This past week the weather changed from unusually warm temperatures to more spring-like conditions. After a cool front moved through the area on May 6, we received up to one inch of rain in the west part of the county. The temperatures returned to highs in the 70’s and the lows in the upper 40’s.

I chose Common Ground as the title for my blog because it resonates for me on several levels.  First, it reminds me to try to connect with each of you in ways that unite, rather than divide.  I mean, for dividing, we have cable TV, which does a table thumping,  bang up job on that, right!  Secondly, the phrase touches on the idea that each person, rich or poor, weak or strong, relies humbly on the fruit of this good earth for their daily bread, and in that sense we all share the common ground that makes life possible.  Thirdly, it describes, in a farmerly sort of way, some of the real estate that I purchased in my rambunctious youth.

It's days like today that make me dread the rain.  It is about 33 degrees rainy, misty and windy.  Days like these make it hard on our outdoor livestock.  It is easy to get wet and chilled and like humans, that makes your immune system work harder.  It is muddy and sloppy, one degree colder and at least things would be frozen.  Now on the other hand, our wells are really low from lack of rain throughout the summer and fall.  That means any moisture we get is a blessing, so I shouldn’t complain!  Easier said than done.

The hoop!

Today I am thankful that a few years back we built a large hoop building to feed cattle in.