Lewistown, Montana Exploring

My brother has been painting on some new apartments in Lewistown, Montana. He travels from Great Falls and stays 4 or 5 days during the work week and returns back home on the weekends. This week the kids and I loaded up in the van and decided to go for a visit to Lewistown. We got to see what he is working on and explore the town. He was also treated out to dinner at a hometown restaurant and a good time was had by all.

One of the first interesting things we saw were mule deer in a person's yard, almost looking like plastic lawn ornaments, but very real and moving.



My son, Wynston, spotted a park towards the end of town and we had fun seeing the cannon, rocket, Statue of Liberty replica, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, an original gold rush rail cart, and other things. My youngest son, Avery was very impressed with the swings as he called them "adult size". They even climbed on the playground equipment and went down the slides a time or two.



Lewistown is a town in that most people who visit Montana never see. Lying out in the middle of Central Montana, Lewistown is quite the distance from all the major tourist destinations in the state. And this is too bad, since Lewistown is a surprisingly nice town. The downtown is clean and historic, the streets are tree-lined and the location of Lewistown is excellent for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities.

Lewistown is located pretty much in the dead-center of Montana, and is about 100 miles to the east of Great Falls on US Highway 200. Billings, the only other nearby major city, is located about 120 miles to the south, on US Highway 87. Although Lewistown is located in Central Montana (which everyone often thinks of as being “flat”), the town sits in a very scenic setting. The Judith Mountains, which are a small mountain range, are located just to the north and east of town. The Big Snowy Mountains, which are a very scenic mountain range and rise well above timberline, are located just 20 miles south of town. And, about 40 miles southwest of town, the Little Belt Mountains rise up off the valley floor.

The Lewistown Courthouse

Some of the houses on Main Street have a grandeur and impressive feel about them as pictured here:



It was a very enjoyable day trip which we all enjoyed. I may just have to take another trip that way and explore a little bit more. My interest has been peaked to find out what a chokecherry is as one building has painted on its side like an advertisement: "The Chokecherry Capital of the World, Lewistown, Montana". I guess that will be another blog, once I find out more.

Leaving Tennessee

On April 6th our family pulled out of Nashville, TN after much packing of the UHaul truck and pull trailor. Last minute vehicle maintenance was also done causing a delay in departure plans.

We are fortunate in getting wonderful renters for our home and pray for their happiness at their new abode.

I learned later that snow flurries came across Nashville -- very unusual for this time of year.

Then I heard of tornadoes touching down in nearby Murfreesboro. (A small one had hit our neighborhood a few streets over on April 2nd).



Our journeys (laid out map travel plans) took us into Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and finally arriving in Montana.

Our sons, Wynston (age 11) and Avery (age 9) were real troopers in this cross country excursion. They maintained a good upbeat attitude every step of the way. Wynston did express his stress upon arrival to our new home by getting sick and popping a blood vessel in his eye but is making a good recovery.

Now comes the mountain load of boxes to be unpacked.



Also, I forgot to include above, Uncle Dave (from Belgrade, MT) was very instrumental in flying down to help with the move. He also sustained a major injury. When unloading the Uhaul truck, he slipped off the step ladder, fell backwards, and hit his head requiring a trip by ambulance to the Great Falls Hospital and 10 staples to the back of his head. -- He and my husband have decided this is their last move together. They will let the young "bucks" handle it in the future while they watch and instruct.

Desiderata -- Attitude is Everything!

Desiderata
written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Then there is the belief that ATTITUDE is everything.

Stunning Striped Icebergs

Amazing striped icebergs!



Icebergs in the Antarctic area sometimes have stripes, formed by
layers of snow that react to different conditions.

Blue stripes are often created when a crevice in the ice sheet fills up with meltwater and freezes so quickly that no bubbles form.

When an iceberg falls into the sea, a layer of salty seawater can
freeze to the underside. If this is rich in algae, it can form a
green stripe.

Brown, black and yellow lines are caused by sediment, picked up
when the ice sheet grinds downhill towards the sea.

Is this amazing
Antarctica Frozen Wave Pixs - Nature is amazing!
The water froze the instant the wave broke through the
ice. That's what it is like in Antarctica where it is the
coldest weather in decades. Water freezes the instant
it comes in contact with the air. The temperature of the
water is already some degrees below freezing.

