About a week ago I returned from a train trip to North Dakota. I was visiting family in Jamestown and my first night there we were blessed with a beautiful sunset. The photo presented here was not computer enhanced in any way. It looked like the sky was burning, reminding me of the forest fires I see in Washington.
I also enjoyed the golden prairie of Montana as the train sped east toward the border of western North Dakota just as the sun started dropping toward the horizon.
I enjoy riding Amtrak’s Empire Builder through the northern states. I found it interesting this trip that the east bound trip had only 10 people in my car. The west bound train was full with every seat in my car occupied and often doubled up. Fortunately I had a double seat to myself the entire way except for the last 300 miles from Spokane to home.
I had a wonderful time with my four siblings. Three live in Jamestown and one in Wisconsin. We played lots of games of, “Pitch.” We had meals at home, breakfasted out, and one day joined our cousin Marilyn for lunch. My sister Deb and her husband Rex lead the Rosary prayers at a local assisted living facility, occasionally. My sister Donna and I joined them one day, at the beautiful chapel there, along with about 12 residents.
I experienced my first encounter with winter this year while in N. Dakota. A storm swept through bringing 50mph winds with a wind chill factor of minus seven degrees. The storm hit about the time I was suppose to head for home so we drove through the storm to Devil’s Lake the afternoon before so I wouldn’t miss the seven am train arrival. The road wasn’t bad but there were stretches of near invisibility. We enjoyed staying at the Spirit Lake Casino and got to the train in perfect time the following morning.
Meanwhile Back at the Ranch life goes on: Latah and her friend Lark had a sleepover at my house a few weeks ago. Those girls have been best friends for years but now Lark goes to a different school so they don’t get together as often. Shortly after that Latah celebrated her 13th birthday.
While I was in North Dakota Jason’s gang started building a RV Port for Jeannette’s parent’s trailer. As are most projects with the Lindseth’s, this is another family affair with everyone participating. You guys be careful.
Sophie is keeping herself busy. For a Halloween dance she arrived dressed as an Oregon prairie woman. She made her skirt which she also wore at a costume horse event. Notice on the horse video Sophie is carrying an egg on a spoon. She won that competition. You go Sophie !
I close this entry welcoming you to ADVENT 2024, that time we wait in anticipation for the birth of Christ. Latah helped prepare the family Advent Wreath this year. Thank you Latah !
