A nice picture of home in the summer, fall, or spring is great. But, none of that compares to a picture of home in the snow. Some people may see it as cold, but it’s the warmest time of year. Throw a few logs in the fireplace, maybe jump in the sauna, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, and put on a nice big heavy sweater, it’s the best time of year, especially the first decent snow storm! …

I arrived here in Casper late yesterday afternoon. Here’s the lowdown on my latest hosts. I’m staying with Jim, Gail, and Jeanette, they also have a son who lives in town. Jim grew up in L’Anse, the rival town of Baraga directly across the bay. Jim’s sister and my mom have been best of friends for several years. It’s been fantastic to talk with Jim and Gail about Baraga and L’Anse and see a perspective of his (and mine) hometown years down the road while living in Wyoming. …

Tomorrow it’s time to move on once again. And once again it’s kind of hard to leave. This land here is impressive to wake up to every morning. My nights here have been the best sleep I’ve had on this trip. And most of them include a nap either on the way back in the truck from the ranch, or before or after dinner. Today, for example, was spent exploring some new land, even to Lester. …

Even when I played little league I never really watched baseball on TV. When little league was over I lost all my interest in baseball. Well, this trip has changed that a little bit. I’ve been to three ballparks and two games. All I have to say now is go Tigers! Having grown up in Michigan I always cheer for the Detroit teams, even though my hometown is closer to Green Bay, Chicago, and Minneapolis. …

Today I learned some more here on the ranch. This morning we had one cow that found her way back to the calves after they were separated yesterday. Carsten said there are six more that came back tonight that we’ll have to chase back to the pasture in the morning. Other than that I spent my morning with Lester rounding up the flock of sheep and sorting them out. One of the rams had gotten in with the wrong bunch. …

As I woke up this morning the rising sun was melting to last of the frost from the night. All of the colors were starting to shine. From the front porch of the house I could see mule deer and antelope moving around in the pasture. Some cattle were grazing along on top of the ridge straight ahead. After morning chores and a hearty home cooked breakfast, Lester, Carsrten and I went to work on the corral. …

I left Minot early this morning and found myself in Hammond, Montana tonight. Now Hammond is no booming metropolis. I believe the only building with regular business hours is the post office, which is probably the size of a dorm room. It took me about 460 miles to get here, it was a very long haul. As I got into Montana I went further and further into the middle of nowhere. …

Between Minot, ND and Hammond, MT there isn’t a lot. But there are 14 water towers. Just incase you wanted to know. I’ve always thought water towers are super cool, ever since I was just a little tike. Sadly, Baraga no longer has its cool tower of water. A few years ago it came crashing down. Though I really liked the old water tower in Winterset I think the red and white checkered one in Minot takes the cake thus far. …

Minot has been host of North America’s largest Scandinavian festival for 29 years starting today. Norsk Hostfest many thousands visitors from all over the country and all over Canada for a four day event of cultural music, food, art, and much more. With over 200 vendors and dozens of stage performances each day there is more than enough to see in a single day. Some of the musical performances I saw include Ringling 5 (a group of Montana ranches that sing some comedy country songs, and even one country rap song), Leah Durelle (a 14-year old Canadian country singer), and everyone knows the legendary Oak Ridge Boys. …

My friend Jen (who I wrote this lovely piece about) sent me an article this evening about the most afforable living in the United States. America’s most affordable housing markets Guess what town is on top of the list? You guessed it! (at least I give you the benefit of the doubt). Minot, ND is rated #1 for most affordable living based on median home price. Pretty cool. What’s interesting is how Colleen was pointing how her neighborhood and how these dozens and dozens of houses have been built in just the last few years. …