March 2014 Roundup!

Did you notice that I included the word *Roundup* in the title of this blog post? Those of you who have been faithful followers of PrairiePonderingsMT for a while have probably noticed that a *Roundup* post typically follows a long drought of posts and allows me to briefly update readers on some of what's been going on lately, why I've been busy and haven't written much. I have heard through the grapevine that one or two of you have been going through withdrawal (KenmoreJim!). Thanks for sticking with me! Enjoy the March 2104 Roundup!

Calving
Calving is actually nearing its end at this point. We're probably about 80% finished and definitely tapering off. Overall, it's gone very well so far. We had one still-born, but had a set of twins to match one up with the baby-less mama so as of yet we're still 100% for calves. Now the calves are mostly out in the large pen where they have room to romp around and hop and play. They're pretty cute. I'll try to get some photos soon. As of now, Jeff and I are still staying over at his folks' place but I think we're nearing the time when we'll be able to stay at home again.

Hoop!
Another reason I love this time of year is that NCAA basketball heats up with tournament play and there tends to be time during calving to spend watching a lot of games in between checks. This year was no different and has been especially thrilling as my hometown Iowa State Cyclones are advancing to the Sweet Sixteen! We have been following them all year and I have definitely converted Jeff and his family into Cyclone fans (works out well because the Bobcats are not exactly a basketball power). We watched Iowa State beat Kansas State, Kansas (Somebody got their Chalk Rocked!), and then Baylor to win the Big 12 Tournament for the first time in many years. Then we watched the Cyclones defeat North Carolina Central and University of North Carolina in the first few matchups of the Big Dance. This Friday they're headed to Madison Square Garden in NYC to take on UConn. I am ecstatic! We have also been following and cheering for Stanford because Josh Huestis has a local connection. Cheer with us! :)

Jet Setting
As part of our FUE leadership training, we were fortunate to travel to Santa Fe, NM for several days to attend the National Farmers Union Convention. The Convention was really interesting and informative and I learned a lot about the organization as a whole. It truly is a grassroots organization, and a good example of democracy in action. Each time I attend a conference or convention I am affirmed that this is a group I want to be in and this was no different. There was a lot of talk about the Farm Bill, how Farmers Union played a role in passing it, and what it means for farmers. We were also very privileged to see U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack as the keynote speaker of the convention. He is a great advocate for rural america and agriculture- his speech was very good. The best part of the convention was getting together with the other FUE couples that are in our group. We have a great group of friends that I know we will keep for many years to come, thanks to this experience!

Track&Field
Track season is underway as we are in our second week of practices. I am an Assistant Coach again this year, working specifically on the hurdle and high jump events again. Our team is returning a lot of leadership and talent this year so I think we will again have a good chance to do well in post-season meets on both the boys and girls squads. Right now, we are practicing indoors and mainly working on good running form mechanics, flexibility, quickness, etc. I can't wait for practice to begin moving outdoors and to begin to dig in to some of our event work. I think it's going to be a really great season!

SUM
We have all been staying busy with Shape Up Montana activities. No more weird green smoothies lately, but we are having fun, getting healthy, and working together. Last week we had a challenge to make a vegetable soup. I have to say it was much tastier than the smoothie.  This week we are competing in a "virtual 5k." Our team is ranked 9 out of 25 teams, so we're doing pretty good!

Seamstress For Hire
With March also comes Prom Season. I have kept very busy with Prom dress alterations this year. Each of the previous two years I had only one dress to alter, but this year I have had three dresses plus a few other projects thrown in, all for friends and neighbors on the hi-line.  It's fun to see the styles of dresses the girls are picking out and I have had some unique problem-solving opportunities in a few cases with some of the dresses. Bejeweled, brightly-hewed poofy princess dresses have been strewn about my house for several weeks now. It looks like an exploded bag of sparkly Skittles in my living room sewing area. Nice to keep up my sewing skills!

So there you have it! Brief blasts about a variety of goings-on in our world right now! Spring will be here before you know it. Well, Calendar Spring has begun, but it's still snowy and wintry around here. We're waiting for days to warm up a bit and I know Jeff is anxious to get out in the field when they dry out. For now, I'm actually thankful for an extended spring skiing season. With record snowfall this year at our nearest ski hill and Jeff starting to get into skiing, we have had a lot of fun and I don't want it to end! All the same, that's all for now, folks! Thanks for reading, everyone!