Elk, Wind and Stage Fright

It’s undoubtedly a busy time of year, although I was hoping for life to slow down a little bit – not too much- just so I can catch up! Grant is hunting for elk today, and I’m praying he has success so we can have a full freezer before the weather turns truly nasty. He has a tag for either sex, although I’m voting for a cow. You can’t eat antlers, and cows taste better. In my opinion, the only points that matter are at the end of my fork.

I’m trying to pull together an hour and fifteen minute long workshop on landscaping that I have to do tomorrow for the Rocky Mountain Fair Association conference. I knew about this 6 months ago, but there’s nothing like last minute preparations to keep the material fresh! I’m just hoping to make sense and not throw up. It’s been a long time since I’ve spoken in front of a group, and this might be a large crowd since there is fair staff from about five different states.

I finished my story on backyard wind power for the Great Falls Tribune. I had a great visit with Jenni and Logan Bryce at their home – an alternative energy playground – near Belt. Great folks, and fascinating projects. That piece should be in this Saturday’s (Nov. 14) ‘At Home’ section.

I would like to write a story on plants used for natural dyes, and am looking for sources. Also, if I can wrangle the interviews, I’d love to do one on eating local for Thanksgiving. This would be for the Trib, so I’m looking for Montana people. We’re buying a heritage turkey from Jacob and Courtney Cowgill at Prairie Heritage Farm in Conrad. I’m looking forward to trying it.