Montana Adventures
Some of you might be wondering what we have been up to. Well, a little of this and a little of that. One thing for sure is that we can’t seem to stop looking up. The sky around here is so amazing! We must stop and look.
Here we are standing on the edges of frozen Lake McDonald. We are on the edges of Glacier National Park. We can only get a short distance into the park due to the road is closed. But the approximate ten miles we do get to see is stunning! A friendly bystander took this picture for us. She did a great job.
Here we are “testing” our boots to see if they are still water tight. Our pants didn’t stay dry, but our feet did! It is a must to periodically check to see if your boots still stay dry inside.
We are standing in Lake McDonald. We may not be the brightest bulbs out there, but we sure have fun!
How else would we get a closer look at the cool rocks found in Lake McDonald if we didn’t put our feet in it? Was it cold you ask? It cooled my feet for sure, but our boots were insulated.
I had to take a LOT of photographs of this shot to get this. It wasn’t exactly what I wanted, but very close. Let me tell you, it is super hard to get this photo as it was just above the surface of the water and the icicles where only a few inches long. The rocks you see in the photo can give it scale. (scroll back up to picture of Rick’s foot in the water.) This photo was in the same area. Not to mention how bright the sun was shinning and bouncing off of everything! Still a favorite.
This beautiful church is in Polson, Montana. The red door and steeple caught my eye. I love discovering the hidden church gems in the communities around us. The architecture in some of the older buildings is absolutely beautiful. All these photographs were taken in February 2022.
This Crazy Life
I don’t even know where to start. 2020 was hard for many reasons. Never in a million years did I ever think we would have a pandemic such as Covid 19 that would change the way we live and function so drastically. It has affected all of us in many ways. Changed us. Some for the good and some for the bad.
My biggest confusion is this; how is it that as a whole, we, the people of this country, have allowed social media and the news syndicates to form our opinions for us? How did we become click bait? How is it that a couple of hours just disappear when we get online to “check on family.” Or hop on to look up something and an hour goes by and you don’t have an answer for what you originally went looking for but you now know the weather forecast, what Hollywood socialites are up to and which group of people to hate that day! Not okay.
I am taking back my own opinion and my time. I have been reviewing what I have been spending my time on and I don’t like what I see. For the past couple of months, I have been really looking at what I spend my time on. I used to love to read. Why don’t I anymore? What is taking up my time to the point of no time for simple reading? Social media. It is a life sucker. I removed certain social media accounts from my mobile devices and it helped so much. I have read numerous books in the last couple of months. Per my electronic device, I had a seventy-five day run of reading! And I got so much joy out of it.
Another time waister is my commute four to five days a week for work. That is about forty-five to sixty minutes every day I work. Yes, I chose to buy a house in the town that I did knowing I would have to make this commute. Like I said earlier, every aspect of my life is up for inspection for where I spend my time. Now, I haven’t figured out how to stop this at this point. I love my job, but man, an hour a day! Gone! All I seem to do is work to pay the bills anyway. I work in the medical field. I am lucky in that my job is essential, but I have to wear a mask for about seven to eight hours a day. I can’t tell you how much this has affected me. Especially when I hear people complain about wearing a mask out in public. I hate masks too, but I am doing it because wearing a mask has been found to be effective in reducing how sick people get. And slow the spread of this virus.
Here I will put in my views of Covid 19. It is not a joke. It isn’t a game. Nor is it a political stand point. Yes, politicians have stepped in and mucked up the truth. But this virus is real and good people are loosing their lives to it. There is a vaccine now available and NO there isn’t any nano technology that will track you in it. (If you are worried about the government tracking you then you should probably get rid of your smart phone, tablets, and tracking devices in the newer vehicles). I am so ready to put the covid chapter behind us. But if we can’t band together and wear the mask, not for yourself, but for those around you, this will hang on forever. Do it for the medical staff who have been working tirelessly wearing a mask for hours on end. Yes, I got the vaccine and I don’t have regrets. I’m trying to do my part to prevent the spread of this virus. What are you doing to help stop this?
