June 20 Montana Campmeeting

We have worked at full speed getting ready for Campmeeting. I didn't know that days could be so long.

Not only have we worked on the hundreds of details getting the store ready, we have been working on getting the physical place ready to close. I've made that part a high priority for me. I've sorted through boxes of stuff from years past, deciding on what to throw away, shred, or take to Boise. Then there's office and store items to pitch, sell or move.

As of yesterday, I have sold most of the book shelves in the store. I have also sold the desk, computer desk, chairs and so many other things. Hopefully we'll be down to only moving food, books and little else.

If you love to buy good books at a big discounted price, you should see our bargain room. There are too many of several older books. Some of these have been marked down to 27 cents each. And tonight those will even be discounted 15% more. What a deal!

Campmeeting actually started on Wednesday. Our business has increased steadily everyday. Yesterday we were busy non-stop. After we close, we work 2 - 3 more hours restocking, cleaning and cashing-up.

We are working with some wonderful people. Kathleen has worked here for several years. She has been a real blessing. She's a detail person, so it's been a smooth week. Jim and I haven't worked at a campmeeting before, so we really needed her. Christina is a student worker. She's worked here about a year. She's very smart and a sweetheart. She loves to stand behind me while I'm working at the cash register, and show me how to do something! When I grow up, I want to be as smart as she is! Sandi came from Idaho to help us too. To know Sandi, is to love her. She was about eight when we first met her.

We've eaten most of our meals in the cafeteria here. Vonnie is a wonderful cook. She's a neat lady besides.

So while eating at the cafeteria, we've been able to visit with several people and get acquainted. And no big surprise, we have made several "connect the dots" connections.

Vonnie lived in the same town in Missouri as my sister Ruth's academy roommate and her husband, David and Jean Tucker. Vonnie and Jean even worked in the same office and are good friends.

Arlene, a lady who used to be the ABC Manager here, is a cousin to my sister Martha's husband.

Kathleen and the maintenance man here at this academy, know a classmate of mine, Judy Beltz Bieber.

And the rest of the people, I haven't been able to visit with all of them and make the connections, YET............

Campmeeting is over tomorrow. I've loved it, but it's been long, hard work. We go to work right after breakfast and several nights it's been 11:30 when we get out of there. Eight hours later we start over again. My energy hasn't been too bad, but my poor feet. I'm not used to standing on them all day. They are so swollen. And they hurt! Poor, poor me!!

After tomorrow, we start doing inventory. At least we still have something big and time consuming to look forward to.