The Apples in My Orchard

Today was busy, but a good busy. The fact it was good is important due to a slight meltdown I experienced last night. I told my twenty-year-old I am going to have to start paying him counseling fees!

The First First

I started my day by driving an hour to a rural village where I was interviewed for a radio show related to my work at a local land trust and an event we are having on a piece of conserved property at the beginning of September.  It’s a yoga hike, where we will do some yoga (standing poses only) and hike to a lookout over a beautiful valley near the Kickapoo River.  The yoga instructor was interviewed as well.  I’ve never been interviewed in a radio station before!  Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever been interviewed! Our hosts were welcoming and I felt at ease during most of it. But, when the hypothetical situations started to arise, I must admit I was unsure about what I was saying. I was trying to be evasive without seeming evasive. The good part of all of this was that it will expose more community members to our organization and I learned what I truly still have to learn regarding the organization for which I now work.

The Second First

After that, I did some work in a people’s food co-op that is really quite upscale and comfortable at the same time.  When an hour had passed, I had to be on my way to Iowa to visit another organization called Seed Savers Exchange.  Eventually, I’ll have to do a post on this subject alone because it was so awesome. But, for today, I’ll just tell you that it was the first time I had visited a seed saver organization. I went with the Master Gardener Group that I belong to as a member, even though I do not really know that many who are active now.  I am so glad I went. It was informative, beautiful, and enjoyable! Already, I want to go back!

The Third First

After our tour at the Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, Iowa, I drove through Minnesota to get home – back to Wisconsin.  The day was gorgeous – mild and sunny. That is, until, I reached southern Minnesota where a large gray stormcloud loomed on the horizon. Sure enough, after a few miles, the rain came. But, I drove right out of it.

Upon arriving home, I waited for my husband. He had gone to our cabin the day before yesterday and was detouring to Green Bay to pick up a nine-week-old Yellow Labrador Puppy! This is my first dog!  We welcomed Molly to our family today! She is so sweet!

Three Great States but No Place like Home!

So, today, I made a huge circle as I traveled south and slightly east into the beautiful rolling hills of the Kickapoo River Valley. Then, I traveled southwest to the state of Iowa where the crop of corn reigns supreme. And, finally, I came north – northeast back to the Driftless Area of Wisconsin.  I drove through three states! But, this was not a first for me! I’ve written about driving through three states related to work before. It’s always an adventure! The mid-west is very beautiful but, you know the saying: There’s no place like home!