I don’t like how some social media sites censor my opinions and views towards their views. I am glad that they censor open threats of violence. I don’t like that your views and opinions get more clicks and views if the content is hateful of people and situations. The more hateful it is, the more it is exposed in the social media content. Again, I am going to be doing my part. I am going to be turning off social media. I’m turning off Facebook, Facebook messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp to start with. I have started a MeWe page. Not sure how long or if I will keep that site active.
I feel like now more than ever, we need to be focusing on what is important in life. What does that look like? For starters, I am going to be fixing my eyes on Jesus and not of things of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:18). I want to spend more time in God’s word. I am going to be more aware of what I am doing and spending my time on. I am going to be contacting people directly and not through social media. I am going to be in prayer for our country, my family, friends and myself. I hope you join me in these prayers. I’m afraid our country is in trouble.
Best Friends!
Oh how fast time has flown by! How can it be that the youngest is getting ready to graduate high school?
I know God has an amazing life ahead of her. She is turning out to be a pretty amazing young lady.
Senior pictures wouldn’t be the same without one’s best friends.
Here is just a sneak peek at this fun photo shoot. There was lots of giggles and young women chatter. Excitement and nerves about what the future holds. I don’t know what your future holds, but I know you both are ready for this world. Embrace the scary times, hold each other up and never stop having fun!
Family
I know I said I wouldn’t publish anymore photos of this family, but I couldn’t help myself. The group shots turned out great!
Thank you guys for allowing me to capture this moment in your lives!
Mr. Nick
Where has the time gone? How is it that this young man is going to graduate this year? I got the privilege to capture this moment in freeze frame. Here is a snap shot of what we got. The rest will have to come from his parents.
So much promise and hope for the future.
For God so love the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Almeda Fire
2020 has been a hard year and it isn’t getting any easier. The month of August brought the worst fire season I have seen in my lifetime. September hit with a fire ball.
Rick started making calls to local churches to see if there was anyone who could take evacuees and give them shelter. This advanced to people giving donations of clothing and food supplies for the victims displaced by the fires.
We gathered the items in a covered trailer and headed south. The devastation caused by the fire can’t be put into words. More like questions. How can this happen in a large city? How can this happen in America? Is this really Oregon that I am walking through?
We were given a list of addresses from people who just “needed to know.” Needed to know if the house was a total loss, locate an item, confirm if it is still standing, and so on. We could tell shock had started setting in from the items we were sent to find in desolate areas.
What was shocking to us was what survived and what didn’t during this fiery inferno. The homes around these items were completely gone, yet some things remained without a mark on it. We drove by a Disney plastic chair lying on its side in a small patch of green grass completely intact, and not a mark on it, yet the house nearest it, was leveled to the ground.
We did have a couple of positive endings. We did find one apartment complex untouched and was able to give comfort to that family. Another one, we were able to find a motor home with minimal damage that the family would be able to use for a home. However, mostly it was complete and utter destruction. No identifying markers left to distinguish between properties. Bits and pieces of the items left behind by the fire. With no rhythm or reason to what survived and what didn’t.
At the last place we stopped at, I found this angel looking over the burned unit. Mostly untouched. Sitting so peacefully in the quiet. I can’t explain the hush that was there. It was as if the earth was grieving for its loss as well. No hustle and bustle people. No hum from the electricity. Just silent.
Thank you all for the prayers you are sending to the victims of the Oregon fires. You are making a difference in this time of shock. Your donations were greatly appreciated. Thank you for continuing to keep the first responders and our Chaplains in your prayers. As you read this, the evacuees now are being allowed into the devastated areas to see first hand what happened to their properties. Now more than ever, they need our prayers as the grieving process begins.
Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. Proverbs 3:25-26 NIV
If you would like to give a donation so that our hard working Chaplains can continue to help these victims, go to: https://sopsc.wufoo.com/forms/s1yi7fxa17ulj5p/
Thank you.
