The 2010 wheat crop is nearly all planted, (some is up)-fall harvest is nearly here-maybe tomorrow and it's time to wean calves. Have you ever thought how much farming and ranching is a yearly repeat of the year before? Like Mike and Dana we've had abundant fall rains and cool weather. Warm dry weather would hasten fall harvest and let us get that done before winter (we hope). Green grass the last of September is very unusual for our ranching area but the cows and calves are doing great. We got all the calves vaccinated a couple weeks ago so I hope to wean this week depending on how corn harvest begins. It'll be noisy for awhile with a couple hundred bawling babies. Milo looks good and is mature and actually a good freeze would help that happen rapidly. The feedlot rehab project is finished (at least this stage) and looks good. We are looking into an airless paint sprayer to paint nearly 7500' of pipe fence. If any of you are bored with what you're doing , come on out.
Ann has 2 weeks of subbing ahead of her for a young lady taking cancer treatments. Ann looks forward to subbing but is always glad to be home.
I had a 6 month check-up with the neurologist in Hays Thursday. She didn't up my medication but is threatening a MRI if my mini-seizures don't cease on the new medicine. They are much less frequent than before and as a rule I believe I feel better.
Paige is having an awesome cross-country season and set a new school record yesterday with her time. Jo-do you remember our jesting about staying with you and Dick for state cross-country? May just happen!! At this pace, she should qualify for state and I would expect her to medal if her times continue to improve. No pressure, huh?
Blogging has kind of faded with the popularity of Facebook but it's good to keep somewhat updated on happenings. Bob

what comes around goes around!

40 years gatherings

40 years gatherings? August 19,1969 we were a newlywed couple embarking on our life together. Little did we know 40 years could pass so quickly and easily. Now all of a sudden we are senior citizens, grandparents of 5 (including 2 teenage girls) and still busy as can be. We've had a great 40 years together (actually we dated for 2 1/2 years before marrying. Dreams we had back then are distant memories and some are still dreams I guess. Jennifer and Gwen and their families are so special and fantastic it's hard to realize that we could be great-grandparents in a few more years. That does sound aged, doesn't it? It's great having daughters bringing their own children up to know God's ways.
We had a really neat weekend last week with bowling, minitature golf and a very special dinner at a nice place and then Sunday services and lunch together with a photo session later. Paige has some really nice photos on her Facebook. I haven't seen anybody else's yet.
Meanwhile, life must go on. August is nearly over and we had a great rain Tuesday night that will really help the milo and corn finish up.. I have been having some sickness with our calves on our cows from the really cool nights.. I've had to rope and doctor a few and spend time checking them closer. The grey horse (his name) does a really good job of holding the calves while I give the medicine. We're trying to wind up the feedlot rehab program for the summer and have a couple of pens of cattle to feed now as well. Wheat planting will be soon and we plan to try silage harvest Monday if it is not too muddy. Corn harvest and then milo harvest and fall field work and this and that.
I got to have another cancer taken from my right ear last week and another biopsy on the left ear. Guess too much sun for a little blonde headed boy. Now my ears don't match.
I don't have anything to really compare to but I can confidently say that my wife for the past 40 years can't be beat and we look forward to celebrating our 50th. Thanks for your love-Ann. Your're the best. Bob

Check out Paige's facebook for some neat family photos-Thanks Paige!!

Last Week

What an eventful week!! We left Sunday morning for our annual get together at Rainbow Lake west of Buena Vista, Co. with Dad and Lois, Dick and Jo and missed Larry and Galena due to Larry's eye surgery. Ann and Jo and Dick and I journeyed over Cottonwood Pass Monday Morning to do some fly fishing in Taylor Park. We were amazed at the top of Cottonwood to see Taylor Park covered with a fog bank and we were above the fogbank. (bottom picture).

Middle picture is myself posing as a flyfisherman. Dick and I enjoyed considerable success Monday after Dick was kind enough to share his wisdom of using nymphs on the bottom. I had done some good on top with small elk hair caddis' but Dick was doing much better. We caught enough 9-10" browns and brooks to make a meal and had lots of fun. The girls enjoyed time of fellowship and gossiping (?) on the river bank. Taylor Park was very busy with motorbikes, 4-wheelers and suv's going up and down the road. Lots of noise, fumes and dust. Still a beautiful place. Dad and Lois helped with the fish for supper by catching 3 out of Rainbow Lake while we were gone. By the way, Sunday nights score was Men 1, ladies 0. Monday night the ladies did better and we men made a real comeback but fell 2 points short on the last hand.

