Movin on

At last the Creator has blessed us with winter. The fall has been so long and we have already reached and passed the shortest day before winter in it's fruy set in. When I put the sheep feeed out lastnight I listened to the weather report and so I put it out behind the barn so the girls would be close to shelter. The temperature was about 50 degrees then and I thought perhaps the weather man would again be wrong. When I went to sleep last night there was a bit of light snow but it was still pretty warm. Alas, this morning the wind is from the east and there are big drifts of snow in the yard. THere isn't a hugs accumulation of snow, but it keeps rearranging itself. What a luxury to stay home today and count my blessings. The girls don't seem to mind the snow, they are on the backyard feedyard playing chase with the bucks and Moses is still bedded down. Was too cold to take photos but would have been a great chance. At last it feels like Christmas.

Forgive me for all my old ugly posts. My life is so much better than is should be and I am thankful. GOd is good.

what is left

What is left of this strange and uncomfortable life-it never gets more familiar and the cold just seems to set in. My sweet husband is gone now-he rests on the mountain high above me. My old border collie is gone too and only Moses and I carry on-relying on the sheep for entertainment and comic relief. I have been told that I am bitter and mean, and since I have been told that I have become bitter and mean. I am only ready to sign off from life as I can't hear the music now. I JUST DON'T WANT TO PLAY ANYMORE. tHE IDEA OF BLOGGINg IS, i THINK AN EXERCISE IN KEEPING A DIARY ANDtherefore keeping track of thoughts to sort them out. THere isn't much to sort out. I miss my husband and I miss my job at the post office and I miss my friends and my family and my dogs and having someone to cry with and laugh with and have coffee with in the morning. I can't breath enough to get far and have to stop and rest often. I can't see future anywhere or the reason for future. Each night I pray for GOd to take me home and get me outta here. Like Hank said, "Minnie, I just don't see the light anymore.".

Where are we now?

Maybe it is time to take stock now-nearly a year after my sweet husband went to the nursing home. In the last year I have learned who to cry by myself without someone there to tell me it will be okay- I have learned that a person only needs to eat once in awhile, only when they are really hungry and only when it sounds good. I have learned that a person can go forever without being lonesome, and how much better off a person is when they find their true friends. I have learned that family is only from the heart-and the best family are those who are choosen. I know that there are many with much greater trials than I face, and they will be okay, so I will too. I have had my words mistaken for other things and it was costly-so I choose my words more carefully now-I have learned how very much I need and love my Ethete friends, and how closely I am associated with "the cheifs" and how fortunate I am to have that association. I have learned the difference between the meaning of the words friend, neighbor, child, acquaintance, caregiver and "someone who lives down the road". In that knowledge I am so much richer, for there are many paths that I will follow in a different way in possessing that knowledge. As my husband is forgotten by many now, so am I and it is a good thing. My memory is suddenly as short as his memory is-and that too is a good thing.


I have learned to be selfcentered, and that is perhaps one of the hardest things-but it is for the purpose of only survival that I practice it. I try not to disappoint myself, not to limit myself and sometimes to be kind to myself. Amazed at my own strengths and miserable in my weaknesses, I know them now.

Yesterday we installed coats on the girls, and they are pleased. THe ones who are special, and the ones who are REALLY special are looking forward to a happpy and prosperous lambing, with 5 lambs already on the ground and more to come soon. THe garn is in tip top shaps with windows installed and electricity as well. Bring it on!

Earrings are selling faster than I can make them-they went to the mats for my turtles-horses are gone, maidens are gone-bear tracks are gone-only thing remaining is kokopelli's- (how to get a baby)-they must go on ebay.

Carding and making roving is fun-hope we get the grant for spinning, but will learn anyway as Avis is super and so good to me-my dad would be so pleased-is so pleased I know. How I miss him for he, in a few words would always make everything allright.

Rocky and Dion

Saturday was the day I told my friend Rocky Oneil goodby. I saw him in the Lander hospital about a month ago, and thanked him for saving my life once with a bottle of wine. I was so hung over-back in my drinking day, and working a roping. Raock and Pat and the kids came, and when he saw how sick he was he quickly returned with a bottle of wine-hair of the dog-and the day went from bad to wonderful. That is the only time I ever tried hair of the dog-and I am so glad that I outgrew stuff like that-but it sure did fix me up that morning. ROack and Pat and I have been freinds for years and years-raised our kids together and cussed and cried together. Pat is strong, and she is so blessed with the most beautiful grandchildren in the world. My heart breaks for her as she loved ROcky so much, and knew that he loved her, but she will be okay. I miss Rasty so much when I need a shoulder to cry on-I think that is the hardest part. I have had to tell some good friends goodby since Rasty has been gone, and it is so hard.

