The golden leaves of the surrounding cottonwoods have mostly settled to the ground. Lingering behind are a few dried brown ones that cling to the branches and rattle like lonely wind chimes. The emptying out of fall has a stillness that gently settles into the human soul and quiets it, allowing time for reflection and contemplation. Because time truly does fly, I welcome the slowing effect that this time of year brings and because it’s November, I start my list of the many things I am thankful for. Always included on this list are our Wild Idea Buffalo Co. customers and supporters. Not only do you allow us the opportunity to continue our work, but you also enrich our lives and energize us with your passion. An example of how awesome you all are can be found in the many of your comments, notes, e-mails and photos that we receive, which we are always knocked out by. Here are a few excerpts: From Jane: “I still have the smell of the Great Prairies in my nose, the (freezing) wind in my hair, the purring of the bison in my ears, and the color of their fur. My eyes are still full of… empty spaces (which doesn’t mean full of nothing!). Oh yes, my heart belongs to those memories. Most of all, my heart beats better since I’ve met you. Thanks to people like you, my life is easier because you make me dream, so it softens reality. Dan, the way you write and talk, with easy words to say deep thoughts, and Jill, the way you welcome and make people feel important. Oh yes, my heart belongs to people like you.” From Alissa: “As a former hotshot (wildland firefighter) I have a deep connection to the land I serve. I can truly connect with your life story. As a tough gal, I used to cite The Cheeseburger as my favorite food, until I found out what really happened to the donor, and until I noticed what was happening to some lands I was working on that were grazed. I had to go vegetarian a few years ago on principle. It’s been difficult. This fall while I was working a prescribed burn in NE, putting fire back where it belongs in a grasslands ecosystem, I was introduced to Wild Idea Buffalo Co. over beers after work. When I got back home to Denver, I looked you up, went to Natural Grocers and got some of your Wild Idea Ground Buffalo, made some spaghetti with MEAT SAUCE and read your first book. BOTH, were so good. This may sound overly dramatic, but my heart bursts to eat with a cause. A good, and beautiful, and noble cause. To eat meat again with joy and purpose, as opposed to with guilt and trepidation, makes my heart happy. THANK YOU. I’m real glad I found you.” From Ed N. – A poem, “Helping Mama Die” Dan had led his herd of buffalo From one pasture to the next To keep water, grass, and animals In their proper context. Most of the herd moved quick to new grass… A small group stayed behind Seemed that moving would be difficult And they were not inclined. Read full poem: CLICK HERE Wow! Right. We feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to share our part of the world with you. We also have had the pleasure of meeting some of you through summer tours or when traveling and so enjoy our visits with you. The swirling of coffee, wine, and conversation, reinforce our efforts and our commitment to the land, the animals, and to …