Tuesday, Dick and I went back to Taylor River and did not do well at all so went on over to Spring Creek below Mosca Lake. That creek and area holds many memories of family camping trips when our children were little and Mom was still with us. The fishing was slow-I think I caught 1 10" brown on a dry fly-couldn't get nymphs to work at all. Dick caught a couple. We drove above the Lake a short distance then returned to "our spot" on the Taylor River. Struck out completely so I grabbed a short nap on the river bank while Dick worked hard. We left and drove back over Cottonwood in late evening. Saw a very nice muley buck as well as several doe. We found out the it had been raining and hailing off and on at Rainbow all day. Dick and I enjoyed absolutely beautiful weather on the west side. Score Tuesday evening,men 1, ladies 0. 2 out of 3 made for a successful romp by the men!

a side benefit at Rainbow was the hummingbird show at the feeders. I actually had hummingbirds light on my finger and in my hand at their haste to get to the feeders. I think Jo has pictures to prove it, also.

First picture is of our visitors for the Wichita County Fair and Carnival Wednesday through Sunday morning. We had a great time with Ronney, Karen, Chase and Rylee. How fast they are growing. Of course, our grandkids and girls were around also. The Leoti Fair is a special event.

Needless to say, last week was not a productive week on the ranch. We are rebuilding some feedlot pens, moving manure and doing some fieldwork and spraying. Rain during the middle of the week helped keep some of the pressure of fieldwork away but this week needs to be more productive. I will let Ann add some thoughts to this same blog. Thanks for you being our family.

One final note on the fair, our church float handed out 2000 packs of chewing gum with the theme of "Don't let Satan gum up your life-stick with Jesus" Our prayers are that at least one individual will take that message to heart! Bob

Joann and I had a great time talking Monday - several hours. Bob & Dick came back and asked us what we talked about all that time. We looked at each other and came up with one or two things. We just talked. We hadn't seen each other for a while. Ladies, you know how that goes. We enjoyed the mountains, the river and sitting (for a while).

The fog bank above Tayor Park was beautiful. When we got down to the lake, it wasn't foggy as I expected - the clouds were above us then. The hummingbirds were entertaining. While walking around Rainbow Lake, Joann and I saw a beaver lodge but no beavers. It was a relaxing few days.

We really enjoyed having the Slugas visit us. They are interested in doing whatever is suggested. Gwen, Paige and Lane came out Friday afternoon. Lane, Chase and Riley had no trouble entertaining themselves. Joann, Dick and Dad came out also. We women visited. Ronney did some electrical checking for us - thank you. Dad & Lois were co-Grand Marshals at the parade - what an honor for them. They and another couple got to ride in a Cindrella looking white carriage with a white horse pulling it. Ann

New Experience

Our two dogs had a new experience last night. Bob went out the door this morning and was back about 20 seconds later calling me to come right out. I wondered what Hoover had torn up this time. Hurrying outside I saw Hoover. She had met a porcupine! Bob said he had never seen porcupines around here. She had about 15 quills in her nose and mouth. Bob tried pulling some out with pliers. One came out and one or two broke off. You could tell it hurt. Then we looked for Nessa. She had quills in her nose and mouth also. I thought the quills might have barbs on the end. Calling the vet, I found that one just pulls the quills out - no barbs - but the vet puts the dog out. He said if they break off and part stays in it could become infected. I took both dogs to the vet. They put the dogs out, pulled out the quills, then gave another shot to wake the dogs up so I could take them home right away. The dogs were alert and ready to go when they came out the door from the vet's. We hoped the dogs would be smart enough to stay away from porcupines from now on, but the vet said he gets dogs back a third and fourth time with quills. We hope they stay away from porcupines from now on. I really, really felt sorry for Nessa and Hoover.

More Harvest pics

Just more pictures from harvest. We daily Thank God for our family!

No comment needed.

More of the crew-just realized we didn't have one of Jennifer. Lane is being his goofy self somewhere. Have a neat one of him and Jack in the combine tire.

Top photo is Luke driving the combine. He did well and allowed me to nap to catch up a little at times. On Wednesday, he was with me from 9:00Am until 11:00 pm. durability? Next year is already on his mind. We enjoyed all of them and had fun at the evening meal in the field. More later. Bob

This past week

We had great visitors this past week. Jennifer and kids came for a harvest visit. Gwen and Lane came out to see them when they got here. Before the Bernings got here, Gwen helped me go through books and get rid of a bunch. The boys went to ride in the combine with Bob. Gwen, Jennifer and Aubrey helped me clean out the garage from having kittens in there. It was pretty yucky in places. While we were at it we cleaned pretty good - more than I had thought we would do. Tuesday evening we went in to watch Lane's baseball game (after supper in the field)
Luke spent a whole day in the combine with Bob. Lane got to come out again. He and Jackson had a great time together. Jennifer, Gwen and Aubrey helped with odd jobs. Thursday Luke, Jackson, Lane and Aubrey got to go swimming. We had supper in the field each evening with very few flies. The Bernings left Friday morning. The kids are sure growing and fun to have around and helpful too. Paige was working in the field for her other Grandpa; so we didn't see her.
Bob has the wheat all cut now. Things really went smoothly this year - no breakdowns. We were pleased with the harvest.
I have some good pictures of the combine and of a sunset, but figuring out how to get the pictures on a blog is worse then Greek to me; so you'll have to look at Jennifer's blog for pictures. Ann

P.S.

