Some Favorites

This fall has been on the cold side. There have been a few nice days. A couple of weeks ago I wondered through Kathryn Albertson park that is a couple of blocks from the house. Here are a few of my favorites.

My Automotive Saga

I promised in my last blog that I would fill you in on the fun that is my car. I purchased my little ghetto car, as I like to call it, last August. When I bought it the salesman told me that it would need a new clutch eventually. I bought it anyway (and have regretted it more than once in the last year). Now my little car has taken me a lot of miles. Last October it took me nearly 7,000 miles across the US from Idaho to Tennessee, Kansas to Minnesota and all the states in between. It did fine and never failed me along the way.

What do I regret about my car? That I hastily bought a stick shift. It was a bit of a nostalgic buy. I have had two stick shifts in my past. One I shared with my brother in high school. The second was a little silver VW Rabbit that I took to my freshman year of college. As some of you might remember, it had an untimely demise when it went bumper to bumper with a 1972 Cadillac. I really liked that little car. But it couldn't be revived after that collision. Now, having driven an automatic for nearly 15 years, I have become lazy and get irritated with having to shift and think about driving. This was especially true as my clutch got worse and worse.

One year after I bought my car I decided that it was time to fix that clutch that was looming over my head. I had nightmares that it was going to strand me somewhere. So I took it in to a reputable shop that supports Young Life. A week later and a very large bill... larger than I anticipated, I have to admit... I had my car back in working order. One always tends to just take the hit on a repair like that and then shrug it off knowing that you won't have to spend that kind of money on your car again for sometime. A hasty assumption.

About two weeks later I was excited that my good buddy, Lorrie, was coming to town. I stopped to have the air checked in my tires because they seemed low. They were and the tire shop quickly aired them up. But then my car refused to start. That had never happened before. My car always started. The tire guys were helpful and tried to hook up a battery pack, but it didn't work. I was in a hurry, so remember my stick shift in high school and all my experience with a nearly dead battery for over a month. I asked the guys to push me so I could pop the clutch. The one very nice thing about a clutch. So it started up and I didn't think twice about it. I should have known that it foretold more car fun.

Lorrie and I hung out in Boise for a day. That day I took the time to get the oil changed in my car. Then we loaded up and headed for the mountains. We were excited about exploring. The first morning there we jumped in my car and headed to town to find a tasty breakfast. About 5 miles from our cabin there was an unnerving sound and then the sinking realization that I have a flat tire. This feeling tends to herald a bad day and I have to admit I struggled to have a good attitude for the next few days. So what do two out of town girls do when you are on the side of the road with a flat tire? Call your sister, of course. Misty got me a phone number for the roadside assistance in the area, but also told me to just do it myself. Right... I have seen tires changed before, but have no desire to change one myself. If I was forced to, I am sure I could. But all other avenues had not been explored.

When our handsome rescuer came to change our tire (thanks Lorrie for documenting) it took him almost 20 minutes just to get the donut out of the trunk. It seems water had leaked in and rusted the bolt that held the donut on. He finally got the bolt to move by clamping onto it with his bolt cutters. --side note... see there was no way I would have been able to do that, so it was good that I called in the cavalry first, instead of last-- So the tire finally came off and this is what we found. One tire ruined... fantastic (note the large nail and three holes in the sidewall).

So we drove the 20 minutes to the nearest town with a tire shop. They informed me that because I have all wheel drive and had worn down the tread a certain amount, I had to buy 4 new tires. Talk about pouring salt into the wound. There was no way around it... we even called parents to confirm this suspicious information. Sigh. At this point we had totally missed breakfast and there was nothing to do but have new tires put on my car and go have french fries. Regret number two on hastily buying my car. Never again will I buy an all wheel drive. And you can all hold me to that.

After picking up the car we finally got around to that exploring part of our weekend. It was good for my spirits to get out in the woods and focus on some fall foliage rather than the fact that I had just spent more than half the entire cost of my original purchase in two weeks worth of car related expenses.

But wait, it doesn't end here. On the way home my car started randomly not starting again. I knew I couldn't ignore that. I can ignore funny sounds, but not silence. So back to the shop again. I explained to my mechanic all that had happened, all the funny sounds, and that my car really needed to start. A week later and more money, I had my car back. The crank shaft sensor was going out. Then they explored the other noises and claimed that it was a heat shield that was loose. I smiled and paid the money. But the wierd noise is still there and I can't spend any more money on this saga. So I can live with the noises.

