We Made it to Butte

Butte, MT  High 78  Low 44

My biggest concern was getting the rig out of Todd’s subdivision because of all the road construction. Jim talked to the flagger before we pulled out and she told him she would watch for us and move barrels so we could maneuver.

With her help we made it out just fine if very slowly. She’s running ahead of us to move the cones and barrels. We wouldn’t fit down the right side because the trees would have torn up the rig.

Remember how green Montana was in June when we went over Bozeman Pass.

This is how it looked as we came through yesterday.

Do you think maybe we had the air conditioning on a little high?

My nerves are shot and I’m just plain tired.

To get to Butte you have to climb Homestake Pass. It’s a long steep climb but no problem for our Chevy Duramax.

And what goes up has to come down into Butte.

We stayed at the Walmart which has easy access from the Interstate and also in and out of the parking lot. Must have been about 10 rigs keeping us company. After we got the girls settled, we picked up Tara and went to dinner at Fred’s BBQ. Jim and I had their steak sandwich which was really good. We would definitely go back there again. Eric had a class so he couldn’t join us. We’ll have to meet him next summer when we come through this way.

Back on the road this morning for more adventures.

Aftermath and Take Off

Billings, MT  High 84  Low 54

I took these pictures the day after our terrible storm. This is the street and sidewalk that was underwater.

This house lost some siding. I was sure glad the guys got Todd’s siding fixed before the storm or it really could have been bad. A house down the street lost most of a tree but it didn’t fall on their house.

We were supposed to get another storm the next night but it broke up and went around us. I am so grateful.

Finished up doctor appointments on Monday – Jim’s eyes, my mammogram and bone density scan. So glad that is all done for another year.

We are heading out of town this morning. Time to get those wheels rolling. We said goodbye to the kids and we are already looking forward to seeing them again next year.

We’re head for Butte for our first stop tonight. We’re going to see my great niece Tara and her boyfriend Eric. Then we’re headed west and eventually south. See you on the road.

Our Hearts go out to Rod

Billings, MT   High 82  Low 56

I was shocked this morning to read Rod's blog that he had lost his beautiful bride, Loyce. She died very unexpectedly just seven days after they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.

I am so grateful that I got to know Loyce and Rod. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who loved her grandkids more than she did. And her talents were amazing. The world is a sadder place without her beautiful smile.

Our prayers and thoughts are with Rod and their family at this difficult time

Storm!!! and Birthday

Billings, MT  High 81  Low 55

Last night we lived through the worst storm we have experienced in our five years on the road. Mother Nature and I really do need to have a talk because I am NOT happy with her.

We had about a 15 minute warning when the TV flashed the news that a severe storm was headed our way. Not much we could do except make sure everything was tied down or put away.

Wind – 70 mph. Rain – 1 3/4 inches in about 15 minutes. Hail – went on and on and on. I didn’t think it was ever going to stop. It wasn’t large hail and I don’t think we have much if any damage. Jim will need to get up on the roof today and check. But it was so noisy. I was sure it was destroying our rig and our truck. Me and the girls were scared.

The lightening was happening so rapidly that it was as bright as day. We could see the lightening for at least an hour after the storm moved east of us. They put up a 3-D image of the storm on the weather and that was an incredible sight.

Did not lose power which is a good thing. Our street flooded. There really and truly is a sidewalk under all that water.

We survived and actually got some sleep last night.

Today is my hubby’s birthday. I think I’ll let him make me breakfast to celebrate.

Janna took this picture of us and I really like it.

We’re going to have his favorite dinner – lemon pepper chicken wings with mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans. Lemon bars for dessert.

I love you Jim. You are my life and my world. Thank you for putting up with me for so many years.

Father and Son Time

Billings, MT  High 86  Low 59

Thursday morning I was at the vampire’s office bright and early. Saw the doc in the afternoon. No surprises. All my blood work is right where it needs to be, not a problem in sight. But I need to lose weight. We’ve had this discussion once a year for the last ten years. Yep, I sure do need to lose some weight. Yes, I need to exercise more. Thank you. See you next year.

Thursday night we met up with Judy and Gary for dinner. I think I almost have them convinced they need to come down to AZ for a couple of months this winter.

Friday, the truck went in for service. Love getting that bill. We met up with Carol for lunch (her hubby was Jim’s best friend who died last year). Had a great visit with her.

