The World's Largest Buffalo

Most states are known for one main thing. Michigan is known for its lakes. Florida for its sun. Colorado for its mountains. Kentucky for its horse farms.

North Dakota is known for having the world's largest buffalo.

I flew into Jamestown around noon on Tuesday, after a quick stop in Aberdeen SD where everyone (excepting myself, of course) got off the plane. From Aberdeen to Jamestown I had my own private flight, and had to move a few rows back to (as I was told) "equalize the weight of the plane since i was the only passenger"....still haven't figured out the reasons exactly-and frankly it kind of scares me that one person could throw off the balance of a commercial airplane, and that by moving 3 rows back the problem is solved...
I even got to hear the "ladies and gentlemen. thank you for choosing to fly northwest today. please make sure your seats and tray tables are in their upright and locked positions..."

I hadn't seen Heidi since December of 2003, so of course, i was super excited. We were in Jamestown until Friday at her apartment. During that time

we went to see the world's largest buffalo, a fifty foot statue made out of cement that overlooks the entire town of Jamestown.

we toured the booming town of frontier village, a tourist trap ( i think we were the only ones there.)

I was carded for trying to buy cold medicine at the local wal-mart, and since i didn't have ID on me, i recieved a reciept that said "underage...denied sale by federal law." I just looked at the cashier, as i held my kleenex box in one hand, and my eyes watered with sinus congestion. So, Heidi had to buy it for me.

we went to the buffalo museum, which cost $5, so instead we went to the gift store. I never knew that so many things could have a buffalo theme.

I helped Heidi decorate her apartment more, we baked a lot, watched some movies, and I was able to meet some of her residents (from the nursing home where she works.)

I am now at her home in Maddock, a booming town of 500. The house is beautiful, overlooking fields complete with porch and porch swing. It has been such a blessing, and encouragement, as well as much fun to be here. I will be returning back to the great lake state on Tuesday.