Dion called yesterday and we talked for over an hour. The kids are doing so well, and Dion is, and always will be a son to me. Trey will be home for Christmas and is doing okay at West Point-of course he is finding it so much harder that high school but he hads the brain powder to do it and the support of great folks too. I cried when he told me that he thought I was the perfect granny to his kids. I love them all.

rez fires

The recent rez fires remind me of the year that 300 tons of our hay burned up. The situation was so similar-it was in the fall, October, and there were several neighboring haystack fires-all of them set. At that time the fire marshal determined that it had been set-I called the Sheriffs dept and asked that it was investigated-it never was. The sheriff later wrote me a letter in response to my letter to the commissioners, saying he never knew we had a fire. I certainly hope there is some resolution to these fires.

The class is down to 5 now-but well worth going to. It is better with just a few as we are really becoming comrades-lots of work to do this time. Interestingly, I have a great credit rating-it helps to never use it I guess. Thank heavens for my past-I wonder what the future will hold-as does all of Wall Street. I'm going to Sabrina's teleconference tonight-she is wonderful- it will be fun.

JOe Mc went home-it was a good thing as he suffered with A L S-services Friday and I"ll go to represent Rasty-they rode many trails together and Jennifer is so out of the west-she is a character for sure but has always been so good to me and to Jenny. She is tough as nails and will be fine-and I love her for that. I always remember when she was running barrels, went off on the first barrel, the horse continued the pattern dragging her along by the stirrup and she got up at the finish line-just fine! A few hoof prints decorated her clothes but she didn't miss a step!

They were bowling at the nursing home yesterday-there is a lively group now with some new additions-Mr. Kenton enjoyed it and would kick the beach ball when it came close to make a striker for the other players. Rasty would not play and was not happy-he went to the lounge chair with much help and took a nap. His hands are nearly useless now-I think he is developing contractures from not using them. No signs of recognition in his eyes now-the babbling has become worse but the cuss words still come out loud and clear. WHY???????

THe Jehovas WItnesses came today-they were fun-I nearly didn't let them go as they were company and a nice diversion. Okay-it is back to work. I have my deck looking good-just need to give the ramp one more coat of miniwax and we'll be set.

weekend

What a fun weekend it was. Saturday I went to a big lunch with friends and we visited and visited and visited. Sunday, lunch again with others, and I came home to the most wonderful site. My corrals were full of cows and the yard was full of cowboys. The Fridays had gathered their cows, and as always, had used our place to load out. THey called but when no one was home they assumed, and rightly, that it would be okay. Woodrow was there with his toy 4 wheeler, a rope thrown in, and Baby Sandy is 6 feet tall now but still gives the best hugs to his Granny Sue. Sandy and Donna have done such a fine job of raising kids, and we all enjoyed the apple tree before they left. How good to have a visit from old friends and their youngsters-nice to catch up on the happenings and rerun old times as well. It helped lessen the abandonment feelings that haunt me.

THe class sadly is down to 6 of us-we are too needy to give up, and it is just getting better and better as time goes by. Wish I had known as a youth that classes could be fun-may have done more of it then.

Norma took the bank trip to New Mexico-so glad for her. I'm anxious to hear about it.

New things

The sad news is that my partner is suffering side effects from his antipsychotic drugs-he is starting to use involuntary movements of the mouth, licking his chops and babbling-so very hard to see. It is just starting and I checked with the on duty nurse, perhaps the meds can be changed-perhaps not. I hate it, and I hate it and I hate it. His appetite is still excellent-he has put on some weight but that is the only good report. THe good thing is that he no longer cares what goes on around him, paying no attention to what, where, who or how he is. That seems to say that in a strange way the disease gets kinder at some point. He is in no pain, that is a good thing. If he was in pain, he would not know it. Perhaps that is a good thing too. It makes me tired, very tired.

Someone became interested in the insurance for the place, 7 months after my policy had been canceled due to nonpayment and I picked it up for $1400. THe $7 per acre offer seems to be paying off with the beans-great.

