the ducklings arrived!!!

Here are a few pictures of the ducklings that just arrived today. There is a total of 11 (I had ordered 16) after 1 death and a lack females at the farm where they were hatched. They are lots of fun and of course cute. :)
- -Matthew

Hard Frost

Here in Menomonie on Tues. Sept.29, we were warned of a coming frost and we did indeed get a killing frost. The zucchini plant is black,but we got plenty off it. We picked tomatoes and green peppers and some of the squash and pumpkins. The rutabagas did very well this summer. They love the cold and the grubs did not thrive, so I did not even need to treat them. We thank the Lord for a wonderful harvest. We will still need to harvest the root crops like potatoes and beets and rutabagas.

David in Bahrain

David has been in Bahrain since June 30. He did take a two week trip to Kuwait. The weather in this part of the world is very hot reaching well above 100 many days. They also get sand storms.Bahrain is an island country connected to Saudi Arabia by a long bridge.

Peter's Graduation

We are having a graduation party for Peter on the 22nd of August. It will be at our house from 2:00-5:00 P.M.

I am getting ready to deploy so you who want my adress here it is. I cannot promise to respond to your letters but I always love recieving mail.

Cpl Pillman, David P
Fast Sent Central Command
PSC 451 Box 710
FPOAE 09834-2800

Christ's Marine
David Pillman

More Strawberry pictures

Just for Fun

Justo comes, David goes

David, in the marines, had an exciting return to Norfolk, VA. He was meritoriously promoted to Corporal. Praise God. Then, the whole platoon had to repeat their field operation exercises. This time they passed. During the three days, they got only 9 hours of sleep and ate only four meals. The temperatures were over 100 degrees F. I hope they are able to get filled up and rested up over the weekend. They will be shipping out to Bahrain on June 30, for seven months. They will have several very hot months in Bahrain. June 30 is the same day that Justo is returning from Ecuador, Lord willing. He has had a wonderful event filled time and has been used mightily of the Lord.

Strawberries in Menomonie!

The strawberry season at Red Cedar Valley Farms is starting on the 18th of June. You can find your way to the field in Menomonie here. You will love the menomonie strawberry picking experience when you come to the family friendly atmosphere and snack on the sweet juicy berries while you pick.

Hopefully we will be able to get some pictures so that you can all get an idea of what we do for three busy weeks of the summer.

Canoeing trip on the Brule

Canoeing the Brule (click here to see the whole album)

Reception

Here is a pic. all the family that was at the wedding. (see if you can find those of our family).

The wedding

Groom's Family (our cousins, aunt, and uncle).
David dressed up for the occassion!
All the cousins (minus 3)
Here is what every groomsman should wear for weddings!

Fun with the cousins!

Maple Syrup

Stoking the fire.

Our neighbor checking the product.

This is an example of the bags used to colect the sap (even though most of the taps drip right into plastic tubing).

Off line in Cuba

I got to go fishing Friday night with a Sergent from Motor T Here. We also had a kick ball tournament to day where my team went to the semi finals and lost. Other wise I have just been doing my duty standing post and helping keep the Plt from getting in trouble with the authorities here. I would apreciate prayer for endurance spiritually as I am in a continuous secular company and there is not much fellowship to be found
Christ's Marine,
David

Lucas and Matthew in Ecuador

Lucas and Matthew in Ecuador (fishing)

Lucas and Matthew in Ecuador (fun together)

Animals seen while in post

Along with many hours of standing post I do get to see some unique wild life while I am here and here is a quick run down of what I have seen
Animal Life of Cuba
There are many different kinds of animals in Cuba. Take a look at the variety of life below:
Birds:

Cuban Finch (Tiaris canora)
The Cuban Finch can grow to be approximately 9 cm.
This bird tends to nest in shrubs.
Bee Hummingbird (Calypte helenae)
This bird is the world's smallest bird species.
This bird grows to a maximum length of 2.25 in.
This species is an endemic bird species of Cuba.
The Cuban Hummingbird has been labeled as threatened since 2000 due to loss of habitat.
This species is usually found in forests, gardens, and valleys.


Cuban Trogon (Priotelus temnurus)
This species of bird is known as Cuba's national bird becuase its coloration is the same as the Cuban Flag.
Cuban Parakeet (Aratinga euops)
This species is endemic to Cuba.
This bird has been labeled as vulnerable since 2000 due to habitat loss and trapping.


Mammals:

Cuban Hutia (Capromys pilorides)
The Cuban Hutia is the largest endemic land mammal of Cuba.
It can grow to be about 60 cm in length.
This rodent lives in the forests and rocky areas of Cuba.
This animal is an omnivore and is known to eat fruits, leaves, small reptiles, and small mammals.



Cuban Solenodon (Solenodon cunbanus)
The Solenodon is endangered and was once thought to be extinct.
This species is an insectivore and feeds mostly on insects and spiders.
The Cuban Solenodon is found mostly in forests and thick shrub habitats.
This is a nocturnal species, spending the day hiding under rocks or in trees.

Small Indian Mongoose (Herpestes javanicus)
This species was introduced to Cuba to manage rodent populations.
Now they have a large range and have taken to eating almost anything.
The Small Indian Mongoose is an omnivore and will eat many small animals and fruits.


Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus)
This is a nocturnal species that spends its days in caves, rocks, trees, and even houses.
The Pallid Bat is an insectivore, meaning it feeds only on insects.
This bat's large ears help it to have an amazing sense of hearing.
Reptiles & Amphibians:


Cuban Ground Iguana (Cyclura nubila)
This species of iguana is listed as vulnerable in Cuba.
It can be commonly found on the U.S. Naval base of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.


Cuban Boa (Epicrates angulifer)
This species is listed as near-threatened.
The Cuban Boa, also known as the Cuban Tree Boa, spends a lot of its time in trees.
They can be found in woodland and rocky habitats.




Greater Frigate birds

Pelicans

Roseate Spoonbill

Now on to the water animals

Sharks, many types but manly black tip reef sharks, Nurse sharks, and bull sharks.

Spotted eagle rays

Bat rays

Tarpon

Brown eals

Snook

Barracuda

Gars

trumpet Fish

Bottle nosed dolphins

Manatees

And these are just the Creatures I have seen on post. Don't we have a wonderful creative creator?

Christ's marine,

David