Friday morning, I finished packing the truck and then tried to figure out how to start Diane's riding lawnmower.  Well, I did just that, but couldn't figure out how to make it move - it took a call to her grandson, but I finally got it going!  Don't laugh, I've never been on a riding mower before.  

In the afternoon,  I took a liesurely drive to Helena - about 80 miles from Great Falls.   Barb and I were best friends throughout grade school and beyond and have many, many memories to talk about.  

Barb has a dog - a Laboradoodle - about 65# - what a hoot to watch Della and Tucker getting to know each other.   Della wasn't quite sure what was happening, and where to put her paws - large, powerful paws.  So she just lay down and patted her paws on the floor to entice Tucker to play, Tuck had a blast.  He is so fast, and he maneuver's so quickly that Della was sometimes left wondering where he went.

I so looked forward to sleeping on Barb's front porch - it's wonderful.  We have a heat wave going on in Montana - as do so many other areas of the country - one difference in Montana, though - is the low humidity - which means that as soon as the sun goes down, and even before, it cools down to great sleeping weather.  I didn't know how I was going to handle it with Tucker since he's so tiny he can fit under or through the porch railing.  We solved it by putting his harness and leash on, and I slept with the leash wrapped around my wrist.   I worked great!

On Saturday, we drove over Stemple Pass to the Lincoln, MT area - you know, Lincoln - of the Unibomber fame????  Well that's old news, anyway.   Carol, we did drive into "town" and had huckleberry ice cream cones.   So, I can cross that little "chore" off my list!   We also stopped at a yard sale - found while turning around after missing our target.   They had boxes of fabric - as soon as I told Barb I wasn't looking at any fabric, I spotted some white flannel!   $1.00 a bundle!   Something I needed for one of my projects.   I got a bundle, which turned out to be about 9 yards - a bargain - but, wait - it gets better!   A couple days later I needed a "rag", so I cut of a portion of the flannel which was dirty -  not only was there 9 yards - it was 90 inches wide!  

We continued on our road trip to where Barb's son has a cabin, with a wide creek just steps away.   Della loves the water.  She immediately jumped in and chased sticks.   I waded in with Tucker on a leash - I took 2 steps, Tuck took 2 - finally, he was in far enough to swim which he did handily - but he didn't really enjoy it.

We left the cabin and continued on our way to Snowbank Lake where we had lunch and threw more sticks for Della.   Tucker decided to keep his feet dry, though.

On the way back to Barb's we drove along the fire area.  I mentioned in a previous post that Barb's neighborhood was evacuated because of a forest fire.   The fire came within a few blocks of her home.   It came as far as the road in 3 places, and actually jumped the road in one place -  Luckily the losses were not as bad as it could have been -  3 homes and some out buildings.

We drove around to the back of the hills where the fire got started (an accident)   It swept out of control over the ridge and was caught by a northerly wind and traveled the length of the hills before being subdued.  The next day, the winds turned and drove the fire southward.  On the third day the wind drove in from the west and the fire took direct aim at Barb's neighborhood.   Slowly, the firefighters gained control, and finally stopped the fire.  The scent of ashes was still in the air.

On Sunday we decided to take the Trolley Tour of Helena - unfortunately it was closed.  So, we walked along Last Chance Gulch - which at one time was just that - the last chance to look for gold, and some struck it rich there in the 1800's    Today it is a shopping area, a fun place to explore.  

It was hot! Hot! Hot!    Once we returned home, we curled up and took naps.  Dogs included.

On Monday, Barb had a couple appointments in the morning, I rode along and waited in the car - it was Hot, Hot, Hot -   My right arm got sunburned in just moments.  When we returned -  we took a nap.  I'm enjoying this!!!   The night was once again cool and refreshing!

Tuesday -  we couldn't go anywhere because my new tent was to be delivered and I didn't want to take a chance on not being there..   I spent the day unloading the truck - and stacking non-camping stuff in Barb's garage - getting ready for our camping trip which we'll leave for  on Thursday.   It was surprisingly cool - high still to be in the high 90's, but sky was overcast, keeping the temp down.

The tent arrived, and just as we were going to try putting it up, it started raiing - well "spitting" is more like it.  In any event, .........we took a nap instead!  Afterward, refreshed from the A/C in the house, we took the dogs across town to 10 Mile Creek, where Della immediastely, even before we were all out of the car, ran head-long into the water.    Tucker reluctantly went in the water, and I have the cutest photo of him - if I can locate it on the computer!  ....... Well, I canh't find the photo.  I'm not having any luck at all with photos this year!  

