lakes | janbeek

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Montana Trails with Friends

This is “Lucille.”
Yesterday we joined 12 friends
and went on a trail ride
into the Gravelly Range
above Antelope Basin.

Lucille is our ATV (all terrain vehicle).
Because she’s a redhead
on whom we have a ball,
we named her after the actress/comedian,
Lucille Ball.

Anyway, we met at Antelope Basin
about 50 miles south-west of Ennis,
and took the trails through the Gravelly Range
to our destination of Hidden Lake.

It was a blue-sky-perfect day
with temperatures not rising above 80 degrees.
We had not been up to this site for over a year.
In the meantime forest fires
had ravaged the trees
and changed the landscape.

This tree was lush and green last time we were here.

We stopped and chatted with our friends awhile before taking a lunch break.

Good buds: Sherry Riggs and Penny Hocking

TazE was quite interested
in what Rex & Penny Hocking
were getting from Linda Schott.
Mmm … fresh and yummy Flathead cherries!

TazE was interested in Bob’s Cheetos, too!

After lunch we traveled on up to the lookout above Henry’s Lake.

The wildflowers were prettier
than I have ever seen them this late in the summer.
We had quite a wet spring and that helped!

Traveling back down,
we could see our Madison Valley in the distance.

We gathered to take a group photo of our ATV friends.
And then some couples and quartets, too.

Top left: Kris & Bob (CG’s cousin) with CG & Caroline
Bottom left: Penny & Rex
Right: Sue & Bob Welna

Here are our five ATV’s.
You can see that Lucille stands out
among all those earth tones!

Most of the way to and fro
the trail was a road also traveled
by cowboys in their pickups,
tending the the cattle up in the verdant fields.

Some of the trail was rocky, steep and pretty hairy.
But, we managed just fine…
and I am so grateful that
Bob and I both had
enough stamina to enjoy the trip.

We Thank the Lord for our neighbors/friends
(the Welnas and Hockings)
who came to help Bob prepare Lucille
for the trip, and then
returned this morning to
help him put her back away.
God bless them!!

Maybe you’ll come join us
one of these days
for a Montana trail ride.
Ya think?

I’d be tickled to see you!

Just give me a call
and let me know when you’re coming.
We’d love to see you
and treat you to a Montana trail ride!

Thanks for visiting JanBeek
See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Click on the link below if you’d like to enjoy
Dale Evans & Roy Rogers
(my favorite cowboy)
singing “Happy Trails to You.”

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=oG_fSoYFWLA&feature=share

Category:

Animals, blessings, Family, flowers, food, friendship, Gratitude, Living in Harmony, Love, Montana, mountains, music, pets, relationships, Travel

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It’s a New Day!

Rick Malone wrote
in his “Spiritual Matters” article,

“There is something very special about the dawn.
The sun seems to climb over the horizon
with open arms, inviting us to share
in the wonderful opportunities of a new day.

Every dawn puts the things of yesterday
in the past and allows us to begin afresh.
The Bible uses this imagery of the dawn
to communicate the reality of new beginnings.

The psalmist teaches us that each new day
should be a source of rejoicing,
for it is a “day that the Lord has made;
and we should rejoice and be glad in it”
(Psalms 118:24).

And Jeremiah tells us
that the mercies of the Lord,
“are new every morning”
(Lamentations 3:23).

Michael Buble’ sang of the new day in his song:
“It’s a New Day.”
Listen and discern his idea of a new day.

Then design your own idea of a new day …
and praise the Lord for each new beginning!

Rick Malone went on in his post
to explain his image of a new day:

“This imagery of the dawn
not only symbolizes new beginnings
for us personally,
it symbolizes a new beginning
for the brokenness of God’s creation.
The bliss of the Garden of Eden
crumbled in the hands of Adam.
Creation now groans under a curse.
But we are given the promise
that at the dawning of the age to come
creation itself will be made new.”
You can find Rick Malone’s
full article at this link:
https://boropulse.com/2018/05/spiritual-matters-dawning-new-day/

We have incredible sunrises
above the Madison Range
that I can see from my home.
I love this time of day.
Below is what the sunrise looked like
from my sanctuary window this morning:

I sent this picture to my friend, Lisa, in North Carolina. We exchange sunrise pictures and prayers for one another most mornings. I apologized for the way my roof line from my sanctuary kind of spoiled the view this morning. She wrote back and sent me a cropped picture of my sunrise saying, “Simply GORGEOUS!!!”

