I'm fully into the marathon training period now ... or at least I should be ... And, each time I go out on a run, I think about things as I slog (slow jog) along. One of the things that seems to repeat is that I wonder why I don't run as fast as I did at one time. I think awhile, and start counting up the years. I started running about 27 years ago ... and I wasn't even a spring chick back then! Then I realize my decreased speed does not surprise me too much. In any case, while running, I sometimes think about the "phases of my life".
When I started running, I was at a major transition point in my life. One of the major periods in my life that I picture myself as having gone through.
These phases they might break down into the follow general categories:
1. Pre-memory -- The time from birth until the first things I can now remember;
2. Childhood -- This period would begin in the grade school years, and go until about age 10 or 12 or so;
3. The Middle Years -- Probably the time after the grade school (grades 1 through 8 were in my hometown) 9th grade was 1-year of Junior High, followed by the three years of High School; (the transition from 8th grade to 9th grade was a major change -- leaving the "hometown" school and riding the bus to another place for school and where moving from room to room for each class also happened) ... so this period was quite a change for a small town boy used to the same routine everyday;
4. College years -- Again a major transition, since I started driving (without a license for the first few weeks) when college classes started ... before that, everywhere I went was either on foot, bicycle, or riding as a passenger as my parents took us (me) somewhere ... so the college years were a time of real change, independence, and the beginning of self-discipline;
5. Shortly After College -- Marriage, drafted into the US Army, totally an 18 month period that saw some of the major changes in my life that still affect me today;
6. The First Married Life -- A time of starting my career ... drifting out of both my marriage and somewhat out of the first career, and landing, upright for the most part, some number of years later. This was quite a major life phase with so much happening in the period of 10 to 12 years. Some of the best ... some of the worst;
7. The Beginning of My Current Life -- new jobs ... new marriage ... liking what I was doing, and after all was said and done ... finding myself;
8. The Now Life -- Still wondering what I am going to do when I finally grow up ... but realizing that I am/have grown up and this is what I am today.
So, these are the "life phases" that I think of myself as having lived. It looks like I broke it down into eight categories ... "My Life" periods of time. I have wondered where I would have changed something. And, if I had taken another path, what would my life be today? I know I can think of a number of places where a decision could have been made that, now anyway, it seems another decision would have been a better decision to have been made than the one I made at that time. But, where I am today is where I really enjoy being, so I am not sure that I would switch to another path. But, maybe. It would be interesting to have that option in one's life, wouldn't it? I wonder where I would be instead of where I am today. Would I feel better? I'm not sure.
So ... this is what I think about while out on my long runs. Pretty crazy I guess.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
May Beginning to Mid-Month Weather Summary
Just to keep this site up-to-date with what I have posted to Wunderground, I decided to post the month summary so far. Spring is changing to summer over the next couple of days and the high temperatures are expected to move through the 80's and into the low 90's. This will be quite a change after the last couple of days that had cooler temperatures and some much needed rainfall.
05/15/2008 The increased humidity due to rain over the last couple of days made for tracks in the dew covered grass this morning. Overnight clouds were breaking up and rippling across the eastern half of the sky early today.
Clouds in the East Sky Above the Horses
Ripple Clouds Above the Old Barn
Tracks in the Grass During the Morning Walk
05/14/2008 Another day that started with some overnight showers. A rain pattern that would be nice to have repeat for the next couple of weeks, actually. Since conditions have been quite dry since the snow melt, the rain is helping with the spring green-up. Patches of sunlight took place throughout the day and into the evening.
Sun Patches Showing on Distant Foothills
Getting Down with Jonah for the Morning Grazing
05/13/2008 Some light rain ended overnight. The morning saw low clouds and fog along the hills that surround the ranch. Variable cloudiness defined the day with peeks at the sun but temperatures hovering between 55 and 60 throughout most of the afternoon.
Clouds Over West Hills during the Morning Walk
05/12/2008 There was another overnight shower and clouds persisted through the morning. The close foothills had visible snow again today. Cool temperatures hung on with the mid-day showing low 40's. An early afternoon "sucker hole" of sunshine disappeared as a light rain followed me back down the road while I ended my run. I had to remove my sunglasses after they were sprinkled to opaqueness. It became a fine afternoon for a video and popcorn snack! Meanwhile, the horses grazed contently through the afternoon and evening.
