Beautiful days in January

The nasty winter days have retreated.....and we are all happy.  Today, as I look out, I feel like I would just like to go out and work on the yard.  But that's just a dream -- it's nice out - but not yard work weather.  The snow is still thick around the trailer.  The other day Gary and I decided we should go out on our snowshoes and check out the big drifts in the tree line to the east of us.     Well,  it was a nice idea but the snow was WAY too hard yet and Gary stepped into a V in the snow and snapped his snowshoe --- broke it.   I think it's in the repair shop getting glued - hopefully it will be OK.  Those are our homemade snowshoes and are rather special.

These couple of pictures show you where we were walking.   We had removed our snowshoes and just went on foot.   There were LOTS of coyotes tracks on the drifts too.... I think we have several living in those trees.   Rob has been cleaning them out slowly.  Gary has also gotten a couple to come in to his call.

Gary thought this little ledge would break off on me and I would go for a fall.......maybe 6 feet down - but it held.    I tried out a couple of them and they all were real firm.  Gary found a "cave" sculptured by the wind...... rather small - but interesting.

This morning - Friday - was just glorious ---- so beautiful!!

I walked as fast as I could to get to the spot I wanted.  Those sunrises can leave so fast.  But I made it and caught the beauty.  Now this afternoon it is a beautiful sunny day.  Gary is gone fishing with a couple of neighbors.  It's a little windy but they should have a nice day on the ice.

This next picture is my latest project.  It's a granny square type of pattern.  It was a lot of repeat work but fun to do....makes me think of summer flowers. 

Don's kitchen is now in need of "a plan" ..... I hear about them "going backwards" every-once-in-a-while.  They look around and decided they might as well tear off that drywall too.  But things are moving along nicely.  I think Ty Tinant will be doing the drywall.  Then comes the "plan".  Hopefully someone will be able to help Don with those decisions.....Gary is only doing a drawing of what they have to work with.

Release Time went good this week.......last week --- half of it was disheartening.  We have one group that just gives us grief.  This could be a prayer request.   We will be giving a couple of boys ONE more chance.... and we have sent a note to one of the parents.   If things continue as they have been  --- the boys will no longer be joining us.  We feel that we have to hold up the whole group just for these boys - who would rather goof off than do the lesson.     We are working on a Valentine craft -- string art.  I think the kids are enjoying using the hammers and making a lot of noise. 

We work on a lesson for about 1/2 of the time --- then have a snack and do the craft......our next craft (with the older groups) will be a Cross made out of match sticks for Easter.    The hard part of doing crafts is that some kids really get right into it and get things done.....some just plain goof off and don't get much done.......and some are perfectionist and work slow.   They do beautiful work but do it pretty slow.   So we will have to come up with something interesting for the "fast" ones to do while we wait for the "slower" ones.

We did some review questions with the 2-3rd graders yesterday and it was so much fun to have them be able to answer questions about a lesson we had last year.  Our lesson was on Jesus staying back in Jerusalem when he and his parents went to celebrate the Passover.  So Gary went over the story of Moses and the plagues......    Several kids could remember "boils", "water turning to blood"......Seth was remembering some of the plagues....... "wasn't that one when they had to put the blood on the door frames".     YES!  that's what we are getting to.

We had a similar time with the JDC kids......one question we had for them this week was "What are some instructions God gives us in His Word?   One boy answered....."not to cause someone to fall".    That was something we had talked about just a couple of weeks ago.....on causing someone else to stumble.

Sometimes we are discouraged but those times are few.   Mostly we feel very blessed.  Thank you for your interest, prayers, love, support and encouragement.

Gary and Barb

one more WINTER photo

I just took a walk outside --- had to check things out this afternoon.....see what I could see.     We thought it was cool that we could drive our 4-wheeler over these drifts.   I bet Rob was really grinning as he went over these with his tractor - I sure wish I had been out there to record it!!  We probably won't be getting that part of our driveway cleared out for a while - it's the part that goes down to the shop.  We have a path through the corrals and then the alfalfa field......the entry to our place is plugged with a big hard one too.

That's it until next time.......
Barb

The Winter Saga continues......

