THANKSGIVING 2013 AT DRY CREEK, ALASKA

Good-morning! Thanksgiving's come and gone and Christmas is peeking around the corner…wow…already??  Where has the year gone to one wonders?

We had a most excellent Thanksgiving Day and a wonderful weekend filled with family and friends.  Kathryn and May and the high-school students did a superb job on the Thanksgiving food.  (I was pretty worried because Bro Andy has done it for so many years that he probably writes his to do list with his eyes shut!)  Bradie wrote and directed a skit for the high school and jr high students to perform.  That was well done.  Brad had a poem to share, but I forgot to get it from him.  Oh, we called Andy and Sarah Jane with speaker phone and had a big group sharing of hellos and such! THAT WAS SO COOL TO HEAR THEIR VOICES!

We had many guests that swelled our numers to about 130 folks:  Ella and her parents; Lizzie; Jake & Phanta & family; Don & Liz Werhonig & family plus their babysitter plus one of Charity's boys; Sam & Marki & family; Penny Clark; Meghan plus a couple of friends; Marki's dad; Pat & Bethany & the twins ELLA N' ESSIE; Toby & Marie; Paul Trotzke with Katie, Tom, and Eli Steer; Koehlers; Stephen & Melissa; Jewel & Lee & Vanessa; Kylin & the kids (Andrew had to work); Peter & Stacey; Joey; Kenny Chartier who is up working in Fairbanks for awhile; I think that's all of them.  And, Sis Millie came out to the meal too!   

During Thanksgiving Day, the kitchen sink disposal decided to quit working - not a good day for that.  The kids dealt with that superbly.  Rich has since purchased a new disposal, and Garth kindly installed it.  I sure miss Steve Squires in times like that; he usually has a spare stashed away somewhere. 

Dan Ricciardelli preached on Sunday morning; Ben led worship. Bro Dan spoke on how obedience and faith go hand in hand; you cannot have one without the other.  He gave several great examples, but my favorite was the example of the centurion with the sick daughter.  

We had a sweet sharing meeting last night with Rose, Tommy, and Gri as speakers.  The theme I saw in the sharing was praise and thankfulness to the Lord and appreciation for each other.  Gri led worship; I loved that. She does not get up too often any more so it's always a treat to have someone different.

I haven't heard from the Trotters in awhile; I assume Bro Andy is diligently taking his chemo.  Bro George is going to and from the hospital for his chemo treatments this week.   Christine Jepsen, Rich's sister,  is done with her chemo for now; her platelets are low at present so that is a matter for concern.  I haven't heard from Rachael Williamson concerning Shane, their little boy who has a rare form of melanoma - last I knew he was recovering from his chemo and radiation treatments.  Part of his side affects were bad sun burns, chapped lips, and sores in his mouth.  Samuel Wenger was recently diagnosed with some sort of blood disease.  The Drs feel it is treatable; they are presently figuring out a treatment plan.

Jarred and Seth F are diligently applying themselves to building and installing the tabernacle bathrooms.  After three years, we might actually be getting somewhere.  Merlin had to re-route the tab water heating system since it ran on the floor where we were putting the door to the new bathrooms. It's pretty exciting.  

Olivia (and Wendy sometimes) has been doing an impressive job with Sis Millie's physical therapy.  She is improving and gaining strength.  Olivia, mostly, goes to the Basalygas twice a day - in the morning they do arm and hand therapy.  In the afternoon, it is the leg and foot's turn for therapy.  Wendy makes sure all their day to day things are taken care of and fills in whenever Olivia needs to be gone (she's our Basalyga coordinator).  Everyone pitches in.

Pat & Gri had a wonderful time with their grandies and lovely parents. The cabin was full and busy but the girls behaved themselves admirably and were sociable with everybody who approached them. Such sweet things! Talking up a storm and stealing the show at every turn. They stayed for 8 days and then had to leave since they had medicals in Palmer. PatLou filled his time being a very good daddy and also working with his uncle Ben Mehaffey at Alaska Blacksmithing to produce a very nice ornate metalwork lamp stand which will look very nice in their new home that they have recently purchased in Palmer, Alaska. 