Just look at how the wave froze in mid-air!!!

Transcend Our Limitations

From HERNASHVILLE.COM
By Kaki Friskics-Warren

Each day, we have the opportunity to transcend our limitations and to be God's presence in the world. You can share your spirit through daily activities, but if you're looking for new ways to grow, visit these local websites for guidance:



hon.org -- Hands on Nashville's website lists area volunteer opportunities for all ages and interests



givingmatters.com -- The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee offers options to support are nonprofits



coolpeoplecare.org -- Find daily opportunities for "Five Minutes of Caring" (You can change the city on this site to fit your location)

Nashville -- Sights and Sounds

As I am getting ready to leave Nashville, TN -- my family's home for the past 9 years -- I am wanting to point out places I have been, things I have seen, and some wonderful unique landmarks. These are a few to begin with for now . . . more will appear here in the future.



The AT&T Building (formerly the South Central Bell Building and BellSouth Building, also known as the Batman Building) is a 630.5 ft (192 m), 32-story skyscraper completed in August 1994 and located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is currently the tallest building in the state of Tennessee.


Unlike any traditional museum you’ve ever visited, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts has become a magnet for Nashville’s rapidly expanding visual arts scene. With an exhibitions schedule that has new art flowing through the magnificent Art Deco building every 6 to 8 weeks.



The Wildhorse Saloon is Nashville's #1 Dining and Entertainment destination and a mecca of entertainment in America. To capture the attention of Nashvillians and country music visitors, on June 1, 1994, the history of the World Famous Wildhorse Saloon began with country superstar Reba McEntire hearding a stampede of live cattle through the streets of Music City, also known as Nashville, Tennessee.



The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is located in the shadow of the State Capitol in downtown Nashville. The 19-acre park is designed to complement the Tennessee Capitol Building, give visitors a taste of Tennessee's history and natural wonders, and to serve as a lasting monument to Tennessee's Bicentennial celebration.

Here are some historical features to look for when you visit Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park:

Zero Mile Marker
Small Tennessee Granite Maps
Tennessee Map Plaza
The Railroad Trestle
The Rivers of Tennessee Fountains
Tennessee Flags
Pathway of History
World War II Memorial
Carillons and the Court of 3 Stars
CCC Memorial
The Walkway of Counties
Path of Volunteers

Nashville -- Home of Athena

Centennial Park
222 25th Ave N
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 862-8442
Hours: Daily sunrise-11pm

Centennial Park, which housed the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, is a prime spot for an outdoor lunch break. Elaborate structures, monuments and memorials line the park, including the spectacular Parthenon, which honors Nashville's adopted sister city, Athens.


In the 1920s the Parthenon was rebuilt as a full-scale replica of the ancient Parthenon with one large exception. The colossal statue of Athena from ancient times was not in this replica.



In 1982 seven sculptors submitted proposals to recreate the Athena statue in Nashville. Alan LeQuire won the commission because of his skill and commitment to accuracy.

Athena Parthenos is 41 feet, 10 inches tall. There are about 12 inches between the top of her helmet and the ceiling beams. Her weight is estimated at 12 tons. The statue of Nike, the goddess of victory, in Athena's right hand is 6 feet 4 inches tall. Nike holds a wreath of victory preparing to crown Athena.

The Athena statue was constructed from 1982 to 1990. It stood in Nashville’s Parthenon as a plain, white statue for 12 years. In 2002 the Parthenon gilded Athena with Alan LeQuire and master gilder Lou Reed in charge of the project. The gilding project took less than 4 months and makes Athena appear that much closer to the ancient Athena Parthenos. In addition to gilding, the project included painted details on her face, wardrobe and shield.

Athena Parthenos is the tallest indoor sculpture in the Western world.



The Parthenon also serves as the city of Nashville's art museum. The focus of the Parthenon's permanent collection is a group of 63 paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists donated by James M. Cowan. Additional gallery spaces provide a venue for a variety of temporary shows and exhibits.