Notice the new quartz countertops. Don't they look great in Ann's Kitchen? Of course, she makes them look great-but we were both pleased with how well they turned out. Now she's talking re-doing my bathroom and shower. It won't be quartz but Manstone.

On another note, more rain this weekend and harvest will be getting going later this week. It's always an anxious time,waiting to get started-wheat looks good,pastures are unbelieveable for late June. We had the opportunity to host Dad and Lois at Charlie's last night for Father's Day and enjoyed the time together. Rainbow Lake and the fair will soon be here!!

This is Lake McDonald in the Park. we stayed in a cabin on the shore. Isn't it clear and like a calendar picture.

This of course, is one of several falls in the Park.

Just a re-run. Amazing how calm the water could be.

This was in the Medicine Bow mountains of southern Wyoming on Monday,our first day. Elevation wasn't all that high-8000' something-but lots of snow. It was blowing and drifting as we crossed the pass. Winters would be long.

This is for Jennifer. She wanted to see bears. Two yearlings crossed the road on the East side of Glacier when we were still in the Blackfoot reservation. Ann was 2/3 car sick but the bears got her attention. This one crossed the road and then came back for a morsel. I was tempted to toss him an oreo but was selfish and didn't want to share.

This is a view of a glacier in Glacier National Park. There is a lot of seasonal snow yet. Seeing this in August would let you see the glacier in the saddle. They say glaciers will be gone by 2030 because of global warming. Personally, I have no desire to return to the Ice Ages.

Ann's comments: We really had a great trip and got to see a lot of absolutely beautiful scenery. It is amazing what God created. My favorite picture is the one of the lake. The water was clear and a beautiful color. The pictures we chose to put on the blog all show trees, but we also drove alongside Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Dinosaur National Monument and Craters of the Moon National Monument. The Flaming Gorge area was awesome. I am awe struck just looking at some of the huge rock formations and the different colors in them. We were going to bypass Craters of the Moon but decided to see it at the last minute. We were glad we went. We both like to look at the country. It snowed quite a bit as we were going through the top of the Medicine Bow Mountains. We were just behind some hail another place in Wyoming and did get rained on some. It was definitely not hot during our trip.

We saw quite a lot of wildlife also. Many, many antelope and a few babies, the two bears, a few deer ( while we were out of the vehicle looking at the river in Glacier, a deer came out of the woods, looked at me, mosied into the river, swam across, got out looked at Bob and wandered off into the woods.), 3 elk, about 4 bald eagle nests - 2 with eagles in them, some mountain goats, geese, pelicans, some big brown bird similar to cranes with a big red thing on the top of their beak and Scottish Highlander cattle. We also saw several sheepherder wagons. I saw a couple of men on horses herding a flock of sheep. I think the men were Basque herders. We saw another flock of sheep that a man had been checking on. He was walking back to his pickup and had a couple of dogs with him. The flock of sheep were a ways away. The sheep had two guard dogs with them that stay with them all the time. The dogs were busty chasing away some large birds that they must have thought were too close to the sheep. It was interesting to see them work.

We are sure glad we took the trip and would like to go back. I don't think I would like to be a semi driver and spend all my time in a driving or riding though. It's a good thing there are all diifferent kinds of people.

to

we're back!!

