Off to Truth or Consequences for our next project.

It is a long trip from Purdy, Mo. to Truth or Consequences, NM.  Along the way we passed through the length of Oklahoma and the panhandle of Texas.

At one of the rest stops in Texas we found this great area ---

---and while we were resting we heard the sound which we heard so often when we lived in Nebraska, sandhill cranes flying south for the winter.

Our nest stop was the Santa Rosa Lake and state park.  We spent a quiet and restful night at the park and took note of how low the reservoir was. 

We spent the evening walking along the shore of the lake and---

---;\looking at the local vegetation.

At last we pulled into the Orchard in T or C.  The bugs had made a real mess of the windshield---

---and the rest of the windows could stand a bit of elbow grease as well.

Finally we were all leveled and ready for the project.

One of the distinctive features of the area is Turtle mountain.  To me it is a bit of a stretch, but to the locals this is definitely a turtle.

Just after we got there Apple Tree held a Harvest Fest for the local children.  The lady leading the charge and pictures here is the CEO of apple Tree.  She really gets into the event.

Right behind her is the accountant.  That isn't a calculator she has but her I-phone.

Of course there were games to be assembled---

---tickets to bag---

 

---and popcorn, too.

On a trip to the Elephant Butte reservoir we were surprised at how low it was as well.  

When the work began we were introduced to the National Civilian Conservation Corp group who would be helping is demo an old church which had been donated to Apple Tree.  The renovated building will be used as a local art center for the kids of the community.

Part of the demolition was to remove this entryway.

We decided to do it with a little flair.

Now that that is done, we must remove the roof and walls.

These young people put their crow bars and hammers into it---

and had a good time while they were at it.

Some preferred the higher road--- 

---but eventually it all had to come down---

--- and the hole where the entry doors had been had to be closed again.

Another great month at Camp Barnabas!

We have finished another month at Camp Barnabas but this time we had extra hands.  It's a good thing, too, as we had a lot of work to do to finish the house for Holly.

Between projects we took a little trip and went down to Barnabas on the Lake.  It is truly a beautiful camp and should serve the handicapped well as soon as there are a number of accessibility issues which are addrssed. 

Also between projects we received 4 inches of rain in three hours.  Here is a picture of the landing where the  Barnabas campers go to do a little fishing.  For a little while it was 3 feet under water.

We also took a trip a few miles north to the Jolly Mill Park.  Normally there is a trickle of water coming over the spillway there.

After the storm the turkey vultures decided to hold a convention in one of the trees near our motor home.  

This one is the chairman of the group.

Finally the November team came in and it was time to get serious about work.

 Ulah must have sharpened 20 chains and worked of 15 engines---

 ---as well as one vacuum cleaner.

With the walls all finished it was time to start the task of installing the laminate floor.

Everybody at the camp got into the action.  Jason, the young man who has moved onto the camp to help with the maintenance and landscaping, was there to help cut the pieces for the floor.

We kept at it pretty steady for a couple of days---

---even getting help from Eli, Jason's second son.

Then the final piece of flooring was cut and put into place.

Now the trim work had to start.

 That, too, got finished fairly quickly---

 ---even to putting the door stops on the doors.

One last thing was to put the cabinets and dishwasher in place, add the new cabinet top and then cut a big hole in it to install the sink.  Whew!  It fit.

 

 Of course there were several Sower breaks, sometimes in the cafeteria, sometimes in the Tea's house.

The ladies finished washing the linens and making the beds in the Well House---

---and after our big party in the Tea's house, given by Roger and Kay, there was the final cleanup. 

The trees are beginning to change---

---and they are really beautiful---

---and it makes the Tea's house look like something out of a Cinderella story.

The road out of the RV area is covered with leaves and it is a wonder of God's creation.

Thank you Ulah and Cheri---

---and Harry and Ellen for your help.  May God bless you on your way around the country.

 

Thank you Roger and Kay for a great project.

We are celebrating out 50th year and out home group at MCC gave us a very special party at our last meeting.

 How special it is to have really good friends scattered all across the nation.

 Everyone was there to celebrate---

---and we thank these two loving women for it all.  Thank you Pam and Lisa.