Still Sore

I woke up this morning at my usual 4:30 and even in the dark of my room I could see that my ankle was huge and even more discolored than yesterday. Fortunately however it wasn't as sore as I thought it would be (though the rest of my body was) and headed off to work as usual. I decided that rather than run the risk of slipping again on a weak ankle up in the steep terrain I'd spend the day getting some old growth stand exams done in some river/creek bottoms and take it a bit easier. I still probably ended up hiking 10 miles or so today but I wasn't fighting the amount of snow that I would have been up several thousand feet. It was a gorgeous morning and I was working in nice cedar and hemlock stands that really didn't have much snow at all because of how thick they are, but my luck didn't last. By 1 this afternoon though I'd been dumped on by another storm that swung into the area. I'm talking those monster snow flakes that look really cool when they are falling but you can see them build up on the ground after 5 minutes of watching them. I really thought that perhaps spring was going to "sprung" but the weather gods are working against me. By the time I got back to my pickup this evening it was covered by about 18 inches of fresh snow and I had to chain up yet again to get back home. This snow is just so heavy over the roads that were muddy and slick already I wasn't going to risk sliding off anywhere. But at least now I am home, showered, and in a glorious pair of nice warm DRY pjs. There is something to be said for being dry and being able to elevate a sprained ankle in the evenings... lol. Hope everyone had as interesting of a day as I did.

Only Minor Damage

I knew with the changing weather that the mountains would get me one way or another. The snow is starting to melt off and refreeze daily so conditions are not exactly ideal. When I head out in the morning everything is nice and hard and frozen, perfect to walk/snowshoe over. By about 10 though that snow has changed dramatically into a melty slushy mess. While I try to be careful no matter what because its just me out there alone, the inevitable happened and I took a misstep and ended up taking a pretty good spill down a ravine. I didn't land too terrible hard but did take a few knocks against a couple trees. Luckly I came out of it with no broken bones and only a few scrapes, bruises and a spained ankle. I was so mad at myself and am still not exactly sure how I took such a poor step so I bullied myself up and finished out the day. I do have to say though that my ankle is an interesting shade of blue right now and it took a bit of coaxing to get it out of my boot. I figure I'll take a nice hot shower and soak my ankle in a tub of epsome salts and I'll be good for go tomorrow. While I love the snow I have to say I'm ready for this sloppy stuff to be gone so I can move around more easily. Do have to say it still makes for a pretty picture in the morning.

Just some thoughts

I've been thinking alot about my dad lately. I guess thats not all that surprising since I spend a lot of my typical day alone in the middle of nowhere and what else would be occupying my thoughts at this point and time. I haven't exactly dealt with his loss and people keep telling me that its not healthy. They are probably right but I'm not exactly sure how to go about it. And in all honesty maybe just me thinking about him when I'm trapsing about in the woods is part of my own personal healing process and I just don't know it. Unfortunately a lot of my thoughts right now are focused on how he was doing this past year and those are hard things to deal with, but I keep trying to tell myself that there is so much more and much happier things to think about. I want to get back to thinking about so many days spent camping out in the woods with him, washing the car together, him supporting me at every soccer, volleball, basketball, choir, band, and extracurricular event that I was ever involved in, giving each big bear hugs, and just the time I was so blessed to have him as a dad.

As you all know I'm Catholic and my dad was a very devout one at that. This last year has really put my faith to the test and I'm somewhat confused. In one respect I'm angry that God could have taken away a person that I loved so dearly and looked up to so much. I've really tried to put those feelings aside because deep down I know its not right to feel that way. My faith has always taught me that God has a greater purpose and that for reason's beyond my comprehension He called my dad home to Him, but I keep asking that very human question of "why?". Why is it that a man that worked so hard his entire life, loved his family, put his faith into everything he ever did, and in my mind was a kind and giving person called so early? And at that why did he have to fight the battle he did beforehand? I know that these are questions that I wont necessarily find the answer to because its not my own time to understand them but it doesn't stop them from circling my mind. I keep hoping that this Lent will bring me to a better understanding and in the end bring a certain peace to my heart. I really am seeking that out. My dad found some comfort and peace during his fight with cancer through the praying the Rosary, which is something that I too have picked up again in the last year and find to be a time, every morning before heading off into the world, to meditate and contemplate my own feelings right now.

I know this a "deeper" post than I usually do but its whats on my mind these days and I figure maybe if I put it into words I might be able to move past these emotions. I know dad is probably looking down on my and telling me not to sweat the small stuff (thats a dadism) because he's in a better place now. So on that note I want to leave you with one of my favorite pictures of my dad when he was about 20 and working up in the woods outside of Missoula. This is a picture I look at a lot and reminds me how much I am like him. Love you all and God Bless.

