Working on the Patton's / Stephens Church Building ....and Release Time Begins

Gary has been sharing his skills with Ron Patton and Bruce Stephens.....putting up the forms for their new church footings.    This will be an all cement building.......the last one was burned down to the ground due to arson.    The new one will not burn so easily.

The building will be 40 x 60 -(I think I have that right)-- anyway - larger than the one that burned.  I will try to keep you posted on how this goes - I don't go out with Gary that often so might have to rely on him for photos.   Otherwise, please go to the blogsite of the church.    sfholinesschapel.blogspot.com and then there is another with some answers to questions people have had concerning the church  https://sfholinesschapel.blogspot.com/p/how-can-i-help-its-question-that-has.html.  Thank you!!!

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Release Time began today.   This year we are working together as a threesome ---- Gary and myself and Pastor Mark.  We have both experience discipline problems with our groups so we decided that perhaps together we can gain control.  And maybe a clearer explanation of some rules helped too.

Gary gave the lesson for groups 2-3rd Graders (8 kids) and 3,4,5th Graders (turned out to be 14 kids) and Pastor Mark did the 6,7,8th  Graders (8 kids).    Our lessons are on Joseph -- such an interesting story and such good applications available.   I played my guitar and made music.  We also went thru the books of the Bible like we did last year. 

 2nd and 3rd graders

 3rd, 4th and 5th graders......... Lots of new faces for us -- so lots of names to learn.  I don't like it when I can't talk to them using their name!!!!

 7th and 8th graders.....Shucks - I didn't realize I missed Lane  - in the far right corner.....and then Maleah didn't want to be seen I guess.

Pastor Mark going over the Books of the Bible.

The school year was cut back by 15 minutes.  But we thought that if we didn't do a snack and cut our time down to 45 minutes --- we could do all 3 groups on one day.   Then we would have the next week off.   It went good today so I think that will continue to be the plan.   We had a few "we don't get a snack"??   But we did have a small "Hershey's kiss" treat for good behavior.

A quick story ------  Pastor Mark was telling about Jealousy with the older group.    Then he asked if they were sinners -- I saw a couple of heads shaking "no".     ---- -- They hadn't gotten their Hershey Kiss yet --- so I gave out just 3 treats.    The ones that didn't get one were looking like --- hey! why didn't I get one --- one little gal pulled a nasty mad face....      So we got to prove that jealousy can hit us at anytime.

We had a good day today..... the oldest group will be our toughest if today is any impression.   But we think that with a couple of seat changes --- separating kids from each other  -- we might just make it a little better for us.   We appreciate your continued prayers!!!!

What a beautiful day ---- Sunshine but with a touch of coolness --- my favorite kind of day.   However, lots of flies and wasps  trying to find their way in the warm places -- our windows.  Oh well - this too shall pass.

God Bless ---- Gary and Barb (and Pastor Mark)

A labor of love......

Holly had been saving this horrible old cabinet in her basement --- well, actually it had been there for years and years and years...... Ever since Grandpa and Grandma (Gordon and Margaret) Peters remodeled the kitchen????  Maybe 60 years ago or more.    Marti got one of the pieces and it is a much loved piece of furniture in her home..... now Holly wanted this other piece to become an "Island" in her kitchen.

As you can see, there was no back or sides and the top was old, old linoleum.  So "how do we do this".    Of course, Gary had a plan.  He would save only the front and build an entirely new cabinet.  And that was good with Holly --- all she wanted was the "old" look of the front.   Their entryway has
wainscoat on the walls --- we would put that on the back side.

What would the top be made out of????   We had an idea --- how about we make a butcher block top?!   That might be kind of cool.

 So we cut up some lumber into strips  --- Ash and Black Walnut

Then came the gluing process....and then an oops --- so we cut that strip out.....re-glued it.   Then - doggone - another oops .....so we cut that strip out and re-glued it.   Yes - it was a process --- But look how it turned out!!!!

And then the stripping and the refinishing and the finishing on the cabinet......    I didn't get pictures of a lot of that --- -but here's a dad with a finished project for his daughter.

We told Holly that we had it "in our Living Room and it really looked pretty good -- went well with our furniture......so we'd like to keep it."     She didn't think it was very funny.

A recycled old cabinet --- what an idea.  Hope Holly gets lots of use out of it.  Gpa and Gma Peters would be thrilled also, I'm sure!
Gary and Barb 

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

Produce in our back yard -----and the eclipse.

Well ----- this update started with our peach tree.  This was the first year it had peaches on it......it had SO many on it that we had to do the much hated thing........picked half of them off when they were just starting out.   OUCH!!!!   All that good fruit gone......but it does make things better in the long run.

