News briefing at 1 p.m. today

Yeah for rain barrels! Chris Lavergne's environmental communications class is receiving a check from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board for their rain barrel project. The class will be distributing 250 plus rain barrels in April to Riley County residents. The news briefing today is to announce the project to local media. Dan and I will be there from News Media Services.

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Something you don't see in Kansas to often, Elk.

It snowed from Topeka to S.E. Kansas which received over 4 inches of snow. On the way home the snow blew across the roads but with Eric's skilled driving we made it back. (did I say that?) This was the last family for the Master Farmer Tour of 2010. Another successful road tour, and I made it back to Manhattan every time. Thank you Eric.

Eric and Dan are getting ready to drive to South East Kansas where all the snow fell the other day and interview the last Master Farmer, Master Homemaker award winner. This will be a fast trip down and back. I will post the photos tonight from this world wind tour. Everyone stay warm.

Woke up this morning to a beautiful winter snow on the trees. Perfect for snow ball fights or building a snow man. I decided to go out and shoot a few pictures out by Pillsbury Crossing.

Do I look giddy. Eric was embarrassed to take my picture,because all locals could see the state car and wonder why we taking our photo. Thanks for the photo Eric.

Do I need to say anything.

All I can say, snow, snow, snow. That is all we saw from Colby to the end of our destination, Manhattan today. Again the families were the best, everyone was very helpful and had lots of photos for me to scan. Eric let me drive once more today even when it was snowing. He kept praying a lot. Since we drove down 24 highway we were able to see once of the wonders of Kansas. Yes I am sure most of you have already guessed it, The Worlds Largest Ball of Twine. What a treat indeed, I was giddy.
I have heard all about this for years, now I can tell everyone that I have witnessed the miracle of man. So this week has been the Largest Hand Dug Well and the largest ball of twine. What a week it has been, thank you Eric. And yes you are home now.

Orlando or bust

While Eric and Dan are out on the road in the station wagon, Pat and I are headed out this afternoon to meet up with colleagues from around the country at the NCERA 209 meeting. Joining us will be Kris and Marcus.

Our meeting is in Orlando, where we hope to experience warmer temps and some sunshine. It will be a nice break from the foggy, drizzly, snowy weather here. I'm attending the Ag Comm section meeting of SAAS also, the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists. This is my first time meeting with this group.

The big opportunity is going to see the space shuttle launch in the middle of the night early Sunday morning. If we can arrange transportation and all systems are go, I think this would be fantastic.

Outside of Dodge City, Ks. Smells like money Eric says.

Heritage Hotel in Ashland, Ks. great place to eat.

Road less Traveled

WHAT A DAY!!! Started out in the fog and a little ice but made it to Greensburg. I had great ideas of photographing the town but with the fog so thick I only got a shot of the Largest hand dug well. Eric takes me to the best places. I'm sure Rhonda can say the same thing. Then we went farther south and west to Comanche County for our first family of the day. All these families have been great to work with. Then we went west to Ashland were we had lunch in a old hotel turned into a cafe. Eric is always great about taking back roads to places unknown and today was no exception. I will put some photos up for everyone to see where we have been. On the way out of Dodge we saw alot of feedlots so I thought I would shoot one for all to see. We got into Colby by 7:30, a long day for the both of us. Eric didnt drop me off in Logan County thank God for small favors. Their wasnt a house in sight and only a few cars on the road. Thats it for today, two more families on Thursday and back to Manhattan by 8:00, I hope. Everyone have a great day and as Eric says, Are we there yet.

Eric said he use to live here after his college days.

This is what I looked at the whole time.

Goooooood Morning K-State. Made it through the night, Eric doesn't snore, thank God. The fog outside is heavy, I wanted to shoot some images in Greensburg but this may not happen. Here are some photos from yesterday. Talk to everyone later, Go STATE

What a day. First Eric let me drive all the way to Rice County. Before we even got to Salina Eric was asking the question that all dads hear when they go on a trip, "are we there yet". There is snow on the ground but the temps where around 40. This made for a muddy mess around the farm. On our way to Pratt we almost hit two deer if Eric hadn't thrown on the brakes. I was mad, missed a great photo opp. Watching game now, K-State is doing fine against Nebraska. Nothing else going on here, hotel could be better, Eric picked the cheapest,yes it's hard to believe but he did. Tomorrow its down south and later to Colby which will be late. Dan and Eric

Eric has decided that I am bringing enough food for a two week tour. I was brought up to always eat on road trips so I am caring on the Donnert tradition with Cheese Bits, Pretzel Sticks, Energy Bars, apples, and oranges. Eric said I was smart to bring the food that way I have something to eat when I get tossed out of the car in Western Kansas. I think he is kidding, I hope. Well I have to pack the car with all my camera equipment and food and of course Eric's little recording devise, since audio is so easy, even a caveman can do it. First stop, Rice County. Wish me luck.

Dan

Start of the Master Farmer Tour

Eric and Dan are getting ready to start the second annual Master Farmer Tour. We will be interviewing and photographing six families from across Kansas who have won the Master Farmer - Master Farm Homemaker award for 2009. As we cross the great plains of Kansas next week, starting on Tuesday afternoon I will let everyone know how the tour is going between Eric and Dan. Eric says that I might end up some where near Ulysses in a snowbank if I give him too much trouble. Last years tour was called the Rain Man Tour because Eric wouldn't let me drive. "I can drive, I'm a good driver", but it never happened. Stay tuned for Tuesday's update on the exciting trip through Kansas with Eric and Dan.