Did laundry and ran some errands. Real exciting stuff. We had a couple of lightening and thunderstorms go through. I swear the lightening hit just outside our back yard. Sure did light up the sky and since the boom was almost instantaneous, we jumped about six feet.

Today, Jim and Todd got to bond over a siding fix. Seems some of the nails that hold the siding onto the side of the house had come loose. Many of them in fact. So Jim got some screws and he and Todd put everything back together again. Then Todd power washed the siding, the grill and a couple of cars.

Of Jim’s four sons, Todd is the one who seems to have inherited Jim’s ability to analyze a situation and then figure out how to fix it.

Jim is going to need that ability when we get back to AJ because our oven has quit working. We don’t use it often but it is frustrating when I do want to bake something.  

Tonight I’m making taco’s for dinner. We’re still on track to be out of here on Tuesday.

Eyes and a Heart Murmur

Billings, MT  High 96  Low 64

I sure wish I could figure out some way to use some of those gigs that have been offered. I just need to keep Jim off his computer and stop all the downloading he does. He needs to realize that my stuff is more important than his. Hope he doesn’t read this. lol

The excitement has started. First off was my eye exam. I really hate having my eyes dilated. When they finally get back to normal they are so tired.  I know it’s necessary but I don’t have to like it. My eye sight is about the same as it has been for the last couple of years which is great news. I do have a couple of small cataracts and all we’re going to do is monitor them for now. No macular degeneration. A huge floater in my left eye. And that’s all the news from the Optometrist.

While I was at the doctor’s office, Jim got our truck licensed and bought new hoses for Todd’s washing machine. We got home and Jim started cleaning out stuff he had stored under the house. Didn’t realize he had so much under there. That project could take a few days. The washing machine hoses got changed tonight after dinner.

Took the girls to the vet for their annual check up and kennel cough vaccination. Skittlez is in great shape. She has always been so very healthy. Going to the vet really wears her out emotionally. Needs to sleep in my arms to recover.

I’ve been trying to get a picture of Skitz running but not having much luck. She just flies especially if she thinks she gets to get in the house and have a treat.

Scooter is in pretty good shape for her age, but the doctor found a heart murmur. He gave us some medication for her and she will need to be on it for the rest of her life. It is supposed to help put off congestive heart failure and he thinks she will be able to live many years with no problem. The really good news is that Scooter is now under 15 lbs. She got up to almost 18 lbs. at one time and dachshunds cannot be overweight with their tendency for back problems. Wish I could control my food intake as easily as I do hers.

My eyes are really tired so goodnight folks. I’m not going to get this posted until tomorrow.

Back to Billings–Bloggers are the Best

Billings, MT  High  96  Low 63

Monday night we went to dinner with Judy and Don in Basin, MT. Had a wonderful chicken friend steak and some of the best bread pudding ever. They advertise it as the best in Montana and there was agreement at our table.

Tuesday morning we said goodbye to Judy and Don and hitched up. Scooter and Skittlez were really sad to leave their spot. It will be a long time before Scooter can run that free again. And Skittlez actually got comfortable enough after two months that she was able to leave the front yard.

Before we left Helena I got a message from Janna. She wanted to know if we would like to meet for lunch in Big Timber and we, of course, jumped at the chance to get together with these folks. There is a great pizza place and Jim was excited about getting a pizza. Since I don’t eat cheese, he doesn’t get to enjoy pizza very often. I had a fantastic Italian beef sandwich.

Janna and Michael are just what I expected. A very down to earth, very much in love couple who really enjoy life. It was fun visiting with folks who are familiar with Montana and have seen the changes in our state over the years. Thanks for lunch you guys. It was great.

Janna brought me a jar of her homemade chokecherry jelly. Talk about a score. I can’t wait to have some toast or pancakes. Hopefully we can see these guys down in AZ this year.

We finally tore ourselves away and headed on down the road to our son’s driveway in Billings. The street is still a mess but we were able to get to the house. Tomorrow starts our rounds of appointments.

Took Todd and Michaela out for dinner last night. I am so proud of how Todd how grown into a wonderful man. He loves being married to his best friend and is almost as good a husband as his Dad. Michaela gets more beautiful every time we see her. Sure am glad she said yes to Todd.

(I used up all my gigabytes so I am just now able to read and comment on blogs again.)