It will look something like this when finished:

But right now it looks like this:

PL also did some felling of trees for those who needed that done around their cabins. Spent some quality time with his Grams Floan. He even squeezed in a Snowshoeing trek up the mountain with his uncle. We miss them already! PatL is soon to start working for a French Canadian Oil Servicing Company as a slick liner. He will no longer do firefighting. I am sure he will sorely miss firefighting and the friends he's made down trough the years, however this company offers much better benefits coverage, which is a big consideration when one has a small family to consider. He will work two weeks on and 2 off which will be great since he can spend more time with his girls. GOD SPEED PAT! 

Here is a link to the company, a giant conglomerate multinational organization.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schlumberger

http://www.slb.com/services/well_intervention/slickline.aspx

Pat Sr. left for a week of piano work up in Barrow.

And now a few thoughts on the season from The Most Important Christmas Choice by Tracie Miles

<<

Tis' the season to be merry... and stressed. Although it should be a season of peace, this month can often make us feel more tangled up inside than a messy string of Christmas lights.

Some people dread the hustle, bustle, and emotional rustle this time of year brings, knowing that irritability, loneliness, or depression will threaten. While there are others who may love the Christmas season, but worry, busyness, family conflicts, and unmet expectations take their toll.

In either case, we have a decision. We can choose to get bogged down with stress or we can choose to bow down in worship.

Scripture gives us a beautiful picture of praise in Luke 2:13-14. When Jesus was born, an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds sharing the good news. Then many other angels joined together and praised God.

"Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.'" (NLT)

Keeping Christ in Christmas is more than just a cliché. It is an intentional act of worship. It requires a heart of adoration, much like the angels had. When Jesus is the focus of our holiday, we're centered on His love, peace, and joy. The holidays can bring a flurry of heightened emotions and can often result in an unhealthy level of stress which can prevent us from engaging in worship and praising the One we are supposed to be celebrating.

There will be lots of choices to be made during the month of December. The most important choice we can make is to worship and sing praises to our Lord. For His gift. For His love. For His peace. And when our hearts are at peace, our holidays can be too.

Have a great rest of the week.

NOVEMBER. FIRST DUMP!

Hello,

It is gently snowing this morning; therefore, while I sit here, I’m watching the temperature rise from 10° to now 25°. 

  Trying to get to devotions yesterday morning was quite the feat since we all had to wade through a foot of wet snow.  It was awesome.  As soon as possible, the men had shovels and large machinery in order to clear paths, roads, and porches.  It actually was very amazing - the snow depth, the machines, the snow flying from shovels.  And, now winter is here in full swing - no more pebbles and dirt being tracked in; no more worries about the ground freezing without proper insulation. We miss Christ Toby Williams since he usually is the one who goes out with his horse plow and plows the roads for us. He's gone for a visit to see Hope Magraf.

Kimberli and Skylar have gone to spend three weeks with Joel and Dena.  Seth is doing fairly well as Mr. Mom.

Hannah Davis' baby is still in the hospital and is improving slowly.  Grace developed lactose intolerance (which I guess is typical of preemies).  They would like us to pray that this situation improves.

Jon and Julie have flown to GA to visit the Squires family down there.

Ben's mom, Sharon, passed away in Canda. I don't know much about any follow up arrangements.

Over the weekend, Jim, Bonnie, Jannis, and Wenda made a quick Anchorage trip.  They got home just in time to miss most of the snowy roads.  (Wenda is infatuated with being "Great DeeDee" ever since Paul and Rebekah had their first baby a couple of weeks ago!)

Sis Millie did arrive home last Wednesday.  She is doing VERY well.  No, she is not up and walking yet, but she is improving slowly with therapy provided by Olivia and Wendy.  Both Rus and Millie's attitude adjustments to change and lack of control of their circumstances has been the testimony to me.  Sis Millie's continued optimistic attitude each day is encouraging to me.

