Hog Wild

The Stugis Motorcycle Rally doesn't start until next week, but the bikers are starting to come! Although all the signs say Sturgis, the rally is actually in all of the Black Hills. It is one wild time! It is one of my favorite times of the summer. All the bikers are here for a fun time and their bikes are LOUD and beautiful. The rally isn't really a family atmosphere because of the clothing or lack of...but it is something I would recommend everyone experiece just once.

And of course, what happens in Sturgis, stays in Sturgis.

I've been tagged!!

4 jobs i've had:

Waitress

Park Ranger

Wildland Firefighter

Teacher

4 places i've lived:

KayCee, WY

Hot Springs, SD

Boise, ID

Gillette, WY

4 TV shows I like:

The Office

Greys Anatomy

ER

Men in Trees

4 of my favorite foods:

Steak and Potatoes

Mexican

Guacamole

Hamburgers

4 Websites I frequent:

L.L. Bean

Blogs

Mrs. Pohlmeyer's Kinder Page

Old Navy

4 places i'd rather be right now:

Alaska

Europe

Floating a River

Camping

4 movies i love:

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

G.I. Jane

Guys and Dolls

Gone with the Wind

tagging:

Leah

Angela

Michelle

relaxing...or trying to!

As most of my readers know, I have spent the last week with my two little nieces. They were safely returned back to their parents on Tuesday evening and I was back home by Wednesday evening; and I've got to say that my butt is dragging!! It was a wonderful time, don't get me wong, but I had no idea how much energy it takes to keep up with a 2 and 3 year old.

With only one week left of my summer vacation, I am looking forward to getting some quality relaxing in. I'm not quite sure what that looks like just yet, but I know that it will involve finishing my book, a great bike ride, a trip to the Black Hills Playhouse and a few other fun things. Getting to spend time with my nieces and nephew has been a great highlight of the summer though!

Sunday song.

I have been listening to this song a lot lately...I hope that you all enjoy it!

Fast Friends

We have been having a great time having Jason and Leah's girls this week-end. On Friday my friend T. came over with her 3 kids. We played at the park, blew bubbles and then had a little BBQ. The kids played really well together and can't wait to see each other at church on Sunday. I caught them in a great pose while playing in the grass. Priceless! ( I had a hard time deciding what pic. to use, so I used both!)

Git-R-Done!

Today was the first annual Redneck Rally in Edgemont South Dakota.

The parade was to start at 11:00, so we got the girls up and after we had eaten some breakfast, stopped at the store for some fruit snacks and juice, we were on the road by 10:30. It takes about 30 minutes to get over to Edgemont. We found a place to park, got out candy bags and waited for the parade to start. It was a few minutes late (mind you it was supposed to start at 11:00) and was OVER by 11:15!! It was hilarious! They had about 4 floats entered and then some poor unsuspecting vehicles that were just traveling through.

We left after the parade because it was such a hot day and the girls were getting a little bored. But some of the other events throughout the day were: lawnmower races, seedspittin' contest, chicken roping, and a melodrama " The Pony Espresso."

This was the first annual redneck rally and I hope it continues!

Enjoy the tips! You never know when they will come in handy.

TIPS FROM THE REDNECK BOOK OF MANNERS

1. Never take a beer to a job interview.
2. Always identify people in your yard before shooting at them.

3. It’s considered poor taste to take a cooler to church.
4. If you have to vacuum the bed, it is time to change the sheets.
5. Even if you’re certain that you are included in the will, it is still considered tacky to drive a U-Haul to the funeral home.

DINING OUT

1. If drinking directly from the bottle, always hold it with your fingers covering the label.
2. Avoid throwing bones and food scraps on the floor as the restaurant may not have dogs.

ENTERTAINING IN YOUR HOME
1. A centerpiece for the table should never be anything prepared by a taxidermist.
2. Do not allow the dog to eat at the table no matter how good his manners are.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

1. While ears need to be cleaned regularly, this is a job that should be done in private using one’s OWN truck keys.
2. Proper use of toiletries can forestall bathing for several days. However, if you live alone, deodorant is not a waste of good money.
3. Dirt and grease under the fingernails is a social no-no, as they tend to detract from a woman’s jewelry and alter the taste of finger foods.

DATING (Outside the Family)

1. Always offer to bait your date’s hook, especially on the first date.
2. Be aggressive. Let her know you’re interested: “I’ve been wanting to go out with you since I read that stuff on the bathroom wall two years ago.”
3. Establish with her parents what time she is expected back. Some will say 10:00 PM; Others might say “Monday.” If the latter is the answer, it is the man’s responsibility to get her to school on time.
4. Always have a positive comment about your date’s appearance, such as, “ya’ll sure don’t sweat much for a fat broad.”

