2nd Annual Cabin Getaway with the Yowells

We had such a good time with our old friends the Yowells last fall that we decided to do it again! Since we rarely get to see them or have a chance to catch up, these visits are nice for reconnecting and enjoying each other's company in the beautiful fall surroundings at the cabin.

Friday evening we had a dinner of chili and baked potatoes. Later we made a fire outside and had s'mores for dessert.

It was a chilly weekend though, so we didn't last long outside. Later we came in to the cozy cabin and watched some TV before heading to bed.

The next morning was beautiful, and it didn't take long for it to warm up enough for everyone to want to be outside enjoying the weather and the scenery.

I title this one "Five Yowells on a Tiny Sofa"

Of course, everyone wanted to go on 4-wheeler rides. Apparently Charles is the fast one, and Kenny is not so much. Charles even let some of the kids try their hands at the controls, with him right there with them of course!

Perhaps it was the noise of the 4-wheeler that brought this little friend to us. She stuck by us all day, and we fed her and played with her. Sophie was especially enamored. Since no one came to claim her, Charles tried to contact her owner and was able to bring them to her on our way out Sunday afternoon. It was then that we learned her name is Squirt and she'd been out on her own overnight. No wonder she was so glad to see us!

Later in the morning we took a walk to the lake and then up on top of the dam. It really was a beautiful day.

After returning to the cabin, we had some lunch and then started getting cleaned and packed up to head home. And thus ends our cabin adventure, until next year!

Service Learning at NCP

My crew for the day (some are hiding in the back)

For the last number of years, our MS team leader has taken 7th grade students to New Community Project in Harrisonburg for service learning opportunities. NCP-Harrisonburg has the motto "Creating sustainable systems that care for the earth, empower people, educate and inspire, and build the foundation for a nonviolent lifestyle," and I especially like this part of their "About" page:

We are building a more just and peaceful world where all can live with integrity and in harmonious relationship in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.’s call for a “beloved community.” While divesting from systems that promote injustice, violence, and disparity, our focus is on creating systems that we can and want to say “Yes!” to.

A few weeks ago, I volunteered to take the group for their weekly visit, and I'm so glad I did! This place is absolutely amazing. Since it was the first time this group had gone, we were led on a tour around the place before digging in for some work in the garden. The students enjoyed the work so much that they didn't want to return to school. (And quite frankly, neither did I!) As we left one student said, "Now we have to go back to school and learn." I was quick to point out that they actually were learning the entire time. See below for photos of some of our learning.

Getting a tour of the gardens from Tom Benevento

The cistern where they have cold storage since there is no refrigerator in the house

Working toward going totally carbon free. Looks like they're almost there!

Continuing the garden tour

Our job for the day, shoveling mulch ...

... and spreading it on the garden path

It was a beautiful day, sunny and perfect temps for working outside

Finishing up the last part of the path

They got so into the work that they even came up with a little song: "Scoop, scoop, scoop the mulch. Working in the garden!"

Brunk Oyster Fry 2015

Last year we huddled under Orden's shelter in cold rain, shivering and trying to stay warm. No one wanted to hang around for too long. This year's weather was beautiful, and we had a great showing of people. It's always nice to enjoy the mountain in the fall with family.

Where we gather

Playing cornhole in the sunshine

Cousins playing soccer

The oyster masters doing their thing

Our matriarch, the only remaining Brunk sister

Too much food to eat it all!

Relaxing after the meal

Taking a walk to the dam

Looking back on Dry River

View of the lake from atop the dam

Family photo, courtesy of Amanda (thanks!)

The trees were just beginning to change

The 4-wheeler is always a hit

Charles and the girls rode their bikes

More time spent fellowshiping with one another

What a beautiful day!