On Sunday evening I usually try to map out my week. This week was going to be a full one and would require committed planning. But, it doesn't take much to become uncommitted and have your regimented schedule tossed out the window. As a rancher and a small business owner, being flexible is a necessity.
On Monday night my son-in-law Colton asked if I could be at their house at 7:00am to care for the boys. I shifted my plans, to take on my favorite job of being a grandma.
The weather has been cold here, but Tuesday morning, although chilly, it was calm and the sun and sky were both trying to show themselves. Getting outdoors was a must, so we bundled up and set out for a nature walk, complete with four dogs and four cats who follow the little boys everywhere.
On our journey we investigated homes where wild things live. The damp air smelled of wet earth and dried leaves - peppered with hints of sage as we walked crushing it with our boots.
We stopped and looked at the mosaic of grasses and played along Spring Creek, throwing rocks into the water, watching the ripple effects in the mirrored stream.
The boys climbed trees with leaves bleached by the sun that hung like tiny wind-chimes, making soft rustling sounds in the occasional puffs of wind.
We headed back to do our chicken chores, which included the favorite job of gathering eggs. Now mud covered and wet, we settled into snacks and hot chocolate, before the homeschooling lessons began.
We had a different email scheduled for today, which seemed heavy during these uncertain times. After my morning nature adventure with my grandchildren, which made me feel like I had basked in sunshine - I wanted to share it with you.... thinking that you might need a little sunshine too.
28 comments
Love the photos of the landscape that surrounds you. Where I live in Pittsburgh the 5 days of rain has stopped giving us sun after a heavy first frost, but pictures of the prairie/grasslands of North Dakota as we all hunker down everywhere (please wear your masks wherever you go!) is a much needed break from our day to day anxieties in this year of troubles. Thank you for sharing part of your life out there. We love North Dakota and have recently been volunteers in Medora and camped in Theodore Roosevelt National Park – great memories.
Beautifully written Jill! As often stated, when we are all long gone, those children and grandchildren are our legacy. Nothing more priceless than making a difference in the life of a child.
Best wishes from SC – Chris and Kim
I felt as I was on your walk with you and could hear those little voices in the background.
Thanks for giving me a short reprieve to my busy morning.
Beautiful story Jill. Thank you for taking the time to share it :)
Beautiful words and images – thanks, Jill! And those boys…
Good medicine, indeed! Thanks for the sunshine, Jill. Much appreciated.
AHHHH, the inspiring and insightful life we have all but forgotten in these troubled times! Thank you.
I enjoyed the walk, too. Thanks!! The boys are growing so!
Lucky boys!
I think walking in the woods looking for birds has been our sanity anchor for 2020.
Hey, two wonderful nature writers in the same family; when Grampa Dan isn’ available, you’ll do very nicely, Jill, thank you very much! And with your photos to illustrate them all, what a treat!
Nothing more special than grandkids.
Your photography is beautiful and it was so nice to see autumn In South Dakota.
Need to get that boy a USD stocking cap and rid of the N!
Aren’t grandchildren invigorating?! and wonderful to be with?
Those cats!
Lifted my spirits on this cold snowy morning. Lucky boys! Thanks Jill.