A Lesson in History

I went to a Wyoming Historical meeting last night.  The speaker told about her research and her book on Hartville, Wyoming.  Hartville is 6 miles north of Guernsey and was a mining town in days gone by.  It is still a town but hanging on by a thread.  There were several other towns also in this area in days of yore - I knew about Sunrise, I didn't know about Fairbank(s).  I didn't know what they mined either.  It was interesting actually.

Hartville was not a company town but Sunrise was. There were many different mining endeavors - copper and iron were two of them.  Copper petered out pretty quickly but iron was mined until 1980 when all mining was closed.  For anyone who lives in Wyoming you know the towns are small, few and far between.  Public transport is almost non-existent.  The biggest hurdle for the mines was getting their product out of the mine, through a canyon, across the North Platte River into Cheyenne where the rail head was.  It is a wonder anybody thought they could make money, but the towns grew.  Hartville once had a population of 800, Sunrise had 1500.  Hartville had the gamblers, the saloon keepers and the girls.  The citizens of Hartville clamored for legimate businesses but even when the businesses did come in, they ran another business behind the store - the men frequented these businesses; their wives and families did not.

Sunrise is no more - even the buildings have been razed. Someone bought the town for $750 not long ago.  I think it changed hands again but is privately owned,  Hartville is gasping but still hanging on and I understand they have a wonderful steak house that is visited by people from as far away as Casper and Cheyenne - pricey though and you have to be 21 in order to eat in their establishment.  

During all this information, a mine in Colorado was brought into the conversation.  The Ludlow down in Southern Colorado was owned by the Rockefellers as were many of the mines in Sunrise/Hartville.  Unions called for a strike in Colorado and the miners did.  From there the speaker's information got a little fuzzy but suffice it to say that tragedy struck and 2 women and 10 children were suffocated in trenches dug by the miners to protect their family in case gunfire took place.  The trenches were dug inside tents that the miners and families lived in while they were on strike.  There was gunfire - but the gunfire set the tents on fire and some of the women and children suffocated when the burning tents fell across the trenches they were hiding in.

I haven't delved into the facts of this matter or who was actually at fault.  Of course, Rockefeller was the obvious target of blame.  It seems the tragedy stuck with him for a long time.  To improve his image maybe or to be fair to workers, who knows what actually motivated him, he did improve his town in Sunrise.  The workers homes were better built, he provided a YMCA for the town, a school, a church, a clinic for the workers and finally hired a doctor to come in for the community.

When I heard all of that I remembered our early days in Wright, Wyoming.  Originally, Wright was a company town owned by ARCO coal.  The company laid out the streets, built a beautiful recreational center, built a mall that housed the town management offices, a library, a bowling alley, a grocery, the post office, a hardware store, the drugstore, the dentist, the doctor, the hair salon, a bank, a restaurant, the ambulance service, a laundromat, then a newspaper office, a preschool, an auditorium which eventually became a restaurant and bar.  We had to rent our homes from the company (mobile homes at that time) or we could build but only with the pre-approved builders.  We were given a down payment to encourage us to buy a home in this company town.  We were given free insurance - we paid no premiums, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses - we did have to pay for our birth control and eyeglasses and eye exams.  We had free dental care, too.  Anyone who worked at ARCO Coal mine was given one of the best wages in the regions and the benefits were eye-popping to Tom and myself.  Tom had NO Benefits when he worked in the woods as a logger.  Every now and then we were even given free  clothes with the ARCO logo on the jackets/t-shirts/polo shirts etc.  Now and then union organizers would attempt to organize the miners  but were generally rebuffed.

I should mention we had new schools also - not built by the company but mineral royalties certainly contributed to fine buildings.  ARCO didn't build our churches but set aside lots that were church specific.  In many ways, this was big business at it's best.  Producing a product needed by our nation, careful with the resources and putting the land they disturbed back when the coal was extracted.  They took care of their workers and their families.  While the mall was provided by the company, the businesses within the mall were private enterprises and yes, the prices were steeper than they were in Gillette, but they were provided.  I think that is an important point.  As I said, in Wyoming towns are small, few and far between.  To have a company willing to provide the most basic essentials is big business at its best.

I hear folks clamoring for companies to do the same today.  Quit looking out for the CEO's, quit looking out for the bottom line, take care of the folks that make the bottom line possible.

