Kawasaki's and Glaciers

We're on the Yellow head Highway and stopped at a bladder flatter stop just west of Burnes Lake, where we ran into Paul Short on his 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650 (the kind that Gary wants to buy) on his way back from Alaska. After confirming that Paul thought that this was a great bike for touring, gas mileage (50 MPG vs 10 for us), and reliability Gary called Mickey over to show her the answer to prayer in Paul. Paul was from Ozark Mo. and moved around a lot as a construction worker. We got to talking about churches (as in we're meeting a group from church in Alaska) and he said he'd been a Baptist, Missouri Lutheran, First Christian Church, and a Free Methodist something. It kind of depended on where he lived, Missouri - Lutheran, Oklahoma - Baptist, etc. We explained what CRC was and he said that he believed "no other truth than the Bible". We said amen brother and after getting more details on the KLR (he said the Corbin seat is a must have), wished each other Godspeed and pressed on.
We're overnight in Smithers at the Glacier view campground and in townn saw signs for several Reformed Churches and a lot of First Nation People (the correct Canadian term for Indians). The picture is of Hudson Bay Mountain at 8450', right across from our campground. Mickey's calling that the pasta is done, so until the next one.

Kawasaki's and Glaciers

Goodby Montana, Hello Canada

Goodbye Montana, Hello Canada!

Sorry - This is out of sequence by one

On Monday, Anna drove us to the Swift Dam where we had a beautiful hike. On the way, though, we observed that local custom of waiving at everyone who drives by you. In fact, when we drove by a local ranch, two guys working outside on the tractor waved at us, too. We concluded Montanans like to wave and hug. It certainly does make you feel right to home. The old Swift Dam failed in the early ‘60s, wiped out Dupuyer and went all the way to Valier, about thirty miles. Several people were killed. The new dam looks in pretty good shape (see picture). The hike was about 400’ vertical to get around the dam and back to the lake. The most fun of all was had by Camas, their dog. Anna’s going to be a good parent, though, because she wasn’t afraid to discipline Camas with the shocker when he went too far away. This might work good for their kids, too. The reason Anna wanted to keep Camas close was because last year a mountain lion got a little kid on the trail. He was bringing up the rear, instead of being in the middle. He didn’t die, but he was severely wounded. Anna tells Mickey this after the walk! We experienced several old people revelations. The first for Gary being that Andy Kuipers at Lokers Shoes is a God-send. If you need inserts, he’s the one to go to. Plantar fasciitis no more. Anna was very gracious and not condescending when she would regularly ask how we’re doing. We were doing fine, once we started going back downhill. After a picnic lunch and a faux paux by Gary when he, thinking a pear core would add to the environment, was reminded by the girls to “pack it in and pack it out.” Camas packed it in; he got his ear twisted by Anna.

That evening we enjoyed a roast beef dinner that Kurt’s and Anna’s cow friends regularly give them. Anna suggested Mom take a shower that night, because it sounded like dad was going to be up at the “butt-crack of dawn.” (She was right, by the way!)

Tuesday morning we said our goodbyes, which is always hard to do. Anna was planning to go to Great Falls to get her yellow fever shot for her trip to Argentina. When she went to get her immunization record, she found out her yellow fever shot she got in 1999 has one more year to go. She was so happy to have a whole new day to stay home and work in the yard. And she didn’t have to spend $103 either. However, her car was full of recycle, as they take their recycle to GF because there is no recycle in Conrad…yet! We crossed the border at Sweet Grass on the way to Calgary. We passed on Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump Monument because we’d been there before. Probably one of the most descriptive named monuments that we know of. Ask Di the story of it. Between the GPS, recommendations from Julie at the visitor center and Mickey’s map reading, we got lost in Calgary. Not really lost, just undecided I guess…undecided where to go next. We arrived in Banff mid afternoon and took our afternoon nap (Gary had been driving the whole way (7:30-3:00). We arrived at Tunnel Mountain Campground, Banff, where we stayed with 14^th Streeters (and Jacob deBoer) in 1996. The views are still spectacular, even though cloudy and rainy, but no elk in the campground this time (however, elk dodo!). Banff is pricey but the Spaghetti Factory was an all-inclusive meal and it’s where we ate with Zach and Ren four years ago. Memories were everywhere! The only sadness of the day was listening to Boston lose on XM Radio!

