Hello from N.D.!
Greetings from the great state of North Dakota (whether I'm being sarcastic, sharing my honest opinion or both, I'll let you decide).
My uncle likes to get up at too early AM but, to be fair, he goes to bed earlier than I do, falls asleep much quicker and the sun is rising at 6 AM. Did I mention that the sun doesn't set until 9:45 PM? And the days are getting longer still? I forgot that it did that up here.
Done a little bit of job hunting up here. But, to be honest, it would take and a job with an amazing income for me to move up here. There isn't a lot to do in a person's spare time. However, I do find my heart rejoices at the solitude and open space that is up here. There is something to be said for being able to drive on a road for miles and miles and not encounter another car/truck/semi.
To be fair, there are jobs here. A lot of jobs. As in, something like 150 oil wells are supposed to go in in the future. I've driven along roads and have seen 4 or 5 new towers going up/already up. In case anyone actually cares, the fields that are being produced are the Three Forks and Bakken (“ba” like a sheep). They aren't new fields but there are new drilling techniques to get the oil out and, oh boy, according to my uncle and what I've read, they are huge fields.
(stands on soapbox)
People (general American populace, the President, the Government) complain about oil but, up here, it is the lifeblood of the economy. Fortunes and the population are directly affected by the oil fields. When the industry does well, the people here do well and have money. When it doesn't, people get by or leave the state for work. Not the ideal situation for an economy but that is the way it is. The other industry is farming and that is not a growing job industry. So, when it gets bashed, I have to think of my home state and what it might be like without oil (not a pretty picture). Not to mention that it affects me personally. My dad is an engineer in the oil industry. It has given him a good job and I hate to see it villainized when it has been good for my family. Why do people seem to think its okay for a company to make money unless it is an oil company?
(steps down from soapbox) (No, I won't discuss this with people right now. It is my opinion and I'm entitled to it.)
Weather has been iffy and great. Sometimes, even on the same day. For example, it was rainy miserable this morning. Now it has cleared up some and there are beautiful clouds floating through the sky. ...I think I just heard some thunder and there are some dark clouds to the west. It was reported that there'd be chance of afternoon storms. At least yesterday was lovely. (Yep, that was thunder and its moving closer and closer as I write this) It is presently getting darker out as clouds move in from the west.
Finally obtained my first sunburn (future tan) yesterday courtesy of mowing my uncle's lawn without sunscreen. I, however, am not concerned. It is only slightly warm and red, which is fading as the day goes on. But, to be safe, I purchased a bottle of SPF 30 (non-greasy, unscented) and covered myself. I plan to leave it here because my uncle has none and he's going to need it for guests. His own tan is impressive but he's gotten it from working outdoors.
Wildlife. Somehow, I don't think that means suicidal gophers. I've had at least, 4 gophers run in front of my car while driving to and from my uncles. I've also seen 3 turkeys (not native to the area but introduced as a game bird since I moved away), a couple of ring-neck pheasants, and mountain lion tracks (which have settled permanently since finding the turkeys as easy meals). FYI, it is possible to squish a tick but you got to do it between two hard surfaces with some grinding.
Tonight, I'm going to help set up the church for the wedding I came up here to attend. The person getting married was my best friend growing up. I wasn't going to miss the wedding unless there was no other option. I'm also invited to the wedding rehearsal. :) I'm going to take lots of pictures of the rehearsal and wedding. In fact, I'm looking forward to it.
There are a couple of reasons I decided to come up so early. One, I thought I might see how it would be for a job (I've applied to a couple and have a place to live if I get one). Two, it seemed like a good idea because we had Monday off. Three, without having to pay for a place to stay, I can afford to stay longer. My uncle is happy for the company. :)
I know I'll have more to say later but that's all for now. I need to eat supper and head back into town.