Texas woke up and called-what a surprise. She asked how I was and I said better- did she wonder if I was sick? But thankfully I am much better and almost back to where I was a long time ago. Sadly, my giveadamn is still basically broke.

I need to get to the mountains again, or to the rim. Perhaps this weekend.

Oh Happy Day!

Today was the day I have been looking for! It was to the mountains today! Yes! To the mountains! The air was clean, the water was clear, the sun was bright and the wind was friendly. The smells were mellow, the sounds were to behold and the company couldn't have been better. I picked up two rocks and two chips, I climbed some hills, huffed and puffed and came back down. I took so many pictures and watched as Veronica fished. I had never been to BUll Lake before, and it is truly a pklace of beauty and mystery as well. How I wanted to go to the other side of it and check out those huge cliffs. What fun to rent a plane-maybe one day. Veronica added to the fun by telling me stories about the lake and the fisherman of old times-her stories are to behold-she has heard the stories of the past from the elders and imbedded them and I am thankful that she shares them with me.

the heartbeat is gone

Sometimes there is a person who is the center of something. Sometimes, very rarely, there is a person who is the center of everything. The heartbeat of the reservation, the center of everything is gone. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend, educator, spokesman, cultural leader and he was the Eagle Drum. He was taken like lightening from this earth and has gone on to a better life, but I don't know how anything can go on without him. He was met by his son "Catfish", his folks and all those whose music he provided at their passing. Nothing went on without John-ceremonies, Christmas programs, ball games, fasts, naming ceremonies, school days, and sweats. He brought the youth to the drum-his sons and many more learned the songs from him. In all the years I knew him he always had time for a hello and a hand shake, a kind word or a big joke. THe women loved him, but he worshiped his Alta, the love of his life. She and the drum came first. I've seen John sad, disappointed, heartbroken by the loss of friends (Lonnie Hoffman was a tough one) devastated by the loss of a son, but I've never seen John mean, unkind, crude or without the spirit of a warrior, a survivor. Perhaps that is why it is so unbelievable that he is no longer with us. I just don't know how the Arapahoe people, the reservation can go on without him, his songs, his spirit and his hearbteat. The beat of the drum was the beat of the reservation-who will sing. Only the wailers.

Me and Jess

Jessie gave me the heads up about 3 this morning-there was water in the yard-lots of it-heading for the basement quickly. I got my light and went to look-the ditch was overflowing clear back to the road. I couldn't get into where you can send the water south, but got to thinking something had to be bad wrong. Perhaps the tricksters had opened the headgate all the way-could the beans be flooding as well? I called the irrigators headquarters at 4-that was a dirty trick on my part but I wasn't going to the headgate by myself on a bet. Heard that the irrigator had shut his water off and left town (?) for a few days. Wonder where he shut it off at-top boss went to the headgate-hope he really shuts the water off. Did I mention that I hit the sidewalk on my left knee? Thanks Jess- I love you-you are a good dog.

I hate that she is so old-I have to touch her now to wake her up, and she always is startled when I do. She has seen her best days and has lots of good memories-she was a hard worker when she wanted to be, a sweet lover sometimes, and a fierce watch dog always.

Picked up my things from fair yesterday-kind of sad to see the quilts come down from the ceiling and the exhibits going out the door, many headed for state fair. We are in the "next year" mode now. Polly had to be exhausted-she did such a good job of keeping vigil over the fiber arts-what a trooper she is and exact on everything.

I tried to find my heroine in the sheep barn but she was there and gone already-I'll just have to call her. She is a super sheep showman-and a hard worker. I want to give her some colored sheep to show-she would work hard with them and hopefully have some fun. Last year the judge was hard on her-and this year she did a sweep-nearly. Way to go. Judging is one persons opinion on any one day-and that is hard for the kids that put so much time, effort and money into their projects all through the year. Parents are able (with luck) to keep them going from fair to fair with encouragement and praise and she has great parents. Good job Camille.

Darling daughter is taking the kids and going to Disney world-so glad. I was afraid she would bring them here and heaven knows how bored they would be-no museums, fancy restaurants, great rides, and this world is full of people who are multiracial, and there are even Methodists (divorced even) in the county. I am so proud of my little Christian daughter. We have the book, and it is our book, and it says just what we say it says, and everyone else who has a book is wrong and they are not good. She would make her Lutheran great grandparents proud, except for the fact that they have the Baptist book. Ohmygosh! I don't even want to glance at the book-it is all too overwhelming for me.

tough race!

