Summer 2022 Publisher’s Note
What extreme weather we have had this summer! Floods, fire, drought, hail, grasshoppers, even tornadoes. If you were spared of one weather pattern, you likely experienced another. Friends lost crops to flooding, pasture to drought or fire, hay to grasshoppers, and wheat to hail. It was a destructive season, and our hearts go out to all affected.
The summer began with historic flooding in the greater Yellowstone area, and it was an amazing display of one of nature’s powerful extremes. As we covered the flooding, it was humbling to see unsung heroes rising up, neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers pitching in, and businesses donating products. It wasn’t just physical labor and items being donated. It was food being prepared to feed crowds of hungry workers. It was churches and schools opening their doors for displaced families to find a place for rest. It was residents working tirelessly in an effort to build back their communities. The work is far from over and it will be some time before things are “back to normal.” We wish the impacted communities continued progress as they labor through the devastation.
On a visit to Lander, Wyoming, in early June, we came upon an event which lifted our spirits. Volunteer firemen, all unsung heroes who give of their time and risk their lives for the safety of the people they protect, convened for their 89th annual convention. In a friendly competition, rural Wyoming fire department teams fought against the clock and each other for bragging rights for the fastest time in multiple events. We met some amazing people whose loyalty to their fellow firefighters and communities is incredibly honorable.
This issue features several individuals who brighten the lives of those around them, including a traveling pastor outside of Lewistown and a young commercial pilot who also trains horses near Joliet.
It also includes tips to control late season pests competing for your garden bounty and a few recipes to enjoy that bounty.
Witnessing the damage nature is capable of causing is a reminder of how small and vulnerable we really are in this world. In the flash of a lightening strike, lives can be turned upside down and forever changed. It’s also a reminder to love well the ones you love and not take for granted the lifestyle we enjoy. Freeing up time since selling our café has given us time to invest with the people we love and in the activities we enjoy.
In September, our youngest daughter will marry a young man we’ve come to love and cherish as a son. They make their home in Lander, Wyoming, which has become a favorite destination for us, and I imagine we’ll be trekking down there on a regular basis.
In November, our other daughter and son-in-law are expecting a baby, growing their little family to six members, and giving us another grandchild. We’re very excited for this addition and thankful we’ve also had more time to spend with our son’s daughter, our precious five-year-old granddaughter, who always manages to say just what needs to be said to bring a smile to our faces.
Now, we’re focusing on expanding our magazine and have filled our fodder with some wonderful stories for future issues. We do, however, hope to find some help with the addition of an advertising salesperson. If you know of someone who may be interested, please send them our way.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2
As we all navigate these trying times, we are aiming not to be overwhelmed by all that is going wrong but instead concentrate on the simple things that make life worth living and remembering there is always a rainbow after the storm.
- Cyd and Stu