Another project in the books

The work begins

Ta da!

Charles tackled another outdoor project this weekend, painting the backyard deck. He had already power washed the deck and then yesterday and this morning, the deck was painted a light grey. We really have enjoyed sitting under the large backyard tree and now, we have an attractive place to do it!
 

Big news!

We met with the leadership of Glenville UMC tonight to discuss Charles' future role with this congregation effective July 1. Officially, this is not an appointment as Charles is already appointed by his bishop to an extension ministry at Thorne Crest. Instead, he will be assisting as a "supply preacher" and offering pastoral care as a volunteer.

One more project done

Charles spent Memorial Day working on another big project at our cottage, completing the spreading of two tons of landscape rock around the property.

More work being done

The studio is back in place!

Two tons of rock!

A burst of color

More projects have been undertaken this week with more painting done (front of the house), the basement cleaned up and the studio put back into place, and two tons of rock were delivered to be spread around the property!

This morning in Glenville

Charles ventured to Glenville for worship this morning and visited with First Lutheran Church as they celebrated the conclusion of VBS.

More work being done

More work was done at our cottage this week with the installation of the AC, sump pump, and re-hooking up of the washer/dryer. On Friday, Charles also power washed the side of the garage to address some places that were chipping and on Saturday, painted that portion of the house.

Doing our thing at Thorne Crest

Charles did his part for National Nursing Home Week today with a guided meditation for the residents. It was fun to be able to share his interests like this!

 

Spring on Garfield Avenue

The outside work is nearing completion at our cottage and the months of brown grass and bare trees are firmly in the rear-view mirror! 

The straw mat under the maple tree in the front yard is part of the work being done to protect the health of the tree and the new grass seeds that were put down last week.

Also in Winterset

Before leaving Winterset this morning, Charles paid a visit to the Iowa Quilt Museum which is located on the town square. A small place, it was nice to see some contemporary approaches to quilt making.

A visit to see the Duke

On the way back from Schuyler this morning, Charles stopped in Winterset, Iowa to take in a brief look at the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum. He didn't take the tour of the house but there was still a lot of interesting things to see about "the Duke."

Academy week comes to a close

Leading communion on Thursday

Part of the "unstable" event!

Part of the "unstable" event!

One more look at the koi and catfish

Special reminders of grace abound!

The Five-day Academy for Spiritual Formation at St. Benedict's Center in Schuyler came to a satisfying conclusion this morning with meals, small groups, and worship.

Last night, Charles was blessed to be asked to participate in the evening service and to officiate the communion portion of the service. He had previously been asked to serve at one of the prayer stations at Wednesday's healing service.

Charles is spending one more night in Nebraska before returning home on Saturday.

Basement Work -- Installed Water Guard and Sump Pump - 2

American Waterworks jackhammered the outer perimeter inside our basement to create space for a trough where the "water guard" was installed -- attached to a sump pump with a pipe that expels water into a buried pipe running down the slope in front of the house, through the hole that was cut into the curb. Now, that water can run down the street in front of our house. Whew! (Praying we have no more water accumulation in our basement in the future.)

Basement Work -- Installed Water Guard and Sump Pump - 1

The work begins

A lot to be done

Wesley watches from the hotel window

While Charles is in Nebraska this week, Belinda has been overseeing the installation of the badly needed water guard/"beaver system" and sump-pump in our basement. Spending a few nights in a hotel has given Wesley a quieter week and a nice view!

Another Academy begins

The Academy logo

Welcome!

A much-loved sight by all attendees

The labyrinth is ready

Charles is attending the 5-day Academy for Spiritual Formation at St. Benedict's Retreat Center in Schuyler, Nebraska this week. 

The theme this week is "Eyes to See and Ears to Hear – Attentiveness to the Wor[l]d."

A morning in Winside

The "new" church

An inviting place

Patty Skokan (in purple), Rose Ann Janke (blue slacks),
& Gene & Linda Barg (seated)

With Bonnie Wylie

Charles took the opportunity to drive about an hour north to Winside UMC, one of his former congregations from his time in northeast Nebraska. The last time he was there, it was before he left for the Navy in 1999. It was such a treat to be able to worship in the "new" church (about 15 years old now) and a blessing to be able to assist with serving communion.

Today in Omaha

The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer
by Edward Degas

Art from around the world

Sculpture and the old/new parts of the museum

Charles made his way this morning to Omaha where he visited the recently renovated Joslyn Art Museum.