Letting Go of the Bay Leaf

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Mosaic Monday #18 - Deep Freeze February

Northwest Montana just wrapped up the coldest February on record since 1936. What does one do when the temperature peaks at less than 15 degrees Fahrenheit? Add an extra layer or two, folks, and get on out there. Even my oldest sister saw fit to visit us from Cincinnati during the month. Check out these adventures in the great white, frigid north.

ONE: CARVING UP THE MOUNTAIN

Skiing and snowboarding on Big Mountain is a weekly event, especially given our roles as Ambassadors for Whitefish Mountain Resort. On one of my workdays, we took my sister to the 'office'. Visitors can buy a walk-on pass for $24 and ride Chair 1 to the Summit. Unfortunately, on that day, visibility was poor.

On a clear day, the mountains of Glacier National Park

would be in the background

At least she got a sense of our responsibilities as Ambassadors, and observed our operating environment first hand. She worked her cross-stitch and chatted with skiers stopping into Summit House for a warmer-upper. In the photo to the right, the temperature on the sign is unclear, but I recall it was minus 4 degrees at the time of that photo.

TWO: SNOW SHOEING

We thought we might take my sister to Glacier National Park to see the contrast between summer and winter (she had previously visited the Park in August 2017). So, in preparation for her visit, we did some reconnaissance. At this time of year, the Going to the Sun Road is plowed only as far as Lake McDonald lodge.

Beyond that point, cross-country skiers as well as snow-shoers can peacefully traverse a road that is bumper to bumper with traffic in the summer. On the day of our investigation, everyone was using the same trail, when protocol calls for snow-shoers and hikers to be in a separate track from the skiers.

So Spousal Unit and I performed a little bit of community service by breaking trail for 2.5 miles. It was quite the workout so we took turns at the lead. It was amazing how much easier it is when following someone, and even more so on the return journey. It was gratifying to see other snow-shoers using our trail as we re-traced our steps.

After some consultation with my sister, we decided to limit our snow-shoeing to a trek around our property.

THREE: HIBERNATING

Middle left: Josie helps my sister with her Monsters quilt

My sister's stated goal for her trip was to hibernate, so we worked hard (!) to make that happen.

Hibernating is easier when you have Spousal Unit for your chef - no need to go out to a gourmet restaurant when these dishes are on offer.

Top: spaghetti with Brussel sprouts

Left: Chicken tortellini and home-made focaccia

Right: Goetta and eggs

We did take a couple of walks on the roads of our neighborhood, and I couldn't resist the temptation to snap the shot below of the entrance to our neighborhood. The sign actually reads North Hodge Creek Reserve!!!

We also introduced my sister to a couple of "institutions" around here - Moose's and the Montana Club. She marveled at the Bloody Mary at the Montana Club; the one she was served upon returning home was "no comparison". I told her she would just have to come back!

Moose's

Left and middle: Montana Club; Right: back in Ohio

FOUR: VIEWING WILDLIFE

No monthly summary is complete without a list of wildlife that we have witnessed. Although deer, and trail cam photos of them, are ubiquitous, what makes the photos more interesting at this time of year is the depth of the snow, or catching them plodding through a snowstorm.

I am currently monitoring three trail cams, two of which belong to a future neighbor. In photos taken on February 3, I observed two coyotes that were captured on my trail cam at 3.14 pm, and then on my neighbor's trail cam at 3.30. I am sure it is the same two. What do you think?

Of special note this month is our ongoing "battle" with Mr. Bunny. Earlier in the winter, we placed chicken wire around our burning bushes because I could see from tracks in the snow, as well as nibble marks on the shrubs, that Mr. Bunny had taken a liking to them.

A week ago, I noticed tracks and bunny kaka INSIDE the chicken wire - the snow is now deep enough to enable him to jump over the wire. Argh. So, we determined to pull the wire cages up higher. As I rounded the front porch, heading for the last cage, there he was, inside it. He jumped out and bounded onto the porch, WITH A BRANCH OF THE BURNING BUSH IN HIS MOUTH. The cheek - he sat there and munched it as I went about adjusting that cage!

