Discoveries

On the farm in Illinois, we had three peonies bushes.  Sprouting out of the ground, year after year, we would watch their golf ball size buds, covered in ants, split open in a dazzling ball of fluffy-looking flower.  These lovely flowers are old-fashioned, short-lived, elegant and sought after.

An old legend, passed on from generation to generation, is that a peony flower will not open without the help of ants.  Turns out this is simply legend.  The ants seek nectar found of the opening flowers; check out this article  Ants and Peonies 

I've planted at least a half dozen peony plants since I arrived in Jackson.  To date, not a one of them has bloomed.

Over the long holiday weekend, Mike and I got to spend quite a bit of time at the "Franch" - the name "Tin Cup Ranch" is in consideration.  We cleaned out some unbelievably gross couches out of the garage, cut a big yard's worth of grass, and found an amazing and most likely, very old peony plant.  It's dark red flowers are just beginning to open under the warm, western sky.  Here is a treasure!

Today, the weeds on the 60 tillable acres were sprayed.  Soon, half the acreage will be planted with an alfalfa grass mix.  What to do with the other 30 acres??  We don't have enough pipe to water the entire place.  I have been researching dry farm crops.  Sunflowers?  Millet?  Peas?  I don't know what there will be, but leaving ground bare and fallow is not this farm girl's idea of good farming!!

Annual Physical Work Capacity Test

No doubt, an annual physical test of a firefighter's health, stamina, and general physical ability is good practice.  The test, called the work capacity test, pushes the firefighter's heart to its capacity, stretches muscles to their maximum load, and requires significant lung work.  Most of us hack for a couple of days afterward! 

Geared up in bunker gear, air tank, helmet and gloves, the firefighter starts at the far end of the course, pulling an in-charged fire house 200 feet.  The hose is dropped and a hose pack picked up, thrown over a shoulder, as the firefighter commences a three story climb up the training tower.  Thighs screaming, lungs aching for air, the firefighter reaches the top of the tower, sets the hose pack down and pulls up a rolled fire house to the top of the tower, then hand over hand, lowers it to the ground.

Descending back down the training tower, the firefighter has a brief opportunity to recover.  As soon as ground is hit, the Keiser sled is next.  Climbing on the rails, the firefighter takes a sledge hammer and pounds a weight down the sled.  Once achieved, a walk across the course to a ladder which is picked up and carried to the tower, erected, and then replaced on the ground.

The last task is to pull a 185 pound tire down the course and return (uphill) to the finish line.  At this point, the firefighter is in a breathless state, tugging and pulling and putting out the maximum output. 

Finished!  For another year!!

Janet expresses her great joy for this test!!

To Be Human

She was pushing a wheel chair filled with the wrinkled and frail body of an incoherent old woman.  The old woman’s eyes closed shut in her white face of cascading wrinkles.  There were three, they traveled slowly, south down the wide, concrete sidewalk, out for a walk in the afternoon sun next the road which traveled next to the sea.  The streets were lined in over-pruned sycamore trees, their fingerless knotty fists punching at the blue Mediterranean sky overhead. 

I noticed the bird first.  Sitting on her left shoulder, its feathers gray like the woman’s hair who pushed the chair.  A red cloth lanyard draped from the bird’s foot to the woman’s wrist.  With delight, I looked into the woman’s eyes and she stopped our group with the warmth of a friend. White eyed, the bird peered at me as her owner commanded his tricks.  Drawing me in close to the bird, she ordered the handsome bird to kiss me.  A gentle peck on the check – we all shouted out in glee! The bird and I gave each other a high five.  Cheers from the group!  She handed me the fine feathered friend and it cradled in my arms like a baby, peering all the time with those white eyes above the black shining beak.  The bird, back on its owner’s hand, gave a squawk and we cheered again in delight.  What a priceless gift!

This connection of human beings.  Her world so far from mine.  We do not share languages, we do not share countries.  We share only the act of being human.  We connected through the delight of a parrot.  Her gift was priceless. To be held forever in my and our group’s memory. 

Thinking about this wonderful experience on this, my birthday.  

And the Flood Season Begins

Finally warmer weather.  This is the confluence of the Snake and Hoback River.  And so, flood season begins.

The view downstream....

What did you do last weekend?

We helped brand cows!  Saturday, up early to move cows at the Walton Ranch.  Beautiful morning.  First time on my trusty mule, Gus.  He was great and it was just one of those breath-takingly beautiful mornings.  Then, jump in the truck and head to Alpine to brand friend Benni's "herd".  Twelve moms and twelve babies.  More of a back yard setup, this work was a bit more complex.  Happily no one/no cow was hurt (beyond castration and branding) and we zoomed back to Hoback Junction to get in the shower so we could make the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet.  A nice fundraiser with oodles of people and prizes.  It went on a little long, ending at 10:30pm.  Home to sleep fast.

Up and at it on Sunday to be on our trusty steeds for the 8am move the cows at the Walton Ranch, which was again quite beautiful and fun.  Gus was a bit more wound up with 18 other riders working the cows, but we all did just fine.

