Phone Interview

Hey all,
Sorry about the last entry deleting the rest of our entries. I forgot to and some html that would prevent that and didn't notice till now. Anyways, Julie's parents were in town for Dord't Christmas concert, since Rebecca had a solo to sing. They left this afternoon so it was short but sweet. We will see them in a week anyways for Christmas! Ok, on to my recent phone inter view . . .



I had a phone interview from Professor Eric Gallandt from UMaine, Orono Wednesday night. The call was unexpected since I had just e-mailed him Tuesday about a good time to call, so I guess he was quick on the uptake. I wasn't quite prepared to ask questions, but the interview went well. Eric's area of research is weed ecology and focused in weed management. Right now, he is broadly studying ways to reduce herbicde use that can be done on a broad scale. He does this by linking weed control and soil fertility as one goal, through the use of cover crops and various cultivation techniques. Heis researching the effectiveness of cover crop's alleopathic effects on weed seed and the weed seed bank in the soil. Not only on the weed seed bank, but also on the control of crop diseases as well. I would be particularly involved with the above research in a fall bedding project. He is seeking to extend the use of plastic mulch. by Looking at weed seed growth, death, and fertility underneath multi-season beds that are extended over a couple seasons by cover crops growing over the plastic and being cut back. Anyways, he is going to send me a more specific research proposal so I can further evaluate my interest in his research. It sounds like it is right up my alley since I have done some of this on my own with the farm in Iowa. Now, I will be able to be technical and publish the results in a journal. Oh ya, plus get my masters, full tuition, and a stipend of a survivable amount. Still have to see what Iowa State and Taylor offer however. I will probably know the future course of our next couple years by the end of Jan, so be praying that Julie and I may able to make a wise decision, that God's direction will be clear to us, and that we may step out where he leads. Well, must be off to Sioux Falls for a 21st birthday celebration. Dan P

Unattended and Absent has Returned

Yup, neglected and unattended because Julie and I have actually been visiting family who would normally learn about our coming and goings by reading but for a time we could talk and live with them. Great time in Atlanta over thanksgiving with new nephew and the good old parents.
NEWS FLASH NEWS FLASH NEWS FLASH . . .


Dan has just completed and will mail, tomorrow, his graduate school application for Taylor University's Masters of Environmental Science. This feels so good to be done as it was becoming a huge chore since I have been brewing and writing my essays for so long. I am excited for this program because it offers a environmental policy and health emphasis which would open up a lot of doors for me. It is very hands on and internship oriented which is the way I work best.
I now have UMaine to apply to and will be done. I am currently e-mail dialoguing with a professor from UMaine who is doing research in organic weed management and soil fertilty who looks very promising to study under.
May, seem weird that I am applying to two very different programs, but I can honestly see myself doing both so the rest is up to how God's hand plays out. Well, must be off to bed, feels like I am getting a cold
Dan P

Alone again

Yes folks, Dan is a bachelor again . . . well at least for the last four days. Julie has been at a National Teachers of English conference in Indianapolis since Thursday, so I have been missing her. Although, I did realize that not to coordinate schedules for once allowed me to do whatever I wanted. (In no way am I implying that I was glad Julie was gone, but rather just an observation.) In fact, I realized that I miss here lots and cannot wait till she comes home tonight. So here is what I did the last couple of days while on my own . . . (the read more should work now) . . . go ahead click it . . . you know you want to even if its never worked before . . .