Technology
Technology is so cool. Now, I guess, it is a good time as any to have to be isolated. We have the ability to FaceTime or go live on social media anytime we want. We can be isolated, yet stay connected all at the same time. We can send short video clips to our friends so we can see their faces. We can be a “part” of church services all over the world as they adapt and go live to continue to reach their congregation. We can order supplies and groceries from the comfort of our home and have them shipped to us. Amazing.
Yesterday, Gianna and I for the first time ever, was a part of a virtual birthday party. It was pretty cool. All who gathered was able to sing happy birthday to the sweet little one.
Yesterday the family caravan has started their travels to Oregon. Judy and Rich’s trailer should be here either late Sunday evening or early Monday morning! They have already made it through Las Vegas. If you didn’t catch that on Facebook this morning, you should check it out. Las Vegas is a ghost town!
We wanted to thank you all for your support, love, and prayers. We feel the love and comfort coming our direction. These times are trying and difficult at best. Hang in there. We are all in this together.
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. Psalm 91:3
What if?
What if this isn’t the only season we have with COVID19? What if it comes back next year? What if it stays year round? How is my daughter going to graduate high school? Is my husband going to make it back up here when it is time to travel home? Is he stuck in Arizona until this pandemic is over? God, I really hope not.
It is so easy to get stuck in watching the news and holding our breaths as the numbers of people infected with this virus climbs, we are forgetting to live. Yes, we are isolating. (Well, not that many of us. The traffic by my house has picked up in the last couple of days). We are so overloaded with what we should/shouldn’t do by the media/news. It changes minute by minute.
I am going to make a conscious effort to only check the news only twice a day. This way I can stay informed of what we can and can’t do, but not have the crazy sea-saw affect going on. I encourage you to do the same.
Instead, I am going to work on organizing and spring cleaning. I am going to put one of our DVD movies in and watch that. Due to so many at home, my internet is terrible. Streaming is great early morning. Then it tanks. I am going to try something new like watercoloring. Let’s set our eyes on good times and not all this fear we see on media/internet. I am going to set my eyes on my Heavenly Father and place my hope in Him!
But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge-do not give me over to death. Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me. Psalms 141:8-9
Home
My father in law, Rich, and his boys made it back to Rich’s camp site late last night. Aunt Karen had dinner waiting for them. They were very grateful for that. A home cooked meal made by a loved one. Rich is doing as well as expected, but isn’t up to visitors yet.
About a week ago, I saw a post somewhere about rising bread dough in my Instant Pot. At the time, I thought it could work. Yesterday, we gave it a try. Sure enough it worked really well. I put parchment paper in bottom and turned on the Yogurt function and left it for about forty-five minutes. It had definitely doubled in size. Yes, I too got on the band wagon and bought this device that was supposed to help our family have home cooked meals in a shorter amount of time. I found that it took just as long, if not longer than if I had just cooked it on the stove myself. But now, I think I have found it’s function. I have a big drafty house and rising yeast bread can be difficult. This worked amazing!
How is isolation going? We tried to watch TV last night. We don’t have cable. We use streaming TV like CBS All Access. Well, since so many are stuck at home right now, the internet isn’t able to keep up. We were unable to watch any streaming last night. But, we have been hanging out.
Stay well. Stay encouraged. Embrace the time spent in isolation as best as you can. Until then.
Strange times
Who in a million years would have thought we would be made to stay in our houses due to an unseen virus attacking our midsts? I think a part of the medical community has always had it in the back of our minds the thought that a super bug is in the making. Well, it seems that the coronavirus is it. The experts believe this virus incubates in our bodies and doesn’t show it self for up to fourteen days! That is fourteen days of doing normal activities, spreading it where ever you travel! The virus is believed to last twenty four hours on card board boxes. Longer on other surfaces. Enough said about the nasty virus. What have we been up to? Well…….