How many ways can you spend money on a car in three weeks time? Clutch $$$$, Oil Change $$, New Tires $$$, Roadside Assistance $$$, Crankshaft sensor and other noises $$$. I just hope I only have to pay for gas for another year.

Lorrie and the Mountains

Last October I had the awesome opportunity to go on a month long road trip. I was able to visit many family and friends across the US. One of those stops was to see my college roommate Lorrie in Jefferson City, MO. This year Lorrie came to visit me. It was great to have someone make to trip out here. I had to work a little. (Follow up from the golf tournament... which went very well, by the way) But I was also able to borrow a cabin in the mountains for the weekend. So Lorrie and I drove north to Donnelly. We hung out in front of the fireplace eating chocolate, watching girl movies, and catching up on life. We drove around soaking in the scenery (when the car cooperated) It started raining on Friday afternoon and by Saturday morning we woke up to the mountain peaks around us dusted with snow. Winter is well on its way in the mountains of Idaho. I brought my camera along and here are a few of the fun photos from our adventure.

Poor Lorrie. Be warned that if you ever go with me when I am hunting a good shot, you may end up as Lorrie did. Sitting and contemplating trees while I crawl around in the forest or spend quality time with a flower, leaf or pond. Thanks, Lorrie!

PS Stay tuned for another post on the saga that is my car and the fun Lorrie and I had with it while adventuring.

Golf & Fall

Golf has been the main topic of my world. I never thought golf or golf tournaments would be a part of my experience. But next Monday Young Life has one of our biggest fundraisers - a golf tournament. I know very little about golf and even less about golf tournaments. So it has been quite a learning experience to say the least.

Fall has arrived with its cool days and even colder nights. This week has been below normal and I am really hoping for some warmer days next week. My good friend Lorrie is coming to visit me for a few days next week. It will be a good break after the craziness of the golf tournament. I was hoping to mke it up to the mountains for a little photo shoot, but I am not sure that I can fit it in this weekend.

Thank you to all who have been asking about my dad and praying for him. He started his latest treatement trial this week. You can read more about it on their blog.

Labor Day Weekend

Last weekend I ventured back to Wildhorse Canyon in Oregon for a Young Life leader weekend. This was a retreat for leaders, volunteers, and staff of the Idaho and Seattle regions.


The best part of the weekend was the surpise of having an unexpected friend there! I had a blast renewing a frienship with Leslie. We met about 4 years ago as mutual friends of Joani Kroon Curtis. Leslie is a Young Life leader in Seattle. I hung out in the afternoons with her and her fellow leaders from Seattle. We had a lot of fun taking advantage of the zip lines, climbing walls, giant swing (in which they wench 3 people up on a giant swing about 50 feet in the air and you pull a rip cord... quite an adrenaline rush) and pool. The weather was perfect! Sitting on the deck of of the Sassy (the Sasparilla is the snack bar) with your feet up and visiting with friends... it doesn't get much better than that. We also had some seminars and club meetings about ministry and all aspects of Young Life. It was really a very fun and relaxing weekend.

Twilight Criterium

The Twilight Criterium is a bicycle race in downtown Boise in July. The women's race starts around 6:30pm and they make 50 laps around a marked course in downtown (about 6 blocks, I think). The men's race follows with 80 laps. As I sat on the curb I estimated that every 3 minutes the racers would whiz by again. I spent several hours walking around practicing my photography. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the evening. (note the 'Do Not Walk' signal in the first photo)

Another Post!

It's like Christmas! Two posts in one day.

The month of July sped by so quickly. Pam Kroon came down to Boise to visit Teagan and we had a lot of fun catching up, checking out the Saturday Market and floating the Boise River. It was so good to see faces from home. The last weekend of July my friend Janelle invited me up to McCall for the weekend with her family. Her mom has a ranch up there and they go for the weekend quite often. It was a very relaxing weekend of hiking, reading and just being still. Here are a few pictures from that weekend. Little Elliott has been my model since he arrived a few months ago. Once a month we set up a photo shoot. It has been good for me to practice my photography. I got a few good shots dispite the smoke from the forest fires.

