This week some of the girls from the office and I attended a class at KSU about Social Media Marketing. We met around 5 AM on Tuesday and headed to Manhattan. So, what does that mean? The class was about how to get platforms like Facebook, and Instagram to work for you and your business. Most of the other attendees represented some type of organization or a private business. One thing I learned, was to roll with changes, or get rolled over.
It’s interesting, media is changing so quickly. How does a small newspaper keep up? One way I think, is to offer something that other papers don’t. The Rural Messenger offers many columnists that share a story or a humorous point of view. Some share personal stories, and life lessons from their past.
We also offer classifieds, that come from sellers who are from the most part from central Kansas. Not everyone likes to point and click and read on a screen. We offer a paper that comes out weekly so that you can sit and read the paper when you get the opportunity, rather than rush, rush, rush.
On to the kids, this is a big birthday time for our family right now. March 1 is shared by three people, along with 3 February birthdays and three other birthdays in March. Two of them are adults, the rest are nieces and nephews.
Allie told me that they could not have made it one more morning without me. Weston seemed pretty happy to have me home. Weston got to dress up and have Dr. Suess week at school. His favorite day was dress like a farmer. He told me that he didn’t want to dress like an ordinary farmer, he wanted to dress like my dad. I didn’t try and tell him that my dad dresses pretty ordinary most days. I think Weston didn’t want to dress in overalls. So, he dressed in a tractor shirt, some of his work jeans, boots, plyers on his belt and a ball cap.
Addie has been enjoying the new Cricut that I got for my birthday. It is a die cutting machine. Now we can cut paper, fabric, and wood. We can even do some embossing with a special tool. She has made several thank you cards and other projects. I have invested a small fortune is paper to cut out. However, this is one electronic I am happy to let her play with. We made some birthday cards for the cousins.
I finally got a picture of one of our road runners. I have seen three at our house, but I don't think they all say here at once.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
The last dribble
Allie's team took the court for the last time on Saturday. The ended up in 4th place. They ended the season 2 - 4. Overall they really enjoyed them-selves and improved their game. Several of the girls are fifth graders and they will be ready to play next season. Allie will be a seventh graders so she will play at the school and not in the rec league. She has already commented that she misses practice. I guess she will just have to practice her piano instead.
Weston and Allie went out to cousin Levi's house. They played hard all afternoon. On the way home Weston was so tired that he fell asleep on the way home. He hasn't done that in a while.
Addie enjoyed going to Rock Springs Camp this last weekend for 4-H ambassador train-ing weekend.
Luke got me a Cricut maker for my birthday and now I need to figure out how to operate it.
Weston and Allie went out to cousin Levi's house. They played hard all afternoon. On the way home Weston was so tired that he fell asleep on the way home. He hasn't done that in a while.
Addie enjoyed going to Rock Springs Camp this last weekend for 4-H ambassador train-ing weekend.
Luke got me a Cricut maker for my birthday and now I need to figure out how to operate it.
Sunday, February 18, 2018
no calves yet
Everyone keeps asking how the calving is going and I have disappointed them when I have told them that we have not really begun. One cow had a calf very early but she was able to handle the situation all on her own. Then we have had a few others, and finally the first heifer had a calf this weekend. Luke did give the calf one bottle and it has been find with the mother ever since.
Allie had a basketball game on Saturday. Her team finally managed to win a game. They won by only two points.
We all crammed in the pickup along with Hannah and we went and checked cattle. Lucky we did, one side of the hot wire fence was down. So after fixing that we headed back to the house to enjoy the nice weather.
The kids got some drones from Christmas but it has been so cold, or the wind has been blowing. Finally, they got a chance to fly them on Sunday. Weston’s would not take off. Addie and Allie were both able to fly theirs. The batteries in them did not last long.
Weston was sick this week and kept a little cough around. He got to spend the night with his cousin and he informed me that he was not even scared.
My parents came to Allie’s game and my nephew’s game on Saturday, next weekend they will be at another grandchild’s game. They will be heading up to see my sister and her family. They have several birthdays close together and enjoy seeing everyone. Maybe they can take a few pictures of snow so my kids will know what it looks like.
Allie had a basketball game on Saturday. Her team finally managed to win a game. They won by only two points.
We all crammed in the pickup along with Hannah and we went and checked cattle. Lucky we did, one side of the hot wire fence was down. So after fixing that we headed back to the house to enjoy the nice weather.
The kids got some drones from Christmas but it has been so cold, or the wind has been blowing. Finally, they got a chance to fly them on Sunday. Weston’s would not take off. Addie and Allie were both able to fly theirs. The batteries in them did not last long.
Weston was sick this week and kept a little cough around. He got to spend the night with his cousin and he informed me that he was not even scared.
My parents came to Allie’s game and my nephew’s game on Saturday, next weekend they will be at another grandchild’s game. They will be heading up to see my sister and her family. They have several birthdays close together and enjoy seeing everyone. Maybe they can take a few pictures of snow so my kids will know what it looks like.