At one point, Tucker was on leash - and Della ran pell-mell between us - as soon as I realized what was going to happen, I dropped the leash handle, but even so, Tucker got flipped!!!  Della is so exuberant.

Tomorrow's schedule is to finish packing the truck for the camping trip, figure out how to make Tucker's car seat fit on the back seat.   We are going to an area along the Boulder River south of Big Timber -  the altitude will be nearly 5000 ft - so I'm hoping it will be cooler than it is here in the Valley.   I know the nights will be even cooler than they are here.  So, on Thursday, we'll be on our way!

Until next time,
Bear Hugs

Luv 'n Boots and Tucker, too

She believed she could do it, so she did!

PS - I typed this directly into my blog, instead of doing it in Word first - the type is so small I can't read it unless I put my nose on the screen - so please ignore typos 


 

JUST FILLING IN!

Well, I’m back from Bozeman, have my computer all ready to post to my blog – and…. Wouldn’t you know it – I can’t get my photos to load from my camera to my computer, and I packed the truck today and my camera instructions are out of reach.  Oh, well – I’ll do a “fill in” post.

On a recent post, I told you about falling in mud.   Well, my shoes were caked with mud.   Insidious, gooey, gumbo mud.   So I went searching for another pair of shoes in the truck.   When I was packing, it got to the point that I was pulling stuff out of boxes, and even tote bags and stuffing every nook and cranny.   A brief search found 3 shoes -   a flip flop, a blue plastic garden clog, and a suede Birkenstock clog.   One of each pair.   The matches were no where to be found.   So for the last couple days, I’ve been wearing 1 blue clog, and 1 suede clog whenever I head outside.  But, today, I’m headed to town and the first order of business is to find a matching shoe.  Any matching shoe – I just hope it’s not the flip-flop!!!!

IN THE NEWS!

Glacier Park:   Crews are hopeful they will have the Going-to-the-Sun highway open by this Friday, June 15 – that sounds late in the year – but……. Last year they didn’t get it opened until July 13!!!!   This year’s progress has been hampered by an additional 16 inches of snow since Memorial Day.   Snow storms, fog and rain have hampered their efforts.   Last week, avalanches ranging from 8 – 15’ caused some crews to have to plow their way back through avalanches that came in behind them during the day.  (I know, this is old news, but interesting to me)

Great Falls, MT: Budget Travel magazine and it’s website, budgettravel.com listed my home town as one of America’s 11 greatest riverfront towns.   Others on the list include, New Orleans, and San Antonio – impressive company!    Great Falls’ River’s Edge Trail which is built partly on old railroad beds is great for cycling and walking from town to Giant Springs.

I’ve unloaded and piled on Diane’s porch everything from the back of the truck that was in front of all the stuff I brought for, my niece to sell, hopefully.  Nicki, has an antique shop in town called Homestead Treasures.   I have a lot of collectibles bought during my working years, some antiques and, well, just say it – stuff.  The collectibles won’t be as interesting for Nicki – but some of the boxes will be.  I packed it all several months ago, and I don’t even remember what all there is.   I started out listing everything, item by item.  But some of the boxes name 2-3 items, and end in “just more stuff”.   And, there is more stuff I left at a Brooke’s.   

Yesterday, I contacted the lady in charge of  Montana’s “Loners on Wheels” and made arrangements to join the group the middle of July camping along the Boulder River.   I am so looking forward to that.  I think after that weekend, Barb and I will stay there a few days to enjoy the activities at the near-by hot springs.

While in town yesterday, I bought a pattern for PJ’s for Tucker.  Well, he needs them!!!  Nice warm fleece ones.   The pattern calls for ¾ yard – I thought, “that just can’t be”  So I took out the pattern and cut out the pieces for the small size.   My gosh, I’ll have to reduce it by half, or even more!    I won’t be able to adjust the pattern that much – I’ll have to draw my own.

I’m a slob in many ways, but my patterns are always (well, nearly always)  folded neatly and returned to the envelope.   Sometimes I iron them into submission just to fit them in. I think that’s called misplaced neatness.

Now – the present time!

