A Remote Western Town

A Remote Western Christmas

2009-12-14T08:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas here is a community deal. The Christmas party is a big event during the month of December. Santa visits, the stores stay open late (and serve food and beverage to entice shoppers), the Visitor's center throws a wine and cheese party (with beautiful cocktail shrimp!), the County Commissioners hold hands with local kids as they throw the light switch on the Christmas Tree at the County courthouse, and locals mingle on the streets as the Christmas parade comes through.

The air is filled with excitement as lit trucks, horse drawn wagons, walking teams and even goats with chicken riders march down the Pine Street. This year was extra special for us, as the temperatures were above 0, and it snowed lightly! We also got a treat as both kids were in the parade- one on the 4H float, and the other with the Wrestling Club.

At home, the quiet spread around us like the heavenly white blanket outside. As we approached the house, nearly all that was visible through the snow and darkness was the lit Christmas tree in the amazing place we call home. We wouldn't trade this Remote Western Christmas for anything in the world.

Oh Snap!

2009-12-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

A cold spell has recently hit the US. Here, at 7400 feet elevation, we didn't get missed.

Don't you love digital evidence? It doesn't tell the time, nor the wind chill, nor if the sun was shining... and each of these factors does play in how cold it "feels". Regardless, understand that -12 feels COLD. Your nose hairs stick together, as do your eyelashes. You can't breathe too deeply without coughing. Your outdoor animals look like they're crusted in ice, but you've still got to remind your Remote Western children to bring a coat to school.

It's too cold to snow, though the snow that's already here isn't melting.

I worked cows with a friend one day, when the weather was this cold. Regardless of the temperatures, ranch chores must be done. As luck would have it, I fell in the (I believe, anyway) only non frozen solid stream and froze the lower half of my pants solid. We're talking about crunchy, flick-ice-off-with-your-cow-poker-stick, pants-can't-move-or-they-break solid kind of freeze. The upper portions steamed off some in the sun, but please believe me when I say "I FROZE MY @$$ OFF!!!" We worked cows some more, bringing in the heifers for vaccinations, getting them in the chutes and vaccinating them. It's a lot physical, hard, dirty work, but great when the sun is shining and the wind isn't blowing! (Helps if a person is also dry.)

The kids took the school bus out to the ranch, where we loaded up and drove off to hunt the elusive Christmas Tree! Success! We found one that would make Charlie Brown proud. Our settling was most likely spurred by the fact that the sun went down and all three of us had had enough of being cold (Remote Western Children didn't bring their snow boots, one was missing a coat, and neither had gloves. When will they learn???)

Another beautiful day in paradise.

Sabbatical over, I'm baaaaack!

2009-12-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

Ever find yourself suddenly realizing that you're not nearly as funny or clever as you once thought you were? Did you then decide, with a heavy dose of humility to go crawl into a corner and assess the situation for a while? Maybe it's just me.

But thanks to the gentle goading of friends (love you Ken!), I'm back on line with my western wit and wisdom. For whatever that's worth. I'm happy to be back, and will keep whomever wants to know in the know on the "goings on" in our Remote Western Town.

Remote computer failure

2009-06-29T20:19:00.001-07:00

So... when your computer dies, and you live an hour and a half away from the closest Staples, what do you do? Panic. Cry. Get angry. Talk to your townsfolk. It's sort of like the five stages of grief- complete with the anger, bargaining and acceptance... except I'm grieving the loss of something that was never alive to begin with.

After a month of back and forth visits from the local computer guy, I'm still without computer services with the exception of the unauthorized laptop. (Breakin' the law, breakin' the law...) Here's hoping I'm back up and running again soon because I have great horseback ride pictures to post (exquisite country!), as well as weather updates (we can finally plant our flowers now!), and fire season info. Wish me luck in getting back pronto.

Remote Western Dogs versus Remote Western Skunks

2009-05-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

Skunks 1, Dogs 0

Here is our beloved border collie, shown with our beloved Frito-Bandito. This is her typical disposition, looks, smell, etc.

She came bounding in last night... and the stench hit me about a half a second later. Ugh!