The end of July I was asked to go to a middle school camp because they really needed leaders. It really wouldn't be a complete summer if I didn't spend at least part of it with a group of crazy teenagers. I left August 7th and came home the 11th. My first Young Life camping experience and I must say that I am quite impressed. It was an amazing week with a great group of kids. It just felt right pouring into kids and speaking truth into thier lives. I have missed that. I will probably end up working with this group of middle schoolers during the school year this year. Which is very exciting to me... I know call me crazy.

In other news, I lived with some friends for two months this summer and because they lived so far away from my jobs, I was spending a lot of money on gas. So I am officially back in the camper in Misty and Peter's back yard. We'll have to wait and see where God lands me next in this journey.

PS for those of you who have been keeping up with my family, Dad's cancer has gotten worse. They have started a blog if you would like to read about the details. Click here for their blog.

Here I am again

Greetings to all of my faithful followers. I must appologize again for neglecting my blog. Many of you have told me that you keep checking and there is nothing. Sorry about that. I just haven't taken the time to write much of anything lately... not even emails. So I am going to make an August resolution... something like a new year's resolution... that I will work on taking the time to write.

I can't believe the last post was in June. So much has happened this summer. I am getting married... haha just checking to see if you were paying attention. Nope, haven't even had a date. So that should answer aboug 50% of everyone's questions.

Over the week of the 4th of July I had a blast being with my family in South Dakota for reunions. It is amazing to think about the fact that 7 years ago our family was just 6 and now we have nearly tripled in number and the 8 neices and nephews nearly out number us. I had so much fun loving on the kids and being super auntie.

Blogging

There have been numerous times over the last month that I have thought to myself, “I should blog about that”. But alas, it has not happened… until now. I will attempt to catch you up on all the blog-worthy items in my life.

1) Misty, Peter and I took the kids camping. This was quite a monumental task and one that was worth it. One morning two weeks ago we loaded up the suburban (with A LOT of stuff), buckled the kids in and headed into the mountains. We made several discoveries on this little adventure. First of all, the babies seem to get car sick. This is note worthy as to all the stuff we had to clean up when we made it home and because they have a rather long road trip ahead of them the end of this month. So Misty is hoping that baby Dramamine is an option. Secondly, the kids LOVE being outdoors. They enjoyed the little walks around the campground and playing in the stream that was nearby. Thirdly, Misty and Pete don’t get much sleep when Joe screams in the night until they put him in bed with them and then no one sleeps much. All in all, it was a lot of fun to take the kiddos on a little adventure and to get away from town for a couple of days.

2) I finished up house sitting. I had a great place for 6 months and the owner was coming home. About a month ago a couple that I had met through Young Life asked if I would be interested in renting the upstairs of their large house. So last weekend I packed up and moved into their house. Wendy and Eric are really great people and I am looking forward to spending time with them. One of the interesting things about the house is that it is located out in the country in a fancy sub division/community. It is nice but more than doubles my commute to work. But at the same time it is a beautiful drive. I will try to snap a picture of Wendy and Eric for you one of these days.

3) Young Life has been busy with summer camp fundraising. I have also begun to work on some grant writing for them. I am actually quite excited about this new challenge. I know I can write so it will be fun to try this new skill. I have to say that it is very different to work for a non-profit and have to be very aware of where your money is coming from. And things are very tight right now so we are moving on faith that the summer months will not take us into deficit and reduced salaries. If you think of it, pray that the funds for our ministry will be provided for.

Well, I think that about says it all. Thanks to my faithful readers who keep checking to find out if I have actually updated this crazy journal. Maybe one day I will get back into a more consistent routine.

PS I wrote this blog on the 14th. Since that time the twins had their first birthday party. Keep watching the Neisen Times for some great photos.

Happy Birthday to Me

It was so wonderful to be back up in Alaska again. I couldn’t help but smile at each glimpse of the magnificent mountains that are everywhere up there. And I couldn’t help but feel loved as each hug from a dear friend. The high light of my trip was the time spent with my good friends in sweet conversation and laughter. I love you guys!

The first few days were non-stop catching up with all of my dear friends. There were so many new babies to meet and happenings to catch up on. My Bunko friends even postponed their normal bunko night so that I could celebrate my birthday with them. I was also able to hang out with ‘my girls’ (the high school girls I have been privileged to lead since they were little 6th graders). It is so strange to have them all driving! I was able to go to church and hug more people. But one of the best events of the trip was my dad's retirement from the military. They even gave me flowers for being there. It was a special event to get to be apart of... I am proud of you dad!

