Up in the sky!

This morning as Charles was walking across the street to the church he heard a 'whoosh' above him.  Looking up, he saw the hot air balloon (from Mountain Butterfly) that is operated by two members of the church.  So pretty to watch it float over Stevensville, what a view it must enjoy!

We just had to share this WONDERFUL song by Garrison Keillor and his friend sang together!

Laudate Dominus

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I'm grateful for this mattress
Where I sleep at night
And for the person near me
Laudate dominus.

And for this steamy shower
Soap and sweet shampoo
And this soft white towel
Laudate dominus

I'm grateful for the sweater
Jeans and underwear
The stockings and the sneakers
Laudate dominus

Praise God for this banana
Sliced on my bran flakes
And for this cup of coffee
Laudate dominus

Praise God for repetition
And simple harmony
Another winter morning
Laudate dominus.

Forgive us our trespasses
And our fickle hearts
Thank you for your kindness
Laudate dominus

INSTRUMENTAL...

Though the bus be crowded
Though the music loud
Though the work be stressful
Laudate dominus.

Though the news be dismal
Though my friends be sad
Even in confusion
Laudate dominus.

For this soup and salad
For this cup of tea
For this peaceful table
Laudate dominus.

For this final chorus
For this company
For thy grace and kindness
Laudate dominus.

Back from vacation

The choir is back in action

Wesley on the prowl

Charles' first 3D project

From the University Center Gallery exhibit

Amazing exhibit from the Art Department faculty

After the restful weekend we just had, it was back to work and school for us.  

Charles was back on campus and submitted his first 3-D Foundations class project.  He knows there is a lot of things left to learn but it felt good to be able to create something real!

This evening, Belinda joined the rest of the choir members across the street for the second choir practice following the summer break. There is a great energy in our choir, and Belinda is happy to be back in the mix, music-wise!

Staycation - Day 3

Our delightful 'staycation' concluded today with a restful Labor Day at home.  It has been a great weekend and we're glad we had so much fun!!!  This evening we attended a picnic and enjoyed ourselves a lot!!!

"Staycation" - Day 2

First Baptist Church - Stevensville

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church - Stevensville

Beets, zucchini and squash from our garden

Our second day began with what for us is an unaccustomed event: a leisurely start to the day!  Charles has today off from preaching.  

Of course, we wanted to attend worship services today, so we took advantage of Charles' second Sunday off since our arrival by walking the two blocks to Stevensville's First Baptist Church.  It was a lovely informal service, and we felt most welcomed by the congregation.

Next we walked to Main Street where we enjoyed the fellowship of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.  This is a unique congregation that meets in a storefront church.  While the congregation is quite small, it was nice to have a chance to be with them. We took part in the Morning Prayers from the Book of Common Prayer, a different kind of worship but one that was most welcomed.

After a restful afternoon, we set out on our bikes and rode to the wildlife refuge just north of Stevensville.  We met a nice couple from Portland (Oregon), saw a bunch of deer, and chatted with wild turkeys and cows along the way.

Thanks be to God for such a lovely day of worship, rest, and relaxation!!!

"Staycation" - Day 1

"Yee-haw"

Trying out a $4,000 bike!

Enjoying a lefse with the Sons of Norway

Ice Cream puffs from Corvallis UMC

We got our "staycation" (a stay at home vacation) off this morning to a restful start!  It was nice being able to rest some and into our day.  

We made the quick drive to Hamilton to take in some of the Ravalli County fair activity for our first activity of the day.  We saw lots of critters, took in a spell of calf roping, watched the "water dogs" compete, and enjoyed the various displays of quilts, flowers, and baked goods.  

Following the fair we drove north Missoula where Charles took Belinda around the university campus.  After that we stopped at a local fabric store (looking for fabric for Charles' button panels) and then it was time an early supper at Cracker Barrel. 

Now we rest up and ready for what tomorrow may bring!!!

First week of classes in "the books"

Early morning light on campus

On The Oval

In the painting studio

early stages of a self-portrait

first efforts with 3-D project

The first week of classes is already done and Charles says he is enjoying all of his classes.  In the two studio courses (Painting I and 3-D foundations) he's begun the first of the graded projects.  Still more to be done on both but the early results are good!

Friday afternoon he spent some time in the painting studio on campus after sampling the back-to-school fest on The Oval at the university.  Between 130-140 campus groups, clubs, departments and programs had tables set up to get the thousands of students present to get involved.