length of what is left of my backrest.

Many hunters prefer fancy stands which are enclosed with a heat source and other luxuries. I prefer to sit here, listen to what God made and relax as I wait for the venison. Am I upset that I did not tag a deer this year? Nope. I just enjoy the privilege of relaxing in the woods by myself for a few hours a year. Being successful is just an added bonus. One year, I will have a trophy hanging on the wall next to his cousin, my husband's 9 point trophy.

This One's for You

2009-11-03T08:13:00.000-06:00

When I was in 6th grade, I met the best friend a girl could ask for. We were two peas in a pod. See, I had moved away to Fargo from Jamestown towards the end of the 5th grade and when we moved back right in time for the start of 6th grade, I found I had outgrown many of the friends I had known since Kindergarten. All of a sudden we did not mesh well and I became the outsider. Many of the girls my age did not like my previous best friend and therefore did not like me either. Pretty much like a new person arriving at a new school, I had to start over fresh. So one day this girl who sat directly behind me needed to borrow a marker and that was how the friendship began.

Washington Elementary School
Where it all began.

Soon there were overnight invitations and of course the natural talking on the phone for hours at a time. That spring, right before school was to let out for the summer, my best friend had an awful accident! She was told to park the vehicle in the garage which was attached to their farmhouse. Of course only being 12 years old, but having grown up on a farm 30 miles from town she knew how to drive a manual transmission. She jumped in the vehicle, started it up and stepped lightly on the gas. She meant to hit the brake to stop, but instead slammed down the accelerator and went through the back wall of the garage with the vehicle! As if that wasn't bad enough, her mother was suntanning in her usual spot right behind the garage wall that was demolished. Luckily, she hit the brakes in time, as her mother's head was right next to the rear tire. Another couple inches and she would have been killed. She ended up with several broken bones, but fully recovered to be able to chase us out of the house when we got on her nerves for the next 7 years! That was a pretty tough time for my friend. She felt so extremely guilty and bad about what had happened, even though it was an honest 12 year old accident.

As the years went on, we had a tradition. I would stay at their house during wheat harvest for at least a week every year. No exceptions or the wrath of the teenagers would have been upon the parents. Every year we set up our obstacle course through out their farmyard and swung through the sprinkler on her infamous rope swing from an electrical wire spool. We had a picnic in a pretty spot somewhere on her father's 5000-6000 acre farm arrived via horseback. We would camp out in a tent most of the week as long as the North Dakota weather held and talk or listen to the tapes we just HAD to have for most of the night.

Each year she would come with me to Pelican Rapids for a weekend at my dad's. We would hang out in the barn or find something interesting to do during our visits. One trip to Pelican in particular is very memorable. I was driving my car down State Highway 34 when my brother said, "Look at that funny looking cow!" It was near the "Bakken County Line". That funny looking cow was none other than an awkward female moose scattering away from the Highway. That is one of the only times I have ever seen a moose in these parts. Once we almost nailed a deer up on 34, but my driving skills were tested and luckily I avoided collision.

When we graduated from high school and went off to college, we lived on the same floor in the same dorm. But, being the best of friends for all of those years, suddenly became less important and we began to drift apart. Slowly and sadly we went our separate ways. She transferred to a different school and I chose to find a job instead of go back to school another year. There was a period of silence between two friends for about 8 years. Then one day I received a wedding invitation in the mail. My youngest was only two weeks old and a major snowstorm was in the forecast, but we packed up the kids anyways and went west to see my old buddy.

We still try to get together once a year, although with three young girls each, it is tough sometimes. We are not peas in a pod anymore, but I still consider her one of the best friends a girl could ever have had.

Just in time...

2009-10-31T09:23:00.000-05:00

Just in time for Trick-or-Treating.

Happy Halloween!

Carving Ease

2009-10-27T20:59:00.001-05:00

Oldest to youngest respectfully.

Each year my job gets a little easier when it comes to carving pumpkins. This wind chilling evening, I cut open the tops of 3 little pumpkins so the kids could remove the "guts" and then let the girls have at it. They sorted the seeds from the orange stringy insides so they can have a roasted salty snack tomorrow evening.

My 3rd grader finished the gutsy part first and asked me to draw a tree, ghost and headstone so she could carve out her ideal jack-o-lantern. Shortly after, my 5 year old decided she wanted a face on her pumpkin, so again I took the marker and drew a face, complete with teeth, so she could cut out her own idea on her pumpkin. Meanwhile my oldest finished practicing her instrument and homework and began to gut her pumpkin. She is a pumpkin pro. A do it all by yourself type of gal.