It was a tough race-she did her best and I must admit, I campaigned her hard but the competition was tough-and little did I know that the competition was my friend. Well, she did it-and so did my friend! The rest of the story, is the peoples choice award for the fiber arts-Mary went to fair, at least her photo-and she loves to pose for photo opts. She looked her best, with a bright blue mat surrounding her sweet face. I gave all I saw directions to the booth, with instructions as to what Mary's number was and howe to vote. Some did-then there was Norma-I forgot-she said. Norma, how could you? Mary calls you Auntie Norma. Now, truthfully, I did not vote-thought it would be cheating and now I"m glad that I didn't. Mary tied with Bobbie's photo of sheep and a wagon-it was really well done, and I'm sure Mary will be pleased when I tell her.

Fair is just fun-I can't help it-I love fair. Never went to fair till I was grown-the Colorado mountains just aren't conducive to growing gardens, raising animals and such. When my girl was small we always participated, then after she was grown and gone I seldom even got the opportunity to go. This year I made a splash-spent several days down at the fair along with a couple more walk throughs. The poultry barn was the noisiest-the rabbit pens were the dirtiest the cattle barns were the emptiest, and the sheep barns were heaven. Somehow I missed the pig barns-and that is a good thing. I'm nearly Jewish when it comes to pigs. And the friends-oh the friends that I saw. We laughed and talked about old times, we lamented of things past, we cried together about things present, and left each other feeling brighter about tomorrow. This world is all about survival and how we do it is our choice, and I saw some of the bravest survivors walking tall. It was good.

The wool did well, the beadwork did too but I was disappointed in how it was (not) displayed. Everyone was less than happy about the new fair lady-the atmosphere was not like it used to be-tension in the air in the armory-hope next year the wrinkles get worked out.

Sadly, two losses this week. My friend Mary Bates lost her daughter-a brave and tough girl who I loved as my own, and my "son" Scott found dead last night. I know both are in a good place, but will be so missed. Mary and I had a good visit and plans are in order for a birthday party for an old cowboy friend next weekend-that will surely help. We all need happy get togethers. I have expected Scott's news since I've known him, as some are too gentle for this world and he was surely that way but we've shared many good times and bad, and he loved Rasty like a father-"the old guy" he called him. Scott and I have shared many breakfasts together as for years he was our "night man" in the lamb barn and a better helper could not be found. He had a degree in engineering, graduating with a's all the way through-he knew the bible inside and out, was so kind and forgiving and never judged his fellow man. He ran to my aid when I was in trouble and made jokes that brought tears to your eyes. He loved sheep, always naming them, making splints for their broken legs, the only one in the world that fed my bums for me when I was at work and could live on a dollar for a month. I love you Scott-and I know you are with God. Hope I see you again.

my new old prefession

Last time I tried this It just didn't work-we'll try again. My new old profession is a hooker-yes- a hooker. I've been hooking the saddle pads, at least learning how. My pad just looked tacky- really bad. I looked closely at the beautiful one that my instructor Anita took to fair and figured out some of what I have been doing wrong. Excited, I got home and tried it again and YES! It works and looks better. Her roving has a little Churro wool in it-enough to make thee wool shinny, and mine has no CHurro-as I haven't taken my Churro over to the mill yet. Need to do that-she is a master-can't believe how even and perfect her stitches are. She truly is an artisan-and such a kind person.
Had a fun lunch with Norma, Lynda, Polly, Skip, and Charles Saturday at the Red Willow cafe, in the casino, The special was prime sand, and they were to die for. We all had the same thing, and our pretty and sweet waitress made it too much fun. We were happy to find they are open for lunch-thinking it was just evenings, and it was not more expensive than anywhere else for a great feed. We'll try that again one day. The time flew by, and we just spent most of it chewing and laughing.

Plans are looking great for our booth at the casino-Annette and her son have joined me so we will have her star quilts and carvings by her son as well as quill work bracelets and feathers from Minnesota and beadwork.

