I am writing this in a Motel 8 in Wendover NV, as I travel back to CA. Today, after driving 800 miles, I checked into the motel and received a call from Wink. He told me that we hit water in the well several hours after I left the ranch. I can only assume that the news of the water is sweeping the prairies like wild fire.

They drilled to 3,400 feet, but put the pipe sleeve at 3,100 for pumping. When we hit water http://www.JoanWink.com/gifs/wellwater.jpg, there were still two questions left unanswered: quantity and quality, each with various means of measuring. We continue to run the measurements, each with various degrees of accuracy. However, initial news is good.

Quantity: the initial tests say about 200 gallons per minute. To put this in perspective, we would have been thrilled with 20 gallons per minute. Our drinking well pumps 5 gallons per minute, but not during the last two years of the drought when it went dry.

Quality: Please remember that this water is for the cattle, not people. It is an artesian well and comes out of the ground at 125 degrees. However, it is clear, and Wink has been drinking it, without ill effects. This probably does not prove much, as he will drink it if it is wet.

The rig http://www.JoanWink.com/gifs/wellrig.jpg was north of the house, on the other side of the old dying trees, up on the little hill. It stood 90 feet into the air and made quite a site on the prairies. In addition, it was completely lit up at night, totally incongruous on the black prairies of the night. The well drillers worked 24/7; 12 hour on and 12 hours off. Of course, we loved these guys http://www.JoanWink.com/gifs/wellworkers.jpg and will miss them. When I think of their work, I am reminded never to complain about my own working conditions.

The well and the rig caused quite a stir on the prairies, as anyone driving by could see it for miles. More than a few stopped to inspect and ask questions. Amid the drought-stricken ranchers, it was a lively topic of conversation. Have the Winks gone crazy to drill this type of well at this time of life? What if they hit lots of water? What if they hit a dry hole? This rig and the potential for success or disaster symbolizes all of that. There is something about the prairie culture, which likes everything level. I have wondered if this is caused by the flatness of the prairies. I leave that question to Kathleen Norris, who articulates this very well.

Phamily Fotos

Baby Signs
Lisa shares with us a couple more pictures of Austin baby signing.
Austin: signing eat http://www.JoanWink.com/gifs/eatsign.jpg
Austin: signing water http://www.JoanWink.com/gifs/watersign.jpg

The Three Lil New Mexicans, first day of school http://www.JoanWink.com/gifs/MoranClan1stDayofSchool.jpg
Wynn and Austin in the breaks. http://www.JoanWink.com/gifs/wynnaustin.jpg