Sis Marilyn has not been feeling up to par for the last week, but she is doing better now.  Maybe the flu?

Since Lee Addison has to have some more surgery (on the limbs that were stuck in the coal processor), Kathy has gone to Fairbanks to babysit her grandchildren.

(We sure miss Andy and Sarah Jane!). So weird to go into the HS at some point and only MC is in there with the kids, one looks into the classroom and sees only kids...a dearth of teachers, it seems. 

Seth killed all his pigs last week.  He and Seth Fouse butchered all the meat and put it up.  Last night, when we were supposed to only have hot dogs for supper, we were surprised by pork ribs cooked up by Seth F.  The cook crew also made fresh snow cream from all our new snow - something I haven't eaten since teenaged years.  Seth took some or all of our hams over to Whitestone where Jeremy Austin taught and helped Seth make proper hams.  I cannot wait to eat that! 

Rob is enjoying the snow as are all of our youngsters. They frolic and kick and roll around in the fluffy stuff. After school I can hear sounds in the woods, so I'm guessing snow caves and more snow forts are in order.

May and Wendy are attending a gardeners symposium of sorts given by some prof. I am sure we'll hear about it.

Also, school was closed in Fairbanks yesterday and today due to freezing rains.  I heard that the roads were okay enough but that the worst part was the rain freezing on the windshields.  People were having to pull over and thaw their windshields while driving from place to place. 

I forgot to mention in my last email that Ella spent the weekend with us.  Her parents went caribou hunting in the Paxson area (unsuccessfully, so far).  I had an awesome weekend. 

This coming Sunday, Eagles’ Ridge Ranch is coming to have church with us.  There are seventeen folks living there (five are children) so we should have a nice influx. 

Ben leaves again today to do a show in Fairbanks – I think it’s the Winter/Christmas Home Show.  He said the memorial for his mom will probably be next weekend in Whitehorse.  I’ll pass along more details if I ever find them out.

Bro George had a rough weekend, but he is doing better now.  If anyone wants updated info, you can go to the Caring Bridges link or I can forward you the info posted there.  Let me know if you need help.  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/georgelharris

Have a great day

Recent one from Delta photographer Sebastian Saarlos.

NOVEMBER....already????

Yesterday morning was a chilly 0°.  I happily donned my fleece lined skinny pants under my other clothes.  This morning, it is not so brisk.  It is 15°.  Because our smattering of snow is sticking to the ground so far, we look a little messy around here – not enough snow for beauty; too much brown for beauty; everything’s barren and frozen. 

Amy Wheeler, from Whitestone Farms, is looking for a ride from Delta to Whitehorse if anyone is going that direction or knows of anyone going that direction.  You can contact Amy atajwheeler88@yahoo.com.  Thank you.

Tommy and the guys separated the calves from their mommas.  Oh my.  You should hear them cry.  It is annoying and sad all at the same time.  Yesterday was simply terrible, but they’re already adjusting!

We had an excellent service on Sunday (to me it was most refreshing).  Thomas led worship; Sis Margaret and Bro Garth both followed with a word on the unprofitable/profitable servant. 

With the winds of last week, the fire at Whitestone kicked up again.  They actually had firefighters out there.  I think with this increased cold weather and lack of wind that the fire is fine again.  I think the fire just goes under the muskeg and sits waiting for a wind to kick up and fan it.

Kimberli and Skylar have flown to Arizona to be with Joel and Deena and their new baby for a few weeks.  I’m envious of her time in the sun!

Ben did a show in Anchorage last weekend.  He did not do as well as he would’ve liked, but he did okay.  For his first time in an area, he actually did really well.  Only some of the vendors knew him so he was setting up all new clientele.  Once home, Ben flew back to Vancouver to be with his parents.  His mother keeps pulling out her NG tube so the doctors and Ben’s dad, Hal, have opted to leave the tube out. 

Seth slaughtered all his pigs last week.  Today, he and Seth Fouse will begin the butchering process.  I’m so excited about pork meat.