Wednesday, being an odd day, we took our showers and headed out to Icefield Parkway. The Parkway extends from Banff to Jasper for about 120 miles. It parallels the spine of the Rockies and is the most beautiful North American mountain drive there is. Our views were slightly diminished by rain and low ceilings but it was still spectacular. We saw our first bear (see picture) and mountain goats. We drove down to the Columbia Glacier, which, because of the retreat of the glacier as evidenced by markers indicating position and year, prompted a discussion on global warming. Global warming being a reality, how much of it is a result of us versus a natural cycle. Mickey, in her wisdom, said it doesn’t matter; we still need to do our part to decrease it. It was easy to pass up the restaurants in Jasper in favor of a tortilla sandwich lunch. The camper lunch was healthy and economical, which is needed to offset the “we haven’t hit $5 per gallon yet gas but we’re close.” And it’s worth every penny!! We heard more comments from some of you. Thanks and keep them coming, even though our internet connections won’t be as regular from now on.

We camped at Mt. Robson Prov. Park and started with a hike to Kinney Lake. It was about three hours round trip, but with only about 500 vertical feet, it was a beautiful walk, paralleling the Robson River. Gary got to try out his new hiking stick and would recommend one highly. Our campsite was right next to the river and after a great pork rib dinner and a bottle of Canadian Shiraz (oaky, with hints of currant berries), we introduced ourselves to our neighbors. After shaking hands, I asked where they were from. With a familiar brogue, they said they were the DeGroots from Holland. I said we’re Vander Veens from Holland. He said, “Ya, vell, all long time ago, maybe.” I said, “no, Holland, Michigan,” and they had a good laugh. We showed them the Tulip Time parade pictures on the computer as an introduction to and education about Holland, Michigan. We learned that Dutch dancing in wooden shoes isn’t very common anymore in The Netherlands. But their flowers and tulips are something they are very proud of. The DeGroots are members of the “freer denomination of Dutch Reformed.” We had an opportunity to educate them about Christian Reformed and that, unlike the strict Dutch Reformed denomination, we don’t wear black socks on Sunday, in fact some of us don’t even wear socks.

After a good night’s sleep, we hit the Yellow Head Highway and did breakfast at a rest stop on the Fraser River. Breakfast was bacon and eggs and fresh coffee made by Mickey, while Gary took pictures! Our goal today is to reach the Cassiar Highway, about 130 miles fom Prince Rupert on the Pacific. The Cassiar is the alternative route to Alaska, hooking up with the AlCan at Watson Lake. It’s about 1/3 gravel, but the gravel can be better to drive on than the frost-heaved AlCan, sometimes. Stop the presses!! We just saw our first grizzly! The distinctive brown fur with silver tips on its back and its massive size confirmed this was not a black bear. It was attempting to cross the highway, but quickly disappeared into the bush when we drove closer. Mickey decided not to get out and try to take a picture! Immediately thereafter, while still typing the info about the grizzly, we saw two black bears having breakfast. They also disappeared before we could get a picture. Now back to the Cassiar… fuel stops are few so good planning is required. Stop the presses again!!! Found another black bear having breakfast right next to the road. Gary got some fantastic pictures!! From the first sighting of bear to now was about five minutes. This is a whole lot more fun than John Ball Zoo! Back to the Cassiar again…Mickey’s looking forward to stopping at Jade City again, where the local industry is jade mining. Four years ago, when we stopped, they had just (and I mean that day) gotten phone service! So our next blog will probably be from Watson Lake in three days. Truck’s running great; the camper is feeling like home. We’re even getting used to the thinner mattress. However, we miss Tuck! We’re still planning on trying to sell our “little house on the freeway” in Alaska, but like with any home seller, there’s always some remorse involved. So if we end up driving back, that’s o.k., too.

We thought we were done with this blog, but “bear” with us. When we went to load the pictures on the computer, the Type II media was in the USB card reader, i.e., no bear pictures! The tech problem being we’ve got the GPS plugged, the computer charging, two cell phones, a USB card reader all going at the same time! How did our forefathers make it? (Mothers didn’t [don’t] need all these gadgets!) We “bearly” started shutting the computer down when, lo and behold, another bear!! Mickey quickly grabbed the Type II media, removed it from the USB card reader, holstered it into the camera, turned it on, gave it to Gary and he clicked away, “bearly” keeping the truck on the road as he backed up to get a better shot. That’s all for now, unless we come across a moose!

