montanaliving

Christmas is over! I hope everyone had a very happy and warm holiday.

Mine was spent with friends and relatives, some I have not seen for over five years.  My brother and his family live in the Denver area, and although that is only a 12 hour drive south, we have not seen each other since Heathers 16th birthday.  I talked him into coming up for the holidays since this would possibly be the last one in which everyone would be able to make it to mom’s home.   Who knows what Krystle may be doing next year, Heather may want to have the holidays alone with her young family, John is in and out of the country with his work while Mariah tends to their kids, and although we don’t like to dwell on it, mom’s health is not what it once was.

I did get everyone together for a family portrait on Christmas night.  I think the last one was 15 or 16 years ago when John and Mariah got married!  The family dynamics have changed a bit since then…. I am now divorced, all my grandparents are living it up in the Great Beyond, and Heather has married and now has kids of her own.  I guess that is my family’s way of showing that life goes on……

Along with the joy of the holiday, good food, good friends, and good conversation mixed with the music of children’s laughter…. we had another special visitor to mom’s house.  About 3pm a Bald Eagle perched itself onto the power pole right outside of mom’s back door.  Joe took some awesome photos before he flew away.  He hung around the area for most of the afternoon.  We would see him fly by the windows and across the fields of our (and the neighbors) properties.  It was quite the sight.

Tomorrow is New Years Eve.  If you are heading out to a party to ring in 2009, do not drink and drive!  Call a cab, designate a driver, sleep at a friends home…. but stay off the roads if you drink alcoholic beverages.  Here is one idea we have used… If you are having a party at home, or a friends home, employ a teen (legal to drive, of course) to drive people to and from the party.  The teen will be happy to earn some cash while all your friends and family members get home safe!

Happy New Year!

Hello Again!  I may not be online again until after the Christmas Weekend, but then again I may.  My computer guru brother is going to be up to Montana from Denver and he did say it is possible to “shoot the satellite wireless signal across the property from Mom & Dad’s to your house”.  OK.  Then my ex-husband gave me a bunch of thingys (MY techno-speak for anything computer related that I don’t know a thing about) that my brother can use.  I don’t get into the technical aspects of all that!  All I know is if it works, and if it doesn’t!  I know, I know, I should take the time to learn about these things, but it really doesn’t intrigue me so I tend to zone out.

All this is leading to the fact that I may once again have Internet access to my house!  It has been awhile.  I just try to get anything net-related done at work… and to a much lesser extent, on my cell phone.  With the holiday shopping going on, I have been having trouble finding time to do any writing while at work.  I will really enjoy being able to connect at home.

I was able to take tomorrow (Tuesday 12/23) through Sunday off in order to spend the time with my family.  Like I said, my brother and his family are up from Denver, and Heather and her family will be down from Kalispell.  This will be the first time in 13 years we have all been together for Christmas.  I am really looking forward to catching up with everyone. 

SOoooo, If I can’t get online before Thursday….. MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!

It is Friday. The cold came in last Friday, along with a snow storm, and it hasn’t left.  With the record breaking low temperatures last weekend, I guess I should be happy it is All The Way Up to a whopping two degrees today!  It did get up to 19 on Wednesday.  Wow….now there was a heat wave– NOT!  It does look like there may be a little relief coming next week.  By Christmas, we should have temperatures all the way up in the 30’s!!  That will almost be sunbathing weather after this past week.

The funny thing about the cold, the human body can (sorta) acclimatize itself and pretty soon it doesn’t seem quite as frigid.  I’m not saying it is pleasant, by any means, but you do eventually leave the house and begin living your life again.  Holiday shoppers are out in droves despite the cold, and work has been pretty busy.  Joe and I even braved the chill and went to a Christmas party put on by some fellow geocachers. 

The party was tons of fun!  I’m not really a people-person, nor a party-person, so when I say a party was fun, I really mean it.  It was a pot-luck dinner at a friends home, and 12-14 people showed up.  The variety of food was great, too.  We did have a Chinese gift exchange (some call it a white elephant exchange), and there were many really nice gifts all around.  I left with a S’mores kit that I think I am going to re-gift to Krystle.  OR, maybe we will light the outside fireplace on Christmas Eve and the whole family can make ‘em.  I’ll let ya know….

