So Far So Good...

Just a short post to update on the new job:

Today my boss and I shoveled horse poop out of Scout Camp. The previous campers didn't take it to the drop-off site so we did it... I also set a bunch of mouse traps upstairs to control the mouse problem. Then I get to vacuum the rooms to make it safe from hantavirus.

I have started making flyers for Buckland Station, now that it's open more often and some flyers asking for volunteers to help us keep it open daily. That's the fun part for me--figuring out how to promote the park and get people in there. I also made us a Facebook page--Fort Churchill State Historic Park. I called Silver Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Senior Center to introduce myself and see if we can get some write-ups in their newsletters and I've been looking for grants and some things to add to the present programming--which right now only consists of self-guided tours and Living History Talks for reserved groups.

Later I'll post about the Carson River Snapshot Day and life at the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area (it's fun to be on the refuge for now--saw a flock of turkeys yesterday and some peregrines).

More later but for now I'm tired and it's my FRIDAY!

Ghosts?

Ever since I got here everyone's been telling me Buckland Station is haunted. There have been a few groups doing paranormal investigations and didn't find anything too conclusive, but there are some pictures of "orbs" and I guess they got a few EVPs, or "ghost talk." I've been really nervous about going over to my new office because of that, and even avoided it for the first few days (which was easy because of the training and reading policies, etc) but finally a few days ago I had to go over and arrange my office and bookshelf and get it stocked with office "stuff."

I've been over there for a few days now and today I did a lot of cleaning--dusting, sweeping and just spent a lot of time looking around. I even took a few pictures, hoping (or not hoping...) to capture some "orbs" of my own. I've never seen anything the least bit supernatural or even weird/unexplainable so I don't know if I even will. My boss told me I'm guarenteed to meet some ghosts while I'm over there, I guess because that's where I'll be spending most of my time--giving tours and sitting in my office. I even sat and read the binder (not all of it) given to the park by the paranormal investigation team, "Thin Veil Investigations." I did get a little creeped out sitting there alone in a 3-story building with no music or noise, other than cars passing on the highway, but still didn't see anything or feel that uncomfortable.

We'll see what happens! Any ghost enthusiasts out there? I'm interested in your stories!

New Job!!

Wow...I don't know where to start. More than a month ago Dave and I were talking about going back to where he's from, near Lake Tahoe. His family's from there and he's always lived there and missed it. I was willing to make a change (I've been at DHP for over 9 years!) but only if I could get a job that was worth leaving my current job for.

We kept an eye on what was opening in the area and a job came open for Fort Churchill State Historic Park near Silver Springs, NV. I applied, then called the park for a little more information. I was told to not live in Silver Springs but to check out communities like Fernley or Yerington, maybe even Dayton. At this point I hadn't been contacted for an interview, so it was just gathering information. I looked it up online and checked it out.

A few weeks later Dave and I were driving in the La Sals and I got a phone call from a Joy Elwood saying they would "very much like to interview" me. I called back immediately, set up the date for August 24, which was about three weeks away--or more, I don't remember. I read about the park, then had an idea that I should visit the park before the interview. I really wanted to see it and find out what I was "getting myself into." We made plans to visit, called the park to set up a day where someone was there to show us around and left the next week. It's a 12-hour drive so I thought it might be crazy but really wanted to see it.

I didn't take any pictures during the visit, so these are all stolen:

Buckland Station is where I will be most of the time. The purpose of this new position is to keep it open for tours, start a docent program and provide community outreach.

Ruins from Fort Churchill, a Civil War-era fort built to protect Mormon settlers from Indian attacks.

The visitor center/museum.

I interviewed on August 24, then found out that 100 people had applied for the job. They said 40 of those were qualified and they chose 13 to interview. Once I heard that I stopped worrying--lots of odds and lots of people interested! BUT on Friday after the interview I got a phone call from the manager saying it was a tough choice and it came down to me and one other person. I had the interpretive experience; she had the farming/ranching experience. They slept on it and then decided to hire me! Wow....I am still in shock! So....I had to accept the job, call Dave, then not look forward to giving my notice at the park!

I am excited! We'll see how this goes....I will be there in about a month...not enough time and I HATE moving....but I think it's for the best and it'll be a new adventure! I'll get to do interp, museum work and learn about ranching and farming....haha. Wish me luck :)