Busy with lots of different things....

The week of December 9-13 I watched (can't call it babysitting) 2 cute little girls ---  Lilly and Ivy Jackson.  I really wondered how it would go because entertaining little ones hasn't been in my "job description" for a LONG time.   I asked God for a little help in this effort  --- and the week was great.  We had a lot of fun ....and Gary even got into it.  We played lots of "hide and seek".  You wouldn't believe how many really good hiding spots you can come up with in a trailer!!!  We also decorated Christmas Ornaments and cookies and watched movies and played with play-doh and played catch with a ball...... 

This past Tuesday Gary and I went to Pierre -- to the capital building to view the Christmas Trees.  The "theme" was something like "Christmas in the Great Outdoors".   What a theme!!!! I loved all the trees!!  There were trees with everything you can think of that would have to do with the Outdoors.  I did get a few photos.......

 

 This is the first one we saw ----- WOW I knew we were in for a treat!!

To me this looked like a big bunch of tumbleweeds.......??you think so.  What a CUTE idea.  Loved it!!

That is a lot - a LOT - of sheds.  It will take Gary and I a while before we can put together a tree like that!!! Some people really have a good imagination!!

I did NOT get a good picture of our Lakeview CRC tree.  But this is it.  Yes! it was about the smallest tree in the place.  But you don't get to pick you tree --- you are "given" a tree to decorate.  And we are proud of it.  It was a work of a lot of people doing different parts of it.  And I do believe we ALL had fun.

After I got home I realized that this was a good choice ---- Hark the Herald Angels Sing --- and that little angel hanging right beside it "singing".  Gary and I cut out those "cedar circles" and Sheri Tinant wrote the Christmas Carol or a Verse on all of them.  Everyone that is a member or comes regularly to Lakeview CRC has one hanging on the tree with their name on it.   We had some of the Release Time kids and the Detention Center kids painting the angels.....(should have a better picture of the angels on a different blog update I think.)

LaCosta had a hard time with "Let Heaven & Nature Sing" but she won out and got them cut out.  The red star was another "homemade" item.  And if you can pick them out on the tree picture --- there are little white birds --- put together by several ladies in the church.  The real little ones of our church put the glue and glitter on the pine cones.   So all in all --- it was a whole church affair.

Other groups from this area were represented by a tree also.  St. Francis Indian School, He Dog Elementary, the Tree of Life and others.   So it was a fun time checking out all the trees.

It's a wintery day here today (Thursday, Dec. 19).  It was foggy this morning so the trees are full of white frost and it is so pretty.    With the busyness of Christmas behind us ---- YES! we have accomplished it.....the presents are all purchased or ordered and sent on their way.  We hope to make it back to Michigan to spend Christmas with our family ---- but the weather is being watched.  We don't look forward to slippery roads on the Interstate where people drive like lunatics!!!  So if need be the packages will be opened without us.

We wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!  and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  May God bless each and everyone of you in 2014 and beyond.
Gary and Barb

Back just in time.......storm

We had a good time over Thanksgiving vacation in Michigan.  It seems like we always cram a whole bunch into a short time.  Our "feast group" was smaller ------ many missing because of the "other side".    But that's expected --- we know that's a good time for them too.

We are very glad that we made it back before this last snow storm.  We are still somewhat snowbound.  Gary got thru to the north - going through the field with the truck.  He saw the snowplow --- so we are headed to Valentine soon.  Our electricity stayed with us --- our home was warm and we had a project to keep us busy.  A new countertop in the kitchen.

It wasn't all fun and games --- but we finally got it done....took most of the daylight hours.  Looks good too.  I'm going to wait until all this "remodeling" is done  for a good clean up ----dust / saw dust EVERYWHERE!!!

We didn't get out Wednesday for our Teen Recovery Group -- nor for JDC.  Feel bad about that - but with the temps so low - and the wind and snow blowing  around --- we didn't want to get out in it and end up stuck.  No school today (Thursday) -- so no Release Time   :(  :( ---- It is a beautiful day --- not a cloud in the sky ---still only 12 degrees at noon.

Gary got a shot at a coyote this morning -- right out our front door.  He hit it -- saw it spinning round and round but it still ran away.  There were at  least 4 of them  ---- so I'm sure he will be on the lookout every morning now.  It kind of looked like they were out for a leisurely stroll - not in a hurry at all....until the gunshot!!!!!