I talked to Sister-in-Law Carol today, and helped her decide not to hike  into pretty prairie to scatter my brother’s ashes in August.   Instead, we are taking them to Logging Creek where my Father’s and other Brother’s ashes have been scattered.     She was concerned as to whether Logging Creek was as pretty as Pretty Prairie -  I was there as a teenager, and what I remember is a large flat area with a stream cutting through it.   So, Diane and I took a road trip today to Logging Creek – it’s a lovely area – the campground is right along the creek where it runs between a couple of mountains, and better still, I called my nephew, Bob (my other brother’s son) who with his mother and siblings were at Logging Creek with his Dad’s ashes last year – he has the exact location of Dick’s ashes saved in his GPS, and even better, he’s coming up in August to join us  Maybe by doing it closer, more people will want to attend.

When we left the campground, we decided to go out the opposite of the way we came – the sign was a little confusing – looked like Hwy 89 was 13 miles either way.  Well, it wasn’t.   The way we picked was 30 miles.   But, what a ride!   We climbed to about 7500’, and just rode with it -  in and out of the trees, passing high mountain meadows alive with wildflowers.  Each meadow seemed to have it’s own color scheme – one had mostly white flowers, another, mostly blue.  It was stunning – and even though I’d been along that particular road – a long time ago – I had completely forgotten what it was like – it was like being on the Blue Ridge and seeing mountains as far as the eye can see!   At one point, we pulled over for the view – a massive valley with alpine meadows forming patchwork with the trees.  Neither of us realized how wide that mountain range was – and we weren’t even all the way to the opposite side!  We got back to Hwy 89 about 60 miles from home – we had left #89 about 12 miles from home!

We returned home about 6:30 and raided the refrigerator for left-overs.  Fastest meal we had ever cobbled together.

I talked with Barb this evening, and she is back in Helena so I’m leaving tomorrow for her place – but before I leave, we are going to see if we can start Diane’s riding mower so I can do part of her lawn, at least.  Her grandson usually does it, but he is going out of town.  Diane would do it, but…… her legs are too short to reach the pedals – that’s a problem I certainly don’t have!

In any event – we’re back on the road again tomorrow – headed for new adventures. 

Until next time,

Bear Hugs

Luv ‘n Boots & Tucker

And don’t forget Wee Beastie

She believed she could do it and so she did!

I'M BACK - more or less!

We returned from Bozeman last week.   I still don't have my computer back, but thought I'd write a few
lines anyway.   I want to post more photos, but I can't do that until I pick up my computer - which I am happy to say will be tomorrow!

Last Saturday, cousin Diane, Tucker and I went searching yard sales in Great Falls.  What fun - I haven't done it for years.   Found some stuff for my camping tote - rug for inside the tent door, container for utensils, and a pancake turner!   Oh, and books.   Diane got a handful of Agatha Christies that she hadn't read, and I found 3 James Mitchner's.   One is my favorite - the Source, and the two others I had never read - strange, I thought I had read all of his books.

We stopped at Hempl's bakery and got maple bars - such memories.  I don't know why I couldn't find them back east!

On Monday, we took both cars - hers and mine in to the dealers to have them checked out.   I wanted to make sure everything done in Grand Forks was ok and a quick look to see if something else was wrong with the A/C    Diane's car was checked for oil/transmission leaks (details to follow in blog about Bozeman)
Her car passed with flying colors - and at no charge.   Mine - well they found a shorted fuse and loose battery cable - cost $50    but, I now have A/C again!!!!  Could this be the time it is fixed for once and for all?

We then picked up lunch and took it to a nearby park to enjoy.   Tucker enjoyed the park, also.

My computer is not going to cost as much as I feared, either.   When I talked  with Ben about it over the weekend, it sounded like it had turned into a major job.   He tried to talk me into removing all my games.  Not Likely!!!!  I explained that the games are not the problem, they are all on the D drive - it's the C drive with the operating system, and everything that came with the puter that is filled to capacity.    But, he called last night said it was ready - the fan was gunked up causing it to shut down every hour of operation.  He's installed new hard-drives - at 10 times the size and made the old hard drive into an external drive.   He says it's really fast now!  I hope that means I can upload photos to the blog faster.

I ordered my new tent and had it shipped to Barb's in Helena - Oops, they said at first it would not be delivered until July 9 - 11th - then they sent word that it had shipped June 30 -   Well - Barb is not home this week - and I'm still in Belt.   I'm glad I specified it had to be signed for!