Breakfast and bears

Screwed up the dates - new blog at the bottom
Sorry

Sunday in Conrad

Sunday in Conrad

We went to Conrad Christian Reformed Church this morning. It being our second time and the fact that our kids go there, we were warmly received. Walking in, I met Jim Morren for the second time and expressed my condolences on the recent loss of his father, the Reverend John Morren. Jim is from Michigan and connected to Conrad because his father used to be the preacher here. Way back when Reverend John was going to Calvin Seminary, he worked summers for my dad doing concrete work. Jim told me that they recently replaced the concrete sidewalk at the parsonage here and it was real tough to remove. His dad had poured it back when he preached here (preachers do leave lasting legacies in a lot of ways, you know). Jim said his dad had learned how to do good six-bag concrete from my dad. So I told him that when my dad died, I made the comment at his funeral that Henry Vander Veen’s up in heaven complaining to the building and grounds angel about those streets of gold, and that six-bag concrete would be harder, last longer, and be a whole lot cheaper. It’s good to tell stories when your dad dies.

The prayer requests consisted of thanksgiving for successful knee surgery, condolences to Jim Morren, a grandfather dying of Alzheimer’s, and somebody with a bowel problem. The thing that struck me is that the requests were pretty similar to what I could have heard back at Fourteenth Street Church. But to God there’s no déjà vu. Mr. ?”s knees in Conrad are u-knee-kly special to God just like Linda’s are back at Fourteenth Street. Kind of a comforting thought, isn’t it?

The lead-in song was “Lord Our Lord, Thy Glorious Name” out of the blue songbook. The words really set the tone for worship, but I have to confess the tempo was pretty slow and it made me miss Gus from the Branding Iron more than a little. Reverend Reese then went on to tackle that tough issue in Colossians about Headship and Respect. I’m probably guilty of picking and choosing what to get from the sermon (along with my mind wondering – can I get the broken furnace fixed in the camper tomorrow), but here’s what I walked away with. Reese said that husbands should respect their wives because they are a suitable helper, critical, essential, necessary, rescuer, savior, perfect counterpart, without whom I’d be lost (kind of like a hand held GPS for life issues). And here’s the best – the other half - who makes me whole. Mickey is all that and more. After reading that, gentlemen, you better go give her a hug, along with some appropriate words, and when she asks “what’s up?” tell her it came from Reverend Vander Veen. Oh, and back to wondering minds, along with good sermons to keep your marriage close, forty degrees last night and a broken furnace also helps stay close.

Last Names

After dinner at the local café, we read the newspaper and then on to that time honored tradition of a Sunday afternoon nap (when I was little I always wondered why my parents had to go take a nap on Sunday, now that I’m older I know – to sleep).

The Great Falls Tribune listed the names and schools of local graduates and for some small town schools, there weren’t very many. Hinsdale and Brady each had five, Denton eleven, and Heart Butte eight. Browning, next to Glacier National Park and home of the Blackfoot Indian Reservation, appeared to be holding their own with about 100.

Here’s the names of some of them; Rowdy Cole Bird Rattler, Misty Autumn Dawn Burdeau, Summer Rose Gobert, Brandon Cole Heavy Runner, Jordan Evart Longtime Sleeping, Kati Hannah Rides At The Door, Edward Skunk Cap, Tyler James StillSmoking, and so on. Now being Dutch, I was always kind of proud that my name had meaning , and I’m sure my mom and dad would have applauded just as hard when I graduated (SCHC 1967), if they would have called out congratulations to Gary From The Swamp. However, it just doesn’t have the same ring as Misty Autumn Dawn Burdeau. Perhaps you younger couples and my kids can do something about this when naming time comes.

From Mickey:

As I proof Gary’s entry, he is in the kitchen helping Anna put together dinner, spinach triangles. He’s stuffing the spinach filling into the dough and folding them! What a sight! Good father/daughter time, eh? The boys are looking forward to watching the NBA Finals; the girls will do…I don’t know what. Tomorrow we’ll just “hang” with the kids, do some wash, some shopping. Gary was able to fix the furnace in the camper easier than thought…it just needed a new fuse! But last night, when it was soooo cold and we were tired, he didn’t have the patience to figure it out. I was already half asleep, buried under blankets. But once we warmed up, we stayed warm all night…and it rained all night! The sun is shining right now, but it’s cool because of the blasted wind! It’s always windy here! Looking forward to one more day with the kids; time goes so fast. But Tuesday morning we’ll continue on our journey. I’m thankful for Camas, getting my dog fix. And at the parade yesterday, I found the dog I want to get. Has anyone ever heard of a miniature Australian Shepherd? Just adorable!!! Gary said no more pets, and I think I have to agree. But I’m going to research the Mini Aussie and can’t wait to bring one home!