On Thursday, my father in law, Rich Nickolaus was in a very bad accident. He and his truck ended up in the Colorado River. Rich is going to be okay, but will have months of recovery ahead of him. The same morning, Judy, (his wife for those of you who don’t know) was admitted again for severe abdominal pain. She had emergent surgery in Yuma hospital and is recovering as expected. Rich was first taken to Yuma, then sent by air medical transport to Phoenix. Rich is three hours away from Judy!
I’m sorry if you are finding out about Rich and Judy’s current health issues this way, but a lot has happened in the last few days. We have tried to contact those who need to know by phone. But we had to launch the guys off too.
So, I was “evicted” from my self made quarantine in our trailer to madly taking my things out and moving Rick’s in. We got it mostly done in about an hour and a half. Then a little bit of sanity came over us and we decided Rick shouldn’t be running off at nine at night after a week of poor sleeping. Both parents were in hospitals being watched by professionals. No need to rush out exhausted. After many calls to his brother, Gerry, they agreed to set out on the next day.
Traveling with our trailer allows them to avoid the public majority of the time. They can prepare food, sleep and use bathroom without being in public. They are only stopping in public areas for essentials, like fuel.
They will be at the Parent’s camp site today. They will travel to Phoenix to break Rich out of hospital hopefully this afternoon. Not sure when Judy will be released. They are now allowing Judy to eat ice chips.
What can you do for us? Pray. Pray for healing, safe travels and no one catching the nasty virus storming our country. Pray that the guys will be allowed to travel back home in a week or two. Pray the virus stops in its tracks. Pray for all the workers who find themselves without work for the next few weeks. Pray for our government to have wisdom in the matters we face right now. Pray for our communities. Pray for the medical staff at your local hospitals. Pray for the first responders, police officers and others who still have to go out in our communities to keep it running. Pray, pray, and pray some more!
Remember, we are in this together. We can make it out, but we need each other for this to happen. Be kind to yourself and each other.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Isaiah 43:2
Isolation
Never in a million years did I ever think we would be living in the times we are right now. Never thought we would have to be sheltering in place due to such a super bug. It feels like we are living out the movie Outbreak. As most of you know who read this, I work in health care. The Covid 19 outbreak is serious business. It isn’t to be taken lightly. My husband is a Leukemia survivor. His immune system isn’t as strong as it could be. Should be. We put our heads together and came up with a plan. Mind you, this plan changed a million times before we came up with the one we will be following. I will be taking up residence in the trailer in the back yard to isolate away from Rick and Gianna. The odds are against me. Chances are, I will be exposed to this virus. I don’t want to take the chance of bringing it home. There is so much uncertainty about this virus. My hospital is also running low on protective gowns, gloves and masks. We don’t know if or when we will get these items back.
Since March 16th, I have been living in the trailer as a trial run. It has worked very well. I will admit, it is very strange. I can see and talk to my family, but haven’t hugged or touched since Monday. Gianna set up a dinner tray and chair for me on the back porch so that I can eat dinner just outside the back door, near the dinning table. We are still having dinner together, just with large separation. Today, I had to coordinate the use of the washer and dryer.
The stores can’t keep supplies in stock. The governor of Oregon has put us in isolation. Sure glad this is working. I see a lot more traffic going by my house these days. Sure doesn’t seem like people are sheltering in. I’m told the shelves in the grocery stores are becoming more and more empty. What is the deal with the hoarding of the toilet paper?
In all of this craziness, I am trying to keep a positive attitude. This is hard to do during these strange times. My family has Spring break plans. Not sure if we get to keep them. I might be called to work and my vacation cancelled. Gianna will be out of school until April 28th! I am beginning to think that public school may not start up again for this school year. I am a planner. All this uncertainty is going to drive me crazy. Maybe this is a way for me to learn how to plan less and roll with the punches.
I don’t know what the future after this isolation is going to look like, but I do know that God is always with us watching out for us and providing comfort during these strange times. We just have to look up. We just have to keep seeking Him. He will meet us here in our isolation. Here in our uncertainty. Here when our country is facing this unseen enemy.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7.
