Confession: I’ve never been much of a Valentine’s Day girl, for a couple reasons, it can be such a let down. It’s kinda like New Year’s Eve, such high expectations for grandiose and fun and in the past I’ve gone home and done the “Really? Did he seriously take me to Sammy’s pizza and I have to sit in the “family section”, how much forethought does that take?” So last year when Matt and I decided to create our night and buy surf and turf to celebrate (versus gifts), I wasn’t aware of the tradition that we were starting and I’m glad we did. It was a wonderful night, actually the best I’ve had all year. We cooked dinner together (smoked sirloin steaks and steamed Alaskan king crab) while enjoying a bottle of red and some spiked apple cider. We then moved onto the living room where we had great conversation over martinis. We covered all sorts of topics from our past trips, to our pasts, to the wedding, to our future. It was an incredible night that may have made me a believer in Valentine’s Day and the romance that goes with it.
The night kicked off a productive weekend where I spent most of Saturday cleaning house, which was strangely cleansing. By the end of the day I was feeling awful productive but a bit grungy and tired. On Sunday, we started slow but made our way to Mom and Dad’s to clean barn, play with the calves, and supervise another birth. Matt left that night, but I stayed put to run errands in Bismarck the next day with Mom. These included a trip to the dentist, a haircut, a trip to my tax guy, pharmacy, groceries, AND MORE. It was good to be with Mom for the day just running around and talking. We didn’t do too much wedding stuff but we are in the bump of not being too close to do some things but having most of the big things already done.
We are heading north this next weekend to check out Brendan and Claudia’s newest addition, Jackson Liam, who arrived this week.
Best Meal: Valentine’s Day Surf and Turf. The funny thing is that Matt had me steam carrots to go with the meal, they didn’t even get to the table. We’ll have them with porkchops tonight.
“I love Valentine’s Day.” MJR
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Making News.
So Matthew is competitive and likes to have his way. For those of you that know him, this is no surprise. In an attempt to not be outdone by my father, he decided to hit the news with the most splash he could. Not only has United announced but Delta followed suit. Which means more crabbiness and more airtime. The saddest part was that he was supposed to be on the news Thursday night, but was bumped for some Pakistani birds that are at ECLC. My mother determined that he may need my father to be his publicist because he never gets bumped and often makes all three news (6, 10, and Morning). Matt did manage to finally get his handsome face on two stations on Friday and then a live broadcast on Tuesday, which my father hasn’t been able to accomplish yet. I believe the quote was “I’ve one-upped your father.”
This week has been crazy. Work has been hectic for both of us. I have been trying to get on the blog to catch up for a bit and between getting caught up at home and all, things just haven’t gone my way. We did spend last weekend in Bismarck as my father went to Nebraska to a bull sale. Matt was my super hero for the weekend. He came and did chores for my dad so that he could go. I don’t know if he’ll understand what a big deal that it was to me, my father, or my mother. I have dated guys in the past who did not want to work with the farm and did not understand it. It’s nice to know that Matt’s willing to invest time and sweat into something that’s a major part of me and continues to be a huge part of my life, no matter where I live. He also understands the sacrifice that my father makes and the work that he puts in on a daily basis. He had a minor hiccup, but we came out in great shape, so no worries!
The big worry of the weekend was the storm that was moving through the Midwest, specifically eastern SD, where Dad was coming back from with 5 head that he’d purchased. He was driving back with little to no sleep, going 35 miles an hour in crappy conditions. It was hard for the three of us to watch the radar and try to guide him back. Was glad to hear the phone ring at 3:30am, saying he was just getting to the gravel. Matt and I will be picking out one of those cows to add to our herd.
Did get myself a little sick on Sunday, I think it was a combination of working my neck out of line and sleepiness. I think it’s been brewing for awhile but a visit to the chiropractor and 2 days of no big time exertion has me back to feeling like normal.
We even got to see a bit more family as Michele and Randy made it down to Bismarck for a lunch. They were awful nice to treat us and we also got to see their new toys, handguns. Makes me think Matt and I might have to get them. We also visited the hospital to check on Gramma’s progress. She was looking pretty good and was ejected from the hospital this past Thursday to go back home. She’ll still be going to rehab but we are in a much better spot than two weeks ago.
