It just keeps going and going and going. My research trial is half over. I will officially finish October 19th with my final two day weights of my calves and cows. They are finally starting to grow! My nonfistulated (the ones w/out the canluas in their rumens) calves are beginning to put on weight! PTL! It has been quite the journey to get to this point.
July was quite the busy month. I had something going on every weekend of that month; Collection period, traveling to Estes Park for a grazing livestock nutrition conference, Scottsbluff extension center for their 100 yr celebration, and my one weekend back in Lincoln. whewh.
My second collection period at the beginning of the month was still a little rough with the canulated calves not producing good (quantity) diet or fecal samples. Let's just say there is a reason professors have grad students....to do the dirty work. These collection periods are no walk in the park. Now, I am not complaining, but lets just say that once I am doing working with the calves, feeding, handling samples, and cleaning up/prep for the next day....I immediately hit the shower. Irish spring body wash seems to work to take away the smell-it is very distinct and potent. I figured after calf rumen contents and fecals, dealing w/ kids will be a walk in the park. :) I am thankful that I got 2 tablespoons worth of a calf diet this period (Period II). Not much, but a start in the right direction.
Estes Park, CO conference was a long haul, but a much needed breather. I was able to spend the night before the conference with a dear friend and former mentee in Fort Collins. The time together seemed too short, but was worth the lack of sleep. :) The conference hosted professors, researchers, and students from all over the world with our guest speaker from Australia. It was quite the educational experience and great time to spend with my advisor, Dr. Karla Jenkins. We talked about research, the ranch, and life. It was nice to hang out, outside of the school world. It was a whirlwind weekend, but I was able to have a little bit of R&R before I had to head back to Whitman. I was also able to hang out with a former student from Canyonview who is working in Estes for the summer. Estes reminds me of Eastern Oregon right over the Cascade Range. Lots of pine trees and rocks and wildlife with bigger mountains. It was a wonderful reminder of home.
The centennial celebration at the extension center in Scottsbluff was an enlightening and interesting experience. I was able to meet a lot of the educators stationed out of Scottsbluff and take in the history of the center. I was stationed at a booth that hosted both the range and feedlot research that the center has done over the past 100 yrs. I learned some as well as had the opportunity to share with people my research project and what we are striving to learn. Long day, but still a good experience.
I have to be honest that I was a little apprehensive to return to Lincoln after being gone for three months. I have changed so much and grown personally, that I didn't know how I would 'fit in' again with the people I was with before. Well, to my relief, being with my friends and church family was no problem at all. Now, I didn't like driving back into Lincoln and having to remember where things were and dealing with sooo many people and the traffic-ich! It was good to see familiar faces and touch base with my professor, Dr. Terry Klopfenstein. I was able to serve with the worship team at church that weekend and sing harmony on a song for special music. Totally blessed, convicted, and thrilled to serve on my wknd back.
Probably the best part of my time back in Lincoln was seeing my BELLA! I have missed her so dearly. It just is not the same here at the ranch w/out her. She was a little confused when I walked in the door and called her name. Once she realized that it was me, she about took me to the floor. She is a big girl. I house sat for the people who are taking care of her as well as their two dogs. I wish I had more time at home with them, but loved having her at the foot of my bed at night. The first night she kept checking to still see if I was really sleeping on the bed. I love my little girl.
God has been stretching me so much and teaching me so many things about myself, my beliefs, convictions, and other people. When one is removed from their 'normal' environment and support system, it causes them to completely rely on their Lord and Savior in ALL aspects of their life. As well as having the time to contemplate and ruminate over things. I have had lots of time to think, read, and pray. My daily morning feedings have proved good times to pray for people as well as to talk things over with God. I don't always get answers, but the open communication is amazing. My life is so open and the possibilities are endless-of which scares the heebee geebees out of me. :) Though, everyone else envy's me..? go figure. Well, I know that I will finish my Masters degree at UNL. After that, we shall see what happens next.
More to come soon....
