tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41389005441806473232024-03-13T19:28:43.763-07:00Clan of the MountaindreamersThis page is dedicated to all who revel in the energy of the Mountains. This page is for all who know how to create their own life energy, walk in beauty and uplift those who cross their paths. Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.comBlogger350125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-51871299370205333882021-04-06T09:08:00.000-07:002021-04-06T09:08:01.853-07:00Who are we?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbpNBVY9_tk/YGyEQJ7vJVI/AAAAAAAADGY/KlqVxzm-N4snoLnPrQDgpPkgLQ6OzkdgACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbpNBVY9_tk/YGyEQJ7vJVI/AAAAAAAADGY/KlqVxzm-N4snoLnPrQDgpPkgLQ6OzkdgACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1809.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> It has been 3.5 years since the last post . A lot of water under the bridge so to speak . Especially in the last year when we have had our lives altered beyond imagination. <p></p><p>Take home points. </p><p>Family matters especially if they see the real person that you are and celebrate and nourish that person. Embrace those who love you, give hugs. This last year punctuates the need to let go of toxic relationships.</p><p>Community matters. Especially important are your friends , your work place, your place of spirituality and the general health of your community . We have people who are elderly who have lived in a prison environment and young people who have lost a year of school and normal interaction . Be kind to everyone it has been a year full of abnormal stress. </p><p>Celebrate the wisdom of your body. When you give your body the tools for health you will thrive. We need a low stress life, we need healthy food ( thank you organic farmers ! ) and we need restorative sleep as well as exercise . We as humans cannot live lives filled with artificial xenoestrogens, plastics and GMO foods . Talk to your body everyday in appreciation . Let go of fear .</p><p>Enjoy the messages from the sun . Early morning sun speaks to your body's functioning . Enjoy 20 minutes of strong sun at noon. Remember the infrared spectrum from the sun is nourishing your insides. Greet the sunrise , place your feet on the Earth . Allow life to love you . </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-14640958872394324162017-11-14T08:11:00.001-08:002017-11-14T08:11:47.440-08:00Passage in Time <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Time has passed since the last post . The last two years have welcomed new lives . At the same time we have had to say good bye to some cherished family members as well. Celebrating the new is always easy. I don't have any advice on contemplating loss. This last summer and fall has seen too much loss for us all , personally and as a nation . As we slip towards winter perhaps an answer will present itself .<br />
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Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-90311239127973606422015-06-13T16:26:00.000-07:002016-09-16T20:48:25.027-07:00Getting Lost in Montana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A quick jaunt to Billings to see two of my children and their spouses . A mere 450 miles give or take and 6 to 7 hours depending on side trips and stops. I like to go the back way . You can drive to Missoula and take I90 but I like the empty 2 lane highways that cross MacDonald Pass to Helena. Then the beautiful drive though the headwaters of the Missouri River to Townsend and Three Forks . Plenty of deer and antelope , bald eagles , osprey and the highlight of the trip a large flock of trumpeter Swans . I wish I had been able to take a picture but I was driving about 80 mph . I am all for getting lost in Montana.<br />
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<br />Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-20178083478042859622015-06-12T19:09:00.001-07:002015-06-12T19:09:26.338-07:00Late Spring in the Wetlands <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Beautiful summer days in the Wetlands south of Swan Lake. Driving home a quick stop to enjoy the<br />
birdsong in this vast meadow. It is peace on earth and you can feel the intent of original creation. I can imagine if all people had access to a quiet beautiful place there would be a lot less pills popping on a daily basis .Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-48681941506400472082015-05-27T10:03:00.003-07:002015-05-27T10:03:59.228-07:00" The Earth Laughs in Flowers ."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"The Earth Laughs in Flowers" . A wonderful quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson . Truly spring is a time for the natural world to inhale sunshine and exhale color. After a long winter there is nothing like a yard full of rainbow colors .<br />