Left: track to Mr. Bunny's den Middle: branch broken off bush by Mr. Bunny

Right: Mr. Bunny in front of his den

Thwarted, he has now turned his attention to my dried arrangement on the front porch. Did you know rabbits would eat pine and juniper? I didn't. When I got home yesterday, he was basking in the sun where the porch joins the house. Maybe this was his way of thumbing his nose at me? He didn't give a lick that I was taking pictures ...

FIVE: DOG SLEDDING

Knowing what I know now, I wish we had taken my sister dog sledding … but it means she has at least one reason to return in winter! Dog Sled Adventures Montana is a family-friendly operation, with Alaskan sled dogs that are just hankering to pull you through 12 miles of winter wonderland. The mushers choose from nearly 130 Alaskan huskies to staff the 10 spots on each sled (each dog only does one run a day; most days the sleds go out at 10 am, 1 pm and 3.30 pm). As you can see and hear in the video below, the dogs are all ASKING to be chosen.

But once the sleds took off, the dogs in the yard all fell silent. The next video is just a small slice of our ride - when we weren't talking to Hannah, our driver, the only sound was the swish of the sled through the snow and her commands to the dogs. Lightly falling snowflakes added to the romance of the experience. We were astonished by the energy and stamina of the dogs, not to mention their personalities - that entertainment alone was worth the price of admission!

I suppose I can put up with the deep freeze if it means making memories like these.

Mosaic Monday

Welcome to Mosaic Monday, a weekly meme where we get together to share our photo mosaics and collages.
Please include at least one photo mosaic/collage in your post.
The link will be open from 1 p.m. Sunday until 11 p.m. Monday (U.S. Mountain time).
Remember to add the link to your Mosaic Monday post and not the one to your blog.
Please link back to this post so that your readers will be able to visit and enjoy more wonderful mosaics; taking the MM blog button from my sidebar is an easy way to link back.
As host I will visit every participant and leave a comment so that you know I stopped by.
Please try and visit as many other blogs as you can, especially those that join in later, so that everyone's creativity can be appreciated fully.
Thank you for joining in today and sharing your mosaics with us.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Mosaic Monday #17 - Report: Week 105 of Retirement

Sunset on Whitefish Lake, May 2017

March 3, 2019 marks two years since my retirement. Two years = 104 weeks = 730 days = 17,520 hours. It's cause for ongoing celebration, and reflection.

In my usual analytical fashion, I concocted a myriad of ways to approach this post. Maybe I could use major milestones for the structure. Or perhaps my key observations about retired life. I could consult my "Joy of Retirement" book for inspiration. Maybe I should summarize the six "retirement reports" that I previously posted. (Week One, Week Three, Week Five, Week Twelve, Week Nineteen, Week Forty-One)

One picture from each of the six retirement reports

It struck me that I have not published a retirement report for over a year; I believe it means that I have been too occupied to think about retirement. Or is it possible that retirement has become my state of being rather than something separate from me?

Then it occurred to me to look in my Legacy Box, a parting gift from my Human Resources team. I turned the key, and ...

First I found the dedications from our kids, both orated by our son at my retirement party. The tears began to flow.

First, a few words from my sister who couldn't make it today: Dear Mom - Let me first say congratulations on your retirement. You've earned it. I want you to know that you are the strongest woman I have ever known. I aspire to be like you every day for you inspire me to be a better manager. I hope that I have as big an impact on the people that I work with as you did. I'm so proud of you and I love you. #1 Daughter

So, this isn't so much a speech as it is a chance to tell a story. A story of dedication, ideals and teaching. As long as I can remember, there has been a phone, a laptop, and Mom. Every night the laptop came out and down sat Mom to do unfinished business from the day or deal with an issue that had popped up on the phone. Every vacation along came the laptop and phone. Whenever it came out at night or got packed along with the rest of the bags leaving for vacation, I would urge my Mom to leave it. Surely she had done enough work to warrant not needing to do anymore tonight or on vacation. I didn't urge her because I thought she was a workaholic or because I wanted her attention; I did it because I wanted her to be free from the work for the night, vacation or any amount of time. My protests were always met with a smile, and a "I wish, son."