Like most things in life, what we behold is often a matter of perspective, right? When we screen out the distractions and zero in on the positives, we see the true beauty around us, within us, and within others.

Lisa lives near a lake. Often her sunrises and sunsets are reflected in the water, creating a double image. I can look at the gray clouds beyond and expect a rainy, dismal day, or I can focus on the colorful reflections in the lake and anticipate a colorful, joy-filled day (or night) ahead.

Rick Malone explained it this way:

“Each new day is the perpetual promise of new beginnings. It is a new opportunity to turn the disappointments of our lives in a new direction. We can all identify with the failures of life—bad decisions, broken relationships, unfortunate circumstances. But God gives us a continual opportunity to start life fresh every day and put the past in our past. He is the God of new beginnings, the God of new life, the God of forgiveness. He is the God who covers our yesterdays with His grace. And, He is the God who graciously covers our tomorrows with every new dawn He gives us. Every sunrise beckons us: ‘Turn your life away from yourself and to your Maker who loves you.’ “

Psalm 118:24

“This is the day which the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Above our bed, Bob & I have a painting by Ken Hall. It depicts the sunrise over the Madison Range. On clear mornings, we see this scene out our bedroom, dining room, living room, and sanctuary windows. But, even on fogged in or snowy days when the mountains are hidden and the sun is behind the clouds, we can look at Ken’s painting and thank God for this new day – new dawn – new beginning.

I pray your new day is a blessed one.
I pray you are healthy and happy.
I thank you for your friendship –
and for coming to share your day
with me here on JanBeek.

What are your plans for this new day?
See ya tomorrow (God willing)
God Bless You!

P.S. Please pray for my daughter-in-law, Monika.
She spent most of the day yesterday in the ER.
Today our son, Ty, will take her to the hospital
to find out why the massive headache and the
pain in the area of her gall bladder. Pray for a
clear diagnosis and for healing, please.
Thank you!

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, Faith, Family, God, Gratitude, Jesus, Love, Montana, mountains, music, nature, optimism, Poetry, prayer, relationships, writing

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Super Bowl Sleepiness

Here we are – a great night – a great game – a delicious celebratory dinner – and stamina is so compromised, can’t stay awake to watch it!!

Well, that’s ok it’s recorded. He’ll watch it when he’s rested and ready to see it tomorrow!

Just gotta love that guy!

Meantime, cheers! I do love that guy!

Have a good night. God bless you. See ya tomorrow (God willing)

Hugs, JanBeek

We had a great drive around Ennis Lake with our Boston, TazE, today. Check out the pictures at http://www.Facebook.com/janbeekman

Category:

Animals, health, life, Love, Montana

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Montana Aspen in Autumn

There is no better way
To spend an autumn day
Than to take a ride with friends
Up into the Gravelly Range

We traveled along the Madison
Overlooking the Palisades
And enjoyed the river view
And the hint of what’s to come

Every mile closer to
Antelope Basin, our destination,
The scenery became more and more
breathtaking!

At the 7,000 foot level
The autumn colors amaze
The aspen are changing color
From green to gold to orange

Golden grasses and blue sky
Accented the purple mountains
And created a wonderland
For this appreciative photographer

We went in and out of twelve
Or more gates to keep cattle in
They stood at the road’s edge
Unperturbed by our noisy ATVs

When you sing of purple mountain majesty
And you wonder what that might look like,
Just come to Montana and you will
Wonder no more… you’ll just be in awe!

We stopped by Hidden Lake
To rest and have our lunch
The lake is soooo beautiful
And it really is hidden down there

Chuck and Caroline relaxed with Bob
After enjoying a picnic lunch
Penny & Rex were with us
And TazE, too, of course!

Isn’t that blue sky spectacular?
And the colors of the trees glorious?
Don’t you wish you could be
In an ATV traveling with us?

‘Tis time to return to our pickups
Load up the four-wheelers
Return down to our Madison Valley
And look forward to the next trip.

Wish you could join us!
I’ll share a couple more pics tomorrow.
Have a good night.
Thanks for traveling with me vicariously!
Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

Animals, friendship, Love, Montana, mountains, nature, pets, photography, Poetry, relationships, Travel, trees

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Which Place is Best for You?

This place is the best for me.
I love living in Montana.
After watching that video,
Can you understand?

There’s no place like Montana,
But Switzerland comes real close.
Both have beautiful mountain majesty!
I love visiting our family in Valais.

What places do you love?
Where do you like to visit in this world?
My grandson shared the following pictures today.
Italy’s one of my other favorite places.

