Auntie Ber (Shirley Stibal) 1932-2010
The weekend had been planned for sometime. As always, getting everyones schedule together was proved not easy. At the last minute, we decided to leave on Thursday. So thanks to our good buddy, Cheryll, who filled in for us at the last minute, dad, Bob and I headed out that afternoon. Our family had decided to spread Auntie Ber's (April 1st) ashes.
And, true to Stibal form (luckily she understood this) cattle needed to be moved and fences fixed. Jess, Lyn, and Keni met us there after they had spent the week in Big Timber. We got up early Friday morning to trail another bunch of cattle from one side of the valley to the other. It was a beautiful day, and I can't even begin to tell you how awesome the valley looks. It is still so incredibly green. I'll spare you the "trail pictures" for the umpteenth time. We turned into a smaller pasture to rest the cattle for a couple days and then headed for the next job at hand - fencing the river.
Lucky for us, our cousin, Megan came up to stay for the weekend (and since she was chicken to get wet) she was in charge of the camera.
Fencing the Indian Crossing (river) is a yearly chore to keep the cattle from crossing over into the neighbors field. The fence also needs to be made into a watering hole for when the cattle are turned up on the mountain. This year, as with everywhere, the river is still pretty high - making for some nice cool "swimming".
Dad, who's back is always hurting and claims he can barely walk, had to go hunt arrowheads. (His favorite pass time)
This picture made us all just laugh. Bad back???
Love this picture. It is sooooo dad, standing looking over "his valley".
Yes, a storm was brewing the whole time we were working.
Water, steel posts - no worries. Notice the water in the prior pictures. The second we got done the water was as still as could be.
Checked a bit more fence before heading home. Brad and the kids arrived. Great dinner of Indian tacos and then a family drive to find the perfect place to spread Ber's ashes.
Auntie Ber's request was the her ashes be spread over water. Above the house, before the timer starts, there is a handmade headgate where the water that comes down from the mountains is diverted to a couple of different creeks to irrigate our pastures. It has always been a favorite spot of mine. It is tucked away amongst some willows. Most wouldn't even know it is there, but as you get to the gate, the water falls down a series of rocks before pooling and spreading to the separate creeks.
The wild flowers this year are beautiful. And how lucky for us (and I think fateful - Auntie Ber loved picking wild flower while camping,) that the Indian Paint Brush were all around the creek.
I admit, I cried my tears early Saturday morning as the boys decided that the spot should have a cross and got to work. When the rest of the family arrived, we headed up the lane and held the service. Her dear friends Pat and Jim helped with the prayers.
We next headed cross the valley and spread the remainder of the ashes in the winding river that goes through our property which happens to be the longest tributary of the Missouri river.
Anna, in true Stibal fashion, had to go find some rocks (a Fred, Auntie Ber, Uncle Chick thing.)
Time for a cousin picture. It used to be that Lynda and I were "the girls". Then Carly and Sarah came along and they were "the girls". Now, "the girls" are Anna and Kenadie. Kinda confusing sometimes.
Also in true Stibal celebration, a lot of food with visiting and reminiscing.
Marlene is the Stibal historian and Seth is eating up the history lesson.
Dad and Uncle Chick doing some catching up.
Dad has to get every minute of arrowhead hunting in that he can.
"The girls" got a bit of face painting time. Two of them were very excited.
The boys had to go check some fence????? ***SURE***
The first time with our self-timer we HAD to have a group picture! (You should have seen Lynda try to play a "Lovely" scrap camp "get everyone to smile" move). Kinda scary.
It was a wonderful day. One that Auntie Ber would have loved.
Brad and Seth headed back to Billings later that afternoon while the rest of us went and got a couple bulls in and changed some water.
Up early Sunday morning to trail the cattle the rest of the way, and to FIX MORE FENCE!!!!
The weekend that held a bit of dread actually turned into a perfect one. The work and the memories are the true life in the valley that we love. Something so special, that keeps our hearts there and reminds us that there is no place like home.
May I be filled with quiet silence
May I be filled with kindness.
May I be filled with a well mind.
May I be content.
May I be peaceful.
daily prayer, Shirley Stibal
We miss you Auntie Ber.
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