Guess I should check where this left off.....oh yes! it was yesterday and we left the truck stuck in the snow bank north of us on our 1/2 mile driveway.

Well - this morning at -2 degrees  we bundled up and headed out with scoop shovels to begin the digging out process.  Should have had it figured out before we got there.....we could walk on top of big drifts.  The scoop shovels didn't do a thing!!!   So we walked back and got the 4 wheeler out along with 2 shovels - the good kind for digging in the dirt type.  I do believe I could have easily broken the handle......  This snow was harder than dirt!!!  And the nasty part was that it had blown into the under side of the truck --- it was in there GOOD or is that BAD!?!     So we got to work. 

Pretty soon I could see a tractor and truck a mile to the west of us ---- are they headed our direction??  YES!!  Deon (and Dan in pick-up) came to our rescue (no - did they not come that way for us - but they saw the problem as they headed for their cattle and came to us first) .  But first he had to do some big time plowing just to get to us.  They had come thru the pasture - not down the road.  When he got our road cleared out up to the rear end of our truck they hooked up a long chain.  Would you believe that all 4 wheel were spinning on that big tractor......and that was NOT a whimpy tractor!!!!    They (Dan and Deon) headed on out to their cattle - they had done their part. ------   We are so thankful for neighbors.....and you know --- when you've been of help to them (Gary has often done a repair for them on the spur of the moment)  ---- you realize that that's what it's all about -- helping each other when they are in need.  Just gives a good feeling to be a part of this neighborhood where people are just the best!!!

Anyway ---- Gary went to park the truck in the alfalfa field (still north of the place) but realized that he couldn't put it into Drive again - but he could back up.   Too much snow --- 4 wheel drive wasn't engaging either.

.......... more neighbors to the rescue.  Don S. came with his tractor --- he would either make a way for Gary to back up all the way to the shop (so he could get it inside to thaw out).......or he would pull it home.  However, when Gary got into the truck ---- it would go into Drive. It is now thawed out and Gary just waved at me through the window -- he's headed for Don to finish the wiring in his kitchen so they can get some insulation in the walls ---- give the furnace a rest.  Oh - I didn't tell you ----- it is a totally beautiful day -- sunny - clear blue sky......but still pretty cold.

I just talked to cousin Lee --- he had a story of his own.  They  (he and Rick V.W.) went to check on a stock tank and the cattle had drained it dry....then the snow blew in .......and they had to use an axe to get it cleared out!!   Lee heard that the National Guard has been called in. 

I know Michigan friends -- you might just be sitting back smiling thinking back to your winter last year....... knowing and remembering that we didn't have it so bad last year.  That's OK ---

I will finish this saga (hope it's the end of the story but probably not) with some photos of the truck stuck and the work on Don's kitchen.

.......and then some of the kitchen.......

This picture is of the old sink area......the floor was in need of some new boards and oh boy those old houses and how they were put together .....makes things interesting!!  Still a lot of work to be done.....new window, dry wall, cupboards, floor.  Good winter project!

Gary and I are getting sick of playing cards every night so last night Gar got out a Christmas gift from Marti and Tim and Oliver and Keller.  It's a model ---- a tractor model.

..........an hour and a  half later that's how far he was....pretty delicate work but looks pretty good so far. 

Hope this doesn't mean that we need more snow days!!!!  Speaking of snow days --- Lakeview hasn't had school all week.......oh those nasty make up days in the spring!!!!

Well ---  some good things come from cabin fever --- I have a cherry pie in the oven and a big roast going in next..... hoping Don will be able to join us for supper.

Blessings and keep smiling !!....!!.....!!
Gary and Barb
YUP -- still smiling --- My pie overflowed big time ---- but my brain was in gear enough --- I had put a cookie sheet underneath it!!!   YAY

WINTER........ still going strong

Today is Thursday.......

