The New Year 2014 has arrived....

I was told once again to "update your blog Barb" ---- that came from Montana.  So I will see what is new our here.  For one thing --- today is F R I G I D ----    -7 degrees right now at 4:30 and we just looked at the predictions and it said  -18 tonight.......that's minus 18 and the wind is at about 22 mph.    So I don't need anything to figure the windchill out ----  just step outside without your bib overalls and you will get a real good idea how cold that is.

We did go to JDC this afternoon to visit with several kids.  Had some good talks.  And visited with some neat girls......one --- a VERY pretty young lady with long black hair and dimples ....wants to be a Caterpillar mechanic.  Gary said  - "but you get grease and dirt under your fingernails"..... "so what - I don't care".  She has the Tech School all picked out.   We hope she attains her goal!!!!  Also visited with a girl who was on Meth for 4 months....she is very glad that she got "caught" and realizes that she needs help and WANTS the help too.  We've known her from times before and we hope and pray that she can stay clean.  We talked about what these drugs do to your health and mind........ she realizes all of that and is glad is where she is at.  Please pray for Taylor...and Terra and Shaunisty and ALL the kids at JDC. 

After getting home and realizing how cold it really was out there --- just getting out of the car and walking to the house was enough......  We realized that maybe it was stupid to be out there - what if we had car trouble.   A person wouldn't last long in this cold. 

We went fishing two days in a row.  Friday and Saturday.  On Friday we ended up skunked!  We didn't realize that they had shut off the entry spot we always used last year.   So we  were on the other end of the lake and it was a L O N G walk to where we would have wanted to be.   So on Saturday we took our 4 wheeler and our shanty and got to our good old spot (or there abouts).   We only caught 7 perch --- but they were the large size.....more than enough for a meal for the two of us!!!  I think the plan is to go again on Tues.  ---- it's supposed to warm up by then -   at least about 20 degrees and sunny hopefully.

Gary has 4 coyotes hanging --- so tomorrow we head to town to try to catch the fur buyer. 

Our Christmas trip to Michigan was good ---- good times with the family.  Our daughter Holly and family had the flu - so we stayed clear of them until it was all past.  Mike and family had it earlier......little Halle said "I don't like to throw up --- it comes out my nose".  Right!!!   I don't like to throw up either....   So far we haven't gotten any bad bugs.     But all in all --- we had a good Christmas Day.   We celebrated with our family at my mom and dads place.  A place of many memories.  My sister Linda and half of her family joined us and our Son-in-law - Tim - his parents from South Carolina came too.  So we had a good sized group. I took my guitar along back and we sang some Christmas Carols and a few others - like - Bill Grogan's Goat - an old favorite.  Our Kids remembered it from camp fires  and our Grandkids caught on real fast.

Release Time will start up again this coming Thursday. It will be fun to see the little ones again - 1st - 4th graders.  I'm sure they had a fun Christmas Vacation. 

Hoping this New Year will be blessed for you.  Look to God and keep your focus on Him - He has it all under control.  That is something I tell myself often!!!
Gary and Barb

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  :)