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”The Princess Journal” by J ‘all about’ N.
Crow Creek Indian Reserve, SD (Oct 13/13) – Princess??? N??? Yes she is definitely a ‘Princess’ in J’s book. Considering the zany, crazy antics that you have previously read about, what has transpired since (there is more? how can that be??? Believe it!!!). Never a dull moment in the Gizmo household. NEVER. Yeah there has been the teeth brushing incident (wow that really broke your last distance record); the pee-pot moments (seems like forever waiting outside the door in sub-zero weather, cookie-monster pyjamas notwithstanding), bathing/washing dishes (same place, not at the same time)… click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to scroll thru the gallery Not sure what sport…
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“Rescued!!! UPDATE #2” by N&J.
Gregory, South Dakota (Oct 12/13) – Visited Daisy (aka ‘Ears’) and her family of new-born pups at the Rescues Unlimited facility in Gregory, SD. Marie and Dale currently have a total of 31 dogs that they have rescued. Their house, lives, finances, time and energy are dedicated to the rescue. Their animals have been mended back to health after a dismal start; broken limbs, amputations, damaged eyes, etc… click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to scroll thru the gallery Daisy within a mere 3 weeks after giving birth to 9 puppies (yes count em’, previously it was thought there was 8… she snuck an extra pup into the…
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“Under Construction” by N&J.
Fort Thompson, SD (Oct 03/13) – The Habitat for Humanity (H4H) visitor centre here on the Crow Creek Indian Reserve is moving forward rather quickly. All the electrical, plumbing, framing, and HVAC is almost complete. A few more soffits to be built, and the entire area will be ready for drywall. N&J have been using some new construction skills along the way. Jim Huntley (H4H Executive Director & construction guru) has been sharing some of his tricks, giving additional insight into building technique… N&J have each done considerable renovations in the past, but have benefited from this experience, improving the efficiency by ‘measuring twice, cutting once’. click on pic to…
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“Rescued” UPDATE #1 !!! by N&J
Fort Thompson, SD (Sep 28/13) – Updating the ‘Rescued’ story on Daisy (aka Ears), the dog who was taken into care by Rescues Unlimited. Daisy delivered 4 female & 4 male pups yesterday (4 days after being rescued!), all healthy. Daisy is a very gentle and loving mother to her little ones and will not leave them for a moment. Although too soon to tell, the father might have been a Border Collie by the looks of the markings on the wee ones. 4 white, 2 black, 1 white w/black & 1 multi coloured. So thankful that she was rescued just in time. A huge ‘Thank You’ to Auntie Lindy…
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“Close Encounters of the Gizmo Kind” by N&J
Somewhere in the boonies of South Dakota (Sep 27/13) – Many have asked how N&J manage to co-exist in such a small space found in a Volkswagen Westfalia camper van. Mostly it is easy. Both completely comfortable with the living quarters as it is. Dressing, cooking, peeing, making the bed, whatever… involves some ‘dancing’ around each other. Somewhat more difficult when it is rainy. That said, there are some situations where ‘wiggle-room’ is at a premium. Thank goodness Gizmo is a ‘double-decker’ with the tent popped up. When first embarking on this voyage, N was pretty certain about what she shares ‘foodwise’, with anyone… essentially nothing. But as the journey…
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“Rescued!!!” by N&J
Crow Creek Indian Reservation, SD (Sep 22-25/13) – The sun is already up as N&J begin to stir, the morning chill fades. With gregarious yawns and a bit of rustling about, the kettle heating on the stove, their attention turns to their new-found friend ‘Ears”. Spying out the window searching for her, wondering if she survived the night. Sliding the side door open to gain a better vantage point… she is sitting right outside Gizmo’s door looking up at N&J, tail wagging, eyes yearning. click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to scroll thru the gallery N&J excitedly greet her and can see a slight twinkle in her eyes. Not used…
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“Day Off” by N&J
Crow Creek Indian Reservation, SD (Sep 21/13) – Saturday morning, have been here a week and it’s N&J’s first day to explore! Excited about heading into the ‘big city’ of Chamberlain SD, similar in scale to Hope BC. The first stop was the annual St. Joseph’s Indian School Pow Wow; traditional dress, native drummers and chanters festooned the school field with a pageantry of colour and music. The kids practice their dancing all year long at the chance of winning recognition and prizes. Parents sitting on the sidelines watching intently along with school supporters and spectators, enjoyed the performance under sunny skies. click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow…
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“It Tickles !!!” by N&J
Fort Thompson, SD (Sep 20-21/13) – After 6 days of working on the Habitat project and being on their feet all day; aching muscles, a pair of torn shorts, a few cuts, inflamed plantar fasciitis, and paint left on the skin… N&J look back on the past week pleased at what has been accomplished. Approximately 100-120 collective hours has been put into the project. Some of that time was spent getting the lay of the land, figuring out the systems in place, and going over the master plan. Looking back… they ran telecom/data cable, pulled old wires off the building exterior, completed refurbishing the upstairs bathrooms, completed and confirmed the…
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“Opportunity Denied” by N&J
Crow Creek Indian Reserve, South Dakota (Sep 18-19/13) – Driving through a community is one thing; living here is a completely different experience. Immersion within this life comes at full force with eyes wide open… everything is foreign and N&J are not sure how to be. Comfort zone challenged… not ‘viewing from the sidelines’. Getting to know the locals, the natives of this land… talking to them in their backyard, on their turf up close & personal. A hand reaches out to shake theirs, welcoming into their space. At first it felt somewhat uncomfortable, unsure, more because of N&J’s own insecurities and the interpretation of their presence, quickly realize that they too are…
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“Vacation Suspended” by N&J
Fort Thompson, SD (Sep 13-16/13) – Lucky for N&J, avoided any tragedy brought on by the terrible flood conditions in Colorado. After crossing into Wyoming at Cheyenne, traveled east on I-90 into Nebraska, dipping back into Julesburg CO to stay at a rest area for the evening. Playing a bit of frisbee in the evening as the sun set, they had a great sleep and were excited knowing would soon be at their defined destination. click on pic to enlarge – right/left arrow to scroll thru the gallery Next day made our way north to South Dakota. The expansive landscape afforded sweeping views in all directions. It was early in…