While Murray was away in the Holy Land some girlfriends regularly dropped in to visit and see that I was okay. In the previous blog I covered Jan's visit. Amanda picked me up and we had a nice dinner in town. Avalyn called in several times and we had coffee and some nice meals out. Memorial Day is commemorated by families placing flowers on deceased families graves and I accompanied Avalyn out to her home town of Baldwin where her parents and siblings are buried. After that we called in and visited her sister in law Gail. On another occasion Irene and Avalyn both came and had dinner in my RV. Irene picked up a hot chicken and some salad, as well as a naughty (but most enjoyable) dairy queen dessert each. A nice girls' catch up.
 |
Avalyn at Baldwin Cemetery |
 |
Avalyn and Irene |
 |
Selection of photos of Murray's visit to the Holy Land |

Murray thoroughly enjoyed his 3 weeks in the Holy Land and was so impressed with what he saw over there. Mass will never be the same for him now, as he visited many of the places that are mentioned in the gospel. He got back to the campground just before midnight on a Saturday night, and by 6 pm Sunday night, we were celebrating his return with Wes, Avalyn and Irene. Margaritas are great over here - you almost need 2 hands to lift them!
I really enjoy sweet potato fries or gems, but at this restaurant they offer a loaded sweet potato which has caramel and marshmallow on top. It sounded disgusting, but the locals and the staff say they are delicious, so I gave it a try. Sure made the sweet potato a LOT sweeter but not worth the extra calories.

As we left the restaurant I noticed Wes's boots for the first time. They are made of genuine snakeskin (python), and apparently are very soft and comfortable as well as durable. I asked him to pull his jeans up so I could get a photo. Very spiffy. I think Murray would get a few strange looks if he bought a pair and wore them back at home. Then again, he already gets strange looks…ha ha. You can't see it in the full photo of Wes below, but he also always wears a great cowboy belt, and usually has a white cowboy hat on his head. He is a true North Dakota local!
 |
Wes with his python snakeskin boots |
We are now back up at Audubon Lake for a few days before heading to South Dakota and onto Cheyenne to meet up with Bev and Ross: Aussie's who own a house in San Antonio. Clint from the ranch rang and asked if we would be around to help with the branding again this year, but unfortunately we won't be able to make it. Hopefully we'll get to see them at the Minot fair when we return in mid July.