February in the Black Hills

On Thursday, Ruthy gave us a look at her favorite February things. In case you missed it, go here to read her post. 

I loved Ruthy's post so much, that I thought we'd take a look at the Black Hills in February. After all, we need to celebrate this often maligned month, don't we?

So here's my list of what to enjoy about February:

1) The weather. I know some of you might be tired of snowy, blowy weather, but in February, we've barely begun our stormy weather as we head toward the equinox.

Our February days can look like this one day:

But then the sun comes out, and a couple days later we're enjoying this:

Did you know that Spearfish, South Dakota (just a bit north of us) holds the record for the fastest temperature change? On January 22, 1943, the temperatures swung from -4° to 45° in two minutes. Two minutes! But it wasn't done... it dropped back to -4° just two hours later. Blame it on (or give the credit to) warm Chinook winds that blow through our area. You can read about this phenomenon here: the Weather Channel

So we don't have time to get tired of snow...when the sun comes out, it either melts or evaporates.

2) The Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo. 

We didn't spend much time at the show this year (hubby's work schedule was crazy), but we were there during the saddle horse auction. As we went by the arena, the auctioneer said, "Who will give me $3250 for this horse?" I was ready to...but cooler heads prevailed and we went home without the horse.

Which is just as well. Our neighborhood doesn't allow horses...

But we got to walk around and see the sights, including Young Living's team of matched Percherons. Wow, talk about beautiful horses! I found this video on YouTube with six horses. Just imagine all eight horses that we saw hitched up!

But the best thing about the stock show? The cowboys. Definitely the cowboys.

3) An Anniversary. A year ago, we were getting ready for a wedding...which means that this year we get to celebrate Katie and Jacob's 1st anniversary!

A perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day, don't you think?

4) Chocolate. This is one time when I agree with Ruthy! You can never have too much chocolate!

And if you don't really want the sugar or those extra carbs, then this muffin is for you: Muffin in a Mug. But if you want fudge instead of a muffin, Mindy has you covered: Fudge on a Diet?

And if you just want chocolate without all that fuss, just dig into a bag of Ghiradelli Chocolate chips...

5) It's almost book release time! Watch for this book to hit the shelves in March!

Pre-order here!

This story...I have to admit it...this is the story I had to write. It took a little time to figure out how to fit my grandfather's story into a book, but when Judith needed a hero, Guy stepped into spot.

Here's a little bit about this book:

Love in Plain Sight 

As nanny for her nephew, Judith Lapp’s finally part of a vibrant, joyful Amish community instead of living on the outskirts looking in. But teaching her neighbors’ Englischer farmworker to read Pennsylvania Dutch wasn’t part of her plan. And the more time she spends with Guy Hoover, the more he sparks longings for a home and family of Judith’s own.

Guy figured he would never be truly accepted by his Amish employers’ community—even though the Mast family treats him like a son. But Judith’s steadfast caring shows him that true belonging could be within his reach…if he and Judith can reconcile their very different hopes—and hearts.


Next week we'll talk a bit about my grandfather's story and how it fits into this book.


So here's something to talk about...how do you feel about February? Are you one of those who gets to February and can't wait until spring? Or are you like me - savoring these last few weeks of cozy winter evenings before the warm weather comes again?