Stephen Casey wrote last night to say that he and his wife, Melissa, are expecting in June.  Another Casey grandchild!  Whatever will those Casey grandparents do?

Oh….I said that Hannah Davis and her baby were home; only Hannah is at home.  Little Grace is still in the hospital until she can eat a certain amount each day and be at a certain weight.  Everything is going well so far.

Pat B has gone to his yearly trip to Copper River and Glenallen. He won't be staying at SAPA since the closure so has probably found new lodgings while he is there. The roads are icy and hazardous. Everybody needs to get into their winter driving mentality.

Tommy Geyer MC'd a very good Hunters Breakfast. Hunting yarns and tall tales abounded. Kathryn, May, Kerri, Emmy, and others made a scrumptious breakfast spread. Paul & Maria T, brought a ton of donuts. Prizes were given out. I think that Tim Kohler won the Antler Derby at 58inches and Seth F was runner up...not sure of all the measurements though... :). There was a good turn-out, with hunters and would-be hunters crawling out of the woodwork to enjoy good food and fellowship.

We’re thanking God that Bro George’s yesterday fever has gone; also that Christine only has two more treatments of chemo; and that Bro Rus will bring sis Millie home tomorrow. 

Have a great week!

OCTOBER EVENTS, SO FAR....long

Hello Folks, Since I have been remiss for the past few weeks this one is rather long. Just plain news with no frills. This post gives a run-down of particular situations which need our prayer and attention. 

God bless and help us All!

Ps. 18:

1I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.

2The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

3I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

4The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.

5The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.

6In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

<<16He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.

17He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.

..31For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?

32It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect

.

33He

maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.

34He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

35Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

36Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip...

From Sarah, our resident reporter:

Just a quick hello note.  Most of our soggy snow has melted esp after yesterday’s slight, warm breeze.  This morning it is 29°. 

The loggers left early on Tuesday morning to build a small cabin near Summit.  They left at 6 am and arrived home at 7 pm. 

School seems to be going well for everyone.  I’m super excited about my photography class.  Soon we will be inundating you with pictures again.  We’ve had to make some adjustments in our teacher situation since last winter we lost Rachel and now Andy and Sarah Jane are in the states for some time.  Gri is doing Rob and HS Rosetta Spanish with 3 students. Ann had taken Bro Andy’s science class, Kathryn has taken his math classes and a history class, Sister Margaret has incorporated Sis Sarah Jane’s classes into her own.  Jo has come back to the elementary school to help Jeni, Kath, and Ann over there.  Carolyn, Cathy P, and I are doing our regular classes I think.  The Trotters are sorely missed!

We had a prayer meeting on Wednesday since we felt overwhelmed with our many needs – Bro Andy, Sis Millie, and so much more. 

On Tuesday night, while Basalygas were in Fairbanks, Sis Millie experienced a TIA.  Bro Rus was able to get her to the hospital in good time, but she has been so weak that they are still there.  Sis Millie loves hand written notes, but if anyone would like to send an email to me (or tolivingwordministry73@gmail.com – which I still get J), I will get it up to Fbks to her.  If you’d like to hand write a letter, well, I suppose you could mail it here.  She’ll most likely be home by then. 

Kathy Casey has arrived home from her trip to see her family; she was quite happy to see the snow.  (NOT!)

I have posted my potato harvest pictures to Facebook.  I’ll put down the link but I’m not sure just anyone can see them.  I had to privatize my pictures since I had some malcontents taking my pictures and using them to show how prosperous we have gotten at the expense of those who have left and how abusive we are towards children (having them work in the garden, etc).  I’ll send a few by email for you who can’t access fb.  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151667619381569.1073741846.674561568&type=1&l=89a8ba20c3

&amp;&amp;&amp;&&

Hi.  Today was a little dreary with gray clouds and gusts of wind that probably reached 20 mph or higher at times.  Of course, the temperature is staying between 50° and 56°, but the wind is not a happy wind. 