That is why, as I searching for  more about Sunrise, Hartville and Ludlow, I came across some of what happened in Ludlow.  

Rockefeller was called before a Congressional committee.  The correspondence between Rockefeller and his management was available.  The federal mediator made this statement in October 1913 almost 100 years ago.  "Theoretically, perhaps, the case of having nothing to do in this world but work, ought to have made these men of many tongues, as happy and contented as the managers claim … To have a house assigned you to live in … to have a store furnished you by your employer where you are to buy of him such foodstuffs as he has, at a price he fixes … to have churches, schools … and public halls free for you to use for any purpose except to discuss politics, religion, trade-unionism or industrial conditions; in other words, to have everything handed down to you from the top; to be … prohibited from having any thought, voice or care in anything in life but work, and to be assisted in this by gunmen whose function it was, principally, to see that you did not talk labor conditions with another man who might accidentally know your language — this was the contented, happy, prosperous condition out of which this strike grew … That men have rebelled grows out of the fact that they are men."

I had to read this statement a number of times.  It surprised me. The capitalists were being called on the carpet for providing the basics.  In Sunrise's case the workers did not have to shop at company stores because Hartville was down the road but you might bump into the more unsavory types.  It was stated that often the miners would come home with little after payday because they stopped off in Hartville first and spent their paychecks on booze, women and gambled the rest.  In a company town some of that was more controlled.  In a company town you didn't have to find transportation to a bigger town to buy your food and clothing - you didn't have choice that is true and I'm sure men being men (and I mean that in the inclusive sense) will always abuse every situation eventually.  I am sure there were abuses in Ludlow - no town is perfect.  Even Wright, that seemed so perfect, was not.  While we weren't in essence "owned" by the company sometimes we felt "owned".  Eventually Wright incorporated and the citizens had to grow up and govern themselves.  In some areas that was painful.

I think what I have learned with my brush with history is that while times change - men do not.  Power and money get to make the rules.  It doesn't matter if it's big business power and money, big government power and money, union power and money - those in power will generally look out for their best interest.  I find hope in the Federal mediator's last sentence.  "That men have rebelled grows out of the fact that they are men."  If there is too much that becomes wrong in our society, eventually men will rebel and the pendulum of time will swing the other direction.  In the meantime, let's not shush the freedom of speech which was one fault of the Ludlow Massacre.  Freedom of speech makes us think...I was taught thinking was a good thing.

Denniston Doings, 2011

Our year has been packed full of fun.  Of course, grandsons, Timmy and Daniel, just seem to “demand” much of our spare time.  Building birdhouses, flying kites, fishing, shooting be-be guns, arrows, swimming, reading, and snuggling are the favorite activities.

Sometimes we include Karyn and Rick but they happily give up the kids for few days at a time.  They are still in Beaver Crossing, NE.   Karyn teaches preschool at a Lutheran School.  Rick works for Gallup in Lincoln.  He is adding a Chemistry BS to his BA so he is back in school.  They take in camping,  Boy Scouts, school activities and church – the busy lifestyle of a young family.  It makes us tired!

David lives in Colorado Springs and designs clever training regimens for his Paralympic swimmers.  His makes frequent visits to us, too.  His dog, Charlie, is always happy to see him, but Charlie resides with us.  David bought the pick-up truck of his dreams, which makes his outdoor life more do-able!  He fishes, hunts, and still does a motivational speech or two.

Our family gatherings included a wedding for granddaughter, Keshia, in April.  She married Tyler Lynch – we are slowly getting to know him, so far so good!  They welcomed new son, Trenton, in October.  That makes great-grandson #4.  Its kind of fun being grandparents with Lorie and Phil, Kristie and Bert.  They haven’t asked for any advice yet, but Terri has given it anyway.  In May, Terri and mom, Kathy, made a trip to Gypsum for neice/granddaughter, Kendra’s graduation.  Some of us gathered again at Boysen Reservoir in July. Long time friends, the Griffiths, dropped in with daughter, Heidi, and granddaughter, Sophia.  Dang….we just keep hanging around grandparents these days.

