MAINLY FARM NOOS - PAST 2 WEEKS JULY/AUG.

Good morning. Some belated news from the home front. From the past 2 weeks while I was gone. Thanks Sarah! Below is a joint effort since I (Gri) missed so much of what was has been going on.

 Last week, we had two 82 degree days this week before the clouds rolled in and dropped .35” of rain on us.  The last two nights we’ve had lows of 36° and 38°.  A little brisk, I’d say.  We are getting some of our hay in finally, but there is trouble with the balers.  Hopefully that is soon fixed. 

We still have a grizzly running around at night.  It found our compost buckets once, found the grain shed once, unhappily found my burn barrel (but there was nothing fun in it) once, got shot at with buck shot once by some boys, but he keeps prowling around.  I guess grizzly season opens on the 10^th.  If Fish & Game haven’t done anything about him by then, I’m sure someone will shoot him soon thereafter. 

  

We’ve been working in our garden most nights harvesting greens or raspberries and sometimes May has us weed.  We have a been blessed with bountiful vegetables.  We are blessed – plenty of raspberries, cabbage, greens, broccoli, and more.  We just need more hay! Thanks to our Maymay…bless her…and thanks to all the crew of canning/freezing ladies. Now we have so many goodies put up for the winter months. BTW Tomatoes are doing awesome, thanks Wendy, Jo (and her crew), Rus.

After the bear got into the grain the other night, we didn’t see any sign of him for a few days. Many of us thought he’d gotten bloated and trundled off to wait it off or die.  But, no.  Last night, he returned to overturn barrels by the tab and to get into the grain in a big way.  He mauled several bags and hauled one bag into the woods beyond the barns. 

Hannah Mason came home last night; Andy and Sarah Jane will be home next week.  Andy is feeling better each day.  Once home, the Trotters will stay here for a couple of weeks before returning to Seattle for a procedure on his ongoing treatment on his liver. 

We had a treat yesterday – Nancy and Paul Baltrum plus two of their grands (Cole Williamson & Jayden Timm) came for supper and a few hours.  It was sooooo good to see their faces. Nancy was our in residence midwife for many years, she delivered most of our babies on the farm. When she saw May  whom she delivered 25 years ago in our cabin - she looked at Paul and said: “Paul, we must be getting old!”… Anyway it was nice to see them, they have over a dozen grandkids from 4 of their 7 kids. 

Last week, Lee and Claire Wilkerson came out to visit for a little bit.  Hannah and Lewis and Carson came with them.  Hannah helped Amaris and Maddie make a stellar meal of empanadas and salsa and other yummy things. They came out again on Sunday for our service and Lee had a good word. It is always nice for Pat and myself to catch up with them, Pat goes way back with Lee to his times as a single guy up in the dorm above the Tab here at Dry Creek, I go back to my days in Spain with them both of course, so it’s nice to sit and chat about old times…both Pat and myself had Lee&Claire as music instructors when we were at the Shepherd School of Music. They have their own music business, check their site out!

http://www.musicali.biz/

A group from Dry Creek participated at the Delta Fair! The loggers put together a cabin kit as a float on one of their logging semis. The irony is that Rob and I have been going all by our lonesomes for a few years now - and I miss the only time the whole farm goes out! Oh well…I was still recuperating from my trip down to TX and MO (Barnabas Camp)…so I should not complain.

Thanks to Sarah et all good pictures are located here:

 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153035484401569.1073741890.674561568&type=1&l=669227661b 

Sunday Jon and Carol Dufendach came out to share bringing brother Albert with them. Albert is a 90 year old gentleman (in every sense of the word) who had us smiling and laughing with his funny quips and sayings. For the past decades God has given him a healing anointing so he has spent his time traveling the world sharing his gift of miracles and signs with everybody.  Many here got prayed for. My frozen shoulder that I’ve been dealing with for a number of years - was healed - no pain. Others had their legs lengthened - amazing to actually see this happen before ones eyes. We had an excellent service with them.   

I have neglected to mention that Judy Rich from Texas has moved to our farm.  Judy is presently living with Jim and Bonnie Mason.  Judy is a great addition to our community. 

Sarah says: < Gri and Robin were gone for two weeks to attend a camp in the states.  It ended up that Gri was rooming with a second cousin of mine – how cool is that?  This second cousin’s grandma in law gives each of her grandchildren one of my calendars each Christmas.  And, it appears that Robbie had quite the time at camp.  He came back with a more mature look (or was that because of his few days’ growth on his face?).  Also, his mom has posted a lot of fun pictures on facebook of him. >

Pics of Rob's camp here

We sure enjoyed Ani’s month long visit here at home.  She has gone back to Texas where she is living with Karenza, her aunt, next to Mary and Tim Tessi. Starting a new semester at the Panola college end of August. Some pics of our time together, this past New Year and some of our time in June/July before we left for TX here

 Our youth camp DCYC 2015 -  was a most excellent time.  Pictures here

We could not have done so excellently if it had not been for all the participation from the neighboring farms and communities.  It was really amazing.  Everything seems to go so well and is so flavorful when everyone contributes like that. 