The weather was a bit chilly. Spring had just arrived as the ice went off the lakes just days before I arrived and the trees were budding out the week I was there. Summer will be exploding in Alaska any day now.

Over all it was a great trip and definitely a blessed way to spend my birthday. It is hard to believe that I have been gone nearly a year now. And just as hard to believe the life that has started forming here. I am not sure what I was expecting—or even if I had expectations… but it is good.

And I was able to get a little shooting in... here is one of my favorites of the old tug boat at Knik Lake.

Studing for the ACT

The last couple of weeks I have been studying for the ACT test... I know, I know. I never thought I would have to take it again. After all, I have already graduated from college and I am not planning to go back (well not yet anyway). The reason for taking the college entrance exams at this point in my life... money. The tutoring center I work part time for offers test prep tutoring and to qualify to tutor the ACT's (and get paid a little more for it) I had to pass above a 27 (out of 36). I took the Reading and English on Thurday evening. And I am happy to report that I passed! It is quite a relief to know that my college education was not in vain.

Last weekend Misty and I were able to go to another photography weekend workshop put on my Rocky Mountain School of Photography (in Boise this time). This workshop was a digital weekend and I learned so much about working with digtal photography. I am exited about all the photo possibilities that are ahead of me. The only bummer about learning so much about photography is that it makes me want new and better equipment. So I am working on my photo wish list if anyone wants to donate to my favorite hobby.

I am heading up to Alaska this week. My birthday present to myself this year is to go home to my beloved Alaska and the wonderful friends I have there. And as a bonus, I will get to help Mom with Dad's retirement party and be home for mother's day. I am sure the days will be very full.

I will fill you all in on my adventures soon!

Oklahoma in Moscow

Last weekend I got the opportunity to go up to the University of Idaho to see my friend Teagan Kroon in Oklahoma! He had an awesome perfomance as Will Parker. Not only was his performace great, but I got to see my good friends Joani and Mark Curtis (Teagan's cousin) who flew over for the weekend. It was good to get out of town, have a little road trip and hang out with awesome people.

For an excellent description of the performance see Joani's blog.

PS Anita this one's for you

April

It is hard to believe that it is April already and that Easter has come and gone. Friday and Saturday of Easter weekend were in the 70's. It was awesome! Misty and I weeded her garden, prep'ed it, and planted some seeds. It has been a long time since I did a vegetable garden. But it was fun and Lizzy had a blast playing in the dirt. We took Lizzy to an Easter Egg scramble (the same one as last year... boy has she grown up). This is her studying the competition.

The twins are getting big (10 months now). They are both crawling. Joe has 5 teeth and Katie none. They are good babies, but keep mom hopping when Lizzy is demonstrating that she is 2 and a half.

I am doing well. Young Life is lots of fun and keeps me on my toes. It is a little bit different type of ministry than I have done in the past, but it is great what they do for kids.

My tutoring job fits nicely in the evenings. I have mostly been tutoring jr high and high school students that are struggling. They are fun kids and it is neat to watch them improve. I feel blessed that I was able to find two jobs that work so well together and still allow me the flexiblity to help Misty when she needs an extra hand.

Next weekend I head up to Moscow, ID for Teagan Kroon's theater performance of Oklahoma and to hang out with Mark and Joani (Kroon) Curtis. I am looking forward to that drive through central Idaho mountains and the Kroon time I will get to enjoy. Hopefully I will be able to post a picture of Teag in his white fur chaps and cowboy boots with taps on them... I can't wait!

Signs of Spring

I know I have been negligent in my blog. My apologies.

Thing have been busy in the last few weeks. Young Life had their big banquet fundraiser last weekend. It was my first banquet and I was quite busy the week before and after. It was a great turnout and we were totally blessed by the response. The awesome ministy of Young Life will be able to continue here in Boise.

The second reason I have for not writing much is the Spring-like weather. I have officially started wearing my flip flops every day and pulled out my capris. We have had at least 5 days of 70+ degree weather. The daffidils are blooming and my neighbors have started mowing their lawn. I love spring!

And I got to see good friend Teagan Kroon last weekend. Fun to see a friend from home.