This tree ended up with 75 peaches on it (after the plucking).  What fun to have a peach tree in our own back yard --- and look at the yummy peaches we will enjoy this winter.......these jars are AFTER the ones that went in the mouth --- YUM!!!   We have another variety of peach tree......it is just starting to get ripe (have to watch it close - don't want to lose any!!)  That one only has 25 peaches on it ---they are quite a bit bigger -- and we decided they have a sweeter taste.

Our apple tree is FULL --- had to put a brace under one of it's branches.  Gary enjoys them already --- way to sour for my taste ----- and I will wait until they are red to make any applesauce with them.  Yes---- I see the one with the bad spot on it too.........Maybe it will just fall off.....

And then the Wild Plums.....we have never had so many plums in Grandpas tree line!!!  We are watching those also!!   We had feared the frost had finished them off --- but not so.  They make good jam --- and I'm thinking about some syrup!!!

And the Corn ------ these first rows that Gary is standing in should be as tall as those behind him.   The deer have been fattening up on corn --- should be rather tasty venison.......and some big bucks have been spotted.  The deer pull out the middle piece .....  enjoy....    and move on.

And lastly --- the eclipse.    Not much to talk about in the Lakeview Area.  We had pondered on driving about 2 hours south of us and experiencing the total eclipse......but Valentine was a zoo the day before and the thought of  the crowded roads.....we stayed home.  Dan T. gave us some glasses --- so we were all set.   Mostly there were clouds.....but it did open up enough to get a few looks and pictures.     As far as getting dark ?!?!?!    NOPE!   Guess it was pretty neat if you were in the right place at the right time.  Saw a video of my brother Bill in Illinois --- after experiencing the eclipse one of his airplane friends said " now if we can fly 2000 mph -- we can get another look at it."

Hope you are enjoying the fall ----  It has greened up so nicely.  I just mowed the lawn and marvel at how nice it looks!!

Gary and Barb

Boundary Waters and.... Lutsen Resort

Mike and Julie and all the kids invited us along on a Boundary Waters Adventure.   However,   Gary and I knew the rules that the BW has ---- nine to a group!!!  Nine - not ten!!  Mike and Julie have six kids..... that makes 8 total......  dad would be #9 --- I would be #10.   Can't work.   Nope, someone has to miss out.     Maybe it just wouldn't come about --- summer was moving right along and no plans had been laid out.   But then Mike called and said --- "August 2 - 5......wanna go yet?"     Well - yes - of course we wanted to go....but this was supposed to be a "family vacation".......can't be together if 10 of us go,......... we would have to split up - and no one wants that!!!!

So --- I didn't want Gary to drive the 12 hours all by himself.    He did that earlier this summer and I didn't want to make him do that again.   So I would stay in a hotel in Grand Marais for the duration.   Turned out to be the busiest week in town.  Fishermans Picnic!!  Everything was booked solid.   So I found a spot about 20 miles south --- the Lutsen Resort - on Lake Superior.      Should be nice and should be safe.   It was about an hours drive from the Clearwater Lake Outfitters.

We left for Northern Minnesota on Monday afternoon - July 31.  Spent the night at the Historic Calumet Hotel (on the register of Historic Places) -- in Pipestone, MN.

 We met Mike and Julie and family, the next day in Grand Marais at a Subway  - and then headed down the Gunflint Trail to Clearwater Lake Lodge.  Arriving about 6:00 that evening, there was some packing that needed to happen before morning.

Packing happened in the Bunkhouse, where we would all sleep -- all 10 of us.  There were only 9 beds so Trenton offered to sleep on the floor.  With 10 bodies in this little room it got rather warm...hot even.    There was a fan sitting outside --- why not get some cool air blowing in thru the window.........  When packing was finally finished --- we all hit the bunks.  Some had a sleeping bag but most were confident they would be plenty warm -- so just a light blanket --- or some just a "towel".     The fan continued to blow.  About midway thru the night people started getting cold.  Trenton - down there on the floor - was cold too!!  But did anyone get up and shut off the fan --- nope.   I was totally comfy -- had a real good sleeping bag...... so I figured everyone was OK.   You should have heard them the next morning...... COLD COLD COLD!!!  We laughed and laughed about the fact that they were all so cold -- but NO ONE got up and shut off the fan!!!     Oh Well --- Let's go for breakfast!!  

Breakfast was served in the dining room in the lodge --- scrambled eggs, bacon, and a pastry (that I can't pronounce)...Very Good!!   And then they were ready to head out.

