Facts and Figures and Stuff

I learned a number of interesting things the other day. Elkhorn is about 10,000 acres, of which 4,000 are deeded to the Miller family. The other 6,000 are state and federal protected lands that are leased to the ranch. (I don't understand all the details of that; if you're curious I'll try to figure it out for you.) 

In contrast, one of the adjacent ranches, owned by the Kings, is at least 80,000 acres! The space out here is so wide, I can't wrap my mind around it. Elkhorn's 10k seem huge to me. The Kings run cattle on their ranch, strictly a business operation. I can't remember how many head I was told they have (maybe 500?) but I did learn that you need about 150 acres per cow in this part of the country, because the vegetation is so sparse. Rick, one of the wranglers, has worked at ranches in Montana and other places further north, and he says that up there it's only about 50 acres. But if they don't have enough snow, the spring/summer will be too dry and then you would need more ground per cow. I don't think I have ever thought about that before in my life. It's fascinating (to me) to see firsthand how different circumstances give us such widely varied expertise. 

Yesterday, one of the water pipes broke, cutting off all water to the main kitchen/dining room and the two buildings behind it, in one of which I live. A bunch of us were off at the pumpkin patch picking up our soon-to-be jack-o-lanterns so it wasn't a big deal for us. But it was certainly for the cook who was trying to make dinner! I think they were probably at it for about 4 hours, but with the two maintenance guys and Charley (Miller) and eventually most of the men helping out, they had it fixed by 7 pm! I was impressed. I'm sure it's not very extraordinary, but in Boston you probably would have waited three days to get that done and most people I know couldn't have done it themselves. But that's just what they know how to do here---I bet there are few problems they wouldn't be able to fix themselves. 

Of course, my home also has its expertise. Just one small complaint that I know you New Englanders will sympathize with: This area is sadly lacking in a few culinary basics, namely good apples and good beer. When your idea of selection in the former is Granny Smith, Gala, and Red/Golden Delicious and in the latter is Bud Light, Miller Light, Coors, Coors Light, and Corona, you've got a problem. I miss Macintosh and Sam Adams!!

Oh well, maybe I'll be a Miller girl by the time I get home (but I doubt it).