So when it was all said and done and 3 girls were freshly bathed (had to get the itchy pumpkin off!) and ready for bed, we lit the candles inside their masterpieces for a ghouly view in the dark. Soon they won't need me anymore to create their jack-o-lantern masterpieces. Spending time with them now...priceless.

Officials say Moorhead schools headed into the red without levy | INFORUM | Fargo, ND

2009-10-25T09:55:00.001-05:00

Officials say Moorhead schools headed into the red without levy | INFORUM | Fargo, ND

Posted using ShareThis

Halfway

2009-10-24T13:42:00.000-05:00

I am halfway through my first semester of higher education. (If you don't count my previous credit from a LONG time ago!) Yesterday I informed one of my instructors while working on an experiment during lab that she is trying to teach an old dog new tricks. I believe I was working with significant figures in the lab and how in the world you are supposed to remember how many sig-figs you are supposed to keep. She laughed and said, "Yes, I am!"

So far I am enjoying all of my classes. I have even registered for next spring's semester! I have decided I am going to do the non-traditional online classes from home to avoid the 20 mile drive on wintery roads. Unfortunately I won't be able to get by with that every semester, but thought it would be nice to do it for one. I am currently taking both online classes and classes at the college. I am looking forward to the fact that I can attend school in my pajamas in the dead of winter!

Going to school with 3 elementary school aged children can be challenging, but so far I am making it work. I try to do the brunt of my homework and online classes while they are in school. I usually end up with homework on weekends, but they have been pretty good, other than the occasional spat.

I had an online test which was due by midnight tonight that I decided to take yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately I had to wait until they got off the bus. I had labs all morning and wanted to do some last minute studying before I took the test. By the time I was comfortable with my two chapters the test was on, it was a fifteen minutes until bus arrival! So, rather than starting my test, I decided to study a bit more and then take the test after we got all of the "How was your day? and Show me what you did in school today!" out of the way. That being all said and done, I only had two interruptions during my timed 60 minute test. Something about a birthday party and I can't even recall the other extremely IMPORTANT information that couldn't wait until after I finished. I always tell them, if they happen to be home when I am taking a quiz or test online, that if it's an EMERGENCY...come and tell me. Apparently getting invited to Birthday parties is an emergency! :) By EMERGENCY, I mean somebody is choking or bleeding to death. Their interpretation is a little different. Kids...gotta love em!

So, I am halfway though the first semester of this MAJOR change of lifestyle which has come with mom going back to school. Dad has been extremely supportive of mom. I am pulling high grades in all 6 of my courses so far. Dean's list? I hope so, but time will tell! I guess my instructors can teach this old dog new tricks.

Life is too short to be unhappy

2009-10-23T21:08:00.001-05:00

Life is too short to be unhappy

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Calling All Spooks

2009-10-15T19:42:00.000-05:00

Many years ago (we won't say how long), I trick or treated in some pretty gnarly snowstorms. One year it was literally a blizzard. My mom drove us around from house to house, instead of us walking up and down the city streets. Most years, we had snow on the ground while the spooks ran rampant though the city streets of Jamestown.

Since my girls have started trick or treating, I do not recall ever having snow on the ground. I think it has been cold, but they have never had to deal with snowy sidewalks. One year it may have been lightly snowing, but I am almost positive there has never been snow accumulation.

My goal this year is to be a bit old fashioned. For one, I am encouraging my girls to make or think of a Halloween costume we can assemble at home, except for my youngest who will don the kitty costume we had in the closet. The other two must come up with an idea for their own design. This mom is NOT buying costumes this year. I think it will be fun to see what they come up with on their own. Number 2, we have snow! Of course it may melt by then, but it would be a brand new experience to have to trudge through it while asking for tricks or treats.

At 2:20, the school does a costume parade. The kids have "harvest parties" in their classrooms. After school, we always hit the streets of Pelican for the Chamber's promotion. Each business gives out tricks or treats to the little monsters and goblins running around town. Some business splurge and give out "cool things" such as pop or a "big" candy bar and some employees dress up too. It is really fun to walk down the sidewalk and see all the kids with smiles on their faces. Lake Region Electric normally throws a boo bash for the kiddos as well. It consists of a hot dog supper and games and prizes for the spooks. The employees volunteer and throw quite a party for the little ones. We normally skip the boo bash and hit the neighbors out near our house in the country due to lack of time. By the time the evening is over, the kids are exhausted and ready for bed. I'm glad the spooks only come out once a year, because mom is normally exhausted too.