My brother Gavin Leeson flew over from Canada (where he was stationed for work) and spent the youth camp and a few days more with the Buongiornes. It was a real treat to see him having a good time with the young folks and participating in our farm activities. It had been at least 2 decades since I’d seen him. His oldest Nicole is 21 so when I saw him - she was 10 days old -, that was back in ’94.

Pictures of our time with Gav here

From Sarah: < Rich and I went to Montana right after camp to attend Christine’s memorial.  It was an excellent time with Richard’s family!  I posted memorial pics on Jeff’s fb and family pics on my facebook.

 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152971615816569.1073741888.674561568&type=1&l=eb55ccbd12 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152971658856569.1073741889.674561568&type=1&l=27f3b24039

https://www.facebook.com/christine.moore.3705/media_set?set=a.10151271710150310.508841.545905309&type=3

>

 GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME…AND ALL THE TIME…. 

Have a great weekend. 

your friendly bloggers from The Land, Dry Creek Alaska

JUNE/JULY 2015

This is the famous cupola at the House of Seasons in Jefferson TX. The glass panes are imported european and placed in such a manner that the sun rays catch each ones and give the impression of the 4 seasons...quite lovely! Not many guests are allowed to go up the flights of steps since the creaking and motions of the old house is detrimental to this piece of artwork (dating to Civil War era)...we were fortunate that our host allowed us to have a private viewing....


June/July,

Family and Friends,

June news a bit belated. Ani came to stay at Dry Creek for a WHOLE MONTH! That was a real treat. June was also our second hosting of DRY CREEK YOUTH CAMP 2015! 70+ kids, young adults swelled our numbers considerably. A great time was had by all. Ani ended up helping out in the kitchen with Hannah Mason and her crew of trusty culinary experts.

At the same time my  brother Gavin Leeson flew from Calgary where we has working for an industrial health and safety company based there. Gav was able to take part in our crazy life here in Dry Creek plus the youth camp. I had not seen him for about 20 years, since his oldest Nicole is now that age and she was just a newborn when I visited Argentina in '94...wow...time flies!

Then in July, Ani, Rob and myself flew to DFW and took the Texas Eagle Amtrak to Marshall...very hot week, but such an enjoyable time with Tim & Mary Tesi.

Another highlight is that Sandra Burgess my sis who lives in MO came to visit for a few days. We visited Ani's Panola College campus...thanks for coming San, meant a lot!

One of the highlights was that Ani and myself were treated to a FREE night at the very honorable old mansion from Jefferson's Golden Days
called "The House Of Four Season". A venerable place which has hosted quite a few american personalities such as presidents and other dignitaries.

Secret Victorian garden hidden on the property, Ani is fortunate to have a job tending it during her time off from school

this oak is ancient

Last but not least, after Jefferson  - Rob and I travelled to TableRock lake in Shell Knob, MO for the annual BARNABAS ON THE LAKE camp! A good time, he made friends and got involved with activities...he was ready for his routine and farm life in Alaska, though!

Rob and his camp buddy Charly take a turn on the tube!

with his friend Emma, closing ceremonies

Rob and his Dallas girls...lol

We are thankful to all who made this memorable trip possible, folks at the TCC, and DDP team: Amanda, Christina and our gracious hosts Mary and Tim Tesi and Ani and my sister Karenza Hanson for the loan of her comfy bed and lovely trailer home - thanks! Also, thanks to my sister San for driving down to see us and spending some needed sister time - "que se repita!"

Have a blessed rest of the week!

JUNE!

JUNE ....WOW...TOTALLY MISSED MAY!

BUONGIORNE AND FAMILY NEWS:

Where to begin? Ok on the homefront, Rob is done for school for the time being, he will do some summer school via the AGSD as time permits. It's been a good run this year and we got a lot of ground covered. Thanks to all the great resources from the REACH Academy in Tok, Alaska. Rob does most of his academics online plus some extra courses one on one.

Sometime in the summer/fall he will have some job coaching at our local super center IGA. At the end of July him and I will be going to the a CAMP BARNABAS in MO again.