Horses Across the Pasture Near the Creek for Evening Grazing
Morning with Misty Clouds Above Snow on Foothills
05/11/2008 A bit of rain fell overnight, so the temperature stayed mild (low 40's). There was no ice formation on the unheated water this morning. With the overnight rain, the morning had an interesting misty cloud look to it. The day, spent at day two of the horse clinic, was one of off and on rain (east of the ranch about 25 miles, and close to the Swan Mountain range). After returning to the ranch, it appeared it had been dry here, with no automatically recorded rainfall, and nothing new in the outdoor manual gage. (Oh, oh, the weather geek thing almost showed, I think!) A quick evening walk of the dogs was done and the horses were all back together again and enjoyed the evening munching in the pastures.
Horses Grazing in the Green Grass of the Summer Pasture
Morning Clouds above the Ranch Buildings
Fog and Clouds in Foothills
05/10/2008 It was cold overnight, with ice on the top of the horse waterers again. I was away from the ranch to a horse ground rules clinic all day, and mostly in an indoor arena. The ranch that sponsored the clinic had a nine week old Friesian foal. I was reminded of Quinn ... he would have been three this week. ... The weather was a mix of high overcast with the temperature rising into the lower sixty range.
Cabin near Swan Mountain Range
Mare and her Foal
05/09/2008 Well, after the blue sky, fluffy clouds, green grass, and dandelions of yesterday, today is another reminder of the weather variety available in NW Montana. The horse water heaters have been turned off for the season, but this morning, they could have been helpful to keep the layer of ice from forming on the water. In addition, it is snowing nicely right now (about 9:30 AM). Pretty amazing! ... Later ... The snow did not last very long and the rest of the day was a mixture of clouds with glimpses of sunlight. It even felt warm enough to the horses that some of them decided to splash around in the creek pond for a little while.
The Boys Splash in the Pond
Splashing Horses Video (click this link)
Morning Snow Squall
05/08/2008 Today started bright and clear and stayed that way during the morning dog walk. But, as I look out now, some serious cloud cover is moving quickly to cover the last of the blue to the east. Time to get out and do some tasks just in case the afternoon brings another light rain event. ... Later ... The tasks were completed and the rain event did not appear. Instead, the sky was filled with the kind of clouds that just become whatever you want them to be as you lie on your back and look up at them. It was a wonderful afternoon just to rest with the dogs and enjoy the green grass and dandelions that can grow freely here at the ranch.
Clouds and Blue Sky
Titan Lying in the Grass
Ginger on the Grass
Titan against the Blue Sky
Clouds over the Trees
Cu and Blue
Watching the Clouds Drift Over
Morning Dog Walk Time
05/07/2008 Cloudy, and some additional rain today. So, actually, just kind of nice day to catch up on some indoor activities. All necessary outdoor activities were also accomplished between a few light showers. During the late afternoon and evening, enough breaks in the clouds allowed full shadows as the horses grazed away enjoying the growing grass.
Clouds Over the Grazing Horses
05/06/2008 There was a quick overnight shower that dropped 0.02" of precipitation. This was followed by an early morning rain that dropped another 0.09" or so before breaking into a mix of clouds with blue sky patches showing. So far this has been enough to just settle the dust a little. A combination of clouds with light showers became the pattern of the day. Another quick shower drifted through during the early evening. Afterward, the sun cloud assortment continued until the sun disappeared and darkness arrived.
Cloud Mix After the Morning Shower
05/05/2008 Today, high clouds persisted through most of the day. They don't seem to be bringing much moisture (which would be helpful, as it is quite dry here at the ranch this spring). The thin clouds allowed a filtered sun to push the temperature into the mid 60 range today. Green up is beginning in-spite of the dryness, and today, after a short trail ride, a couple of the horses enjoyed free grazing in the yard.
Wanita and Corrie Free Grazing in the Yard
05/04/2008 The cycle of days is repeating, with another nice clear sky today. Like most days, the horses were waiting for feeding again this morning. The low just touched the 30 degree mark overnight and with the sun, mid 60's are expected this afternoon. Yesterday, clouds showed up about mid-day and held the high to just at the sixty mark. No clouds, should mean warmer! And ... so it was, with temperatures in the upper 60's late in the day.
