April 19 Update

I finally got my bike out today and rode to work. However the warm weather is going to be short-lived with the weatherman calling for one more shot of winter starting tonight. There is a chance for snow over the next three days. Maybe that will be winter's final blast.

New "Significant Other"

I finally met someone to call my "significant other". Even though I know that I am probably not ready to pursue a relationship, I've come to the conclusion that I must "move on". To my kids, I hope you can understand, and this is not a replacement for you. I miss you dearly, but I've found someone who shares my interest in Western life and culture, enjoys many of the same hobbies, is modeling a proper and healthy vegetarian diet and likes to run every day to stay in shape. This type of relationship does not happen every day, and when the opportunity presents itself, one must act. She can't seem to get enough of me as the picture obviously shows. She also works at Home on the Range. Lauren, Audrey, and Wyatt: Please let me know what you think. I am posting this pic and if you have problems with her let me know. She is really looking forward to meeting you guys. She has assured me that she does not intend to take your mother's place either, although at this point and time we probably communicate more effectively than Kelly and I do.

GOT YOU !

She is actually a he, and his name is Spook. But as you can tell, he really is a good kisser!!!

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).