Life gets in the way

I FINALLY got a run in this morning.  Its been over a week but sadly, life gets in the way.

Short recap: Last Thursday, rode most of the day to gather up cows for testing on Friday and Monday.

Friday: Tested cows (entire herd....575 I believe...took 6 hours)

Saturday: Coached soccer game, jewelry party at night, Huskers lost to Wisconsin....not suprised, drank a bottle of wine (47lb Rooster Moscato....LOVE IT!!)

Sunday: Gathered the cows, again...to run them through for second day of testing on Monday.  NOT the most cooperative of critters on a good day, let alone 2 days after being worked through the chutes.

Monday: 7 hours of testing and another hour of riding (putting stuff back where it belonged)

Tuesday:  Crazy wind...as in 35-45mph winds.  HOT and DRY also...terrible combination that resulted in bad grass fires in Stapleton.  Grand dad and Grandma's house was ok, barn and quanset with all the equipment were safe, but all the hay and grass was burned up.  A few out buildings were burned as well, but thankfully, compared to the people who lost their homes....we can deal with it.  The first stopped 10 feet from the barn and the chicken coop that was burned is fairly close to the house. 

Wednesday: Test results day.....more fires, worse wind.  Results were delayed (grrrrrr).....talk about stress and anxiety.  And because I need more to do in my life, I started EMT classes in Ogallala.  Been a long time since I have been a college student (or stayed up past 9pm) and now I have a class that is from 6p-10p and 45 minutes away from my house.

Thursday: More fire danger with higher winds 50-60mph and more heat.  Then came the lightening....without the rain.  So Shawn was outside watching for strikes to start a fire in the hills or a bale.  More fires in Stapleton and I heard another house lost but Im not postive on that one.  FINALLY at 730pm RAIN.....lots of rain....and even some hail!!!  Ive never been so happy to have it rain in my life.  Its very nerve wracking to be located far enough outside of town that you cant hear any fire whistles going.  And knowing that there is alot more grass area then people out here, so if a fire starts out to the west....no one will see it till its to close to their homes.  To close.

Friday:  Got up, went for a run.  FELT GREAT.  I only did 2 miles because I didnt want to push my legs to hard and not be able to run for another week.  The wind died down (though its starting to pick up again) and the rain helped alot.  Still a really high fire danger today but better then yesterday thats for sure. 

Prayers to all the people affected by the fires in Stapleton, Gandy, Elsie and anywhere else they were burning.  Living in small communities, we rely on volunteers and our neighbors to help each other out.  In my town, our EMTs and Fire Departments are all volunteer staffed.  The closest hospital is 45 miles away......its up to your neighbors and friends to help in an emergency.  Thats small town living.