Monday notes from Lesa

(2-2-09)
Today our day began like any other. Then we stepped outside! The temperature today was supposed to be 7; it never rose past 3 according to the van thermostat!!!! That was the absolute coldest any of us have ever been in our entire life! Hayden said her body pure hurt. They keep telling us it is "mild" this week. We'd hate to see harsh, bitter cold! We will now better appreciate our 32 degree temps...for at least the first week we are back home!

We had breakfast thanks to the Beckers at their dairy, and then toured their operation which was very impressive. However, we had a tough time paying attention to our host because we were so cold! Mickey said he now knows how a steak feels in the freezer. He can now also tell you how it feels to "wipe out" on the ice when you're already in a frozen state; I imagine he will be sore & slow moving tomorrow. Mama Gwen and Jo Ann hung onto Greg any time we were outdoors so as to not suffer the same fate.

We then toured First District where they process the dairy products. We all looked like mad scientists in our orange coats and hairnets. Lunch was a huge plate of ribs at the Legion. They even made tea for us! We toured their museum which has an impressive collection of memorabilia, and were on to their new library.

The Turck Dairy was next on the agenda with memorable moments all its own. Mickey was smart when he chose to observe from the "intake" side of things. Hayden, Jessi, Greg, Mama Gwen & Jo Ann kind of got trapped between two cows on the "output" level ... first the cow on the right had them shifting in a pack, and no sooner had that cow finished than the cow on the left suddenly had the same calling. The scene has me laughing as I type! Jo Ann said she was initiated! Don't worry, it wasn't as though she was covered or anything; in fact, she didn't notice it until later in the afternoon. Adam also milked a cow at the Turck's; way to go, Adam...no one else in the group would volunteer. Hayden said she milked one in Australia and saw no need to milk another. We will forever more appreciate going to the refrigerator, taking out the jug of milk, and pouring it...these folks work hard & endure a lot so we can enjoy our dairy products!

Our final destination for the afternoon was the Stockade. The teens and I hogged the fireplace in the main cabin after we visited the General Store and Chapel! It was a beautiful place, and somewhat similar to Landmark Park. And just before we left there, it started snowing. Okay, for we southerners, it was snowing even though you had to look hard to actually see it...it was still falling from the sky even if it did look a bit like dandruff if you didn't know better! As we left, we were beginning to think we were all going to have to get out and push the van from the icy drive to the main highway, but our chauffer was successful in sliding us onto the main road without further cold punishment. And of course they fed us all day, beginning with breakfast at the Becker Dairy; snacks of cheese, crackers & milk several times; lunch at the Legion; and last but not least, the Peanut Butter & Milk Banquet pot luck dinner tonight.

The evening was very enjoyable as we visited with folks who have visited Hartford over the years and made new friends we hope to see in Alabama one day.