Life on a Ranch

I’ve made a conscious effort the last few years to try not to express how busy I am to others. We all choose our own busy and my busy is my own doing. Years ago, I had to pick up a mare we had bred over in Baker, and I was running behind. I called Bert, the herdsman, to apologize- letting a flurry of excuses tumble out about how we were swamped. To which he kindly responded, “Yep, we all are.” That was humbling for me, because he was right. My busy isn’t anyone else’s problem. It’s on me that I want to do it all— I don’t want to miss out on watching our kids, helping Buck when and where I can, and also trying to be the best nurse I can be. Amidst a recent full day, I texted a friend: sometimes I try to do too many things. She shot back a single word response: always. She was right and generally speaking, I like it that way. When it comes to busy people, my dad has the most solid advice. Once, I was venting to him about a board member who wasn’t pulling their weight. This person had one major commitment—the board—and still wasn’t taking care of what they’d committed to. My dad listened and then shared his golden rule: don’t choose people who don’t have anything going on. Busy people, he said, are the ones who get things done. And if anyone knows what he’s talking about, it’s him—a lifelong volunteer for everything from ski patrol, the fair board and the fire department, to his current role as chairman of The Shepherd’s Home, a youth foster home. So yes, life has been busy, but full of so much goodness lately. The last couple of weeks were packed with basketball games and a trip for State cross country (on my birthday, November 7th!). We recruited friends to take care of chores so we could take the “long way home” via the coast as my self-declared birthday present. Kaitlin and her adorable little helper, Abilene, graciously took care of our (naughty) cat, dogs, and while we were away. Kaitlin sent me this picture of Abilene confidently sitting in our side-by-side with Kit-my-cow-dog, planted in her favorite spot on the back seat. She clearly had full confidence that Abilene and her little toddler self could take her on an adventure! With the animals in good hands, we made it to Eugene where we were a part of (our) Katelyn’s fan club. Also included in the club were her great Uncles, Robert and Jeff, and Great Aunts, Patti and Jody. Katelyn actually comes by competitive running naturally - Uncle Robert and his older brother, Kate’s Grandpa Bill, ran cross country in high school. Both are too humble to reveal how good they were. But based on their competence in other athletic pursuits- all three brothers Robert, Jeff and Bill were all very competitive college wrestlers- we can only assume they were also fast. Katelyn had a great final race of the season and the girls’ team (a co-op made up of Cove and Union runners) finished the season 4th in the state and the boys finished 3rd, respectively. Watching each of the athletes push and test themselves against the fastest runners in the state was truly inspiring, the culmination of incredibly dedicated training. After the race we spent a night in Portland so Katelyn could celebrate with her team. The next morning, before we headed to the ocean, Buck, Katelyn and Cooper decided I should choose where to have a post-birthday celebratory break fast. I don’t take those kinds of decisions lightly, especially not when we’re in a booming metropolis of culinary choices! Before the family knew it, I provided directions to the best (and first) French bakery we’ve ever been to- complete with fresh, warm croissants upon arrival. Fueled by a decadent break fast of eggs benedict, tiramisu French toast and risotto cakes, we drove to the coast where we were greeted by exceptional weather. We walked on the beach and played a lot of frisbee. The next day was drizzly, but we made the most of it. Cooper kept us hopping with more frisbee, basketball and we even learned how to play pickleball! We also played several rounds of Scrabble, of which I won zero games. We spent two nights at the coast, then stopped to hike Multnomah Falls on our way home, something we’ve never done. We made it home on Tuesday and as we’ve lived life this last week, I realize that in spite of our busy schedule, some seasons have a way of showing up with a quiet reminder to slow down. I think back to when our kids were each brand-new babies, when life’s priorities shifted to eating, sleeping, and bonding at home. Or the calving seasons that nudged us toward a more simple routine— calving out a whole bunch of heifers will quickly reduce the rest of life to sleeping and eating! Now we’re embracing a new season. I shared that Buck’s parents recently moved here and part of that decision was because his dad, Bill, is facing some serious health struggles. We don’t know how long this chapter will last, but we are conscious of the need to savor it. We obviously still have work to do and our kids’ activities to go to and Bill likes to come along when he can, but we’re also settling into a slower routine to spend time together. As Thanksgiving and the holidays are quickly approaching, I feel a lot of gratitude for the quiet moments to tuck in and connect. So for now, we’re learning to hurry up and slow down, right out here in Union County. -Chelsea