I got some nice pictures this morning --- the sun shining in the frost covered trees.

Of course, it was better seeing it for real - rather than a photo.  I do love winter and it's beauty!!!  Everything is so white and pure looking.

Hope you have a wonderful day.  

Gary and Barb

OOPS!! Long overdue......

Let me see ---- should have first checked the last blog.... I think I know what I need to show you. 

We had some WONDERFUL friends come out a couple of weeks ago.  They were here mainly for some good ole' South Dakota Pheasant hunting.  But the birds are in short supply (along with our song birds - not a one at our feeders!!!  What is up with that????!!!!)  They did get in some hunting -- also took out a few of those pesky prairie dogs.  But then we put them to work.  We have been doing a big remodel job on our trailer .......our kitchen floor had a bad "dip" in it where a dish washer had leaked and the floor warped.  So they took out the old floor and put in a new one.  The picture shows you the men at work.

What ?! You want faces in stead of back sides   :)  :)

Here you go...... Us and Toby and then Glenda and Bruce Peters and Sally and Ken Kreuze..... They are a part of our old backpacking group.  Super good friends :)  We thank them for their help in our remodeling job. 

The wedding of Dakota and Kayla (Goshorn) Walkling was a reason to spend some time in the Black Hills area.    We went to the Devils Tower in Wyoming on Friday, Nov. 8.   It was a beautiful day for a ride in some beautiful country.

We found the tower to be very interesting.  We even found the parts of the ladder that is still hanging.....  Can't imagine climbing that stone wall - but some do it. There are nice "paved" trails all the way around it. 

Then we stopped in at a South Dakota Fish Hatchery......doors were locked but we did get to see some of the trout.

On Saturday morning we decided we had time to go to the Wind Cave....south of Custer State Park.  It was a disappointing trip.  The history of the cave was very interesting and seeing as how we got there early -- we read all about it.   Then when we entered the cave ---- the Ranger AGAIN told us the same history story.  We only got to see a tiny part of the cave and it really wasn't all that interesting.  We know there are better caves to see than that one.  Maybe it was because it was off season --- I don't know........

The Walkling wedding was beautiful and the bride and groom are two very special people.  There were a lot of Lakeview people in attendance so it was a fun time.

And then, OF COURSE, we hit the town --- that is Menards, Hobby Lobby and Walmart -- what else do you need.   We always fill our trunk with things.

Now we are enjoying the Indian Summer (anyway for a few days here).  Also getting the opportunity to help some of the ranchers with weaning calves and all that happens in the fall.  Getting that "cow fix" that I need every-so-often.  :)

And one last picture for the hunter in you.....

OH YES!!!!  one more picture .....  We had seen the sign "38 foot cross".....on our route through a part of the Badlands but never went to see what it was about.   We decided we should go see it --- along with our Michigan friends.  It is a MUST SEE......... Beautiful!!

OK --- now I have to get off this computer and get busy with other things.
Love you all!
Gary and Barb

Halloween Fun at JDC

Last night at JDC we first had our lesson on Moses - going before Pharoah asking  "let my people go".  Pharoah answered "Who is the Lord that I should obey?"......When we told the young people that our story ended---- right after Aaron's staff/snake swallowed up the magicians snakes....... they all said "AUGH!!!!---- it was just getting good."  Story to be continued :)  :)   We love it when they are so "into the lesson"!!  We have a small group at JDC -- they all come to our Bible Study - but there are only 6 kids there right now.  And several of the boys have been there for a long time and we have really gotten to know them.....

So then after the lesson and review questions and prayer requests....we went into the gym and make pizza.  They are pretty good pizza makers!!!  Then I (Barb) had to go to the kitchen to bake them (such good help from the officers!! finding things in the kitchen with me - and helping with their big ovens).  Meanwhile back in the gym --- games were taking place.  Chariot races  - that is a carpet sample with ropes attached and the "horse or horses"  pull one of the smallest of the group ---- with races to see who is the fastest....Gary's team came in last place  :).   Then "bob for apples".....that didn't go so good.  The kids don't like to put their face in the same water that someone else just put their face in.  Gary said that about 3 of them did it and then he did too.....   So not a total bomb.  After that they had the group in a big circle with Gary in the middle....he has a rope attached to a 2 liter pop bottle.  He twirls it round and round in an ever widening circle --- as it comes along to the kids in the circle they have to jump over it.  Got them huffing and puffing   :).  THEN - animal, bird, fish --- a little kids game but hard for adults too.  You have to come up with an "animal or bird or.." before "it" counts to 10.  Try it sometime -- it's not that easy.

