Hoven...more like Heaven!

After our stint in the Hills, we headed back across the state to Hoven, SD - population: 413.
Ironically, Hoven is not too far from Faulkton where we were only a week earlier.

 

We arrived in town on Sunday evening (after climbing Crazy Horse).  The town has one small grocery store, one restaurant, and one gas station.  We were staying in a rental house and were psyched to have a kitchen, so we drove down main street looking for the grocery store, only to find that it was closed on Sundays!  So, we popped over to the gas station and bought all the regular food we could find - an apple, some almonds, some cheese, etc.  Nothing like a gas station feast!

 

Later that week, we had a chance to eat at the Restaurant - Boone's Steakhouse.  The owners are the parents of one of the kids in our cast.  He had been bragging all week about how his Dad made the best steaks in town - even an 18oz.!!  So, Harrison decided he had better give it a try.  I had never seen such a slab of meat.  He finished that entire thing!  Even the waitress was shocked.  I couldn't even finish my "mini" 8oz.  Don't worry - he finished the rest of that too!  The steaks were delicious though, so the next time you find yourself in Hoven, make sure you go. 

 

We had a great time in Hoven.  The kids were very well-behaved and the PTA was awesome!  They provided dinner for the kids (and us) between rehearsal sessions each night and were super helpful and supportive.  One day, before rehearsal, we were chatting with the kids and I asked them what they did for fun in Hoven.  They ALL said - "Ummmmmmm..........play my X-box."  It was so clear why they were so excited for our company to come to town each year.  There is not much else to do and this really is a highlight of their year.  It felt good to be able to bring them this experience.

With the small town charm comes a few challenges though.  As we already explained, we had VERY little cell service and no Wi-Fi.  The first night we were there, I tried to call my mom.  I walked all over the place to find a location with enough service.  I finally figured out that if I went outside and walked down the block to the fire hydrant, I could maintain a call.  My mom and I had a complete, successful conversation.  Two days later, Harrison and I were making our weekly conference call with our bosses.  To make sure we can all be heard, Harrison and I have to be in separate rooms on separate phones when we make this call.  So, I thought I would go to my fire hydrant spot.  I popped outside in my lounge pants and no shoes.  Unfortunately, halfway down the sidewalk, I was met by a snake.  A real SNAKE!  I freaked out of course.  We had a full face-off.  Of course, at that moment, my boss came onto the conference call.  I was literally sprinting down the sidewalk toward the house, shouting "Sorry! Hold on!!  I'm running from a snake right now!!!!" Welcome to the Prairie. 

That Saturday, after the snow storms missed us, we drove an hour and half over to Aberdeen.  Mainly, we needed printer ink and a Laundromat, and that was the closest city to have them.  Luckily, we were able to visit my Uncle Don.  He was married to my Grandma's beloved sister, Ruth, who passed away earlier this year.  It was so nice to see him, catch up, share lots of memories, and hear family stories.  We spent the whole day with him.  He even came and sat with us while we washed all the show costumes at the Laundromat/Bar - (an odd combination of establishments, but I guess a lot of people need to drink while they launder...)  Anyway, we had a wonderful time with him and cannot wait until the next time our paths cross again.

Hoven is also home to "The Cathedral on the Prairie" - this gorgeous Cathedral that you can literally see for miles as you approach the town.  It is absolutely beautiful, and you can hear the bells chiming from anywhere in town.  We got the chance to stop inside on Sunday before we left, and it was breath-taking.  Apparently, the church hosts many college choirs and even the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra throughout the year.  It is really a gem in this little town.  I assure you this cell phone snapshot does not do it any justice.

 

Ok - Harrison and I are going to go work on some ukulele duets now.  Requests?

Love you,

C&H