Harlowton and new-ness

May 16th

Sunday we met with a small branch of about 35 (including us)!  Everyone was so welcoming and we felt loved!

Sunday afternoon we took a walk on the ranch (discovered this old underground cellar), and saw about a dozen white tailed deer and a huge black wild Turkey.  We have also seen

sandhill cranes, eagles, woodpeckers, badgers, pheasant, and owl.  When we got home tonight, there was an enormous owl in the tree beside the old house we are in, hooting!

A river runs through the property.  It is called the Musselshell River.  From here we can see the Crazy Mountains which are covered in snow and beautiful.  

These cows are spooky.  Even when I stand at the kitchen window, they get all scared and take off running. I think someone told them that people like me will eat them!

 

May 17th

Today we got up early and headed over to one of the ranch houses to see what they needed in the way of plumbing. We listened to the Sister talk about frozen pipes on her washer when it drops to -25 below zero. Wes and Elder Gabel discussed the things she needs and then we left for Billings, Montana to locate the necessary supplies.  There is a lumber yard here, but they didn't have what they needed. Cowboy boots and spurs are the norm here and tomorrow we are invited to a branding.

Billings is about 100 miles away.  We chased all over trying to track down the materials we needed.  Finally, finished up around 2:00pm., and needed to get back as we were all invited over to Sister Budge's house for dinner.  We were starving and I was excited as it is our 45 wedding anniversary today.  We laughed so much and had a great time. The meal she prepared was fabulous and she served a cherry-cheese cake for dessert.  They treated all of us like family!

Sister Budge is a widow.  She and her husband were bee keepers for years.  They donated the land next door for the chapel.  Her mind is as sharp as a whip (and definitely sharper than mine).  She is 86.  Below is the baptismal font for the church, which is in her home.  Those too large to be baptized do it in the river.  They had a convert in February who was baptized there. The couple we are serving with are the Gabels'.  They are wonderful and we are blessed to be serving with them.  On the end is Sister Budges daughter, Lisa and her spouse. 

Tuesday 18th

Today we unloaded the supplies for a basement bathroom and then Elder Himle installed a toilet in the bunk house. This was a top priority as the family has company coming for the wedding reception and needed that done ASAP!

Then we headed over to the branding.  It was hot (40 for a high this Thursday).  It reminded me of the West Jordan rodeo!  Afterwards, there was food for all and four tired missionaries headed back home.