Annual Autumn Journey to Montana - Week 1

 It is the 14th of October and there is an annular eclipse today, but we are on the way to the airport by 10 a.m.  Fortunately, our flight is not until 12:45 and our Lyft driver does an excellent job of getting us there quick.  That means --- hop on the Skylink and see what we can see.  Glasses on!

  

Obviously, it looks much cooler in person and I am trying to take a picture through my glasses on a moving vehicle, but I do get part of it.

Now, back to the flight --- off to the gate and away we go.  We have a plane change in Salt Lake City, but only 30 minutes to make the connection.  PLEASE let it be in the same terminal.

Same terminal, but all the way to the other end.  We made it and are on our way to Montana.

Getting close now -- we can see the Tamaracks.

Ooooh, the colors right now are gorgeous.  Yay!!!

And just like that -- the miracle of technology has moved us vertically across the United States.  It always amazes me.  Jill and Brock pick us up with one excited Greyson and one sleepy Avrielle.  I WISH I'd had my camera out as Greyson came running into my arms.  So sweet.  AUNTIE!!!!  We then went to Sacred Waters Brewery for some dinner and conversation - at which point, once again, no camera.  I  need to get my act together.  During dinner, Avrielle woke up and I am now sitting between then on the way down to Moms house.  This is look I am getting the whole way there.  So unsure.

On my other side --- not unsure.

A little bit of family time at mom's.

Yes, I had her giggling before they left.  Mission accomplished.

15th - Sunday morning and a yummy breakfast at Split Rock followed by a trip to Costco where I managed to purchase 5 new shirts a jacket, and a pair of shoes.  Woot woot.  Perfect fall clothing to leave here.  Perhaps a couple of the lighter shirts will go back and forth cos I really like them.  Then back to the house and I helped Mom with her fall decorations.  Some are so pretty that I took pictures to share.  I think I'm coveting.  

We finished the day at The Cellar with some music and pizza.  

View from The Cellar.

Crossing the bridge on the way home.  It was a nice day and I didn't even mention the multitude of other small things that took place.  The weekend is over, but the Texas Rangers are playing game 1 of the AL Championship tonight.  It is against the Houston Astros and in Houston --- we are watching.

Rangers WIN - 2-0.

16th - One of the things that happened late yesterday was Mister set up his office for work and discovered that his new computer didn't have as many USB ports as the previous one.  He put in an online order to Staples ready for pick up this morning and they open at 8.  I am out of the house by 7:30 and off to retrieve the hub.  Nature blesses my entire trip --- soak up the beauty with me.

Low fog in the valley is just gorgeous as well.

After retrieving my package, on the return trip I decide to stop before the Kalispell bridge and walk out to see the river and colors.

The other side of the bridge - I can get there on foot as there isn't a walkway on that side.

I wonder where this trail leads.  Perhaps an adventure awaits.

Not too much else went on today --- Ranger game in the evening and a second win for them.  5-4  Now they travel back to Dallas for games 3, 4, 5.  We'll see what happens.

17th -  It's a pretty lazy day.  Mister and I take a walk in the afternoon to collect Mom's mail and there is some beauty along the way to share.

This tree is LOADED  with apples.

It's time to get sewing going, however, that means that my sweet girl needs a spa appointment.  During this event, I discover a serious lack of a few supplies up here and Mister starts a list.  Shopping tomorrow, I guess.  We get it done, but next time it will be much easier.

Earlier, I had laid out pork chops for dinner, but decided I really didn't want to make them.  I am now craving a hamburger.  Searching the entire area - burgers here are sooooo crazy expensive.  We're talking $12 to $15 for just the burger.  That's nuts.  The only option that won't break the bank is DQ and I'm not thrilled, but okay.  We all get into the car and arrive.  As we're getting out of the car, Mister mentions Dilly bars and chocolate dipped cones and now I'm excited like a little girl.  Then the smashing comes down.  The lobby is not open.  WHAT???  I HATE take out cos the fries are ruined by the time you get home (remember, nothing is just a few houses away here -- it's a 10 minute drive) and ice cream melts.  Three rather unhappy people take their burgers home - no treats.  Not only did the store loose money on sales, but they likely lost our business and now I understand why Burgertown is always packed.  Their prices are reasonable as well, however, they are not open during the week in the off-season.  I'm seriously rethinking moving here just based on this alone.  How do retired people afford $12 burgers?  Okay, rant over.

