The Raising

Not a boring word here, Kath. I really enjoyed this and a perfect tribute to Ken in this month of May.
Love,
Nancy

A wonderful story that ended with a beautiful home. Great pictures. BJ

You continue to be full of surprises. To build that stone facing is no easy chore. I know, because I have worked with stone and cement myself. The entire project is a great accomplishment for a couple who are not professional builders. Well done.
Fred

Kath
You continue to fulfill my desires to continue reading, and wishing that each and every story had a continuance. As always, Toni W.

Oh, Kathe,
This is one of your very best stories! It's definitely among my favorites, but then I say that about a lot of your writings. You and Ken were quite a team. I admire your ability and determination to build your own home. Is there anything you can't do or won't attempt?
Tool belt diva indeed! You can bet I'm going to request that two page pictorial via e-mail.
Blessings,
Sandi in FL.

This is another of your wonderful stories. How proud you must be of your many accomplishments! Wanda Bates

Thank you Wanda. Glad we had the chance to do it in our creative years with faculties and body in one piece. K

Although I love the western landscape, the pioneer spirit is not in my blood. I often say that given the trailblazer days of old, I'd have been the first one dead of hard conditions on the trail outside the city! Kathe, you did yourself proud with this story of Broken Tree Ranch. Beautiful home that you and Ken built -- a testimony of true grit and love.
One added note: the namesake broken tree that has limbs growing horizontally outward, do you think it may have been a sapling that Indians used a compass? They used to tie young limbs in a direction to form north, south, east or west...directing which way a camp was located. Does that make sense the way I've explained it? Anyway, just a thought. You keep writing and I'll keep reading your wonderful stories. ~ Susan

Sure would be fun to think that the Indians had something to do with the way the ugly little tree grew. However, methinks the good Lord had something to do with the way Broken Tree grew and flourished. We just helped it along. Thanx Susan....Kath

Oh, Kathe, I loved every word. It reminded me too of us building our home that I designed for our retirement. We worked hard, as you both did, and isn't it terrific when a husband and wife can work together as a team? I must admit it brought the tears, and it also brought my thoughts of visiting Broken Tree Ranch sometime if I am allowed!*lol*
Wonderful story, Ken would be so proud, and if you believe as I do that they watch over us as angels, then he does know that you wrote this, and he loves it. It must be sheer beauty. As you say 'You and your island, me and my mountain!'.
Thank God for those experiences!
What should I bring as clothing for a trip there??????????????*lol*
Love,
Bonnie.

Newfie duds to Montana always.......K

Kathe - Another great story told with breath-taking clarity and obvious heartfelt love.

Don

What a treat this story was! A home built with ones own hands is such an accomplishment and something to be so proud of - as I can tell you are. You and Ken were a fearless couple...thanks for the story and the photos.

Love,
K.

Kathe, your hand might be arthritic but there sure isn't a thing wrong with your memory. How you can remember all those details with such clarity, is beyond me. The love you have for your beloved Montana home is evident in every word, every phrase. You and Ken did a labor of love, and the strength behind it stands to this very day. Wonderful story; love your heart. ~Maria