Karyn and Terri formed a mother/daughter duo twice this year.  In June, we attended the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League National Convention in Peoria, IL.  Great speakers, inspirational Bible Studies, and meeting up with friends from other LWML Societies were just some of the memories.  In September, Terri volunteered with Karyn at the Plum Creek Literary Festival in Seward, NE.  Karyn was Chairman for Literacy on the Lawn – making crafts that complemented the books written by featured authors.  Over 7000 students attended.  Karyn managed it all with coolness and grace, I was proud to be her assistant.

Tom squeezed in as many fishing trips as he could, Terri tagged along once in awhile. Walleye is in the freezer.  Terri and Tom were successful hunting antelope, too.  Tom and Karyn hunted Nebraska whitetail deer.  Corn-fed venison is a delicacy we all enjoy.  Even Timmy requested “Bambi” for his birthday dinner.  Our freezer is now full to the brim. We attempted to add pheasant. Charlie, the bird dog, loves the outing but still seems as surprised as we are when a pheasant flies up.  Tom is sad he didn’t get his elk but if he had been successful, we’re not sure where we would’ve put it.

Several cabin trips were made and repairs done.  Moose are making our little neck of the woods their home, too.  We love it!  The pine beetles are doing their best to kill all the trees. Tom’s lumberjack days are coming in handy as he brings down the dangerous dead ones. Tom’s sister, Nancy, joined him when it was time to close the cabin up for the winter.

 Tom also picked up a little bit of work and spent a couple of months working for a mine in Carlsbad, NM.  A last minute call has him going to Elko, Nevada for most of the winter.  Frequent Flier miles should add up fast!

We both stay busy with our church.  Terri is now VP for her local LWML, secretary for Zone LWML and VP for District LWML - 3 different levels - all enjoyable.  Terri began substitute-teaching, too.  She enjoys being with the kids again (except the ornery ones).

Terri’s mom, Kathy, had cataract surgery this fall.  Terri stayed with her through those…all went well and mom should have her new glasses soon. 

We filled our year with much more joy than this letter could contain.  As you celebrate this season of JOY, we hope you will take time to ponder the family that is at the center of CHRISTmas:  a young mother with her firstborn son, who was watched over by her husband in a lowly stable, the Good News broadcast by angels to shepherds who rushed to worship a King; Jesus, our Savior, who paid the price for our sins so we can join Him one day in the heavenly home He is preparing for us.  Amen and Alleluia!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Tom & Terri

Peace

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:2

I would think by now, after 58 years of life, I would KNOW that the Triune God knows my every thought and need.  Yet, I am continually surprised when He shows me He does.

This last week has been a roller coast week.  A dear friend of Karyn's lost a baby who was a few short weeks of delivery.  This friend has had a year that challenges any parent.  My heart has been broken for her, but yet I tell her "Peace".

This morning I was reading the Issues, Etc. Facebook page.  The Lutheran Pastors and theologians were posting about the various Christian beliefs.  Calvin verses Lutheran.  They use big words, I love words, but I was lost.  Yet, I was getting a gist of it.  My thought was,  "Peace!  Why can't we just get along?"

The answer is Sin.  We can't get along.  We might deceive ourselves that we have peace for a bit.  The brokenness of the world will eventually intrude.  When it does, it is time to search.

So, I opened my daily devotional (which isn't so daily for me) to today's readings.  The first one was from Philippians 1:1, 2  "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."  What!!?!?  That's it?  A greeting?  So I read the Psalm 85.  It has a lot about righteousness, salvation, and peace.  Faithfulness springs from the ground and righteousness looks down from heaven.  I see the relationship of God and His people.  He bestows His righteousness on us as we struggle to find peace.  Okay, things are becoming clearer now.

I go on to the Gospel reading of the day.  This is one of my favorites.  "Peace I leave with you: My peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27.  Jesus is speaking here - He is our righteousness, He is our peace.  We will have a relative peace in the world at times.  It doesn't take a longview of world history to see that people really can't have it for very long.  It will be taken away by some one, some country, some thing.  Our hearts will be troubled by this anger, this warring, this selfishness on this side of heaven.  Yet, Jesus promises us that the Peace that passes understanding is possible.  As a Christian, I need to take the longview and look heavenward.  God is in control, He is my Righteousness and Deliverer, He will bring Peace that lasts.  I rest in that promise and struggle to trust it.  As a baby struggles in the arms of his parent and the parent gently rocks and shushes him, so God gently rocks and shushes me.  "Peace I leave with you; My peace, I give to you."  Thank you Lord Jesus for holding on  to me and giving me your Peace.  AMEN

The Hunter

I have known/been married to Tom since 1974. He is an avid outdoorsman and hunted nearly everything requiring a game license. Early on, I tried to be a hunter too. My first antelope took most of the day to bag but I did finally bring one down with a clean shot. I discovered if I keep my eyes open when I squeeze the trigger it works better.