Horses and Reflected Fence
Waiting at the Fence
Mirage in the Woods
05/03/2008 With a clear morning, the thermometer showed about 55 degrees. Unfortunately, this was the indoor reading! Outside, it had dropped to the middle 20's again, and with no fire going to heat the house overnight, things cooled down a bit. I expect the full sunshine of the day will result in a more reasonable indoor temperature by late afternoon. Since most chore work is outside, the indoor temperature won't really matter until evening!
Horses Waiting for their Morning Feeding
05/02/2008 A mostly clear day today. The horses visited the creek again, both for wading and getting the fresh grass growing near it. I did another bicycle excursion into Kalispell and decided to feature the silo again. This time I just did a view down the fence line toward the silo and other structures. The evening was a sunny comfortable one and called for another fire ring event (no image, this time ... beer and brats repeat!)
Fence Line Leading to the Silo
Corrie Frames Wanita
Harmony and Orpheus Grazing in the Creek
05/01/2008 Mixed clouds started the day with sun making a full appearance by mid-morning. There was a mix of clouds and sun during the afternoon. The horses enjoyed a drink from the pond that recently starting filling again after a dry couple of days during which the creek had stopped flowing. At the last animal check the sky was totally clear. So, I expect the temperatures to drop to the mid 20's tonight. Kind of a chilly start of May.
Horses Get a Quick Drink
The Farm Next Door
05/15/2008 The increased humidity due to rain over the last couple of days made for tracks in the dew covered grass this morning. Overnight clouds were breaking up and rippling across the eastern half of the sky early today.
Clouds in the East Sky Above the Horses
Ripple Clouds Above the Old Barn
Tracks in the Grass During the Morning Walk
05/14/2008 Another day that started with some overnight showers. A rain pattern that would be nice to have repeat for the next couple of weeks, actually. Since conditions have been quite dry since the snow melt, the rain is helping with the spring green-up. Patches of sunlight took place throughout the day and into the evening.
Sun Patches Showing on Distant Foothills
Getting Down with Jonah for the Morning Grazing
05/13/2008 Some light rain ended overnight. The morning saw low clouds and fog along the hills that surround the ranch. Variable cloudiness defined the day with peeks at the sun but temperatures hovering between 55 and 60 throughout most of the afternoon.
Clouds Over West Hills during the Morning Walk
05/12/2008 There was another overnight shower and clouds persisted through the morning. The close foothills had visible snow again today. Cool temperatures hung on with the mid-day showing low 40's. An early afternoon "sucker hole" of sunshine disappeared as a light rain followed me back down the road while I ended my run. I had to remove my sunglasses after they were sprinkled to opaqueness. It became a fine afternoon for a video and popcorn snack! Meanwhile, the horses grazed contently through the afternoon and evening.
Horses Across the Pasture Near the Creek for Evening Grazing
Morning with Misty Clouds Above Snow on Foothills
05/11/2008 A bit of rain fell overnight, so the temperature stayed mild (low 40's). There was no ice formation on the unheated water this morning. With the overnight rain, the morning had an interesting misty cloud look to it. The day, spent at day two of the horse clinic, was one of off and on rain (east of the ranch about 25 miles, and close to the Swan Mountain range). After returning to the ranch, it appeared it had been dry here, with no automatically recorded rainfall, and nothing new in the outdoor manual gage. (Oh, oh, the weather geek thing almost showed, I think!) A quick evening walk of the dogs was done and the horses were all back together again and enjoyed the evening munching in the pastures.
Horses Grazing in the Green Grass of the Summer Pasture
Morning Clouds above the Ranch Buildings
Fog and Clouds in Foothills
05/10/2008 It was cold overnight, with ice on the top of the horse waterers again. I was away from the ranch to a horse ground rules clinic all day, and mostly in an indoor arena. The ranch that sponsored the clinic had a nine week old Friesian foal. I was reminded of Quinn ... he would have been three this week. ... The weather was a mix of high overcast with the temperature rising into the lower sixty range.