About then I came back with the pizzas.......they devoured most of them......we made 5.  And then when everyone was stuffed we remembered that the one and only girl had her mom bring in birthday cake.  It was Rosies birthday  (belated) --- so we all sang "Happy Birthday" ......and got fuller.  I think Luther had 3 pieces (after eating half a pizza).    We called in Officer Harlan and he took the leftover pizza to the rest of the crew.

Then - can you believe this ---- the kids wanted to show me the 2 liter game......so with their bellies full --- they went and jumped and jumped somemore.  Well - some of them did....Two of them just sat there looking somewhat miserable.  I sure hope none of them were sick later on!!   When we handed them their bag of candy we said "do NOT eat it tonight - save it for later".  I don't think there was any worry about that.

We love sharing with these kids.  As they get to know us --- we really have a lot of fun with them. Plus!!! They ask lots of questions about the Bible.  So we know they are thinking.  God will work it out in their hearts.  They know the answers --- now just to get it into their hearts!!!  PLEASE continue to pray for these young people.  With God there is hope!!!!

Thank you!   And have a safe Halloween!   Share a little love with some young person -- but don't just go after candy treats ---- share them some "Jesus" too!!!

OH Yeah.  We went to PMO last night too and did a lesson on "The Romans Road to Salvation" with the one and only boy there.  When we told him we couldn't stay for burgers (supper) because we were making pizza at JDC -- he said "I'm heading right over there"     :)

Love to all!
Gary and Barb

First and 2nd graders ---- Release Time

What a fun, fun group of little ones.  These are our first and second graders that come to Release Time...... John is missing - we usually have 12.  Starting at the top boy with the red shirt and going clock wise....Lane, Yamni, Allie, Jackson, Yakima, Max, Keagan, Rhea, Maria, Morgan, and Seth.    It took us a while to get them in a good circle -- pulled them out and pushed them in  :)   but finally got them set.  Seven of the kids were with us last year and 5 are new 1st graders.  We do a lot of laughing with them, but they listen so good to the lesson.  We totally enjoy them!   Check out Yakima (at about 4:00 spot) - he broke both his arms when he fell from the monkey bars ---- probably the first few days of school.  He says he is supposed to get smaller casts soon.....these go past his elbows.       It was "hat day" at school so several of them were wearing hats.

I do think I have to make a correction on the last blog.   I think I said that 75,000 cattle were lost in the blizzard.... I DID hear that number.  However, now we are hearing a possible 10-20,000.  Still a huge number.  I don't think they have a count --- but are seeing big numbers of dead cattle.......  The ranchers, I'm sure, know what they have lost.....the media just does their own thing.

Some of you say that it's strange that this blizzard didn't make the news......I talked with a man (DISH network) from New Jersey and he had heard about it --- so it must have been out there.   We do sometimes think that they just forget about us out here    :)  :(

We continue to enjoy our work.  Working with young kids seems to keep you young  :) --- I saw that in my own mother as she was a 1st and 2nd grade teacher.   So hopefully we will "stay young" for a while longer.   Thanks for keeping us and the young people in your prayers!!!

Gary and Barb

A break in our cabin fever....

Well -- winter has arrived with a vengeance!!  Not very cold out but VERY windy and snowy.   As we sat in our snug home (THANKS Dale, Barb, John and Gloria) we heard this strange sound --- "MOO" -  strange for the weather conditions and strange too because we don't have any cattle in the area right now.    We could see a few black cattle in the trees right behind our trailer.   So we donned our gear and ventured out.  There were about 8 +- in the trees.  So in order to get them penned ---- Gary was going to check the gates and close those that need closing.  However, upon getting to the shop - he saw about 20 more just to the south standing by the cedar trees......and then perhaps 15 more behind the wind break a little further south.  That was when we realized the snow was really nasty --- it stung when you faced into the wind.  So back to the trailer and Gary found our goggles.  Now we were set for anything!!

After getting all the gates set (closed or open) -we headed to the ones behind the wind break and got them into the corrals......then to the ones in the cedar trees.  They were all very agreeable as long as they could stay out of the wind.   We then went back to the ones in the trees ---and that too went good.