I can’t believe I missed posting yesterday!  I don’t know how that happened.  I realized it during The Craig Ferguson show, but by then it was too late.  Oh well….

Guess what?  Yep, it is still DAMN cold outside!  Today we hit a high temp of 14 degrees! WhooHooo!  Will someone please send me a plane ticket to Phoenix?  Pretty Please?  This weekend it is going to be back down below zero for the high’s.  Would our weather pattern be classified as Oxymoronic?

In other news… I finally put up my Christmas tree this past weekend.  I chose to put up the fake one because I didn’t think Krystle would remember to water it and I didn’t want my house to burn down.  I decorated it differently than I usually do, too.  I usually just have the traditional multicolored decorations scattered throughout.  This year I gathered up all my crystal ornaments, and chose only gold balls.  I have a zillion styles of crystal icicles, and quite a few crystal ornaments of various styles.  The tree turned out really pretty.  I’ll try to post a picture tomorrow.

Man, was this weekend COLD!  Saturday’s high temperature was -9; Sunday’s high was-14; and today’s high was -4!  Yes, that is four degrees below ZERO!  And, those were the High Temps…. I don’t even want to go into how cold it was overnights.  In other words, DAMN COLD!  On the bright side, my little Rav-4 started every day.  I am impressed with my little buggy.  I didn’t even plug it in.  Not because I forgot, or because I was lazy; but I didn’t realize I didn’t even have a block heater on the engine. I found the extension cord, unburied the outlet in the garage, then froze my fingers looking all along the radiator, skid plate, headlight compartments… anywhere someone could have stashed the plug for the heater.  Nope, not there!  I have never purchased a used vehicle in Montana that did not have one installed!  I guess I should think about getting one, but right now it isn’t too high on my priority list.  No reason to stress over an added expense when the engine barely even protested on Sunday morning after sitting all night in temps that dipped to -20.  Another good thing about the little Rav– the heater works really well!  I had to turn the temp gauge down because it was blowing so hot.

Oh Yeah… some of you readers may not even know what an engine heater is.  I remember when Joe first moved to Montana from Pennsylvania.  He finally asked me why all the cars had a plug hanging from the front, below the radiator.  Here is a very, very, VERY basic explanation:  there are a few different types, but the main effect is the same.  Some attach to the engine at the soft plug and heat the coolant fluid, and others that attach to the oil pan and heat the oil.  They keep the fluids, well, fluid, and some of the heat transferred to the engine block.  With the engine and fluids warmed; the battery, starter, and ultimately the engine start easier with less stress on all parts involved.  Of course, if you have a bad battery the car may not start even with an engine heater.

OK, there all you folks in the warmer climates go.  A little knowledge can go a long ways–LOL. (Think Trivia games!)

Well, now I am off to buy some burger buns.  I think Joe and I are going to BBQ tomorrow.  Yes, seriously… We BBQ all year long here in the Wild, Wild, West.  

I went shopping last night at one of those big box stores.  Since it is the “shopping season” I had to stand in line for quite a few minutes so I passed the time just watching people, mentally commenting on my fellow shoppers dressing habits, or lack thereof.

Is it just me, or is there actually an epidemic of people who think it is OK to leave their house in their jammies?  I’m not talking about dropping off little Jimmy or Suzie to school.  I’m talking about people, all ages of them,  going everywhere in flannel lounge pants, tee-shirts, and slippers!  I see them at the gas stations, Wal-Mart, renting videos from places like Blockbuster, the local grocery store, even last time I went to the movie theater!  Now, don’t get me wrong, if someone needs to run to the pharmacy to pick up a bottle of NyQuil or they realized the videos will be counted as late if they aren’t dropped on in 10 minutes… no big deal and acceptable in my eyes.  Actually doing all their weekly shopping?  Going to the movies?  Oh yeah, what about all the kids I have been seeing ATTENDING SCHOOL dressed like that?  Yep!  I would see them every day when I dropped the girls off at High School.  Twenty years ago when I went to high school, we would have been sent home to dress.  My school wasn’t very strict on the dress code, but they did want the students to actually GET DRESSED!  How can these kids parents even allow their child to leave the house for school looking like they just rolled out of bed? 