What we are facing is probably going to be very difficult, but with help from God, we will make it through this. Helping each other, we will make it through this. Let’s not panic. Let’s be sensible with isolation. Be informed. Not everything you see and read on the internet or hear from the news is accurate.
Mr. Lofthouse
I got the privilege to snap some photos of this amazing family. It doesn’t seem like it is time for him to be graduating, but it is!
It was a pretty cold morning to be out and about without a coat. Yet, Brysen was game and followed instructions well.
I love how the purple of his shirt contrasts from the green of the trees.
Every once in a while a little smirk would appear.
The blue of his eyes shown here.
His parents are so very proud of him and the young man he is becoming.
Thanks guys. It was an honor and a privilege to take you family pictures. Thank you for trusting me with them.
Snow fun!
We didn’t have to go very far to find the snow!
Once we got the path going, sledding was fun.
Good friends make great family additions!
There were a lot of worried looks and screams.
Merry Christmas from our houses to yours!
McCrorey Clan
Today we visited family and took much needed family pictures.
We took the opportunity to get some of us too! I can’t remember the last time we got together for a family picture. Now, if we could just get my brother to smile….
This little wood sprite loved the camera, and the camera loved her!
Little man was showing me how he can say cheese!
Thanks guys for asking me to take your pictures!
Fall Fun
Hubby and I took off near dusk to catch the sunset. We sure missed this when we lived in Springfield. The wind and sand storms about chased us away. We could see waves of sand coming at us in the wind. It was pretty neat. No, I didn’t take a picture of the sand because it could get into my camera and break it.
We had a weekend hunting camp. The camping trip was successful, but the hunting wasn’t. The deer won.
I love the leaves in the creeks. Mind you, there wasn’t much water in the creeks. Still beautiful.
Little Miss has a pair of sunglasses that really enhances the colors of a sunset! She first showed me and then I got the bright idea to try and take a picture through the glasses. Turned out pretty good.
This is the same sunset as above.
I love silhouette photos!
No, we weren’t hunting after dark. My camera settings make it look like it. It was actually pretty light. I focused my camera on the sunset making the foreground dark.
Sunset
We traveled to a local town for an early birthday celebration.
I have always been fascinated with the ocean. The sights, sounds, smells and just about anything ocean. And especially lighthouses!
Little Miss would love to take over her Dad’s camera.
Looking pretty good for being four years from transplant.
I love group selfies. (Way better than your own selfie!) You can’t help smile as everyone squeezes in close to get in frame!
Love it!
The wind was a little crazy so I asked Little Miss to spin. She gave me the funniest look at first.
But, as you can see by her smile, she loved every minute of it!
Oh how she is growing up so fast!
Quinn River Camping
It is fitting that our first real vacation since before Rick got sick, (4-5 years ago), was with his brother in Quinn River campground.
Gerry gave us a close up tour of Cultus Lake.
Rick “practiced casting” his fishing pole instead of fishing.
Our little mermaid played in the water.
Our Lofthouse friends followed us on their first trip over the pass with their new camper. Here the kids are trying to teach Tom, (far left) how to play three’s.
These two cracked me up! Both are shy and quiet when you first meet them. But, by the end of our vacation, they were acting like siblings. Both are Beaver fans.
We played lots of games during the heat of the day. The favorite was the Apples to Apples game. We laughed and laughed!
Our first night in camp and we forgot to turn on the furnace. Rick got up to turn it on and found the “kids” tucked under their blankets! Gianna woke up and saw Scout shivering, so she tucked her in.
Blood brothers.
The Lofthouse clan.
We held our first annual Nickolhouse games! It involved a bike ride, scavenger hunt, sling shot and redneck golf toss. Sorry, I didn’t get any pictures of the great event. It was fun!
This crazy group was a fun camping trip!
Just in front of her paw is a hole she dug trying to catch a chipmunk. She watched this hole for close to two days. She was so sure that she was going to get it. At one point, while she was madly digging, the said chipmunk ran out between her legs! She was extremely patient in waiting, to no avail. She didn’t get this chipmunk.