Last week I said that we were planning a trip without a destination and so we did. It was really a great time together to just go without a real plan and to see where we went and were God led us that day. We started out Monday morning and drove to Colo.Springs for Ann to look and order new quartz countertops. Garmin was great as the place was a hole-in-the wall in an industrial area but she took us right there. Of course, that took at least 2-3 hours but one of the men and I got to talking fly fishing so it wasn't all that bad. The countertops will actually be put into place the end of this week. Then we headed north up I-25 and then headed towards Rawlins and Ann drove for awhile and she decided to take this state highway through the Medicine Bow mountains. It started snowing and blowing and the road had snow piled up higher than the trailblazer on the shoulders. Anyhow we ended up in Saratoga, Wy. for the night. It was a pleasant place and we enjoyed one of the best steak dinners we've had in quite awhile. (steak dinners are sure expensive-wonder where the beef that we raise goes-it doesn't bring that much when it leaves our place). Tuesday we headed north from Rock Springs and turned west-southwest toward Idaho Falls,Id. After getting a warning ticket in Wy. I had to pay a little more attention to the road as it followed the Snake River(a big river by our standards). We then headed north through Hailey (spent the night there-ate Mexican-didn't compare to Charlies)and the next morning drove through Ketchum (next to Sun Valley)-serious money-really serious money. One of the highlights of the trip came that morning as we crossed a divide and came to the headwaters of the Salmon River with a fantastic view of the Sawtooth range to the west and no people. Anyhow Ann called ahead and got us reservations in Glacier Park for that night so we had a destination to reach that day. up through western Montana along the west side of the Flathead Lake and fantastic fertile farmground and orchards. Very pretty-barns were painted,no junk cars in the yard, fences kept up. saw a couple of cow elk in a farmers wheat field. The cabins we stayed in were on Lake McDonald-lakes there were crystal clear-and we drove out of the Park to eat at a high volume place (not great). Next day we drove in as far as we could on the going to the sun road (14 miles) and marveled at the turquoise rivers-seriously they are a shade of blue you never see in Colorado-and then drove about 150 miles around the south end of the Park to the east side and in as far as we could go and hiked to some falls on the upper Milk River. Drove out and up another road to view some glaciers. It was hard to discern which were glaciers and just seasonal snow as there was a lot of snow on yet. They consider their season to start June 15 in the Park and normally the Going to the Sun road would have been open. Saw Rocky Mountain goats on a mountain side 1/2 mile above us and 2 yearling black bear cubs outside the park on the Blackfoot reservation. Homes were pretty junky and unkept on the east side. Then we drove east to Shelby,Mt for the night. I had thought I wanted to drive across northern Montana but changed my mind after seeing Shelby. We headed south the next day and drove down the west side of Yellowstone and the Tetons through the Madison River valley. Awesome-thats where Dick and I are going flyfishing next summer and maybe we'll let Ann and Jo come along. Spent the night in Pinedale,Wy and had another good expensive steak dinner by a lake. Next morning Ann woke up and said she was ready to to home-I agreed and so we headed south to Rock springs. Somewhere she got the idea to go by Dinasour National Monument in NE Co. so we drove to Vernal,Utah and then headed east. The Monument and Green River canyons and were nice to see but there wasn't much to do unless you drove way into the monument so we spent about 1/2 hour at a visitors center and headed east across northern Co.(new country for me) I remember coming south through some of NW Co in the '60's with the camper on the '59 Ford. Maybelle, Craig and east on 40 to Steamboat(very crowded-road and sidewalks) down to Silverthorne and I-70 then east through Denver and home. Made it about 12:15 am after 813 miles and 15 hours-a long day. We drove 3240 miles with no trouble except I hit an antelope in SW Wyoming Saturday morning with minor damage except to the antelope. Ann has pictures we will try to share and she may add her thoughts. It did rain most of the week while we were gone which will really help finish the wheat. Harvest is several days away and it's about time to turn out bulls and get ready for harvest. I know this is lengthy but I felt the need to update you while it is fresh in my mind. Bob

Goings On 2

Time to update on our goings on for the past few days. Crops are planted, calves are branded,road ditches are mowed, yards are mowed and we are planning to make a trip to the dump tomorrow. Progress,Progress (with a capital "P").. Things are considerably less pressing than a couple of weeks ago. We've had some great spring rains and things are really green and lush. It's almost hard to believe that western Kansas can be so beautiful. I was riding pastures last week checking cows and there was actually water running out of hillsides in places. Yesterday we finished up branding with help from Jason and a friend Mike, and Russell. Gwen and Paige and Lane showed up later in the morning and we had a great lunch together courtesy of Ann and then Paige and I moved cows and calves back to where they needed to be and then we just pleasure rode for awhile. I showed her a couple of old dugout home sites on our place and tracks from the trail drives in the 1870's from Texas to Nebraska that still show up. Gwen mowed in the drizzle and took Lane to the creek and they picked some wildflowers for Ann.
Milo is coming up and the feedlot is completely empty. Life is great!!
We plan to attend a wedding in Hays Saturday and then think about leaving for the anniversary trip that Ann is planning. Still no definite destination though. What shall we do?
Harvest will start sometime around the 25th or sooner and wheat looks good. That will be here soon. I hope to replace some wooden feedlot fence with pipe and cable so we can have a project to work on for awhile.
Ann actually has been home mostly for awhile. She has a teacher inservice Thursday and Friday and is planning a kitchen remodel job(replacing countertops and maybe a shower(no-Bob doesn't do well at things like that). That's all folks and check in for an update on the trip destination. Bob

P.S.

