Thanksgiving 2017

    I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving weekend whatever you did and wherever you were.  Mine was delightful.  I had company!  My nephew Cole, wife Margy and kids Abby (17) and Evan (12) took the time to drive from Cheyenne for a couple of days. And the weather cooperated magnificently.  This is a picture of Cole on T-Day as we took a short walk in Makoshika.  I think it was close to 72 degrees.  Compare that with the one five years ago when I followed the snow plow into Gillette and never did get to Cheyenne.  The weather here is magical — you never know what you are going to get.  The only trouble with such great weather is that everyone walks around waiting for the ‘other shoe to fall’, i.e., snow.
       Friday we roamed the town going to several of our new antique/gift shops in town.  Again a beautiful day.  As the years have gone by I am so pleased to note that many of the shops opening up are owned and operated by women.  They have a great idea for decorating and purchasing things unique.  There is no need to go outside Glendive if you are looking for gift ideas.  And that does not preclude a lot of other stores — our hardware stores are continually expanding and like the general store of old really do have a huge variety of items — the usual hardware, but also farming and ranching supplies, items for animals, clothing, toys, decorator items and now food — dry items.  Wow!
         Anyway, Cole enjoyed being back in town.  He lived here for a number of years and so has some fond memories.  Margy has lived all her life in Cheyenne.  She finds an attraction to a small town and what goes on here.  It is always fun to see your world through someone else’s eyes.  The kids have both spent some time with me over the years so they know the area as well.  They were all here when I was ordained, and then when Dad and Mom died. 
     The Light Parade was another treat again because the weather was just right for the event.  We bundled up, parked a couple of blocks away and then walked and stood and watched.  At the Gazebo Park we got some great pictures with the snowman.  He wasn’t quite “Olaf-who-likes-warm-hugs”, but we settled.  (see photos below)
       And I have to brag just a little — never having done much cooking of big meals I was really pleased how good everything was.  They arrived about 2 p.m. on the 23rd and the food was just about ready and I thought it tasted good.  I have a cranberry relish recipe that is more tart than sweet which I like and in fact I sent a couple jars home with Cole he liked it so well.  I even did a turkey breast in the crock pot that came out tasty.  I may have to try that again.  I think it was about ten pounds.
​        So my family will arrive home today and be back to the routine as will I.  I spent yesterday changing and washing sheets and towels and just catching up on some things that get set aside when you want to spend quality time with people you love and care about.

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