Am I getting too old to relate to today’s society?  I don’t believe so as I am only 40 and I do have a 19 year old living at home.  I also don’t think age has anything to do with it.  Last night I saw a man in his 60’s or 70’s shopping in his plaid flannel pants, worn white tee, and bedroom slippers.  A group of teen girls who used “The Look” as a fashion statement, waistbands rolled down for the low-rider look and fashion sweatshirts.  Perfect hair and makeup finished off the ensemble.  A lady firmly entrenched in middle age wore her flannels (a buffalo check of black and red) and crocks under a long winter jacket. 

I just don’t get it.  I own my fair share of flannel lounge pants, as well as quite a few pairs of sweat pants.  If I had to make a quick run into public I would opt for the sweats, not the sleep-wear.  Sure, the flannels are comfy, but so is my fuzzy bath-robe. 

Please don’t tell me THAT fad is next!

Today the Great White North feels more like New Mexico, or some other place that is not tropical or desert, but also does not have much winter.  It is bright and sunny with a high temperature of 43.  People are out in sweatshirts!  Last time I looked at the calendar it was December!  Someone needs to tell ol’ Ma Nature she is slacking in her duties.

According to the weatherman, though, winter is going to hit us hard this weekend.  Like I said, it is sunny and warm today.  Tomorrow it will be windy and begin snowing late.  Hopefully after I get home to Helena!  Saturday the temps will drop and we are expecting snow, wind, a high of 25 and a low of MINUS 13!! Burr! If you think that is bad, Sunday will be very cold with a high (if you want to call it that) of ONE BELOW ZERO.  The low will, once again be -13.  Hey people, this is on the Fahrenheit scale. 

It looks like this weekend will be full of indoor activities.  With the expected snow, maybe I’ll be in the mood to finally decorate the house for Christmas.  It will be a great weekend to do some baking, too.   Maybe, just maybe, the cold and snow will finally put me into the Holiday mood.  There is an ad for an office supply store where office employees are “Elfing themselves”.  Maybe that is what I need to do? I’ll keep you posted…..

I work in the cellular phone repair business.  Everyday I see broken phones from broken hinges to water damage.  Today I am going to vent a frustration or two aimed at the customers.  Yeah, I have to stand in front of them as they tell me all innocent-like how they did not do a thing to the phone, it just quit working.  They baby their phones, so they say!  I look at this “Baby” and there are scratches and dents all over the casing.  In over half of the incidents, the glass on the front of the phone is cracked, or sometimes even missing!  I’m glad I am not a child in these peoples homes!  On those days when I am PMS-ing, I will actually call them on it.  Usually I just shake my head and let the customer ramble on about how good they treat their phones. PLEEEASE!!   Or how about the people who bring in a cell phone that has condensation inside the LCD casing, or wet labels under the battery…. but of course the phone was NEVER near water.  There is NO WAY the phone could have gotten wet.  Yeah, and I have a bridge I want to sell you, too. 

THEN… there are the customers who come in and ask for a replacement battery or wall charger.  I grab it, hand it to them, and they ask me “Will it work?”  I so, so, SO much want to tell them “No, we sell broken stuff”.  OR… they ask me “Are you sure it is the right one?”.  Why would I give them a charger that is different than what they asked for?  I want to ask them where they work so I can go and ask stupid questions to them.  Even after I tell some of them “Yes, it is the correct charger (or battery, or etc)” they insist on plugging it in and making sure.  I want to go to my Burger King server next time I visit that establishment and insist I be allowed to see how my burger is being prepared so I know it is being done properly.