I bought Ann a new Traegar smoker and grill for Mothers day and birthday. Guess what? Apparently the fan motor is defective as it keeps throwing breakers. We had planned to put a pork loin on to smoke and cook before we left for church. That's out the window now. We are disappointed in not being able to use it this weekend. Bob

Free kittens!! Any takers?

Ann now has 9 kittens in the garage. The first litter is about 10 days old and the other litter was born this afternoon. The mothers are two of the orphans she raised last spring after the mother disappeared. There is still one potential mother to bear fruit as well. Maybe she'll have 6!
I am amazed at how well the dogs have handled being moved out of their tire and straw beds. Nessa (my dog) gave me one of those-what's next,boss-looks awhile ago. She even shares her food (if she isn't looking). Hoover (Ann's lab) would like to mother them.
On another note,Paige did well at league track today with personal bests and new school records in both the 800 meter and the 1600 meter runs. Her goal was to set new league records but was off by about 3 seconds. A 7th grade boy from Leoti set a new league record in the 800 that had been good for 26 years-suppose the colleges will be taking note of him.
We had some more rain this week (not a lot) and several foggy and misty damp days. Corn is all in the ground but slowly coming up because of the cool weather. We have been busy shipping cattle and will load our last years calves Monday morning. The market isn't too great and we sold to a new buyer this year so I'm somewhat apprehensive about the return. We get a nice bonus for selling them as verified source cattle which means they can be sold to the Japanese market and hope that the quality premiums are there as well. The wheat looks great and everything is green. I heard on older fellow (older than me) say that's it's so green it hurts your eyes. It's great.
We are planning a 40th anniversary trip probably in early June. Any suggestions? I'm leaning to the Mogollon Rim country of Arizona that was told about in the Zane Grey novels. I think Ann would go about any where if she can get me to leave. Wheat is starting to head which means harvest around the 20th of June-be here soon, won't it? --Bob---

Frog chorus

Hey-for the first time this spring we, too have a frog chorus. Guess it warmed enough today for them to rise to the top. We had 3.20'' over the weekend and 1.20" last weekend. Things will green and grow now. The ranch had 1.90" last weekend and 3.50" this weekend. Roads dryed a lot today but are rough. The wheat will grow fast with the warm weather promised and grass is already greening and growing. We do give thanks for the blessing of the rain. This country depends so much on rainfall , it seems that we are always asking for rain. Calving is slowing as spring progresses and we need to be planning to brand calves and get turned out to grass. Corn planting is right away as well and we have 27 miles of fence to go around and have very little done. Anybody looking for something to do for a few days? We are about ready to sell last years steer calves. They will weigh around 1250#-can you gain nearly 4# a day for a year?
We had a young newly married ( as of today) Mennonite couple ask to rent our south house for awhile. I was'nt excited about having more to do but we agreed to let them move in next week.
We expect to visit Dad in the hospital tomorrow in Garden City and I am sure Ann has plans for at least some shopping while there. I get to go to the dentist Wednesday for a cleaning and checkup but I think I broke a tooth on the atomic fireballs the grandkids were feeding me last weekend. It seems those are hard to find but when I pickup a sack I get to overindulging. Bob

Well--------!!

2.40" of rain since yesterday afternoon! Praise God!! It's cold and windy and wet. We have water in the road ditches and lagoons and the yard and the roads-haven't heard any of Jennifers frog serenade yet-guess it's too cold. And for all practical purposes we are done calving heifers-what a day for that. One last night and 2 today. One heifer got together with the neighbors bull and will have a calf in another couple of months. She's on her own.
When I was checking cows on the ranch this noon there was 1.70" there and raining cats and dogs. couldn't get around very good and will plan to ride tomorrow to check better. We are about 70% done there. The promise of 80 degree days next week will really change things here in a hurry-might even see some corn planters running the end of the week.
Ann was tired of staying home and helping me so she subbed today at the high school. She has been very faithful making sure I don't over do the hand thing. She probably won't brag on this but she bought 2 bulls at a bull sale this spring when my hand was hurting so much I had to go set in the Trailblazer-good thing she did because when we tested bulls Wednesday one had an injury that will interfere with his favorite activity and another's semen evaluation was inadequate so the 2 she bought will cover us fine.
My responsiblity as an Elder at the church this year includes chairing the Outreach committee and we had a meeting last night and had really good discussion. We talked about opening a day care in our new addition as a service to single mom's and also talked about doing an adult day care maybe one day a week to free up a day for those caring for their loved ones at home. I was thrilled to have a really postive response to serving others with God's grace and compassion. we have tried and tried to connect with the Hispanic community without much response and talked about various ways we might to that. The day care would be one possibility and another might be having some activities at the city park during the summer-any ideas anyone?
Don't forget to pray for Dad on Monday during his surgery. Pray for safe travel for Jo as well and a quick and complete recovery for Dad. They have quite a schedule this summer but they can tell you about it. Thanks for listening. Bob