Mike and his girlfriend, Tania,
Are vacationing in Italy this week.
They are enjoying great days in the sun,
Hiking, shopping, swimming, loving it!

Tania – out for a swim – beautiful young lady, huh?

They have a great view from their balcony.

Meanwhile, back in Switzerland,
my middle grandson, Nick,
is out for a hike with his girlfriend, Celine.

What a place to hike, huh? That’s Nicky out there!

It’s hard to beat Swiss scenes like this!

Back in Sierre, Switzerland,
our daughter, DeAna,
is enjoying an afternoon
with my youngest grandson, Chris

Not to be outdone, our son, Ty, is enjoying life, too.
He and his oldest son, Sam, are relaxing
in the high Sierra-Nevada mountains.
This is the view Ty sent me today:

Ah, summertime, and the livin’ is easy…
Fish are jumpin’ and the mountains are high.
On this lazy summer Sunday, what are YOU doing?
I’m gonna post my sermon notes from this mornings message.

Then I’m gonna go enjoy the lovely outdoors, too.
What are you doing this beautiful Sunday afternoon?
Go out and appreciate the beauty around you,
And remember to thank the Lord for His handiwork.

Tell me about your day… what did you do?
If you could put yourself into one of those photos today,
Which place would be best for you?
I’m wishing this pandemic was over so I could go to one of them!

But, life is good… I’m not complaining.
Thank God for the internet and for kids who care –
Care enough to include Grammy & Grampy
In their adventures today. Oh, how I love ’em!

See ya later.
Thanks for visiting.
Please leave your comment!

Hugs,
JanBeek

Category:

blessings, children, Family, God, Gratitude, happiness, Love, Montana, mountains, nature, photography, Poetry, relationships, Travel

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Another Beautiful Montana Day

Days in Montana
Are out of a fairy tale:
Unbelievable!

Come for a trail ride
On Lucille, our ATV,
Into the mountains.

Today North Meadow –
First past gorgeous Sure Shot Lakes,
Then to reservoir.

The fish were jumping –
Little ones jumped on the fly.
Big ones were cautious.

Lunch was relaxing
With our dear friends, the Washburns.
Wish you could have come!

This place (Sureshot Lake) is a boys’ paradise!

Barbara’s first fish…
Quick, get the hook out
and throw him back in!

Barbara’s second fish was even smaller!
Eventually she got a 7″ one.

Meantime, Roy caught eight fish – medium-sized –
While Barbara struggled to catch the minnows!

The fish are jumpin’ –
Summertime – livin’s easy…
And life is peaceful!

I actually was able to hear Ella Fitzgerald sing this
in person when I attended her concert in Reno, Nevada
when I was in college in the 50’s. What a thrill!!

Lunch break time.
I sang “Summertime” to Bob
as we relaxed after lunch.

And then after lunch & relaxation,
The guys kept fishing!

Barbara & I enjoyed the scenes
And did a little hiking
Trails above the lake

TazE came with us
We enjoyed the clear blue skies
With clouds drifting by.

They call this Big Sky
There’s a very good reason
Unimpeded views!

Makes you want to keep on singing!!

Nothing beats Ella combined with Sachmo!!
I love Louie Armstrong, don’t you?

Quake Lake’s a wonder.
Have you heard the great story?
Come – and I’ll tell you!

Thanks for joining me for another beautiful Montana day. It’s so wonderful to live in this great state with the wide open spaces… especially during this pandemic.
Nothing heals like Mother Nature at her finest… in Madison County, Montana.

See ya tomorrow.
Thanks for visiting
JanBeek

Category:

blessings, contentment, Fishing, friendship, Gratitude, Haiku, life, Living in Harmony, Love, Montana, music, nature, peace, Poetry, relationships

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Wordless Wednesday – 8/12/20

Thanks for sharing a little
of my Montana Wordless Wednesday
with me.

It was a great day!
See ya tomorrow.
Love ya,

JanBeek

Category:

Fishing, flowers, friendship, happiness, Love, Montana, mountains, nature, peace, pets, trees

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Come Ride with Us!

Bob is a wonderful driver You can feel very safe going in our ATV, Lucille, up to Sureshot Lake and the lookout… with TazE in your lap. Here we are on the top of the world.

The following video was taken just outside of McAllister, Montana as we were headed up to Sureshot Lake and the lookout above it.

We had the fun of friends, Julie & Mike joining us … and Julie’s sis, Megan, & her friend, Martello. Julie & Mike brought their dog, Zeke, and of course, we had TazE.