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Banquet
Most of the staff from the Rural Messenger got to attend the Pheasant’s Forever banquet in Hutchinson this past weekend. We played games, and my kids drank as many pops as the could and we all had a chance to sit around and catch up on non-office ideas. Steve and Joyce Gilliland were also able to join us. I hope they enjoyed their evening. Nick Hollister of United Country in Newton was the auctioneer for the evening.
The Atrium Hotel and Convention center hosted the event. I was surprised how big the banquet room was. Most of the dinner was just so-so. But I did hear lots of people say how wonderful the brisket was. Everyone also got to enjoy a slice of apple pie. The meal was good considering how many people they served.
All of the kids got a Pheasant’s Forever t-shirt and free one-topping pizza from Papa Murphy’s in Hutchinson.
I just hope my boss didn’t have any surprises when he paid his tab!
The Atrium Hotel and Convention center hosted the event. I was surprised how big the banquet room was. Most of the dinner was just so-so. But I did hear lots of people say how wonderful the brisket was. Everyone also got to enjoy a slice of apple pie. The meal was good considering how many people they served.
All of the kids got a Pheasant’s Forever t-shirt and free one-topping pizza from Papa Murphy’s in Hutchinson.
I just hope my boss didn’t have any surprises when he paid his tab!
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Into the fire
On Thursday in Pratt the unimaginable happened. A house fire quickly burned and because of the fast-moving fire 4 children and their mother passed away. Allie and I drove by the house Saturday and the street was still blocked off. The fire investigators are still working to find the start of the fire.
On the news we watched as the fire fighters first pulled up to the home site. We could see one of our friends running by in his uniform to the scene. I thought about how most fire fighters are “do-ers.” They DO the hard things that need done. Most people run from a fire, they run into the fire. When they signed up to start their firefighter training, I am sure they knew that hard days would come in the future. I am sure this was their worst nightmare come true. No amount of training can prepare a person for dealing with the loss of a child. I imagine that these guys could only lay their heads down, but not sleep. As they laid their head down, the scene played over and over in their minds. What could have been different, could they have arrived sooner? Questions I am sure continue to troll through their minds. Many of them went home to see their own children and shed a few tears.
On Sunday our pastor prayed that the first responders would be free of guilt. I too hope they will be free of guilt. Even though most people know it was no fault of the firemen, I can see how they might carry around guilt.
Perhaps I should summarize by saying how thankful I am for the DO-ERS in the world. I am thankful so many wonderful people are willing to put their live on the line and run into danger. I see these guys out training and their families also give sacrificially to the community. They have taken time away from their lives to be ready in an emergency.
Many donations have come in. If you feel compelled to donate this is one link https://www.gofundme.com/chfcjy-help-the-egglestonwheatley-family
On the news we watched as the fire fighters first pulled up to the home site. We could see one of our friends running by in his uniform to the scene. I thought about how most fire fighters are “do-ers.” They DO the hard things that need done. Most people run from a fire, they run into the fire. When they signed up to start their firefighter training, I am sure they knew that hard days would come in the future. I am sure this was their worst nightmare come true. No amount of training can prepare a person for dealing with the loss of a child. I imagine that these guys could only lay their heads down, but not sleep. As they laid their head down, the scene played over and over in their minds. What could have been different, could they have arrived sooner? Questions I am sure continue to troll through their minds. Many of them went home to see their own children and shed a few tears.
On Sunday our pastor prayed that the first responders would be free of guilt. I too hope they will be free of guilt. Even though most people know it was no fault of the firemen, I can see how they might carry around guilt.
Perhaps I should summarize by saying how thankful I am for the DO-ERS in the world. I am thankful so many wonderful people are willing to put their live on the line and run into danger. I see these guys out training and their families also give sacrificially to the community. They have taken time away from their lives to be ready in an emergency.
Many donations have come in. If you feel compelled to donate this is one link https://www.gofundme.com/chfcjy-help-the-egglestonwheatley-family
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Braces off
The braces came off this week. Addie couldn’t be happier. I was very surprised when a month ago the orthodontist said they could come off. She had minor issues, so she only had to wear them less than a year. Of course, now we need to finish paying for them, and we go back up Tuesday to get retainers.
Middle school basketball also came to an end. I know some schools are still playing but our school has a wrestling season for middle school. Last week was the first time in a long time that all three kids got on the bus and went to school, and then they all three came home on the bus. Addie seems to be pleased with a little more free time.
Allie started her rec basketball season. She enjoyed her game, even though they lost. She knows most of her teammates and enjoys playing with them. After the game her face was pretty red, then she looked in the mirror and said, “Wow they are really red!”
On Saturday we saddled up the horses and went for a short ride. Sometimes its seems like a major event just to get all the horses saddled up. They got out on Tuesday morning when it was about 1 degree out. They were just in the ditch looking for some cheat. Unfortunately, there is nothing green around for them to nibble on.