Second splint

We went to Hays yesterday for Bob to get the stitches taken out. I was surprised at exactly where the stitches were. I thought they would be farther down. Looking at the x-rays, Bob was surprised at how big the screw is. The doctor spent about two minutes with us. He said go to rehab and have another splint made, wear the splint all the time (take your arm out to exercise it a little and when showering) and come back in a month. Then he left. The nurse said "you will have to come back another time to have a splint made." It was after 4:30 by then and the person who makes them only works part time. We said, "We live almost two and a half hours away!" With some calling they got someone to make a splint to fit him. It is shorter than the previous one and he can get a stretchy cotton glove over it, but it is still a bother. The doctor does not want the area where the screw is moving.

There are some new calves each day. They are all cute. Most of the cows are pretty protective.

The church is getting carpet this week - don't know how long that will take. It is not all in at the business that is installing it. Kitchen countertops have been delayed some also, but great progress has been made. Shingling will be done the two warmer days this week but won't be finished. Everyone is looking forward to being able to use the additon.

Ann's Doings

While Bob has been busy with cattle, I have been spending some days working on the addition to our church. Most of what I have done is trim painting -next to doorways, in corners, along the ceiling. The ceiling is a different color in all rooms. For the majority of the rooms the ceiling paint was sprayed on. Yay! We were not happy with some of the color and repainted some walls. The two bathrooms in the manse are also being redone. Last Thursday I went to the manse and did the trim work in one of the bathrooms. I have been wanting to repaint one wall in our main floor guest bedroom but just haven't done anything about it. Well, there was extra paint from painting in the church - one of the colors was just what I had been thinking about; so on Friday I got that wall painted. Bob's wrist has been bothering him for a few weeks; so he has not been able to go help at the church instead our hired man has gone in several days and mostly helped with laying tile on the kitchen floor and an entryway and hallway.

I have also gone with Bob to Hays twice to see the doctor, and we have three more trips for doctor's app'ts. scheduled. I will make a quick visit to the dentist who did the root canal on my front tooth last fall on one of these trips. I have also gone over to Lane Co. with Bob a couple of times. Being a woman, I want to be sure he can still get the calves tagged without any help with a bum arm. He has been doing real well and needs very little help. What else have I been doing? Goofing off some. Reading and doing cross word puzzles and of course have some sewing projects I need to get done - I can think of seven I need to get done. Our women's Bible study at church is Beth Moore's on the Patriarchs. I have enjoyed going to it. Guess that is about all except for my Sunday School class or 3rd-5th graders.

Blizzard update

We know that many of you have been concerned for us with the blizzard forecast for last week during the heart of calving season. Actually we only had about 4-5" of snow and 30-40-mph winds with temps in the teens at night. The heavy snow was to our south and east and our hearts and prayers really go out to those cattlemen. Pratt and Coldwater areas had around 28"-that could really be devestating. Our mature cows are all on the ranch 60 miles east of home. We had put out lots of hay Thursday as I doubted we would be able to make it there on Friday so they did pretty well as they have good shelter along the creek. About 10 calves were born during the storm and we know of 2 deaths-while that is bad enough,during the night I tossed and turned imagining lots worse. Anyway we give God the credit for caring for the cattle.
Last Monday I had a broken bone in my right hand diagnosed by a surgeon in Hays. It actually ocurred March 2 when my slower reactions didn't get out of the way of a kick by a heifer that wouldn't let her calf suck. X-rays at Leoti didn't show the break but Monday the surgeon took one quick look and said "you have a broken bone and we need to put a screw in it or you can wear a cast for 12 weeks and we can see then if it has healed"-I opted for the screw and that was done on Wednesday morning. Now I am coping with a restrained right hand until the 7th-it's a hassel but with God's help and a loving and patient wife the time will pass(hope she reads this as I am short on brownie points)
Carpet is to come for the church this week. Lots of room that has been badly needed.
Pastor Bob has been preaching through Romans and today he spoke from Romans 12 1-9. I'd encourage each of you to look it up and read it -it's a great passage.
Thanks for you prayers t0 help us throgh the storm-if you want to see snow,check out Jennifer's blog the last 3 days.b

What's happening!!