As I grew older, I began to understand why. Her unending dedication to her work, that at times was very trying and unenjoyable, taught me a lot about my Mom and about how I wish to live my life. Primarily, that I don't want an office job. But more importantly, about upholding ideals of work ethic and commitment. I could not be more grateful. And now in a week, for the first time ever, there will be a vacation where I don't have to ask my Mom to leave behind her phone and laptop. But the lessons I have learned by watching my Mom will never leave me.
#1 Son

Yes, yes, YES! It was worth it all.

Next I found this simple, handwritten and taped sheet, and it spoke volumes to me about my legacy and my retirement journey.

During my Human Resources career, I led leadership development events. The standard program called for senior leaders to share career lessons, and toward the end of my career, I chose an unconventional medium- my collection of Chinese fortunes.

In my very last leadership session (the 8th under my direction), the cohort in training presented me with a set of fortunes that they had collected the night before at a local restaurant, together with their best wishes for my impending retirement. I present some of them to you now, with corresponding pictures from the last 24 months.

A relaxing adventure is in your near future

As I noted in my first retirement report on 3/13/2017, I calculate I worked an extra 18.2 years due to long hours.

So, I have only relaxed off TWO of those years!

You will continue to take chances and be glad you did

Grinnell Glacier, Glacier National Park, August 13, 2018. Standing in awe next to Man with Hat.

New experiences in Norway (upper left) and in Glacier (lower right)

New friends in the neighborhood (upper right) and at the ski resort (lower left)

Wildlife abounds - badger, elk, beaver, mountain goat, black bear, hoary marmot

You will soon discover how capable you are
… of running an informal bed and breakfast/boutique guide service. We have thoroughly enjoyed our visitors and showing them our little corner of Montana. And from their comments in our guest book, Spousal Unit could apply for a Michelin rating for his food! Our tour guide services aren't bad, either!

You will get what your heart desires
If you asked me what I wanted most from retirement, time with Man with Hat, in our slice of paradise, would be at the top of the list. So, I will close this post with my favorite pictures of my beloved (some with Hat and some without!) Darling, I have enjoyed every minute of the 104 weeks = 730 days = 17,520 hours.

Mosaic Monday

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Mosaic Monday #16 - A Woman's Way West

Lupines and Blanket Flower

Apikuni Mountain

Glacier National Park, July 2018

How did I get my romantic notions of the West and pioneers? Maybe it was "Little House on the Prairie". Could have been the Zane Grey books I read during high school. Perhaps the heart-stirring words to America, the Beautiful have woven themselves into the very fabric of my being.

Recently, my pioneer fever has been renewed by a piece of non-fiction - A Woman's Way West - written by John Fraley about Doris (Ashley) Huffine and her adventures in and around Glacier National Park from 1925 to 1990.

All of it makes me wish I lived in those times. To have been here when it all started. To be part of history. To be a pioneer. To be called a "true Montana character".

Spacious skies in the Many Glacier area, Glacier National Park
July 2018

Trail for "pilgrim feet"
Swiftcurrent Lake
July 2018

As Fraley writes in his introduction: "She had defied grizzlies when she cooked for the Going-to-the-Sun road crew, hiked the park's trails in clothes reserved for men, owned wilderness lodges, kept bears, coyotes, beaver and mountain goats as pets, managed a museum, written an outdoor news column, and taught in one-room schools. She was an uncommon, common woman who reflected the rugged spirit and grit of the men and women who paved Montana's transition to the modern West."

Don't you just want to be that woman?

"Patriot dream …
Undimmed by human tears"

My "pilgrim feet" have already trod in the footsteps left behind by Doris as outlined in the book - in places such as Trick Falls (now known as Running Eagle Falls), Rose Creek, Sun Point, Lake McDermott (now known as Swiftcurrent Lake), Stanton Lake and Cracker Lake. In some small measure, I feel I am working my way toward the honor that comes with a title such as "Montana character".

Upper right: View across Lake Sherburne toward Wynn Mountain
"Purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain"

Glacier National Park, July 2018

In the first chapter of the book, Fraley details Doris' hike to Triple Divide Pass, and my mouth was open with fascination, not to mention shock at the coincidence - Spousal Unit and I hope to hike that trail as a 2-night back-country camping trip this summer. It struck a chord deep within me, and the melody continued on as I learned of Red Eagle Lake and other wonders we hope to see for ourselves. I am ever more profoundly inspired to hike the mountains of Glacier, and see them anew through Doris' eyes. So I dedicate this post to Doris Huffine, and to John Fraley, for painting vivid pictures of her adventures. A toast to Montana characters everywhere!

