Here in Elm Springs, the kind citizens are enjoying some cooler weather, punctuated by sprinkles of rain.

At least half of the men of Elm Springs saddled up for the annual Buckaroo Ride, which was held near Bison, over the weekend. The kind citizens who were left in Elm Springs prayed that there would be no more fires.

Matt and Julie Trask were thirsty visitors at the Rod Anders residence Friday afternoon.

Lawrence Burke was a visitor at the Russell Burmeister residence in Wasta Saturday.

Chrissy Elshere entertained Lindsay, Talon and Thane Sunday while the Elshere brothers went to Fergus Falls, MN for a rodeo.

Kody DeVries once again escorted Lt. Christi Hermann on a scenic horseback ride through the Belle Fourche River breaks, and as before, they rode separate horses.

It was not reported last week that Larry and Peggy Gravatt went to Florida, first to see Peggy’s dad, and then to attend the wedding of daughter Coral Fuegen to Brett Erickson in Key West. Afterwards they enjoyed a day on the beach with daughter Amber and husband Mike Miller.

This week, Jack Gravatt is in rehab at RCRH after suffering a stroke. The kind citizens wish him a speedy recovery and return. Jerry, Alyn, Chase and Carter Gravatt were all visitors at the Gravatt ranch to help with the fall cattle work.

And the Gravatts have received word that Brad Bookbinder is doing well in China, where he has been spending his free time traveling the country.

Clyde Arneson and Matt Trask were visitors at the Andy Linn residence Wednesday night.

Kelli Linn traveled to Denver, CO, over the weekend for Quantum Energetics education. John and Jean Linn watched the Andy Linn children over the weekend.

Shirrise and Kassandra Linn went to Rapid City Monday for appointments. Tuesday, Shirrise had lunch with Misti Walker and Dana Keffeler in Union Center. Misti and Statler Walker were visitors at the Morris Linns Wednesday. Friday, Jean and Shirrise went to Wall. On Sunday, the Morris Linns had a barbecue for Amber Brookman, visiting from Wichita, and to celebrate Maverick Simons first birthday. Those in attendance, besides the Morris Linns, were the whole Simons clan, Deb and Amber Brookman, Grandma Arlene and Dayton, Grandma Margaret, and Clyde Arneson. Matt Trask must have had a stuffy nose, because for once he was too late.

The “Upland Trasks” had a historical week, as young Becky went and joined the convent. Matt was given the whole week off from poisoning prairie dogs, much to the consternation of the kind citizens. On Monday, Matt and Becky went to Rapid City where they had great fun purchasing nun accessories and eating at Boticelli’s Ristorante. On Thusday, all of the “Upland Trasks” went to the Wall Drug Store for breakfast, and then traveled on to Alexandria, SD, along with a convoy of friends. At the convent, they were given an audience with all of the nuns, after which Frs. Brian Christenson and William Zandri said mass, and then Becky, dressed in a brown postulant’s habit, knocked three times on a large wooden door and was admitted to the convent. The rest of the group had ice cream at the Dairy Queen in Mitchell before going home.

It should be noted that Becky is now in what might be called the “engagement,” and she will be given time to decide if the convent is for her. If it is not, she will not be forced to stay.

And although she can write letters to friends only on Christmas and Easter, she can receive all of the correspondence sent her way, and will most likely appreciate it. Correspndence can be sent to:

Carmelite Monastery

PO Box 67

Alexandria, SD 57311

Meanwhile, back at the “Upland Trask” ranch, many of the “Upland Trasks” attended the South Dakota Stockgrowers Convention over the weekend in Rapid City. On Saturday night, Stephanie relinquished her Miss South Dakota Stockgrower title, and in a moment of thoughtlessness, allowed brother Matt to bring one of his guitars to the convention to accompany her as she sang “Home On the Range.” The convention goers complimented Steph on her fine singing voice and assured Matt that he really hadn’t done that bad.

On Friday night, Nick Trask was a guest at the Hank Bruch residence near Bear Butte.

Sunday, Joseph Trask accomapanied Coby Tines to New Underwood and then Coby Tines was a supper guest at the “Upland Trasks.”

Besides the outings mentioned above, Matt spent Friday night at the Rob Goodman residence near Rapid City, where he also saw Andrea Neumann. Visitors at the Matt Trask residence were Justin Wulf and Laramie Opstedahl on Sunday night.

Tom, Kelly, and Ben Wilsey of Tea were guests at the Jim Wilsey residence over the weekend. On Saturday, Jim and Caroline accompanied the younger Wilsey’s to Rapid City to watch Ben’s soccer game, which Ben’s team won.

Kenny and Janet Wilson attended a birthday party for Russell Curtis in Oral on Saturday. Gemma and Celine Trask were bicycle visitors to the Kenny Wilsons Sunday afternoon.

After a year and nine months of writing the ESN, Matt Trask has filled one whole notebook with social outings, which, it should be noted, is one more notebook than he filled in five years of college. Looking back at the dog-eared, coffee-soaked, and tobacco stained pages, Matt recalls fond memories, mostly of the many fine meals he has eaten. But he seriously would like to thank the kind citizens and others for the good will he has received since he began writing the ESN.

The kind citizens just wish he would leave his guitar at home.