Did it work, yes, dan is a geek roid. I just did a dance around the room as a celebration! Anyways, back to my weekend. It also happened that I didn't have to work on Fri and Sat so I was expecially free to accomplish tasks. Thursday night a hung out at the Humble Bean, did some reading, talked to people, and went to bed fairly early. I was up around 8:30 and took 45 min to get out of bed. Popped in a Ben Harper DVD and listened/watched a studio version of "I shall not walk alone" with the Blind Boys of Alabama. Quite inspiring gospel soul music.
The day was spent making phone calls, visiting proffs about grad schools, searching grad schools, and general reading. Friday night, I made dinner (calzones with fresh salad) for some friends (SamG, Kevin, Jon) and then went to some one act plays. Off to a Dordt Volleyball game (my second one ever, even though I spent 4 years here!) Then we watched the "Ring" A scary horror movie and made cake and pizza.
Saturday, I sleep till 10 because I was up till 3. I spent the afternoon at Proff Hendersen helping him build a boot room on around his front door. Fun time because he has two little girls that are crazy wild. Had dinner their and then worked some more on the boot room. Later I went and saw National Treasure, entertaining, but that is about it. Then went to Sam G room (check out his blog

just to talk and hang out. Went to bed and then it was Sunday, went to church, had pastoral dinner (Sam G acting as my wife Julie so he could have a meal) and then came home and made bread and rested. Well, Enough said I just really wanted to make it worth your clicking on "read more" Happy Thanksgiving and remember those who have little amongst our plenty. Dan P

Where have we been . . .

Well, we really haven't gone anywhere! We did make a quick trip to Fargo to see Matt and family. Mom and Dad were there to so it was a good time. I had to work Sat from 6 am to 12 so we got there Sat night and left Sunday night, so a very short visit. Shot a bunch of clay pigeons and I thought my arm was going to fall off after. Quite sore
I finally finished my grad school essay's for Iowa State! Man, what a process to sum up your interest in a particular subject in order to convince an entity that one is worthy of intense study in an area. I will be sending off the final parts of the application this week and then contacting potential advisors and research possibilities. Pray that the right match may happen since a huge part of good study is who your studying under.
Went and saw "Ray" a film about the life of Ray Charles. I grew up listening to some of his stuff in high school and it was intriging to get more of his life story. Powerful musician, but broken father and family man. Well, must be off
Dan Perkins

Dan and Dayna in Fargo 

Julie and Dayna from our visit to Fargo 

Still Getting Used To Blogging

As the subject suggests, I'm still getting used to this whole blog thing. I just read some comments from our 17th of September post that I had never read and, of course, never responded to! For instance, I read a comment from my junior high band and choir teacher (Hi, Mrs. Funderburg!); it's crazy how these blogs get spread around. Also, I think I'm a bit rusty on the language of blogging, so feel free to correct me if I misuse any word derived from the root "blog."

One more thing - I have some exciting news! (If you're a member of the Oudman family you already know about it, but I thought everyone else should know too.) My older brother Tim is getting married May 21 to Heather Cleveland!!!! Rebekah (my younger sister) and I are both bridesmaids in the wedding, and Dan is an usher, and we are all very excited to gain Heather as our sister-in-law!

Whew, I'm worn out from using all those exclamation marks. Time for a nap.

Julie

Draft Horse Training School

Hey, I just got done with a four day draft horse power school. It was held close by in Orange city on an old farmstead, it was a grand time. I actually feel somewhat like a cowboy. I spent the last four days with 5 guys all over 55 who had grown up with horses and were the modernday cowboys. I learned an incredible amount about horse care, health, feeding, stabling, training, and using them on the small farm. I drove various size teams of horses on several farm implements. I actually feel somewhat confident handling a 1600 lb animal! Now I just have to get my own animals and start doing it. To think, about four years I started the process of wanting to be able to manager a small diverse farm. I accomplished and learned the art and craft of commercial vegetable and poultry production. I am now confident in that regard that I simply have to step out and do it. Now, I have begun that same journey in regards to horsepower. I am going to continue to work with one of the local horse trainers on the weekends and in Feb another training school is happening focusing on winter work and colt raising and training. Man, I could talk horse for hours now . . . I better stop. Enjoy the pic below I have lots more to show later!
Dan P

A Team of Six horses on a heavy disc. I didn't get to drive these since it takes a long time to learn this skill. Four lines to keep track off! 

Team of Four on the disc. Yup, I drove this team of draft horses! 

