dual personalities

Happy Friday! As my mother mentioned, I traveled out west this week—three days of travel for one day of work. Oof. The operation I was visiting was in Northern Arizona, about 30 minutes from Monument Valley. As you’ll recall, my parents and I visited Monument Valley about 18 months ago. It was strange to be back—but also exciting to see it again from a different vantage point.

This operation was receiving a National award for excellence in reclamation. It was a significant honor and something the employees who work there care deeply about.

Most people do not realize that coal mines must return the land to equal or better condition at the conclusion of mining.

The reclamation process takes many years—pits are filled in, earth is graded, land forms are created to match the landscape, top soil is replaced, seeds are planted, and over time you can no longer tell a coal mine used to be there. Extensive pre and post-mining planning is involved.

At this former operation, some of this reclaimed land is being used for grazing by residents of the local community.

At other operations, like those in Indiana, a subdivision has been built on reclaimed land. Other land is even being used for solar fields.

It was impressive to see the full process—but work travel is so exhausting. By the time I got to my hotel room at night (it’s so glamorous traveling to remote locations where your only option with WiFi is the Hampton Inn), it was time for bed!

I was glad to get home—after an hour delay and getting to experience the new Southwest boarding process (a major downgrade)—and reunite with Mr. Smith. Thank you to my mother for dropping him off and picking him from the kennel. Neither of us is (too) offended by his excitement to visit Silver Maple.

I hope you get to relax and enjoy the weekend. We have both unseasonably high temps and chances of snow this weekend. Ahhh the Midwest.