From sunrise to sunset the Montana skies are a thing of beauty.
This is sunset reflected on the eastern Madison Range from the western Tobacco Root Range.
In every season, Montana skies are a wonder to behold. That’s the mountain called the Sphinx. I think Ed Coyle took this photo. He is magical with his camera.
We were so happy to be greeted by these blue skies and snow-peaked mountains when we returned from our trip.
This gorgeous sunrise over the Madison Mountain range was taken by my friend, Susan Phillips. She’s a great fisherman and the waters of the Madison River lure her to fly fishing in every season.
This was our sunset … settling over the Tobacco Root Range … and luring me outside with my camera.
You can see why Montana is known for its big skies, can’t you?
Uninhibited by tall buildings and city lights, the skies are a majestic wonder. God smiles on us with such wonderful beauty here in Montana.
The sun greets us from our bedroom window with a bright “Good Morning!”
I think this is another Ed Coyle photo. Check him out on FB!
As the setting sun reflects against the mountains on the east, the glow of evening sends the fish to their slumber… and tells the anglers, “Time to go home!”
After 5 weeks of vacationing with friends and family in California, and two days of sorting through 5 weeks of piled-up mail, I am back in the routine (sort of). Missed my sanctuary time this morning… am headed up there now (as soon as I post this).
As you can see, looking beyond into the living room, my Christmas decorations still are up. That was today’s job – along with bill paying. Had to get right on it after breakfast cuz I had a friend coming over.
That’s only a portion of the mail we accumulated at the post office while we were gone. Most of it was junk. That went into another pile to be thrown away.
Bob’s busy sorting and responding to mail, too.
After lunch we took a break and I did some of my usual: checked at the P.O. for more mail, visited my “Senior Friend” who lives alone, and visited friends in the Manor Nursing Home. It was good to see them after all this time away.
As I was leaving the house, headed to the P.O. and Manor, our neighborhood “pets” greeted me. They were out in the field, and then crossed the driveway in front of me. They stopped in the sunshine over in the neighbor’s field and looked at me. “Welcome Home!” they seemed to say!
That’s the snow-peaked Madison Range beyond our valley over there. Big Sky Ski Resort is in those mountains. The sun shone brightly these last two days since we’ve been home, I told friends I brought it with me from California!
Not to be outdone, my friend, Jacquie, sent me a photo of her neighborhood “pets.” They were walking along her driveway… a mama moose and her youngin’ – so adorable!
Approaching my friend, Ray’s house, his neighborhood “pets” were lounging in his yard. Ah, it is so good to be back in the place where the deer and the antelope roam (and the moose too)!!
Back home, I helped my friend with the Christmas tree and other remnants of the holidays. They needed to be taken down and put away. And my house needed tidying. Thank God for Tracy. I couldn’t have done it without her!
Ah yes, January 30th… time to put the tree away for another year.
How did you spend your day?
No place like home! Blue skies, puffy clouds,… We are grateful to God for this place. We feel so blessed!
Thanks for dropping by. Leave a comment for JanBeek, will ya?
When I posted this morning, I told you today was a beautiful day to travel. We stayed in a lovely Wyndham Hotel (La Quina in Twin Falls) last night. I highly recommend it.
It was a terrible day to travel yesterday. But today made up for it.
Let me show you some of the sights we enjoyed on our trip home. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did. The camera doesn’t do them justice, but you can get the idea.
First, entering the Island Park, Idaho area, we marveled at frosty trees.
Then the evergreens were partially snow-sprinkled.
Traveling on, the trees were snow-laden!
The snow-covered evergreens were magnificent!
These Jack Fences were deep in the snow with powder puff toppings. So picturesque!
Blue sky re-emerged, the sun peeked through, and the trees sparkled. I’m sorry the camera didn’t capture the sparkling for you! But you can imagine.
Approaching our home, the Madison Range was a welcomed sight.
Those dots in the snow are cattle!
Home Sweet Home!!
The tracks in the snow are evidence that our neighbor came down our driveway earlier today. He blew off our walkway and prepared a clear spot for us to enter the house. God bless him!
Are you blessed with helpful neighbors like ours? I hope so!
It was a wonderful trip to California and back. We had a marvelous set of experiences with family and friends. Thank you for traveling along vicariously with us!
But, as much as we enjoyed the trip, the friends, the time with family, the sun-filled desert, the reunions with colleagues and former classmates, the Tahoe area skiing, etc., you know…. there’s NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
It’s good to be back in the Madison Valley where the Madison River beckons people from all over to the world to come and fly fish… and where the big sky smiles a welcome and neighbors are so grand.
Thanks for visiting JanBeek. Which of my photos from today’s travel did you like best?
