What the heck is a Dakota and a Frontier?

As many of you know, I work in the oil and gas industry. Mind you, I am in an administrative role, but I am still very involved in the industry. I have been working in oil and gas for about 7 years and I have repeatedly heard the terms Dakota and Frontier in relationship to geological formations and the locations of oil and gas deposits.

This weekend, we took a drive around our area and were noticing some of the geological features of this beautiful landscape. I made the observation that the four gas plants that are located in our area were all located on the top of high "hills".(some would call them "mountains") I know that this is done because H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide) is heavier than air and will settle in the low ground, thus allowing personnel to seek "higher ground" for safety.

I wondered if there was another reason the plant and fields were built in mountainous areas and if this might be connected to the Frontier and Dakota question previously asked.

After asking many questions and driving my co-workers crazy I have come to the following conclusion. Oil and gas were formed millions of years ago by the earth's moving and changing ways. These deposits were formed in alot of different terrians, such a flat land, hilly, and mountains regions. In our particular region, they were formed when the earth shifted and placed one slab of earth on top of another, forming what we call the Overthrust.

Within the Overthrust, there are various different geological formations. All of these formations are unique in their qualities, thus they are called by different names. Some of the names in this area are the Madison, the Frontier and the Dakota.

So, in conclusion of this ultra boring post, I have to say that, while probably not interesting to many of my readers, this Frontier and Dakota issue did invoke some interesting questions for me. It also helped me to realize that if we sit in our living room in front of the TV, we are not going to notice the interesting rock formation or the way that a small bird follows and pesters a hawk.

We are less likely to have questions about the world around us if we don't get out and see the world around us.

Mary Jane's Chocolate Chip Cookies

We tried some of Mary Jane Butters chocolate chip cookie mix last night. Yum...Yum. They are very light and are just right with a glass of milk. You gotta try 'em!

Go to www.maryjanesfarm.org

Prom Pictures

Here's a pic of my son and his girl before their prom. I think they are such a beautiful couple.

A good woman is hard to find

(from The Message, parts of Proverbs 31)
"She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's up before dawn, organizing her day.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
A good woman is hard to find,and worth far more than diamonds."

from.......http://www.homesteadblogger.com/athomewithkris/

Mom's Loving Care

Found this lovely poem on http://www.mennonitemaidens.com/

"That needle poking to and fro,
Means so much more than you may know.
Each snap, each button, each shirt, each dress,
Contains something you'll never guess.
Each garment Mom makes, from the start,
Contains a small piece of her heart.

With every snip she adds her love,
And whispers a prayer to God above.
Dear Father, bless the one who wears this,
Protect and guide them with Your kindness.
Give them strength from day to day.
That from all sin they'll turn away.

Then into each and every seam.
She presses in her fondest dream.
That each one in her family.
Will join her in eternity.
So next time Mom makes you any clothes,
Know that, in it, her love shows.
It's more than just a thing to wear,
It's a symbol of Mom's loving care.

"from "Sew Fast and Sew Easy" author wishes to be unnamed

A Confused Rooster

From a deep state of slumber, I was awoken by the love of my life to inform me that my young silkie roo was singing to his little heart's content out there in the back forty. Now, mind you, I was thrilled to know that the lad was developing as he should be. I am thrilled that he is taking care of his duty of waking up the girls in the coop for their busy day ahead. I am proud that my little baby that I bought on ebay (as an egg) has grown into a fine young man with aspirations of greatness.

I am, however, not proud that he chose to express himself at 4:00 am. I'm thinking he needs additional training on how to live on "MY" farm. We'll work on that. :o)

The Work Continues......

Well, we got everything moved out of the room, filled the holes in the walls, and are about half way through the priming process. Tonight I should finish the priming and would like to sew the curtains. I will post pics soon.