Purple People Eat Green Bay

2009-10-05T21:41:00.000-05:00

And they must have been hungry!

I have been watching the Vikes for a few years now...religiously for 10. This season has been exceptional. I've heard a lot of, "Go Home Favre" from various people thinking he is too old and his career is over, but he has proven himself to be a major asset so far this year.

He comes from MN's biggest rival, yet plays like a true warrior. The rival knows his style of play, he knows theirs. Who can play it better? Favre can.

The Favre-Peterson connection seems strong. I think Adrian wants a ring. The team connects well. Jared Allen loves to rope! Percy Harvin...nice addition! So what if the quarterback has some gray! Leadership is more important! I hope this is the year. 4-0...keep 'em coming! Go Vikings!

Pelican Rapids schools prep for levy vote | INFORUM | Fargo, ND

2009-10-01T09:14:00.001-05:00

Pelican Rapids schools prep for levy vote | INFORUM | Fargo, ND

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Bovine Lesson

2009-09-17T07:20:00.000-05:00

While feeding a hay bale to the cows the other night, my hubby decided that he should train them how to take the net wrap off a bale by themselves, since they are always so curious and anxious to dig right in. Not so much to eat the hay, but more to get a good head toss to literally throw the hay around. Leave a bale without putting the bale feeder on and they will go squirrely, jumping and prancing and head butting to annihilate the compressed alfalfa. One bossy in particular happens to bother him EVERY time he puts a bale out for the bale feeder. Doesn't matter if it is the first or the second bale, she will be there. Makes a person wonder what those bovines are thinking.

Want to see something really funny? Watch the Yorkie out in the yard with the cows. 5 lb. dog vs. cow. "What's that? Gotta follow it, smell it, nudge it, chase it and make it bark." Yorkies are not good cattle dogs. Vicious rat terrier, yes. Up against a cow, scared pooch. She doesn't go out there much.

Checklist

2009-09-08T06:42:00.000-05:00

Kids bathed...check.
Kids clothes picked out and ready...check.
Camera...check.
School supplies...check.
Backpacks loaded to go...check.
Mom ready for all three in school?...Uncheck with a tear in the corner of her eye.

It's officially official this morning! All three babies are loading up on the bus to start a new school year!

I Love this Song at Harvest

2009-09-01T21:53:00.000-05:00

Breadbelt

2009-09-01T21:05:00.000-05:00

The wheat is flowing. Harvest is finally in full swing almost an entire month late. A few more nice days and wheat harvest will be complete. Thank goodness it finally here. A farmer can rest a lot easier after the crop is lifted. Enjoy the pics!

Awaiting the big green monster.

Future loaves of bread, spaghetti, and flour.

Nothing runs like a Deere.

Take a load off.

As the Sun Goes Down...

Last Day Off

2009-08-19T08:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we enjoyed my last full day off before I move on to bigger and better things next week.  We met my husband's parents in Fergus Falls and spent the day bowling and enjoying the beautiful weather at the park downtown by the hospital.  It was nice.  I found myself wishing Pelican still had the bowling alley in the north end of town.  If we did, I maybe wouldn't have bowled like it was my first time I've ever seen a pin!  Not 1 game low scoring game, 3 games of awful wrist twisting bowling!

The kids were lucky enough to have their own lane with "bumpers" while us adults mastered the art of the gutter ball right next to them.  A quote from my father-in-law, " I don't mind the automatic scoring.  It's nice, other than the fact that they post your scores up on the screen for everyone to see!"  I completely agreed!  I was tempted to join the kids on their gutterless lane!

My oldest boasted the high score.  Winning is the only thing in her eyes, so maybe it was a blessing she beat us all!  At one point I caught her moving the metal bowling assist for our 5 year old after she had perfectly placed it where she wanted, turned her back and was going to get her 6 lb. ball from the hand eater.  The reason?  The 5 year old was beating her because she was using the ball assist!  After the first game, and the pouting that went along with it, she bowled much better and was sure to beat her sisters every time and MOST of the adults! 

Our two oldest mastered "throwing" the ball and our youngest mastered "granny" bowling.  Me, I had fun.  Could have bowled better, but I definitely enjoyed the downtime with the family.  A successful last day off.