The Parthenon is open year round Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 - 4:30. Additional hours during June, July & August: Sundays, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Rustic Sanctuary

Yesterday, I went to visit a good friend here in Nashville and took along my digital camera. I wanted to photograph her backyard -- a rustic sanctuary and piece of art.

I have been friends with her for nearly 5 years now and I have watched a transformation occur in her out of doors.



It has been truly inspiring to watch the creations with slate, stone, and rock as I don't think I have this large a scope of vision and talents to make something on this scale.




Also, the pictures do not compare to actually exploring in person.

I love the fireplace which is the most recent addition.



The beautiful antique table and chairs with the Coca Cola design are so eye catching.





What person would not want to climb into the swing hanging from two trees.



The wagon wheels are a piece of art to the scenery.

Fabric Shopping

This past Saturday, my daughter and I picked up a couple friends and headed out on an adventure to find the Stitcher's Garden in Franklin, Tn. We had read after some online research that the store has over 8000 bolts of fabric.



I was going not only for fun, but on a mission to locate reproduction fabric known as Aunt Grace. These are reproductions from the 1930's. (As a part of a surprise Christmas present, I had received some partially finished quilt blocks. No materials had come along for the completion, thus the mission.)


I had located these specialty fabrics at an online store and was pleased with the selections. The prices I felt were a little steep for fat quarters and then the purchase would have had a high shipping charge with a total of $50.

At the Stitcher's Garden I did find a lot of different patterns as pictured here. I did purchase a few fat quarters but then also decided to go ahead and purchase quite a few of the 1/2 yard pieces. My total (also including a little from my daughter), came to $69.

Now, I will need to get to rotary cutting my strips and sewing up the rest of my blocks. A friend of mine has suggested embroidering borders for the blocks. I am just tempted to do so, but know this will make my project last longer. Do I have the patience -- I wonder!!

Towering Beauty

My son, Wynston (age 11) is bursting at the seams to have me blog about his latest wooden puzzle creation -- The Eiffel Tower.

I asked him if he knew where it is located and he did not answer correctly. In walks his brother, Avery (age 9) and says, "in Paris, France". I asked how he knew the answer and he said, "from the movie Rush Hour 3". Got to love those Jackie Chan movies -- educational too!!


So off we go to exploring information and here is what we found at Corrosion-Doctors online:

The Eiffel Tower was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 commemorating the centenary (100 years) of the French Revolution. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England, opened the tower. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, Gustave Eiffel's was unanimously chosen.


Some Interesting Tidbits:

15,000 iron pieces (excluding rivets)

40 tons of paint

1652 steps to the top

2.5 million rivets

300 steel workers, and 2 years (1887-1889) to construct it

In 1889, Gustave Eiffel began to fit the peak of the tower as an observation station to measure the speed of wind. He also encouraged several scientific experiments including Foucault's giant pendulum, a mercury barometer and the first experiment of radio transmission.

After Gustave Eiffel experiments in the field of meterology, he begun to look at the effects of wind and air resistance, the science that would later be termed aerodynamics, which has become a large part of both military and commercial aviation as well as rocket technology.

An Afternoon in Franklin Tennessee

On most Fridays my daughter, Savannah Rose, and I travel to a beautiful part of Tennessee known as Franklin. We have an appointment at Saddle Up! (A nonprofit recreational therapeutic horse riding program for those with disabilities, “Where all children are equal in the saddle!”)



(January 8, 2009) – Southern Living magazine named Franklin to its Readers’ Choice Awards top ten list, ranking fifth for “Best Small Town”. Franklin joins a diverse group of destinations in the listing. Southern Living readers voted for their favorites in different categories. January’s issue names the magazine readers’ choices for “best” places to stay, visit, shop and dine in the South.


After Savannah's lesson, we decided to explore a specialty shop we usually pass by always wondering what goodies can be found inside. Well, just as I last wrote about -- chocolate has a way of calling my name -- today was no exception. A specialty chocolate and truffle shop -- Hillsboro Chocolate Company. We treated ourselves to a truffle and picked out a box of 4 for my sister-in-law in Chicago and another for my sister-in-law in Montana. Let's hope they get put in the mail and not opened because chocolate calls other people's names in my house as well!