          .......yesterday we were able to get out and go to the Detention Center. We asked if we could go in at 5:00 instead of 6:00 so we could beat the wind.
             We had a grand time with the young people.  We decided that the lesson as it was -- we would do the girls and boys separate - that way we are better able to work one on one and this seemed like the best thing to do.  The lesson was titled  "Do not put a stumbling block in your brothers way".   We had just 5 verses to look up and fill in the blanks.   I Corinthians 10:13,  Romans 14:12-13,  Ephesians 4:29,  Luke 17:1-3 and I Corinthians 16:13-14.  You look them up.   We talked about them first and then had the kids pair up with one of us.   We had 5 of us...Laura Patton, a neighbor of ours joined us last night and then Andee and Julie and me and Gary.  Then we finished with a reminder of Jesus love and forgiveness if we call out to him.
            When the boys came in there were only 4......so I sat out when we got into groups .  I was able to watch the action. Gary on his knees beside Tait......Laura and Ransom discussing the verses......Andee helping Joe who can't read so good....and Julie just explaining away to Justice.   It was really a blessing to watch the conversations taking place.    
              Some of you might remember that we had a young man named Ransom who at times was "pretty bored"...or "I had a little fun".   Ransom is back once again but we see changes in him.  He is not so ? aloof..... He always was friendly - but just didn't seem to see any need to care about what we were talking about.  Last night his prayer request said a lot.  We feel that God is at work in Ransoms heart and he is interested!!  So if you would ---keep Ransom in your prayers.
            The real reason that we wanted to go over these verses was because we have a girl there who told us she was selling drugs and making big money......she saw nothing wrong with it....."it's their choice".    So if you would also keep Sara in your prayers --- we would appreciate it.
           We made it home and there was NO wind.     But as we lay in bed we could hear it.

Back to today.......
           Gary went to Don around 8:00 -- at least he headed out to see if he could get there. He got there.  He called around 10:00 to ask if Rob had come through with the tractor to feed the cattle.  Rob was busy at it while we were talking.   "OK" - Gary said  "then I have a couple of hours before I better head home".  Well, the wind is out of the North and Don's place is very well sheltered from the North.  As I sat here I was thinking that he should be getting back -- it was NASTY out!!!!!  ------- but he's a big boy so I won't be a nag and call to say - "come home".
         To make a long story short ----- he got stuck on our 1/2 mile road.  He called to warn me that he was going to start shoveling and wouldn't be home in time for lunch......so at least I knew where he was.  Finally, I decided I had better go out and see what was up.  I first went to the shop -- Toby was barking in that direction---- nope not there.  It was OK to walk in a southerly direction......go north and the snow and wind were horrible!!!  I got to the end of our driveway and thought " there's no way I can walk up the road"......So I said a prayer for Gary....looked to the north and there I could see him coming walking.  Thank you Lord.
          The truck is sitting in a snow bank and we are sitting (napping) in a warm home.  Another Thank You Lord.
          There was no school today at Lakeview --- so no Release Time.  They have not had school all week.  The Todd County District (other schools in the area) had school but today they released them at 12:30 - right when it was the nastiest out here. Hope Marlys and Patti and Julie and others made it home OK!!!

And so the "WINTER SAGA" goes on.......  we live on the prairies.  My Aunt Melva would say "it's a harsh land".

Gary and Barb

WINTER ---- blah blah blah

Today cousin Lee stepped in the house.......  I said "Lee!  You been all over the country and no where to go?!"    He came back with "makes me wonder why anyone would want to live here."     He had tried to get to work --- one mile to the east of us.   But the roads are once again plugged with snow.  I can't hardly recall ----- Saturday I got stuck in the morning and there was no church on Sunday.  Then on Monday the roads got cleaned out.....but Monday night the wind blew and blew and the roads were plugged AGAIN.  I had a hair appointment  Tuesday at 1:00 and wanted to get to town very badly!!!!---sick of this long mane!!  Well - by noon I was able to get out.....I did have to wait for a semi that was having troubles and there were two road graders working to get the roads passable - but I made it to town on time.

Gary had Consistory meeting at 7:00 but the wind was going at it again and already drifting things shut.  The men couldn't get to church --- so the meeting was canceled.   GUESS WHAT --- this morning --- Wednesday---- we are plugged up again.   That's why Lee was just plain sick of winter.  He tried every which direction to get out of here and not one of them worked.  Have to wait for a tractor to come and clean things out a bit.    But HEY --- the sun is shining --- it's a beautiful day.....only -11 degrees......no wind - YET ---- tomorrow they are predicting 40 mph!!      And tomorrow is our Release Time day -- preparing for it --- but doubting we will have it.

