Family Mellmann

On Saturday, the whole family (everyone who was available) gathered at the local Chinese restaurant for a celebration dinner in honor of Al and Diana's anniversary. After the meal we gathered at the home of Denise and Greg for a little dessert and more stories, updates, and laughter. Sharon and Charles, and Larry Denise and her older son Pam, Diana, Russana, Russana's daughter Lauren Lauren's son, Lauren, Denise's younger son, husband and dog, and older son And it wouldn't be a family reunion without some family pictures.  I didn't get everyone but I got most. The Perrys The Hudsons The siblings and their spouses  Happy Anniversary Al and Diana!

Friday was relaxed and full of laughter, stories, and conversation.  In the afternoon, my cousin Denise came over and we had a lovely time of catching up.  The last time we saw each other was 25 years ago at her wedding.  So much has happened since then! In the evening, we went to a local ministry where they give a gospel concert (and if you know the words, it's also a sing-along).  It was a relaxed evening of old time gospel music which is broadcast on local access television and the radio.  

On our first full day in Oklahoma we enjoyed a drive to Al and Diana's 80-acre property where they enjoy spending their summers.  It is also a beautiful place to spend a spring afternoon. Pam sets off the blooming red buds nicely. :) Diana tells us all the stories about the condition of the property when they first bought it more than ten years ago. The pond was named in honor of Grandpa Widaman (my dad's father). They built this lovely gazebo for shaded gatherings. Charles (my dad), Diana (his sister), Al (her husband), and Sharon (stepmom) Pam (my stepsister), Sharon, Charles, and Yours Truly Sharon, Charles, Diana, and Al They have a tradition here that all visitors get to sign a post on the gazebo.  So that's what we did. In the evening, we gathered at a local restaurant and met with Dad and Diana's cousin Sharon (5th in line) and her husband Jimmy.  

Waiting for our flight to board.  Salt Lake City to Tulsa.  

Dad and Sharon in Brigham City Utah taking a stroll around the pond.  We’re in town for a follow up cardiologist appointment, but first a trip to Oklahoma.  

Nothing like a Montana traffic jam to add a little interest to your commute.  My dad and I went out to the construction site and on the drive into downtown Absarokee we encountered a cattle drive.  Maybe I'll get a job as a ranch hand once the house is finished.   The new garage doors were installed (we got the wrong ones the first time). The drywall taping/mudding process continues (good indoor project when it's windy or snowing). The roof is nearly complete and the soffits are being done (they work on this when the weather is favorable to being outside).   Next week is supposed to be warm (for a March) so perhaps they'll be able to finish up the roof and soffits, and maybe get started on the siding. 

Our afternoon weather today.  It is much more interesting to watch it at this speed.  In real life, the clouds moved very slowly.

I was back on site today putting the last coat of stain on this batch of lumber.  And I got to see some of our handiwork in action! The stained beams are starting to go in place.  Now we just have to stain the posts and beams that were already in place holding up the roof. This batch of posts and beams is now complete.  The next batch should arrive in a couple of weeks. They hope to finish the roof next week...or at least get close. This is the office door. More stained beams in place. When they were putting up sheetrock, they put in the pocket door to the pantry. Standing in the pantry looking toward the living room. One day this will be our dinner time view. Our builder.  

I was back in Absarokee to do some more staining. My dad came along to make sure I kept working. :) It was reasonably warm at 50+ degrees (especially for a March day in Montana) but the wind was high so it still felt chilly. Even so, we were able to get more staining done though I will have to go back to finish this batch of lumber. The electrician has been back to connect the house to electricity (no more temporary service stanchion) and there are light bulbs plugged in where the smoke detectors will go. It doesn't provide a lot of light but if the guys are still cleaning up when it gets dark, they can turn the breaker on for "smoke detectors" and there will be lights. The sheetrock is now completely done and the taping is well under way. I don't know who did the work (construction crew?, plumber?, excavator?) but where our garage and gutter drains sunlight, they have attached the vent cap at the end of the PVC pipe and put some stones around it to protect it from...