We are home!  It seems like the last couple months have just disappeared.  We have been so busy with everything here – not to mention our cross-country move.  I have enjoyed being back in Wyoming so much, it seems as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  I didn’t realize what a burden it is to live in a place you didn’t want to be!

Last night my mom and I went to a concert at Cheyenne Frontier Days.  We enjoyed walking through the midway, checking out all the vendors, and the pleasantries from people who actually say – “Oh, excuse me!” or “That’s okay – don’t worry about it!” as we bumped through the crowded shoppers.

In fact, one of the biggest adjustments to Wyoming life is the demeanor of the locals.  Walking into a store, you can expect a, “Hi!  How are you?” and then a pause while they wait for you to respond.  It is an odd feeling to lay it out for a stranger!  Or when you go clothes shopping, an employee (or several) will come up and ask you what you need help looking for.  At first, I thought they must think I’m pocketing some merchandise!  Why are they so attentive?  I have to remind myself – hello….you live in Wyoming now!  Where, the majority of the population (although some can be a little rough around the edges) is hard working, helpful, and genuine.  Welcome home!!

Anyway – back to the concert.  We went to Kellie Pickler and Blake Shelton.  I was excited to go see the act, enjoy the beautiful weather, and people watch.  I’m not a big fan of either artist although I enjoy their music in general.  But, once Pickler got her concert underway I was hooked.  Her Dolly Parton-like twang, combined with her sense of humor and charm, pulled you in.  She reminisced about small town life as the sun began to set and throw the beautiful pinks and purples across that beautiful Wyoming sky.

As the stars began to show, Shelton’s concert started, and it was amazing.  He started off by coming up through the bottom of the stage – CHRIS LEDOUX STYLE!  He had a great sense of humor – great act – great timing.  He played on the Wednesday that Chris LeDoux often performed at Cheyenne Frontier Days and even mentioned him in a poem he wrote about Wyoming.  The only thing that would have authenticated the night further would have been a little on-stage mechanical bull riding and fireworks blasting!

Small town living – County Fair starts this weekend.  Home at last.