Here are some links to what he's been up to.

https://www.facebook.com/griselda.h.buongiorne/media_set?set=a.10205736002991069.1585591801&type=3

Ani is coming to Alaska and staying for a month which will be super. She is taking part in the DCYC (Dry Creek Youth Camp II). We are expecting quite a few kids this time around, should be fun.

PatLou is fighting fires with Pioneer Peak Interagency Hotshot crew from Palmer Alaska.  

They have 5 kids under 5, so it's a busy household. Haven't seen much of them lately, it's a 6 hour drive and everybody has been super busy, plus with such a large family it gets harder to travel, I imagine. I miss the girlies they are getting so big!

May is busy with her garden and keeping everything shipshape, she is such a hard worker! Hope to have a wonderful harvest.


Big Pat keeps busy with his itinerant piano tuning services, traveling around Alaska. Summer months keep him home tending to the firewood needs of the folks here. Rob is a big help when it comes to stacking!

SOME COMMUNITY NEWS:

June first dawned clear, warm, and seemingly normal.  By ten am, clouds had rolled in and  sleet/snow was dumping upon us.  It didn't ever stick more than a few minutes, but it was  very wet, collecting 0.28” of melted snow or rainfall by 2 pm.  We do need water for our  newly planted crops but we don't need freezing anything.  This is what Delta Junction looked  like after the crazy snow flakes... Last week, we transplanted the entire garden except the squash who were behind somewhat. May has diligently been planting the seeds for a couple of weeks now.  Thomas and his  helpers have the potatoes planted.  And whatever they plant ATR is planted as well.  Tony  drove around tonight madly fertilizing all the lawns.  He and his boys have already fertilized  their fields, I think. Olivia Geyer has one more week in Indonesia before returning to the states.  I don't think her  parents can hear much from her, if at all because she doesn’t have access to a phone or  wireless. Wendy passed out our baskets of flowers this past week.  So much beauty!!!  Also, bro Rus  gave us leftover pepper plants. Michael had his cast taken off this past Friday.  He is now  walking around with a cane till his leg is strong enough to hold all his weight again. Wenda visited us about ten days.  She came up for Eric Stossmeister’s graduation. We  enjoyed her visit so much; hope she did likewise.  Jared and Jennifer and kids are in Arizona visiting the Fouse's and other family members  in that area – Joel and Nathan and their families. John Cheever is here for a couple of weeks.  He has roto-tilled the garden for May, and he  preached this past Sunday.  Now he is preaching for three devotions.  I think he’s enjoying  his time.  Oh, and he helped Garth finish putting up the siding on his house.  I think Garth  only has a dormer left to do.  Andy and Sarah Jane have moved into Craig and Hannah previous home in the last couple  of weeks.  Right now, Andy and Sarah Jane are in Seattle so Andy can have some tests  done by a specialist down there.  The oncologist in Fbks was concerned about the spots on  Bro Andy’s liver.  Andy’s spirit is upbeat and normal; he looks and acts normal, but…..  there’s these spots.  We know all know and believe God has everything under control.  Ben is in Canada visiting his family.  His brother, Steve, who we pray for often because of  his MS, has flown to see the family in Canada as well.  Steve has been recently married and  the family will be meeting the wife.  Erica and son, Caleb, are here for several weeks.  Joe  and Kels are out here sporadically, like tonight and part of tomorrow.  School ended last Friday.   Rus and Millie celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last week.  We found a flower  arrangement, cookies, and ice cream to celebrate with.  Fifteen years ago, on Rus and  Millie’s 50th celebration, Bro Larry left us.  We will not forget.  Kathy Casey spent two weeks in WA with her family while attending one of her niece’s  wedding.  She was fortunate enough to see her grandson from Stephen plus many other  relatives. Seth and Amy moved back ten days ago.  Before moving out, Seth and Ammy started  remodeling Wenda’s home which a long time ago was the horse barn, then Cheever’s home,  then the preschool.  The remodel has gone well.  Seth and Ammy spent their first night in  their new home last night.  Youth Camp is a mere three weeks away.  Planning and prep is in even more FULL swing.   We have so many people coming from all over.  More on that another day. Have a great Tuesday!!!!   Papilio Canadensis - Canadian Tiger Swallowtail - THEY'RE BACK!!

APRIL SHOWERS...OF SNOW FLAKES...

Ella & Essie Easter

The girls are getting sooo big. These are some Easter photos taken at their home in Palmer. Miss them!

awww....aren't they the cutest?? <3 br="">

April??? Already!!!....I missed March...where'd it go?

We had a melting set back this weekend.  Friday afternoon, clouds rolled in and between Friday and Saturday we received a good 5 and ½ inches of snow!  It was beautiful, but…. Not what any April Alaskan wants to see. Normal, yes; to be expected, yes; still disliked.  This morning we had a low of 12 degrees and except for the last couple of days, our daily high has been in the 40’s.