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MacGuyver enjoying the warm weather. He has begun to shed for the season and leaves patches of white fur everywhere . That is ok because he is the brave dog and protector of the cozy cabin in the woods .Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-44654728482159785142015-05-17T09:12:00.001-07:002015-05-17T09:17:56.828-07:00Nourishing the Feminine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring in the Northern Rockies is a particular rebirth after so many months of of cold and snow . The seasons are very distinct . There is no mistaking the slide from Winter to Spring here. That is one of the allures for me, the seasonal definition of the passing time . A hike close by on some state land had treasures in the form of yellow and while blossoms. The arnica and western service berry are blooming . There is plenty of choke cherry and wild lily of the Valley, and Hooker's fairy bells. I was actually excited to find a fairly large Serviceberry blooming in the front forest . One of my projects is to bring in more diverse species on my modest tract of land. Often logging culls the valuable timber and leaves the less valuable trees. I have a lot of Western Larch seedlings and will replant them around the area as they mature . The Honey bees are plentiful this year. The meadows had been decimated by chemical spraying due to the weed laws here . Four years of mowing and avoiding chemicals has seen a return of the bees and their wonderful presence. We have an obligation to live on the land with joy , gratitude and consideration. Is it really worth poisoning ourselves, our children and the animal and insect kingdom to have a perfect green lawn ? </div>
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<br />Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-50975457347067112382015-05-06T18:52:00.000-07:002015-05-06T18:52:58.113-07:00Aspen Green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The aspens are leafing .Spring is here with warming weather . The last frost is expected in a couple of weeks and summer planting season will be full on. These are the glory days with the sun up at 5 AM and dusk at 10 PM . That is a lot of daytime . What would you do with it ?Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-61527048936248105482015-04-18T07:49:00.000-07:002015-04-26T10:42:52.098-07:00Sunset over Flathead Lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Follow your own foot steps,</div>
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Learn from the rivers,</div>
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the trees and the rocks,</div>
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Honor the Christ, </div>
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the Buddha , </div>
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Honor the Earth Mother and Great Spirit .</div>
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Honor yourself and all of creation ."</div>
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"Look with the eyes of the soul , and engage the essential. "</div>
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Teachings of the Q'ero EarthKeepers </div>
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<br />Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-63751014076003968222015-02-14T20:08:00.001-08:002015-02-14T20:08:51.615-08:00Swan Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was lucky enough to chance upon a pair of swans this Valentine's day . the smaller birds are canada geese . The birds were resting about a quarter mile off the shore in a thawed area on the lake. I never tire of the beautiful sounds the water fowl make calling to each other.Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-79583152413775151572015-02-06T06:35:00.001-08:002015-02-06T06:35:39.419-08:00Guilty of just fooling around<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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I am totally guilty of just fooling around. Jan 3 to 5 gave us 3 feet of snow and that took a bit of time to rearrange . Other wise known as shoveling . The birds have needed their feed and time to track the bobcat visiting the yard. Last weekend brought some sunny days and a great time to go snow shoeing up the Going to the Sun Road. Blue Skies , snowy peaks and clear water. It doesn't get much better.Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-63198095930327727482014-12-29T06:53:00.001-08:002014-12-29T07:00:37.232-08:00Edging towards the New Year <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First seven inches of snow</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">streaming snow</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">17 inches Sunday Morning</td></tr>
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The snow started Saturday late morning and continued until the next morning early. 17 inches at the house. Before driving home on Saturday I went downtown for a few errands. The wind was whipping up and the snow was flying . The nice thing about decorations in the winter is that it makes the cold season a bit more cheerful. A bike rider crossed the street near by . I followed wanting to get a picture of the super cool bike with lights on the tires. He disappeared around a corner but lucky for me he stopped at the liquor store. When I returned home we had the first 7 inches on the ground . By morning the second 10 had joined . The trees had been transformed to near snow ghosts. The snow is a blessing though. Good snow pack is water next year and a nice insulating layer now for the tender plants hibernating winter. Time to rest , stoke the fire and contemplate the New Year just around the corner .Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-45559017366567851742014-12-22T08:59:00.001-08:002014-12-22T08:59:44.622-08:00On the ski mountain <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Whitefish Mountain near the Base Lodge </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">winter skies on the ski hill </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the girls visiting </td></tr>
