Sunday found my Mom, my sister-in-law, her two girls and me on a fast-paced trip to the center of North Dakota where we planned to spend the day at an auction sale. The town where the auction was held is the place where my parents brought me following my birth. We lived on a dairy farm that had electricity, party-line telephones and no running water. Civilization has caught up with the tiny community - but the town is much smaller than I remember.
Directions to the auction were not needed as we immediately located the blocked off street and the large number of parked cars. It was the oddest auction I have ever attended.
Once again, the person's belongings were spread out across the yard and on farm trailers in cardboard boxes for anxious bidders to paw over - seeking the ultimate bargain or a perceived needed item. I struggled once again as the auctioneer's helpers held up a knee brace, an entire box of liniment for sore muscles, a miscellaneous Christmas ornament and some pencils - the auctioneer encouraging the crowd to bid for this odd menagerie of items. The odd part of the auction was in watching the bidders. At most auctions the trailers have a crowd of people pressing close the trailers with a straggling of outliers. This auction found people with lawn chairs seated on people's lawns across the street - casually holding up their hand to indicate a bid with the helpers actually delivering the then won items to the highest bidder. It was more a spectator sport than an auction.
Sadly, the extreme heat seemed to take a toll as many items only went for a few dollars. A beautiful oak dining set with six chairs and a table only brought $40 (no, I didn't buy it - we could not get it home). I spent a grand total of $9 purchasing some enamel buckets for the barn, a chenille bedspread and a few other miscellaneous items.
The house was also up for auction. It was a cute little bungalow with a bathroom and two bedrooms upstairs, a finished basement and a lovely yard complete with many wonderful perennial plants. The house sold for $13,500. Yes, an entire house. I believe the taxes were said to be about $400 a year.
Once again, I'm not sure if I'm OK with auctions like this. I don't know if I want my personal items spread out for the world to look at and casually bid $1 for something that I cherished. Hmm, more deep thoughts for a cooler day.
7/25/2007
Ecuador
Our 17 year old son (my baby!) is spending nearly two weeks in Ecuador on a mission trip. His primary objective is to assist with the building of a church, conduct community service, assist with Vacation Bible School, help out with a medical clinic and have a great time while totally cut off from Mom and Dad with 200 other youth and adult supervisors. We haven't heard a word from our eldest since dropping him off at Minneapolis airport, but the organizers had warned us that 'no news is good news' as the plan is that none of the young people will attempt to place international telephone calls from Quito (where they landed) nor from the remote villages where they are serving nor from Guayaquil where they fly out of.
Talk about dispelling the myth that we are over-protective homeschooling parents. We sent our child off with an airline ticket, passport, itinerary and two bags loaded to the 50 lb. limit (including tent and solar shower as the conditions are very primitive). He also has a calling card - which he was supposed to use to call during his layover in Miami, but didn't - as electronic devices such as cell phones are contraband on this expedition.
Join us in praying that this journey will be a safe one and that his very basic Spanish will have allowed him to communicate with the locals (just being able to do things like...find the bathroom, locate his luggage, etc.). You can check out the trip updates on ultimateworkout.org - he is on the UW17 trip to Ecuador.
Talk about dispelling the myth that we are over-protective homeschooling parents. We sent our child off with an airline ticket, passport, itinerary and two bags loaded to the 50 lb. limit (including tent and solar shower as the conditions are very primitive). He also has a calling card - which he was supposed to use to call during his layover in Miami, but didn't - as electronic devices such as cell phones are contraband on this expedition.
Join us in praying that this journey will be a safe one and that his very basic Spanish will have allowed him to communicate with the locals (just being able to do things like...find the bathroom, locate his luggage, etc.). You can check out the trip updates on ultimateworkout.org - he is on the UW17 trip to Ecuador.
Summer
Due to my lack of attention to anything on the computer, I plan to post a lot in the next few weeks.
We are roasting in North Dakota. The heat index in our neck of the woods is supposed to be in excess of 100 degrees today. I was shocked this morning to see that the sheep apparently can let themselves out of the barn. Hank and I trotted through the still dew wet grass planning to release the woolly girls early to allow them time to eat the succulent green grass before their permanent wool coats forced them to lay in the barn or under trees, presumably hoping for cooler days ahead. Instead we found the barn door had been flung open, allowing the girls to eat far earlier than I had planned. My favorite husband had released them from their night-time home before leaving for work - feeling bad for both them and me (I stayed up late, late the night before and had wished for a morning to sleep later).