Game three tonight -- Rangers lost - 8-5 Ugh

18th - Into town with Mom --- First stop is at the battery store to get Moms watches going again.  Then to Wal-mart, where I have a list from Mister (screwdriver, air, tote, candy, flat fix, hangers).  Yep, odd jobs around the house and some stuff to keep my machine running.  Chick-fil-A for lunch --- where this lovely robot is doing the work.  I have to admit, he's cute.  He says excuse me and everything.

The tire shop is next and since we have to wait a bit, we walk down to Michaels and check out the holiday decor.  I maanage to find ornaments for an upcoming party at my house and a couple of cute fall decorations as well.  Then, with studded snow tires on, we are ready to go.  Once back at the house, it's time to get the sewing going but I'm not up to much, so handwork it is.  Some embroidery finishes out the day while watching the Rangers lose once again - 10-3, a shellacking.  Apparently these teams can't win at home.  Series tied now 2-2

19th -Some sewing happened and I spotted this picture on Facebook and I LOVE IT so much.  So many ideas for the future.  My goal is an amazing studio and one way or another, I'll get it.

Mister and I went to Sip of Montana for a few minutes of "us time" and then picked up stuff to make hot dogs and watch the baseball game.  Game 5 and it's holding true - no win at home.  Lost again and shouldn't have - 5-4.  

20th - A computer day.  Emails, etc.  Worked on some pictures and blogging, but all in all, pretty laid back.  I'm not feeling top notch, so taking it slow.  This project popped up on Shabby Fabrics today -- yep, I ordered one.  How cute is this?

Mom and I went into get a few groceries - 

And then trimmed up the peonies for winter.

A visitor stopped by --- cute little buck.

Down to the Bonfire for dinner.

As we finish, the sun is just going down.  This is simply gorgeous.  I'm in love.  While Mister and Mom check us out, I wander down the street for some pics.  Sooooo worth it.

Heading back - 

And, yes, there is a fire out on the deck.  What a beautiful way to end week 1.  See ya next week.

Zoo Fun in Dallas - Everyone Loves the Sun

 We're feeling as though some of our usual routine has been off lately.  It's time to get back on track and do the things we really enjoy.  Our Dallas Zoo membership is one of those things and we're going to put it to good use today.  It's member morning, so we're in early and ready to enjoy the shenanigans that will surely come our way.  First stop is the lemurs and they are out, but just barely.  In fact, one of them came out, grabbed food and went straight back inside.  It IS a bit chilly this morning (56 degrees) and I guess they are not used to it either.  However, a couple others have found some sunlight and are beginning their day outside.  Today's member event is in Zoo North - thus we turn right at the lemurs and come upon the flamingos, also basking in the sunlight.

Out and About - Cottonwood Art Festival

 Weekends are for wandering --- I mentioned to Mister that Cottonwood Art Festival starts today and within half an hour, we are out and heading that direction.  We didn't even stop for coffee (a mistake we find out later, but . . . ) and are there before the crowds.  It's a gorgeous day.

Welcome October -- Arboretum Walking with Pumpkins

 

My favorite month of the year has arrived and we might as well start it out right.  Autumn at the Arboretum is in full swing and I'm ready to soak it all in.  Also, wouldn't hurt either one of us to get some steps in for a change.  This has been a pretty sedentary house since we returned from vacation.  Granted, we were sick, but . . .   I digress.  Onto the pumpkins.  Enjoy the eye candy in this post and let it brighten your day like it does mine.  There is just something beautiful about these colors.

The Medium Adventure Ends - Two More Sea Days and Home - Whew

 With our ports behind us, we've hit the final sea days and are on our way back to Baltimore.  As I walk past the map in the atrium, I thought I'd snap a picture to share.  This shows how totally crazy our trip has been and how we didn't even come close to Greenland.  You can see the backtrack towards Boston and all ---- We hadn't even reached Halifax when the decision to forgo our main destination took place.  The top --- which doesn't show well has us going up and down the Gulf of Lawrence numerous times.  St. Anthony and Corner Brook are further north.

Big Adventure Port 4 - Halifax, Nova Scotia

 The added port for this cruise is Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Today is her day.  She's not Greenland, but we've have a great time no matter what.  I'm ready to go, but . . .we have to get to port first.

Big Adventure Sea Day ?? Chef's Table for Dinner

 After yesterday, I'm kinda glad for a day to relax.  We have definitely put in some miles with climbing a mountain added in.  Taking it slow - some casino time (I JUST sat down when Mister took this picture, but I DO love the piggies), towel art,  and . . .