So now we wondered if we were done - or were there more to the north of us in the trees.  Yup - about 6 or 7.  Gary went on foot and I was on my 4 wheeler - one of the cows took a look at me and started coming at me - but I yelled and she turned.  I thought - oh boy - and Gary is on foot.  But they took off to the south and I got them cornered along the fence line .......as Gary came with his 4 wheeler and we tried to move them - old mama - the ornery one came at me - ready to take me out.  Thank goodness she decided against it. She would have gotten my 4 wheeler before me..... :)  Anyway --- we have about 45 head ---- cow / calf pairs but we don't know whose they are.....couldn't see a brand (I might have seen a bit of one - but couldn't make anything out).....   We figure the rancher will come looking for them or another neighbor will hear that someone is missing part of their herd......

The cattle are behind us along the trees --- we hope they stay put.  Not much to eat in there!!

Gary and Barb
p.s. - Yes we had to take time out for a photo moment  :)

Hail damage repaired

When we were in Michigan the first part of September, we mentioned to Gary's cousin, Dale, that we would be going home to a bunch of repairs.....new windows (total of 10  - 5 in Grandpa Logterman's house and 5 in our trailer) and new siding on the north and west sides of both homes.   Dale said he would like to help.....and when he stopped in at another mutual friends home -- they wanted to come along too.   So Dale & Barb and John & Gloria came out on Sept. 23  - Monday.  By that evening we had all 5 of the windows in Grandpa's house and a good share of the siding up.  Robbi and Jerry were so surprised when they came that evening (in the dark) --- we had left a light on and they could see ......."we have windows"  !!!!  By Thursday (late afternoon) our trailer was also completely finished and looking grand!!!  What a blessing!

My sister, Linda and husband Dave, were also out here.  They had talked about going to the BIG car sale out in Pierce, NE.  But decided against it.  Later we heard that there were 20,000 people at this sale and one pickup went for $140,000.   These were cars from the 50's and 60's I think and they were in like new condition --- some with only a few miles on.  People were coming from all over the world.  Dave found a l949 Ford pickup ---- out here on the prairies and he was a happy camper........and he didn't have to fight any crowds to get to it.

Anyway ----- they all left us on Friday morning.  One driving a brand new SUV (so it was a S L O W trip to the Nebraska border) and the other pulling a loaded trailer.  That night it rained a nice!! rain.  The roads turned NASTY --- boy! were they glad they didn't stay until Saturday morning.  

Here are some photos to tell the story.

 First the siding came off and then all the nails that were sticking out had to be removed or hammered in.....

 John and Gloria volunteer a lot with Christian Reformed World Renew  --- so they are old hands at putting up siding.  It was wonderful to have help that didn't "need help".!!!

 While John and Gloria were busy with the siding -- Gary and Dale worked on the windows.

At night  (anyway one of the evenings) we played cards ---- Ripple fans eat your heart out.  We have never seen this one before.    And she decided to go for the last "12" right at the end of the game ---- I thought she was crazy!!!  But she got it!!  Way to go Gloria!!

Then we got started on our trailer ----- you would NOT believe how many flies were under the siding.....and they were mostly alive too....HUNDREDS of them buzzing at you!!!!  Guess they were finding a warm spot because it did get cold in the evening.

 The windows all came out and we made sure the door into the bedroom was closed --- had to try to contain all those bugs!!! --- flies and wasps!!!

Then the "wrap" --- should make for a warmer home this winter!!!!

Yes! I got in on the work too.  :)

 We took lots of coffee, ice tea and ice cream cone breaks with out fabulous crew!!

 Toby wanted a lick so bad!!  No one would share  :(

And then for a celebration supper.....everyone but me and Dave are on here.  (I took the picture and Dave removed himself from the viewing zone ).  Starting on the left --- Robbi, Gary, Linda, Gloria, John, Barb, Dale and Jerry. 

We thank God for such wonderful people!!!  We are very blessed!!!
Gary and Barb

Wanted to share a fun thing from 45th Anniversary Party......

This was given to us by our friends Bruce and Glenda & Ken and Sally.  I am going to type it out in case you can't figure some of it out.  What fun!!!