Mountains of Many Glacier area with Swiftcurrent Lake in the foreground

Glacier National Park, July 2018

This is the final chapter in my summer series (link to other chapters here: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4,Chapter 5).

A note to all those who may have visited Diane at Lavender Dreams: her blog was erased by Blogger and she can now be found at https://lavenderdreamsnew.blogspot.com/ Raise your voice about this Blogger practice, and in the meantime, preserve your blog!

Mosaic Monday

Welcome to Mosaic Monday, a weekly meme where we get together to share our photo mosaics and collages.

Please include at least one photo mosaic/collage in your post.
The link will be open from 1 p.m. Sunday until 11 p.m. Monday (U.S. Mountain time).
Remember to add the link to your Mosaic Monday post and not the one to your blog.
Please link back to this post so that your readers will be able to visit and enjoy more wonderful mosaics; taking the MM blog button from my sidebar is an easy way to link back.
As host I will visit every participant and leave a comment so that you know I stopped by.
Please try and visit as many other blogs as you can, especially those that join in later, so that everyone's creativity can be appreciated fully.
Thank you for joining in today and sharing your mosaics with us.

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Mosaic Monday #15 - Life with you is a trip ...

I am feeling the love this month, and not just because February plays host to Valentine's Day. You see, it's also my birthday month! Cards, a few gifts and a shower of electronic birthday wishes made me as warm and gooey as a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. Who doesn't want a little attention now and then?

Sometimes thoughtfulness arrives in a time and way we don't expect. Like the day Spousal Unit presented me with this gem, a couple of days before my special day. No, no, no - not a gemSTONE. A folding utensil - a spork (spoon+fork) - with a long handle. Why, you ask? Well, imagine the scene. You're backcountry camping, and when you are carrying everything you will use on your own little back, minimizing weight is the name of the game. Who needs pots and pans? Just reconstitute your chili con carne right in its bag. But, the average spoon or fork is not long enough to reach the bottom of the bag, and soon enough your fingers are coated with chili as you endeavor to spoon up the goodies there.

Enter the folding utensil. Light. Folds up to stow easily in your backpack. And unfolds to go where no average spoon or fork has gone before - those corners harboring precious calories that you need for the next day. Does he love me, or what?

So I gave him my heart … my heart sugar cookie from Starbucks!

Speaking of hearts, I adopted a red theme for the house after the Christmas decorations were boxed up for another year. A stroll around the aisles at the Dollar Store (incomparable source of inexpensive décor) yielded two types of red ribbon, a red/gold mesh, glittery hearts and plastic hearts that resemble hard candies. I constructed my own bows, and added in natural resources such as red twigs and other flora from our back forty. And one day, a delicate white doily arrived in the mail, a gift from a former au pair, who lives in Poland. This hand-made crocheted doily from a nearby village became the piece de resistance on our dining room table.

For my birthday, a neighbor brought me home-made granola, and a flower arrangement that I utilized as the gathering point for my birthday cards.

To top it off, Spousal Unit (a.k.a. Head Chef) prepared a masterpiece of a dinner. I wanted a meal at home, so we could both enjoy some wine, not to mention the ambiance of a wood fire. It was a delight from start (salmon with caper sauce on toasted English muffins) to entrée (three mushroom risotto) to dessert (key lime pie).

His second gift was as practical as the folding utensil, and one that I had requested - a belt and scarf organizer for my closet. Yep, folks at this age, it's the simple and useful gifts that matter most. The accompanying card had me in tears … (bold words he added)

Life with you is a trip. And I'm grateful for every twist, powder turn, bend, detour, hike and off-road excursion, wandering aimlessly tour we take together. Because no matter what, when I'm with you, I feel like we own the road.

Awww. Lest you think he is only this romantic for my birthday, check out his FaceBook post from Valentine's Day.

Right back at you, babe, right back at you. Life with you is the best trip ever.

Mosaic Monday

Welcome to Mosaic Monday, a weekly meme where we get together to share our photo mosaics and collages.