WEDDINGS

1. Livestock, usually, is a poor choice for a wedding gift.
2. Kissing the bride for more than 5 seconds may get you shot.
3. For the groom, at least, rent a tux. A leisure suit with a cummerbund and a clean bowling shirt can create too sporty an appearance.
4. Though uncomfortable, say “yes” to socks and shoes for this special occasion.
5. It is not appropriate to tell the groom how good his wife is in the sack.

DRIVING ETIQUETTE
1. Dim your headlights for approaching vehicles; Even if the gun is loaded, and the deer is in sight.
2. When approaching a four-way stop, the vehicle with the largest tires always has the right of way.
3. Never tow another car using panty hose and duct tape.
4. When sending your wife down the road with a gas can, it is impolite to ask her to bring back beer.
5. Never relieve yourself from a moving vehicle, especially when driving.
6. Do not lay rubber while traveling in a funeral procession.

TWO REASONS WHY IT IS HARD TO SOLVE A REDNECK MURDER

1. All the DNA is the same.

2. There are no dental records

fun time was had by all.

I left Sunday to visit my brother and his family in Denver and had a great time. We went shopping, had GREAT conversation, ate some wonderful food and played with the kids. Tuesday morning, B and T challenged me to a game of Candyland...I lost to a 2 year old.
Jason and Leah, you have a wonderful family! Your babies are so sweet and fun to be with.

My main squeeze...Jake!!

I just spent 5 days with the most handsome red-headed hunk...my 8 month old nephew. He is so stinkin' cute! He may not be much of a talker, but he sure likes a good tickle and giggle. Jake, your growing up so fast!

Can't Wait!!

In just 3 days I will be in Denver visiting my brother and sister-in-law and their babies! I am super excited to get to spend some much needed time with them. I know our time will be kept busy with the kids' age being 3, 2, and 8 months, but it will be fun to go swimming, to the park and of course SPOIL them. I am also looking forward to getting some great shopping in.

love it!

I found this headboard on another blog site. Her husband made it and I think it is too neat! The colors are wonderful and I love the monogram letter on top. I wouldn't mind having one like it...someday.

I'm a sucker for this stuff.

74%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Mingle² - Online Dating

I found this on my friends blog and had to take it right away!

BTW: the online dating icon came with the quiz...just to clear anything up! : )

Alabaugh Fire

On Saturday night a fire caused by a dry lightning started right outside of Hot Springs. Hot Springs is in Fall River County which is the DRIEST county in South Dakota. I was able to get out on Hwy 71 before it was shut down and get some pictures. In all my years of fighting fire, this is one of the worst I've seen because of all the dry fuels and type of country it's in. This is also a very personal fire for me. My good friends lost everything...and I have a handful of other friends who have been evacuated and only have their houses left but no outbuildings or ranch left.

Everyone is in good spirits considering all that has happened.

God is good!!

All American 4th of July

I had a very enjoyable 4th of July with my folks. It started off with a great 10K run with some friends, then on to our small town parade with some very interesting floats! After a nice long, much needed afternoon nap we went over to Crawford, Nebraska for a PRCA rodeo. After the rodeo, there was a great fireworks display over the rodeo grounds.

Mom and Dad enjoying the festivities

Some future cowboys sitting at the end of the trailer.

A beautiful sunset over the arena

Tasty Funnel Cake anyone?!

4th of July Celebration!!


On Thursday and Friday I went and helped some friends at their branding. It was a great time!!

Out of Service!

Just a short note to all of those that I either talk with on the phone or text with, but I am out of service and will continue to be out of service for a day or so due to the fire. It has burned up a couple of the cell towers and the other one within reaching distance is being used by all the fire crews.

I have some great pictures from when it started last night that I'll get posted in a couple of days.
I hope everyone is having a restful Sunday!

Happy 4th of July

The Pledge of Allegiance
I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands,one Nation under God,indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Done.

My folks and I headed back to Boise last Thursday to load up my apartment and classroom. It was nice to get that little chore out of the way, but at the same time, sad that I won't be calling Boise home. It was nice to touch base with some friends and faimly and I know that I will be back often to visit!!
I am looking forward to starting my new job in Gillette.

For all my girl friends!

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … by Maya Angelou

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a youth she's content to leave behind ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... one friend who always makes her laugh ... and one who lets her cry ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored ...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a feeling of control over her destiny ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... how to fall in love without losing herself ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... How to quit a job, Break up with a lover, And confront a friend without ruining the friendship …

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE … enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own even if she never wants to or needs to ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... when to try harder ... and when to walk away ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... that her childhood may not have been perfect ... but its over ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... what she would and wouldn't do for love or more ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... how to live alone ... even if she doesn't like it ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally …

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... where to go ... be it to her best friend's kitchen table ... or a charming inn in the woods ... when her soul needs soothing ...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ... what she can and can't accomplish in a day ... a month ... and a year ...