My second antelope was when Karyn was a baby and David was about 3 years old. He took his little play rifle along. Tom spotted a nice little buck taking a nap alongside a hill. We all got out of the truck, walked carefully and spotted the antelope. I took aim, David took aim, we pulled are respective triggers at the same times and the antelope was bagged. David was quite excited about his "first kill" and even to this day he argues with me about who shot that antelope.

My best friend, Lee, and I were taking a breaking while the guys were beating the brush for deer. A buck came peeking out of a grove trees. Lee told me to take the shot. I did, hit it, it turned and went back into the grove of trees and fell at the feet of the guys. Fortunately - they got to gut it.

I have hunted now and then since then but mostly I just tag along and enjoy the "hunt" the "kill" isn't my favorite part. This past summer, Tom was getting his hunting licenses in order. He asked if he should buy an antelope license for me. I think the devil took hold of me and answered, "yes!" I tried to take possession of my mouth and change my mind but Tom's obvious joy at my affirmative answer kept my mouth closed. He was like a kid in a candy shop - I couldn't take that joy away from him.

His attempts to encourage me to go to the shooting range with him, fell on deaf ears though. I wasn't too concerned about really shooting anything. By having a license I could have a rifle and if something dumb came my way, I'd probably be good enough to bag it. After all I hadn't spent hours on the shooting range before and I was successful (with some guidance by more successful hunters.)

Opening day was fast approaching. We have a number of rifles and Tom asked which one I wanted to use. I said "mine". The .243 is actually mine, Tom bought it for me and it is the one I used before. However, my eyes are doing weird things and when I compared the scopes on that one with the new Thompson Center 7mm-08 scope and it was better for me. So I shrugged and said, "Sure, I'll try the new one." And promptly forgot about it.

Tom's daughters, Kristie and Lorie, dropped by one evening and visited with us. Tom was busy loading shells at the dining room table. Yeah, it's his house, too. He was loading lots of shells. Kristie and Lorie noted this and asked what he was doing. I really didn't know either that he was loading shells for my gun. He was on shell #25 when this conversation took place.

I quipped, "Why, so many? I only need 1." Lorie and Kristie howled.

Opening day - September 10. On September 8th, we left for the family cabin which would be our base.

We got to the cabin on Thursday evening. Had a nice meal of bacon wrapped, marinated in OJ doves that Tom barbequed. Yummy! We played a few games of cribbage and headed to bed. In the morning we got up and went scouting. We called long-time friends - Dallas and VivienneTalbott who now lease the land we wanted to hunt on. Vivienne was busy but invited us to dinner, and she told us to hunt up Dallas. We found Dallas with no problem - got permission to hunt, exchanged a few pleasantries and hugs and were on our way.

Tom insisted I needed some target practice and since I can't seem to hit anything when I'm on the shooting range (that's why I don't go), he was probably right. We found a place on the Forest Service and practiced with the 22. When I sit on my rump and use my knees for a rest, I do pretty good hitting what I aim at. Then it was time to get out the big rifle. No problemo. I'm a dynamo!

We decided to explore the woods a bit and found what looked like an abandoned campsite. There was a tent on its top, a very nice sleeping bag out in the woods, a three shelf bookcase, a plastic patio loveseat, fireworks in a campfire ring and more junk just scattered around. This didn't seem right to us. We got the coordinates (but no pictures, dumb us) and thought we might report it to the Forest Service. As we were headed down the main road, a dilapidated van was headed up. I told Tom that looked like just the kind of vehicle that would belong to such a campsite. Tom doubted me.