Diane and I are planning a couple camping trips when I get back in August.   I'll be with Barb until July 25th and then I'm heading to NW Montana - to the Kalispell - Glacier park area.   At this point I don't know if Barb will be travelling with me -  We are going camping the middle of July for 4 days - at a campground with vault toilets and no showers - I'm not sure I told her that little fact yet.   We'll see.  We'll see.   She just may decide camping is not her lifestyle after that weekend.  That will be my first experience camping with "Loners on Wheels"   I'm checking them out cause I'm thinking about wintering at their home ranch in Demming NM.

The tent is not the one I had decided to get while I was in Maryland - that was one room plus a screen room, instead this one has 2 rooms with large windows - it's about 82" high so I can walk upright anywhere in the tent.   I just hope I can put it up by myself - it's not the instant up I had planned on.

Mother Nature must be experiencing some PMS.   Debbie's visit to Florida impacted both Myra and JT and my cousins Sandy and Gregg.  As far as I know, Myra and JT did not have any damage to deal with, but Sandy and Gregg are still mopping up!   At the same time,   Barb in Helena was evacuated from her home in the wake of a forest fire - luckily the fire was under control before it got to the residential area.    And... same weekend -  the storm the started in Indiana and raged through the mid-atlantic - left Brooke and friends with no power for a week.  I saw on Facebook that my niece, Micki, sent Brooke some good advice - 2 years ago they had a fire in the power box and was without electricity for 7 weeks.

Here, it's been beautiful - even with the wind.   Highs in the 80's, lows 35-40  with low humidity - so it's been perfect!   

Tucker is waking around on the desk while I'm typing - he loves pens and steals them as often as possible.  

He is so tiny, I realized one of his back legs and thigh is no bigger than a small chicken!  Some comparison.
He is busy making friends for me.  Everybody is taken with him.  

I'm so enjoying being here at Diane's that I've invited myself to stay for Thanksgiving dinner.   When I get back, we are thinking of taking a few days and traveling up to Canada and driving around the Glacier/Waterton Peace Park area.  

There is one particular drawback though - Diane and I are surprisingly alike in a lot of ways - very laid back - we can spend a day in the same house without much talking - reading books mostly.   We like to eat the same things - for the most part.  We both like camping and road trips.   We just plain like to eat - very dangerous to a diet!  I made bread again today.  - Tomorrow - the 4th, we plan to have Beer Baron sausages on home made hot dog rolls, potato salad, baked beans etc, etc, etc.   Belt had it's 4th of July celebration last weekend.  Diane's house sits on a hill overlooking the town - a perfect set-up for watching the fireworks.!

Until next time
Bear Hugs

Luv 'n Boots, and Tucker, too
And, of course Wee Beastie

She believed she could do it and so she did!

TIME OUT!

Diane and I are leaving for Bozeman this morning for 10 days.   I have several cousins living
 in that area, and a couple that are going to be there the same time I am.  

My computer is in the shop, hopefully it can be fixed and I can get it back by the end of the month.

I hope I'll be able to check my e-mails, but I won't be posting until I get back. -  but, I'll take notes so I'm ready to post then.

Until next time
Bear Hugs

Luv 'n Boots and Tucker too
And, don't forget Wee Beastie!!!

She believed she could do it and so she did!

Just Chat

Tucker and I went for a walk today -   There is a long, long hill down to the little town of Belt.   Tucker did very well.   As a matter of fact, for awhile there, I thought he was going to out-walk me, but when I turned to head back – about half way to town, he decided to “ride” for awhile.  

We spent the day looking at old family photos.  I had a couple in the box of Farup family (my Dad’s) that I couldn’t identify -  I found a large print of one in Diane’s box, so it belong’s with my Mother’s family photos.   I have just one unidentified photo left in that box - but I’ll keep asking.    I’m going to spend the summer scanning in all the old photos I can find of my Mom’s side of the family, and gather them into some kind of book along with stories and memories that we can remember.   My cousin, Sharon has all the statistics and some photos on Ancestry.com, but I want it to be more easily accessible)

Cousin Diane and I are making notes of little things that happened when we were little, and stories we heard of our grandparents.

 I’m drinking Coca-Cola again.   After weeks and months of doing my best to avoid it at Brooke’s, I arrive here, and Diane keeps a case of it in her refrigerator at all times.   Oh, ye of weak spirit.