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A bit of winter for you . My part time job takes me to the ski hill a few days of the month. The snow was falling and nice for skiing filling in the bare patches from earlier in the month. The valley continues to be warm in the low 30s with rain . Glad to see the snow higher up . The girls came through for a visit earlier in the morning . They are like dainty cows in a way . Cute animals of course when they are not eating my flowers.Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-80209818267164222012014-12-20T08:13:00.000-08:002014-12-21T06:34:49.722-08:00Preparing….<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter sun in the Southern Heaven</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">clouds boiling over Jewel Basin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen passage on the Lake</td></tr>
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Winter Greetings from Latitude 48. ( Aye , I know that my friends in Canada and Alaska are more North ) On the winter solstice the sun will make it to 18.4 degrees on the horizon. That is low enough for me . I will be glad to see it's return to a warmer and more elevated position . For those in Montana Winter solstice will be here at 4:03 PM MST on December 21st. It amazes me how astute our ancestors were in noticing the turning of the stars and our sun , all without that annoying voice on the GPS. Although GPS is certainly a fun gadget , is it making us dumber and less aware of how to navigate? Brave our ancestors were to board rickety wooden ships and cross the oceans with hand held instruments. No GPS in sight .</div>
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This is a good time to take stock of where your footprints have been . Take a moment to consider how many people have received your kindness and compassion Are you taking care of those things that have been put into your trust ? </div>
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Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-23624598724447969892014-12-15T10:28:00.001-08:002014-12-15T10:28:19.433-08:00Steaming Monday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">steam rising from the firs in the sunlight </td></tr>
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True confessions. We have a lot of clouds in the winter . This definitely leads to a vitamin D deficiency but it also makes you a bit buggy . When the sun does present itself it is a wonderful celebration . To stand in the warming rays and enjoy the feel of the sun on your face. Ok so it still does not make vitamin D in the winter. The sun is too low in the sky. Nontheless it is nice to buzz outside and enjoy something besides grey. Last night due to the clearing of the clouds Orion was clearly visible in the night sky . There is nothing like the brightness of the winter stars . A beautiful sight . And today we will enjoy the Sun sans usual shrouding .Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-52264802184971117552014-12-14T13:17:00.002-08:002014-12-14T13:17:45.362-08:00March in December<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forest in the front yard </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoof print of a friend </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly firs</td></tr>
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There is an unwritten rule that requests the temperature to stay under 30 degrees once winter commences. The weather is ignoring that this year and we are drippy. A similar drippiness occurs in March as we thaw from the winter . Needless to say it is very slippery out . I have remembered to secure a sled this year for my wood transportation. Normally I make 4 trips to stock the wood box for a 24 hour period . However the sled is great and easily moves 8 pieces at one time which will last a good 24 hours . The wood heat is much more warmer than the propane altho that is certainly an option. Grateful for dry seasoned wood and a stove that has low emissions. We often get inversions in the Valley and I am glad I am not boosting the particulate matter .Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-76941082590839151932014-12-13T19:24:00.000-08:002014-12-15T09:40:46.515-08:00Catching up : Happy in Montana<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LN3FmT54Blc/VIz3f8XCjbI/AAAAAAAACwM/ndwC9Gs0Dgo/s1600/IMG_5340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LN3FmT54Blc/VIz3f8XCjbI/AAAAAAAACwM/ndwC9Gs0Dgo/s1600/IMG_5340.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful Larch Friends </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forest floor with Rocky Mountain Maple</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All that grows is not fungus </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small forest of fungi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diversity in Nature </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creeping Oregon grape</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite Daughter (trying to avoid freezing ) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piliated wood pecker enjoying the bird feeder </td></tr>
