A Walk To Remember

Upon rare occasion do I just up and go for a walk outside the door. I love to hike, camp, workout, etc. but I've come to believe paths that look like this -
are boring as hell. Well, Gus and I decided to go for a walk today, and all we had was the above trail to follow. Little did I know just how much looks can be deceiving!

First thing, we passed by a some ponds where a mom and dad were helping their 3 girls fish. The oldest with the longest blonde hair pointed and exclaimed, "Did you see those turtles?" I sat there with my camera and enjoyed the scene- both of the turtles and this cute family. I laughed when my mind was flooded with memories of my poor dad trying to fish while helping his 6 daughters keep snags, knots, worms etc. all in order. PLOP! The sound of a turtle in the water brought me back to the moment and we were walking again.
Gus and I did find a couple side trails to explore (we just couldn't resist).

Jackpot! This trail followed across a cute little stream and to a secret fort! Man...if I was young again, this would be my hangout!
These ponds are just full of life. Can you see the blue heron standing by the edge?
Good eye, mate!
Parts of this path was just too irresistible!
Here's me...
balancing on the side rail! I didn't even fall off!
We kept making our way back down by the ponds, I saw this lone egg.
And out in the water, the quacking was quite impressive! I also heard pheasants, but unfortunately never got a shot at them.
Gus and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our walk!
While off-trail, we came upon many deer...mule deer.
When back on the trail I told myself it's good thing I've been working out! (WTF, there are no vehicles allowed on this path...what would possibly cross this bridge with that much poundage? lol)
I came upon this view of the beautiful Big Horn mountains still snow capped above timberline,
and the hospital where I gave birth to all 3 of my children.
After an hour or so, Gus and I trapsed back mostly on the cement path, enjoying much of the same thing. However, some things did indeed change!
There were so many robins, ravens, black birds, chickadees etc.. my ears were constantly entertained by all the sounds. Here's a red-winged black bird. (Closest I could get!)
Another deer, this guy kept pretty close to us, obviously used to people and dogs. Gus really wanted to go meet him and i think the feelings were mutual!
As I left the path, I saw the sign for the fishing ponds with an eager kid on his way. It seems like only yesterday this little guy could have been Ed heading down there to test his luck and skills.
Or perhaps even me...

Little did I know that this trail, looking boring as hell, would bring back so many fond memories of my childhood explorations and watching my own kids enjoy the great outdoors. Today my eyes were opened and I can only hope I don't miss anymore meaningful paths in this life due to their initial appearance.

In Memory:

Ed drove Cathy and I to the cemetery to put flowers on the headstones.
Cathy held the flowers.
The weather was typical for this time of year.
Mom's flowers...
Dad, Uncle Howard, Uncle Darrel and my grandparents...
Beckie and her three boys...
My heart lightened when I saw this mountain bluebell. It's always been my favorite wild flower.
The drive back to Ed's house was quite wet, but it's all natural and all good.
I know Memorial Day is foremost to remember those who have fallen in line of duty, and I do remember them, but also remember - love - miss my family, including you Kenny D.

Awards Assembly Dress

Memorial Day

Traditional: May 30
Observed: last Monday of May

Sometimes life throws a wrench...

Yesterday morning I signed in at the front office, walked by and waved at the admin. assistant as she was hanging up the phone. She asked me if I knew a particular student.

"Yes, he's in my 4th period class."

"They found out yesterday he has a brain tumor. They're flying him to SLC today and surgery in the morning."

My heart sunk.

Choices I have to make in the next few days...

1. Do a full workout or go see the Goo-Goo Dolls tonight (and only do weights).
2. Go see Foreigner/Kansas/Styx (both concerts would be me going alone).
3. Heading to Wyoming to see my son Friday night (skip Foreigner) or Saturday morning.
4. Get the flowers planted in my yard with Beth Ann then take her to Sheridan with me.
   
5. Just take a dang nap and try to get over my cold...
   

Here's a Clip from the Concert:

ONE OF THE SOLOISTS:

We went camping...in the SNOW!

Last Saturday, we met up with some friends and headed up the mountain (above Red Lodge) to go camping. We left Billings at its 75 degrees and here's what it looked like the closer we got to the camp ground!
Yep! And here's our camp spot!
Me in my shorts and sandals...
Here's Scott's buddy, Pat and his dog Docken. The brown box is to keep food/grills in safely away from the bears :o)
This cute little lake (Greenburough) was above our campspot 1/4 mile or so. The water was crisp and clean and you could see all sorts of fish swimming in it!
Scott and Gus, Pat and his 2 boys.
And Cindy, too!
Gussy enjoyed the water!
Here's the only flowers blooming up there so far and a childhood favorite...the Buttercup!
Scott and Pat at the camp site. These 2 have been friends for 40 years!
In the evening, I was glad to find my hat. Here I am getting my warm clothes on to go out and sit around the camp fire.
Another sign of Spring that is a favorite from my childhood...the Pussy Willow.
It doesn't matter where we are, Gus knows how to have his own fun!