Branding, castrating, shots, and ear growth hormones over and over again as we worked our way through close to 200 calves.  The cows get worked as well.  Finished up to an amazing lunch with BBQ ribs, giant dishes of beans, potatoes, salads, and wonderful desserts.  Put all that with a Mike's lemonade, and you are worthless the remainder of the afternoon.  We came home and passed out for about an hour!!

And just like that, the weekend is over!!

SOLD!

After 21 years, I have sold my beloved AFrames on Jean Street.  They have taken very good care of Mike and me.  Quite the process, this real-estate stuff.  The closing for the AFrames was on Wednesday.  Today, we bought 80 acres with 2 houses, one airplane hanger, one huge shop, two barns, and farm equipment and have enough money left to begin planting and growing alfalfa.  It is really quite remarkable, the whole thing.  I am sad and happy and astounded. 

This is Mike's place.  Not sure if to call it a farm or a ranch, we have named it our "franch".  First priority is to get a crop in the field.  Alfalfa, once established, is productive for about six years.  The objective is to produce some good hay. 

Just on the other side of the Wyoming border, the place sits at the base of Tin Cup Pass just inside the Idaho line.  The past owners will stay at the main house while they decide their next move.  The other house, a smaller 1000 square foot house needs some work.  Priority number two. 

Here is a view, looking north.  Mike's Franch.  I think we did pretty darn good!

  

Pictures, Pre-Launch

Once one starts fishing in the Derby, there is no time for picture taking.  Shoot, there is hardly time to eat lunch.  I went the entire derby without peeing!!  Always a proud accomplishment!!  Here are some pictures from before and after the 0700-1600 hours derby.

And The Winners Are.......

The Derby day is predictably not a nice day for weather.  Saturday was predictable.  The 0700 launch time had choppy water and a breeze from the north.  By noon, whitecaps tossed frustrated fishermen (and two women) about, trying to keep lines from tangling and boats from getting sideways to the gale.  Overcast and cold, some boats snugged into protected bays and coves while changing fishing strategies.  

Tanner caught a winning cutthroat (17") to earn our boat second place and take home a $1200 prize money check!  

Let the fishing season begin!!

Saturday Weather REport

You've got to love the humor in the weather report for Saturday's fishing derby.  Wind makes fishing pretty hard.  Easy to get tangled up.  Hard to keep lines straight.  Can be very frustrating.  We'll do the best we can do.  When I checked in with my Captain this morning, his boat was not working.  He seemed confident he could fix it in time.  Here is a picture from the past from beautiful Jackson Lake.

Smoke is doing well.  Speculation is that he may have a torn ACL.  He seems happy and not in pain.  We will get him in for further examination.  In this picture, he is still a pup.  Awhhh!!

FDIC Video

During my FDIC presentation, I was filmed for this posting.  Here is a bit of my presentation.  Have a great day!!

Bits from FDIC

Too busy to post.....

May is a nuts month.  Derby is this weekend.  The ice is almost off Jackson Lake.  Signal is the only open dock right now.  We are hopeful Leeks will open by Saturday.  Lots of planning and details getting worked out.  Check out our Facebook page at JL Ice Off Derby  On top of this upcoming event, there is work, a greening yard, a need-to-be planted greenhouse, a garden that is not getting planted, and fence to fix.  Too much, too much!!  Have a great weekend and for my Illinois family and friends, I hope the rain quits one of these days!

Pack Test Success!!

Three miles.  45 pound pack.  In 46 or less minutes.  I got 'er done on Wednesday with my friends from Station 4.  We had an awesome "hike in the Park", admiring the grizzly bear mud tracks down the very road we hiked!

This old lady can still do it!!  My knees feel great and I wasn't even sore the next day!  Advil, energy drink, and great stories along the way!!

Yet, in another classroom....

Today we began a local car seat technician class in Jackson Hole.  It's a rare offering, condensed to three, rather than four, days with 9 students enrolled.  I recall Michael once saying, "the car seat program is the most important thing you do, Kathy."  I'll never forget him saying this.  It has stuck and continues to inspire me to push this program forward.  We finish with a car seat check-up event held in conjunction with the annual Teton County Health Fair . 

Smoke displayed great improvement yesterday, running up the hill when I came home, looking happy, wagging his head.  I am suddenly hopeful he may make a full recovery!  Still being realistic, but very happy to see my friend feeling better. 

Back to class!!

Home. Again.

Traveling to Barcelona gave me a whole new reality when it comes to US traveling! Just like that - I am home!  No glitches.  Remarkably!  I heard that after out plane left Indy, many flights cancelled due to the stormy weather.  Phew.  Got into Denver and it was snowing.  Our flight was delayed as we had to be de-iced.  Mike patiently waited in Jackson, visiting with other friends picking up family.  It is always so good to be home.

Smoke seems to be improving.  He is still gimpy, but moving around better.  I think he dislocated his hip.  Vet visit next week.

We met one of the 5 Chief candidates in the airport.  Todd, from Moline, Illinois, and his wife Heather.  Our organization will get a look at them tomorrow night.