The best news of the day is that I get to go to Alaska for my birthday! I bought my tickets today and I am so excited to see all those I love!

Weekend Fun

Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to McCall with a group of 20 Young Life leaders. Half of the group went skiing on Saturday but 7 of us hung around and played cards. I took a couple of hours to myself for a little photo taking. At one point I found myself up to my knees in snow, trying to get the shot I was hoping for.... not this one, but I like it. It was good to be in the mountains and meet some new friends.

It has been a fun couple of weeks. Mom and Dad have been visiting, doing thier best to spoil the kids and help potty train Lizzy (which is working, hurray). Joe has been sick, today the doctor diagnosed him having two viruses and have manifested themselves in two types of rashes. Poor little guy.

Walking with Friends

I have been walking occasionally with my friend Janelle. We went for an 8 mile walk on Saturday morning. It was a beautiful morning. Janelle is 7 months pregnant and very active. She set quite a pace for me to keep up. Especiallly since I have done almost no physical activity in the last 6 months. This is a picture of her and her dog Raja.

With the Learing Center, I have started tutoring a couple of times a week. I am enjoying being with students again. I am hoping that we get more student soon so I can get some more hours.

With the Young Life job: This weekend I am going to McCall with the Young Life leaders for their training retreat. It should be a fun weekend.

Mom is visiting and Dad will be here on Monday. It is fun to have them here enjoying the kids with us.

Happy 'flying-naked-baby-day' to all!

The Latest Addition to My Collection

Meet my newest niece, Dakota Reily! She arrived on January 30th... she and Mama are doing great! I am thrilled to add another little one to my collection of children to dote on!

A Boondoggle - Photos, Class, and Cars

So I finally have something exciting to blog about, although not all of it is particularly the good kind of exciting. More on that later.

Misty and I went on a 'boondoggle' as Peter likes to call it. When I asked him what exactly a 'boondoggle' was he said they use the term at HP when someone goes on a training trip that is really for partying. (New vocabulary for you, Amy.) So in many ways this was a boondoggle, as Misty was able to leave the children for two nights and do something just for her... and I was there for moral support.

We flew out Friday afternoon to Portland, rented a car and drove down to Salem where we met up with an Alaska friend, Jen Morris. We had a good time catching up with her. It is always good to see a face from home. Then we drove on to Joani (Kroon)Curtis' house in Albany. She and her husband Mark took us out for some delectible, and maybe a little over the top, dessert. Joani and I stayed up too late talking, but Misty was perfectly happy to go to bed early with no baby monitor.

We were up early on Saturday to drive down to Eugene for a photography weekend put on by Rocky Mountain School of Photography which turned out to be excellent. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about photography. We were on overload by lunch time when we met up with Joani and her mother-in-law (her father-in-law was also at the workshop) for lunch. We were ready for more after lunch. I learned a lot about working my camera in manual setting, color, shooting low light situations, digital photography, shooting motion and landscape... and so much more. Misty's take on it "I learned so much my head is still spinning. Give me a few weeks to practice before you see a difference on the Neisen Times".

The weekend, unfortunately for you, my readers, did not have any actual photography by us... well until after the workshop ended... but that is coming. I, however, have high hopes of improving my photography and showing you great shots one day.

Saturday night we stayed at a hotel in Eugene and arrived bright and early to pack in as much learning as possible. One of the highlights was a critique the last session where the instructors talked through some photos submitted by participants. The weekend was full of great shots and learning. Now I just have to take the time to practice it.

It was also a bit of a research trip for me personally. RMSP has a summer intesive program that goes 11 weeks and teaches you all aspects of photography including how to start your own business and go professional. I have toyed with that idea some and wanted to explore it this weekend. I have not come to any amazing conclusions. But I know if I did work with RMSP they would have an outstanding program. So I am still praying about it and weighing all the pros and cons.

Now on to that exciting thing to blog about that wasn't good. As we were driving north to PDX we had an unfortunate event with the rental car that may prove to be expensive. Let's jut say the in an attempt to miss hitting a car we overcorrected, fishtailed, and ended up in the median with a popped tire, cracked front bumper, and scuffed back bumper. God was taking care of us because we did not roll or hit any other cars. Misty was great and changed the tire to the donut and we proceeded on to PDX where we were able to turn in the car, make a statement, and still make our flight. Today was the joy of insurance, that I am sure will not be over soon enough.