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I am shocked to my senses realizing that I haven't posted since the end of September. My apologies. Life seems to have gotten away from me . October was spent buttoning up the yard and planting garlic for the spring. I had several weeks of fighting with the turkeys as they found my mulch very hard to resist on the garlic beds .<br />
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Then the firewood arrived . Late. The wood folks had truck trouble twice. I try to exercise patience as I am not of the mind to split 3 cords of wood in my spare time . Bob came out with his three Labs ( a mother and her two sons ) and was more than kind and gracious in his delivery. He made a perfect bull's eye and the giant pile landed without incident . An incident would include squashing the neighbor's fence .<br />
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November was somewhat fair to begin with. This is a sense of false well being as Winter is always ready to settle on us at a moments notice. About mid November we had a heavy wind storm preceding some very cold air that stripped the trees bare. The ground was beautiful yellow from the Larch needles just prior to the snows. This did not leave much time to tackle the 3 cords and alas only a half was stacked before the snow was deep. However that is why they make tarps . I wax philosophical and realize that truly the wood is going nowhere. I am mulling a wood shed for more ease of storage. I will consult with my second son who is a bonny lad with a lot of wood and building talent. I have also fenced off a kitchen garden for next spring and secured two large mounds of Creston Loam . It has been busy . It would be nice to be 8 feet tall in order to pound in 7 foot stakes.<br />
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So the snow came and so did the cold . We had some premature cold weather with lows at Zero , and the highs at 10 if we were lucky. This usually is more of a January thing. I finally contacted a chimney sweep and we tackled the cleaning of the flue and reseting the hearth pad. All accomplished and pleased to see dry soot to clean and not the sticky creosote that likes to play havoc with one's dwelling . When I first started using my stove I was loathed to put pine in to burn . Alas that is all there is here . I was used to the safer hardwoods of the southeastern US. I feel better knowing the process is manageable and next year I plan to sweep my own chimney as I now have the technique . Another project will be to secure the equipment including a flexible pole and brush.<br />
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We have had 3 feet of snow total at the cozy cabin in the wood. Before you send care packages laden with snow shovels we have had a nice stretch of warm weather ( that translates into highs in the mid thirties) and most of the snow has melted. The deer have been very active around dusk with 5 trying to hunt me down during the drive home last night . I feel very grateful that they made it across the highway without crashing into me .<br />
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Thanksgiving came and went with more snow ( a foot ) and a visit from my favorite daughter and her very new and sweet husband. We went to the skating rink as they really wanted to skate. It was 10 degrees and a good stiff wind of more than 15 mph. I lasted about 10 minutes outside and had to hang out in the referees booth. That would make me a weinie .<br />
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The last two and a half months have been seriously busy . The change of seasons seems to bring a flurry of activity . Truly there are things that if not done before the snow flies will not get done before the next spring. Solstice is just around the corner now barely more than a week . Then the return of the blessed sun. I can see why the sun has been worshipped in history particularly in the higher latitudes. I feel like i have weathered this decline into solstice fairly well this year . Another 8 days of shortening and then the Earth starts to lean towards the Sun with her grand desire . A good time to reflect during the long still nights all of our many blessings that have graced our lives. Take some time to admire the winter night sky with the stars that shine so brilliantly only in winter.<br />
<br />Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-61967217736790556602014-09-30T18:53:00.001-07:002014-09-30T19:04:35.935-07:00Textures: Tactile adventures for the eyes in the big empty<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlRf9HbR3kw/VCtX01lNs8I/AAAAAAAACug/ZsJocq36aEo/s1600/IMG_5256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlRf9HbR3kw/VCtX01lNs8I/AAAAAAAACug/ZsJocq36aEo/s1600/IMG_5256.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Eastern WY</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WY</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Swan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z7X9c1JXGfc/VCtY2_bJtJI/AAAAAAAACu4/fkmpzS69wk0/s1600/IMG_5263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z7X9c1JXGfc/VCtY2_bJtJI/AAAAAAAACu4/fkmpzS69wk0/s1600/IMG_5263.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfowl production area </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hissing reeds </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Souther Swan Lake Marsh area </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Swan Lake </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Swan Lake looking to the south to the waterfowl areas </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Textures</td></tr>
