I Blinked . . . Where Did October Go?

Can't believe I haven't blogged since late September and now we are into November. This year is just flying by so fast.

We did a major move from the big town of Great Falls out into the country just past Fort Benton, MT late in September and then I set out to find a job, put my new home together, and catch a plane for a week in Nashville, TN. No wonder I have been having back spasms on a regular basis here lately -- thanks to my kids for rubbing them out and then stretching is helping also.

I had a quiet no thrills visit to Nashville which is just as I wanted. Got to spend some sweet time with friends and see the changing of the leaves. I love FALL!!!

One thing I did miss was snapping a photo of the leaves on the trees by the Missouri River here in Fort Benton. I literally did blink and they had all blown away. I will just have to be on top of them next year and do lots of picture taking then.





I couldn't help but take tons of photos of my friend, Kathleen's place in Nashville. Her back yard would be a photographer's dream for taking photos of kids and couples. Her style in decorating her house truly fits her personality as well -- Primitive Americana.


This type of decorating is defined as: Americana country decor consists of shades of reds, whites and blues. These country decor accents can have stars and strips, or simple symbols and words like “Love, Faith, Hope…” to name a few. Americana quilts make excellent wall hangings, throws, table cloths, chair covers, the sky is the limit of what you can do with a beautiful Americana quilt.


(These are called Jewel Tea Autumn Leave Pattern . . . My Aunt Ruby in California used to be crazy in collecting dishes like these as they reminded her of her childhood years when a vendor would come by horse drawn wagon once a month out in the country and sell her mother a piece. My friend Kathleen collects them as well because she loves the pattern.)

It was a pleasure going for a visit to the South. My heart has two homes -- the South and Montana.

Explorers at the Portage

Last Sunday in the midst of snow/sleet/rain the family went out for a drive with me behind the wheel. After running a few errands, I didn't let anyone know of my plans to stop by Dairy Queen for an ice cream treat for my birthday. From there we headed to a statue that I had not photographed here in Great Falls, MT. This is located at the Welcome Center off 10th Avenue South. Also, found there is the large flag that can be seen from the interstate. A local radio ad says it costs over $10k yearly to maintain the flag and donations are being asked for currently.






I will have to make another trip to the Welcome Center when there is more time and better weather so I can walk a steep paved trail up to a gazebo that is part of the scenery. There is also an indian statue to photograph that I missed.




Another statue has been spotted at the new Federal Court House by the Missouri River here in Great Falls and I will have to pick a Saturday and explore it more.

On of my favorite photos was taken at Giant Springs with my 11 year old walking across the bridge with his father. He is now over a head taller than anyone in the house!!

Summer Water Adventure

Thought I would drop a note on here to show what my Savannah Rose and Wynston got to do last week -- a little float trip on the Missouri River around some of Great Falls, MT. They had a good time with some friends from Eagle Mount and got to get wet with a little water gun fighting between the two rafts.





I got to try some of this some day soon. I have been floating but it was a long time ago while living in the Kalispell area.

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

If ever you are in Great Falls, Montana, do not hesitate to stop by the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and find out what interesting and historical sights and sounds are going on.


The location is impressive with a gorgeous view of the Missouri River and Black Eagle Dam.



If you are up for a walk and to get in touch with nature, there is a paved trail known as part of the River's Edge Trail that is connected to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. One direction will lead you to Giant Springs Park and Fish Hatchery and the other way will lead you across a very neat bridge that used to be a railroad bridge overpass along with many other sights on the water and around the shores.



I have included other postings today of the Blackfeet Indian dances performed on June 26, 2010 at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. I hope you have found the pictures delightful and the information worth the reading. I couldn't end this blog without including another final picture of the narrator of the evenings event performing a traditional indian dance. He was a very interesting and smart man (a lawyer) who is ground deeply in the beliefs of his people and wants to keep them alive and show the world a glimpse to obtain a better understanding and viewpoint. I hope to return again and see this group -- I may even venture to a pow wow in the near future.



And remember: "Only you can help prevent wild fires (forest fires)."

Out For A Little Walk

Yesterday evening was beautiful although a little on the hot side for us at 82 degrees. Today we are barely reaching 61 as rain has cooled us down quite a bit.

Some of the family did a some exploring of a walking, biking, and skating trail. It is called River's Edge Trail. Here are some pictures taken along the way -- beautiful, historical and interesting all the way.



Take some time and check out the Rails to Trails Conservancy Organization who helped establish the trail we visited and some that may be in your state.


BEAUTIFUL --





HISTORICAL --