ROOM TRANSFORMATION

The main living area of our basement has now been transformed into Linda's sewing and quilting domain. After being "on the road" for 7 years we are starting to transition back to Montana. This is the first phase of such transition. "If Mama ain't happy, nobody's happy". I'm sure our children clearly remember such words.

Notice the new (better) lighting, courtesy of yours truly. I would advise all of you against "can" lights if you think there is even a miniscule chance you will want to switch to a different light source in the future. Working through a 7 inch hole, getting rid of the metal box that holds the "can", and setting up the new electrical boxes was not easy.

The Queen's throne. Notice the stash in the background, neatly organized in shelves, also courtesy of yours truly 

The Queen's other throne, which will be replaced by a couch throne, also for use by visitors using the guest rooms in the basement. JIR

IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

                                          Common Redpoll

It should be no surprise to any of you that we love nature and thrive on our close proximity to it. It is our church and inspiration. At 5,000 feet elevation and in the middle of 6 wooded acres, we feel close to God every day. When we think we may be taking it for granted, a powerful snow storm or a herd of 8 beautiful deer in our back yard remind us we shouldn't. When our spirits are rocked and our feelings tormentingly conflicted between the joy of the Holidays and the indescribable hurt of murdered children and helpless adults, we are glad we can turn to that spiritual support that surrounds us.
Most days we have 30-50 birds eating from our feeders. Hardy breeds wintering in Montana. Sharing pictures of some of those breeds may also help you find solace and joy.                                           

                                                       Downy Woodpecker (male)

                                                       Hairy Woodpecker (female)

SECOND BIG DUMP a.k.a. FUN IN THE SNOW

Let's call it a foot of the white stuff. We are hopeful our vegetation, which was looking stressed at the end of a very dry summer, will be well-nourished by spring

Beautiful sledding damsel shows us the chunk of tree branch that impaled her sled. Thank goodness it didn't puncture her snow pants or leg. 

 Who is the movie actor behind those Oakley's?

 Our temporary sledding slope with its steep angle. Linda found a better one behind our house.

 Beautiful and interesting ice crystals along our driveway

Our snow dogs can't get enough of it. Notice their snow crystal "beards"

FIRST BIG DUMP

Well, not the one you are thinking about; that one happened early this morning. I'm talking about snow, which has been dumping throughout the day. We usually get our first big snow fall in MT early to mid November. Here it is, maybe 10-12 inches if it keeps up tomorrow. The pups and I had fun, but we missed Mami Linda a lot.  

                                          Snow dog                    
                                                     

                                          Sentinel dog
                                       

                                                       Snow dog

                                                       Sentinel dog

                                          Stud man

Our canines are good citizens...most of the time!

WE HAVE BEEN LAZY....AND BUSY!

No posts since August? Totally unacceptable. But with the new grandson, that will change quickly.
Meet Xavier James Ramirez born in Springfield Oregon. We went to meet and visit him when he was 3 days old. By now he is eating like a champ, has gained 2 pounds, and is not letting his parents sleep very much (to be expected). Abuela Linda has been over there for a couple of weeks, and has a couple more to go, helping take care of him while the busy parents attend to some of their responsibilities.

                                         Is he cute or what????

                                     "Wish abuelo would let me sleep, that flash was freaking bright!"

                                        Can you believe it? She's already reading to him!

                                              Abuela is ecstatic

LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE

In dog world nothing beats an afternoon nap, especially after a tough morning run, followed by playing ball fetching, and finally going on "squirrel patrol". The latter two are mostly Gidgie's activities, Jake just following along for the ride and excitement. The squirrel always wins, so Gidgie gets solace by carrying around the toy squirrel in her mouth. Of course, only until it's time for a nap.

HUMBUG SPIRES HIKE-CANINES RULE!

We continue our explorations looking for new and exciting hikes. Our canines have become expert day hikers, loving every minute of it, then collapsing with tired muscles and sore joints after getting back home (not much different than their human masters). We found this hike in an interesting book "Day Hikes with Dogs, Western Montana" by Wendy Pierce and Becky Warren. This unique hike is about 1.5 hours south of our home in the Boulder Mountains. It follows Moose Creek, a tributary of the Big Hole River, for the initial two miles, then leaves the creek and climbs moderately for the last 1.5 miles. We were rewarded by many wild different types flowers and unusual granite outcroppings at the top.

                                            Showy Daisy

                                               

                                              Lewis Western Flax
                   

                                        Wild Rose bud

Several old trees, 200 + years old according to our hiking references punctuate the trail. Unfortunately this one must have succumbed to a storm

                                                    The Humbug Spires at last

We named this one Penis Rock because it resembles one pointed out to Linda by the Hiking Chicks in the Black Hills of South Dakota  

            Jake ignored the sign that reads "Caution, Bridge Unsafe for Horse Crossing"

The pups love the creek-drinking its cold water and cooling off, particularly Gidget who submerges her entire body as often as she can