Wednesday notes from Lesa

Today was warmer (14!), and we were not out in the cold very much, so we felt as though we thawed out some. We were treated to breakfast at McDonalds and got to tour their new facility. They have some automated systems that were interesting, but the manager assured us that they had actually expanded their staff as opposed to having to cut anyone. We each had a portion of our individual 15 minutes of fame when we interviewed on KLFD radio. I generally don't have a problem speaking, but I felt as though I tripped all over myself with that interview and the last few meetings we've attended where we had to introduce ourselves. Perhaps the extreme cold has frozen my brain! Maybe it wasn't all that bad.

I've been very proud of everyone else, especially the teens. There was a great crowd that joined us for breakfast. School had a late start because the teachers spent the first couple of hours in an inservice, so we had a number of students there. I had several folks through the remainder of the day say they had listened.

We left there and spent the rest of the morning at their school, both 6-8 and 9-12. These kids in Litchfield are extremely blessed! They have incredible opportunities academically and athletically that our kids can't even begin to imagine. Their facilities are very impressive. Their school system is also state funded, so I cannot figure out why our schools are so far behind. We were introduced in a number of the classes and had an opportunity to tell them about Hartford, our weather, farming, how peanuts grow, etc. We were not ready to leave the school when our time was up.

Lunch was with the Kiwanis at the golf course on one of their beautiful lakes, and Terri Anderson was the guest speaker. She told about the Peanut Butter and Milk Festival and its roots.

This afternoon we toured the ethanol plant, Sweet Promotions, and Minnesota Coffee Roasters. Walking outside during the ethanol plant tour was the coldest part of our day, and we were thankful not to spend a great deal of time outside today. Needless to say, we're at least a little sweeter and a little warmer tonight. :) Mickey had the pleasure of flying late afternoon with the owner of Brodin Studios which we toured yesterday; and Mr. Dean Ohland, who is hosting Mama Gwen and Jo Ann, was very kind to arrange the flight. Mickey said Litchfield looks the same from the sky as it does on the ground; snow everywhere!

This evening we had three special unscheduled treats. First, we went ice fishing! Jo Ann and Mama Gwen were in hog heaven! Somehow sitting there over a hole about one-foot in diameter waiting for a fish to pass doesn't do it for me, but they thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm thankful I can now say I've experienced it. The little fish houses were very comfortable and warm so I can see how that in itself could be relaxing. After driving on the lake (which by the way had a crack Jo Ann and I found as we were leaving!), catching a boat load of fish (haha), and walking on water, we rode over to Spicer, MN to see an ice castle built from huge blocks of ice from the lake right beside it. The castle was decorated with white lights and was otherwise illuminated, and was a great photo opportunity. Some of the teen boys who followed us over even enjoyed posing. The castle was about the size of a tractor trailer and had steps by which we were able to go up top. The view of the frozen, snow covered lake was incredible. Actually, come to think of it, it was a little cold there as well since the sun had already gone down, but it was worth it and the drive over.

The third treat was having dinner all together with our host families and a few of the Litchfield committee members back at the golf course. Mama Gwen, Jo Ann and the Ohlands already had plans with the Cottingtons so they didn't join us, but the rest of us had a great time together.

Tomorrow is our trip to Powder Ridge, and we are all looking forward to that. Adam has talked about skiing all day! It should be very fun, and we already have the attire from our snow-mobiling venture so we are sure to stay warm. Funny how you don't notice the cold quite as much when you're doing something like that. Plus, they are forecasting another heat-wave...30 degrees for the high! I noticed that you all are experiencing tonight some of that cold -- cold we've had this week with your forecast being 18 for the low; keep in mind though that our high today was 14! I've got to get in bed and rest up for tomorrow's adventures! Stay warm!