After years of dating NERDS and GOBBERS with ZERO appeal looking for her love DOVE, Barb found a BIT-OF-HONEY when she met MR. GOODBAR.  Gary wasn't an AIR HEAD, LEMONHEAD, or MILKDUD.  Gary knew that he could SKOR some WHPOPPERS points by taking Barb to Overisel and gazing at the MILKY WAY with him. HUBBA BUBBA! Barb exclaimed, you are the REISEN that I have been waiting for.  You are my HOT TAMMALE and honey BUN!  Barb knew they were MINT to be together.  Gary's HUGS warmed her heart and his KISSES fell on her TWIN CHERRY lips.  Marry me, KIT KAT and our lives will be MOUNDS of ALMOND JOY and I'll be your SUGAR DADDY and we will make lots of SUGAR BABIES.  As you look back over the years, TAKE 5 and enjoy each other NOW AND LATER remembering your NUTRAGEOUS time together with lots of SNICKERS and CHUCKLES.  We see you make each other feel like 100 GRAND.  Keep being SWEET TARTS forever....  You both are X-TRA SPECIAL to us!!  CONGRATULATIONS on your 45th Wedding Anniversary!!

We are so blessed!!!
Gary and Barb

oops.....I have to answer a question.....

Someone asked how do you pronounce "Onuniyan tehanl waun" - Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.   So here is a "pronunciation" spelling...... Oh new knee yan, ta houl why oon ----    We sing Amazing Grace every time we go....and if we have to do the lesson 2 times...... we sing it each time.  Most all of the kids know Amazing Grace for some reason.

Thanks for asking......
Barb

45 years and still ticking.....or is that tickling?!?!?!

WOW!!!  Gary and I have been married for 45 years --- August 30, 1968. Goodness are we really that old?!?!   We went back to Michigan to have a celebration with our kids, grandkids and friends......and we had a lot of fun.  We checked first with our "chef"........would he be willing to grill for us.  Son-in-law Dennis does a fantastic job of grilling chicken -- so we asked if he was willing and ---what could he say?!  Boy, was that good chicken!!  We added some potato salad, baked beans, fruit salad and a jello salad .....we didn't run out of  food - so, for me - that was a bonus  :)  Everyone, except my sister Ethel and hubby Jim (they had just come home from a  trip to Croatia) were able to make it.    We had the "party" in Dennis and Holly's garage (it was an old barn when we lived there).  A couple of photos will tell you a little bit more.

 This was our "Farewell Party" in 2008......  check out the 'old barn' look.....

This was our "45th Anniversary Celebration" in 2013.  Dennis and Holly have made a lot of improvements on the place.   It's a great place to have a party!!  Yes! It is John Deere green!!  What else?!?!?!

We were also able to take in a football game that our oldest grandson, Trenton Peters, played.  Trenton made 2 touchdowns and had some terrific catches.  They beat Coopersville - 38 to zip.  GO HAMILTON Hawkeyes!!  Trenton is only a Freshman -- so watch out!!   :)  :)

We also got to watch Clayton, Holly and Dennis' oldest - play soccer on Saturday.  His team also won and Clayton did a really good job of  getting in there and doing his part!!!

It was a good week with family and friends......but a week always goes by fast!!  Grandkids are asking about Thanksgiving  --- so we will probably keep the tires hot once again.

We came back knowing we had a lot of work to do.......new windows, new siding,  new shower and toilet (no that was not a hail damage item).  The roof on Grandpas house is almost finished....but the trailer roof is a "do we or don't we".  Gary says it could wait --- but you might as well get the insurance company to pay when they say it's bad.  We also have to get into the swing with our Religion Release Program.  Permission slips will be going out soon --- they were delivered today.  So now we wait for a good number to come back in and then we will begin.  This year we will be doing "Moses".  Should be some good stories to get the kids attention and some good Biblical applications for them as well.

While we were gone our faithful friends who come along on Sunday evenings (once a month) to JDC took care of things on our "2nd Sunday of the month".  We are very blessed by them!!!  We go away but the ministry  goes on.  Thank you!!!

Please keep Release Time and JDC and the Recovery Group in your prayers.  Also --- there is a once a month worship time in Rosebud that we have become involved in.  It meets on the last Saturday of each month.  We have been doing the children's message.  They have a meal and then the kids and adults separate and each have a message and then the kids either play games or we do crafts.  We are not in charge of this --- just participants.  A couple of Native American ladies set it all up, prepare the food and get the speakers.  I believe this past meeting there were about 75 in attendance.  The PLYC coordinator (my cousin), Robbi and Jerry also are involved each time .....coming out here from Sioux Falls to participate.

