The bulk of my chores take place in the early morning and early evening, which is great luck, because those are the best times to be outside. The summer solstice is just over a month away, so dusk lingers a little longer at the edge of the western horizon every day, changing the sky from blue to gold, peach to lavender. I carry bottles to lambs, refill water for sheep, rabbit, and chickens as the kaleidoscope of colors slowly swirls above my head.

Working as an RN in inpatient rehab, I am often called upon to care for patients who have had a cerebrovascular accident, or more commonly called a stroke. I have observed that every stroke patient experiences a unique combination of symptoms but one of the most important tasks they accomplish in rehab is learning how to be adaptable.

There’s a reason why high school graduations are one of the most celebrated events in America each spring, especially in small, rural communities like those in Dewey and Ziebach counties and the surrounding area.

Feed stores are dangerous for people like me this time of year. First of all, you can hear the peeping as soon as you walk through the front door, and even if you are purposefully trying not to look, that peeping is like a homing beacon–only the strongest can resist its pull.

The first time our family car broke down, we were on a trip back from the dump. We were a mile from home…no big deal.

Mr. Flatland, I am reluctantly enclosing a renewal for the Topic. As a long time subscriber I do have to note a concern that may or may not resonate with you. It has to do with subjective print and reporting. Increasingly, let me suggest, the Timber Lake Topic has included content, without by-lines or authorship noted, that are filled with subjective content. Knowing several weekly editors in South Dakota, I recognize that it takes a lot of content to fill the pages each week. Flatly printing releases that are cooked from community organizations and feel good activities is one thing and is always, in my opinion acceptable. We, the public, may also be getting used to newspapers plugging in canned press releases from the train load of mailings Capital state departments produce daily (read Marty Jackley). But, especially in an election year, I would urge caution on filling pages with subjective stories that include obvious national political campaign intent.

When I drove across the state of South Dakota to pick up a small flock of Clun Forest sheep in March – a breed I’d decided was perfect for me despite the fact I had never actually worked with or even seen any in real life – I was pretty sure I was going crazy. Well, friends, I am absolutely stunned to inform you that these amazing sheep have somehow managed to be even better than I hoped, and I had obviously set my expectations very high.

Congratulations, Colette and Callie of Schaffer Music Studio, on your fantastic recital Sunday night. It was the best one yet! I loved everything about it. I’ve attended every one of your recitals and have watched these young people progress from timid children to self confident youth. I am so very impressed by the variety of instruments and vocals that these young people are capable of. Thank you so much for being a positive influence on these kids. Pat Kjellsen Timber Lake

By Jill Kruse, DO As we approach the end of our 22nd season, I would like to thank our audience for trusting us to bring them health information that is current and accurate. There are many doctors out there who cannot make the same claims as the Prairie Docs and I would like to take this opportunity to help sort out those charlatans and quacks from trusted sources of health information.

An exceedingly common question I get in clinic, especially in the heart of a South Dakota winter, is how to remedy dry skin. And the questions aren’t just in clinic; my own kids, family, friends, everyone seems to have an occasional problem with dry and irritated skin.