Thank you, Mother

for teaching me how to love my children and being the best grandmother to them! Thank you for all your sacrifices, both known and unbeknownst to us.

Losing you shook my inner soul, like no other. You have been my solid rock for countless number of years. You went through more than any woman I've ever known but always kept your head up and sense of humor. You have my indebted love and respect through eternity. I love you and miss you and am grateful you are no longer in pain.

My words seem trite and pale in comparison to what you deserve. But being the loving mother you are...I'm sure you understand. Every sentimental card made you cry. You appreciate the love because you ARE love. And how grateful I am that your loving memories will be with me forever.

Yet another camping trip...

We took off from Billings and the weather was great. Having made plans to go up above Red Lodge, we thought we might run into a little weather, but we weren't too concerned!
We got fairly close to some free camping spots (fishing access) and decided we wanted to get up more into the mountains, so we continued to drive.

Just a little squall, we thought. Besides, we have a cozy little camper and the weather isn't really a factor, we just like to get out!
So we got up into the Forest Service land and found a little spot just down the hill off the road. We couldn't go out because it was still snowing, so we hung out in the camper for a little while.
Since we were DOWN off the road, we thought we should check and see how much snow was coming down...

5 inches the first hour and still snowing like crazy! So we decided to pull-up camp, to ensure we could get out by morning. We went back down to an official camp spot and sure enough...
By morning, it had snowed a foot! I was wishing I had my snow shoes! And glad I had my gloves and hat!
But you have to admit the snow is beautiful, even on May 10th!

So we decided to HIKE back up the road which we didn't want to take the camper on. It was a beautiful day for it! Here is Rock Creek...with the snow on the rocks...


Scott and Gus...
Me and Gus...

The beautiful scenery we enjoyed as we hiked a mile or two...

The "trail" we hiked on...a couple other vehicles drove on it, one got stuck pretty dang bad~
All in all, it was a great camping night and cool to traipse through the snow again, more than what we've gotten at home! You may think we are hardcore for getting out in this weather...but there's always someone who...
is a bit more daring!

I beg your pardon!

I never promised you a rose garden! Or maybe I should say, "Ellie, Ellie, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?"
Well, pretty good! Here are my red tulips in the midst of my collected rocks. If you can tell me what the green is beside it, I would appreciate it!

One of my 5 sunflowers!

Yellow double tulips!

Yellow something or other, was here and if someone could tell me what this is, I would appreciate it, too!

The new little lilac buds on the bush by my front door. Isn't it cute?

Maroon tulips. In the back ground you see the maroon hen and chicks being closely guarded by the maroon bird (given to me from Jo Jo). In the background, you can see the "cheeserock" Vel gave me years ago.


Miniature poppies. These were too cute to pass up!
Pan full of pansies!

Peonies...I love them. I remember how beautiful they were in Gramma Rubye's yard at the cabin in Story.

Bleeding heart.


Columbine.
Donkey guarding the pink petunias. DONKEY???

Transplanted hen and chicks around our little stack of petrified wood which are atop the rock I've packed around for years...

These are momma's irises and are doing great! Some are ones I gave her from when I lived in South Dakota and some are from the house in Hulett. Planted around the perimeter are beloved Kenny's marigolds. They'll be up in 10 days or so!

Above are "pinks" which are little pink carnations with the SWEETEST smell. These came from momma's flowers, too!

And finally...Gus the great companion follows me. His face is wet because he chases the water coming out of the hose. He's usually drenched by the time I'm ready to go inside. He just wants me to through his dang stick!

How is your garden growing?

Shopping List

1. bleeding heart
2. pink petunias
3. bird feeder for out front
4. baby poppies

It's finally raining! So, I was going to plant things tonight, but I will wait until tomorrow. I'm excited to get things planted then take some pics so you can see how spring has sprung Montana style!