OH yeah!  At our 45th celebration we took a new "family photo".  I will try to post that in the future.  Right now it needs just a touch of editing.  You know --- one picture is good of this one but not of that one.........  We are now a group of 19  :)

Thank you for your support and prayers!!
Gary and Barb

That 'ole snake hanging on the wall.......

Well --- I always kind of liked my Bull Snake that I had mounted......skinned and dried and hung all by myself.   No one else wanted to touch it!!!!!    Some people found it interesting ---- others just cringed!!

Well, for those of you who thought it was "nasty"     (that's OK )   it is gone!!!!  And replaced - I think - with something wonderful. " Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound" in Lakota is now hanging in it's place.  I think you will like it.    And for those of you who never saw the snake ---- sorry --- it was coming off the felt and I ruined it trying to re-connect it.  So it has been tossed.

We will be heading out for Michigan on Thursday of this week.  Gary and I decided that seeing as how it's our 45th Wedding Anniversary on August 30 -- we should celebrate with our family.   Man oh man,  that really makes me feel old.  I remember celebrating my parents 35th and thinking they were getting pretty old.  YIKES!    Oh well,  we are still young at heart  :)  and that's what counts.

Gary and Barb

Choir at JDC and kayaking with some friends

OH WOW!!!  did we ever have fun singing tonight at the Detention Center.  We had 7 boys and 2 girls.  And this just happens to be a group of boys that love to sing....and were NOT shy about singing tonight.  We never take a camera in to the JDC --- it's not allowed.   However, Gary had it on his belt tonight because he had taken it along to show a gal the kayak trailer that he was fixing up for her.   It suddenly dawned on him that he could take a "movie" and catch the group singing.   So that's what he did...........

It was such a "quick" thing ---- that he didn't even focus the camera on the right song...."The Old Rugged Cross".  But it really doesn't matter..... the outcome is still pretty good.  We do think that if we had asked the officer if we could record them with our camera ---- we're pretty sure she would have let us......just keeping the camera off the kids.  I really think God was blessed by their singing!!!!!  Sometimes they seem irreverent and have to act up for their peers -- but not tonight!

If we had a "downer" with the Recovery Group.......we were BLESSED by these kids singing.  If you would pray for the Recovery Group that we minister to.  It just doesn't seem to be blessed by God and we kind of wonder if we should be going there.  But it also just seems like the kids....... the one girl was VERY responsive when she was in the Detention Center ---- but now - she just gazes off into space and we can't get much out of her.

 We were asked if we would go along with a group of teens from the Recovery Group and Aftercare on a kayaking adventure at the Parmelee Dam.  Parmelee is a community about 25 miles north of us.  The kids had never been in a kayak before and some were not so sure they wanted to get in that little thing.  But they all participated, after some coaxing....and had a good time. 

This is the trailer that Gary is converting into a kayak carrier. 

We have had rain every day this week.  So things are getting nice and green again....and we had to mow the lawn once again too.  The last time we mowed was just before PLYC. 

Have a good day!
Gary and Barb

Aunt Melva passed away --- what special memories!!!!

A special Aunt!!!  That's all I can say.  She was so many things.  My memories go way, way back to when we lived here in South Dakota.  I remember Aunt Melva bringing me some Orange Crush....just for me!!!  I had a kidney infection and had to drink and drink -- that was her way --- always giving in some way.  I also remember playing at the "Beck place"......playing dress up with Robbi --- and those red high heels - I can still see them -- I thought they were the most wonderful shoes around.   :)  And then Aunt Melva patching up my head when I got klunked by a baseball bat coming through the opening in the door (at the Beck place).  Was that you Randy?!??!

Then there's all those times that we came out here for a vacation and stayed at her place - or close by.  She always had the welcome mat out for us.  And the meals were --- amazing!!  She was some cook!!!!!   OH and then there's the time that Linda and I came out........  Linda wanted to go to Soldier Woman (a gift shop with Native "souvenirs".  So we headed out for Mission.   On the way I ran over a large snake.............  Linda found a $40 vase --- I found nothing....to much of a cheap skate I guess.  But as I was driving home I decided "that snake - if it's dead in the road  -- that will be my souvenir!!!.   It was dead in the road.   I loaded it up and took it to Aunt Melva's.   "Do you have a knife I could use".   "Well, yes." But she sure wasn't going to give me any help!!!  However,   guess what......

she just couldn't stand it --- she finally came out and grabbed ahold.....well - actually she just squirted the water.  But she was there!!!!   :)  Love Her!!!!!    Oh! --- she sent me home with that knife.... "don't want to see it in my kitchen again".

