Saturday marked the 1 month mark from the day we arrived in Ruby Valley. I would say we're feeling pretty settled in and at home, despite the huge changes in our lives! We've unpacked most of the boxes, been to Elko shopping for groceries, etc. a few times, been socializing with our new friends and neighbors, and Rod is into the routine of up and at 'em bright and early to head to work. 
We've had quite a bit of snow this week in Nevada! Rod's FWS uniforms arrived, so after a big snow last Sunday we went out and took pictures (which, amazingly, Rod suggested, and those of you who know Rod know this is SO unlike him!). He looks pretty darn cute in those browns doesn't he?
Here is Rod's office, and his charge - Ruby Marsh:
Outside the museum is the
which used to be actually located on the south end of the refuge.
From here, we headed to the Western Folklife Center, then onto the Convention Center for some Rowdy Rodeo Rhymes. We got a pretty good taste I think of the cowboy poetry before calling it a night and heading home, when we stopped by Jeff's for some refreshments and to watch "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt".
Poor Rod - he had quite the day Wednesday. He drove 3 hours south, past the Maverick mountain range, to Ely, to obtain a government ID badge. Upon arrival, the lady couldn't login to her computer. After trying for 2+ hours, she sent him back to Ruby Lake! Sigh - what a day. He had to drive back in the snow and the dark. It was pretty white knuckle, and he was tired when he got home! I think next time he's going to try Salt Lake City. Maybe he'll have more luck there!
The Gallagher Fish Hatcher down the road got a new employee 2 weeks after we arrived, and he has a wife and son. So, on Thursday, the refuge and hatchery had a welcoming potluck for both us and them at the bunkhouse. It was so nice! We got to meet three other close neighbors of ours too.
On Saturday, Eric, Rod and I headed to Elko for the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. We checked out the vendors at the Red Lion Casino before heading to the Northeast Nevada Museum.
Outside the museum is the
which used to be actually located on the south end of the refuge.
From here, we headed to the Western Folklife Center, then onto the Convention Center for some Rowdy Rodeo Rhymes. We got a pretty good taste I think of the cowboy poetry before calling it a night and heading home, when we stopped by Jeff's for some refreshments and to watch "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt".
