The wild west

Mergansers on the Refuge

Early evening geese returning home

The local rafter of turkeys paid a visit to the back deck today, a surprise for everyone, including Patch! We regularly see geese, ducks, and other wildlife wherever we go in the Valley.

Week one complete!

Painting critique

Next batch of painting already underway

Part of the first sculpting project

Hand-building ceramics project underway

The 18" base is ready!

Charles completed the first week of classes and feels positive about each of the studio courses. He volunteered for the first class critique in painting and got very positive comments about the green painting he completed over the winter break. He's already set up two new 'systems' for new paintings and completed another in the wax series.

Back to school

Hiking the "M" on the first day of class

Making music in the University Center

New wax piece early stages

Charles began his final semester at the University of Montana today with a great group of classes. This term he'll be taking three studio classes: Painting (his concentration), Sculpting, and ceramics (hand-building). He'll round out his schedule with a seminar for Bachelor of Fine Arts students.

A good looking cat

Wesley took a pause from his busy schedule Monday morning to strike a pose on the hutch holding Belinda's pitcher collection. On Tuesday, he waited for Charles to return from class with a cool demeanor.

Women's March in Missoula

 

Charles joined several thousand people from across western Montana this afternoon for the 2018 Women's March in Missoula. The weather was perfect for the gathering and the energy was fantastic as every generation was well-represented!

The days go by so quickly!

Tuesday's memorial service

Wednesday at The Living Center

Thursday on the porch with Patch

Friday afternoon in Hamilton

There has been something on the calendar for us everyday this week! Not complaining, but it does help to understand why we don't post with the frequency we like to do!

Sunday - need we say more!?!

Monday - Bible study at The Living Center in the morning.

Tuesday - a memorial service for a member at The Living Center.

Wednesday - the new Worship on Wednesday service is begun at The Living Center with twenty-three in attendance.

Thursday - Charles got a lot of work done in the studio & a meeting at the church in the evening..

Friday - Bible study in the morning, visiting a open house at the new medical practice of a church member in Hamilton.

Basketball fun!

We went to watch the 'season opener' for a basketball league for 8 year olds which included one young lady from the Stevensville church. What fun! The energy present in the children was so enjoyable!

Rockin' it in the Valley!

Preaching on Sunday

Teaching on Monday

Singing on Tuesday

More teaching on Wednesday

Rockin' with the UMW on Friday

We stay busy in our corner of Montana with activities with the church family, at home with indoor and outdoor critters, and at Charles' studio in Missoula. This week has seen us involved in the church every day! Whew!

Three days

"Chi Rho and so"

Game night fun

It has been a few busy days for us! With warmer than normal weather in the Bitterroot Valley, we have been up and down the valley and are glad for a few minutes of rest this Saturday evening.

Charles was attending the Center for Pastoral Effectiveness in Missoula (Wednesday-Friday) and escorted the group to his studio for a tour. He presented one of his fellow clergy with "Chi Rho and so," a piece that was intended as an experiment but was loved by the recipient, Rev. Derf Bergman.

Friday night brought a busy work to a close with a time of fun at the church for a game night!

Saturday was more church work and putting up the Christmas decorations!

Studio time

Charles was in Missoula this afternoon for a seminary, taking advantage of being in "the City," he stopped by the studio for some work on the three projects he's got going.

A busy day

A visitor from Texas

Wesley takes a moment

Belinda has had a full day! In addition to a busy day at the church, there was time today for a visit from Texas, Ron Franks, who is a neighbor of our dear friend, Nancy Harrell.