Sunday, July 18, 2021

Summertime in Montana - 6-10

 July 14 - Mom and I are off to Kalispell this morning for her stress test, a stop at the bank, and to pick up her new car.  No point in pictures from the first two, but TA-DA --- she's driving it home even - back from Kalispell.  This is further than she will usually be driving, but excitement is the same no matter what age we are and a new car, well . . . . dang, that's jus exciting period.


I get a kick out of her a little later in the day when she wants to drive up and get her mail.  Of course she does.  I would too ---- so much fun to watch.


Our evening plans are to meet family up at Riley's for dinner and I have a sneaking suspicion that perhaps someone should go early.  Volunteering, I  walk up the hill and have a brief moment for this overlook before arriving.  SOOOOO much smoke.  Ya can't even really see the huge lake that is sitting out there.


So glad I went early as I got the last two tables and put them together for us.  We're outside and it's warm, but at least we don't have a wait.  Family time is the best and we had such a good time that very few pictures were even taken.  Just cutie pie himself.


July 15 - Took Mom to the doctor this morning for a check up and blood tests.  We've also started in on the desk in the family room in the hopes of cleaning it out and allowing for mom to get to her files easier.  We get the top cleared and one drawer so it's a good start and we're filling garbage bags again.  Always the best result.  I'm also working on a crochet project and just enjoying visiting with mom.

An evening walk with Mister treats our eyes to this sight.  These two are not at all shy and happily munching on a neighbors fruit.


July 16 - Mom's friend, Candy, is down to cut her hair today.  These two have been friends for over 40 years.  Crazy right?  I LOVE IT and am a bit envious.  

A trip to Bigfork and the grocery store is next and another desk drawer meets its fate.  Goodness, I am definitely going through identity protection rollers this week.  I think I'm on the third one --- so much to pitch.  Back to crocheting and a quiet evening together.

July 17 - We've made plans with Sis and Joe to take the boat out to Wild Horse Island today.  The lake appears to be calm and even with the smoke, we're off for a fun day.  Come along.




A quick stop at the biological stations buoy and we're off again.



Cedar Island - perhaps next time.


The smaller island on the left is Rock Island and the larger is Shelter Island.


There she is - Wild Horse Island -- This island has been a landmark since the Kootenai Indians were reported to have used it to pasture horses to keep them from being stolen by other tribes.  The park is noted for its wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, songbirds, waterfowl, bald eagles, and falcons as well as the wild horses.  I grew up here.  I've never been on the island and neither have my sister and brother-in-law.  How odd, right?  Well, today is the day.


Getting settled.


Not sure who left these, but they are great for pictures.




We tied the boat off, read the rules and while Sis and Joe relax on the water's edge, Mister and I are off for a short hike to see a bit of the island.  


The views as we walk are incredible.



We found the trail head and although today is not the day to REALLY explore, we decide to walk in a bit and save a deep exploration for another time.


SO beautiful.  We do see one deer in our short walk and I so wish we had all day, but I'm just being a bit crabby about it and need to call it done.  Accept the beauty and return to the boat.


Another gorgeous view.


Yep, I'm walking in a dress and sneakers --- not the best plan there either.


Back at the boat to enjoy lunch and a drink while chatting.



Not sure what he's up to . . .


Memories that last.


The decision has been made --- he's going in.



Not to be outdone, Sis follows


 and I do the same with Joe throwing in the towel and joining us.  The water is dang brisk and I forgot sandals so the rocks are killing me.  Live and learn.


After some crazy rude invaders on our beach, we pack it up and head back.  A stop in Lakeside is tried, but the water is getting choppy and it's time to get this boat home.  It takes a bit but once we are back, Sis and I get dropped off and the boys go to collect the boat.


Then --- food is required so we make a stop at the Sitting Duck for a wonderful meal and for the first time in a long time, cannot fault the service even one little bit.  Yay!!!  It's been a great day.  Loved it all.


18th - After a relaxing morning, we are off to Kalispell for the Art in the Park Festival.  A little eye candy is always fun.



I wander off for a few pics of the place.  The central art piece in Depot Park is this statue and I cannot locate a single piece of information on it.  Not here at the park and not online.  So odd.


Memorial Plaza, dedicated in 2007.



Back to Mom and Mister.  


Shortly after, we find a place to sit and listen to music while Mister goes on a very long adventure for lemonade.


With that, we're done and headed back home.  Mom wants to rest and Mister isn't quite ready to yet, so we make a return trip out to the Nest on Swan River for a drink and some wonderful music.

David Walburn is performing and this song --- so perfect for us right now.  Montana Time.  You can hunt down the whole song on You Tube.


After a very enjoyable couple of hours, it's time to head back, spend time with Mom and have some dinner.  All in all, another nice day.

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