Best meal: We went to famous dave’s and the company is what made the meal but the pizza for supper that night was pretty dang good and hit the spot after chores.
Best quotes of the weekend all made by MJR.
“There’s nothing on YouTube on how to pick up round bales with a tractor!!!!”
“Come and get’er girls!” To the cows as he dropped feed into the bunks
“I think that’s what your dad says, too” To me, who couldn’t help but snicker at my farmer-in-training.
“Who shit in the bunk?” back to the cows, who probably do not get that said to them by my dad.
This week has been crazy. Work has been hectic for both of us. I have been trying to get on the blog to catch up for a bit and between getting caught up at home and all, things just haven’t gone my way. We did spend last weekend in Bismarck as my father went to Nebraska to a bull sale. Matt was my super hero for the weekend. He came and did chores for my dad so that he could go. I don’t know if he’ll understand what a big deal that it was to me, my father, or my mother. I have dated guys in the past who did not want to work with the farm and did not understand it. It’s nice to know that Matt’s willing to invest time and sweat into something that’s a major part of me and continues to be a huge part of my life, no matter where I live. He also understands the sacrifice that my father makes and the work that he puts in on a daily basis. He had a minor hiccup, but we came out in great shape, so no worries!
The big worry of the weekend was the storm that was moving through the Midwest, specifically eastern SD, where Dad was coming back from with 5 head that he’d purchased. He was driving back with little to no sleep, going 35 miles an hour in crappy conditions. It was hard for the three of us to watch the radar and try to guide him back. Was glad to hear the phone ring at 3:30am, saying he was just getting to the gravel. Matt and I will be picking out one of those cows to add to our herd.
Did get myself a little sick on Sunday, I think it was a combination of working my neck out of line and sleepiness. I think it’s been brewing for awhile but a visit to the chiropractor and 2 days of no big time exertion has me back to feeling like normal.
We even got to see a bit more family as Michele and Randy made it down to Bismarck for a lunch. They were awful nice to treat us and we also got to see their new toys, handguns. Makes me think Matt and I might have to get them. We also visited the hospital to check on Gramma’s progress. She was looking pretty good and was ejected from the hospital this past Thursday to go back home. She’ll still be going to rehab but we are in a much better spot than two weeks ago.
Best meal: We went to famous dave’s and the company is what made the meal but the pizza for supper that night was pretty dang good and hit the spot after chores.
Best quotes of the weekend all made by MJR.
“There’s nothing on YouTube on how to pick up round bales with a tractor!!!!”
“Come and get’er girls!” To the cows as he dropped feed into the bunks
“I think that’s what your dad says, too” To me, who couldn’t help but snicker at my farmer-in-training.
“Who shit in the bunk?” back to the cows, who probably do not get that said to them by my dad.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Star Struck.
Dad did it again, twice in one week he got on the news. What I find funny is the topic of this last story, which was his opinion on the Super Bowl Commercial that Dodge put out, “So God Made a Farmer”. I worked in advertising marketing for a year and my father has a distinct opinion on advertising and what he thinks works and what people should spend to get that and what people spend their money on. However this advertisement, with Paul Harvey’s ringing tones and these pictures that brought tears to my eyes and pride to my heart portrayed a message that those associated with agriculture can understand. So many do not realize the personal and emotional sacrifice that the ag industry inflicts upon those involved, so many of Paul Harvey’s statements have happened to my family in various situations. I also think the most honest work that I have done has been with my father and on the farm. But my father, man of opinions (just ask him), said that he was surprised by the commercial and it stunned him a bit and to me, his humbleness and honesty and shock at being acknowledged for his sacrifices that he’s made is what made me even more aware of the statements made in that commercial. Thank you, Dodge.
I’m also told my father is looking for an agent to handle all his publicity events and will be giving signatures for those that would like to pay. I did ask Matthew if he’s like my father to coach him a bit, since he’s the current residential expert, Matthew did not look impressed.
Best meal: I made pizza and surprisingly it was ok on the first night, but the second day, after sitting in the fridge all night, it was better.
MJR: “HEY, wait a minute, how did Paul Harvey narrate the Super Bowl commercial? HE’S DEAD!”
ALM: “They used the speech that he gave at the 1978 FFA Convention.”
MJR: “Oh.”