HOWEVER, we have food, we have electricity, we have warmth......lots to be thankful for!!!  Oh yeah -- we have each other -but you know --------- sometimes you'd rather look at someone else for a while    :)  :)

Oh and for you western lovers ---- as I came home I met Scott T. leading his cows home. I figured I would just wait it out but he said --- "get to the other side of the road and keep moving past them or they will stop"....so I did.  They were strung out for at least half a mile.....Scott in the lead and Deon bringing up the rear...2 pickup cowboys.  These were probably his old cows and they knew they were going home and just wanted to get there!!!

Your update for today!
Lots of Love!
Barb --- Gary is outside  

Caught in a blizzard

You just don't know how fast it can happen  --- until it happens!!!!  Don S. picked us up this morning at 7:00 so that we could get our car from the repair shop in Valentine ....and do a little shopping.   We knew that some nasty weather was predicted but it wasn't SUPPOSED to start until 10:00 a.m. .....AND it was only a trace of snow or 1 inch predicted.  BUT the winds were going to be strong ----35 mph.  WELL-  I left Valentine ....thinking to myself --- Gary is with Don --- I have some time all by myself --- where do I go shopping.  But being a NON shopper.....I headed for home.  Nothing was going on in Valentine, except a very small amount of drifting going across the roads.    As I got thru Crookston, things started to get a little heavier.  By the time I hit the state line....I was glad the road was bare so I could see the darkness of the road and knew where to go.  Then I turned the corner to head west on the last mile of the trip.  I met (I thought) Dan T. in his pickup and saw that he was kind of having a time getting thru a drift --- so I thought -- stay to the left because the drifts will be the lowest there because the wind is out of the north.  Well ----  I made it through that one but not the next one.  STUCK!!  and stuck good.  So I called Gary and Don and they were still in Bomgaars Hardware Store.  That meant that they wouldn't come along for another half an hour at least.  Phone calls happened along the way......  it was Deon that I had met and he KNEW I wouldn't get thru.....he started back....but decided against that idea.   Deon called his dad and got a tractor coming my way.  You just really know what wonderful neighbors you have when these things happen!!!  Dan came out in what is  weather not fit for an animal!!        .......     We finally got out  - after Gary and Don arrived.    But then Don also got stuck with his diesel truck.  IT IS A BLIZZARD OUT THERE!!! 

We are warm and happy to be home.  We know we won't be having church tomorrow (unless things do another immediate turn around).   So it will be a long weekend....because that also means that we won't get out to  JDC to visit with the kids.  We have lots to be thankful for even in this.....we have a warm home, we have each other, we have plenty of food, we have projects to keep us busy -- who could ask for more.

Gary has been busy helping Don S. remodel his kitchen - but that has also come to a halt with this weather.  I think he will go spend some time in his workshop --- perhaps getting a little further with his sawmill plans.

On other thoughts........We had a nice Christmas day with my cousins Dwight and Marvanne and their sons, Rob,  Jon and girlfriend Laura, and cousin Lee.  We had had a party at the Detention Center on Dec. 22....making pizzas and playing some games.  We did miss being with our kids and grandkids in Michigan but as we think about roads.....we're just kind of glad to be snug and at home.

Release Time will be starting again next week --- so we have lessons to prepare and we're going to try a few crafts again. That always makes things interesting!! and not always in a good way.

Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.  Please, please pray for the young people on this reservation.  As we visit with kids we hear stories that just make us so sad.  Parents who tell their son they hate him, parents who are drunk all the time,  kids caught up in meth, kids selling drugs and thinking it's OK, kids having kids,........and we could go on and on.  We know that these things happen across the nation - but that doesn't make us feel better.  So again - please pray for the young people!!

Thank You!!!    Gary and Barb

Wonderful Thanksgiving......and then limped home.