 Diane is busy weeding her flower garden -  Once my computer is up-graded, I’ll do an entire post of her wonderful, unique home!  

 I’ve been going out a little with Tucker off-leash,- it just happened to be when the weather was not the greatest and it worked well so-far.  Perhaps I should capitalize “So-far”.   He just indicated that he needed to go out – a First!!!  So, I let him out, and he took care of business, then headed toward the cars, which he usually does – then like a flash he took off up the driveway – at the top of which is a country road, and beyond that a ways, the interstate.   I started running and calling him -  Did I tell you it rained yesterday?   Well, I slipped in the mud and went down hard.   Mud all over – perhaps I have a secret desire to be a lady mud wrestler – I looked like I was auditioning for it.   The best part – as soon as I landed, Tucker was there to make sure I was OK.   Back to being on the lease for awhile yet!!!!

 About the rain yesterday -  Since I arrived, (After that first stormy night) the weather has been beautiful.  Warm, sunny – with of course the wind blowing at varying strengths.  (Whenever I return to Montana, I remember how much I hated that constantly blowing wind)  Yesterday – well, yesterday, we awoke to pouring rain, howling wind and a high temperature that did not reach 50.  It was so cold we fired up the wood stove.   Diane’s house has cement floors – in the winter it’s great – the floors are heated, but on cold spring days – not so much.   It was not cold enough to put on socks, though.    Tucker was cold and shivering – before the day was over he had his harness on – it covers much of his chest, a sweatshirt, and finally his sweater that reaches to his tail.  The last time I put the sweater on him, he wriggled out of it in minutes – not yesterday!

 The weather for the next week is due to be beautiful – Sunny and breezy – high’s in the 70’s – that’s a jab for those of you in the east sweltering in the 90’s and high humidity.

A couple days ago, Diane mentioned that if I decided to drive to Alaska, she would go with me.   Is that a challenge, or what.   Hmmmmm  what a neat idea, I’d never considered it before.  I got on Google maps, and learned that the distance from Great Falls MT to Anchorage, AK is the same as from Nanjemoy, MD to Great Falls, MT.   I also learned the Al-Can Hwy is totally paved and well maintained with plenty of services along the way.   The last time I even thought of the Al-Can – it was still a gravel road.    My cousin is in AK now – and I think he said he drove there – so I’ll pick his brain when he returns.   You never know where Granny will escape to next!!!!!!

 Carol  – you do not need to read this paragraph.      Eyes closed?   Ok, for everyone else – I made caramel rolls for breakfast this morning -  a recipe my cousin Marge gave me while in ND.  Man – it couldn’t be easier or more delicious!!!!!    What fun!!!!

OK Carol – you can look now.    (Carol helped me lose 20# on my last trip and she hates to see me back slide)

Tucker attended church with me again yesterday, and behaved very well.  He looked at me during the hymns, but didn’t try to join in, which is too bad, cause he has a very sweet singing voice.   

He gets along great with Diane – she was sitting in her big chair, reading, and he asked to be picked up, and when she did, he curled up just under her chin and took a nap.   I need to keep my camera more handy for moments like that.

Yesterday morning while eating breakfast, a doe and tiny fawn came up to the edge of the lawn.  The baby couldn’t have been more than a few days old.   What a sight to behold. 

 The other night, we had beef ribs for dinner.   I gave my bone to Tucker – it was good sized, but not too much for him to handle.   He chewed on it a bit, then tried to find a place to bury it.   He hid it in the bedroom – and when I went to bed, I had to keep shooing him and his bone off the bed.

  A little bit ago, Tucker trotted into the kitchen and started barking – he was focused on something, so I didn’t try to quiet him.   I thought it might be a mouse – not uncommon out here – but really now is not the season for them to try to get inside.  I carefully walked around the island to find that he was ready to attack Diane’s tennis shoes!!!!!

 If I write too much about Tucker, it’s because I am enchanted by him and his antics.   Because he is so small, I have learned to check to see where he is before I turn over in bed.  The other night, I guess because I wasn’t turning over, I just reached down to pull a blanket up, without checking - ……. And……… flipped Tucker, who was lying on top said blanket, right out of the bed.   As soon as I made sure he wasn’t hurt, I started giggling, and guffawing (I like that word, don’t you – so descriptive)   He looked at me like “What did I do?”, then “Mom, you’re crazy”

Last night for dinner, we had roast beef, and mashed potatoes.   My favorite meal – and that’s the 4^th time I’ve had it since I left on this trip.    Today for lunch – it’s hot beef sandwiches – hmmm – what time is it anyway – is it lunch time yet?  

