A couple things from Christmas

This is our 1929 International Truck. We moved it to the front of our property and I have big plans for decorating it for the seasons!

I had a hard lesson, there are two different colors of "white" lights. I freaked out when we turned on the lights after stringing 600 of them on the truck and then to have then not be the same. I will have to decide if I want to change them in the future. My husband wasn't going to switch them after putting them all on, and I didn't want to buy any more. So time will tell.

The Mantel

Fireplace mantel project

 This is the original fireplace from out 1930's home. Isn't operational but makes a nice decorative piece, I have used it in different rooms. It was out inspiration for the mantel below.

We purchased this mantel at a garage sale this summer it was painted white and had a mirror in the center. What we did, strip and stained, purchased an electric fireplace insert, the black around the insert is a piece of plywood that was painted the silver trim is detailing fro cars, the decals in the corners where for what use I do not know we found a bag of the for a dollar and painted them. I am super pleased with this!

10 Of My Favorite Books From 2011

•  Over the Edge: A Novel by Brandilyn Collins This is the first of this Christian authors books I have read 
• Blind Your Ponies by Stanley Gordon WestI read several of Stanley Gorden West books he is a Montana author writing from real life
• The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel by Garth Stein you have to love a book that the main character is a dog.
• Sing You Home: A Novel by Jodi Picoult I think I have read all of her books some I love some I don't.
• Still Alice by Lisa Genova Power book really enjoyed  Left Neglected also.
• The Language of Flowers: A Novel by Vanessa Diffenbaugh  A poetic book well done.
• Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech  This is written to a Jr reader, I had listened to it the voice of the gal who read it was great. The story has a  strong message.
• Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand   It is really hard to put words to such a story, read it.
• Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan  Would highly recommend this.
• Dreams of Joy: A Novel by Lisa See  LOVE Lisa See

History lesson

Montana became a territory in 1864

I had some other photos I wanted to share like the outside of the church but I am challenge and can not get them to load correctly.

Visited the St. Ignatius Mission in St. Ignatius, Montana. The catholic church has had a strong influence in Montana especially on Indian reservations. The Jesuit Priest came out to minister to the Native American population shortly after Lewis and Clark made there trip in 1804 -1806

Note the cook who had no formal training did the paintings! There is a church in Missoula, Montana that he also did the painting in. The church has a wonderful feel when you are inside,  I imagine on a winter day would feel bright and warm.

More Fall Decorations

Being Crafty

Decorating my Deck for Fall

Dog days of Fall

The weather has been warm which is wonderful. We are entering the "windy season" not so good, but it is normal.

Gardening

I have been busy harvesting. We picked our apples and probable only got a 1/3 from last year. I was excited to grow corn it is an heirloom seed. Peas and beans are finished and we are allowing them to go to seed. The raspberries produced for the first time. I always get carried away with the sunflowers. We have been have perfect weather since July after such a cold summer last year and cold June. Planted two new apple trees. Made Tomato Jam. The Chicks... raising an heritage breed on organic feed takes a long time. Cut Firewood. New Blueberry bed, I have been told I can't raise blueberry's here I hope he is wrong.