Anniversary Camping
Rick and I headed into the Tioga unit to find a nice spot to camp. All by ourselves! We were celebrating our wedding anniversary.
We only had our fur child. She was super fascinated by watching the water.
She would spend hours in the creek!
Happy Anniversary Honey!
Riel Wedding!
Little Man was so upset. He had been playing hard all day and had just fell asleep just prior to getting dressed with Daddy. He complained very loudly about being woke up from a much needed nap! I love Daddy’s gentle hands getting him dressed.
Lovely bridesmaids in attendance.
There was so much love at this wedding, you could feel it in the air! You could see it in the glances, gestures and hugs.
Sneak Peek!
It was pointed out to us that Matthew’s last name was spelled wrong. We pulled our resources together and fixed it…… With a semi-permanent marker!
Three generations of Riel men getting the last minute wardrobe adjustments. Little man wasn’t too happy about it. He was aroused from his nap way too early!
And the lovely bride arrives.
The proud groom anxiously awaits. Yes, I did get a picture of you wiping your tears Matthew. (It was too blurry to post. But I am saving it for you.)
Tender moments after the ceremony.
I love that his eyes are closed too!
I had to put both of these in here because I love them both!
Did you see what was on her nails?
I love her expression as she tossed her bouquet!
Here is your sneak peak guys! Have a fun honeymoon!
Road trip!
Rick had to take the new toy onto the beach. We loaded up and went to a near by stretch of beach.
We hiked around all over the place in search of treasures.
We didn’t find any treasures on the beach. Instead, we had brought them with us.
It was a rather warm day on the beach.
The poor dog decided to have a break with me. She sat down then leaned heavy onto my back. She too thought it was warm out.
Between camping for almost two weeks followed by a long walk on the beach, we wore out the dog.
July has been a fun month!
Camping part two!
This is part two of our camping trip during the Fourth of July. We decided to move just down the street to another spot to finish out our camping trip. The site where we were, was beautiful, but reflected more heat than we wanted. Instead of completely breaking down the tent, we red necked it and strapped it to the truck!
We hiked up to hanging rock.
We hiked a steady, slow climb up the trail.
Through some really tall trees!
I was nursing a sore knee and didn’t make it all the way to hanging rock. The last part of the trail was straight down! I knew I could get down, but not sure if I could make it back up. Rick finished out the trail and got pictures on his camera of hanging rock.
There were still lots of wild flowers blooming along the trail.
Faith did a lot of reading.
Our faithful companion kept watch over us, even when she couldn’t figure out what we were up too. It was a fun time to just relax and take in the scenery.
Camping Adventures
We loaded up and headed out to an out of the way camp site above Powers in Eden Valley. It had this huge meadow and we had it all to ourselves!
Our friends the Lofthouse’s came and joined us. This was their second voyage with their new trailer. It was their first one dry camping. (Camping without power or hook ups.)
We played lots of games.
We relaxed and took in the view.
We played in the creek during the heat of the day.
Rick played on the ham radio.
We had lots of fun!
Dance Recital
Little Miss has always wanted to dance and last fall we enrolled her in a local dance company. We did not realize how well she would take to it. Or how much we love to watch her. She was a very shy and quiet girl. She didn’t speak much to people she didn’t know. (I know some of you reading this don’t believe me, but trust me. She was so shy that she couldn’t or wouldn’t order from any waitress because she spoke so softly.) We had hoped that doing this for her would open her up a little bit. But we did not realize how well it would work for her confidence and self esteem. Now, going to dance alone hasn’t done all the work. She had started coming out of her shell some on her own before this. But, dance has helped her so much.
I love the silhouettes! (Little Miss is the one above the “M” in our logo.)
She is learning to be graceful.
She is building confidence.
She is learning about who she is.
And that she can accomplish whatever she puts her mind to.
We are so proud of her. She has worked so hard and practiced since January for this performance. It was amazing!
No this isn’t Little Miss. I love how this one turned out.
(I had to share it.)
R&M Photos Blog 