The BIG day!

 

The Big Day arrived with picture-perfect weather and a whirl of last minute activities ahead of the event at Denver's Trinity UMC.  There was laughter, a few tears and lots of joy present as this wonderful couple began married life.

The reception of Galen & Karen

 

 

 

The reception was a wonderful continuation of the love and joy found at the church!  

Wedding trip, pt.2

We set out from Casper this morning and drove through a steady rain all the way to Cheyenne before entering Colorado just before noon.  A quick stop at Johnson's Corner for some of the famous cinnamon rolls, and it was back on the road for the last miles to Denver.

We had a great time tonight at the rehearsal dinner at Magianno's Little Italy restaurant downtown Denver.  At least sixty were on hand and everyone enjoyed the slideshow of pictures of the happy couple taken over the years.

Tomorrow is the big day and we are so excited!!!

On the way to the wedding

Wheat Montana

Near Little Big Horn, MT

We made it to Casper, Wyoming

It was a long, wet drive from Stevensville, MT to Casper, WY, about twelve hours in total.  Not a stellar start to the trip but at least we have a comfortable bed to rest up in before the final drive to Denver tomorrow.

The highlights of the drive were few and far between which made the stop a "Wheat Montana" and a gift shop/restaurant at the Crow Agency (Little Big Horn) even more enjoyable.  It was nice to be able to stretch our legs and enjoy some nice treats to further our traveling efforts.

We are looking forward to seeing the family at the rehearsal dinner and the wedding of the year Saturday afternoon!!!

Pentecost Sunday

The Bitterroot River, looking north from Stevensville

Today is an amazingly beautiful day here in the Bitterroot Valley and after a wonderful morning at the church we get a restful Sunday to enjoy it all!

Memorial Day weekend

 

 

 

Five WWII vets were honored today in Stevensville with the presentation of medals they had earned but due to oversight had not been given.  Belinda and I joined 35+ community residents in the observance at a windy Lewis & Clark park.

Happy birthday party

 

 

 

Wednesday was a busy day with lunch at the Senior Center for the monthly birthday lunch.  My name was on the 'birthday board' too!

A wet week in the Valley

Rain clouds over the Bitterroot Mountains

Game night at the church

Famer's market in Hamilton

At the airport in Hamilton

 We've been enjoying the cooler and wetter weather that has settled in over the Valley this past week.  With lots of activity taking place at the church, Belinda being back full-time to work, and my continuing visit, it's been a lively time here on College Street!

A delightful day

On Tuesday, Belinda and I joined two of our church members (and one of their mothers) for a lunch in Hamilton.  It was nice to have a time out in a new (to us) place.

Then on Wednesday we took part in the weekly "Wired Word" study group held this week at the Frontier Cafe`.  We really enjoy the energy this group brings to every discussion.  Belinda and I too dvantage of some free-time to visit with Sonja and Don Henry at their home just north of Stevensville.  With wonderful views of the Bitterroot Valley, the Henry's country home is just wonderful.

A lovely Saturday

  

It's been a lovely Saturday here in Stevensville.  Taking in the Stevensville market was a treat for us with fresh bread, jewelry, and bedding plants ready for our garden being picked up.

This evening, we took in "Montana Monologues" at the Stevensville Playhouse on Main Street.  It was wonderful to hear about life on the range from the experience of women.

Birthday week!

It seems like the weeks race by at times!  We've enjoyed the wonderful weather in our corner of Montana and life in our town.

On Tuesday, Belinda celebrated my birthday with a 'girl's day out' in Missoula.  Lots of fun!!!

Blessing the animals

On a delightful evening, the Stevensville UMC hosted a "blessing of the animals" on the front lawn of the church. It was very nice seeing creatures large and small stopping by for a blessing!