We pulled off onto another dirt road for a bit of lunch and one more shooting lesson. As Tom is taking aim, I hear a vehicle coming up the road. Guess what? It's the dilapidated van. The young man waves and smiles at us so we wave back but as he passes us, I look in the back of the van and see the 3 shelf bookcase! Strange. Tom finishes shooting and we decide this is just too weird so we go follow him and see he is parked off the side of the road. We take down his license plate and head out to the main road.

We both decided we're curious as to whether this van did go to the original campsite. So we go back. Yep, most of the stuff is gone and now there is a fire burning in the fire ring. The fireworks are off to the side but unlit matches are in the fire ring. The fire is mostly smoldering but it is still a live fire and a bunch of junk the guy didn't want to take is burning slowing in the ring. We do take pictures this time and Tom finds some water and pours it on the fire.

We are now mad! So we go to the Centennial Information Center that is closed but 3 US forest people are working on it, taking down the old getting ready for the new. We tell them what we know and they call their FPO - Fire Protection Officer. He shows up, we tell him what we know and promise to send him the pictures when we had access to the internet. We kind of want to be his posse but he doesn't invite us along so we sadly head up to the cabin to get ready for our dinner date with the Talbotts.

The Talbotts have a beautiful spot at the foot of Sheep mountain. Dallas is a workaholic after he works all day at the ranch he comes home and is turning the backyard into a beautiful outdoor patio/garden area. It was too chilly to stay out there (darn!)l so we head inside and exchanged stories and health histories because that is what old people do. Dallas bbqs some lovely beefsteak and Vivienne put on quite a dinner for us. Gotta love those ranch wives, they sure know how to cook!

Charlie, the dog, is our kid now, so he just goes along with us and rarely complains. He was a digging machine up at the cabin. Whereas at home, he'd rather be underfoot all day, up at the cabin he'd rather just check in at supper time. He generally came when called. At the Talbotts he hung out in the pickup and was happy to reclaim his spot - the front passenger seat.

We were up early for opening day and on the land before sunup. We heard shots just as the sun rose. We saw those folks on the other side of the fence. One hunter said he took a shot but it was too far away. We spooked up lots of antelope and they all ran up the side of Sheep Mountain. Tom found a good spot for me and said he'd take a hike and see if he could push them down to me. While he was doing that another herd came up behind me. They were kind of far and I just saw does. Does are okay but it's hard to tell if they are does or fawns so I waited to see if they'd come in closer. Then the herd on the mountain headed towards me. A number of bucks in that group. They get closer and I have one spotted but I'm not sure just how far back Tom is and I can't see him. Then they start moving and I'm not sure how much to lead on a moving animal so I let them go. But the other does are closer now so I take aim and shoot and miss. Oh well. I guess I'm not as good as I think I am, I still need instruction.

Tom comes back = he also took a shot but no animal. He's all smiles because he watched me through the binoculars and says he could tell what was going through my mind. He pretty much did. That's what happens when you've been married a long time.

We go over to the leased ground and look it over. Plenty of antelope but pretty far away and kind of stirred up so we are making our plans when this dumb buck comes over the hill. He stops sideways and looks at us. We move slowly and look at him. He just stands there like the welcome committee. I get out of the truck and plant myself over the hood and take aim. He turns his chest to me. Hmm, not sure if I should try a chest shot or not. The truck is still running and I guess Tom is telling me to wait until he turns but I don't hear him. I figure I better take the shot, aim at the middle of his chest,- the buck's not Tom's - pull the trigger - kawaam and kathunk and and the antelope quickly turns over the hill. Tom asked where I hit him and I said the chest, and he said why didn't I wait for him to turn and I said, " I dunno."

We wait for a bit, because we know I broke the buck's leg. Then we drive towards where he ran. Conveniently, he is lying up against the bank of a road and he is dead. I did hit him in the chest but the bullet went through and broke his shoulder and pretty much pulverized one shoulder's meat. We take pictures on the camera and the phone camera- gotta brag, you know. Tom is getting ready to do the gutting stuff, cuz I don't do that. A white pickup turns on the road. We are sort of in the middle of the road. We approach the truck to tell him we will get out of his way when he says, "Who gave you permission to hunt this land?" I immediately respond, "Dallas Talbott" Tom says, "Who wants to know?" The fella whips out a badge and says, "Deputy soanso of the Albany County Sheriff's Dept." Gulp. Well we know we have permission but we don't have written permission. We tell him again and his name finally registers with me, "Are you Rory?" I ask. He affirms this. Rory is Dallas' son and we met him when he was a snot nosed kid. Anyway all ends up well and he tells us to check in with him or his wife next time we hunt because he needs to know who is hunting. We agree even though Dallas never said anything about that. Since Rory and wife live on the house that is part of this leased ground it isn't a big deal.

