Cellular Memory

Familiar cows on the way home

Snow finally made it to the Valley floor last night. A reluctant rain shower that started late about 9 PM and turned to wet snow. Enough to decorate the evergreens but not enough to complicate the roads and driving. The low clouds obscured the Foothills.I set out for an early morning visit to the vet to fluff and puff the dogs for their yearly check up . Later while out in the yard finishing the "warm weather " chores I heard geese coming from the north.The sky was still thick with clouds so it was a while before the familiar V formation came into view. Several stragglers were calling out and catching up to the main flock. There is something in my cellular memory that gives me literally goose skin when I hear their call. There is so much purpose to their communications. So much purpose to their lives as they strive to become part of the formation flying south.  Quiet day ahead with bringing in the herb garden . We expect 15 degrees so I don't think the herbs would do well from here on out. For now a pot of chai tea to warm the bones.

start of the winter wood stack

On the way home....

 Driving home the sun was setting just so with the golden yellow melting in between the dramatic rain/snow clouds. The fields were like honey with snow showers a few thousand feet above them. Around the bend my favorite stand of Aspen. Quiet sentinels in the brisk air promising more winter than fall.

 The beauty of the area is almost unbelievable. Sometimes I feel like I am in a painting. Sometimes the lighting in just perfect . Of course reality knocks and you have to dodge a turkey or deer. So on the Hallow's Eve all is quiet. The animals are laying low. Just a turkey or two.

 Closer to home the familiar mountains soaking the last few rays of the day. On the summit we already have some snow lying at 6000 to 7000 feet. As I stand taking this picture the rain is mixed with fat snow. Transient but a promise to keep as we move towards winter. The Western Larch have turned golden yellow this week and dot the higher elevations with their regal branches. Already I long for their baby green in spring.

Cozy Foothills

Pink Glove Dance Breast Cancer Awareness Montana Style!

Ok this is a lot of fun with an important message . The crowd from work. Welcome to Flathead Valley Community College. ; )  Dedicated to Sarah , live long , live well! We love you!

Silent Sunday.... Home on the Range

Buffalo on Blackfeet Lands

High plains of the Eastern Rocky Front

Saturday Harvest

Pumpkins waiting for a good home at Sweet Pickin's

 Saturday pumpkin run to the Sweet Pickin's pumpkin patch . On the hunt for some straw, pumpkins  and kettlecorn. The snow is on the Foothills to the East and coming down the mountains. Some wonderful pumpkins and other squash family members in a riotous collection which would make any farmer proud. The folks were very friendly and lots of fun rides for the kids. Tractors pulling trains made out of 50 gallon drum barrels painted with bright colours. An afternoon of sun reviving the spirit. Beauty and abundance are all around us. With gratitude we move through the weekend.

Snow on the Foothills

Pumpkins ( orange and white)  and winter squash

Nothing better than sun, screaming kids and a lot of pumpkins!

the deciduous trees are turning yellow but we are still waiting for the Tamaracks to turn

Abundance

Silent Thursday

Sunrise from the Amtrak Empire Builder along the southern border of Glacier National Park

Sunrise over the Northern Rockies

sunrise in the Rockies

clouds pouring through the V