This morning at 8:15am, I took the dog out for a walk. I decided to see if I could find the rental that fell through prior to settling on the place we are in now. I did. I am infinitely glad I ended up where I am. The house itself is fine, but the houses nearby had a myriad of cars, ATVs, Truck Campers, barking dogs, etc. I ended up with at least 1 great neighbor and respectful quiet neighbors on the other sides.
This is Rosa:
My parents are coming for a visit next week. First time in 3 years. For anyone that knows me really well, you will understand just how bizarre the plan to take them to the CO Stock Show is. You see, I pretty much despise rodeo from a previous stint as an English Comp I teacher at a Jr. College in a rodeo obsessed part of the middle of nowhere. There is nothing like reading 10 or 12 rodeo papers for every assignment. I was so sick of rodeo, I nearly banned it as a topic.
Thus we return to the oddity of me taking my parents to the Stock Show next week. But, I grew up on a farm. My parents will like it. My son will like it. I will probably like it--if I don't have to see or hear anything about bull-riding. Yeee Haw.
I really do live in the Great West. In CA, we were not steeped in the "Old West" tradition. Gold Rush maybe, but no one much was into the Wild Bills and Ranching.
The other day in the car my son asked me if I had ever seen a real canon. And also, could he shoot one. This triggered a memory of Birch Coulee from my childhood. The battle occurred in 1862 (my memory is not quite this awesome--I had to go look up the year) during the Dakota War and I did a book report on it in 4th grade. It is listed as a MN historical site and I remember specifically seeing a canon as well as bows and arrowheads when we visited 25 years ago. It remains a field trip for many elementary age students still back home. I think when we make our summer trip back home we'll be doing a camping trip there to go hike that old waterfall and so my son can have his "field trip" to Birch Coulee, like all good Western MN children do. There are some traditions worth passing on.
Last night I finished The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. It was a fast good read. If I could pick what heaven would be like, this way wouldn't be half bad. Sadly, it was my first book of the year. I want to read more this year. I miss reading.
Speaking of reading, my son is starting to learn. He can sound out small words and is practicing writing. He loves books and stories and I am pretty excited that he is learning so he can try himself. I know he is going to love it. That day when we both have reading time before bed is going to be great.
Time to end this procrastination effort and kick myself in gear. Unfortunately for me that work is not going to do itself, nor will it go away if I neglect it.
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