#Unpredictable

This year I set some goals to make changes in my life; work on some priorities that I have not

spent anytime focusing on in the last few years. All goals revolved around

working on a focus for a book, a podcast, and upping my game on the blog. I have been

plugging away at the goals, accomplishing a few, moving backwards on the organizational

goals I set, and starting the process to accomplish some long time goals of mine. It has all

been very unpredictable. Which is the name of my new podcast.

This week I went back to running, which got me back to my podcast listening, which

inspired me to dive in a little deeper.

My goals are the same, but with a new sharper focus. Thus the name change of my blog.

This will now sync up with the new podcast. (the first two practice episodes

are up with my nieces Sara and Katie) Unpredictable is the stories of this crazy,

twisting and turning unpredictable life we live.

Follow along and if you have a story you would share I would love to hear from you.

By the way, there is no story to crazy or unbelievable or unpredictable. They may not

be crazy or unbelievable, but they are real. I hope you enjoy the unpredictable ride.

Never Ending Winter in South Dakota

It is the middle of April, typically we would be enjoying semi warm spring days. We would

have enjoyed some outdoor bike rides, walks/runs by now. Instead we are getting yet another

blizzard. This is the winter that won’t go away. This morning I read a post my niece

Katie shared. I cried. Katie was asking for prayers for farmers and ranchers in

South Dakota as they continue the spring calving/lambing season. One farmer

posted they were giving up, it was simply too dangerous to continue looking for new

born calves in the blizzard conditions. Most of these farmers care deeply about the

animals they raise, yes, it is their source of revenue, but there is a real connection

with nature when you are a cattleman/woman.

I was reminded of a particularly difficult winter when I was a young girl. I remember

my dad bundling up to walk to our “Other Place”, another acreage my parents owned

that was 5 miles away by road. As Mom wrapped a scarf around his face to protect

from the stinging wind we all watched, wondering what he would find. I remembered

being worried, but really unsure of the danger of what he was about encounter. Likely

we played a board game to keep our minds off of our dad being out there. I don’t recall

if we had electricity, but probably did not. When we received a phone call from the

Anderson’s we knew he made it there. He and Joe would go to help other neighbors

with their cattle. Several farmers lost countless stock cows and calves when the storm

was finally over.

Several things come to mind with this event. One the selfless act of helping each other

in a time of difficulty, even when it was personally life threatening. The sense of neighbor

helping neighbor was stronger than personal comfort and safety. And of course the love

and of stewardship for the animals. The entire community was saddened by the loss these

farmers felt for their herds. It was never easy.

As we wrap up the never ending winter of 2018, say a prayer for these families. The

work they do is hard, they feed us and help keep us clothed. They should be appreciated.

They are looking forward to the sunshine and joy will warmer temperatures bring them,

this year more than ever.

Wishing you safety and sunshine!