Prairie Light Youth Camp was very dear to Aunt Melva's heart.  I know she kept Prairie Light and all of it's working in her prayers until the end.  She was our cook for several years.  That's when (Gary would say) the food was "fantastic".....mashed potatoes, gravy......

The 7th and 8th grade group decorated an apron and gave them to our cooks that year.   And yes!!!  She was the Best of the Best!!!!

Aunt Melva had a stroke in 2007 at Thanksgiving time and was moved to a nursing home in Sioux Falls. Gary and I had the privilege of living in her home when we moved here in 2008.  What a beautiful place.  The location was grand ---- gorgeous sunsets almost every evening.....so much more. 

We thank and praise God for giving her to us. She will always have a special place in our hearts.

Gary and Barb

Hail storm of July 30, 2013

The weather bureau told us we had a chance for thunderstorms all this week.  And we have seen them ---- On Tuesday evening we watched the radar on AccuWeather.com -- didn't look too bad for us -- looked like it would miss us.   But then I walked outside and took a good look at the clouds that were coming.  I went back in the house and told Gary that I thought it would be a good idea to put the car and truck inside.  So I went with the car to the garage and Gary went with the truck to the barn.  Then I went to meet him by the greenhouse --- hopefully to cover that with the tarp.  Well, as I was checking in on the chickens -- I heard a bang and then another bang.  Gary was in the barn - so I figured it was him.   He says he thought it was the "dumb cats" knocking something down.  It was the hail just beginning.  Gary came out to the chicken coop and I said "let's cover the greenhouse quick."   About that time the hail started coming a little faster and they were rather large --- not something we would want to get hit in the head with.   So we waited in the dog house / chicken coop (they share it).   At times we couldn't see the barn  - it was raining so hard.  The noise from the hail in that small, tin roof building was deafening --- we plugged our ears. The winds started out coming from the north west -- but then we noticed a complete turnaround --- coming from the east.  Oh boy  - I thought ---- is the hail going to come back?!?!?!   When that wind came out of the east  - I remembered that I had the bedroom window wide open.....on the east side of the house.   So -- hail was done --- I headed for the house and Gary headed for the barn......He could see that the window in his work shop was knocked completely out.  The rest is history --- and the pictures tell the story.

 Our greenhouse is pretty much done for this year.  We will have to purchase new plastic.  The carrots and potatoes that are still in the ground will be just fine.

 All three of the windows in Grandpa's house were broken "in"..... The siding will have to be replaced.

The glass went everywhere in the house ---- And, of course the rain came in.......  We took the rugs out to the garage and cleaned up the best we could.   But after sweeping and vacuuming  -- I can still see sparkling pieces of glass in the cracks of the floor.  And can you ever get it all out of the carpet?!?!

 And then - our garden --- I had just put "apples" on my grocery list so that I could can my first ever red cabbage. My sister Linda had just given me her recipe that we think is just the best tasting cabbage.

 This used to be my pickle patch -- with dill all around the outside.....it is no more.!!  We also had 4 green cabbage plants that were just starting to make heads.

 This is our back yard as I have started the clean up process.   The trees lost a LOT of.........

twigs and leaves and such!!!

The workshop window --- 

 Some left over hail -- after all the rain fell on it .....still pretty big stuff!!

 Our spruce trees lost at least one years growth..... And our shed has holes in the side and in the top.

 The North side of our trailer ---- the outside windows were broken but not the inside pane.  Thank you Lord!!!And below is my "used to be flower garden".... what a mess!!!

 

This is the river that ran through our back yard.  Some said we had gotten 4 inches of rain  - in ???? 20 -30 minutes. 

This is a quick shot of the Rosebud Dam --- don't quite understand what happened.......There was water covering the road and they evacuated "the Valley" people.  But when we drove past ---- the water was WAY down as you can see -- but the road - the dam  - is still in tact.

Our neighbor lost hundreds and hundreds of pheasants......windows in his lodge and windows in his home.  

Another neighbor lost his brand new irrigation system that was still in the set up stage.....twisted and tossed in the wind.

But we have this: John 16:33  In this world you will have troubles, but take heart! I have overcome the world.



We give thanks to God for His faithfulness in all things!!
Gary and Barb