Time flies

My dear sweet niece, Rachel, just turned 17 on Thursday! Can you believe that folks? I sure can't. I mean I know that I'm getting older all the time, as is everyone, so it shouldn't come to me as a surprise that she's broaching full (legal) adulthood but for some reason it really does. And she really has grown into a beautiful young woman to boot, though the picture definately shows more of her "I'm related to Tracy" goofy side. She's trying to make my nephew Collin giggle by the way, Im pretty sure she was successful in that endeavor. But I think thats good. I know a lot of you have pictures of me with ummmm interesting expressions on my face, and I have copies of quite a few of them myself... >>>> case in point. So what if I'm staring dreamily at a Dairy Queen sign. Don't judge me! Those were college years and Dairy Queen ice cream was outside my monetary means. If I remember right Kati and I were driving down Higgins Ave one night and saw Erin out with Campus Crusade at the walk up Dairy Queen so we stopped to pester them. Aww memories. Doesn't seem all that long ago yet I know it was at least 5 years ago now. So that brings me back to the point I was trying to make earlier. Time really does fly! And with everything that has gone on over the past year I have a greater appreciation for life and how to really live it. There is something to be said about making each day count. Hopefully I'll get back to the point where I'm able to do that.

 

Valentine's Day Fun for You

First and foremost, I want to wish you all a very Happy Valentine's Day. I know that corporate America has turned this holiday of love into a mishmash of commercial sappiness, but I have a mission for you all that will hopefully get this occasion back to its bare roots. The mission, if you choose to accept it, is to find one person that may be spending the day alone and show that person in some way that they are cared about. Maybe its just inviting them to coffee or sending them an email that says hello, the way you do it doesn't matter just as long as its a small sign of how you feel about the person and how much they mean to you. The idea behind this is so that no person on Valentines Day feels left out. Its not a big deal and you really don't have to go out of your way to do it... but trust me it will make a difference to that one person. So have fun with this and enjoy the day. Share your love with others. Love you all and God Bless.

Day is Done

My family and I laid my loving father to rest this morning in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Cheyenne. It was definitely a bitter sweet ending to a life that most definitely touched many others. It was so nice to see the many faces of friends and family offering willing shoulders to cry on if need be and more to lift a person up when they needs a bit of light in their day. It has most definitely been a hard year and I see that my dad was the model of courage and fortitude both when it comes to battling illness and hardship as well as enjoying a life well lived. I hope that one day I can follow in his footsteps with even half the class and dignity he has shown me. I have to admit I'm pretty numb at the moment and am not exactly sure what I want to say here. But I did feel like stealing away to my room for a moment and saying something on here that was much more meaningful then this is coming out. Maybe in the next day or two my thoughts will quit running rampant and I'll be able to write out something more deserving of my dad's praises and accolades. Again please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Dad is in a better place but it is we who remain that have it hard. Love you all.

Dad's Tribute

Robert A. Bennett
July 31, 1943 – January 27, 2009

Longtime Cheyenne resident and Wyoming Bureau of Land Management State Director Bob Bennett,65, was called home to the loving embrace of God on January 27 surrounded by his family at his daughter’s home in Westminster, CO.

Born second son on July 31, 1943 to parents Don and Margaret Bennett, Bob was raised in Bremerton, WA where he graduated from West High School. In the summer of 1958, Bob met his future bride of 43 years, Patricia. In 1965, he received a Bachelor of Forestry degree from the University of Montana and was also commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. After completing his degree, he married Patricia and was stationed as an armor officer with the 3rd Battalion, 35th Armor, 4th Armored Division in Bamberg, Germany where his two older daughters , Robin and Brenda, were born.

Upon separating from the active duty as a Captain, Bob worked as a forester for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources being located in both Burlington and Enumclaw, WA. After the birth of his son, Brian, he returned to the University of Montana to earn a Masters of Science Forestry degree. At this juncture, Bob dedicated himself to a lifelong career of service to his country as both an officer in the Army Reserve and as a civil service employee of the Bureau of Land Management. He served in various capacities and locations with BLM including Missoula and Miles City, MT, and then on to Cheyenne, WY where his youngest daughter Tracy was born. Bob retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve in 1992. In 2000, Bob became Associate State Director in Salt Lake City, UT and culminated his career’s journey with his present position in Cheyenne.

He enjoyed many hobbies including camping, running, swimming, reading, and spending time with family and friends. He was especially passionate about hunting whether it be birds or big game getting out for the hunt as often as he could. Bob was an involved member of St. Mary’s parish and an ardent supporter of Seton/St. Mary’s Catholic Schools, with particular interests in youth ministry and the athletic association. Additionally, he belonged to both the Knights of Columbus and Right to Life of Laramie County.

Bob committed his life to being a loving husband and caring father and grandfather. He was a steadfast friend and leader who always greeted others with a broad smile and a witty comment. As family, friends, and colleagues gather together at this time, Bob will be remembered as a sincere, gregarious, life-loving, and faithfilled person.

Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia and older brother, Richard Bennett and wife Marilyn. He is also survived by the families of his children; Robin and Carl Hart with their sons Damon and Malakai; Brenda and Mark Hancock with their daughters Rachel and Rebecca; Brian and Cadie Bennett with their son Collin, and Tracy Bennett. His extended family also includes Mary and Larry Havens, Fred and Linda Phillips, Jackie and Biff Schaffer and numerous other relatives.

Services include a rosary at 7:00 pm Tuesday, February 3 as well as a funeral liturgy presided by Ret. Bishop Joseph Hart at 10:30 am Wednesday, February 4 both at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Flowers are welcome ( send to Wiederspahn Radomsky Funeral Home). Alternative contributions to Villa Loretto Sister Servants of Christ the King, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, or the College of Forestry and Conservation via the University of Montana’s Excellence Fund are also appreciated. Donation information for these organizations is available from Wiederspahn Radomsky’s