Being the sound scientific mind I am, I did a little bit of research. The nasty part of skunk smell is causes by compounds called "thiols". Thiols can be readily broken down by a process called "oxidation", where oxygen is added to the molecule and the molecule is changed. Stink is gone, dog can once again venture inside.

More research revealed that others have had luck with hydrogen peroxide (an oxidizer) combined with baking soda, a dash of Dawn to lather up, and a cap full of chlorox. This sounds reasonable to me, especially since I have these things on hand. So it's off to the outdoor bath with my concotion and my stinky dog. The sucker blows like a shaken beer, and the oxidizing process is going along smoothly. Dog is beginning to smell like dog, and I am pleased with my keen intellect.

She was so mad, she would barely make eye contact. And when she did, it was only to give

me hateful, dog stink-eye looks. She also decided that rolling in horse poop would make her feel better, but hey... I would take horsepoop smell over skunk any day.

She eventually dried and forgave me. She even smells much better, though her face still stinks (I didn't want this chemistry near her eyes, so the nose and eye area were spared the bubbly wrath). She won't be allowed into the house until the rest of the stink is completely gone.

So this story is finished except for one small thing... the oxidizing. I sort of forgot that oxidizers and bleach... well... oxidize and bleach! My tri color border is now more of a four color border with her new frosted tips! Now it's time for her to freshen up that breath, lose some fur off that big booty and go out on the town in her swanky, hip new doggie "do"!

One Stinking Line???

2009-04-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

Ok, we're remote. I get that. What boggles my mind is that with one single misplaced dig spot, one little "uh-oh", and the ENTIRE area is without long distance, internet and cellular phone services for hours! For those of us without television, we're really disconnected!

But, it comes with the territory, and when these things happen (which they do with alarming frequency!), we remember to be grateful when the internet comes back up, and our link to the outside world is restored.

(Photo by Dawn Ballou, Pinedale Online)

April Showers bring... April snowstorms?

2009-04-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

It's the 29th of April, and we could sure use some springtime around these parts. These hellacious wind storms with snow wreck havoc on the newborn calves, and cause general hate and discontent to those of us without livestock.

The wind was screaming most of the night and morning. It sounded and felt as if the roof would come off in one piece. By late morning, the wind had mostly died down, but a little bit of evidence was left blown and stuck to the side of the house and garage doors. Note the snow blown into the corners and frozen in place. Late April in Western Wyoming...

It's CALVING SEASON!

2009-04-29T21:14:00.001-07:00

It's time for babies! Lots and lots of babies!

The calves are a'comin', and it's the busy season around these parts. First year heifers and seasoned cows alike need someone watching over to ensure the offspring are healthy deliveries. Mud and blood and cowpies come with the territory this time of year, and I wish all my ranching friends a fruitful calf season!

(Pictures to be posted soon! Once the wind stops blowing and the snow stops coming in sideways, I can go out to the ranches and grab some shots!)

Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act

2009-04-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

My goal is not to be political with this blog, but I must mention the HR 980 currently before Congress. This bill proposes 24 million acres as newly designated wilderness with very strict conditions set for human use.

While we adamantly advocate responsible land use, this bill would have serious consequences for our Remote Western Town, and the recreation and tourism therein.

Our townfolk have really mobilized around this issue more than any other I've seen in recent times. Time will tell how this issue plays out. Keep informed!

The wind...

2009-03-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

Since our wind swept landscape provides no nutritional genesis for vegetation taller than grass, and since our grass is still dormant and tiny- how do we tell the wind is blowing?
It could be the howling, screaming sounds of the home as the ferocious force tries to blow it down. It could be the cacophony of the wind chimes as they spin and tangle with the energy in motion...

Or it could be the sideways icicles.

