Looking Back on 2007
This last year has been eventful. I’ve met a wide variety of people, lived in a wide array of accomodations and worked at jobs I’d never considered. I’ve been on mountain tops in Wyoming tending radio transmitters and I’ve worked with farmers on the plains of South Dakota. I’ve worked in shipyards and learned about diesel and steam engines. I’ve made new friends who are diligent about keeping in touch, and leaned on old friends who are faithful. I’ve driven many miles and seen many wonders.
Here are a few highlights:
The view from the Pilothouse of the M/V Edgar B. Speer at Bay Shipbuilding.
I was part of the “winter work” engine overhaul crew.
The Pistons from the Colt-Pielstick V-18 diesel. They weigh well over 1,000 pounds each.
John - the crew leader of the rebuild project. A great friend.
Callie - a big dog with a big heart. Smart, fun and energetic.
Callie and I spent summer evenings playing fetch in Laramie, Wyoming.
A view of Laramie from the railyard. I watched many sunsets while the trains moved beneath the footbridge.
Attending the rodeo in Cheyenne was a fun, cultural experience.
Contestants awaiting their opportunity in the arena.
Bridgette is my energetic companion in the farm fields of South Dakota.
She’d patiently wait for me to lift the straw bales with the tractor so she could see what was hiding underneath.
Trent was fairly energetic, but got irritable when I’d scratch him between the ears.
I returned to Minnesota to attend the wedding of a friend and had the opportunity to look around my old neighborhood. This is my first house, a place I’ll always remember fondly. With so many different experiences unfolding in life, it was good to re-visit where I lived for eleven years. I thought I might reflect and long for the good old days. However, standing on the sidewalk I wasn’t struck by any emotion other than, “I used to live here.” I’ve traded the predictable for the unknown, and it’s been a positive change.
After the death of my father, there was comfort in returning to the farm and the familiar surroundings of South Dakota.
Bridegette is always a faithful companion.
For now, I’ve settled into a house in South Dakota. Small town living agrees with me and I’m fortunate to have so many friends in the area. In a few days I’ll drive south to spend the holidays with family. January will once again find me on a crew in a shipyard, this time in Superior, Wisconsin. After the rebuild I’ll throw my name into the hat and get whatever sailing time I can in 2008. When I’m not on the water, I’ll be in South Dakota working in the farming community.
Wherever I am, watching the sunsets and enjoying time with friends is a key ingredient to life.
I think I’ll always miss Dad.
Friends old and new have been supportive and rallied around me. They’ve shared stories of grief and loss, and walked with me through the hurt. I’ve learned the value of honest friends and the comfort they can bring through vulnerability.
I think I’ll always miss Dad…and that’s a good thing.