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A quick journey to Wyoming. Twelve hours of driving from North West Montana to North East Wyoming. A drive through the Big Empty. I like to drive the "back way" . Of course most people would find I 90 to be the back way compared to many highways in the US . However there is a more quiet byway from my cozy cabin to Billings. North East WY is quite the place to contemplate life. Just you and the antelope and the empty highway. No signs other than the blizzard gates that warn to go back to the last exit if closed. Lucky for me it has been warm and no blizzard in site although they had 5 inches of snow a week before .<br />
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Coming home through the Swan , I stop at the waterfowl production area . You have to imagine the wind blowing through a millions wetland reeds. A soft 'hissing ' sound in addition to the sound of the wind. The south end of the lake is a vast wetland . For some reason these environments fascinate me. It is the domain of the water bird. Humans can not walk through these areas. The ducks and geese are protected by the marshes. The colors are vivid even in the subdued light of early evening. I am grateful for a safe journey and being so close to home. The day has been full of textures for the eyes , beauty beyond description in the big empty.Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-55181502846954662592014-09-23T06:24:00.001-07:002014-09-23T06:24:42.241-07:00Last day of summer: Happy in Montana<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hryA4yRdF80/VCFz51-SuZI/AAAAAAAACuM/kzbjw7BX_Q0/s1600/IMG_5135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hryA4yRdF80/VCFz51-SuZI/AAAAAAAACuM/kzbjw7BX_Q0/s1600/IMG_5135.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Mary's Lake </td></tr>
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Last Day of summer I wax philosophical. Should I continue to work on the fencing ? or perhaps drive the Going to the Sun Road before it closes for the winter ? Well not too hard of a choice in the end. A perfectly warm and sunny day in the 70s that belies the harsh winter weather that will settle into the Crown of the Continent in a few weeks. For now the trees are golden , the water is clear, and the sun is warm on my face.Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-76499773077968179792014-09-20T19:41:00.001-07:002014-09-20T19:41:48.512-07:00Savoring the Summer's End : Happy in Montana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbwO_Z1dU7s/VB40p1yZCjI/AAAAAAAACsQ/XHOPgrtE4WI/s1600/IMG_4937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbwO_Z1dU7s/VB40p1yZCjI/AAAAAAAACsQ/XHOPgrtE4WI/s1600/IMG_4937.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow berries </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayfarer's Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some pretty nice water </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0OsBqrNx5A/VB42NCH9SbI/AAAAAAAACsw/BBsz9VX70Ok/s1600/IMG_4948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0OsBqrNx5A/VB42NCH9SbI/AAAAAAAACsw/BBsz9VX70Ok/s1600/IMG_4948.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saucey girl at the ready</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last blue berries </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dried up False solomon's seal and the single berry</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple picking time . </td></tr>
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A savory end to summer . Bright blue sky and water , Happy dogs, and time to harvest the Apples . Doesn't get much better .Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-66512044538840128962014-09-04T19:28:00.001-07:002014-09-04T19:29:52.006-07:00Beyond puppy love : Happy in Montana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friend Sadie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">come on mom !</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Way Home </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fading days of the Butterfly </td></tr>
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There is nothing like some time in the woods. MacGuyver had a nice walk with his new friend Sadie . Sadie being a lab loves the water and wanted to share this love with Mac. However MacGuyver seems to have missed the water gene for now . He did enjoy watching Sadie race through the shallow lake and get muddy. Since I needed to load him in the car later I didn't mind too much that he didn't plunge into the mud . This is the best place in the world to leave your cares as you tread lightly on the soft forest floor .Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-80070851326487063632014-08-28T19:05:00.000-07:002014-08-28T19:21:15.351-07:00Stewardship : The winds of change<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A turkey offering </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of garlic bloom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thistle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yarrow</td></tr>
