Vacation in Montana - Days 7,8

We are winding down and today is our last full day of time here in Montana.  It has been amazing and I have enjoyed every bit down to the last minute.  There really isn't anything too active on the agenda for today --- just time together.  Soaking it all up.

We DO have plans for dinner to meet up in downtown Bigfork at the pub and share some food and last minute memory making.

Several generations gathering together is always amazing and tonight is spot on.  Brock and Jill have brought Greyson, We have Mom with us and Sis/Joe fill the bucket.  We also have a couple of Joe's extended family hanging out too --- I believe it is Ron and Holly.

Greyson just isn't that excited about the gathering --- kind of par for the course with littles.  It's all good though --- we'll just shuffle through people taking turns with him.

Vacation in Montana - Day 6

Mister and I have decided to take a day trip today.  We are off to the north-western part of the state for a bit.  Well, more north-western than we already are.  Libby and Eureka are the destinations and since I was only in Libby a couple of times when I was a teen and have never been to Eureka, it'll be new to both of us.

A quick detour in Bigfork for coffee is made and we are soon on our way. 

Along the route is the Thompson Lakes (yes, it's plural) area and a quick stop for a breathe and chance to just enjoy beauty.  That's what this drive is all about today.  I have a chance to work on a reflection photo --- not too bad.

Vacation in Montana - Days 4, 5

Good day - Good morning - Good Life.  A storm came in yesterday and dropped the temperatures remarkably.  It is a jacket day.  After a good breakfast and chat, Mister and I want to get out and stretch our legs just a bit.  It's wonderful to be back in Montana and we both wish to explore a little today.  Let's see what we can find.

Swan Lake is the destination and the scenery is wonderful.  Along the way, we see a sign to "view wildlife" and since I have no idea what it is, decide to check it out.  It turns out to the be Swan River National Wildlife Refuge and has paths and platforms for viewing nature in a magnificent way.  I'm sure that any other time of year, the bird life would be abundant, but it's a chilly September morning and many of them are on their way south.  Peek at the beauty we did see and let your heart soar as ours did.

Down the path we go - 

Oh my --- it is just beautiful.  I also want to share that I didn't touch these landscape photos even one bit --- the camera saw how it really is for a change.

Vacation in Montana - Days 1, 2, 3

Finally!!!  After 5 months of craziness, we are going to Montana.   About 3 days ago, Mister suggested that perhaps flying would be better.  A 27-hour drive each way with only 8 days available seems challenging at best.  We took a quick peek and were shocked at the prices.  Just a little over $200 each round trip and that's with 3 days notice.  Goodness, we should have looked a couple of weeks ago.  I jumped on and booked flights instantly.  Is it risky?  Yep.  Are we going to be careful?  Yep.  Is it time?  Absolutely.  Six a.m. flight means that we are at the gate and it's only about 5:15.  While I scroll Facebook, Mister takes a nap.  He's preparing for one very long day while I am in the excited stage and couldn't possibly sleep.  We are flying Delta on the way up and United back home again so we will have the opportunity to see how each airline handles the current situation.  The boarding begins and the plane is a 2 -3 seating, with us having the 2 side.  Does that make sense?  I forgot to take a picture.  Away we go.

Early Entry at the Arboretum

It just wasn't my day yesterday.  As a result, my sweetheart went into action and managed to snag us a "before the sun is even up" entry into the Arboretum.  It is EMPTY and oh so amazing.  Come along for some early morning pictures and watch as the dappled lighting does it's thing.  There is always beauty to be found in the world and walking helps so very much.  Mostly pictures, very few comments -- but you know me . . .

Social Distancing Morning in Fort Worth

When one is trying to self-isolate so that she can gather with her friends, it makes a slightly difficult situation for their sweetie.  Mine wanted out of the house for a bit and so he managed to swing some early morning entries into the Fort Worth Zoo.  We have wanted to go for several years now and see all the new improvements they have made.  Come along and enjoy our time with these beautiful animals.

Two young giraffes cannot reach the bag of food above and must use the grasses below --- so, so funny to watch them.

Mister's camera was available too and he shared a few of his favorites with me.

Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin --- It's a Sew Day!!!

In our Facebook Group and on my blog, we are playing a BINGO game and one of the squares directs us to "make something new in the kitchen."  I have a friend coming over for the day and we will be busy, so a crockpot dinner seems fitting.  Since it's all new to me, I'll share it with y'all too.

Slow Cooker Beef and Potatoes Au Gratin works for me as I have all the ingredients on hand and don't have to go outside.  I'm still trying to be so good.

Let's go ---- Brown one pound of ground beef with a touch of salt and pepper to season.