I’m also told my father is looking for an agent to handle all his publicity events and will be giving signatures for those that would like to pay. I did ask Matthew if he’s like my father to coach him a bit, since he’s the current residential expert, Matthew did not look impressed.
Best meal: I made pizza and surprisingly it was ok on the first night, but the second day, after sitting in the fridge all night, it was better.
MJR: “HEY, wait a minute, how did Paul Harvey narrate the Super Bowl commercial? HE’S DEAD!”
ALM: “They used the speech that he gave at the 1978 FFA Convention.”
MJR: “Oh.”
Monday, February 4, 2013
Reality: Exciting and Scary
It’s official, the airport is expanding and United will be offering two flights a day to Denver. This community has been begging and pleading with Matt to make this happen and it feels good to see the announcement happen. The next five months will be crazy for Matt as he’s working to get the flights to start June 6. I will take this moment to confess I’m not looking forward to stressedMatt, especially as I have things for him to work on for the wedding, which is 215 days out. I’ll deal with stressedMatt as long as he comes out smiling from this great opportunity. So despite Matt’s months of planning, negotiating, conference calls, and talking, my father managed to beat him on getting on the news first for 2013!! Dad was on last Friday and Matt should be on sometime this week.
On a scary note, Grandma Dar had a stroke. Gave us all quite a scare, but despite the fact that this happened, we have the best possible outcome. Mom was at the civic center for an energy conference when she was paged to help grandma who was working at the time. Despite Grandma’s wishes to be taken home, Mom took her to Sanford where she was admitted and the testing began. She does have blockage in the main artery and a kink in a side/secondary artery, which has resulted in some paralysis, affecting her speech. The best part was that Grandma was surrounded as all her kids were able to make it back to be there for her and each other. She stayed all weekend at the hospital and has been admitted to the rehab wing where she’ll be working for 2 weeks to have a recovery in the next three months. It is times like this that make me glad that we are close to family, these things really remind a person of the passing of time.
We did have a slow weekend, where we got the chance to be with some friends. Kate, cousin and bridesmaid, was in town with her husband. It was nice to catch up a bit over drinks with her. She designed our Save the Dates and will be doing our invitations. On Saturday night, I enjoyed keg beer at the Dickinson Rural Fire Department Holiday Party. The department is filled with a group of great guys and it’s fun to see them interact and get to know their wives. Sunday was a lazy day, neither of us are too involved with football so I didn’t care too much about seeing the super bowl. He went to a house party and I went to help a friend paint her house.
Best Meal: Matt and I had a impromptu lunch date on Friday at Mama Rosina’s where we had our favorite, the chicken alfredo in a toasted breadbowl. Even the leftovers could have made best meal for the week!
“Oh, your dad wore his gototown coveralls!” MJR
On a scary note, Grandma Dar had a stroke. Gave us all quite a scare, but despite the fact that this happened, we have the best possible outcome. Mom was at the civic center for an energy conference when she was paged to help grandma who was working at the time. Despite Grandma’s wishes to be taken home, Mom took her to Sanford where she was admitted and the testing began. She does have blockage in the main artery and a kink in a side/secondary artery, which has resulted in some paralysis, affecting her speech. The best part was that Grandma was surrounded as all her kids were able to make it back to be there for her and each other. She stayed all weekend at the hospital and has been admitted to the rehab wing where she’ll be working for 2 weeks to have a recovery in the next three months. It is times like this that make me glad that we are close to family, these things really remind a person of the passing of time.
We did have a slow weekend, where we got the chance to be with some friends. Kate, cousin and bridesmaid, was in town with her husband. It was nice to catch up a bit over drinks with her. She designed our Save the Dates and will be doing our invitations. On Saturday night, I enjoyed keg beer at the Dickinson Rural Fire Department Holiday Party. The department is filled with a group of great guys and it’s fun to see them interact and get to know their wives. Sunday was a lazy day, neither of us are too involved with football so I didn’t care too much about seeing the super bowl. He went to a house party and I went to help a friend paint her house.
Best Meal: Matt and I had a impromptu lunch date on Friday at Mama Rosina’s where we had our favorite, the chicken alfredo in a toasted breadbowl. Even the leftovers could have made best meal for the week!
“Oh, your dad wore his gototown coveralls!” MJR
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