We had a work day on Sunday to work on projects that need to be buttoned up before winter time.  It was mostly a man work day but some of us women did other things, like pack up things in the Basalyga house.  The men worked on putting in a new boiler at the tabernacle.  The plan for that new boiler is that it has pipes running to it from the generator shed.  The heat from the generator shed is supposed to supplement the boiler to help heat the tabernacle and provide plenty of hot water for the tab’s needs.  (Yeah, I don’t know if I said all that right, but you men can figure it out).  I did see the old men’s outhouse being hauled away to the dump.  That outhouse tipped over in that hideous windstorm we had last fall.  Because we’re moving Bro Rus’ office upstairs and the Basalyga’s living quarters downstairs, a crew went over there – some into demolition, others into taking down pictures and storing items safely.  Oh, and some guys put in the smaller Hobart bread machine (right next to our big one) for when we need to make small batches of things.  It was a successful day mostly. 

Since my last email, Bro George Harris has been diagnosed with acute mylogenous leukemia.  Val started a blog about the situation where we can go to for updates.  Here is the link: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/georgelharris

I talked to Bro Rus tonight; not much is different since the last time I wrote.  But Bro Rus said they had a good day today.

Joel Milliron and Dena and son, Jameson, are visiting for a few days.  Actually, Dena was here for three days before going home leaving behind Jameson and his dad to visit with the rest of their family.   The Nathan Milliron family has gotten tired of the Alaskan winters and are soon heading back to Arizona. 

Kelly Milliron and Kevin Jepsen are approved to start wedding plans.  I will keep you posted when I know something more.  J

Bro Andy is still running a slight fever although he is doing somewhat better.  He will see the doctor tomorrow and we’ll know more of what is going on.  Hannah’s family is sorely missing her, but I know her folks are enjoying her stay with them.  Craig is making slow progress on his cabin. 

Hannah Davis will reach 33 weeks tomorrow; if all continues as it is, she will have a caesarean delivery on November 6^th. 

Ben’s mom had couple of strokes in the past couple of weeks and is in the hospital in Vancouver. On Sunday morning, Sharon ate and brushed her teeth before falling asleep.  Although all her vitals appear fine, she is still “asleep”.  Ben and Ellen (from Whitestone) have flown to Vancouver to support Hal and the other siblings.

Tommy has been in Kodiak working for Jason U – the unofficial story is that he’s down there hunting.  To be fair, he’s probably doing some of both. 

My photography class has grown from three to five students.  They are such interested children that I’m completely enjoying them.  The original three students are high school kids (Bradie, Amanda, and Nic) while the other two are graduates – Rachel Lupo and Cody Williams.  Soooon, you will get to see some pictures.  We are busy learning a few techniques before we start showcasing photos. 

Rob is enjoying some cool kits for Science (Human Body, Minerals, Weather, Planets and Solar System) courtesy of REACH ACADEMY, Tok. He is also enjoying his ART 101 with Miss Katie Crossin.

Have a great week.

POTATO HARVEST AND SCHOOL START...

Good morning!  It appears that we did not collect our potatoes too soon.  All weekend, we’ve had wet flurries of snow that wasn’t really sticking, but this morning, we have a nice inch layer of snow on the ground.  It still looks pretty wet which is understandable since the temperature is right at 32°. 

We picked up potatoes on Saturday through the wet flurries.  Since we had such a great turn out of people, we were done in just a couple of hours.  We even had some neighbors help – Betty Hilliker, Paul Trotzke, and the Hudgin family. 

Bro Andy has had a few rough days, but we believe that those are behind him. 

Griselda went for a women’s retreat this weekend.  She seemed to have a great time.  Wenda took Sis Rose Dunning to Anchorage for a dental appointment.  Why Anchorage?  Because she’s used that dentist for 30 years, and they were in the middle of a crown work up when she moved here.

The guys are madly trying to finish baling the straw which is selling nearly as fast as we can bale it.  I’m not sure where we are in the grain harvest. 

First day of school went off with a blast! The kids were so ready to start, they were waiting on their desks before the bell rang...haha...hope this keeps up.

