Fun times -----busy times

Well --- those green apples you saw on the tree (last blog update) have gotten redder and in need of picking.   I made lots of applesauce and put slices in the freezer for pies.   And then we had company and Lee and Mary Lubbers picked some to take to Michigan!!!  Seems strange to take apples to Michigan where there is an abundance --- but what a more special thing --- apples from South Dakota.  Lee and Mary thought so!!

Lee and Mary also got in on some Grouse Hunting.   It was opening day while they were here and we didn't let them go home without eating the little buggers.  They also shot some Doves -- so those little morsels were in the pot too.  Recipe:  Put breasts in crockpot -- cover with homemade salsa and enjoy.   It was actually pretty tasty and tender.

While we were sitting on the front deck --- there was a strange bird on the yard.   Don't think we had ever seen it before.  Looking it up in our bird book we discovered it was a "Clark's Nutcracker".  I haven't seen it since --- so maybe it was just passing through -- but the book says we should have them around all year long.  Have to keep my eyes open.

Lee and Mary also got in on some Sawmill work.  Gary had 2 good sized pine logs and our neighbor Ron Patton needed some lumber for the footings of his church.   The church that burned to the ground in June.  So what a better place for these pine boards than a church footing.  Gary will be more involved in that project as time goes on.

What a fun time we had with our company!!!  They are fun to have around.  We sure laughed a lot.
The weather wasn't always the nicest --- rather wet at times.....so one morning we sent them down the road to see a little portion of the Badlands .....and.... the 38 foot cross - made of old farm machinery parts.   If you wonder what that is you will have to "page" through this blog and find those pictures.   We have been there several times with company -- always a neat place to go to.
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On a different note.....   Release Time will begin next week.   We really ask for prayers for this.   We have had a lot of difficulty the last few years with discipline.   It just seems to be getting worse.   This coming year we are going to work with the 3 of us.   Gary, myself and Pastor Mark...... that way if some of the kids don't know how to act -- there will be one that can return them to school and two left to continue with the lesson and other activities.

We have still been enjoying going out to the Detention Center.  Laura Patton who goes along will be in Rapid City for a month --- she is doing an Internship toward a Counseling Career.  We will miss her presence at JDC.  Last night we just had to quit singing.  It was difficult in a strange way.  We have one boy who wants to sing --- and he sings with everything he's got.  He doesn't really know the tune ---- but sings loud anyway.    We don't want to discourage him in any way!!!!  But when I said we would be done -- his comment was ---- "and I was singing my heart out."  Yes, you were!!!!

 Another boy came in with the Bible we had given him on Sunday.  We have been doing the story of Joseph and when we ask ANY question -- Holden knows the answer --- he's been reading ahead!!!  Very encouraging for us!!!!

And so things continue on......  The nights are getting cooler and we know fall is here. Some trees are starting to change color.   We are pulling the garden apart.......there are still some tomatoes, watermelon, muskmelon and sweet potatoes.   The apples in the tree top might just have to come down on their own and might be food for the chickens.  They are just too high up there!!!   It's always nice when you can share produce with friends and neighbors......plums and apples all went to several places.  Hopefully, I won't hoard my juice - but share home made jelly with others too.

It's fun to make such good looking things!!!---- this is Wild Plum Jelly.
Well --- get outside and enjoy this lovely weather!!!!  Pretty soon the snow will be flyi...............OH NO!!!   Well -- probably not for a couple of months yet.

Gary and Barb