What a busy year! We have been swamped...wait..that's not new! We are enjoying lambing so far..ok, could do without the Eagles inviting themselves to dinner! We are gearing up to shear tomorrow too and really hope the cold, snowy weather that is predicted doesn't hit after the sheep are disrobed!

We enjoyed another Senior Field Studies student again this Spring. Lucky for all of us we had a ton to do during Jacey's time with us! We did ask her to share a little about her experience here and now I have finally slowed down enough to post what she had to say, so here it is! Thanks again Mark and Patty and of course Jacey, we enjoyed you too!

"Hey it’s Jacey here from Bear Creek High School’s Senior Field Studies. I’m just finishing up my stay at the Villard ranch, and I’m a little sad to be leaving.  I’ve been learning a lot about ranching and what hard work goes into caring for the animals. I got to ride a four wheeler, ride a horse, attend farm bureau meeting, and count sheep.  It’s important to make sure that all of the sheep stay together, are well fed, and have plenty of roaming room so that they can exercise.  Just to get to where the sheep herder is we had to drive 80 miles away. I can’t believe that Albert makes that drive so many times in just one week.  But besides seeing how their business works, I saw how the family works. I really enjoyed being around all four of their adorable kids, and I think the kids liked having me around too. They all were fighting for my attention and wanted to tell me how things work. Melody and Albert are really good parents, and when I have kids I know who I’m going to for parenting advice.  

I had fun working here for the short time, and the family really made me feel welcome. I feel luck that I picked such a nice family that wanted to learn from me as well. I’m sad to have to leave now that I’ve been so comfortable here. I want to thank the Villards so much for being so cool and friendly and making me feel so welcome in their home.  I had a really great time!"

                                                                                                Sincerely, Jacey G   SFS class of 2010