Country Focus: March certainly came in like a lion

Well, March certainly came in like a lion this year. The forecast started with two to five inches of snow. I think Mother Nature took that as a personal challenge. “I’ll show you.” Yes, she sure showed us.

With the North Dakota Winter Show right around the corner, I was hoping it would feel more like spring with muddy roads and decent temperatures. It doesn’t feel like the Winter Show if that parking lot isn’t a giant mud pit. I don’t know if I’ll get up the show this year. Helping coach the Maple River Raiders speech team has been enjoyable and time consuming. We still have the month of March for competitions before the regional meet on April 1. I forgot how long the meet days can be but thankfully the day passes by quickly. I am proud how the new members have improved and progressed. Their self-confidence has increased by leaps and bounds. Getting to know the students has been so much fun. I’m usually called Mrs. Lilja or Mrs. L. One of the sophomore boys calls me Mrs. W instead of Mrs. L because I’m a winner not a loser. Awww, thanks… I think. They are a smart, eclectic and witty group of kids. Lots of laughs and some tough love, too.

I have also enjoyed seeing the schools in the area. Some have funky layouts with new additions. Since so many rooms are needed for a meet, I’ve judged in some unique areas. I also need to support the local school, so I check out the concession stands. I look for baked goods, sloppy joes, walking tacos, and/ or pizza. I’ve only been disappointed once. The school had no baked goods. Our team is fortunate to have one of the moms bake fresh buns for sandwiches. Soooo delicious!

Stay warm and hopefully not much more snow. I’m guessing Mother Nature isn’t done with us yet.