Middle school basketball also came to an end. I know some schools are still playing but our school has a wrestling season for middle school. Last week was the first time in a long time that all three kids got on the bus and went to school, and then they all three came home on the bus. Addie seems to be pleased with a little more free time.
Allie started her rec basketball season. She enjoyed her game, even though they lost. She knows most of her teammates and enjoys playing with them. After the game her face was pretty red, then she looked in the mirror and said, “Wow they are really red!”
On Saturday we saddled up the horses and went for a short ride. Sometimes its seems like a major event just to get all the horses saddled up. They got out on Tuesday morning when it was about 1 degree out. They were just in the ditch looking for some cheat. Unfortunately, there is nothing green around for them to nibble on.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
So cold
Just one more week of middle school basketball (yeah!) Addie has two more games, and we have meetings on both nights and I am not sure how we are going to get to the games. Then Allie starts the rec. basketball league. She knows her coach this year and is ready to start playing.
It was so cold last week. Thankfully we didn’t have two feet of snow to blow around. I managed to keep the horse water open. The tank looks like a big hunk of ice with a single hole going down to the bottom to the water. I am hoping to get some melt in the tank. Luke had a heat lamp on an old well that he needed to keep thawed. We went to unplug the heat lamp since we are enjoying warm weather for a few days. Near the well is an old underground house. In the house there is a bee hive. It had warmed up just enough the bees were out inspecing and making sure it wasn’t spring yet. On the floor we found serveral old honey combs. They were empty and just wax pieces. I tried to explain to Weston that the bees had made wax. They were hard from the cold and he didn’t know what to think. After the combs had set on the dash for a while they quickly softened and the kids enjoyed feeling the squishyness of the wax.
Even our roadrunners managed during the cold snap. I saw them puff out and try to keep warm. One was in the barn, I think he was looking for mice. I was surprised how close I got to him. Then Allie was in the horse pen and she said one walked right past her, then took off. According to the kids we have three roadrunners. I have seen two at the same time.
Weston told me he wanted to go visit a Reindeer farm, I didn’t know what he was talking about. Finally, I noticed a travel company had been advertising a tour to Alaska and one of the features was visiting a Reindeer Farm.
Addie and her friend went on a quick trail ride Sunday. Then when she got home we all saddled up and went down the road. We started out too late, and it got dark and cold quickly. Allie had been getting her new saddle adjusted to her horse. We had to trade out some billets and put a different cinch on. She got mad at me when I put saddle soap on it and did not wipe the excess off.
My daughter was mailed a letter from Pratt on December 18th and she finally got it December 30th. The main problem was the letter told about a meeting on December 28th. It’s a good thing that someone had told us about the meeting, so she was able to attend. Did you know that the Rural Messenger still mails out some papers, but now the paper can be picked-up at multiple sites in your community? The Rural Messenger is also free, so thank our advertisers. We are actually getting the paper into more hands than when we mailed the paper. Look for a new paper each Wednesday.
It was so cold last week. Thankfully we didn’t have two feet of snow to blow around. I managed to keep the horse water open. The tank looks like a big hunk of ice with a single hole going down to the bottom to the water. I am hoping to get some melt in the tank. Luke had a heat lamp on an old well that he needed to keep thawed. We went to unplug the heat lamp since we are enjoying warm weather for a few days. Near the well is an old underground house. In the house there is a bee hive. It had warmed up just enough the bees were out inspecing and making sure it wasn’t spring yet. On the floor we found serveral old honey combs. They were empty and just wax pieces. I tried to explain to Weston that the bees had made wax. They were hard from the cold and he didn’t know what to think. After the combs had set on the dash for a while they quickly softened and the kids enjoyed feeling the squishyness of the wax.
Even our roadrunners managed during the cold snap. I saw them puff out and try to keep warm. One was in the barn, I think he was looking for mice. I was surprised how close I got to him. Then Allie was in the horse pen and she said one walked right past her, then took off. According to the kids we have three roadrunners. I have seen two at the same time.
Weston told me he wanted to go visit a Reindeer farm, I didn’t know what he was talking about. Finally, I noticed a travel company had been advertising a tour to Alaska and one of the features was visiting a Reindeer Farm.
Addie and her friend went on a quick trail ride Sunday. Then when she got home we all saddled up and went down the road. We started out too late, and it got dark and cold quickly. Allie had been getting her new saddle adjusted to her horse. We had to trade out some billets and put a different cinch on. She got mad at me when I put saddle soap on it and did not wipe the excess off.
My daughter was mailed a letter from Pratt on December 18th and she finally got it December 30th. The main problem was the letter told about a meeting on December 28th. It’s a good thing that someone had told us about the meeting, so she was able to attend. Did you know that the Rural Messenger still mails out some papers, but now the paper can be picked-up at multiple sites in your community? The Rural Messenger is also free, so thank our advertisers. We are actually getting the paper into more hands than when we mailed the paper. Look for a new paper each Wednesday.
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