They had to watch a  video about the do's and don'ts.........

 This is all the gear that has to go in the 4 canoes.

 And this is Mike, Julie, Trenton, Austin, Sidney, Colton, Brennan, Halle and Grandpa....ready for an adventure.

I watched them leave with a lump in my throat --- this was Wednesday -- they would be back Saturday morning sometime.   I sure wished I was going along -- I really enjoy canoeing and camping!!! (except for the sleeping on the hard ground --- and the mosquitos)

I would be heading to the Lutsen Resort...

This was my first stop on the way ------ The harbor in Grand Marais..... I walked out to the Lighthouse.......  it was a beautiful day......

 Yes ---- It was very nice.   But solitude is nice, really,  only for a short time.    I did go kayaking -- not in Lake Superior though because of the weather---- but in a lovely little lake not far from the resort.  A mother with her 2 teenagers were the only ones also going --- so I kayaked with Jodi and had a very nice time......even in the rain.    I also went in to Grand Marais and walked around the shops and vendors that were there for the Fishermans' Picnic.  Rain drove me back to the resort.    Finally Saturday morning came...........

What a beautiful day.......

 They were all smiles......

And the returning group ---- after a good (and much needed) shower.....  And cool shirts for them all....... which said:   "Snaccident": when you ate all the bacon by mistake.   Nice looking family- - - don't you think?!

They really had a great time.  The bugs were almost non- existent and there wasn't much for rain.   According to Gary --- No hardships....which is always nice!!!   They had plenty of food.....but also a couple of eye openers.  The ground IS hard....... and  Mike must have watched Gary take off with the 60 lb. canoe and thought -- hhhmmm   I can do this.......      A few portages later -- he said his thought was    "good grief !!!!  He's 70 years old --- what's the matter with me?!?!   The whole group made a decision --- if and when we go again......  no aluminum canoes --- only the lighter weight kevalar canoes..... which weigh 40 lbs.....it will be worth the extra $$.

It was a lot of fun just listening to them talk about their adventure........next time --- we gotta find a way to get this Grandma along!!!

Barb and Gary  ---- glad we all made it back home safe and sound!!

New Swing Set at Lakeview CRC

It's been a busy day at church.  Lots of dads and grandpas working on some fun stuff for the kids.  I think the men  have had a good share of fun just putting this thing together.  But, as far as I understand --- there have been some frustrations --- oh! those blueprints / instructions / directions.    Gotta have 'em......but good grief!!    It sure looks good and I think the kids will have a blast!!!   Matthew said "if we aren't home in the next 4 hours --- we're probably playing on it".

So -- who was there???  Let's see....... Gary, Dean, Dakota, Shane, Gregory, Jimmy, Matthew, Jay, Pastor Mark.....(hope I didn't miss anybody) .    Dawn said Marlys came with pizzas for lunch that Vern had made.  What a crew!!!!
There were a couple of pickups that had mulching in the back....so whether or not they get to that yet today ---- it's ready to be put on.

And what a beautiful day to do this --- working under the shade of the trees --- it's around 88 degrees with a nice breeze.  Perfect!!!!

God Bless!
Gary and Barb

Something new ---- Sand Cherries

Dan Tinant asked us if we wanted to pick some Sand Cherries.......actually he and Gary were out roaming in Dan's "side by side" and saw that these berries were ripe.     So we could come in an hour and he would be available to help us.   Thank goodness this was before noon and the breezes were blowing.  By 2:00 it had turned into an oven outside......we saw 118 on our thermometer about 3:00--- we do know that's a little high --- but close.

Anyway.... We had never picked Sand Cherries before --  I thought they were on a real low to the ground bush.   These were just a nice height --- no bending over and no reaching.  They are dark purple and taste a lot like a choke cherry ---- makes your mouth pucker!!!

We (together) got an ice cream bucket almost full.   There would really be a nice crop this year but it's just so terribly dry that the berries are drying up.  Plus either the grasshoppers or birds are getting a lot of them.   There are still some that need to ripen -- so perhaps another picking.........

I made one batch of jelly ---- oh is it pretty ...... and oh so tasty.     And I canned about 3 1/2 cups for another batch.  

As I said we REALLY need rain badly.  Ranchers are starting to sell their cattle due to lack of good grazing.  We see storm clouds go by but the moisture misses us.  Fire danger is also a worry.   But God is good and today we reaped some wonderful harvest.  Will have to remember that as we enjoy some toast and jelly this winter......or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich......hhhmmmmm   sounds kind of good........

Stay cool -----
Gary and Barb