Fishing on the Big Hole River

Dave has been very anxious to go fishing. He got his license earlier this week.   His fishing buddy hasn't been feeling well, so he asked me if I wanted to go along with him.  I wasn't going to fish, but I could enjoy the outdoors and I didn't want him to go alone. 

 

The place he normally goes is on a ranch that belongs to the family of one of his uncles.  They are fine with him going on their property.  When we got there,  we saw approximately 30 bulls on the route down to the river.  It is a cattle ranch and they keep the bulls away from the cows.  We didn't think they would bother us, but you never know. They were quite large and I don't think I can run quite fast enough to get away from a charging bull.  So we drove about 10 more miles to another place.

 

I went down to the river with him.  It was so peaceful.  There were no people or bulls but quite a few geese.  I loved listening to them and watching them fly around.  I sat down on the edge of the river area but there were a lot of ants.  After about 30 minutes, I went back to the truck and read my book while soaking in the beauty.   The weather was a bit cold, but as the day went on it warmed up considerably (Montana standards).  About five floating boats came by with people fishing.   They aren't allowed to have motors. To me, that looked like a lot of fun.  So different from floating the rivers in Arizona.

 

After about two hours, I couldn't see  Dave as he was walking down the side of the river trying to catch fish.  I got a bit worried so I decided to walk to try to find him.  The terrain was a bit rough but I had on a good pair of boots. I walked about a 1/2 mile and found him on the side of the river.  He was fine, so I worried needlessly.

 

He didn't catch any fish, but really enjoyed it anyway.  He said that after a few days of rain, that can cause the fish not to bite.  We are supposed to have rain all of this week, so it was a perfect day.

 

Only problem I had was there are no bathrooms out there. I am just a bit too old to try to find a bush, but I was okay.  We stopped in Wise River, which is a very small town, to get a drink and for me to use the restroom.  I walked into the little cafe and it was obviously totally locals as everyone had been laughing and talking very loudly.  When I walked in, it got very quiet and they all looked at me.  I just sat down and waited for Dave to come in and they resumed their "fun."

 

We got home about three.  The drive to the river is about 30-40 minutes away and it is truly off the beaten path--no cell service.  But it was an absolute beautiful drive.

 

I took this next picture from the car.   It shows how much snow there was earlier this week.  All in all, it was a beautiful day and nice to get out and enjoy nature.

 

 

May 15th in Montana

We are in Montana much earlier than ever before because of all that is going on and me not having to be in Gilbert because of no school.  Dave was hoping to be able to fish as supposedly May is the best month.  Since we have been here, the weather has been unpredictable.  And it has been too cold for him to golf.  And I was hoping to be able to walk as it was too hot in Gilbert.  None of this has come to fruition. However,  I am really happy to be here.  It is such a great place even with the weather.   I can truly get away (for the most part). 

Last night it started raining around 9:00.  I got up early and it was cloudy.  After I looked out, it was snowing--not a light snow like a few days ago.  It went on for several hours.  When I put the pugs out, they came in and looked as though they had a very tough case of dandruff.  

I am posting pictures of the snow.  It was unbelievable.  It wasn't that cold when it was snowing, but once the sun came out, the wind started.  It is cold now.  I can't go walking. I am going up and down the steps and am hoping that I can go to the health club tomorrow and walk on the track if there aren't a lot of people there.

I am now looking out on the Rockies.  The sun is shining and it  is beautiful.  It is just so hard for me to imagine this much snow at anytime but especially in May.  But I love being here!!!

 

Pandemic Stimulus Check

I love this quote!  It speaks volumes of everything I believe in.  My greatest concern for our society today is that many people lack empathy.

 

One of my Douglas peeps posted this quote which I love! And those of you who know me, definitely know that I am opinionated. However, I believe empathy to be the most important characteristic of all. This morning when I checked my bank account, the stimulus check had been deposited. Although I did not get the full amount, it was still sizable. I absolutely believe that this was very important to so many people. Dave and I are fortunately in a position where we have not been hurt financially by this pandemic. There are many other people out there who need this money more than we do. I was chatting (and socially distancing) with a lady here in Butte the other day. She told me she is working twice as hard because they have to sanitize everything. She said she had made more money on unemployment, but that she needed to work in the long run so that is why she came back to work. So my goal with the money I received is to tip more when we utilize anything that requires tipping. That way we can help some of these people who are struggling. I already had been doing that, but now I can do a bit more. Hopefully this will help a small bit to ease some of these hard workers burdens.

 

Mother's Day--2020

With the current situation in our country with the pandemic, life as we know it has changed drastically.  Because school has closed and graduations being held very differently, we decided to come earlier to Butte than we usually do.  As a result, I am spending my first Mother's Day here.  As I was sitting on the couch last night, I was able to see the beautiful statue of Our Lady of the Rockies.  It was built and dedicated to mothers everywhere.

This is my third year of not having a "mother" figure in my life who we could celebrate Mother's Day with.  And my kids are in Arizona, so Dave and I will be barbecuing steaks and having a nice dinner together.   (And yes, we are still getting along after being together 24/7 and doing a road trip with the two pugs!)

I was so fortunate to be raised by mom wonderful mother, Margaret Shannon.  We lived at the old family home in Douglas with my Aunt Teresa.  My Aunt Teresa was also my mother.  I loved her dearly and feel so fortunate to have had her in my life until almost three years ago.  Not very many people have a parent when they are well into their 60's.  We also had the privilege of being raised by our Mary Berumen.  Mary worked for our family from 1946 until about 2003.  She wasn't  an "employee" but part of our family.  When she died in 2008, she was buried in our family plot in Douglas.  These three wonderful women made me who I am today.

Growing up in a small town, I also was fortunate to have many elders who influenced me in so many ways.  And I am also fortunate to have had wonderful aunts who I loved dearly. 