Anyone wishing to make donations to the Sister Boondoggle fund, please feel free to send those funds on.

And this is where the photos come in... we took pictures of the car damage.

New Happenings

Things in my life that are blog-worthy:

I was offered a part time job as a tutor in a tutoring center last Monday. But it is a new center and they also asked me to work some hours doing administration. So I have started going from one job to the next. I am thrilled that God has provided work for me. But I am not used to working full time and it makes me tired.

Misty and I are going to Oregon the last weekend of January to a photography weekend seminar for her birthday. It should be a fantastic weekend of seeing friends and enjoying my favorite hobby.

My latest niece will be born in a few weeks and I am so excited to add to the fun.

The News

Happy Holidays!
I have not been as good at posting on my blog in the last two months. Maybe I should make that a new year's resolution. The last month has gone by in a whirlwind of holiday fun. I have to admit that Christmas with small children is a lot of fun. Lizzy was so excited all day on Christmas... and the twins are just as cute as they can be... check out the latest snapshots http://scrubbydeer.com/neisentimes/

I had lots of plans to get projects done over the long weekend... but then I got a cold. Maybe next weekend.

I am still in search of a good part time job to help out with the pocket book. The best news is that God continues to provide for me. I have a house sitting job for 4-6 months starting this weekend. The camper is going to miss me... but it will be nice not to have to worry about the propane running out on the heater during cold snaps.

Oh yes, and my oh-so-generous sister and brother-in-law bought me a phone for Christmas... so I now have an Idaho number. I will hang onto the AK one for a little longer in transition. But it is a little sad to give up my AK number.

Checking In

Greetings readers, friends, family,
Just a note to update you on things. I have been working a couple of weeks for Young Life here in Boise. I am enjoying the office and working only part time... even if it doesn't pay quite enough. I did get the job offer, Friar, at the adoption agency but declined becasue I couldn't stack both part time jobs and stay sane. I am now looking for another part time job that I can work in the evenings and weekends.

Things are starting to become festive around here. The Christmas tree is up the house smells of pine. I am still unsure as to what my plans will be for the holiday... I long to go to Alaska, but money is restrictive. So most likely I will end up here with my sister's family. Which is not a bad option.

Hope this finds you all well!

Thanksgiving

I have been told that I need to post a new blog so that there is something new to read on the internet.

What's up in my life? We had a delicious Thanksgiving. Misty and I cooked dinner for her in-laws and it was great, if I do say so myself. Then Misty talked me into getting up for the crack-of-dawn sales on Friday. So 6am rolled around and we went out into the cold. We had a good time. Fortunately there wasn't much to tempt me. But people watching is always entertaining.
This week it is back to work. I am working on finding a second job for the evenings and weekends. I will keep you posted...

It's Been a Busy Week

I accepted the job at YoungLife and started working on Thursday. Friday I jumped in with both feet and went on their fall retreat. Ahhh youth ministry, I have missed it. I went up as work crew in the kitchen, take photos, and get to know everyone.

But before I headed up to the retreat I had an interview with and adoption and foster care organization. They basically offered me the job by the end of the interview and asked me to think about it over the weekend. So it was also a good weekend to process. And I had some time to pray and think. I came to the conclusion that I couldn't do both office jobs and do them well... so I declined the job offer at the adoption agency.

So it is on to other options for the second job... we will just have to see what God has next.

Moving Forward

After nearly 5 months of being unemployed (except for the week in August, which I don't really feel like I was employed) I have been offered a job. I interviewed last Thursday with YoungLife Boise for a part time administrative assistant for their youth program. Yesterday they called and offered me the job. It isn't enough to live on so I get the joy of juggling two jobs at some point. But I am excited to be able to work in ministry once again... and feel like I am moving forward instead of being in neutral. I also have an interview on Friday with the CASI Fountation for Children, a nonprofit adoption agency, as a part time administrative assistant for their international adoption program. So I may have two jobs before long... and then there is always Starbucks where I would be able to get my americano fix at least ;-)