Bars, Churches, and Whoop Up

Bars, Churches, and Whoop Up

We arrived in Conrad on Friday afternoon after hugs with our kids, doing dinner and catch up, we went to the Branding Iron Bar and Bowling Alley to hear Eric (fingers Ray) Gustafson provide the entertainment for the evening. Gus, as he’s known, has a day job as a math teacher at Conrad High School where Anna teaches Spanish. Anna says he’s a great teacher but what impressed me most was that he’s a five man band all in one, as in Gus playing a drum, cymbal, harmonica, guitar, accordion, as well as singing. Kurt told me musical talent runs in the family, Gus’s brother does the YAHOOOO for Yahoo ( So what do you do for a living? I yodel yahoo for Yahoo. Who? Yahoo that’s who and that’s no hooey) Whew.

Anyway Gus and the Branding Iron Bar made me think of some similarities with church and some pointers churches could learn from bars. Now understand, Conrad has a population of about 2,000 so when you go to a bar, like church, you’re going to see a lot of people you know. In fact, I even saw somebody I knew in the person of Darrel who I’d met at church when we were out here for Easter. Darrel was in the majority - looking normal and savory, but there were several others that I’ll just say looked like real characters. Of course our church and maybe yours also has some “real characters.” This not being a bad thing in that I’m of the opinion that real characters (like Jim, Bill, and those others – you know who I’m talking about) give a church or a bar character.

And then there’s the young cowboys whom Gus told us were competing in the Conrad Whoop Up Rodeo. Broad shouldered, big belt buckles, a slightly bow legged gait, plus a disgusting example of dipping immediately followed by a long pull on a long neck, and hats that were big enough to be used as a drag chute on a Jet. I tried not to stare but you just don’t see real cowboys in Holland.

And just like Church, people there greeted each other with a hug, handshake or backslap. Now granted some of the bar hugs were a little more demonstrative than church hugs, but remember there’s nothing like a good hug to help thaw out some of the frozen chosen at church. Of course do your church hugs in moderation and in good order.

Another observation was that most everybody was pretty happy, as exhibited by a whole lot of smiling going on. The main source of their happiness was not the refreshments but the fellowship that was going on – see there’s a church phrase that applies to bars as well as vice versa. There was a whole lot of happiness and rhythm going on on the dance floor as well. I don’t know about you but I’m impressed when a couple can do a great two-step while they’re holding each other’s hands, and they’re hands are each holding a can of Busch. They didn’t even spill a drop – as Larry would say “now that there’s real talent.” Made me smile.

But back to multi-instrumented, -talented, -tasking Gus. You probably really can’t compare him to a preacher, but he did lead us in singing, and his rendition of Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues has confession (shot a man in Reno), remorse (I hung my head and cried), recognition of his sin and misery (I knew I had it coming) but not much hope in the end other than a lonesome whistle blowing his blues away.

So we had a good time at the Branding Iron Bar and Bowling Alley but as I write this on a Saturday night, I’m looking forward to hearing Q&A1 and whatever else Reverend Reese has to preach about tomorrow. I know it will affirm that He came, He died, and He rose again so that my joy and my hope and my comfort may be made complete. Or with a little help from Johnny Cash - He blew my blues away. And you can’t get that at a bar.

Whoop Up Days in Conrad

First of all, how did the Whoop Up get its name? Elementary - Tulip Time has Tulips and Whoop Up Days has people whooping it up at a parade, rodeo, golf scramble, pancake breakfast and the Branding Iron. That’s my definition; the one in the brochure said that Conrad was on the trail that whiskey traders took from Fort Benton to Canada. With a substantial amount of 180 proof grain alcohol as part of the cargo, the trader was admonished not to let the Indians “whoop you up.” Thus began the Whoop Up Trail and now Whoop Up Days. A kids parade is first and then the main event consisting of horses, tractors, semis, Shriners in little cars, old cars, motorcycles, Whoop Up Queen wanna bees, and all of them throwing out candy to the crowd.

