The snow returns

The snow returned to our area overnight with about four inches in Stevensville and a wee bit more in Missoula. It made for an interesting drive for Charles and for Belinda and Sheila.

Ten years ago today

Ten years ago today we left RAF St. Mawgan for the last time. After a three year stay, we set out for the journey to Norfolk, Virginia and the out-processing procedure from the Navy.

Patches at home

Patches says, "Hi"

Patch, the little neighborhood cat (named "Patch" by Mo) is making his home on our deck. We set up some straw bales, put a heating pad (used in chicken coops), and some padding to make a comfortable abode to get through the winter in Montana.

Friday in Stevensville

Picture-perfect day!

Charles leading the drop-in Bible study

It is a picture-perfect day in Stevensville! Temps about 25F, no breeze, and sunny sky makes for a delightful winter day.  This morning we took part in the weekly "Drop-in Bible study" at the home of one our church members. We then joined several of the ladies at the Stevensville Senior Center for lunch, a great group at both locations!

First week done on campus

Winter on Mt. Sentinel

Early stages on 1st painting project

At the end of the day

At the MMAC

Artist at work in the UC

The first week of classes is "in the books" and Charles report that he is happy with each of the three classes he's taking.

Part of the art history classes is taking in the culture available in the area. On Thursday, Charles went to two gallery openings on campus. The first was at the University Center (UC) where an Aja Sherrard was presenting "The Accumulation of Endlessness." At the same time, the Montana Museum of Art & Culture (MMAC) was opening "Intimate West: Women artists in Montana." The two shows could not have more different!

Charles' first painting project is underway, the end result is a while off but the process in getting there will be exciting!

Back to school

A bit breezy and cold!

On the Oval (from the UM FB page)

On the Oval (from the UM FB page)

In the painting studio (from the UM FB page)

Charles resumed classes at the University of Montana today, taking three classes in the art department. This semester he's taking two history courses, African Art and Women in Art, and a painting studio.

Still winter here in Stevensville

Sunny winter day

Turkey, deer, and cat prints at the church

Patch takes a pause

Getting as much sun as he can

Winter is still here with another 1/4" of snow falling overnight. The sun did come out which was certainly appreciated by our outdoor friends!

A humorous look at last week

National Popcorn Day - January 19

Squirrel Appreciation Day - January 22

Pie Appreciation Day \- January 23

Sometimes one simply has to laugh. These reminders to do that were seen on Facebook this past week.

A slip in Missoula

The falls continue this winter with Charles taking a slip-and-fall on Thursday as he was leaving Grace UMC - Missoula and a session of a clergy seminar he's involved in. Nothing too serious, good thing his head is of the hard variety.

Art morning in Missoula

Missoula County Courthouse

At the courthouse

Paxson murals at the courthouse

Nice pieces at the MAM

Queen Victoria meets Sacajawea & Merriweather Lewis

Charles had some time in Missoula today and stopped by the Missoula Art Museum to see the latest exhibits. Some amazing work being done!

The return of Sheila

After a lengthy hospitalization, Sheila has returned home. It is good to have everyone under one roof again!

Cold mornings in Stevensville

It's been a frigid week here in Stevensville with just a wee bit of snow earlier in the week.

More snow and the return of bone-chilling temps

Turkeys return to the back yard on Tuesday

Wesley finds a comfy spot on Tuesday

Monty doesn't like being woken

"What do you mean, get off the table?"

We had a return of snow this week with a slight up-turn in temps. This was quickly followed by another Arctic blast and sub-zero nights.

On Wednesday, Belinda was taking Sheila to an appointment in Missoula when a icy patch sent their car into a spin and into a snowbank. Passing good Samaratins pushed them out and with no harm done to either Belinda or Sheila, or to the car, they were able to continue their journey!

Another white weekend

Charles leads the Baptism Renewal service

There's no place like gnome

Heavy snowfall started Saturday evening

Wesley says his evening prayers

It's been a busy week for Wesley

We came through the bitter cold of this past week with no new snow to speak of. Saturday evening it started again and has continued for the most part much of Sunday.

We are fortunate to have a nice home to wait out the snow and with knowing that Sheila is taken care of at the Living Center and the cats are warm and safe.

An outing to the city

Sheila continues her rehab from her December surgery and was rewarded by Belinda today with a trip to the mall in Missoula.

It's Cold!

Xmas Cactus in bloom in Charles' office

This morning when Charles went to the office, it was -13°F! It won't get above freezing until next Tuesday but at least for now there isn't anymore snow in the forecast.