Reflections on Road Kill

After traveling around 6000 miles (I will let you know my exact total in another blog) I have seen more than my fair share of road kill. At the beginning of my trip I did as many, I assume do, grimace and try to put the unpleasant vision out of my mind. But as the miles rolled by, I couldn’t help but do a little reflecting on the roadside carnage. I blame the raccoons. There were just so many of them after awhile I couldn’t help myself. They were arranged in several positions and almost entirely on the right side of the road where I had a good view of them. The modest ones were curled up as if sleeping (my favorite if I had to have one) to the gory pinks smear with only a tail to identify the species. There was the front leg splay, the full splay, the back sleeper, and the smudge. Occasionally I came across the black and white road kill that left a lingering scent for the next few miles so you couldn’t forget quite so quickly. On my return trip the rabbits, antelope and deer decided to join in. Fortunately I didn’t hit anything live except the bugs that smeared my windshield. But my heart has stopped a half a dozen times with the sight of a deer inches from the road. I didn’t take the time to stop and photograph any scenic road kill for you… so no pictures on this one.

And the Journey Comes to an End

On Monday morning I lingered in my cozy little cabin in the mountains. My last morning of my journey. I didn't want to rush the end. I spent a little extra time getting ready, packing my bag and having breakfast with God. Then drove very slowly down the icy mountain into the rain. I stopped along the way to take some soggy pictures of a rainbow... a promise of hope that I wanted to capture for the next step in my life journey. I wound my way through Alpine Canyon and the memories of rafting there while growing up. It had stopped raining but it was a grey day. Grey as I drove through my childhood town of Idaho Falls and along the interstate of southern Idaho. I made it back to my starting point about 5pm with a sigh, a heart filled with warm memories, and a computer filled with new photos .

Driving Across Wyoming

I planned to leave early to try to make it across most of Wyoming and my host assured me that that was no problem, he was getting up to go deer hunting at 5:30 and would be back around 7 to make me waffles. I, not wanting to insult my host, agreed that waffles would be an excellent way to start my journey. And when I went to the kitchen this morning before 7 I watched the deer walking across his yard and up the hillside behind his house. And true to his word, he made me waffles before I left. He also gave me some advice on scenic back roads to Devil’s Tower. I was most grateful as the drive was a beautiful one. Actually the whole day has been so amazingly beautiful. Truly a gift from God. Over the Big Horns, through Wind River Canyon and across the plains. I doubted myself when I got into some snow in the dark after Dubois… I didn’t know if I should stop there or not… but found a lodge on the other side of the pass and have a cozy little cabin nestled in the trees and frosted with snow in which to begin writing the end of my great journey with a cup of hot chocolate to keep me and my reflections company.

This is the scene that I awoke to on Monday morning. I do have more reflections to come, but will give you a break and fill you in the the rest in the next day or so.

A Week in South Dakota

South Dakota was a week of rest and visiting.

There is nothing like driving across the plains. While driving from the ranch (grandma and grandpa’s) to my aunt Beth’s I would see herds of antelope an a hillside and then go over another hill and see a herd of deer… the words from Home on the Range were always on the tip of my tongue. I attempted to photograph some of each. The antelope, however, were not very cooperative. During my time in SD I saw everything from the back of pickups loaded with neon orange clad pheasant hunters, to Harley-riding bikers. But my favorite has to be the skies that take your breath away. I have attempted to capture them and hope that I can do them justice.

Tuesday Grandma and Grandpa went to town for a doctor’s appointment and I stayed home part of the day doing laundry, blogging, and reading a little. Then I drove over to spend the rest of the day with Beth and Terry. Grandma and Grandpa came home that evening with an appointment to be at the hospital the next morning for Grandpa to get hernia surgery. So my plans to leave the next day suddenly changed. I picked up Beth the next morning and we headed in a little after Grandpa and Grandma. We spent the day at the hospital as moral support for Grandma as well as Grandpa. His surgery went well and he opted to stay the night in the hospital instead of make the hour + drive home. He claimed it felt like a horse kicked him with both feet. And he would probably know… I took Beth home and I went back to the ranch. They made it home early the next afternoon and I was surprised to see Grandpa walking so well. He took it easy for the next couple of days. Saturday was a beautiful 60 degree day and I could tell he was getting a bit stir crazy. I packed up to leave and said my goodbyes to Grandma and Grandpa. I then drove over to Beth and Terry’s for lunch and to tell them goodbye as well. I finally headed out about 2.