The past week has been a week to remember as we've been on the go the whole time. Last Sunday we left for Grand Junction for Uncle Wes's services on Monday. We enjoyed Sunday evening with the G.J. cousins and families with remembrances and story telling. It's funny how memories grow clearer and more dear with age while 40-50 years ago we wouldn't have dreamed telling some of the things we did. The Monday afternoon service was very good and as a veteran I appreciated the Color Guard at the cemetary. Uncle Wes was a combat infrantryman who fought across Germany in WWII. He told stories of some pretty narrow calls and of having friends and comrades killed or wounded. I imagine he was a pretty tough guy. The remembrance of his mountain life brought back memories of visiting him up on Smith Fork, fishing on Lake Irwin with he and Aunt Mary, camping in Mule Park and fishing Dyke Creek, Cow Creek and the Overland. He visited us on Grand Mesa more than once and I remember a long jeep ride to his camp on the Burn only to find him gone. I really don't recall hunting or fishing with him in Kansas but I'm sure I got to some. We left right after the service Monday and stayed in Canon City Monday night. We had no trouble traveling and got home the middle of the afternoon.
Ann spent most of the rest of the week painting at the church and will be there most of this week. The finishing details always seem to take more time than we think.
Jennifer, Aubrey,Luke and Jackson returned Wenesday and we really had a good time. The boys and I spent all the time outside even though it was cold and then they left to watch cousins play in the state BB tournament.
Calves are coming along pretty well and we will get the cows to Lane County grass this week to calve them there. We are beginning to really need rain for the wheat and grass. With 80's forecast for this week-it will tell in a hurry.
Larry and Galena were here for a visit this week too and we got to celebrate Lois's birthday again Friday evening. She did pretty well this year as far as birthday party goes.

the latest of Bob's accidents

Most of you know by now that I had an accident with anhydrous ammonia Wednesday about noon. Anhydrous ammonia is a common form of nitrogen fertilizer that we have used for many years. It is contained in a tank under pressure at -28 degrees and forms a gas upon contact with air. It is a very hazardous product but the most economical way to apply nitrogen to the soil. Proper precautions include goggles and rubber gloves. Anyhow, I felt I needed to work on a flow meter which regulates the flow according to the tractor speed. It hadn't been working properly Tuesday. When I quit Tuesday I shut the valve on the tank off and turned the rig on to drain what was in the system or so I thought. Wedneday I checked the tank valve to be sure it was closed and proceeded to dismantle the flow meter. There was my mistake in that I should have disconnected the hose from the tank. As I begin to loosened bolts on the flow meter a slight hiss started and I really wasn't concerned as that could be expected but when I loosen the next bolt it blew an o' ring out and hit me in the left side of my face with liquid and vapor. One stream must have hit my mouth and the other my forehead. Immediately I jumped away of course trying to get my breath as it takes your breath and breathing is difficult. Those of you that have been exposed to CS or tear gas can relate only this is worse. My first thoughts were for my eyes as it is very destructive to eyes as it sucks the moisture out of them. I knew I had a jug of water in the tractor and I got it and begin washing my eyes and mouth and face. It was extremely difficult to talk and breath but I tried Ann on the cell phone and it didn't immediately ring and I knew I couldn't wait so I dialed 911 and reached the Scott City dispatcher and I had to struggle to tell her where I was and she then transfer me to Leoti and I had to tell her several times to get my location across. I hung up on her once so I could wash my mouth and throat again. Then I called Ann and said that I needed help and had called the ambulance and hung up. That of course greatly frightened her and she got to me before the ambulance and begin praying mightly. I wouldn't let her see my face as I thought it was horribly burned especially my mouth and lips and nose as they were numb and felt swollen. An EMT neighbor reached us then and encouraged me to continue with the water as that is the only treatment. The ambulance got me to Leoti and they made me strip and shower before they would work on me. The one nurse was decked out in her haz-mat suit. They flushed my eyes for 5 minutes (try that sometime) and started me on steriods to help reduce the swelling. My throat started to swell shut and then they gave me epinephrine twice and that seemed to help. Anyhow they put me in a room and sent me home about 5 pm.
Today (Friday) my forehead (which blistered right away) is red somewhat like a birthmark. I have evidence of burning all around my left eye and my cheek looks like old leather. I have gotten feeling back in my upper lip though it also feels like it is really chapped but carmex doesn't help. The doctor said my eyelashes were white on the ends. My biggest discomfort is a terrific sinus infection on the left side. It's like I have a really bad cold but I didn't have before.
That's my story and I greatly acknowledge that is only by God's grace that my vision was not damaged. He also guided me to the water and kept me from falling from the rig. We are extremely grateful to live in a rural community where we have very dedicated emergency volunteers that give of their time without expecting anything in return. Many friends have called and we know that prayers went out in a time of need. We thank you, our family, for your prayes and love. Bob