As we left South Lake Tahoe this morning, there was a light rain. But the farther we toward home, the heavier the downpour. Not fun driving in that stuff. But maybe better than heavy, blowing snow creating whiteouts. Been there, done that!
We kept ourselves entertained on the trip with recollections of the fun time we’d just had with our son, Ty, and his family.
Last night we went to dinner at the Hot Pot Thai Restaurant near State Line. Our dear granddaughter, Faith, and her wonderful husband, Kyle, joined Ty, Monika, and us.
Earlier in the day, Bob joined them on the slopes at Kirkwood Ski Resort.
Ty, Kyle, FaithBob & Ty
They had a great time.
It was a beautiful day.
Now we’re headed to Twin Falls, Idaho for the night. Went through terrible rain, sleet, snow… I spoke too soon about blowing snow and whiteouts. Yup, they found us!
Oh my … but hopefully the worst is behind us.
God willing, I’ll see ya tomorrow. Thanks for visiting.
Reaching out to help others Is a gift some people cultivate. No matter what they are going through, They take time to stop and make a date With friends who seems to need them. Because their friends know they care, They know they will sincerely listen And pray for them. It helps to talk and share.
They set aside their own struggles And they focus in on your trouble. They look into your eyes and see your heart. They pull you close into their compassionate bubble. You know they hear with ears of love. You know they link to God in sincere ways. They will take your concerns to our Lord and Savior. He hears their cries … and with them prays.
I want to be that kind of a friend. I want you to know how much I care. I want you to open your heart and know I’m a person with whom you can share Your problems and your struggles. I will listen with my very soul. I will pray to Jesus for God’s help. Yes, showing love and kindness is my goal.
Some people find it hard to reach out; They want to solve their troubles on their own. But sharing is an important part of healing. Don’t try to do it all alone. Even if you just go to a friend and sit, Say nothing… just find peace in being there, A good friend will hear you with a heart That reaches yours. You’re a synced pair!
They say all good things must come to an end. We are on the tail end of our five week break from the cold Montana winter. It’s been a wonderful set of experiences with family and friends.
If you’ve been following along, you know we left Ennis, Montana on Dec. 23 and spent Christmas Eve and the week following at our son’s in Placerville, CA.
You may remember that we went from there to Bob’s older brother’s in central CA where we spent New Year’s Eve and a few days after.
Bill and Bob spent long hours discussing family history.
Then we enjoyed a weekend in Redlands, CA with dear friends who live 50% of the year in our MT “hood.”
On January 6th we began our 2 week stay in a rented condo facing the 9th fairway of the Rancho Las Palmas Country Club in the sunny Coachella Valley. While there we had the joy of hosting, entertaining, feeding, and sharing time with a dozen or more family and friends.
Plus, we took time for walks in the desert and time for ourselves in the relaxation of the jacuzzi.
From Rancho Mirage we returned to the San Joaquin Valley where we spent a few days with Bob’s younger bro & his family – and then a few days with my BFF, Marcie. In Turlock I had a whirlwind of lunches and reunions with long cherished friends, some of whom I had not seen in the 20 years since I retired.
Both of these dear ladies had lost at least 30 lbs. since we last met. It was sooo good to see them looking so happy and healthy!
And now, as I said, all good things must come to an end. We are on our way back full circle to our son’s in Placerville, CA. Then onward to Montana. It’s been a great trip. Our last night with Marcie included another reunion with a dozen long-time friends. Lotsa hugging. Lotsa laughter. Lotsa love shared.
Judy & Sally with BobMonica, Jeannine & BobbySuzette dropped by to visit – she’s one of my favorite all-time colleagues. I hired her right outta college and next year she’ll retire!!
Time flies when yer havin’ fun!
I pray you’re havin’ fun, too.
Thanks for sharing the highlights of our CA adventures with us.
What have you outgrown? Did you toss or leave behind? What is worth keeping?
Life is a journey With daily choices; Keep what’s important!
Make new; keep the old Friends are never discarded – Not your soul sister!
Thais is my friend – She was my college roommate – My wedding bridesmaid.
Bruce and Ann are friends Who also are related: Bob’s younger brother.
Never Outgrow
We never outgrow our good friends They live and grow in our heart And if we are very fortunate Our family and we never part . We never outgrow deep abiding faith It stays in our souls and it grows With each passing day in wonderful ways It sustains and inspires as love flows. . With luck and the grace of our Lord, We retain the most important part: Good health, curiosity, a keen alert mind, And a life full of friends who never depart.
Marcie’s table set for tonight’s dinner
We’re ready for a table full of good friends, long-time buddies with whom we’ve kept in touch through the years. If you had a table for a dozen friends tonight, who would you invite?