What the hell, people??  This is my job!  I know what I am doing!  I am not a blonde bimbo, nor a floozie… why do you doubt me?

OK, rant is done.  I had to get that out of my system before the next idiot customer comes in and I direct all this towards him.  Who knows?  If he insists the phone broke into two pieces and he didn’t DO ANYTHING to it… all bets are off.

Till next time—-

Even though  the calendar said December began, and the stores were proclaiming it was time to shop for Christmas a few weeks ago, it just didn’t seem like the Christmas season.  The high temperatures here were hovering in the 40’s, and the skies bright and blue.  Finally, as the song proclaims, It is beginning to look alot like Christmas! 

A winter storm passed over Montana dropping a little snow and dropping the temps into a more winter-like range.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like either will be sticking around very long.  The temps are going to rise back into the 40’s by mid-week and that will melt all our snow.  I live in Montana… we are supposed to have snow and cold!  Where is it?!  I have a few friends in the east who are being buried in the stuff.  How about all you Easterners who are already tired of the snow ship some westward to where it is supposed to be.

That is all I have for today….

Last night was the Great Falls Christmas Stroll.  For those of you who DO NOT live in a small American town, this usually involves closing off Main Street, or another main throughfare through town, a parade with a Santa, and the “official” lighting of the city’s main Christmas tree.  Many local businesses stay open late to cater to the throngs of townfolk that join in the celebrations.  I guess you could call it a street fair.  I had never been to the Great Falls stroll, and from what I heard, it was much better this year as the city decided to have it in the evening instead of during “normal” business hours on a Saturday.  For the past 10 years I have been going to the East Helena Christmas Stroll, and the Helena Parade of Lights since I was living and working in that area.  Both of those have been in the evenings, and personally, I think that adds to the celebritory feeling. 

The East Helena stroll encompasses the entire Main Street…. ok, it is only about 10 blocks long, but 80% of the businesses participate, and the houses on Main have nice displays that add to the party feeling.  The park is taken over by non-profits trying to earn money with games for the kids, the local ice skating area (nothing big or fancy) is prepared for skaters– if it has been cold enough, and the old elementary school is opened for the local crafters to sell their goods, while the local kids of all ages do practiced holiday performances in the gym.  There is a local farmer who offers hay rides from one end of town to the other, cookies and small holiday favors are given out at most of the businesses, while the local cafe’ (Smith’s Place) and bars have specials on hot drinks.  Some talented high schoolers sing carols or play instruments in small groups for tips.  It is a very good time for everyone of all ages.  I was sorry to have missed it this year.

The Helena Christmas Stroll and Parade of Lights is traditionally on the Friday after Thanksgiving.  It is held in what is called the Walking Mall, which is the downtown area of Last Chance Gulch (Main Street) that has been closed to vehicles for many years.  It is festive, with street vendors out, businesses open, craft shows in some of the empty storefronts, and art shows of all types in some of the other empty businesses.  The local ballet company performs for the passersby, doing performances from Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and usually a few comedy type routines.  In another window, the local belly dancers put on a show.  Luminaries light the sidewalks, and music plays from speakers or travelling minstrals (probably the same high school entreprenures that play at the East Helena Stroll).  The evening is completed with the parade with a Santa, local pets draped in Christmas attire or lights, and a few local celebrities.  The parade ends at the local park where the mayor (or other noted townsperson) hands out prizes and announces raffle winners.  Santa leads a few carols, then the historic landmark, The Firetower, is lit up with holiday lights.  It’s more commercial than the East Helena Stroll, but it is still fun to go to.  Yeah, I missed it this year, too.

Having missed ALL of the festivities that I traditionally attend, I made it a point to stay in Great Falls for their Christmas Stroll.  The parade was larger than the Helena parade, but strangely quiet.  There were no bands, no carolers, and only one or two blareing holiday tunes from car stereos.  It was sureal.  I have never seen a quiet parade before.  Many businesses were open late, which was nice because I usually am not downtown when they are open.  There were quite a few food vendors, too, but the whole experience didn’t come close to matching the holiday spirit of the the other towns.