"Staycation" - Day 2

First Baptist Church - Stevensville

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church - Stevensville

Beets, zucchini and squash from our garden

Our second day began with what for us is an unaccustomed event: a leisurely start to the day!  Charles has today off from preaching.  

Of course, we wanted to attend worship services today, so we took advantage of Charles' second Sunday off since our arrival by walking the two blocks to Stevensville's First Baptist Church.  It was a lovely informal service, and we felt most welcomed by the congregation.

Next we walked to Main Street where we enjoyed the fellowship of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.  This is a unique congregation that meets in a storefront church.  While the congregation is quite small, it was nice to have a chance to be with them. We took part in the Morning Prayers from the Book of Common Prayer, a different kind of worship but one that was most welcomed.

After a restful afternoon, we set out on our bikes and rode to the wildlife refuge just north of Stevensville.  We met a nice couple from Portland (Oregon), saw a bunch of deer, and chatted with wild turkeys and cows along the way.

Thanks be to God for such a lovely day of worship, rest, and relaxation!!!

"Staycation" - Day 1

"Yee-haw"

Trying out a $4,000 bike!

Enjoying a lefse with the Sons of Norway

Ice Cream puffs from Corvallis UMC

We got our "staycation" (a stay at home vacation) off this morning to a restful start!  It was nice being able to rest some and into our day.  

We made the quick drive to Hamilton to take in some of the Ravalli County fair activity for our first activity of the day.  We saw lots of critters, took in a spell of calf roping, watched the "water dogs" compete, and enjoyed the various displays of quilts, flowers, and baked goods.  

Following the fair we drove north Missoula where Charles took Belinda around the university campus.  After that we stopped at a local fabric store (looking for fabric for Charles' button panels) and then it was time an early supper at Cracker Barrel. 

Now we rest up and ready for what tomorrow may bring!!!

First week of classes in "the books"

Early morning light on campus

On The Oval

In the painting studio

early stages of a self-portrait

first efforts with 3-D project

The first week of classes is already done and Charles says he is enjoying all of his classes.  In the two studio courses (Painting I and 3-D foundations) he's begun the first of the graded projects.  Still more to be done on both but the early results are good!

Friday afternoon he spent some time in the painting studio on campus after sampling the back-to-school fest on The Oval at the university.  Between 130-140 campus groups, clubs, departments and programs had tables set up to get the thousands of students present to get involved.

Back on campus and in the choir

Charles returned to the campus of the University of Montana in Missoula today for the start of the fall semester.  

This term he's continuing his art studies with three classes: Painting I (focus is on oil painting), 3-D Foundations (sort of an intro to all things that are not drawn or painted), and the first half of the art survey class (prehistory to 1400). It is great to have this opportunity and he's so glad to be back on campus!!!

This evening, Belinda joined the other members of the Stevensville UMC choir for their first practice after the summer break.  We are really fortunate to have one of the few active church choirs in the Valley!

Today's open house

the new-look back yard

Root beer floats in the garage

Folk enjoy touring the button collection

Stop and smell the flowers

A Sunday afternoon nap

After worship this morning we invited the congregation to the parsonage for our second annual open house.  As we did last year, we offered root beer (or coke) floats which were available in the garage.  The gardeners in our church really appreciated how much effort Charles has put into the back yard.  It really is an extra room for us to enjoy.  Others enjoyed touring the house including Charles' button collection which continues to 'wow' viewers of all ages.

When all was said and done it was time for a nap.  Even Wesley, who had enjoyed the flowers shared with us by Carol Gragg, took a well-deserved nap.  

We're tired, but as we like to say, it's a good tired!!!

A busy week in Stevensville

It's been a busy week for us with meetings at church, work, and in getting the parsonage ready for tomorrow's open house. 

It will be nice to share our home with our church family.  This is the second annual open house and we'll be sharing ice cream floats with everyone who comes by.

A walk in the herbs

Wesley enjoys his bear

Enjoying the fennel in the herb garden

Checking out the Easter wheat

Our week has begun at a somewhat slower pace that last week although that doesn't mean there isn't much going on!  With work and church activities taking place every day it won't be hard to stay busy!  Wesley however is exhausted by the comings and goings and just might nap through the week!

A good tired!

Belinda is a terrific class leader!

Our contribution to the "Produce for Mission" table 

Belinda looks at possible new colors for the parsonage

We had a great day with our church family following the experience at Mission u!  We're tired tonight but it's a good tired!

Day 2 at Mission u

Friday evening in the solarium

A buck makes his way in the early morning near our temporary abode

Charles in action Saturday afternoon

Post-Mission u supper in Missoula

Our time in Mission Valley is over and we are once again secure in the parsonage on College Street.  

It was a wonderful experience, both the Mission u event as well as the fellowship everyone seemed to enjoy at the rental accommodation we had in Ronan.  With eleven making temporary residence in the home it had the feel of an adult slumber party!  

Day 1 at Mission u

Morning light at Ninepipes

Mission u worship

At Mission Valley UMC

Twilight at Mission Valley

Sunset faces the Mission Mountains

We had a great day with lots of learning and sharing taking place from sun up to sun down!  With a full day taking place at the Mission Valley UMC behind us we adjourned back to the rental home where we sang and laughed late into the night!

Our day in Ronan

That's some mighty fine pie!

Main Street - Ronan, MT

Amazing food!

The view from our weekend home

Supper on the town 

We made the drive to Ronan on Thursday ahead of the Mission u event (sponsored by the United Methodist Women in this area) which takes place on Friday and Saturday.  It is such a beautiful part of the world and we are indeed blessed to have this opportunity to be here with this group of great folk!

Mission u is coming

We're going to Mission u, a United Methodist Women's spiritual enrichment event this weekend.  This afternoon Charles was in the study getting the supplies ready to go and Wesley, exhausted by the activity, found the only place out of the way.

Monday morning ride

Arrival in Florence!

Seen along the way

Charles took advantage of a cool Monday morning to take his bike out for a spin.  Nine miles later he arrived in Florence, his first foray north of Stevensville via bicycle.  It was a delightful ride, hopefully the first of many.