This location on Sureshot Lake is about a 30 mile drive on our ATV from our home.

Just down the hill from this single thistle
was a collection of fireweed.
Beautiful prolific lavender groupings –
God’s flower bouquets along the route.
Derrick, you & Jackie would have loved these.

From the lake we went up to the lookout at about 7500 feet and had our lunch.

From this view at the lookout, you can see Willow Creek in Petosi Canyon.

The trip up to the next lookout (which is 9,600 feet) is rather scary for me… especially since it is so rocky and this was my first ATV ride since my hernia surgery about a month ago. But, I need to relax. Bob is a careful driver!

That’s Upper Twin Lake near our ridge view. As you look way out into the hazy Madison Valley, you can see Ennis Lake below.

Pictures just don’t give you the depth of field…
Turn around from this view,
and you see the snow-crested Tobacco Root Mountains.

Martello and Megan enjoyed that view, but Megan was not content to sit there. She spied those rocks to her right and decided to climb up and see what it was like from up there.

Megan’s more sure-footed than a mountain goat!

It doesn’t look as bumpy on the video as it felt!!

We stopped at the McAllister Presbyterian Church
and checked out the condition of the roof.

The cattle came by while we were there. Fun to see them!

Two horses greeted us as we entered the valley floor.

Back home. Time to relax.
It’s been a beautiful day.here.

Thanks for joining us.
Someday you need to come to Montana
and take this ATV ride for real!!

See ya tomorrow.
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

blessings, flowers, happiness, Love, Montana, mountains, nature, Travel

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4 Ways to Keep Positive

There are many ways
To keep our spirits rising
Let’s take time for four

Take a Walk

Take your dog outside
Or invite a friend to join
Get yourself fresh air

Even through a mask
The outdoors is refreshing
Get up and go move!

Marvel at and appreciate our unity in diversity

Bring a picnic lunch and a friend – sit awhile!

Put on your walking shoes and come join me!

Visit Your Neighbors

Keep six feet apart
And join your neighbors outside
Share flowers and wine

Share love and friendship
Keep the loneliness at bay
There’s no better way

T – M -W
Is the best invitation
Charley’s “Too Much Wine!”

Let Go Anxiety –
Adopt Humor & Practice Faith

There’s no better way:
Practice positivity
With the Bible and your faith

Hang around fun folks
And keep in touch by the Web
Share all God’s blessings

Don’t dwell on “Don’t Haves”
Concentrate on what you HAVE
Practice gratitude

Son-in-law, Andre’
Decided – save some bucks and
Avoid the virus

He knew just the way:
He could do his own haircut
Well, the front is fine!!

Don’t worry about
Not going to the hairdresser
Just do it yourself

Have clippers, will do!!

Find yourself a friend
Who will be your prayer partner
Daily trade pictures

Pray together and
Exchange positivity
Watch your spirit soar

Connect with the hearts
Of the people that you love
Share each others’ love

Andre’ and our 3 grandsons in Switzerland

Our church services have moved outside now.
The weather has permitted worship on the lawn.
It’s so good to see our friends.

Let God Music Lift You

As I write this blog
Susan Boyle lifts me up
Non-stop I listen

I ask Alexa
“Repeat” and she repeats this
Until I say “Stop.”

Listen to the words
Let them sink into your soul
You can’t help but smile

Be raised by music
Let the Love of Christ lift you
You must not stay down

Let God live in you
Let the Holy Spirit speak
Be strong and be well

There are many ways
To keep our spirits rising
Take time for these four

Take a Walk
Visit Your Neighbors
Let Go Anxiety
Let God and Music Lift You

Thank you for your encouragement after my “Blue” post.

See ya tomorrow.
Have a blessed day.
Love,
JanBeek

Category:

Bible Lessons, blessings, contentment, Faith, Family, friendship, Giving, God, Gratitude, Haiku, happiness, health, humor, Life's Challenges, Living in Harmony, Love, mental health, music, peace, Poetry, relationships, Serving One Another

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Let’s Go Swiss

A couple of months ago we took a little stroll through my home state, Montana, via the lenses of several very talented photographers.

Then the next day I invited you to Switzerland where our daughter, DeAna, lives with her husband and family. It’s our go-to place when we have saved up enough to travel… and are free to do so. Three of our grandchildren are there. Of course, it’s a wonderful place to “have to” go!!

Today in my “Antelope and Attitude” post I told you I dream of traveling in 2021 back to Switzerland. For my new followers, I dug out this old post and decided to update it and let you see why I love Switzerland so much.