 OK I’ll diet tomorrow.  Well, I don’t really need to lose weight, do I?  I just have to get in good enough condition to make the hike into Pretty Prairie in August.

Next Friday, we're driving to Bozeman for a week or so -  I have several cousins in that area to catch up with - and wouldn't you know it - it is the weekend friends from other parts of the country are going to be in Great Falls!  One is my friend, Joy, from Texas, and the other my niece - or is it my ex niece.   I don't know - do you lose the right to  use those titles through divorce?   Her mother will also be there, and I haven't seen her in somewhere near to 50 years.  I'm sorry I won't see them - but I plan to see Joy next spring in Texas, and the "niece" on my trip down the west coast this fall.

 Until next time

Bear Hugs

Luv ‘n Boots and Tucker too

And don’t forget the Wee Beastie

 She believed she could do it, and so she did!

OFF WE GO …….AGAIN

Had a 3 day delay while “Luv” was being repaired.    During that time, we headed south to Whapeton, ND to attend a graduation of “cousin” of mine.   I have so many cousins in this area I think they grow on trees.   Well, I guess they do – Family Trees.

We took Tucker with us, and he behaved like a gentleman the whole time.  Marge’s sisters were crazy about him.    Even Marge, who is not overly fond of dogs, commented on what a good traveler he is.

 On Sunday morning, Tucker and I started out again.   It was rainy for the first hour or so.  The landscape was amazing – green, flat farm land – the vista broken only by windbreaks of tall old trees.

Slowly the topography changed to a slight rise in elevation and low rolling hills.   About noon, I turned on the a/c.   ……… Nothing.    Nada.   No thing!!!    I was about 200 miles from the dealership by then.   Oh, crud.   Now, what.

 We managed the heat with frequent stops, and ice in Tucker’s water dish and maps shading his seat.  

 Finally, we made it to Dickenson, ND, and called Don for directions to his house.  (I am about to meet a cousin on my Dad’s side that I’d never met before)    Remember me complaining about Brooke’s house being 15 miles from the nearest traffic light?   I’ll never complain again.

The cousins lived in a tiny town of 300 – which was 65 miles southwest of Dickenson.   There was a closer stop light, in a town of 1500 about 20 miles away.   Driving there through the lonely landscape – farms, rolling hills,  with mountains and buttes in the distance was wonderful.

Upon arriving I was greeted with great enthusiasm, and given a wonderful meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, hot rolls,  (my favorite meal) with homemade ice cream and strawberries.

We talked non stop until bedtime, and in the morning, Don and I dug into our family histories.  We exchanged photos and other information.  

 Our conversation made it more clear to me that my Mother’s side of the family needed to be recorded.  A lot of information is already on Ancestery.com,  but that is not readily available to everyone.

 We took a ride in the country to see a dam and man made lake – lots of fishing and camping there.

 I also called the dealership to discuss the a/c problem.   And learned that the dealership in Grand Forks ND has a dealership in Great Falls, MT - What are the chances of that ever happening to anyone?   I am convinced God is my co-pilot.

I left there about 9 a.m., headed for Montana.   I was warned there might be construction along the way -  the whole of western North Dakota is jammed with oil workers on the new strike.

(A word to the wise – if you are travelling across North Dakota anytime soon – plan on stopping in either eastern ND  or eastern MT – there are generally speaking no accommodations available in western ND – I heard that one town in northern ND will not let you in unless you have confirmed reservations for a place to stay)

 After driving awhile, I left the lush farmland and headed into a taste of badlands.  I kept my eyes out for signs of the oil rush.  It wasn’t until I was nearly at the Montana border that I finally saw some pumper-jacks.  And most of those were on the Montana side.

 We stopped at a rest area to check the map – I don’t know how it happened, but I didn’t have a map of Montana.  While I was standing there – I heard the trill of the Meadowlark.   Yes, I was home!   There were 2-3 of the birds, singing up a storm.  I was thrilled.

We drove on, through rough prairie and sagebrush.   We saw a couple cowboys herding cattle to a loading ramp, the truck standing by to receive them.  

