Yes, an actual post!

So I just realized that the last time I posted a blog was... oh.... roughly a month and a half ago!! Sorry about not keeping everyone updated. It's weird to even think this, but I've actually become annoyed with using the computer. I like to check my e-mail briefly when I get the chance, but I just don't find myself wanting to spend long periods of time online like I am used to at home (but of course, here I couldn't spend long periods of time online even if I wanted to). Anyway, excuses, excuses. I'm sorry for being so bad at updating!

So.. hmm.. what has happened since mid-June? Some of my family came up right after I last updated, and I think a good time was had by all. Everyone had fun and no one got hurt (although some people tried their darndest). Since then it's been business as usual I suppose. The days of each week tend to blend together, and I can't think of much inparticular that should be brought up. I've been hiking and riding quite a fair bit, although it's gotten much hotter lately which makes all of that stuff a bit less fun. We're still getting a few decent rain showers here and there, which is good (except for when you're being poured on at the cookout like this past Tuesday). There are now fires east of us (in Red Lodge, south of Billings), and south of us (Yellowstone park). We're all hoping another doesn't start up nearer to us and that they can get a break from the winds and get those two fires under control. The ranch has been evacuated 3 times in the past two years, and I don't think anyone wants to try it a fourth time.

Phyllis and Ron (the owners) are expecting their first grandson from their youngest son any day now (Bonnie, their daughter in law, was due last Saturday). We have a pool going about when the baby will be born and what it will be. So cross your fingers for me that she has a boy on Monday! Bryant, one of the co-owners, has been having a rough bout of health issues lately. Last week we went in for a doctor's appointment and ended up staying in the ICU of the hospital for several days. He had another appointment today, so we're hoping he and his wife Ellen don't have to make another visit to the hospital. This weekend there is a "Sweet Pea" annual festival going on in Bozeman that Jodey (the manager) and I are going to go to (leaving tonight, will be there tomorrow on our day off). Should be a good time, especially after how hectic today has been (some journalists are coming to write about the ranch, so we've been crazy busy cleaning and preparing for them).

Today is August 1st, which means in one month, on August 31st, I'll be coming home. I'm glad I took this job, and I feel like I've gained a lot from it, but I don't think I was prepared for how much I'd miss home at times. I think what makes it hard, actually, is just the fact that we are so isolated out here. I love the wilderness, but sometimes I think it's civilization I miss more than anything. The idea of being able to run to the store for something quickly, or going out for ice cream... those kinds of things just aren't realities out here. It's hard living where you work as well at times; and, living with the people you work with (6 women sharing 1 tiny bathroom can get rough!). It's hard not to resent your coworkers occasionally just because you're around them so much! But, all in all, I am glad I came here. And I'll be glad to come home soon as well. I'm going to try to make a point of spending as much time as I can with everyone in the brief time before I head to Ireland and really soak it all up.

Okay, now that was a decent update, was it not? I'll try to get to this at least once more before I head home, and I promise I'll be much better in Ireland since I'll have my own computer and you'll all probably find that more interesting anyhow.

Until next time....

Hannah