During July and August I always feel the pinch of being a single income family. It seems to be a perceived pinch, but the planned purchase of a plethora of school books for our homeschooling the next year always presents a daunting figure. I begin to scheme, plot, plan and consider how this might feel when I am able to contribute to our bottom line. Add to the pending purchase my favorite husband's run to Ikea for much-needed bookcases (love them, just didn't love the deduction from the check book), the soon completion of our upstairs bathroom and all necessary supplies to accomplish the project, the purchase of a new hot water heater (the old one shorted out in a shower of sparks resembling the 4th of July), and the purchase of a new pump for the animal water and I turn into a quivering mass of nerves when balancing the check book. Never mind that in September I will breathe a sigh of relief - and then to express new concerns to the propane man in November about the prices.
Ahh, the dog days of summer.
We are roasting in North Dakota. The heat index in our neck of the woods is supposed to be in excess of 100 degrees today. I was shocked this morning to see that the sheep apparently can let themselves out of the barn. Hank and I trotted through the still dew wet grass planning to release the woolly girls early to allow them time to eat the succulent green grass before their permanent wool coats forced them to lay in the barn or under trees, presumably hoping for cooler days ahead. Instead we found the barn door had been flung open, allowing the girls to eat far earlier than I had planned. My favorite husband had released them from their night-time home before leaving for work - feeling bad for both them and me (I stayed up late, late the night before and had wished for a morning to sleep later).
During July and August I always feel the pinch of being a single income family. It seems to be a perceived pinch, but the planned purchase of a plethora of school books for our homeschooling the next year always presents a daunting figure. I begin to scheme, plot, plan and consider how this might feel when I am able to contribute to our bottom line. Add to the pending purchase my favorite husband's run to Ikea for much-needed bookcases (love them, just didn't love the deduction from the check book), the soon completion of our upstairs bathroom and all necessary supplies to accomplish the project, the purchase of a new hot water heater (the old one shorted out in a shower of sparks resembling the 4th of July), and the purchase of a new pump for the animal water and I turn into a quivering mass of nerves when balancing the check book. Never mind that in September I will breathe a sigh of relief - and then to express new concerns to the propane man in November about the prices.
Ahh, the dog days of summer.
6/27/2007
Electronic Age
Yesterday we spent a few minutes at one of our many favorite libraries. I was alarmed to discover that we are to now check-out our own books using a handy-dandy scanner. Additionally, I observed a librarian instructing a patron on how to reserve a computer for herself and how to do it without assistance the next time. What will happen to the librarians??! Will their role be reduced to that of reshelving the books that I have plucked from the shelf and checked out for myself?
I see this trend continuing when, at a store that shall remain nameless, I discovered a self check out line. My favorite husband enjoys this, but I want someone to thank me - even if it is not a sincere response.
Troubling...
I see this trend continuing when, at a store that shall remain nameless, I discovered a self check out line. My favorite husband enjoys this, but I want someone to thank me - even if it is not a sincere response.
Troubling...
6/06/2007
Field Trip
Wed-Fri of last week found the kids and I traveling to Thunder Bay, Canada, with 38 other people. This field trip was arranged through the 'Wednesday School' that the girls now attend (which is through a Christian school that invites homeschool students in every week). We left early, early on Wednesday morning, traveling through Duluth, MN and up the North Shore to Thunder Bay.
Activities while there included: a visit to Ft. William (amazing place - check it out), North America's largest amethyst mine, the Terry Fox memorial (again, google this young man - his story is incredible), Keccebaka (sp?) Falls, and much more. On the return trip to stopped at Grand Portage and Pigeon Falls. The combination of Fort William and the fort at Grand Portage made a great learning experience. Fort William is totally set in the period with all workers within the fort speaking as though the fur trade is currently happening. The staff at Grand Portage are dressed in period costume, but speak about the fur trade in present day terms. Our guide in the Great Hall at Grand Portage was exceptional. Experiencing both forts gave the kids a chance to understand how and why it all happened. This was the culmination of a year studying Canada at Wednesday school (or K4K as it is known). Additionally, it rounded out the study done several years ago on the state of Minnesota as the students did a unit on the voyagers.
Sadly, the teacher who made this all happen retired this spring. We do look forward to getting to know the new teacher, but will really miss Mrs. L.
We got home, to our house, at 1:30A Saturday morning. The kids and I slept all day Saturday and much of Sunday.
Hopefully, if the planets are aligned just right, if the bytes and megabytes are flowing through the lines correctly and IF no one calls in to break our very tenuous connection - I will share some photos in a future post.
Activities while there included: a visit to Ft. William (amazing place - check it out), North America's largest amethyst mine, the Terry Fox memorial (again, google this young man - his story is incredible), Keccebaka (sp?) Falls, and much more. On the return trip to stopped at Grand Portage and Pigeon Falls. The combination of Fort William and the fort at Grand Portage made a great learning experience. Fort William is totally set in the period with all workers within the fort speaking as though the fur trade is currently happening. The staff at Grand Portage are dressed in period costume, but speak about the fur trade in present day terms. Our guide in the Great Hall at Grand Portage was exceptional. Experiencing both forts gave the kids a chance to understand how and why it all happened. This was the culmination of a year studying Canada at Wednesday school (or K4K as it is known). Additionally, it rounded out the study done several years ago on the state of Minnesota as the students did a unit on the voyagers.