Leo & Emeli Nerbonne are here for three weeks.  They came in time for John and Kathryn’s wedding and are here for a few more weeks.  They only have one more week left here so if you eel to visit, you’d better head on out here!  With the wedding also came all sorts of flu bugs in various forms.  My dad, among others, has been struck with a bug.  He is still recovering.  Fortunately, retirement allows for time to recover.  :) 

The wedding week was fun and great, but now it’s over.  All the Clarks save one sibling, Pam, and family were here.  Rehearsal dinner night, they treated not only the rehearsal group with fresh halibut and halibut cheeks, but they cooked and served it to everyone.  When I have permission, I’ll send out a few wedding photos.  It was a nice wedding.  

Madness abounds even after the madness of the wedding prep et all...now it's OPENHOUSE. Rob has been a busy bee making dioramas 'n stuff for his Western Civ. class (with technical help from yours truly)...hes got alot to show and we plan to lay it all out in the Tab next wednesday.

Not sure what all the news is...but we seem to be busy all the time...my snow trails have melted for the second time and now I must find bike trails. The skies have been phenomenal with Auroras and just stars and comets and eclipses...

Some Alaska scenery from around here....

 Alaska Highway, Tok

 Range AK

Red Aurora, Delta River AK

Eyak Lake Cordova AK 

 McKinley The Great One AK

Quartz Creek 

Snow trails at sunset

END OF FEB. MOOSINGS....

Good Morning folks,

The temperature this morning is -1°, and we are thankful for that!   Last week, the temperatures went as high as 38°, and we had rain.  As heavenly as that sounds, and it was wonderful, it is much too early for such awesome temperatures.  Everything started melting and getting sloppy; the road to the logger’s worksite (really Whitestone’s road) went out.  The loggers were unable to do their work and there was concern about how to get their equipment out of the work site.  Now, things are happily back to as they should be for the end of February temperatures. 

 Here’s the link to Shane Williamson’s family. .  http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/support-shane-williamson-family-after-loss-to-cancer/311331/update/282957  Shane is the 3 year old grandson of Paul and Nancy Baltrum (their daughter Rachel's son - he passed away after a 3 year battle with an aggresive form of cancer). Thank you for looking at this.

We held Marilyn’s memorial on Sunday.  We had few guests since that was the morning we woke up to rain on ice.  It was a small family gathering that I think Sis Marilyn would’ve appreciated.  Our guests were Don and Liz Werhonig, David and Kim Johnson, Sue Brown, Seth and Ammy, Dora Lopez, Becky Riche, and maybe someone else.  Thomas officiated, Bill Casey spoke and read a poem, as did Griselda, Brad and Becky, Rich and Dora sang – if anyone wants a link to hear that, I’ll happily pass it along),then we had a brunch.

Jessy Geyer started her year with Michael Sowers last week (maybe the 17^th).  Then a few days later, Mike had to return to Canada for a couple of months.  Jessy still seems to be floating on a cloud of happiness. 

Carolyn is still under the weather with her fractured foot and flu problems.  Hopefully, we will glimpse her face again soon.

Kathryn and John’s wedding is a few short weeks away – April 4^th.  They've been diligently preparing their home in order for it to be ready for themselves but also for John’s family to stay there when they come to the wedding. 

Joe Allison is visiting for a couple of days or weeks.  Kelsey will be out on weekends when she can get away from work.

Bonnie went to Texas for ten days or so.  I guess Jim didn't behave; he got left behind.  :)

Bro Dan Riccardelli preaches on Sunday morning, but he’s coming on Saturday night.  We will have a sing along and dessert time with him at the tabernacle. 

Sadly, Rob's special ed teacher from the AGSD is not being retained by the district,  as his teacher. So we will be sad to see her go, she is a real spark plug and Rob likes her - which is important - last week she came out and they both made choc chip cookies in the Tab. Funny thing (and I'm certainly NOT a cookie baker), too much butter was used - or so say the experts - and Rob's final comment was "they are pancake cookies" ...lol..anyway fun was had and cookies were consumed.

Ani continues to enjoy her Panola College activities and courses. She keeps quite busy. Icy weather (amazing for TX!) has stranded students either at the college or at their homes...but she is happy. The college newspaper featured her in one of its recent issues. Ani is an Art major with a Choral Music minor.

http://pcponyexpress.org/student-spotlight-ani-buongiorne/

Still trying to get on to the ski trail, although the warmer weather has made it rather slushy.

SUN IS OUT! YAAAIIIII

!

Have a great day, and a wonderful weekend.