We had a way too short ....but WONDERFUL time in Michigan for Thanksgiving with our family.......then Christmas on the same day.  That was a BIG day!!!!  Did we eat too much --- what ya think?!?!?   But it was great.  Let's see......Rick (our oldest) was missing  - he's in the Netherlands.... Ethel (sister) and her family (they live in Wisconsin) were missing but everyone else was there.  So Linda's house was full with lots of food and laughter and fun.....27 of us. 

We also got to share some time with several of our cousins, family members and also a few friends.    Then came the request......   Dennis wanted some new cabinets in his workshop......could dad do that for him?!  Yes, of course, but "I left all my tools in South Dakota".   But with what he had --- Dennis got a pretty good looking
set of cabinets.  And another good part was that Grandpa got in some good quality time with Clayton  ---- who in turn got some teaching from Grandpa about using the drill.   Clayton was responsible for a lot of the screws that were put into the cabinets......and he did a very good job!

Dennis was very happy with the finished product.  It's  fun to do these kind of things for our kids.  Last summer Gary did a lot of work on some windows in one of Mikes barns ....and one time before he worked on Marti and Tim's laundry room.   So I guess we've helped them all out over a couple of years.  I'm sure they will come up with more projects.....and that's good ----- keeps grandpa happy if  he's busy when we are out there.   He's just not a "sit around and do nothing" kind of guy.

Thanksgiving was by my sister Linda and Dave's house...... our Christmas party was by Mike and Julie.  Julie and the kids got the tree up and decorated - and there was snow on the ground........so it DID seem like Christmas.  I think everyone was happy with their presents --- so that makes Gpa and Gma happy too!!
A couple of the grandkids got a special gift handmade by Grandpa.

An Easel for Oliver and a Cedar "Keepsake" Box for Halle.

We got to spend some time with Marti and Tim and the boys at their place in Kalamazoo........had a good time and then left with a few of our belongings still laying around --- forgotten. We had fun in the hot tub that Tim gave Marti for her ....SSSssshhhhh  -  40th birthday.   Good grief that makes me feel OLD!!

Keller is at that teething age ....so he had some good times --- but also some sad times. It was great getting to spend time with our grand kids --- but it wasn't near enough time!!!!!

Then came several of those -----is it a curse or a blessing?!?!?  BOTH!  --- --- --- ---   We were going to leave Holly and Dennis --- (right after those cabinets got finished) --- at 3:00 --- going to have supper by Dale and Barb.  Gary hopped in the car ... ......and the battery was dead -- or almost.  So we headed for John's Battery Shop in Zeeland .   The batteries in these newer cars don't come out in any sort of a simple way --- but good ole John got 'r done in time for us to make it to our supper right on time.   ~~~~~   The next "curse / blessing ~~~~~  When we arrived Dennis heard a bad noise coming from our front passenger side wheel.  - a squeak.   Then at another time a few days later, he heard it again and it was louder......"better look at that dad"........ a new wheel bearing was in order.  In a way it was kind of cool ---- Dennis did the wheel bearing job so dad got paid back for the cabinet work. ~~~~~  The final "curse / blessing" was on the way home.  We were just a little more than 50 miles from Valentine --- I was driving --- and all of a sudden the cruise died and the car started to slow down and  a message came across the dash.  Oh GREAT!!!   Had this one before -but thought it was fixed.  Anyway, I could keep the car going about 55 but no more than that.....the up-hills made us slow down to about 45 but the downhill helped us speed up again. When a semi - or whatever came along behind me ---- I got off to the side --- kept going --- but let them pass.   We chug-a-lugged all the way home - not stopping in Valentine for any groceries or that car wash (get rid of the Michigan road salt) that we wanted.....  But SO GLAD to have made it without sitting on the side of the road saying "what now"!!!  OR worse yet --- in Chicago or on the Interstate!!!   And why do we call them a "curse /  blessing"??  Because they all happened in a good time and a good place --- where we had help or when we were close to home.  We have had this happen so often that we see the blessings in each one of them.  God is always good!!!!

The weather for our trip was good and now we are back and getting ready for JDC and Release Time once again.    Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts.
Gary and Barb