Sadly, the teacher who made this all happen retired this spring. We do look forward to getting to know the new teacher, but will really miss Mrs. L.
We got home, to our house, at 1:30A Saturday morning. The kids and I slept all day Saturday and much of Sunday.
Hopefully, if the planets are aligned just right, if the bytes and megabytes are flowing through the lines correctly and IF no one calls in to break our very tenuous connection - I will share some photos in a future post.
Peer Pressure, Speaking
Peer Pressure - family members on my favorite husband's side communicate with one another via myspace. I have an account so I can be listed as a "friend" and see some accounts kept private, but do absolutely NOTHING with it. I don't have the time, the high speed access nor the inclination to keep up with the cool graphics and other features I see out there. I do, however, enjoy catching up on the family news. It appears that one niece has received a significant promotion, another has a new job and possibly a new relationship, and one of my favorite husband's sisters has passed an exam for her job. We did get the 'heads up' that one nephew is getting married in August, but much of what used to be a telephone call or an e-mail is now out there on myspace. Not commenting re: good/bad, just there.
Speaking - Next week I am giving a series of five seminars on homeschooling. Someone referred to me as "an experienced homeschool parent." I still don't feel like it, but realized that after doing this for 11 years, I probably am.
Speaking - Next week I am giving a series of five seminars on homeschooling. Someone referred to me as "an experienced homeschool parent." I still don't feel like it, but realized that after doing this for 11 years, I probably am.
5/21/2007
One more thing for today
Since I have a speedy internet connection (for the moment) - I'll continue sharing. #1 son is heading to Ecuador on a mission trip in July. He is really excited. A HUGE thank you to all of you who have donated to make this possible.
#1 son is a little leery about the national delicacy of guinea pig (we watched the Globe Trekker on Ecuador) and disappointed that the tour won't include a stop at the Galapagos Islands. He has decided that strictly vegetarian is the best route to take when heading outside of the homeland.
Right now preparations are underway, including waiting for his passport to arrive. Does it really need to take 10 weeks?? Now we shop for very light items for him to take along as there is, of course, a weight limit on the luggage. Fun, fun. Can't wait to share photos and stories of his adventures.
#1 son is a little leery about the national delicacy of guinea pig (we watched the Globe Trekker on Ecuador) and disappointed that the tour won't include a stop at the Galapagos Islands. He has decided that strictly vegetarian is the best route to take when heading outside of the homeland.
Right now preparations are underway, including waiting for his passport to arrive. Does it really need to take 10 weeks?? Now we shop for very light items for him to take along as there is, of course, a weight limit on the luggage. Fun, fun. Can't wait to share photos and stories of his adventures.
Book Recommendations
I find myself with a lot more time on my hands now that I'm not doing things like, oh, learning the parts of the nephron, memorizing the process of sperm production-taking the trip from genesis to implantation, memorizing 200 of the muscles in the body, reviewing karotyping and so much more fun stuff. SO, I find myself standing in the library, staring at the books wanting to play 'catch-up' from the many months I missed but don't know where to start. Do you have any recommendations?
Friday night
A huge storm swept past our house on Friday night. A funnel cloud was spotted within this storm about 45 minutes prior to the same system sweeping past our house. We watched the clouds swirl from the doorway of the outside entry to our basement. The camera only captured a fraction of the scope of the clouds across the sky.
Grades/Next Year
My grades came out at 4.0 for this semester. Overall GPA is 3.88 due to two 'B's' last spring. I'm OK with it. Next year brings chemistry and microbiology, among other fun stuff. I know, those of you who began this journey with me feel like I should be done by now. Patience for us all...I am still able to homeschool the kids (who also did quite well this year in their schoolwork) while managing a full time class load.
NO classes this summer so we will do fun things like Botany and maybe even a unit on Birds with the girls. It feels odd not to awaken at 5AM to study anatomy and physiology!
NO classes this summer so we will do fun things like Botany and maybe even a unit on Birds with the girls. It feels odd not to awaken at 5AM to study anatomy and physiology!
Bar Envy
One of the unique foods in the upper midwest includes 'bars.' When we first moved here I was asked to supply bars for a funeral luncheon. The only bars I knew of were rice krispie bars - not something I associated with a funeral, but rather a backyard event with children. I made what I thought would pass for bars. My Mom warned me I was sending cake. Sure enough, the thank you note thanked me for the delicious cake. Thus began my quest to understand 'bars.'