This weekend...planting more flowers :o) What are you doing?

She's the Queen of the Multi-taskers!

My sister Rubye Jean's daughter, is celebrating her birthday on the 20th. Anna Jo has always had a special place in my heart. She's smart, witty and has an infectious laugh. AJ is a wife, mother of three, a supportive daughter and an awesome cousin to my girls.

Buglets, I love you very much and am so thankful for you! I hope your day is wonderful and you have many, many more!

Here is a typical picture of her...

As you see here, she has an incredible knack for whatever job she decides to do.


Here are some balloons and prezzies for ya!



And if you want, I'll buy this island for you with your favorite kind of tree on it!
Hugs and kisses!

Aunt Ellie

I want to write a new blog post about:

1. the little surprises i found in my flower beds tonight when i was watering
2. our great big giant evergreen tree in the front yard that we have to have cut down and i'm so sad about it
3. our camping trip last weekend...in the snow
4. stuff going on in school, concert coming up etc

But I'm incredibly stressed,
the naughty kids at school are being REALLY naughty and even the good kids are wearing on my nerves. Summer is coming soon...then I can be more relaxed and write. For now, bear with me. I will write the songs of the pops concert.
7th grade:
Build Me Up Buttercup
I've Been Everywhere
May It Be
Come On Everybody

solos:
Hazel Eyes
My Heart will go on Home
Ave Marie
Love Soon
The Rose

swing choir:
Girls: Halo/Walking on Sunshine
together: Heart and Soul
Boys: Stayin' Alive

8th grade choir:
Orinoco Flow
Keep Holding On
We're the Men of the Chorus
solo: Yesterday
choir: Rock and Roll all night medley (I Love Rock and ROll, Smoke on the Water, Barracuda, R&R all night) with a "battle of the girl/boy rock bands" going on. After it's all over, I'll tell you about the coolest part...I don't want to ruin the surprise! Tah tah and thanks for letting me vent

May 14, 1994...

I graduated from college Summa Cum Laud with a Bachelors of Science in Music Education. :o)

I Miss You, Beloved Sister Beckie Kay...

You've been gone almost 20 years...and I still miss you just as much.

Who'da thunk?

I heard THIS SONG on the radio and I just LOVE it!

Things I've heard lately...

• Teach your passion.
• I'm going to transfer to a school on the reservation, I don't want to go!
• I love you more than anyone else on this earth!
• Ms. Creek, any color on you is so stunning, you stand out in the crowd, which is a good thing unless a terrorist is looking for you.
• You are my sunshine!
• Do you dye your hair?
• I love you Ms. Creek, but sometimes you're high maintenance!
• Your giant pine tree needs at least 1/3 topped off of it or it will end up on your neighbor's house.
• Only boys make good lead guitar players.
• You can make this job as miserable as you choose!
• You're looking more trim!
• I love your workout strength!

I'm sure I'll think of some more and add to the list!

This year, Mothers Day is making me sad.

I know, I know, be thankful for the cherished memories of mom, thankful for my kids and enjoying motherhood, yaddah yaddah yaddah...I'm just missing her so much, I'm not really feeling the holiday this year.
Actually, I'm missing both my parents a whole bunch.

Thank You For Being A Friend...

We met at a Junior college 20 some years ago and now we are both teaching within 40 miles of each other. Beth Ann is one of the bestest friends I've ever had. She'll listen, rant, rave, bitch, moan, complain, tell you EXACTLY what it is and take you to a level like no other.
I went to see her a couple of weekends ago. Her family was helping her put in some landscape, so I loaded up some perennials and bulbs and pistachios for a fun filled weekend!
And even after all that, she had to go and buy this ugly ol' rock. Supposed to block the drunk neighbor's from running over the corner of her property. I wonder if it worked.
Here she is, working like a dog with her brother and father.
We started planting in her horrible dirt...but lots of love, potting soil and water helped!
The weather wasn't too promising, so she helped her brother while I finished planting mom's irises and pinks, thyme/oregona/sage, and some double bachelor buttons.

McKenzie had a big day, but we won't talk about that!
Beth Ann is the perfect helper for her brother Roger.
And besides making us a wonderful lunch, she took us out to dinner. Here is a great picture of her when she is getting her way.
Here is a typical Beth Ann look when she isn't, lol.
And here's to many more wonderful years of friendship with my girl. Love ya and hope to see ya soon!