"The clocks tick and the cattle graze...

...back where I come from."

My few days home were magnificent! It's funny how you don't realize how much you need to go home until you are already there. There was not a thing that I would have changed. Really. Recap:

Went home Monday night after I realized I did not, in fact, have judging practice. Had supper at home, watched some TV, and then took a camera out so I could get use up the film that was in it. I wanted to just take some "around the farm" shots, so that is what I did. I ended up going out to the pasture and playing with the cows and the babies and then Daddy came home so we stood out there and did "cow talk" where he asks my opinion on the herd. I LOVE it when he does this--it shows that he finally appreciates my opinion on some of the things that are the most important to him. Then Jenna called and wanted me to head into town. After some deliberation, I went into Pipestone to meet the girls and we attempted to go to the nice bar. Nice bar was closed, so we went to the American Legion--classy. Sat and talked, heard some of the worst stories ever, and decided to go to Lange's Cafe. Headed home after some mozerella sticks and more conversation.

Tuesday: Helped with chores and such in the barn. Helped Mom in the garden. Watched "National Treasure." Headed into town with the family to find the grocery store closed (ah, small town) so we went to the Indian Mart (real name) and bought s'mores makings and the new Parrot Bay drinks. (I love buying alcohol with Daddy because we like to try new things!) Went to Aunt Linda and Uncle Mark's with the whole family. Didn't get any deviled eggs because we seem to forget that the family keeps growing and 24 deviled eggs is not enough for everyone. Drank previously purchased alcohol, set off some fireworks, watched the Casino show from the hill, headed home.

Wednesday morning: helped with chores again. This time we took some pictures to prove it--I love doing chores!! Shot Grady's .22 shotgun for the first time ever and impressed the heck out of Daddy. I had never shot before (ever) and got a score that would have placed me in the Top 10 for the Minnesota State Shoot. He made me shoot the air pistol after that to see if I really was that good of a shot...I am! Things you learn! Headed over to Grandma's so she could donate to the "Jessica moving into a new apartment" cause. Came back to Brookings.

All in all, it was a great couple of days. I got to spend time with the family, do cattle chores (which I miss SO much and love doing), and hang out with "little brother." Who could ask for anything more!?

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Quotes from the weekend:

Dad: "You know, if we had a radio, I could listen to the Twins out by the fire."
Gee, Dad. There is a radio in the barn that carries all the way to the house....He decided to drive the truck up into the yard instead.

Jenna: "I haven't told you the worst part yet."
Me: "What? That he is divorced twice and has a kid on the way?"
Jenna: "No. Worse!"
Jennie: "What, he's balding?"
Jenna: "Closer, but still worse!"
If only everyone's "worse parts" were as awful as Jenna's...the world would be a great place.

Jenna: "You think they'd mind if I drove drunk? I mean, not drunk drunk. Like, not .08 drunk, but drunk. You know what I mean? Drunkish?"
Probably, Jenn, probably.

Jennie: "Yeah, over there in that yonder part of the state they don't make radar detectors."
Jenna: "Really? How do they get people?"
Jess: "Oh, they guess."
Jenna: "Is that legal?"
Jennie: "Sure!"
Jess: "Yeah, Jennie's brother's a cop--she'd know!"
Jenna: "Oh..."
At least there is one person in my life who makes me look smart...and I thank Jenna for being that person!