Economic Hard Times for A Remote Western Town

2009-03-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

Because of our remoteness, we do get the privileged of being insulated from the volatility of the world economic issues... but not for ever. Eventually, like fashion and ideology, economics impact us, too.
This morning's tearful call reminded me of this reality. Where jobs were once so plentiful, restaurants in town had difficulty finding help, and when they did- they paid top dollar. Today? Today, dozens of people apply for the single job at the gym. Out of work attorneys apply as warehouse managers. Times are frightening for us here, where heating costs are crippling in the winter, and commuting to other areas is nearly impossible.
My friend lost his job today and is leaving town. I doubt we'll see him again. He worked for a company that services the natural gas drilling industry, and with the falling gas and oil prices, many rigs are laying down. At nearly 60 years old, he's got a tough ordeal ahead of him and I wish him Godspeed on his search for employment.
While we typically don't dwell on the hard times, I do feel it necessary to mention how the current global financial situation is impacting all of us. We don't drive flashy cars here, but car care is expensive in an area where everything comes in from four or more hours away. Our homes aren't large or showy, but real estate has been higher than all but one area of our state. Tourist areas can be that way. Heating, repairs and maintenance are also much costlier compared to other areas, and food prices are very high.
So, while my husband now works four days a week out of state, four of my close friends are dealing with unemployment in their lives and my salary has just been cut by 10%, I know we will overcome this. We always do.

Remote Western Roads and Snow

2009-02-09T19:35:00.000-08:00

Not only do we get a fair share of snowWe get wind.

Sometimes, it's a lot of wind. When the wind and the snow happen within a short time frame, we get trouble.(This is my road... I didn't get any further on it at this point.)

Sometimes, it's a LOT of trouble.

(This is where my plow truck got stuck. Luckily, neighbors and I could pull it out. My hand is near the top of the drift.)
(And this is the blader-tractor pulling my SUV out.)

But, when the winds stop,

And the sun crests the mountains And the plows come, (County plow!)(Mom plowing a way to the school bus!)

Paradise is reborn.

Thank you!

2009-02-09T19:27:00.000-08:00

A hearty THANK YOU to everyone who asked "where have you been?" and "why isn't your blog updated?".
To be honest, I wasn't sure anyone was really interested. A few zealous friends had "over-clicked" the ad buttons, and my account was suspended. I wasn't getting any comments to posts, and only a couple of followers to the site. So thank you to those who cared enough to ask for new updates. I commit to you that I will keep our Remote Western Town accessable to all of our out of town friends and loved ones.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

May you keep your employment
May your home not foreclose
May you find life enjoyment
As your portfolio grows

May your bodies be fit
And your brains become wise
Will you not care a bit
‘Bout the width of your thighs

May your days fill with laughter
And your nights fill with peace
Might you find what you’re after
Can your mind be at ease

May you be filled with love
To thine own self be true
All of the things above
Are my new year wish for you

TroubleXFour

2008-12-30T10:54:00.000-08:00

Oh, they look sweet and innocent, alright. But put their sweaty little heads together, and they're a "mite-y" force to be reckoned with! (Three Remote Western mites and one mini-mite after a hard hockey practice.) Go team!

A sad day

2008-12-28T21:11:00.000-08:00

On a recent post, I mentioned the importance of dogs in A Remote Western Town. One of my personal favorite canines is a fellow named Pete. (Pictured front, with his mate, Bella.)

Pete is a serious dog. None of that "lick your face, chase my tail" stuff for this guy, it's all business... until it comes to his human companion, Kara. Pete is completely devoted to her, and her wish is his command.

I confess. I've got a thing for border collies anyway, but this guy is special. Small, quick, athletic and smarter than three normal dogs put together, Pete was a natural ranch hand. If you ask Kara, she'd probably tell you that Pete was better than most human hands! He doesn't argue (much!), shows no fear, and is agile enough to avoid even the maddest heifer. He's also handsome, doesn't require more than a hug- Pete style-, a handful of food and a kind word for a hard day's work.

So it is with heavy sadness that I share the news of Pete's untimely death today. He lived a rich, short life and touched many hearts. He is buried on a hill overlooking his ranch and watching over his beloved Kara. Rest in peace, Pete. You've earned your keep.

The Storm hath cometh!

2008-12-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

This is me... in none of my glory! It's 9 degrees outside, but with the wind chill, it's well below zero. It's the kind of cold that causes your nose hairs to instantly freeze when you breathe in, the kind of cold that burns your lungs and causes rosy cheeks for days after just a few minutes of exposure. Nasty cold!
Our place is on a ridge where the wind has swept for eons. Our lovely home now serves as a wind block, creating unusual and interesting drifts along the 3 miles of dirt road to the .2 mile drive way and around the house. Our trusty plow comes in handy for our sometimes six foot drifts, enabling our infrequent departures and the occasional propane delivery!

