You know how New Yorkers are plagued by pigeons? Well, here in South Dakota there are mosquitoes EVERYWHERE. Gnats too (just put some vanilla extract behind your ears and you should be fine). Other than that, the trip has been wonderful.
My favorite part so far has been the trip to Jerry’s land on Tuesday. We traveled right into the middle of his buffalo herd. I thought they’d be more massive, but that might be because they weren’t charging… things look bigger when they’re running right towards you. Anyway, he’s surrounded by green, as much of the residents out here are, and only a drive away is a gorgeous lake. A few of went swimming (I tried) and Emily and Ericka played this mud throwing game with his grandkids. After about an hour at his lake we drove back – in the back of his pickup truck!!! He welcomed us into his home and gave us dinner. He’s an amazing person who’s very knowledgeable about the community around him and the world in which he lives. He also has this voice that just makes you want to listen for hours and hours. Anywhoodle, I’ve digressed…
During dinner we sat outside on his porch and played with his dogs. There was an Australian Shepherd and this terrier-like dog named Tessie. Both were adorable and EXTREMELY submissive – you walk up to them and they lie down, welcoming a belly rub. AHH! I wanted to take home the Shepherd… and even had a dream I brought him back to New York. But alas, that was only a dream.
i miss that Australian shepherd too. he was the epitome of love in a dog!