Tom and I finish prepping my "goat". I do watch and try to take lessons and help here and there. We get it loaded up. Look around for another antelope - it's getting hot and they are kind of skittish now so we decide to get my goat up to the cabin where it is cool and take a break. Antelope and "goat" are the same thing just in case you didn't know.

We take a nap, have lunch, do a few chores around the cabin - I paint around the new door. Tom fills the marmot hole with cement, we play some cribbage, visit with the cabin neighbors have supper and go to bed.

On 9/11 we got up a bit later cuz we didn't want to wake up Rory's wife too early and let her know we'd be on the property. But we were still out the door before 7. We headed down Towner Lake road and had to slow up for the Moose parade. There were 3 of them trotting down the road. I told Tom that a cabin trip wouldn't be successful if we didn't see moose from now on.


We should've left a little earlier because going east on the road is blinding when the sun hits the horizon, however, we didn't run into anyone or another moose.

Tom stopped at the house and got permission to hunt. The gate was locked so we were told to go into another gate. Wouldn't you know there was a dumb as a post buck standing out there in that pasture. We were far enough away from the road, so Tom got out, situated his rifle on his shooting sticks (I didn't need those) took aim and shot. And MISSED! The buck took off and headed toward the does and fawns who didn't seem disturbed by any of this action at all. Well, Tom decided that he forgot to sight in his rifle to he grabbed "my rifle" aka "Antelope Killer". We got a bit a closer and Tom tried again. He shot at the buck who was standing sideways but was farther away than mine had been. Tom hit him, this time and the antelope went down.
The herd of does and fawns could care less -fickle females and children. We were able to drive right up to buck and throw him in the back of the truck. We weren't far from a dump sight so we drove there and gutted him and then went back to the cabin to finish the job. All this by 8 in the morning. Hardly seems like a hunt but I'm not complaining.

Tom spent most of the morning taking care of his goat and I cleaned up breakfast - took a walk over to the snow that is still behind the cabins. I sccoped some into a container to keep our food cool. I can't believe there is still snow that close to the cabin! So we just kind of puttered in the afternoon and visited with cabin owners - a nice relaxing time at the cabin.

On Monday morning we did our chores, got the cabin cleaned up, our stuff loaded up and headed out. No moose parade this time. We decided we were curious enough about the weird campsight and wanted to check it out. So we did - the fireworks were gone but it was still junky. Then we decided to see how much the van guy dumped at his new parking spot so we went there, too. He wasn't parked there so we walked into the woods and found quite the compound - outhouses, shelters, tables - whiskey JUGS on the table, what a mess but spooky. We didn't see anyone so we got out of there - took the coordinates and left.

We stopped at the Forest Service office in Laramie and gave them the new info. We ran into the FPO we talked to on Friday. He said he had picked up the fireworks and then found the guy in the van and took pictures of the license plates when the man suddenly appeared out of the woods. He said it was creepy. I don't think the FPO did anything - he's a bit wet behind the ears. Anyway by the time we got home, we got a call from the Enforcement Officer asking for more info. I wonder if we will hear anymore about it.

Our friends, Barb and Ted, have a place that family and friends can processes game. We are considered friends. It works great - very handy! So we got it all done in an afternoon. Kind of easy to do when 3 shoulders were destroyed by our fine marksmanship. It is now in the freezer and what we have sampled so far has been very tasty. I keep hearing that folks don't like antelope. I always have - maybe it just tastes better when you are the one hunting and processing it?

1971-2011 40 Years!!!!

One of my classmates remarked that you should attend high school reunions not to relive high school but to put it past you. I concur. Each reunion I have attended has given me insights into my classmates. At the 30th I finally apologized to a now middle-aged man with whom I had agreed to go on date with, just to turn him down a few days later. We teased each other about that at this reunion but I think the whole event will be bittersweet for both of us. However, he did marry the girl who replaced me, another classmate. I kind of hated her that whole senior year which is too bad because I really like her now.