The happiest of holidays from A Remote Western Town

2008-12-26T20:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all, and to all... a good night.

Dogs in A Remote Western Town!

2008-12-16T08:22:00.000-08:00

In A Remote Western Town, we love dogs! It almost seems like an unwritten requirement to have at least two, and those in the country typically have more!
The dogs of choice here fall into three categories:
Sporting dogs
Working (herding) dogs
???
In the sporting category, retrievers rule. Labradors of all shapes, sizes and lineage make up a good deal of the "Town Dog" population, as these dogs tend to be well suited for life with kids and a variety of weather conditions. They are energetic and friendly.
A few spaniels and other water dogs make up the rest of the retriever group here.
In the herding dog category, border collies are top dog. These dogs are typically serious dogs, very smart and energetic, but also well suited for families. Border collies are very agile, bred for dodging hoofs that want to stomp them, and do very well with cattle and sheep.
Heelers are also popular with cattle folk, though their dispositions can border on the mean and cranky. They are well suited for managing cattle.
Other working dogs include sheep dogs (Old English, Akbash, Great Pyrenees, shepards), and a few odds and ends rotties, mastiffs and St. Bernards.
The rest of the dogs around these parts fall into the "what IS that dog???" category. Some of these include odd mixes (like a beagle and border collie), rescued and found dogs, and dogs whose lineage is "prized cattle dog and sneaky mongrel intruder who will be shot on site next time".
In A Remote Western Town, we really have no use for "foo-foo" dogs. Though there are a few scattered around, the thought is, "If they're not useful, why bother?"
Regardless of your choice of dog, we love our companion animals in A Remote Western Town!

The Coming Storm

2008-12-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

It's December, and time for winter to fully arrive. Out here in A Remote Western Town, winter is typically difficult, cold and long.

This year, the weather has been kind. Trick or Treating without snow was a delight. A late November horseback ride was a welcome addition. But now that it's December, it's time for snow and the quiet solace of winter.

While the weather has been kind, simple economics has not. The price of beef is down. High paying oil and gas jobs are disappearing with recent price drops, and the lay offs, lower home prices and general economic fears are impacting A Remote Western Town. We're isolated geographically, but not economically. This season may prove a difficult one indeed.

Preparing for Winter

2008-11-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

November is quickly coming to a close in A Remote Western Town. Autumn has been kind to most of us this season, and for that, we are grateful. We have yet to receive the stinging snow- the kind that feels like tiny barbs driving into your exposed skin, and the wind has been mild. "Unseasonably warm" is what the weatherfolks are calling it, "a reprieve" is our name for it.

We prepared for winter all summer long. Hay sits in fat bales awaiting snowy winter dispersals to hungry heifers. Wood is chopped, dried and bundled outside remote farm houses and homes in town alike, and pantries are full of the canned and dried goods that will sustain us throughout the winter.

Mule deer have begun to come out of the hills and many of their bodies are unfortunately feeding huge ravens along the busy roadsides wherein they perished.

We've prepared our vehicles for winter, too. Snow tires, heavy weight wiper blades, engine block warmers, bins full of warm gear, water and dried foods have been installed in anticipation of the cold. We are warned to keep at least half a tank of gas at all times, and to stay in the vehicle in the event of a serious slide off. Most of us take heed, and hope we never have to use that wisdom.

Welcome to A Remote Western Town!

2008-11-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends. Welcome to A Remote Western Town.

A Remote Western Town chronicles life in- simply put- a remote western American town. This blog does not support nor oppose any cause, does not serve to judge anyone, and does not romanticize nor insult the American West. It merely attempts to present objectively, life in a remote western town.

To give you some background on A Remote Western Town (population 2,000), I’ll start with the landscape. The elevation is roughly 7,200 feet above sea level. It is a high plains desert, where sagebrush clings to unwelcoming soil in the shadow of 12,000 foot mountain peaks. A Remote Western Town is over 100 miles from the nearest freeway and rail system, and nearly that far to the closest hospital. This is a place where the wind and cold have swept for eons, where inhabitants must rely on one another, and where cattle is king. Formidable. Inhospitable. Beautiful. Remote.