new leather

It finally came Friday afternoon. I think I was as anxious as Luke and his bow. I ordered this saddle back in July so it was almost as long as waiting on a baby. For several years I had been kind of looking and after much proding from Ann I made the move. It is incredibily comfortable and fits the horses well. It's a little heavier than I would have liked as that was one reason for the change. Have'nt gotten to spend much time on it yet -just a couple hours this morning. Getting to spend most of the day riding will really tell the tale of how comfortable it really is. Of course getting it broken in will take some time but I am glad to have it before calving starts as that is when I get to spend a considerable time horseback everyday and get to put some miles on.

We both have been busy with mostly just life things. Ann has actually been home most of the week and has'nt been called to substitute much and we are doing a little farming between cold spells. The feedlot is still full but we expect to start moving the custom cattle out soon. Our last years calves will start to be ready to sell in April and getting that done in the correct time as to garner carcass premiums is always a challenge. We have had some incredible days for January and early February - for example yesterday a front came roaring through around noon and we had 60 mph winds straight out of the west but the high was 75 degrees. We do need some moisture and some is promised this weekend. Our church addition is progressing rapidly and we plan to be in it by Easter. I expect Ann will spend several days painting and when the weather warms we will shingle. I agreed to serve as a ruling elder after only having 1 year off but we have a real shortage of men qualified and willing to serve.

You all have a great week and be careful out there!! Bob and Ann

funeral

Thank you very much, everyone, for praying for us. We had an absolutely beautiful day for Mother's funeral. The sun was shining, the temperature was in the 60's and there was no wind! Can you believe that for Jan.?(About 5:45 45mph winds hit) When Mother said she wanted a graveside service, I thought "We'll see what time of year it is and what the weather is like." All of the grandchildren and eight of the nine great grandchildren were able to be there. Jeanne and I are very glad that we went the week-end before to see her even though she could not talk to us and could not see us. We are sure she could hear us and knew we were there. She is now in a much better place. We will miss her. It seems strange to think that we are now the oldest generation in our family. A new phase of life has started. Ann

Helen's services

I'm sure most of you know that Ann's mother passed away yesterday morning. Graveside services will be Friday at 2pm at the rural Hackney cemetery just west of Highway 77 south of Winfield just after passing Strother Field. A lunch and time of visit will be at the First Methodist church in Winfield at 12pm. Ann says that's where we got married. (am i supposed to remember?) Memorials are to the Red Cross, Salvation Army or to a missionary family we are acquainted with (for more info get ahold of us) I suppose we will be going Thursday morning. We do thank you for the prayers of comfort for Ann and the whole family. Even though we knew it was coming it is still a time of loss and separation. Bob

Ann's mother

Ann and I do thank all of you for the prayers and thoughts of Ann's family. We just returned from Winfield this evening and thought this would be a good way to update you. Helen opened her eyes Friday afternoon when we got there and we thought she knew we were talking to her. We visited her off and on throughout the weekend and saw little change. She is comatose or nearly so most of the time. Jennifer held hands with her Saturday and she gripped Jennifer's hand. Today she was sleeping and did not respond. She is under Hospice care and has had no nourishment or fluids since probably Wednesday or Thursday. She does not seem to be in discomfort except when the aides turn her and clean her. She does have some nasty bedsores and is losing circulation to her legs.
Ann and Jeanne and Bill have made arrangements for a graveside service (her wishes) and the plan is for that to be held in the early afternoon.
Please join us in praying that her life on this earth ends soon and in comfort. I am thankful that I have known her as long as I have (actually longer than my own mother) and that she shared Ann with me. It is difficult to pray that someone's earthly life ends but in a situation like this it would be the best for her. Ann and her sister both said their goodbyes this afternoon before we left. We will miss her. Bob

Bill called us Friday afternoon while we were on our way to Winfield to say that Mother was definitely worse. We hurried to pick up Jeanne and head on to Winfield. I was afraid we might not make it in time. I called Bill again when we got close and he said that she was kind of stabilized and they were not taking her to the hospital. It was very disappointing not to be able to talk to her. She was in the hospital for a blood clot in Nov. and then moved to the rest home. When she got to the rest home she did not have a telephone; so I have not been able to talk to her for several weeks. Watching the aides turn her it seems to bother her quite a bit. The best thing would be for her to go quickly, but I am praying for God's timing. Thank you for praying for all of us. Love, Ann