The turkeys are back!

The wild turkeys which made our neighborhood their winter HQ last time made an appearance today. Hard to tell if this is just an advance scouting party! Remember that last winter we saw upwards of fifty at a time!

It's cold, but we're still here!

Decoration station aftermath

Charles got to help with cleanup

Delivering cookies in sub-zero temps!

Making use of space at the parsonage

Ready for communion on Sunday

It was down-right frigid in Stevensville this past week! Add to that nearly a foot of snow and we are guaranteed a white Christmas in the Bitterroot Valley. 
On Saturday we noted that it was -14° when Charles went to help at the children's cookie plate extravaganza!    

Lots of Snow!

9" at 9 am with more coming down

Clearing the way for "Patches"

 We got a LOT of snow last night and throughout Thursday, at least 11"!!! Belinda was out on the deck this morning, making sure Patches could get to shelter and food :)

Another semester completed!

Interactive art in the U Center

Charles' contribution- "Peace and goodness"

Final printmaking project

Ending the term with a white campus

Charles' painting projects from this term

Charles wrapped up his sixth semester at the University of Montana this week with critiques in both studio courses and a take-home quiz in the art history course.

On Tuesday, Charles made a contribution to an interactive art piece taking place in the University Center. Students were invited to decorate a cinder block with a theme relating to the recent election. Charles chose to paint, "Pax et Bonum" (Peace and Goodness, a prayer of St. Francis) as his part in the installation.

His final printing project assignment was to be a collaboration with another student with a theme of contrasts/opposites. Charles' part was a yellow sun to contrast with the blue moon.

In the painting studio the professor was pleased with Charles' progress this term. He particularly likes Charles' willingness to take risks, the creative blending of techniques, graphic images, and a sense of humor seen in most of the paintings!

Snow at last

A quiet Sunday night

Charles teaches his Sunday morning class

Belinda as "Miss Bell"

It looks like we just may be in for a white Christmas. We've had at least six inches of snow since Thursday night and there is a good chance for more.

Snow returns to the Valley

Charles took this picture Friday afternoon following a steady snow since Thursday evening. We've had bitterly cold weather this week marking the introduction to winter in Montana!

A BUSY Sunday

Belinda is ready for the children

Our Sunday began in a normal manner, up early for a busy morning at the church. Charles taught the adult's class while Belinda was busy working with the children in preparation for their part in the Hanging of the Greens service.

An urgent call from the Living Center here in town (where Sheila was undergoing rehab following her tumble a couple weeks back). A few hours later and we're at the hospital in Missoula waiting for Sheila to come out of surgery. 

The good news is that she came through in good order and now the recovery time shifts to a new aspect of treatment.