Now That's a Tractor

2009-08-07T23:05:00.000-05:00

Snus Queen

2009-08-07T20:09:00.000-05:00

Red Sun

2009-08-05T08:55:00.000-05:00

Adventures in Agriculture

2009-07-25T10:24:00.000-05:00

Two nights ago, our family decided to go for a drive. What was the purpose? Why to check the crops of course! We drove around the country side comparing the crops to the ones we have in the ground. Most crops all around Pelican are looking great! The wheat fields are starting to turn. The corn is throwing up a flag leaf. The soybeans are growing, but no pods except for the volunteer beans growing in the cornfields. (Gotta love round-up ready...) Now we pray that mother nature leaves things be and everything stays as is.

I suggest a drive in the countryside. Drink it all in.

Miss Heart of the Lakes 2009

2009-07-18T10:30:00.000-05:00

MacKenzie Ross, Miss Heart of the Lakes 2008
Lacey Erickson, Miss Heart of the Lakes 2009

After recently giving up her crown of Miss Northwest, Lacey Erickson, Pelican Rapids, has been crowned Miss Heart of the Lakes 2009. Erickson won talent, evening gown and was voted Miss Congeniality by her peers. She was crowned by her best friend and successor to both Miss Northwest and Miss Heart of the Lakes, MacKenzie Ross. She will again compete for the title of Miss Minnesota next summer in the metro area. Her platform is Special Olympics. Congratulations Lacey!

They're How Old?

2009-07-12T23:28:00.000-05:00

While at work this evening, we had two very interesting young ladies visit. Ages 12 and 14, they are biking across the United States of America. Starting in Spokane, Washington on June 12th, they are almost halfway to their destination of Ocean City, Maryland, with an estimated arrival date of August 21st. They stopped to camp in our small community for the night. I had a chance to visit with their mother, who stopped in briefly before going to set up camp. Way to go mom, dad and girls! Bike safely! View their story on their website:

http://kellyannerinbikestheusa.com/

"and rode to many more miles to Pelican Rapids. we were supposed to swim, but we never found a place. we got to Pelican Rapids, and found the city park, adn to my happyniss........THERE WAS A POOL!!!!!!!YAY!!!!!!!!we swam till 8:00,and told the lifeguard about are trip. they let us try to get the 10 pound brick off the bottom of the 5 foot part. then we tryed to hold it over our head, and swim to the shalow end, and it was really hard.then dad went to the store, got us some subway"

Back to School

2009-07-06T21:36:00.000-05:00

It has been 13 years, but I finally am going to do it. I have enrolled in school once again. It's a little scary, but also kind of exciting. Now that my youngest is entering Kindergarten, it is time for me to get a degree. I did attend a year of college at NDSU right out of high school, but was not really ready to make that definite career choice. I entered the work force doing accounting jobs at the age of 19 and have been doing something of the sort on and off for several of the past 13 years. I recently changed my course to something that runs in the family pretty strong on my maternal side. At first I was thinking Medical Transcription, from home. I have now decided on just taking the plunge and trying to get my degree to be an RN. It has taken me a long time to get to this point, but here I am. Wish me luck on my new endeavor and bare with me as I slack on my blogging because of homework. I shall do my best to post when inspired to do so.

Rock the Boat

2009-06-23T21:52:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago, we took our small boat out on our "lake". It was a beautiful, calm evening when we set out from the dock. Maneuvering through the rushes, we rowed all around enjoying the beauty of nature. There were loons diving, beavers swimming, birds fishing all around us. It was so peaceful! I took several pictures of our adventure. Our cell phones were tucked in our pockets and remained silent. It was an evening out of a picture book. The water was smooth and still like glass. The trees silent. The only sounds were the wildlife enjoying the evening as much as our family.

After a few hours, we decided we had better get back to the shore and call it an evening. My hubby rowed as we kept enjoying the evening. When we reached the rushes, my husband and I needed to switch spots so we could maneuver back through the rushes to the dock, as we did before. The next thing we knew, all five of us were in the water. We don't know exactly what happened, but we believe it was a combination of things. After my hubby safely brought the kids to the dock, he somehow was able to get the boat close enough to the dock to flip it. It was airlocked and took all the strength we had left, but we got it turned over and moved up on shore.

Our cell phones did not survive. My camera did. The kids have no interest in "boating" with mom and dad anymore. We're known as "boat tippers" in our house. We laugh about it now, but it sure was not funny that evening! We have not yet ventured back out, but summer is not even half over...