Tri-State Break

Well, this is my first post our on blog, and, as you can see, I got a little excited about including picturesThe pictures below are all from the long weekend (known as Tri-State Break here at Dordt), when my sister Bekah and I met my mom in Omaha (she flew in from Chicago). We had lots of fun shopping - Dan and my dad were both glad they didn't have to go through that! - eating out, and going to the zoo. Much to my sister's dismay, we even watched the political debates and then argued about politics - it was great:). All in all, it was lots of fun hanging out with my mom and sister for the weekend, but it was nice to come home to Dan too

I'm acting like a monkey or something. 

Bekah - my sister - acting like one of the animals in the Desert Dome:). 

Jellyfish at Omaha Zoo 

Dinner at McFosters of Tri State Break 

Sunday Life

Ahhh, the sabbath rest. Feels so great after a very long week . . .


Ya, Julie and Rebekah had Tri state break since Wed night so they met their mom in Omaha and had a girls weekend. I of course, stayed home and dutifully worked a 60 hour week. Yup, Sat 8 hrs and it was a drag, but the pay is good for now. I spent the evening hours while she was gone hanging out with friends and catching up on some reading. Ben Slager, a friend from college is here for the weekend as well, so we have just been hanging out and talking. Its been great. Julie got back Sat afternoon, so it was good to be together again. I didn't get a chance to see the debates on Thurs, but I heard Bush performed much better. Anyhow, I currently working on writing a little blurb on how I can vote for Kerry dispite his pro-choice stance. It is a huge issue for people around here and I am feeling convicted to attempt to explain my reasoning. Anyways, more on that later, Over and Out.

Julie and I Happy! 

The Concert Itself!  

Outside the Theater in Sioux City 

Hey Lar

Hey I followed the directions for creating expandable post, which I assume you did to get shorten forms of each of your entries, but

The Foreign Policy Debate

Well, I wanted to post my intial reactions to the first presidential debate before I forget them. First, I believe both candidates represented themselves and their view very well. (which is part of the problem, I think Bush simply has taken Foreign relations in the wrong direction!) Who won the debate? Hard to say, but in my opinion John Kerry came out with the strongest evidence and logic for his viewpoints. Remeber, this debate was purely on foreign relation issues. Here are a number of key points.

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina, or "divine reading" is a night class I am taking at Dordt right now. As an alumni I am able to take one a semester for 90 dollars, so I couldn't pass it up. The main title of the class is Spiritual Formation and has been amazing. It really is about learning how to pray with and through the Scriptures. It is designed to deepen one's prayer life by binding scripture with prayer, getting beyond needs centered prayer, and for a slower reflection on life. It stems from the monk tradition and lifestyle and is a true discipline. The "Desert Fathers" (Henry Nouwen, etc) really developed the art and practice. We are memorizing scripture and then sharing those memorizations outloud to each other, and also writing Scriptured inspired prayers and Psalms. If I get the courage I may share some of these Psalms in the future.
The opportunity to learn reading, prayer, meditation, and then contemplation has really made my current work situation much more bareable. I now memorize scripture while working and find myself much more couragous at speaking out to people. Learning to pray continously and muttering Scriptures is easier in my work context of mindless factory work. One, plus side I guess.

Currently and this weekend

Sioux City Farmers Market Tomorrow morning to get 40 lbs of organic local beef for our West Hall cookout! Yup, trying to go local! It may be a first for a Dordt sponsored activity! We also plan on going to a factory fabric store that sells lots of end of roll pieces since I have started to learn how to sow . . . that is sow just monk style bags. They are the simplist most comfortable bags around and I plan on getting good at making them and then selling them eventually. They are made out of whatever fabric you desire. Well off and blessings dan P

Rebekah (Julie's Younger sister), Melissa a friend visiting us, and Julie!!

Garden Spice 

A new page again

Hello all, I have created this new Dan and Julie blog page because the other one was simply to complex for what I wanted to do right now. I was having technical problems with people posting and it was making the site irrelavant and a pain to fix. I simply don't know enough computer language yet, however, I will keep working at it. Till then, I will use this very user friendly approach. Generic, for now but it will come.