Christmas Trip to the Black Hills

Hello, 

(We have a number of pictures to share over the coming weeks, but I am beginning with the most recent going backwards, alrighty?)

Well, we did it. We went on our first vacation sans our cheerful fearless leader. I think each of us missed his presence in our own various ways. We felt his absence, but I still think we all had a good time. We must keep on living. I believe he is living his new life to the fullest. I know that he is not shedding any tears. I am glad that he has complete joy where he is. I do wish we could get him back, but we don't have that choice, so we choose to keep living life in the best ways we possibly can. 

We went to the Black Hills for a few days. 

Basil and I went to Rapid City several times for swim meets over the years and the last time we went, we had to stay in a KOA in the Hills to find reasonably priced accommodations. It was then that I noticed the fresh beauty there. After we lost Doug in October, I knew that it was important for the five of us to get out and make some new memories together. I wanted to try something new, so I tossed around the idea of the Black Hills. I was gifted a new set of wheels this year, and while I LOVE the car, it is not a minivan with all the space for luggage. This car did not come with roof rails, so I was unable to put on our cartop carrier for extra luggage space. This November I talked my handy brother, James, into installing roof rails on the car so that we could put our cartop carrier on top of the car and be able fit luggage for the five of us. Just in time! Our super helpful neighbor, Jack, worked with us to learn how to get the carrier on top of the rails. It worked like a charm! Darn, no final pic! Soon!

We hit a snowstorm shortly after we hit the road. This was precisely the reason I was afraid to try our first trip in the winter, but Basil drove and did an excellent job navigating the weather. We arrived in Rapid City just in time to try out our first adventure: Nepali and Indian food at Kathmandu Bistro. Yum!!! My goat curry was soooooo good.

 After dinner, we headed for our cabin in the hills at Freedom Ridge Cabins; really great cabins at a very reasonable price (winter pricing). 

I noticed sunflowers in the window boxes. 

The next day we went to church in Rapid City, lounged around the cabin, and went for a ride on the Holiday 1880 Train, a historic steam train. It was ccccooollld. That windchill was something else.

 The following day we slept in a bit, then went hiking on the Flume Trail. It was pretty, but um . . . the signage was very poor. We ended up out in the woods for over three hours. 

Throwing rocks to break the ice makes an interesting sound. 

The trail goes through a couple mine shafts

We survived that little mishap and then sailed off for our next adventures in Rapid City: "legendary food" says Mace at the Gyro Hub and a few hours at Waikiki Waterpark (Sage's pick, nostalgia from waterpark birthdays from years gone by). 

 We took the scenic route back to I90 West, through Spearfish Canyon, such a beautiful drive. We took a short hike on the Roughlock Falls Trail. I would love to spend quite a bit more time exploring Spearfish Canyon; it was just a quick flyby today on our way home. 

I do love the Black Hills; there is much more to explore. I'm hoping we can get back at least a couple more times. I'd love to try it again during a summer season and during the fall. The area has such fresh beauty with a side of history.

Advent Listening to Bolster Hope

 

Hello whoever might read this . . . 

You know when you've enjoyed something and you just want to share it with someone? Or maybe you found something meaningful and had the urge to share. I've listened to a couple of talks recently and thought I'd reshare them out there in cyberspace. They've spoken to the place I often find myself in, perhaps you might find a gem too.

Although Father Mike Schmitz has been a popular public figure for some time, I've never really been into listening to his stuff. His fast-talking nature wasn't for me. Somehow, I gave him another chance somewhere along the line and he's been really growing on me. He's a good dude, methinks. 

Here's a little bit that he had to share about a well-known Christmas carol (link directly below).  After that link I'll share a link to the carol.  After that is a homily I heard from him this past Sunday. A very similar theme. Again, they meet me where I am at: a very hard, painful place, but not a place void of  hope. 

How to Celebrate Christmas When Life Is Hard

I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day | Christmas Lyric Video | Reawaken Hymns

"Waiting Well: Unconditional Hope" | The Fourth Sunday of Advent (Fr. Mike's Homily) #sundaymass

How to Celebrate Christmas When Life Is Hard

An Advent Gift for You

 

Here is a short video I wanted to share with you on this Gaudete Sunday. I wanted to bless as many people as possible with our special man. We cut some off to keep for ourselves, but here's a small gift for you. Oh, how we miss this dear soul. 

Funeral Pictures

Welcome.

Many thanks to Meredith Bergin for snapping photos for us! We didn't manage to get many of the vigil but captured a few of the set-up out front. It was a beautiful weekend! We are so grateful to everyone for pitching in to help us put together a prayerful, memorable, and celebratory couple of days.

 

Included in the program was a poem written by Doug after a beloved friend was killed in a car accident in 1999. 

We displayed a handful of Doug's poetry out front, along with a journal and recent page of notes.

Casket handmade by dear family friends. The first people who welcomed us to Montana. 

Our pastor and his wife have been such a support to both Doug and myself. 

A number of dear friends traveled from out of state. 

The ladies of the parish put together quite the luncheon. 

My talented sister arranged the luncheon flowers.