So happy it is Saturday.  A full day tomorrow to figure out what to do something with!  The sun slipped behind Munger Mountain tonight as I sat in an outside chair - wine glass in hand - my eyes closed to the brightness and my body warming to the rays.  The grass is greening, the hummingbirds are no two instead of one.  Spring is coming.  Spring is coming.....

Last Night in Indy

Black clouds cut by lightning knives from the sky and quarter sized rain drops finish off this Friday evening.  I have been darn busy here at FDIC.  Too busy to post - obviously!  Apologies for that.  The sea of firefighters is impressive.  The convention center is impressive; lined with vendors pushing their products.  A stadium filled with apparatus did not get viewed, for all the other activities.  I have been overwhelmed. 

The presentation went well this morning.  A man from Sweden, couple of guys from Aspen, one from Idaho - a total of a bit over 30.  Every class has an evaluation form for the students and we instructors are allowed to review them.  I was pleased with the reviews and nudged in a couple of suggestions for an improved presentation next year.  It is an honor and privilege to have this opportunity to be a FDIC instructor.  I am humbled.  I come home with an Instructor's name badge, a certificate, and a FDIC challenge coin....soon to be framed and posed with great pride on my wall. 

Opening session was standing room only.  I heard there were over 5K people there.  Bobby Halton gave an impassioned speech on Duty.  Bag pipes brought in the flag and played "Amazing Grace" as the names of the 2016 LODD were displayed on the big screen.  Not too many dry eyes in the room right then!  Here is a picture of the crowd.

Six degrees of separation happened too often to be believable!  Ran into some firefighters who said, "hey, we know someone who used to live in Jackson!"  Of course, you have to ask who - they work alongside Freddy!!  We laughed and laughed, making the connection!

Tonight, on the way home in the bus shuttle, a pile of guys exit, leaving one lone man who moves from the back and asks, "You're from Jackson?"  I nod.  "I applied for the Fire Marshal job out there a few years back!"  He didn't realize he was talking to the person who got that job back then!  We shook our heads in amazement, that in this throng of firefighter mass population, he and I would happen chance to meet!  Crazy!

When I travel, Jackson Hole is my identity.  I can strike up conversations with anyone!  This morning on the bus ride over I had the nicest conversation with Mr. Roper.  A black man, born and raised in Montgomery Alabama, we shared our enjoyment for morning, as the sky turned firey red on the eastern horizon.  His daddy was a cotton farmer.  He and his wife have been married 52 years.  We chatted on and on sharing life's joys.  It was a really great way to start the day.

Packed up and alarm clock set for 4am (groan), I am ready to return to Wyoming.  Sleep well, my friends - old and new. 

Our Dogs, Our Friends

Ruby, the young dog, is becoming impatient.  She wants to play again.  Smoke is putting weight on his bad leg/foot, but is still wobbly.  This is going to take awhile of healing.

I'm off tomorrow to the BIG EVENT!  Off to Indiana for the biggest firefighter event of the year!!  FDIC  Promise to post often!

Smoke Status

Friday.  Smoke is kind of walking about.  Having a bunch of Prednisone aboard, he is very food-motivated - even more than normal!!  His leg that we feared was paralyzed is now responsive to pain.  We have reason to be guardedly hopeful.

This night before dear friend Jen's birthday is one to watch for meteors.  Our plan is to get out of bed around 4am, crawl into the hot tub and look east in hopes of sky show.  The sky is always a show for me, but throwing in a meteor or two makes getting out of bed very easy!!  Happy Birthday Jen!  I hope you too enjoy meteor showers from your amazing hot tub!!

Enjoy the weekend and spring!

Update Report

This morning, at 2am, Smoke peed!  It was a big deal because it told us he is not paralyzed in his back end.  This morning, he walk-wobbled to eat his food.  His left leg still is not working right.  We are guardedly hopeful that leg will come around.  For now, we are relieved that putting Smoke down will not have to happen.

A three legged dog?  Friend Seth has had one for 16 years!  Old Griz is still alive and kicking.  Smoke is tough enough......we hope to see that leg come back.

Will keep you all posted.

Thank you for the notes of concern and love and thoughts toward Smoke's recovery.  I believe your kind energy makes a difference.

Smoke

Just the other day, I watched Ruby and Smoke playing with each other and said how nice it is they like each other so much.

Yesterday, as they chased each other around the Walton Ranch, Smoke crashed into a piece of equipment.  No one saw it happen, but he laid there kie-yahing in pain when Mike and Tom ran out of the shop nearby. 

The emergency visit to the vet found no broken bones, but Smoke has lost the feeling and use of one back leg and perhaps even worse, his entire back end.  The vet has him on prednisone in hopes the swelling will go down and we will be able to see some changes for the better.  Mike and I are not optimistic. There may be spinal column damage.

Our hearts break over this accident.  Smoke is a wonderful, kind, sincere dog.  He is not even five years old yet.  We hope for the best and prepare for the worse as this gray and rainy day ticks on. 

 

Spring Stories

The picture below, taken of the elk relaxing in a field, was after a 70 degree temperature was observed on my car thermometer.  Today it is snowing.  Seriously.

Chicks have arrived!  They were born on Monday.  On Thursday, all are still alive!!