Actually quest overstates the situation. Frankly it only comes up once a year or so. I hadn't given it much thought until the girls' piano teacher asked me to bring a pan of bars to the piano recital lunch. Don't worry about bringing them plated, she had bar trays! The pressure...I couldn't take it. Many farm women have a specialty type (or two or three). I'm not there. I shopped for a box of brownies. I thought I had it licked. I followed the directions carefully, baking in a beautiful clear glass 9x13 pan. I even carefully sprinkled powdered sugar on top. I had it licked...until I proudly carried my offering into the church kitchen. I found that I need a bar pan. This is a 9x13 no stick pan with a lid (not foil, you cretin). The other women eyed my brownies with suspicion as they didn't come in a BAR PAN. I took over half of my brownies home! Shopping.
Actually quest overstates the situation. Frankly it only comes up once a year or so. I hadn't given it much thought until the girls' piano teacher asked me to bring a pan of bars to the piano recital lunch. Don't worry about bringing them plated, she had bar trays! The pressure...I couldn't take it. Many farm women have a specialty type (or two or three). I'm not there. I shopped for a box of brownies. I thought I had it licked. I followed the directions carefully, baking in a beautiful clear glass 9x13 pan. I even carefully sprinkled powdered sugar on top. I had it licked...until I proudly carried my offering into the church kitchen. I found that I need a bar pan. This is a 9x13 no stick pan with a lid (not foil, you cretin). The other women eyed my brownies with suspicion as they didn't come in a BAR PAN. I took over half of my brownies home! Shopping.
Spring
Rather than give a day by day update, I will summarize the 2007 lambing season.
Totals include: 19 ewes, 38 lambs. Unfortunately, that number does not stand as the number 'on the ground' as the professionals say. This spring we were reminded that farming does not mean white fluffy lambs jumping around without assistance from the humans.
#19 had one lamb dead and after examination we (#1 husband and I) determined she had another inside of her. This involved literal extraction and a glove on my hand that extended all the way to my shoulder. The lamb was dead and had been for at least a day. That was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Favorite husband did more than his share as well. We remained in agreement that we never want to do that again. #19 seems to have a pelvis too narrow to accommodate lambs. Bye, bye.
Another sheep had triplets. The youngest was not doing well. We brought her in the house and literally snatched her from the brink of death. Sunny bonded with Hank and we found her chasing cars with him as she did not consider herself a sheep. Well, sadly, after being with us for three weeks we found her dead - no apparent cause. The same week we lost two more lambs - again, without obvious reasons. We consulted the experts at NDSU, but without a necropsy (autopsy for a sheep) we had only speculation. Speculation that extended to the lambs possibly succumbing to overspray from nearby fields, having drank from the creek that may have contained field run-off - who knows!? We certainly don't, but losing three lambs, especially Sunny (the bottle lamb who thought she was a dog) was very difficult.
But the happy news is that one sheep had a set of triplets that contain the tiniest lamb we have ever seen. We actually took our kitchen scale out to weight the smallest little guy. He tipped the scales at a whopping three pounds. A 'normal' lamb weighs around eight. Our #1 daughter wants to keep him, but I think his cuteness will wear off as he grows larger.
It's not all warm and fuzzy on the farm.
Totals include: 19 ewes, 38 lambs. Unfortunately, that number does not stand as the number 'on the ground' as the professionals say. This spring we were reminded that farming does not mean white fluffy lambs jumping around without assistance from the humans.
#19 had one lamb dead and after examination we (#1 husband and I) determined she had another inside of her. This involved literal extraction and a glove on my hand that extended all the way to my shoulder. The lamb was dead and had been for at least a day. That was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Favorite husband did more than his share as well. We remained in agreement that we never want to do that again. #19 seems to have a pelvis too narrow to accommodate lambs. Bye, bye.
Another sheep had triplets. The youngest was not doing well. We brought her in the house and literally snatched her from the brink of death. Sunny bonded with Hank and we found her chasing cars with him as she did not consider herself a sheep. Well, sadly, after being with us for three weeks we found her dead - no apparent cause. The same week we lost two more lambs - again, without obvious reasons. We consulted the experts at NDSU, but without a necropsy (autopsy for a sheep) we had only speculation. Speculation that extended to the lambs possibly succumbing to overspray from nearby fields, having drank from the creek that may have contained field run-off - who knows!? We certainly don't, but losing three lambs, especially Sunny (the bottle lamb who thought she was a dog) was very difficult.
But the happy news is that one sheep had a set of triplets that contain the tiniest lamb we have ever seen. We actually took our kitchen scale out to weight the smallest little guy. He tipped the scales at a whopping three pounds. A 'normal' lamb weighs around eight. Our #1 daughter wants to keep him, but I think his cuteness will wear off as he grows larger.
It's not all warm and fuzzy on the farm.
5/20/2007
3/02/2007
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