New Year's Eve (evening)

The highlight of the evening was dinner at the San Angelo landmark, Zentner's Daughter. This place has the best steak, wonderful baked potatoes, warm/moist German chocolate cake! We also saw some of the biggest orders of onion rings which we'll have to go back for! And of course, the Ziegenbock beer was the perfect partner to the meal!

New Year's Eve (daytime)

The last day of 2008 was clear and just a tad cooler than yesterday here in San Angelo!

More tasks around the apartment to help Mo get settled and then more errands around San Angelo before the festivities of the evening commenced.

Charles took advantage of the nice weather to get in nine holes at the Riverside Golf Course (not as nice as Quicksand GC, but there you are) while Belinda and Mo ran errands and did some window shopping.

Charles also made a brief visit to historic Fort Concho, the Army post that played a major role in the Indian Wars in west Texas.

San Angelo Road Trip, Day 5

After yesterday's flurry of unpacking and hauling boxes to the storage unit, today was for relaxing and golfing! Belinda and Mo enjoyed the new-found space in Mo's apartment while Charles set out to explore the wilds of the Quicksand Golf Course here in San Angelo.

Belinda and Mo took the opportunity to explore the historic downtown part of San Angelo and sampled the fare at Mesquite Cafe` which was really yummy! Charles joined them after golf and then together we enjoyed the beautiful weather and the wonderful window shopping that San Angelo affords those walking its friendly streets. A real treat was to visit Eggemeyer's General Store and the other stores in the shadow of the Cactus Hotel!

The San Angelo Road Trip, Day 2

After arriving in San Angelo yesterday, we have enjoyed getting caught up with Mo (Belinda's mother), going to church yesterday at Sierra Vista UMC and today at First UMC (both in San Angelo) and getting to know this lovely west-Texas city. (click on the green links above)

Beautiful Sunset in Colorado

On our drive south today, we enjoyed a lovely sunset while in Colorado. This photo was taken from our car as it was speeding along the roadway. Its orange glow warmed our hearts, to be sure!

Praise be to God for all sorts of things that warm our hearts!

It was a Merry Christmas!

It was a merry Christmas yesterday! The stockings were hung on the antique organ with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there... AND he did come! Wow!

And all those goodies: Yummy! Praise be to God for wonderful folks who brought such amazing goodies to the parsonage this year!!!

(By the way: No pictures taken of Belinda on Christmas Day came out, so we included one of her doing a little last-minute Christmas present wrapping... isn't she cute?!)

Happy 50th Birthday, Charles!

Happy 50th birthday to you, Charles James Alkula!
You were a Christmas baby: Your parents' best Christmas present! AND... your wife considers you to be her best Christmas present TOO!!!

Holiday Goodies Delivered to the Parsonage!

This afternoon, some wonderful homemade holiday goodies were delivered to the parsonage. What a "sweet" way to remember us during this Advent season!

Praise be to God for such thoughtful folks!

Mollie Ronge's Kitties!

Before we left Camp Norwesca, we enjoyed some quality time with Mollie's kitties. Charles even volunteered to trim their nails before we left.

After the Parade...

After the Chadron holiday parade, we attended a concert fundraiser at the local coffee shop. Folks from the local college had organized this event to raise money in support of the juvenile diabetes research effort.

The Chadron United Methodist Church's bell choir played some wonderful holiday music. And talented folks from the local high school and college performed.

It was great to get inside, get warm and enjoy the musical offerings of so many talented folks from the local area.... all in support of a good cause!

Praise be to God for people who care about others and who are willing to use their talents in such a meaningful way!

Chadron's 2008 Holiday Parade

We had SO much fun attending Chadron's holiday parade Friday night!

The main street of Chadron was all "abuzz" with excitement and bright holiday lights. Santa himself even made an appearance!

As you can tell from the pictures, it was cold outside. Thank God for warm scarves, hats and gloves!

Chadron's Job Corps' Holiday Party

Belinda accompanied Mollie Ronge to the local Job Corps' holiday party on Friday. Awards were presented to the young people involved in the program. There was a special award to the Egging Company in Gurley, who provides them with a lot of raw materials, used in training and certifying welders. Info about Egging Company can be found at http://www.egging.com/.
We were told that the welders they train are in high demand!

There was a wonderful spirit in the gymnasium that had been transported into a large dining room! The Chadron College's Jazz Ensemble provided wonderful music throughout the luncheon. The food was delicious; the mood was festive.

Praise God for this celebration of young people working and training for their futures which made everyone feel so optimistic and hopeful.

Our Getaway to Camp Norwesca!

We had a great getaway to Camp Norwesca!
We left Thursday afternoon and returned Saturday morning.

Praise God for a warm welcome by Mollie Ronge, the camp director! She invited us to kick back and relax. And so we did just that!

Camp Norwesca has a fabulous stone fireplace! We enjoyed building fires and relaxing by the fireplace!

Some Outdoor Holiday Lights at the Parsonage!

This afternoon, Pastor Charles put up some outside holiday lights at the parsonage.

Praise God for a church family who provides their pastor and his family such a lovely parsonage!!!

First Day of Advent 2008

Today marks the first day of Advent 2008!
Our journey begins today!

Praise be to God for the church youth group who made lovely Advent candles, so that members of our church family can use them to pray our way through this season of anticipation and joy!