This week I'm going to Thermopolis to check out their alz facility-much more staff to client ratio, brand new facility, and 800 a month less in dollars. We may make this move-I think I am the only visitor, and 800 can buy a lot of gasoline. I love the staff here, there just aren't enough of them. They talk a great line, but just don't have the staff to complete things. My partner is going slowly and so I need to figure for the long haul-no shelter of assets as even what is mine is his I am told. Visits will be less often, but he won't notice and I may be able to accomplish more at home as well. He is forgotten except for me and baby boy Pat, who is going to move down south to work for the winter. It is the thing to do I think.

So nice to look on a green world-thank heaven for the moisture.

wonderful visit

Sunday brought a great surprise. My old, and I mean old friend came to say hi. Virginia Sutter is one of those heriones of mine. She was elected to the Northern Arapahoe Tribal Council not once, but twice. SHe served never. Every time she got elected she got ousted the same, or nearly the same day. She is just too wise forher own good. How could she daare to suggest that all tribal pay advances be paid up, that all tribal travel be canceled and that all personal tribal loans be paid up? She could probably run the rez in the black and do a good job. SHe was quick to forgive personal errors, but also quick to give criticism. There were times when hher life was in jepordy, and she left at the right time. Since then she has been getting western tribes health programs up and going, now working in Nevada with a rehab center. So good to visit her, her sister and daughter and know they are doing well. I value her friendship and wish I could see more of her. I've known her for 35 years, and she isn't a bit older than she ever was. Her kids are nearly as old as I am and she looks 60. We talked about the Sun Dance and the kids. Later I went up to the Sun Dance Grounds and visited for a bit,. It was quiet so I came home, and didn't return. At sunset I went outside and smelled the cedar and the sage-it was resstful and peaceful.

Blogs

In times of laziness, I read the "next blog" and find it fun to be invited into other lives. Sometimes they are even in English. Just had to laugh, one woman talks about "he who must be obeyed" in her blog. Back to my previous post about relationships-where do you guess this one is? I am now "she who obeys no one."

Heroines

A ha-yes. There are a few heroines in the west-they are my inspiration. Of course, there are Lynda and Polly. They are so brave, not afraid to be who they are and not afraid to show the world that they are what they are. Their relationship is to be despised by some, desired by others. Never have I seen a marriage that is as good as theirs, a relationship where the two really care for the others feelings above all else, their sole purpose in living is to provide help, solace and support for the other. The life they lead is one of giving, loving and helping for others as well, and they are so kind. I can see the drumstick of the chicken gone uneaten, for each would wait for the other one to eat it. To visit them is to visit one person with two separate mouths-they tell a story in pieces, each taking a turn, swapping off till they finially get done-bouncing it back and fourth like a giant ball till it finially rolls away. Watching them work is more fun-one person with four hands-Polly the tiniest but using all she has, Lynda the stronger, always wearing a smile. They put a face on the "gay rights" for me, and I am thankful that they did for I must believe they are a match made in heaven. I am so thankful for them both, and so proud to call them my friends.

Heroes

My heroes have not always been cowboys. I have known too many cowboys too well for that-cowboys use the cover to be egotists, to be less than thoughtful and to be cruel to others at times. It is often the case that a cowboy just doesn't think it-not that he just won't say it. My heroes are all too human to be cowboys. I am often lonesome for my heroes as many have vanished for various reasons. . MY telephone time is sometimes spent with Dion-super dad and super guy. Life dealt him a tough blow and forced his early retirement-Shannon had to pick up the pieces for the family finances and she does a great job. Dion was then Mr. Mom, running the bus lines for his kids to and from and the kids nave never missed out on anything. First born son just entered the West Point Academy, and Dion is lost without him, but he will be okay.

Father Apel is a big time hero. Mostly because he cries, and we used to cry together-for the reservation, for the lost ones, and even for the good ones. St.Louis is his home now, and he still seeks solace here when he can but has lots of health concerns as well. I miss you Father John.

Father Mendez is perhaps my favorite hero-because although he wears the cloth he is so wonderfully human as well. My post office days often started with coffee with Richard-his wife Jo was cream on the coffee occasionally. He is in Randolett Utah now, loves it and they love him there. He was too kind and gentle for this reservation.

Jack Coppock was a hero-one to talk to and visit with-we didn't get to do it often, but it was always fun. He is waiting in Heaven now for the next big visit-joining his first wife and child-leaving his second wife and three children.