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The winds of change are upon us. The summer season is drawing to a close. The days are shortening and the nights are cooling. Time to think about winter and firewood. Crunching through the woods surrounding the cozy cabin in the woods , I think about stewardship . What does that mean to you ? Especially when you think of the land that supports us ? In grazing states there are noxious weed laws. Needless to say much of the summer was spent in the yoga position of "Down Dog". On my piece of heaven I have decided to pull and mow instead of poison the weeds. After three years of avoiding chemicals I finally have honey bees visiting the yard. This is great news. Life returns . I have been pondering the the fenced in Jungle . This is my garden that grows 3 foot high grasses that rival the high plains . Tilling the soil encourages weeds to grow as the weed seeds can lie dormant for years in the top inches of the soil. So I have decided to use the mulch technique . This will involve perhaps 20 to 30 bales of straw to create a mulch mat that prevents weeds and grasses from growing . It sounds appealing. We will see. My version of stewardship is to create a habitat that encourages the insects and birds to thrive. Herbicides by definition prevent thriving . I understand why they are used especially when you see the vast expanses of pasture land here. It is a hard sell to encourage hundreds of people to stand on their heads for hours pulling weeds in the middle of no where.However I am only in charge of a few acres and for now will tread gently on this soil and continue the physical removal and spare the chemical warfare.Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-46961171174799369542014-08-11T09:46:00.001-07:002014-08-11T11:42:17.704-07:004 years and counting : Happy in Montana <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ah summer ! We dream of you in Mid January when the snow is deep and the wind rattles the windows . But such a quick visit . Already if feels like we will be busy stacking fire wood and placing the snow shovels strategically at each door. So many summer chores remain although many have been completed. It is hard to believe that I have weathered 4 years in Montana . The time has slipped by quickly with so much to do .<br />
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A quick jaunt to the Northern shore of Flathead Lake with Saucey . It is 82 out and sunny with haze from the Idaho and Washington fires . I would like less smoke but it is a given that we will have some haze this time of year . Many fires are sparked by lightning however many more are human carelessness. That is one thing I can not understand. How can people go into the woods and not following simple rules to preserve our wildness and air quality ?<br />
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The North shore is a waterfowl production area and full of wet lands either side of the road to the shore . Even though we are inland there are many ocean shore birds that make their home here as they do on the Missouri River on the East side. Interesting. Plump little guys . It looks like they have had plenty of food this summer. The beach is rocky but full of drift wood that has been pummeled for eons. There is a 2 foot layer of peat like material that makes you feel like you are walking on a dried peat bog. I saw my first snake in Montana and as fate would have it I had on Chaco sandals and a fully exposed toes . The snake was wanting to get away not knowing that I had no taste for snake snack and I as well hastened in the opposite direction with Saucey in tow. A very nice afternoon all in all . Thinking of going back tomorrow . …. Summer's delicious long golden sunsets will be at an end soon. Enjoy them while they are present .<br />
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<br />Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-53534564003189071532014-07-30T18:50:00.003-07:002014-07-30T18:52:06.914-07:00Happy in Montana: Peaceful pasture <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bleu Horses</td></tr>
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<br />Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-16422900636854355802014-07-12T05:43:00.000-07:002014-07-12T05:43:51.294-07:00Reveling in the Sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Reveling in the summer sun , warmth and clear waters . An afternoon of swimming and fetching for Marley. He loves his sticks and enjoys the water to the point of exhaustion. The waters are clear , the marsh at the north end of the lake is full of rock dust from the surrounding mountains turning the water a beautiful green.Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4138900544180647323.post-9986617223968508692014-07-11T19:02:00.001-07:002014-07-11T19:02:20.537-07:00Silent Friday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mission Falls</td></tr>
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<br />Mountaindreamershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13389956537154886249noreply@blogger.com0