Cabin near Swan Mountain Range
Mare and her Foal
05/09/2008 Well, after the blue sky, fluffy clouds, green grass, and dandelions of yesterday, today is another reminder of the weather variety available in NW Montana. The horse water heaters have been turned off for the season, but this morning, they could have been helpful to keep the layer of ice from forming on the water. In addition, it is snowing nicely right now (about 9:30 AM). Pretty amazing! ... Later ... The snow did not last very long and the rest of the day was a mixture of clouds with glimpses of sunlight. It even felt warm enough to the horses that some of them decided to splash around in the creek pond for a little while.
The Boys Splash in the Pond
Splashing Horses Video (click this link)
Morning Snow Squall
05/08/2008 Today started bright and clear and stayed that way during the morning dog walk. But, as I look out now, some serious cloud cover is moving quickly to cover the last of the blue to the east. Time to get out and do some tasks just in case the afternoon brings another light rain event. ... Later ... The tasks were completed and the rain event did not appear. Instead, the sky was filled with the kind of clouds that just become whatever you want them to be as you lie on your back and look up at them. It was a wonderful afternoon just to rest with the dogs and enjoy the green grass and dandelions that can grow freely here at the ranch.
Clouds and Blue Sky
Titan Lying in the Grass
Ginger on the Grass
Titan against the Blue Sky
Clouds over the Trees
Cu and Blue
Watching the Clouds Drift Over
Morning Dog Walk Time
05/07/2008 Cloudy, and some additional rain today. So, actually, just kind of nice day to catch up on some indoor activities. All necessary outdoor activities were also accomplished between a few light showers. During the late afternoon and evening, enough breaks in the clouds allowed full shadows as the horses grazed away enjoying the growing grass.
Clouds Over the Grazing Horses
05/06/2008 There was a quick overnight shower that dropped 0.02" of precipitation. This was followed by an early morning rain that dropped another 0.09" or so before breaking into a mix of clouds with blue sky patches showing. So far this has been enough to just settle the dust a little. A combination of clouds with light showers became the pattern of the day. Another quick shower drifted through during the early evening. Afterward, the sun cloud assortment continued until the sun disappeared and darkness arrived.
Cloud Mix After the Morning Shower
05/05/2008 Today, high clouds persisted through most of the day. They don't seem to be bringing much moisture (which would be helpful, as it is quite dry here at the ranch this spring). The thin clouds allowed a filtered sun to push the temperature into the mid 60 range today. Green up is beginning in-spite of the dryness, and today, after a short trail ride, a couple of the horses enjoyed free grazing in the yard.
Wanita and Corrie Free Grazing in the Yard
05/04/2008 The cycle of days is repeating, with another nice clear sky today. Like most days, the horses were waiting for feeding again this morning. The low just touched the 30 degree mark overnight and with the sun, mid 60's are expected this afternoon. Yesterday, clouds showed up about mid-day and held the high to just at the sixty mark. No clouds, should mean warmer! And ... so it was, with temperatures in the upper 60's late in the day.
Horses and Reflected Fence
Waiting at the Fence
Mirage in the Woods
05/03/2008 With a clear morning, the thermometer showed about 55 degrees. Unfortunately, this was the indoor reading! Outside, it had dropped to the middle 20's again, and with no fire going to heat the house overnight, things cooled down a bit. I expect the full sunshine of the day will result in a more reasonable indoor temperature by late afternoon. Since most chore work is outside, the indoor temperature won't really matter until evening!
Horses Waiting for their Morning Feeding
05/02/2008 A mostly clear day today. The horses visited the creek again, both for wading and getting the fresh grass growing near it. I did another bicycle excursion into Kalispell and decided to feature the silo again. This time I just did a view down the fence line toward the silo and other structures. The evening was a sunny comfortable one and called for another fire ring event (no image, this time ... beer and brats repeat!)
Fence Line Leading to the Silo
Corrie Frames Wanita
Harmony and Orpheus Grazing in the Creek
05/01/2008 Mixed clouds started the day with sun making a full appearance by mid-morning. There was a mix of clouds and sun during the afternoon. The horses enjoyed a drink from the pond that recently starting filling again after a dry couple of days during which the creek had stopped flowing. At the last animal check the sky was totally clear. So, I expect the temperatures to drop to the mid 20's tonight. Kind of a chilly start of May.