We reached the top of a grade – 3500’ elevation, and swiftly rolled down the otherside to about 2000’

We hit Miles City about noon – with a temperature out of 97.  More ice in Tucker’s water, wet blanket and shade from maps.  

 We headed north and west across Montana.  Our saving grace from the heat was a light cover of clouds.  Once we headed north, Tucker’s side of the car was much cooler than my side.

 Montana has a daytime speed limit of 70 unless otherwise noted – 75 on the interstates.  We rolled through rolling grassland for miles without seeing any other vehicles.   Hard scrabble grazing land to irrigated valleys, over hills, and on and on – it seemed like forever.   At some point, the cloud cover disappeared, but by that time, the sun was losing it’s punch, and the temp was dropping.  

About the time we left Lewistown – I saw a gathering storm coming out of the west.  I had to stop and roll up Tucker’s window, cause with all that lightening, there was bound to be rain.   At a small town, I had to take a 22 mile detour – a bridge was out.   This detour looped to the west.   Right into Mother Nature’s fury!    Black as night out -   lightening, pouring rain, hail.  Wait, did I say hail?   Yep, damn – hope it didn’t get bad enough to tear the topper.  At the end of the detour, I headed north again -  still in rain – but looking west it was dark as ever – blotting out the mountains I knew were on the horizon.   Look to the east – and it was the afternoon sun – this was about 5:30 in the afternoon.

I finally arrived at my cousin, Diane’s at 6:30 and it was as dark as it would normally be at 10p.m.   It was a cold welcome!   Diane told me that in addition to tornado warnings (very unusual for Montana) there was a winter storm warning for areas above 6000’ – not so very far away as she lives at about 3500’

 It was a cold noisy night – the storm continued until about 1:30 a.m., and round 2 started at about 3 a.m.   But, we awoke to a landscape washed clean, with brilliant blue skies and fluffy white clouds – for those in the south and east – it was like the day after a hurricane.

 Tucker and I attended church services with Diane on Wednesday.  Yes, I said Tucker attended with us, and as usual, he was perfectly behaved.

 We stopped at my niece, Nicki’s antique shop to let her know I had arrived, then headed home for much anticipated naps!!!!

When we arrived, Diane’s computer fella was there, and I asked him about my laptop.  Before I leave here, I’ll have  500gig of hard drive, plus he’ll make my current hard-drive an external one, and he’ll replace the fan.  It will be like having a brand new computer.   And when I pick it up, I hope I can start up-loading photos for my blog again.   

 Until next time

Bear Hugs
Luv ‘Boots & Tucker
And Don’t forget Wee Beastie

She believed she could do it and so she did!

A PAUSE IN TIME

I prepared to leave Grand Forks, packed the truck, chased down Tucker who had escaped (I really must have looked a sight!   Chugging – “running” wouldn’t quite fit the description – down the street, wildly waving my arms at an approaching car, finally cornering Tucker in a neighbor’s garage)

 We said our good bys, and I started off.  Almost immediately, my “check gauges” light came on.   I checked under the hood, thinking, …… well, I don’t know what I was thinking as I had checked

All fluids just before leaving.   Everything looked OK.   Temp gauge was high, but came down as it naturally would – so I started up again.   I barely got on I-29 when the light came on again.   I stopped and this time when I looked under the hood, I noticed a belt didn’t look right.  I looked more closely, and – Oops, the serpentine had snapped!!!!

I called AAA and arranged for a tow, then called cousins Marge and Ray who drove out to where I was.  Ray determined that the A/C compressor was frozen and likely caused the belt to snap.

 In any event, Luv was towed to the dealership where she spent the night.

 What little cash cushion I had is gone, but ………. I once again will have a working a/c.

My plan now is to leave Sunday morning headed to Scranton ND to meet a cousin I’d not met before – to get info on my Grandfather’s side of the family, and maybe to sleuth out a little more info on the “family scandal!”   

 So, let me ask you….. If an event happened over 100 years ago, is it appropriate to try to solve it?   The first generation that it had effect upon are all gone now, and the 2^nd generation – my generation is mostly gone, and who else would care?   Anyway, I’m too curious to let it go now.

 As a teaser – I may not be who I think I am!!!!!

Until next time,

Bear Hugs

Luv ‘n Boots & Tucker, too

 “She believed she could do it, so she did!”