We just had the privilege of a week with our son here in Ennis, MT. We loved every minute of that precious time together. While the skies were smoky each day (you couldn’t even see the mountains through the smoke), and it didn’t begin to clear until the day he was leaving, we didn’t let that deter us from having a good time.
Talking time in the living roomYummy time at Dave’s Sushi preceding time at the movies (Odyssey)
Sharing meals together was highlighted by great conversations
The mountains peeked through the smoke and the antelope showed up to say goodbye as we were driving Ty to the airport We stopped at Fiesta Mexicana for lunch before dropping Ty off at the Gallatin Bozeman airportMmm – great margaritas! And delicious food
Mouth watering!
Ty’s flight was delayed and he had a challenging set of flights and car trouble… but God made sure his needs were met and he was home that night safe & sound.
And our home has seen blue skies since then. Come back soon, Ty. And bring Monika!We’ll keep you up to date on the progress of the house being built in the field across from us!
We say, “Pinch me” when we see something too beautiful or experience something too wonderful to be real. Yesterday I needed you to pinch me more than once.
Here are Lisa’s sky & flowersAnd this is Montana sunset on way homeIt was Madison Valley Medical Center’s Home Tour
We just had the most wonderful week with my cousin and his wife. Adrian & Laura were such fun to have around.
You can see what a joy Adrian is!And his wife, Laura, is equally delightful
They are DeAngelis (my maiden name) “of angels” – apropos!!
They visited Great Falls, MT on their way from CA to us and now…
They are spending a week in Yellowstone
We enjoyed the Ennis Rodeo and fabulous July 4 parade
We were privileged to watch the parade from dear friends, Roy & Barbara Washburn’s lovely place. Such gracious, generous people!
That’s Roy with us. After the parade downtown we had our own kiddie parade in our neighborhood. Adorable children & great neighborhood fun!Before Adrian & Laura left for Yellowstone, they prepared our last night’s dinner (homemade pasta and bolognese sauce. Delicious!) and we had the neighbors join us. It was a marvelous culmination to a beautiful week together.
Gorgeous sky driving in to Bozeman todayKenny cuddled happily in my lapScenery got even prettier as we approached Bozeman with its backdrop of the Bridger Mountains I got to be pampered… and now I’m red/white/blue: ready for July festivities Returning to Ennis this was the scene about a mile from homeWishing you could come visit beautiful Montana… especially our Madison Valley
Have you watched any of the TV series called “The Madison”? It’s filmed right here in and around Ennis.
Our son, Ty in CA, and our daughter, De in Switzerland , combined forces and bought us a gift certificate for Mother’s Day to one of our favorite Bozeman, Montana restaurants: Dave’s Sushi. Today we used it with great delight!
Mmm … a Bliss roll for me and a John Wayne for Bob.
Who do you think enjoyed theirs more??
Cheers! My Bliss roll was magnificent! But we both equally enjoyed the house red … a delightful blend.
Look at those sushi rolls again.
Beef on sushi!? Not my choice. But Bob loved it.
And we had enough left on our gift certificate to give Thomas , our terrific waiter, a nice tip.
Thank you, Thomas. Thank you, kids! We’re so glad you made me a mother!!
Now tomorrow we’re headed to Chattanooga. Stay tuned, my blogging friends. I’ll let you travel along vicariously.
We’re praying for warmer weather in Tennessee. It’s been a crazy May here in Montana. Today we had gray breezes, restless puffy clouds, snow, rain, and then bright sunny skies…. All within 5 hours in Bozeman. Crazy!!!
We live in a beautiful place with a beautiful view and wonderful neighbors.
Our property has about 4 acres and in the center of those is where our house sits surrounded by 13 evergreen trees.
The lawn and trees require a lot of care to keep the trees healthy year round and the sprinkler system working in the spring, summer and fall.
This is the time of year when turning the sprinklers back on and repairing broken ones and adjusting the direction of the water’s flow has to happen.
We couldn’t possibly do all this by ourselves.
Thank God for the helpful guys in our “hood” who volunteer their services annually because without their help, I’m sure we would find it very difficult to live here!
We seldom see moose in our neighborhood during the day. They sometimes come down out of the mountains at night to nibble on our evergreens when their natural habitat up in the Gravellies or the Madison Range is snow covered. But this guy showed up in broad daylight.
Just sitting outside my kitchen door !
He had a ragged spot in his back and a bum leg. Probably had been injured by some other animal that attacked him.
After I got Kenny back inside, Bob & I chased the young moose off to the neighbor’s. He was nibbling on our trees! Fortunately, after I contacted the neighbor and explained, he called the animal protective services. Hopefully they came to help… I don’t want to think about how.
This week my dear friend, Mona Durham, age 96, died peacefully with her family gathered round.
Mona’s family and the leadership team of our church decorated the sanctuary and fellowship hall beautifully for her memorial service today.
Her ashes, in a container under the purple cloth, were sent into the hands of God as Jesus and St. Peter must surely have welcomed her into heaven. She was a True Believer.
The floral arrangements were spectacular.
There was a beautiful display of photos depicting Mona with many of her beloved family. She had four children and seven grandchildren. Four of the grandkids shared stories about how her life impacted theirs in such loving, meaningful, lasting ways.
I took notes (as is my habit) as I listened to their stories. Here are my notes:
Mona Durham’s was a 96 year life well lived. She lived heartily loving and laughing; Tough, fair, sarcastic, always available, Humble, reliable, stable, and always hospitable.
Mona wasn’t delicate or sheltered. The last of three daughters, she was the son… The son her dad never had! How he loved her! Oh how she loved him, others, and this Madison Valley!
She was a woman of grit and grace, loyal and hardworking. Volunteered with church, History museum, blood draws, Elections, Women’s Club & Cattle Women’s Association. Her later years were less busy, but never less purposeful.
She gave her life to quietly helping others. Her strength, honesty, love, and strong values Were the glue that held the family together. Also the fact that she always had fresh cookies!
Mona’s strength was grounded and rooted. Her faith was deep, honest and clear. She carried struggles quietly with endurance. Her life will endure in each of us who loved her.
Following the service, there was a time of fellowship with beautiful trays of meats and cheeses (prepared by Deemo’s in Ennis).
Deemo’s also prepared this beautiful, tasty tray of veggies.
The family extended a special thank you to the caregivers at Home Park and Madison Valley Manor for the dignity, kindness, and care they showed Ramona in her final years. In lieu of flowers, they asked that donations be made to Madison Valley Historical Museum (where Mona was a faithful, treasured volunteer) or Bear Creek Schoolhouse (where she attended 1st to 4th grade and then later volunteered to help with fundraisers to maintain it – and organized pinochle parties every March). She loved playing cards, doing 500 – 1000 piece puzzles, and keeping in touch always with her family and friends. She will be sorely missed by us all!
Mona’s smile was infectious!
Mona’s granddaughter, Tori, summed up what most of her family would agree was an important take-away:
“I see so clearly that her impact isn’t simple or singular, it’s generational. What she has given us goes far beyond memories, she’s given us a way of living.”
“She never once told me how to live, but she sure as hell has shown me!”
Your shared love inspires us to pass it on. Thank you, Mona.