Horses Get a Quick Drink
The Farm Next Door
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Time to Catch Up Will Come
The last couple of weeks sort of have skittered away. I need to catch up on a lot of things that have happened and I will with some updates to this entry and some changes to previous blog postings. Let it be said, that time moves quickly and sometimes I have trouble keeping up with it.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Training Days, 2008.
As I get ready to run marathon number 35 (or is it 36?), no matter ... but as I do my daily training, I wonder if I am training hard enough. The routine this week was a six mile run every other day. The other day, I did the indoor bike, until yesterday, when it was nice enough to do my second outdoor biking ride for this spring. Today, I doubled up on the workout by following the six mile run with a 13 mile bike ride. It actually was very nice and, weather permitting, I hope to make this the normal routine. My next run begins the seven mile out and back. This one tends to get a little more grueling, since the out course is mostly up-hill and the biggest rise per mile happens between mile three and mile four. The ranch is at about 3300 feet, and the turnaround for the seven miler is probably at about 3800 feet. The last half-mile when it becomes the eight mile run is probably another 200 feet higher. It doesn't sound like much, but when I did the bike route to the four mile turnaround last year, it would take about 25-30 minutes on the out part of the trip and about 10 minutes for the return. So, there is a lot of work done in the elevation climb!
So, anyway, training continues ... and actually begins to get serious for the rest of the training period beginning this week.
So, anyway, training continues ... and actually begins to get serious for the rest of the training period beginning this week.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Month in Review (so far)
Note: Captured from my Wunderground Blog, since I seemed to have a pretty good record of the month going there. As some of the images show, the arrival of spring here at The Ranch can vary a bit from day to day. Last weekend saw temperatures in the 60s and 70s, while today and tomorrow, breaking out of the 30s is going to be tough.
The week saw mostly the normal ranch activities. I still haven't started any major spring ranch projects. The highlights were the tossing of the manure pile and the 'harrowing Spring experience'. Both are represented in the Ranching 101 video that appears as a link later in this blog entry.
04/19/2008 -- As the line goes in Independence Day, (and other movies) "I'M BACK!!!", said the snow in this case. An overnight snowfall of 2.4" with the forecast calling for the start of the snow to be at 6:00 PM. So, we'll see how this all plays out.
Morning Snow Viewed from Deck
04/18/2008 -- Broken clouds mixed with sunlight most of today. Again, somewhat cold winds are moving things about. Since shortly after 9:00 AM the velocities have been in the 15-20 mph range. Looks like the top out temperature will be about 50 degrees, since that's where the graph has leveled off. Colder temperatures are in the forecast with snow likely again during the next couple of days, so I better get out and enjoy today before it gets too late.
See a Roll Out With the Horses (video)
Horses Grazing
Ginger and the Creek Flow (video)
Ginger at Creek
Creek flow through Rocks
04/17/2008 -- A pleasant cloud sun mix today. The low temperature was just a bit below freezing, so the horse waterers that have had the heaters turned off were coated with a thin skin of ice. Later in the day, the wind had a coolness in it as though it is still blowing over frozen surfaces. However, the sun cloud mix made the day very nice.
Quiet Pond
Jonah and Harmony
Moon Above Cloud Banks
04/16/2008 -- Such a deal, this S-p-r-i-n-g!! back to a little snow covering overnight (but again quickly gone). It does keep a person from getting too anxious about planting anything yet. Usually, I fill the window box with marigolds, but I guess I'll wait another month or so to do that.
Jonah, Snow, Morning Feeding
04/15/2008 -- Backtracking again today as the highest temperature slipped back into the middle 40's. Even managed to have some snow squalls again this afternoon. I waited out the squall and ran while it was just cloudy, windy, and cool. The later day was a mix of clouds and fading sunlight.
Clouds Over Distant Hills
Jonah's Mane Blowing in the Wind
04/14/2008 -- A little cooler today (50's), since overcast conditions moved into the area. I just settled into regular week-day chores and did a short training ride session on both Corrie and Jonah today.
Clouds over Southeast Trees
04/13/2008 -- Mostly sunny. Mild and dry. The temperature rose to 74 today! It actually felt warm during my run! Nice!