The Rodeo was out of town aways and was great fun as well. Check out the pictures. The caption contest requires one for the upside down cowboy - what did he say, as well as one for the horse. Coffee on me at JP's for the prize winner. It was very windy and cold, but we stayed for two hours. It finally started to rain, so we headed back “to the ranch.” After some people took little naps, Anna made gnoccis (it’s a potato pasta), which was good. A bottle of red wine and discussions about politics and religion, and we got warmed up from the two hours in the damp wind. We are all now pretty worn out, and with church tomorrow we need to get some sleep. Anna just told us we have to go early because we have to set up for the snacks (that Anna made) after church. Gary is right now reading the local weather, and it’s wet and cold for the next three days!!! Ugh!! Until next time…

Day 1, 2 and 3

June 4, 5, and 6

Day 1

From Mickey:

We are finally on our way! It was hard to say goodbye to Tucker. Gary (a/k/a Pilot) was gracious to let Mickey (a/k/a Co-Pilot) go at her own pace this morning, thus the 9:15 a.m. departure, unlike four years ago (5:15 a.m. departure)! We had lunch on the road and dinner NW of Minneapolis at Perkins. Stayed at Sinclair Lewis (public) RV park. Backed the camper up to the edge of the water and went right to bed! It was 9:30, but 10:30 Michigan time.

Stats: 677 mi; 59 gal; 11.5 mpg; aver 60 mph

Day 2

From Mickey:

Pulled out of campground at 6:15…neither one of us could sleep any longer. Pilot has Co-Pilot doing all the secretarial work when he’s driving…and some math! This is a quote from the Pilot: “So here we are, Thursday morning, and the Pilot gets the idea to figure out how much money we’re saving on our better gas mileage (yesterday, 11.5 vs. four years ago, 9.1; 65 mph, no headwind vs. 70 mph). We were both feeling really good about this until we do the math and find out on a 900 mile trip, we saved 10 gal, i.e., $40. Upon this revelation, the Pilot puts the pedal to the metal!” Had breakfast at a rest stop an hour into our drive. Had a little excitement already. Pilot saw a deer in the median of the highway and was pointing it out to me. For some reason he didn’t slow down until he realized the deer was spooking and going to run across the road in front of us. This is no exaggeration: The deer crossed in front of us within inches…Mickey could see its eyelashes and terrified eyes! Had lunch just outside Bismark. Took MT 24 to Fort Peck, where we would spend the night. It’s a two lane road in the middle of nowhere with no cars. Saw red tail hawk and took pictures. One the pictures of the road is on this blog. Stopped at the scenic overlook at Fort Peck Dam. Didn’t expect to see the world’s largest earthen dam. It was amazing. Fort Peck Lake has 1,500 miles of shoreline! Arrived at Downstream Campground in Fort Peck at 6:00. It was nice to relax after the day of driving. Gary had a beer and cigar while we waited for the coals to heat up for our brats. Wine, salad, guagamole and beans with the brats outside on our picnic table. We even had a fire. Met Melvin and Helen from eastern MT. Melvin flies a super Cub for his ranch. He bought it new in 1986 and he’s the only who’s only flown it and still flies it daily, herding cattle and hunting wolves. He and Helen are taking their first get away from the ranch, but their boys are already putting a guilt grip on him for leaving. We told him about our motto, “Don’t wait until you’re in a walker.” Melvin, like Gary, got a jury notice just before he left. He said, “They’ll have to come and get me; I’m leaving.” Gary liked the sound of that.

Stats: 678 mi; 61 gal; 11 mpg; 60 mph

Day 3

From Mickey:

We left the campground at 8:00 this morning, headed to Anna’s and Kurt’s. Driving through Saco, MT (pop.362), along Milk River (that’s the color), listening to CNN’s Candi Crowley interviewing Obama about political stuff, Mickey was listening to her MP3 player (bluegrass, of course). Looking at the town, the Co-Pilot breaks forth with a trueism, “Those people in Washington do not have a clue about these people here, and vise versa.” We had lunch in Hingham, MT, in a city park. We headed straight for Kurt and Anna. Arrived at 3:13 p.m. Anna was running an errand when we got here, but she’s here now! And Camas was very happy to see us, too!

We will be downloading this before our day is over because the Saturday guys want a report before JP’s.