If you have bad memories of high school or think your classmates were more popular, more self confident, or more self determined than you ever were, maybe just put that away. I talked to many of those classmates this time and they were just as self-conscience about themselves as I was. Maybe they just knew how to cover it up better. It seems 40 years later, we are all willing to forget the awkward moments of high school, remember the fun times and just be comfortable in our skin this time. I was fortunate to get to hear some life stories and many of my classmates have had hard challenges to hurdle. Yet, they seem to have come out on the other side, richer, wiser, and more compassionate than ever.

Thank you, classmates that showed up, you have made me wiser, richer in relationships and more understanding of life. For those of you who didn't show up...think about it, I hear we are getting together in 5 years time. I hope you can make it.

Seasonal Changes Part 2

Much has happened since the last entry in this blog. Several times I started to write about my fall and winter but I was too busy trying to figure it out. A simple update. In October, 2010, it was discovered I had a very large cyst growing off my ovary and it wasn't looking good. The blood work cancer marker, CA125, was 65 - cut off is 35 - it wasn't looking good at all. I had to go to Denver to see an oncologist/gynecologist. Oncology is a pretty scary word. Fortunately, I was able to get in to do the surgery quickly so I didn't have much of a chance to panic.

It did end up being atypical cells and was staged as a 1a cancer - benign, but I have to have 6 month follow ups for 5 years. I was recovering nicely from that surgery when I started feeling really crappy. It turns out I developed abdominal abscesses that had to be drained via catheters inserted through my gluteus maximus and when that wasn't doing the job, another through my my abdomen. It worked and all is again well. I had my first 6 month follow up and my CA125 cancer marker was a 12.

So now it is spring. The weather is warming up, the wind is breezing instead of blowing. Things are turning green and the bulbs I planted in October are springing to life. We haven't taken many trips except to the East to see Karyn and family, to the West to see my mother and some friends and a trip South to see David. Not the longed for winter trip to Arizona. We are making plans to get there for November dove hunting though.

Our spring will bring the family together for a wedding. Our grand-daughter (by Tom's daughter, Kristie) is getting married in April. Looks like all the siblings will get to be there. It has been awhile since everyone gathered and we have added a few great-grandsons to the mix. Then Fishing Season is right around the corner and Tom is hoping to stay healthy enough to get his fill of fishing which means we will be eating lots of walleye.

Summertime plans aren't fleshed out but my 40th! class reunion will be in July. How did that happen? I remember when my dad talked about going to his 40th and I wondered how many of his classmates would be still alive. My classmates look pretty good unless their Facebook pages are lying. Getting pre-re-acquainted via Facebook has been great fun and I am looking forward to seeing these folks face to face.

Through all these seasonal changes I have been blessed with a caring husband who has stood at the ready to do whatever it took to keep me healthy. My children have been in and out making sure I'm okay, too. My friends and family have upheld me in prayer and made sure my humor stayed intact. I know God's hand has been upon me even when I was at my lowest. And now as Spring is beginning, I look forward to the Lenten season. I get to ponder that God loved me so much that He sent His one and only Son that if I believe in Him I shall never die but have eternal life. Thank you, God!

Seasonal Changes

I started my New Year's resolution 9 months late. Kind of like a pregnancy...had to let the seed take root and come to fruition 9 months later. I started a weight training regimin. I did this years ago and saw good results. I can do this at home with my very own weight bench. It has been kind of fun even though various muscle groups are in states of ache.

I do this in my upstairs room of my 2 story home. I get to look out on the cornfield behind my home. When I started this journey the field was a sea of green with sparkles of gold. Watching the wind play across the tops of the corn is as delightful as watching the ocean. Thank you, David, for pointing that out to me!

Yesterday, as I looked out, I could see some of the corn was maturing - turning gold! It came as a big surprise to me that "field" corn isn't picked green - it has to mature and dry out. Then is is harvested and stored in silos until needed. We have an ethynol plant in Torrington so some of this corn might feed our cars bellies instead of cow's bellies.

Today as I was grunting through my weights I looked out and overnight the mostly green field is now gold with bits of green! Wow, that happened fast! When it is time to mature in the corn world it seems to do so overnight. Always learning something new.