Horses in the Pasture
04/12/2008 -- As the day quietly closes down, I have to say, this was a wonderful day at the ranch. I did a number of ranch related chores and they might even show up in future video clips with a theme of "Ranching 101" as I put together a series of images and video shorts. Today itself was great! Good weather. Everything got done as is needed on the ranch starting with the morning walk and continuing on with animal care and feeding along with a couple of other chores. In one case, seasonal, the "Harrowing, Spring Experience"; aka, the "Spring Harrowing Experience". Whatever! Today, it was combined with a "Tossing of the Manure" event. The Tossing of the Manure event is undertaken from time to time to mix the horse output so that when the time comes it is ready for the spreading. Anyway, these things all were done with a combination of energy and amusement.
Not to forget, the weather today was great. (Or perhaps I am repeating myself) ... Finally with some temperatures in the 60's, and just, overall, a fantastic day at the ranch. (Oh, and I even went for an outdoor bike ride. Very nice ... very nice, indeed). So, at the end of it all, just light up the fire and have a beer, brats, and relax with the dogs!
The Dogs
Beer and Brats
04/11/2008 -- A wonderful "spring" day at the ranch today. Mostly sunny sky, and temperatures in the 50's! Finally, it felt like spring! I even started a fire in the fire-pit after finishing all the ranch work and just sat down and had a beer! It was great!
Jonah
Burning the Bale
Update to the 04/10/2008 Whirlwind event. The local newspaper, the Daily Interlake had an image posted today:
Tornado? (Levente Csaplar photo)
This event was explained as a cold air funnel. It was taken in the West Valley near Kalispell. Based on the time of my video vs the time reported with the newspaper image, this was not the same wind event I had seen at the ranch. But, the weather was definitely dynamic yesterday.
04/10/2008 -- Interesting mix of weather this afternoon. While doing some work near the barn, a whirlwind stirred up a cloud of dust a hundred yards up the driveway from me. Later, during the pasture cleanup, a quick snow squall with a combination of pellets and flakes bounced off of the horses and me. The ground was covered white for a few minutes but a rapid switch back to a sun cloud mix melted the pellets pretty quickly. A couple of more squalls took place during the 60-90 minute chore period of time.
Horses During Snow Squall
04/09/2008 -- No snow during my run today. I added another one-half mile to the outgoing route and ended catching up to the snow line as it works its way up the hill. The road was icy in parts and muddy in other places since the snow melt is running across it in some sections. There were snow squalls visible near Blacktail Mountain about 6-8 miles south of me as I returned, but, mostly a cloud sun mix during my run.
Morning Feeding
04/08/2008 -- The snow line is slowing moving up the winter pasture. I'm still calling it a trace of snow cover for the season until the last of the snow field is gone. There is still about a 30" roof slide bank on the northwest side of the barn/arena complex, but that too is slowing disappearing. The slow snow melt is due to the daily low continuing to drop to the low 20's. A day or two of continuous above freezing will be needed to finish the last of the snow.
Snow Along Barn and Arena
04/07/2008 -- Another run in a snow squall. The start of the run had pellets of snow limiting visibilty to just a couple of hundred yards or so. Before the 1-mile turn off from the blacktop to the gravel road up the hill, the sun was shining. I ran without a cap for about a mile but again pulled it on as another round of snow pellets struck. The gravel ate up the bouncing pellets and the surface turned shiny with wetness in some sections. At the turnaround point the sun again was shining. The downhill return run was great and the passing squalls could be seen moving toward the east mountains. Later in the evening, a sliver of the moon was seen just after sunset and the final animal check was under bright star light.
Horses Across Pasture
04/06/2008 -- Overcast start of the day with some snow pellets. Light rain and snow mixtures in the afternoon with temperatures in the low 40's. There was a good mix of clouds in the late afternoon sky.
Clouds Over East Pasture
04/05/2008 -- Light snow again overnight. Melted away easily, but no heat-wave. Still some packed ice patches in the woods and along the upper pasture fence line.
Morning Feeding in Snow
04/04/2008 -- Sun early in the day changed to mostly overcast during the later afternoon and evening. Doing a camera test lately, with a 5MP vs 8MP side by side.