Stats: 313 mi; 31.7 gal; 9.9 mpg; 53 mph

Now for the creative half of this couple: Gary:

Revelations and Mysteries:

First of all, thanks to all who made this trip possible: my boss, fellow employees picking up the slack, backup pilots, Leah and Derek house and pet-sitting, HC getting out a week early, and, of course, the Big One – Thanks, God! Yesterday’s Common Lectionary had the great Ecclesiastes passage in chapter 3: for everything there is a season. After the Simon and Garfunkle parts it says: moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in their toil. Now, I know you have to be careful about reading into the passage. After all, some people use that New Testament passage about “wearing the marks of Christ” as justification for bodily disfiguration (Q&A One). But, along with enjoying food and drink, it feels pretty good to travel. What a blessing for me that I have pleasure in my job as well as I-94 through North Dakota!

The mystery of the day is, why do they call them “rest stops?” I hardly ever see anybody resting there. [Co-Pilot did, at the last stop!] In fact, at the end of the day, we passed on resting at one of the rest stops and instead paid $20 to stay at the Sauk Centre Sinclair Lewis campground. This generated a discussion by two old people [Co-Pilot says, speak for yourself, Pilot!] with CRS disease (Can’t Remember Stuff) [Co-Pilot agrees, we both have this disease], wondering who is Sinclair Lewis? Is he the Chicago stockyard guy, or was that Upton Sinclair, or maybe Huey Lewis? Can anyone out there help us on this one? But, we had a good rest at the park. Back to rest stops, the question of the day is, when do we stop? Can we make it to the next one? Quick, Co-Pilot, look at the map and see how far it is. To help us with this critical decision, we need to go with that crusty old fart and advice giver, Jack Nicholson. He said there are three things he’s learned about getting old, one of them being “never pass up a restroom.” (Ask Bill and Di about the other two!) And as to the name, “rest stops,” we’ll have to go with Co-Pilot’s favorite, bladder flatter stop, 28 miles.

Songs of the Day: Rejoice in the Lord Always. Co-Pilot sang lead, Pilot sang echo. This is from our devotional, The Joy of Prayer, by Al Vander Griend. Note that it’s ISO 9000, as well as good operating practices, to require the Pilot, while driving, unlike in the airplane, to pray with eyes open! The other song was hard for the Co-Pilot to remember [because she’d never heard it before, so it’s not CRS disease], especially with the Pilot singing the one phrase he could remember! The phrase is, “I want to ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh…” Providentially, XM Radio Nashville played it this morning (second day). It’s Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettels (sp) singing, “I just want to ooh, ooh….love you.”

We ended the second day taking great pleasure with a bottle of merlot and nicely turned brats. We both slept real good.

Friday morning we met PA Bob, a retired school teacher who, along with his wife, are also headed to Alaska. We determined that when you meet people on the road, there are “one-ways” and “two-ways.” Bob was a one-way. We heard a lot about Bob (“what about Bob?), but Bob didn’t hear much about us. Nancy, on the other hand, was a two-way. She’s from Gallatin, MT, riding her Yamaha Virago by herself with all her camping gear. We traded “where we’re froms and what we dos” after I complimented her on her bike adventure. She told me that she works in a gas station and the reason she got into biking was that every time bikers came in to pay for their gas, they always had smiles on their faces. So last year she learned how to ride and this year she’s on the road. I told her we sold our Yamaha V-Star for gas money to Alaska, but we’ll be smiling again soon. After pulling out of Fort Peck, we hit the road, the road being US 2. US 2 is one of America’s classic roads. It’s not an expressway, but you can go 70 mph most of the time. You do have to slow down for the myriad of small towns you go through. One of them was Hingham, MT, where we had lunch at their beautiful park. The center of the park was almost filled up with a big white tent for an impending wedding. While we were eating, several young men came and went, obviously part of tonight’s celebrations. The wind was a steady 30, gusting to 40+ and we both thought of an upcoming Funniest Home Videos where not the bride falls down but the tent falls down. We said a little prayer and moved on. We’ll be at Anna’s and Kurt’s in a couple hours. We’re looking forward to the rodeo tomorrow and church at Conrad CRC, which we have to go to because the Dalmans are in charge of treats. Another good reason for going is to worship with God’s people and hear Vander Veen preach. Rev. Reese Vander Veen, that is. Stay tuned for the next update on this adventure.