Gene Goggles is a hero-always fun. He will never forgive a certain neighbor who he used to ride the school bus with as a child and lots of the fun he has is taunting that neighbor. The rest of the fun he has is babysitting and loving his grandchildren. Looses his tough guy image completely when he has a pretty baby attached to each hand-and a big grin on his face.

Hollis is my hero-taking what life hands him and going on in stride. He is eager to be a good guy and takes time for me-I don't know who to compensate him but I tell him I love him. That will have to do for now.

Heroes are kind, thoughtful, and sometimes angered but forgiving. Heroes are human. Heroes are patient and brave, kind and love children, dogs and usually chocolate. I try hard to ask nothing from them more than an occasional ear, and hope to be able to lend one to them if they need it- swapping stories -enjoying each others company. My heroes are not always strong, and sometimes they fall down too-sometimes they make me think they need help so I will feel good about helping them-like they have helped me.

The biggest thing about my heroes is that one day, for any given reason, I might not see them again. One of us might get hit by a mack truck and splattered all over the highway-so I tell my heroes that I love them. I want them to know. It means nothing more than that. I am in love with very few people, but I love many people. Its called living, loving and learning. Next time we'll do heroines- both of them!

Huge Reward

There are diamond days and there are stone days, and I had a diamond day. I dutifully go to the nursing home, looking to see if my partner is "home". He isn't, but I make him listen to all the news on the home front-the sheep, the beans, the friends and the kids anyway. The staff is so good to me, they are my new social life and I value them greatly. This weekend I trotted in to find my partner just getting set at the dinner table. The sweet c n a's said- "here is your wife. Can you give her a kiss? Do you love her?" The biggest grin came over his face, and he gave me a smooch and said "Yes! I always did!" He never would have said anything like that back when he was "home" but it was such a joy and all of us were crying. Thanks my love. It was nice. I always did too.

While the outside remains too big and too remote, the inside is slowly getting taken care of. Not much progress or much hurry, but basically my giveadamn is broke.

On the good news front, Sun Dance is beginning and I am going-my superhero family, the Redman family gave the invite and I am ready.

The Belarus small tractor is going tomorrow to a nice guy in Evanston. The tires are getting burned off it today cultivating beans. We were so proud when we got it and had so many things to do with it-none got done but maybe it's new owner will get lots done and enjoy it. I hope so.

Got some fair entries in yesterday-beadwork and wool-it is always fun to see what everyone comes up with and will help my sales if I snag a ribbon or two. I made a shawl for fair and used Ben Franklin yarn for it but did some fancy stitches. I got ready to enter it and found that it had to be made of 60% natural fibre-this was all acrylic-oops. My yarn isn't here from the mill yet-rats! It is okay- Shelly's new grand baby will need it so it's off in the mail.

old and new things

Days are going quickly now, and I'm getting ready for the day in the park. Veronica is going to have a booth, and we will sell beadwork and necklaces that I made from things from my trip to Arizona-they are turning out nicely and I am pleased. I have woven two shawls and that is so relaxing.

It is a summer for learning-adapting to change. Always I have loved the outside-hated the inside. This summer I hate to go outside. The evenings were when my partner and I used to sit outside and contemplate the wonders-make plans and talk about the old times. At last I discovered that it isn't the lonesomeness as much as the feeling of being so small in the world now. How I once loved the remoteness of our home-the luxury of sitting outside and not seeing another human being. Now I prefer to go inside my cocoon and pull the walls in around me. Maybe now that I understand it I can deal with it. I grieve the losses, and I find the future. I mourn the loss of friendships who thought I wanted more than friendships but am learning to stand alone. The deaths that encircle the reservation bring to mind how little we actually have in our lives that matters and I find myself ready to go home. The visit from Texas won't happen and I don't care. The little Christian children and their little Christian mother have nothing to be gained from a trip here-I have nothing to give them. My soul is empty and I find myself wondering about the Creator at times, not from my own plight of course, but for the plight of those around me, the children, the fact that there is no childhood on the reservation. To see three Marines in full dress uniform all crying for their cousin won't be forgotten. The father who buries his last remaining child -how does he go on? Where is the light? We all come in surrounded by people, and we all go out alone with the walls pulled up around us.

old and new things

trip photos

Val and the tour, and restored equipment.

THe mythical 22 Plains Drive-

Powder River Pass, saw Elk and many deer, the creeks were bank to bank and Meadowlark lake still had ice on it.