Wide Open Wyoming: December 2010

Happy Easter! (Ok, so we’re late getting the Merry Christmas and Happy New Year bit out again this year)

Jason had his craziest year ever as a Game Warden/Access coordinator for Wyoming Game & Fish. The agency tends to do five year contracts with Private Lands/Public Wildlife landowners he works with and the Commission approved a payment rate increase five years ago for landowners. Of course, most everyone renewed that year (2005), so it seemed like EVERYONE expired in 2010. Instead of having time to work with the usual 30 to 40 contracts, update some rules and maps, Jason had to sort through and renew nearly 200 contracts! A few good leads also culminated this year and he added several new access areas, including one that opened just over 140,000 acres for deer, elk, and pronghorn hunting. Then, after a frantic summer getting signs put up on properties, Jason finally got to do “normal” game warden duties and had more cases than he has had since he took this position in 2006. He is hoping for a quieter year in 2011, even though he was just elected to be the Laramie Region’s “Leadership Team” chair.

In March, Trey became the Executive Director of Laramie Main Street, a non profit that works to revitalize the historic downtown through historic preservation, special events, and the success of small businesses. Trey has already received numerous accolades in her new position and enjoys working with the business owners that make downtown a fun place to work, shop, and play. (You can follow Laramie Main Street, via Trey on Facebook by “liking” Downtown Laramie, Wyoming.)

When she isn’t working or taking photographs, Trey continues to serve as President of the local historical society. She is also the Social Ministry coordinator for our church, is on the board of the Laramie Plains Museum, and is the newest committee member for the National Council for Public History’s “New Professional” award. Yep, she has finally cut down on some of her volunteer responsibilities!

The dogs, Tillie and Shelby, continue to entertain us with their antics, and Cooter, the horse, has been training Jason. We lost our “tough” New York City cat, Rocky, this fall. The house hasn’t been the same without him—and not just because there are fewer hairballs.

We also lost Trey’s Grandpa, Charles “Chuck” Beyer on October 20th at the young age of 90 (he had a youthful, energetic spirit). He slipped away peacefully in Powder Springs, Georgia surrounded by family. Trey was able to take a week off work to say goodbye and help with funeral arrangements. Grandpa Chuck was a wonderful Christian man, mentor to many, a great encourager, and always wore a smile. We all miss him very much.

A recap of other highlights of 2010:
• Enjoyed our fourth season of broomball, injury free;
• Purchased a new truck after we were hit head on in the old one, injury free;
• Discovered the joys of homemade smoked meats;
• Became Godparents;
• Got to meet, kiss and hug the twins from Ethiopia;
• Great lunch of black eyed peas and lemon ice box pie at the Silver Skillet in Atlanta, Georgia with Trey’s parents;
• Purchased a chromed out Harley Sportster 1200;
• Jason graduated from Game & Fish’s Leadership Development One;
• Trey got a new camera!

We wish you all happiness and joy in the New Year. Remember, our guest room is always available; reservations recommended but not needed so please stop in anytime you are in the area.

God’s blessings,

Trey and Jason Sherwood

Auh… deep breath, things are good! Hunting season has come and gone and Jason and I are getting to spend more time together. Work is going well; I’m finally hitting my stride and feel more confident about the daily ins and outs of operations.

Jason got me a new camera for Christmas (let me open it early) and I’ve been shooting photos downtown and took pictures at a friend’s wedding. I forgot how much I enjoyed running around with a camera in my hands!

Jason’s big Christmas gift was a new scope for one of his guns. I’ll let him tell you more about it in a later post!

We are looking forward to Christmas. Not sure where we will end up. Guess it depends on the roads and winter weather but we hope to see the Sherwood – Hoffman clan sometime soon. (We miss you guys!)

For your viewing enjoyment, some random photos with my new Canon 7D:

DOWNTOWN