AIPTEK DV-5700 5MP
HP Mz67 8MP
04/03/2008 -- Dry with another mix of sun and clouds. Clear overnight resulting in a cool low again. Still waiting for the break into a warm feeling day. Nice though, anyway.
Daily Dog Walk
04/02/2008 -- A regular sort of day today. Still holding on to the cooler than the normal temperatures for this day. No new precipitation and another mix of sun and clouds.
Flag and Horses
04/01/2008 -- I went for a run today at about 2:30 PM in a blowing snow squall. Totally miserable, and I was ready to turn around during the first quarter mile and do a treadmill workout instead. By the time I finished the first mile up the hill, the sky was already changing to mostly blue. The return trip after the 2 1/2 mile turnaround was in full sun, calm, and perfect outdoor running conditions. The lesson -- don't give up on something just because it starts out a little rough!
Afterward, just relax with the dogs and know everything is good.
Taffy, Resting
The week saw mostly the normal ranch activities. I still haven't started any major spring ranch projects. The highlights were the tossing of the manure pile and the 'harrowing Spring experience'. Both are represented in the Ranching 101 video that appears as a link later in this blog entry.
04/19/2008 -- As the line goes in Independence Day, (and other movies) "I'M BACK!!!", said the snow in this case. An overnight snowfall of 2.4" with the forecast calling for the start of the snow to be at 6:00 PM. So, we'll see how this all plays out.
Morning Snow Viewed from Deck
04/18/2008 -- Broken clouds mixed with sunlight most of today. Again, somewhat cold winds are moving things about. Since shortly after 9:00 AM the velocities have been in the 15-20 mph range. Looks like the top out temperature will be about 50 degrees, since that's where the graph has leveled off. Colder temperatures are in the forecast with snow likely again during the next couple of days, so I better get out and enjoy today before it gets too late.
See a Roll Out With the Horses (video)
Horses Grazing
Ginger and the Creek Flow (video)
Ginger at Creek
Creek flow through Rocks
04/17/2008 -- A pleasant cloud sun mix today. The low temperature was just a bit below freezing, so the horse waterers that have had the heaters turned off were coated with a thin skin of ice. Later in the day, the wind had a coolness in it as though it is still blowing over frozen surfaces. However, the sun cloud mix made the day very nice.
Quiet Pond
Jonah and Harmony
Moon Above Cloud Banks
04/16/2008 -- Such a deal, this S-p-r-i-n-g!! back to a little snow covering overnight (but again quickly gone). It does keep a person from getting too anxious about planting anything yet. Usually, I fill the window box with marigolds, but I guess I'll wait another month or so to do that.
Jonah, Snow, Morning Feeding
04/15/2008 -- Backtracking again today as the highest temperature slipped back into the middle 40's. Even managed to have some snow squalls again this afternoon. I waited out the squall and ran while it was just cloudy, windy, and cool. The later day was a mix of clouds and fading sunlight.
Clouds Over Distant Hills
Jonah's Mane Blowing in the Wind
04/14/2008 -- A little cooler today (50's), since overcast conditions moved into the area. I just settled into regular week-day chores and did a short training ride session on both Corrie and Jonah today.
Clouds over Southeast Trees
04/13/2008 -- Mostly sunny. Mild and dry. The temperature rose to 74 today! It actually felt warm during my run! Nice!
Horses in the Pasture
04/12/2008 -- As the day quietly closes down, I have to say, this was a wonderful day at the ranch. I did a number of ranch related chores and they might even show up in future video clips with a theme of "Ranching 101" as I put together a series of images and video shorts. Today itself was great! Good weather. Everything got done as is needed on the ranch starting with the morning walk and continuing on with animal care and feeding along with a couple of other chores. In one case, seasonal, the "Harrowing, Spring Experience"; aka, the "Spring Harrowing Experience". Whatever! Today, it was combined with a "Tossing of the Manure" event. The Tossing of the Manure event is undertaken from time to time to mix the horse output so that when the time comes it is ready for the spreading. Anyway, these things all were done with a combination of energy and amusement.
