If you’re tired of hearing about track, you can skip to the next paragraph, I guess, but if I were you, I’d keep reading because I’ve got some pretty amazing news. Last Saturday, the track team traveled to Larimore, where we had mostly sunny skies and decent temperatures. Even the wind didn’t have the same bite it usually does because the entire track is surrounded by tall trees that block it. I had a good feeling we were going to have some success that day, and I was right.

At this point, I want to clear the air on where I’m at mentally with all this broken back stuff. Aside from occasional aches and pains in the back, I’m fine. Look, I have nothing to complain about aside from having to navigate a very botched health care system. I sleep fine, I continue to have a voracious appetite, and I’m enjoying a forced layoff about. I am an unapologetic cynic and tend to find humor in uncomfortable situations. I’m guessing you or someone you know can relate to my health care odyssey. So, in a nutshell - yeah, I have a broken back. It slows me down, but I’m otherwise healthy and in good spirits. We continue… I last left you as I was crossing back into North Dakota at the Maida Port of Entry. With Sgt. Slaughter and Stalag 13 in my rearview mirror. As promised, Nurse Bob from the Fargo hospital called me back. Unfortunately for me, he said the doctors there prescribed only a back brace and that I would need to call their Grand Forks medical equipment store to get it.

May is the new December, they say, and honestly, I think they’re right. This month has been absolutely crazy — both on the “momming” end of things and on the newspaper end of things.

May is cruising past with promises of tulips blooming and school activities wrapping up. Earlier this week, we attended the K-3 Spring Concert held at Langdon Area High School.

By Sara Goodman As I’m typing this on Monday, May 4, it is noon, and it is snowing. To say spring sports season in North Dakota is frustrating is an understatement. Track meets, baseball and softball games, and golf meets have all had competition dates canceled, It’s not fair for these kids to work their butts off only to have a handful of chances to compete and try to qualify for state. I won’t even get started on the number of athletes who have injuries or are just plain worn out from the harsh conditions we’ve had to endure nearly every day we’ve managed to participate in a meet. I know, I know — it’s life in North Dakota, but jeez, it sure would be nice to get a break and have a mild spring every now and then.

In case you missed last week’s ex- citing missive, here’s a quick recap: Two days after returning from vacation in Florida, Bourbon Bob slipped and fell on black ice at the gas station, resulting in a burst fracture of his T12 vertebrae. He is now known as Broke Back Bob.

For everything there is a season. I’ll be the first to admit — I’m not the sharpest tack in the drawer when it comes to fully understanding the Bible and scripture, but this is one phrase I find myself coming back to often in my daily life.

First and foremost this week, I need to congratulate the Cavalier County Cancer Crusaders on another successful rummage sale. This semiannual event brought in more than $15,000 in just a few days, all of which stays in our county and is used to help those facing the costs of a cancer diagnosis — whether for gas, meals, lodging, medical expenses, or anything in between - no questions asked.

Sitting around the first bonfire of the year, I realized how much I’ve missed not just hanging out in nature with friends but also the good conversations that go along with it. For instance, this last Saturday we spent a good hour talking about how awesome Chlamydia would be for a girl's name had it not been associated with an STD. Kinda rolls off the tongue but I guess that one got away. Mt. Carmel hasn’t opened up yet, so most of the bonfires are just in people’s backyards in Munich, and it feels weird not having Morgan Kempert and her crowd stop by at all hours of the night, but we will take whatever we can with this ever-changing weather.

If you’re not following the Langdon- Munich Cardinal Track and Field Facebook page, then you’ll have to settle for getting less exciting updates from me. Last Saturday, the track team trekked down to Hillsboro. Although we had decent temps and a sunny sky, the wind was wicked, and I walked around all day with my winter coat and hat on again.