Tuesday comments from Lesa

(2/3/09)
This morning started earlier than the last two and colder as well! You'll find a picture of the van thermostat reading -9, and we cheered when it warmed up to 0. I understand the low last night was -20! So no, I didn't get out and walk this morning! Brrrr! Also, the sun doesn't come up over here on the western side of the central time zone until about 7:00 a.m. The day allowed for enough walking for all of us though as we stayed busy with the bulk of the day devoted to touring six different Litchfield industries.

We had breakfast this morning with the Rotary where we got to tell about L.A.; Jessi & Hayden are becoming excellent young speakers. I'm still amazed how many people do not know that peanuts grow in the ground. We've found that they keep us talking as much as possible because of our southern drawl.

We then went out to their airport, a very nice city owned one I might add, for a snowblowing demonstration. We took turns riding with the crew, some on the snowblower and others in the dumptrucks. That was pretty impressive.

We began the first industry tour at Anderson Chemical where we received a little CSI demonstration. Next on the agenda was a favorite for Hayden and Greg, the Bobcat plant where they make the attachments for Bobcat machinery. My favorite was Minnesota Rubber where Pampered Chef spatulas are made. No, they couldn't give us one as they have to account for every one of them. I was curious about how much they cost to make versus how much I spend on them! Adam seemed to enjoy this plant, too, as he was always last because he liked to inspect the various items they were making.

Lunch was compliments of the Chamber of Commerce where Mickey and I were pleasantly surprised by a presentation from an Army National Guard Sergeant thanks to Mr. Cottington who read our bio...be mindful what you tell about yourself! :) Trico TC Wind followed lunch; they rebuild motors for the huge wind turbines that generate energy, and they rewind the motors by hand. Next was GVL, a rotational molding factory that manufactures plastic head covers for major combines (i.e., John Deere, Case, New Holland). Mama Gwen pointed out that our guide could be Rodney Myers' brother. Jo Ann's favorite tour was probably Brodin Studios. They make bronze statues and plaques and started years ago with military statues. They pay special attention to detail, ensuring the clothing, patches, guns, and other accessories are correct to the given job, time period, etc.

We finished the afternoon with a little shopping in downtown Litchfield. This evening we attended a high school girls hockey game; they rumble like all other hockey players! We all enjoyed participating in the chuck-a-puck where we bought a numbered hockey puck and everyone threw them over the wall to see whose stopped closest to the center of the arena; none of us won. By the way, did you know hockey doesn't have a half-time? And they play periods, not quarters or innings? :)

Jessi, Hayden and Adam have been enjoying their new friends...there's an exceptional group of young people involved in the FFA program up here. And what strikes me most is that they all work on their family farms, further their education in ag, and return home. They seem to have a great time together. I think they work hard, but they play hard, too. Although the day was cold, we survived a bit better than yesterday because we were indoors most of the time...but most of us kept our jackets on anyway! Mickey said the "wow" has about worn off. Now it's just cold.