Not to forget, the weather today was great. (Or perhaps I am repeating myself) ... Finally with some temperatures in the 60's, and just, overall, a fantastic day at the ranch. (Oh, and I even went for an outdoor bike ride. Very nice ... very nice, indeed). So, at the end of it all, just light up the fire and have a beer, brats, and relax with the dogs!
The Dogs
Beer and Brats
04/11/2008 -- A wonderful "spring" day at the ranch today. Mostly sunny sky, and temperatures in the 50's! Finally, it felt like spring! I even started a fire in the fire-pit after finishing all the ranch work and just sat down and had a beer! It was great!
Jonah
Burning the Bale
Update to the 04/10/2008 Whirlwind event. The local newspaper, the Daily Interlake had an image posted today:
Tornado? (Levente Csaplar photo)
This event was explained as a cold air funnel. It was taken in the West Valley near Kalispell. Based on the time of my video vs the time reported with the newspaper image, this was not the same wind event I had seen at the ranch. But, the weather was definitely dynamic yesterday.
04/10/2008 -- Interesting mix of weather this afternoon. While doing some work near the barn, a whirlwind stirred up a cloud of dust a hundred yards up the driveway from me. Later, during the pasture cleanup, a quick snow squall with a combination of pellets and flakes bounced off of the horses and me. The ground was covered white for a few minutes but a rapid switch back to a sun cloud mix melted the pellets pretty quickly. A couple of more squalls took place during the 60-90 minute chore period of time.
Horses During Snow Squall
04/09/2008 -- No snow during my run today. I added another one-half mile to the outgoing route and ended catching up to the snow line as it works its way up the hill. The road was icy in parts and muddy in other places since the snow melt is running across it in some sections. There were snow squalls visible near Blacktail Mountain about 6-8 miles south of me as I returned, but, mostly a cloud sun mix during my run.
Morning Feeding
04/08/2008 -- The snow line is slowing moving up the winter pasture. I'm still calling it a trace of snow cover for the season until the last of the snow field is gone. There is still about a 30" roof slide bank on the northwest side of the barn/arena complex, but that too is slowing disappearing. The slow snow melt is due to the daily low continuing to drop to the low 20's. A day or two of continuous above freezing will be needed to finish the last of the snow.
Snow Along Barn and Arena
04/07/2008 -- Another run in a snow squall. The start of the run had pellets of snow limiting visibilty to just a couple of hundred yards or so. Before the 1-mile turn off from the blacktop to the gravel road up the hill, the sun was shining. I ran without a cap for about a mile but again pulled it on as another round of snow pellets struck. The gravel ate up the bouncing pellets and the surface turned shiny with wetness in some sections. At the turnaround point the sun again was shining. The downhill return run was great and the passing squalls could be seen moving toward the east mountains. Later in the evening, a sliver of the moon was seen just after sunset and the final animal check was under bright star light.
Horses Across Pasture
04/06/2008 -- Overcast start of the day with some snow pellets. Light rain and snow mixtures in the afternoon with temperatures in the low 40's. There was a good mix of clouds in the late afternoon sky.
Clouds Over East Pasture
04/05/2008 -- Light snow again overnight. Melted away easily, but no heat-wave. Still some packed ice patches in the woods and along the upper pasture fence line.
Morning Feeding in Snow
04/04/2008 -- Sun early in the day changed to mostly overcast during the later afternoon and evening. Doing a camera test lately, with a 5MP vs 8MP side by side.
AIPTEK DV-5700 5MP
HP Mz67 8MP
04/03/2008 -- Dry with another mix of sun and clouds. Clear overnight resulting in a cool low again. Still waiting for the break into a warm feeling day. Nice though, anyway.
Daily Dog Walk
04/02/2008 -- A regular sort of day today. Still holding on to the cooler than the normal temperatures for this day. No new precipitation and another mix of sun and clouds.
Flag and Horses
04/01/2008 -- I went for a run today at about 2:30 PM in a blowing snow squall. Totally miserable, and I was ready to turn around during the first quarter mile and do a treadmill workout instead. By the time I finished the first mile up the hill, the sky was already changing to mostly blue. The return trip after the 2 1/2 mile turnaround was in full sun, calm, and perfect outdoor running conditions. The lesson -- don't give up on something just because it starts out a little rough!
Afterward, just relax with the dogs and know everything is good.
Taffy, Resting
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