Heading South

My first stop after leaving Helena was in Whitehall, MT at the Montana Western Legacy Center. It is a museum that offers an experience to celebrate the diversity of Montana, the Treasure State. It is a new museum, still growing and looking forward to many more hands on exhibits.  

 Jim would have loved this one.

They also have a wonderful gift shop that carries nothing but "Made in Montana" items.  

From there I  continued south to Dillon where I got on I-15. Didn't stop at Clark Canyon Reservoir where Jim and I used to camp quite often, but the water level is scary low. 

Next stop is the Potato Museum in Blackfoot, ID. Jim and I stopped here when we first started full time rving. It has grown a lot and has become more expensive. I did luck out as I arrived, a bus load of school kids was just leaving.

It was fun to learn everything you ever wanted to know about potatoes. 

A giant potato

Got to Pocatello, ID and checked into the hotel. I was ready to collapse at this point so it was an early bed time.

The next day was a short drive. I was going to meet up for lunch with a friend who had recently moved from Arizona to Utah but her elderly Mom fell during the night and she was at the hospital with her. Hopefully next year.

So I wandered on to Salt Lake City. I was really proud of myself. I actually made my reservation at the correct Crystal Inn. The one in West Valley, not the one downtown.

My friend, Janet, joined me at the hotel when she got off work. We went out to dinner and talked for hours. I spent two nights in SLC so we could have more time to catch up. Last year when I was here, we did a lot of sight seeing. This year we didn't do any. Just got to be friends. 

 Tomorrow is another day on the road. See ya there.

Billings to Great Falls

 After saying goodbye I headed out through central Montana to get to Great Falls. My good friend, Wendi, lives there and I was really looking forward to visiting with her for a couple of days. Central Montana is farm country and this year it is green and gold and beautiful because of the rain they've had. Just a few pictures along the way.

 

The Garneill Monument is dedicated to the pioneers of Ubet which was located in the "gap" between the Big Snowy Mountains and the Little Belt Mountains.

 

Had a wonderful visit with Wendi. We went to Rib and Chop House for dinner cause a hamburger really sounded good. Take a good look at this one (it was Wendi's).

Left Friday to Helena. My sister and her hubby just moved into a senior living apartment. This has been a really big adjustment for them. Definitely not enough room for their stuff. But it sure was good to see them. Don is really doing great. He fell and broke his hip back in June at his 90th birthday party. You'd never know it.

Their apartment is a two bedroom, two bath place. Not very large but cozy. They have a fridge but not really a kitchen. No stove or oven. Very little cupboard space. They eat three meals a day in the dining room. This is not an assisted living place. If you need help, you have to hire someone to come in and help out. But they do come in once a week to change the bed and wash the sheets which is nice. 

Their apartment is the corner on the third floor.

Judy's son, Wade, and part of his family came from Idaho to spend some time with Judy and Don. So she got to see grandkids and great grands. They have a beautiful family.

I spent Labor Day Weekend in Helena but on Monday morning it was time for me to start the trek south. My recliner is calling me.

Goodbye For Now Elias

This whole goodbye thing is not easy. I won't be seeing the kids until next year and by then, there will be a fourth member of their family. I am really grateful for the technology that allows us to visit with face time. I so love hearing grammie grammie. But I have spent more than enough time in their home and lives. I really did not plan on moving in with them. So one last post of pictures.

Lola

Look at those eyelashes. I am so jealous.

Haircut - before and after

  

Fair Time

 

I love you guys so much. Thank you for everything.