Spain trip, prologue

Ávila, Spain

Charles set off in the wee-hours of the morning from Denver, bound for Madrid and his Spanish pilgrimage.  

Highlights of his itinerary look like this:

June 1/2: Madrid & the Prado Museum
June 3: Córdoba & the Metzquita Cathedral
June 4: Seville & the Real Alcázar Palace 
June 5: Granada & the Alhambra
June 6: Toledo & El Greco
June 7/8: Ávila & St. Teresa of Ávila

Stay tuned for daily updates!!!

The Big Day (wedding trip, pt. 5)

The venue

Rob's speech

Karen tends to Bronco (the couple's dog)

The cake!

Father-daughter dance

The reception was a wonderful continuation of the love and joy found at the church!  

The Big Day (wedding trip, pt. 4)

The Big Day arrived with picture-perfect weather and a whirl of last minute activities ahead of the event at Denver's Trinity UMC.  There was laughter, a few tears and lots of joy present as this wonderful couple began married life.

Wedding trip, pt. 3

Colorado capital building

outdoor sculpture

Joan Miro exhibit

"Jackknife"

16th century Flemish tapestry

Charles took advantage of our hotel's downtown location and took in some of the Denver Art Museum.

A treat right off the bat was a special exhibit of the works by Joan Miro, the Spanish artist Charles had studied this past semester. There is so much more to see that Charles is planning on returning for more of this diverse collection on Saturday.

Today Charles saw pre-columbian art, a wonderful exhibit on tapestries, western art (both traditional and modern), and a wide-range of paintings from Europe and America.

With so much more to see, Charles is planing on a return visit on Saturday.

Wedding Trip, pt. 2

Belinda, Mo, Rob & Lisa 

Carrie gives "the mom's toast"

Galen & Lisa speak to the gathering

Kyle & Rob

We set out from Casper this morning and drove through a steady rain all the way to Cheyenne before entering Colorado just before noon.  A quick stop at Johnson's Corner for some of the famous cinnamon rolls, and it was back on the road for the last miles to Denver.

We had a great time tonight at the rehearsal dinner at Magianno's Little Italy restaurant downtown Denver.  At least sixty were on hand and everyone enjoyed the slideshow of pictures of the happy couple taken over the years.  

Tomorrow is the big day and we are so excited!!!

Wedding trip, pt. 1

Happy to be at Wheat Montana

It was a dark and stormy day

It was a long, wet drive from Stevensville, MT to Casper, WY, about twelve hours in total.  Not a stellar start to the trip but at least we have a comfortable bed to rest up in before the final drive to Denver tomorrow.

The highlights of the drive were few and far between which made the stop a "Wheat Montana" and a gift shop/restaurant at the Crow Agency (Little Big Horn) even more enjoyable.  It was nice to be able to stretch our legs and enjoy some nice treats to further our traveling efforts.

We are looking forward to seeing the family at the rehearsal dinner and the wedding of the year Saturday afternoon!!!

Picture-prefect Sunday

Today is an amazingly beautiful day here in the Bitterroot Valley and after a wonderful morning at the church we get a restful Sunday to enjoy it all!

Memorial weekend observance

Five WWII vets were honored today in Stevensville with the presentation of medals they had earned but due to oversight had not been given.  Belinda and her mother joined 35+ community residents in the observance at a windy Lewis & Clark park.

Mid-week party

Wednesday was a busy day with lunch at the Senior Center for the monthly birthday lunch.  Belinda's mother's name was on the 'birthday board' too!

Mid-May report!

Rain coming over the Bitterroot Mountains

Belinda and Mo enjoy Skip-bo Friday night

Taking in the Farmer's Market on Saturday

Lunch today at the Hanger Cafe` in Hamilton

We've been enjoying the cooler and wetter weather that has settled in over the Valley this past week.  With lots of activity taking place at the church, Charles done with school (for now!), Belinda being back full-time to work, and Mo's continuing visit, it's been a lively time here on College Street!

It's a wrap!

Final class critique in ceramics

Cleaning up on Friday 

Ceramic 'orphans'

Charles' spring semester came to a conclusion this morning when he joined about twenty-five other students in cleaning the ceramics studio.  This was a full-scale cleaning and Charles got extra credit for his ceramics course for helping out.  

A bonus for helping was at the end when everything that had not been claimed was 'up for grabs.'  Charles waited until everyone got their bounty and then gathered up the remaining fifty-five pieces (seen in the picture above) which will be taken to the church bazaar in June.

On Monday, Charles took part in the final class critique for the ceramics class.  It was nice to hear the positive remarks for his last two pieces.

A beautiful week

Belinda readies roses for Mother's Day

Charles on Sunday

Tuesday at Taste of Paris in Hamilton

Wired Word Study group on Wednesday

With Sonja Henry, north of Stevensville

We've enjoyed a nice week in the Bitterroot Valley with beautiful spring weather every day this week including a nice spell of rain Tuesday evening/Wednesday morning.

Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning found Charles on campus, wrapping up his last two courses of the semester.  It looks like he'll end up with two B's, a B+ and an A.  

On Tuesday, Belinda and her mom joined two of our church members (and one of their mothers) for a lunch in Hamilton.  It was nice to have a time out in a new (to us) place.  

Then on Wednesday we took part in the weekly "Wired Word" study group held this week at the Frontier Cafe`.  We really enjoy the energy this group brings to every discussion.  Belinda and her mother took advantage of some free-time to visit with Sonja and Don Henry at their home just north of Stevensville.  With wonderful views of the Bitterroot Valley, the Henry's country home is just wonderful.

Belinda returns to work today after 2 1/2 weeks recovery from her surgery.  It has been a most welcomed rest and now she returns to work in Hamilton ready to get 'back into the mix!'

Beautiful Saturday in Stevensville

St. Mary's Peak gleams over the valley 

Enjoying craftmanship!

A night's entertainment

The stage is set

Add caption

It's been a lovely Saturday here in Stevensville.  Taking in the Stevensville market was a treat for us with fresh bread, jewlery, and bedding plants ready for our garden being picked up.

This evening, we took in "Montana Monologs" at the Stevensville Playhouse on Main Street.  It was wonderful to hear about life on the range from the experience of women.