I don't want this day to go by without being so thankful for Dave's mom.  Dorothy Uggetti raised an incredible son.  I wish I could have know her and Dave's dad.  I think from what Dave has told me, they would be very happy for both of us.  I am so happy that we bought the house Dave grew up in last summer and that we live right next door in the home his cousins grew up in.  It makes up a bit for having to sell the house in Douglas. 

I think that having to be at home so much over the last many weeks, has given me time to reflect on a lot of things.   I feel so badly for the families who have lost loved ones due to COVID19.  However, one of the saddest deaths for me lately was a former student at Gilbert El last week.  She did not die from COVID and was only 25 years old.  Her mom, Meagen, is one of the dearest friends.  I loved her and all of her family.  Meagen called me to let me know about Maria's death shortly after it happened.  I cried all day and it has been particularly difficult for many reasons.  Meagen is one of the strongest women I know and an awesome mother.  I can't imagine "celebrating" Mother's Day today and burying their daughter tomorrow.  I said that to her last night.  Since we can't attend the funeral tomorrow, I will be thinking about their family all day.   My heart is broken for them.

 

 

Two Wonderful Years

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Yesterday marked two years since Dave and I got married.  It doesn't seem possible that these two years have gone by so quickly.  It was a busy day so we weren't able to do anything to celebrate and we can't go out to dinner here as yet.

We are hoping to leave for Montana tomorrow to get out of the heat.  Montana is one of two states that meets all of the guidelines to start reopening again.  Dave went golfing early in the morning.  I had to finalize some of my petitions for Governing Board and get them picked up and delivered so that they can be turned in as soon as they are able.  We also had a Board Meeting last night that I absolutely dreaded.  We are having to make decisions about graduation under some very difficult circumstances. It went fairly well and I absolutely believe that we are doing the very best we can with strict guidelines. Some of these guidelines could ease up, but until they do, we have to make sure that we have a plan in place.  If they do ease up, I will fly back to  attend any in person graduations that might happen.

We will celebrate later this week as Montana's restaurants are open at 25% capacity. I love being up  there as it is truly a get away for me.

There is a golf course in Anaconda that was built on the old smelter site.  It is a Jack Nicholas designed golf course and is considered one of the best anywhere.  Dave doesn't usually golf there as it is expensive. I called and talked to the nicest lady.  She gave me a very good price for a "nickel" package which is five rounds.  She threw in two extra at no charge.  Needless to say, he is thrilled.

He had beautiful flowers delivered here in the morning with such a nice card.  I love this man with all of my heart!  He has put up with me with a smile on his face and his kindness is beyond anything I can imagine.  I am so blessed.

 

858 14th/2020

Those of you who have known me for a long time, know how much our house/home in Douglas means to me. My grandfather bought this house in 1918 and all of my aunts and uncles grew up there. I was privileged to grow up there, too. So many wonderful memories with friends through the years who came for lunch or dinner or to play in the yard. I was able to spend summers there when my kids were little. I lived there with my aunt Teresa from 2010-2015. During those many years, we had kids from Gilbert come on field trips and had them for dinner and fun times. After our aunt Teresa died in 2017, we had to sell it. I spent most of the October of that year cleaning out almost 100 years of our family. One of the hardest days of my life was the day I left the house.    I remember so well locking the door and getting in the car. I cried a lot. I have not been able to go back except for the one day I took Dave by the house in 2018.

Fortunately,  It sold quickly.  Yesterday my friend, Gloria Emanuel, sent me this picture that she took recently. Although I got teary, I am so happy that the family who bought this wonderful house, cares about it. They are taking such good care of it, just like our family did for 99 years. I know it is just a house, but will always be more than that to me. So many wonderful memories that can never be forgotten. 858 14th Street was the best place to grow up and will always be!

After seeing these picture, I may be able to go back and see it.  I am so glad that the family loves it like we do!

Vet Appointment in the COVID19 Times

This morning I took Diego to the vet to get an allergy shot and "doggie" valium for our trip to Montana.  I called yesterday to make an appointment and they were able to get me in at 10:30.  

Diego HATES to go to the vet.  He always tries to sit on my lap, which is a lot of fun with his size.  When I made the appointment, no one explained to me their procedures during these times. 

When I got to the vet's office, there were a lot of cars in the parking lot and they were running.  I didn't think much of it and got Diego out of the car. That is also always a lot of fun.

The office was locked so the lady came out and asked what parking space I was in. I had no idea because I hadn't seen a sign.  I told  her I would just walk around with him for a bit because getting him in and out of the car is a bit of a chore.  Well, that wasn't the right decision as it was a bit too hot.

So we got back in the car, at which point Diego started his high pitched screeching (thus the need for doggie valium on a long trip).  I looked around for a sign with a parking space number but there wasn't one.  So we sat in the car with the a/c on and me turning up the radio to cover the whining sound.   

We were there for about 10 minutes, when the tech called and asked where I was.  I told her so she came out and got Diego and took him in.  I wasn't allowed which at that point was fine with me.  Although I am sure it was probably a bit of a challenge for them with his fear of the vet!

I waited in the car for about another 10 minutes when they brought him back.  She  had to go back in and get the prescription and I got to listen to Diego again.  She brought back the meds and then I had to wait for the lady to come out so I could pay the bill.

Needless to say, I was very tempted to take a doggie valium when I got home! 

A PS to this story.  Diego had to have a different prescription for travel because he has a heart murmur.   So today Dave took the prescription to Walmart.   Apparently it is for a "controlled substance."  He had to set up an account for Diego at the pharmacy.  Dave got a call and they are questioning the prescription and have to call the vet tomorrow to make sure we aren't trying to get "drugs" for ourselves!!   Good grief!!