Badlands on Sunday Afternoon

Beautiful horse huh?

Sunday afternoon horse ride

I hope all is well back home. As you can see the weather has changed considerably here. It is warmer each day, and it feels as if spring is nearly upon us. We went for a horse ride today and I noticed pheasant eggs while riding around the ranch. This must be a sign of spring, although everyone here tells me the big snow is yet to come. We'll see! Lauren, Wyatt, and Audrey--I miss you and think of you daily and keep you in my prayers.

Mountain Lions

Here are some more really cool cat pictures that were taken not far from where I live. Also, here is the redbone hound that thinks he is bigger and tougher than the cats in the trees. He doesn't realize that the kitty in the tree would just as soon make a meal of him as not (and very well could do so if the notion over-took them).

Winter Wonderland

It is snowing constantly as I write tonight. It is a beautiful snow, unlike the heavy, wet snow in Tennessee that will turn brown with pollution the next day. The western snows are dry, white and powdery. It is difficult to describe to those who've never experienced it. I would not care if it stayed winter all year long. Here are a few pictures from outside my office. The St. Bernard acts like a puppy in this weather. He often sits and stares out over the Badlands like a trained sentinel. Hope everything is going well back home. My love to everyone and know that I miss you all and hope someday to see you here. And a special love to Audrey, Wyatt, and Lauren. I miss you more than can be expressed, but you are forever in my daily thoughts and prayers.

North Dakota Facts

North Dakota Fun Facts
1. The town of Rugby is the geographical center of North America. A tall stone obelisk marks the location.
2. North Dakota was the first state to complete its Interstate highway system.
3. The parking meter was invented in North Dakota
4. North Dakota is the only state in the nation to never have an earthquake.
5. Dakota Gasification Company in Beulah is the nation's only synthetic natural gas producer.
6. North Dakota has 60 wildlife refuges, more than any other state, and all are managed for waterfowl production.
7. North Dakota has more miles of road per capita than any other state - approximately 166 miles of road for every 1,000 people.
8. If North Dakota seceded from the Union, it would be the world's third strongest nuclear power.
9. North Dakota has the highest number of millionaires per capita than any other state, and not a yuppie to be found anywhere.
10. Did you know that North Dakota leads the nation in the production of just about everything.
11. The state is first in spring wheat, durum wheat, sunflowers, barley, a dry edible beans, pinto beans, canola, flaxseed, all dry edible peas, honey, lentils and oats.
12. Did you know that the highest temperature ever recorded in North Dakota was 121 degrees at Steele in July of 1936? Or that the lowest was -60 degrees at Parshall during the last ice age (kidding, but not about the temperature) in February 1936?
13. The fastest-growing city in the state is West Fargo, which has soared from 14,910 residents in 2000 to more than 21,000 last year.
14. What is the Sturnella neglecta? It's the scientific name of the state’s bird. Can you name it? It's the western meadowlark, a songbird often found on fence posts or sign chirping away.
15. Fore! Did you know that North Dakota has more Golf Courses per capita than any other state?
16. Ranks #1 as the safest state to live in. (Morgan Quitno 03/05)
17. Is one of only eight states with a growing economy (Economy.com). Ranks 6th highest in state economic competitiveness (Beacon Hill Institute, 12/05). Had the second highest per capita income growth from 2000-2005 (Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2005).
18. Has more coastline than California due to Lake Sakakawea (50states.com).
19. Fargo-Moorhead ranked as one of America's top Business Opportunity Metros” for 2005 (Expansion Management).
20. Ranks #1 for rate of high school completion (01/06 Corporation for Enterprise Development).
21. Is one of only two states to increase manufacturing jobs from 2000-2004 (U.S. Dept. of Labor).

Champions Ride Rodeo

Each year Home on the Range holds an annual Champions Ride Saddle Bronc Match rodeo. Here are some pics of the 51st annual event in August 2007. It consist of a weekend long celebration with festivities throughout the entire region. Past champions include names like Alvin Nelson (1959), Jim Tescher (1963, 65, 66, & 71), Larry Mahan (1969), Dan Mortensen (1990, 96, & 2003), Ty Murray (1991) and many other National Rodeo finalist. As the past winners show, the rodeo brings in some of the top saddle bronc riders in the country as well as features many of the best bucking horses in the nation. The rodeo also includes roping events that draw top competitors nationally. There is an outdoor concert each year in Beach that coincides with the rodeo and other activities in Madora that include trail rides and shows.
The festivities are usually the first weekend in August and would be a great time for everyone back home to plan a vacation to North Dakota. Bring the kids as everything (well, almost everything) is family oriented. For the times moms and dads want to get away babysitters are numerous!

P.S. As I leave my office tonght it has been snowing "sideways" and the weatherman is saying we will get a fresh 3-4 inches of the white stuff before morning. If so, I will try and get back out tomorrow afternoon with the camera and hopefully get new winter scenes! Please keep my children in mind when you have a moment, Lauren, Wyatt and Little Audie. They need all the prayers possible right now.

Day 1 in the Saddle

The horse may resemble "Trigger", but trust me, that ain't Roy Rogers in the saddle. We spent the afternoon on horseback and had a blast. Darrin Nielson assures me he will make a cowboy out of me, but I think the jury is still out. I guess the good thing is that I stayed in the saddle and didn't get dumped. Miracles apparently really do happen and I certainly could use one or two right about now. The lady on the other horse is a work colleague and friend, Jeanette, and makes me look like an idiot on a horse. She seems to have been born riding. I will continue to pick hers and Darrin's brains if they will allow it and maybe even I can learn a few things about horsemanship!! I miss everyone back in Tennessee and look forward to talking to you soon (or seeing if you can get to Dakota with me). I don't foresee myself returning to that part of the world anytime soon. I have never been more at peace and comfortable in any place I have ever set foot and maybe that in itself is a miracle. Should the world end tomorrow, my only regret is the time I have lost away from my children and that they have not been allowed to experience this part of the world with me.