PRE-WEDDING

Chicky and Megi

Alice and Timmy (Linda's sister and brother-in-law)

Millie and Emma

Linda (Linda's niece)

Bob (Linda's brother) and Rob (Linda's brother in law)

Bud and Linds

My sister Annie and brother in law Robert

Pat (Linda's sister) and Heather (sister in law)

Bob and Jean Lipetzky

Father Rob (far right)

Annie and Bud

Keith Lipetzky and Diego

BLUEBIRD, VEGETABLES AND HANGING OUT

This post may be a out of order with wedding pictures still to come, but it is necessary. Now that the wedding dust has settled Mom and I have a little time to sit back in between cleaning and doing laundry. This bluebird has been  visiting frequently during the last few days, enjoying our bird bath and perhaps checking out the real estate for next year. We set up 2 bird houses in our back yard late last year but have not seen evidence of occupants this spring and summer. These bird houses are quite roomy and come with an ample supply of bird seed and water nearby. Baby zuchini and green tomatoes from our garden, and hanging laundry on our line complete my creative endeavors for now. JIR 

Brunch Casserole Recipe

Several people asked me for this recipe, I have it on my computer now too, so if you don't get this, you can e-mail me. 
Had a great time with everyone at the wedding and wedding events!!
Linda

BRUNCH CASSEROLE

32 OZ BAG SOUTHERN STYLE HASH BROWNS THAWED

1 LB. DICED HAM OR SAUSAGE, CRUMBLED BACON OR CANADIAN BACON ARE ALSO GOOD

1LB SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE, RESERVE ONE CUP FOR TOPPING

1 BUNCH GREEEN ONIONS, SLICED THIN

½ TSP. OR LESS OF GARLIC POWDER

SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE

12 EGGS

MIX ALL INGREDIANTS EXCEPT EGGS, TASTE AND ADD SALT AND PEPPER AS NEEDED.

BLEND IN LIGHTLY BEATEN EGGS.

PUT IN LIGHTLY GREASED CASSEROLE DISH.

TOP WITH RESERVED CHEESE.

BAKE 45 – 60 MINUTES AT 350 DEGREES.

FEEDS 8 – 12.

RAINBOWS AND MT HELENA RIDGE TRAIL REVISITED

The day after we arrived in Montana a cold front clashed with warm air, producing severe thunderstorms in the area. We were privileged to be able to enjoy the colorful show of not one, but two rainbows.

Today, July 4th, we (Linda, Jorge and Jake) hiked the Mt Helena Ridge Trail. The last time we did this hike (and posted it on the blog was 2008). Steve, Chicky and the other pups ran the trail. It is a beautiful 7 mile stretch of land, punctuated by heavy forest, open meadows and one of the best assortments of wild flowers. We promised ourselves to make this hike a July 4th tradition.

 

Sticky Geranium                                 Lupine

Arnica

Field of Lupines

Blanketflower

Bitterroot

Should have known Linda's face wouldn't show!

One huge mushroom

Prickly Pear Cactus with flower

Should have known Jorge's and Jake's faces weren't going to show!

Many-Flowered Stickseed

WILD FLOWERS, TAMED FLOWERS, AND A GREAT DOG

It has been a wet spring and early summer in Montana. Tell us, we spent the whole day picking, spraying, and weed-wacking weeds and wild grasses. But one of the benefits of all this "moisture", as it's called in our neck of the woods, is that wild flowers are more abundant and stick around longer. Our garden, which we have managed to keep alive and thriving since 2005 when we left Montana as permanent residents, also doing looks happy

Then, there are the flowers from our garden...

...and the great dog

BONUS PICTURE: this evergreen plant has been sprung up about 5 years ago in between the rocks in our garden and the walkway and it has been growing unattended ever since