Rob has a busy week, taking art with Miss Katie Crossin - with the BIG kids - as he makes note, as well as PE with Jarred Milliron and the rest of the grade school. I plan to supplement it with Snowshoeing and his treadmill.

Rob has really gotten into Narnia, so we are reading abridged versions I found online with LOTS of neat pictures, some are based on the movies and he likes that. Still does Phonics and Math online plus regular workbooks, hope to get in some science and Heritage too, as well as his Rosetta. It's a matter of planning for me...so much we could do, but the pace is so slow that we can't fit it in, but we'll do the best we can.

Pat has gone off for a week of tuning in Valdez. He says it's nice and sunny still, while we are slushy, wet, cold and gray... :(

Pat and Beth have closed on the house they were looking at. Yaaaiiii. We will see them for Thanksgiving.

Ani is doing well, learning many needed lifeskills, content but missing us as we do her. May and I plan to go visit for Christmas.

Keep the Faith and stay strong in the Lord. Bless you and have a great week!

END SEPTEMBER CONTINIUM

Even though the winds in the last couple of days were not particularly warm, it has kept the temperature more moderate, and it has melted most of the snow that we had.  This morning at 7 am, it is 28° and calm. 

This past week, we cut the last of our moose meat and put it away, and we harvested our potatoes that we plant on this side of the farm.  I think we collected four or five bins of nice sized potatoes.  Later on, either Saturday or Sunday, but probably Sunday, we will harvest our potatoes from ATR.   The men have a few buttoning up projects to finish with construction and with farming (straw, grain, etc) before we are set for the winter.

Also, this week, we received news that Seth and Amaris’ relationship is witnessed to by the family, the elders, and the Lord.  I know no details of when, where, and where (yes, I said where twice), but we will know those things when it is time. 

Bro Andy had his surgery yesterday and since his tumor was bigger than expected and a little more involved than expected, the hospital stay will be a little longer than expected.  Their email isasjtrotter@gmail.com if anyone would like to send a note to them.  The Trotters were given an ipad from their sweet son in law, Craig, so they can easily collect email and even do imessage (via their email address). 

Hannah Davis was 30 weeks yesterday; they are praying that she makes it till 37 weeks.  Hannah’s email is hannahdav@hotmail.com if you’d like to write to her.  I’ve heard a couple of times from Judy and Steve; they are doing well, although pretty busy chasing Owen around, Hannah’s two year old boy. 

The Loggers show did air on Monday night.  I heard it was called Steel vs Snow.  I’m hoping to get the recording from one of my brothers so more here can see it.

The Loggers left last Thursday to build a cabin in Homer. Due to rain and other things, they did not get done as quickly as they planned.  I trust they arrived home late last night.  (They did have a few hours one evening to get in some fishing so they didn’t totally suffer!)

Russell Stendall was indeed here last night to preach.  I’m not sure what he meant his theme to be for sure, but I heard him saying that we shouldn’t be looking for a specific time for God to move because God is moving right now in our lives; and for us to be sure we are found in the right garments for the wedding feast.

Olivia has returned home for awhile. Doing online schoolwork - as Jessy and Olivia are doing - is tough with our remote and not so fast internet set up, but they are doing their best to make it work for them. 

Yesterday was supposed to be Ann and Wayne’s last day in Sapa, but they were having a difficult time getting everything finished before they left so I’m not sure if it really was their last day or not.  If you’d like to send them a note, their email is:  ewgentry@cvalaska.net

Monday next is school and teachers are madly trying to get ready while students are probably wishing the day would never come...well...some do want to come back I guess. Parents are probably happy that they get their kids within 4 walls for part of the day at least, and that they are not all running around like wild things...oh the beauty of carefree summer and fall days on an Alaska farm! How I love thee...

Rob got a new Speech Pathologist, which he had when he was 3. She came back and now is meeting him all over again as a 16 year old. HOW COOL IS THAT! Thanks Debra Fortune, good year ahead for Rob's team!

Here's a little dirt bunny we found in the tater field.

                                                  BE MY POTATOE HEAD VALENTINE

Have a good day and rest of the week.