My one goal was to get my oil changed in Sturgis. With that accomplished I decided to see if I could buzz up to Mt Rushmore or Crazy Horse. The sun was setting behind the Black Hills as I was getting out of Rapid City and I found a church parking lot to indulge in my photo habit. It was getting dark, but I decided to continue toward the Mt Rushmore since it was closest. As I wound around in the mountains it was an awesome site to come around a corner and see the presidential faces lit up. However, I opted not to spend the $8 to park for 15 minutes while I took quick pictures before heading toward Spearfish and my bed for the night. They did have a pullout so you could see Washington’s profile so I drug out my tripod and attempted some night shots. I couldn’t resist getting the entire monument so I found a wide shoulder on the way down the mountain that I could see the whole monument and pulled the tripod out again. I buzzed down the mountain and back toward Rapid because I knew I was being rude if I didn’t check in with my host for the night (one of Mom’s cousins) and had no signal until Rapid City. Once I called I learned that they planned to eat dinner in 20 minutes and I was at least 45 minutes away. They promised it was no problem to wait for me, but I felt sheepish anyway. I hurried as much as I could (which isn’t hard when the speed limit is 75). I made it in time to jump in my host’s truck and go a couple of miles to his son’s house… who incidentally brought his bride to Shady Acres B&B in Alaska a year ago for their honeymoon. We had a fun evening of chatting and catching up.

A Week in Review

It is amazing to think that I haven't updated my blog for a week. I am sure that you have all been on the edge of your seats awaiting the travel journals of Carrie. My sincere apologies to all my faithful readers. And by my comments I see that I have some new readers... welcome to my world.

I left you in Jefferson City, MO. On Monday I traveled back to Kansas, spent a few hours working on projects for Aunt Cindy, and headed across town to spend some time with more family. I didn't get to visit Aunt Laila and family on my previous stop in Kansas so it was fun to spend some time with them. Laila had a fun girl day on Tuesday, going out for coffee, getting pedicures (the fanciest I have had yet... pictures coming), and then out for lunch. In the evening we carved pumpkins before the kids went to bed. On Wednesday I headed back over to help Aunt Cindy finish her projects and stayed one last night with them. Thursday Grandma and I went out to lunch before I headed across town to Laila's again as I planned to leave from her house the next morning on my next leg of the journey. After playing phone tag with cousin Evie, it worked out for me to see her on my way back to the ranch.

So Friday morning I headed out once again. This time north for 8 hours from Wichita to Souix Falls, SD. All interstate, I must admit, fortunately I had a few books on cd to break up the monotony. Evie and I had a wonderful evening of catching up and some wonderful Italian food. It is so fun to get to know your cousins as adults... especially when I was always so much older.

Saturday I climbed back in my car and headed west across South Dakota. I like to describe my trip plans as 'as the spirit moves'... and that was true of this leg. I saw a sign on the interstate for the Laura Ingalls Wilder house in DeSmet, SD and turned north. I found the homestead, which by the looks of it would be crawling with tourists in the summer, and was the only car in the parking lot. The visitor center was closed but all of the buildings were open and maps on a table on the porch. So I did the self guided tour. It was very well done with lots of explanations in each of the buildings. I thoroughly enjoyed having the place to myself and indulging in some photos. (pictures coming soon) I headed west again on small highways (so much more interesting). The skies were quite breath taking and I pulled over more than once to take a few photos. I eventually made it to the ranch just at dusk and in time to take a few sunset pictures.

Sunday was a beautiful 70 degree day. Probably the last they will have this year as the temperatures dropped into the teens Monday with some snow flurries. I rode with Grandma and Grandpa to Sundance, WY for a great-aunt's 80th birthday party. It was fun to catch up with some cousins I hadn't seen since I was in middle school, and meet a few I had never met. We were back at dark and Aunt Beth had asked if I would come to youth group at their house that evening to talk about some of my missions trips. It was a fun evening of being around high schoolers again. Makes me miss all of my 'kids' up in AK.

Monday was frigid as the wind chill was close to zero. Grandma and I worked on her computer some and washed windows (on the inside, fortunately). In the afternoon I went over to see another cousin and his new wife. It was so fun to catch up on their lives.

It is such a blessing to be able to see family and friends. I am truly blessed to be able to do this trip. My life is so rich for having so many family and friends to love and be loved.

PS Sorry that there are no pictures on this post ... Grandma has dial up...