"Women who Run with The Wolves"

Going to Bozeman Montana to visit my three grown daughters, Nicole, Lesa, and Aimee, for Thanksgiving a few weeks ago, was reason enough to be excited.  The snow capped mountains that surround Gallatine County made Big Sky country more inviting than ever. 

 

Another reason for my excitement was a little plan of mine to treat my daughters to a night away at Howlers Inn Bed & Breakfast and Wolf Sanctuary, thirteen miles outside of Bozeman.  Living on the east coast meant I didn’t get to see my daughters very often.  So, I wanted to do something unique and really special to celebrate them and their lives. Once I came across the web site for Howlers Inn, I knew it was time to make a reservation. www.howlersinn.com

 

Howlers Inn offers a haven for the stress laden and a hearth for warm relaxation all with a wolf pack serenade to lull you to sleep. The simple abundance of the spacious rooms, the log cabin set on 42 pristine acres of natural beauty, and the engaging hospitality of the inn keepers, Mary-Martha and Chris Bahn, was just the kind of experience I was seeking.

 

It had started snowing.  My daughter, Lesa, was driving us in her Jeep Cherokee in 4-wheel drive, but it was still slow going due to the increasing snow.   Once we spotted the Inn nestled up on the hill our excitement grew and we piled out with enough scarves, hats, gloves, satchels, boots and bags to start a boutique! 

 

Upon entering the kitchen and being greeted by Mary-Martha, my daughters and I were immediately enveloped by her friendly and welcoming charm.  The pine dining table was by large windows with a view of the three acres enclosure that held the wolves.  We could see them heading up their well trodden path to the boulders, trees, and seasonal creek that is their home.  Howlers Inn houses 6 wolves that could not survive in the wild and are cared for by Mary-Martha and her husband.

 

That evening after another snowy drive, we enjoyed a wonderful evening of fun and great food at Montana's Rib and Chop House, in Historic Livingston.  Bewteen the stretch limo out front and the TV stars dining a few tables away, it was a nice addition to our already affable time.  We caped off the wintry night with a dip in one of the many amenities, the hot tub, and the soundest sleep you could imagine.

 

The keystone of our visit to Howlers Inn was when the wolves treated us to their signature howling.  It was an incredible gift to hear six wolves howling in unison and then each stopping simultaneously as if on cue by an orchestra conductor.  It was the most amazing symphony we’d ever seen and heard. 

 

After breakfast the next morning of a scrumptions blueberry french toast souffle with crisp bacon and steaming hot coffee from our wolf mugs, we relunctly bid good-bye to our delightful host and enlightening mountain retreat.  Somehow, we all knew ... we'll be back. 

 

Top Blond taking the day…Jennifer

"My New Best Friend"

As my girlfriend, Beverly, and I turned down the tree lined street that wound down and around into a cul-de-sac, we both could feel the rise of excitement and anticipation.  Glancing at our map we searched for the house and driveway.  Within minutes she would be witnessing the live reunion of two majorettes who marched together in the Redwood High School Marching Band, Visallia California, forty-two years ago.

The year was 1963, the valley was hot, Ricky Nelson's records were regularly played on the radio, and while only rivers and lakes provided our water, we dreamt of Surfin' U.S.A. in the Pacific Ocean.  That year, Audrey Hepburn graced the cover of Vogue.  Bubble hair was big and cat eye glasses were the ticket.

It was a real coast to coast deal.  In June, I’d gone home for a milestone birthday and then wrote a piece about my experience for my hometown newspaper, The Visalia Times Delta.  My article was to appear September 6, the day after Labor Day.  As people began reading it, I began receiving email.  The very first email was a shocker.  It was from a lady named Jeannie in Morristown, NJ.  Jeannie and I had marched together in parades and on the football field at half time, and she now lived in Morristown, less than two hours away!  

And, now, within minutes we would be meeting again.  Will we recognize each other?  Will we have anything in common?  What will we talk about after more than four decades?  Well, first off, we good to go…we’re women!  It’s our nature to dish and get all the details; children, marriage, husbands, moves, relocations, and all the other goodies that unite kindred spirits.

Five hours later that included a tour of Washington’s Headquarters, lunch downtown, laughs galore, and a tour of the local municipal parking structure while searching for our lost car…we all three embraced.  The renewal of friendship warmed our hearts as I said good-bye and “I’ll see you soon,” to my new coast to coast best friend. 

Top Blonde Taking the Day...Jennifer.

 

 

"Cruising Down the Hackensack River on a Friday Afternoon"

It was a crystal clear day with an almost cloudless sky.  Our group of about a dozen of us wound around through turns and warehouses in the Meadowlands making our way to the boat launch at Laurel Hill Park on the Hackensack River.  Our church "senior group" enrichment outing on the environment through the Hackensack Riverkeeper Eco-Cruises turned into an exciting photo op for me.  With my new digital camera in hand and no worry of how many pictures left to snap, I found myself hanging over the edge of the specially–rigged Edward Abby angling to capture the perfect and most winning National Geographic shot possible for this novice want to be photographer. 

 

The brilliancy of the day enticed the fowl which were in abundance and created blue/black glass across the expansive river. One could momentarily pretend how Katherine Hepburn must have felt aboard The African Queen.  As least we didn't have to wear nets on our heads.  In spite of feeling alive and adventurous on our ride through Mill Creek and the Saw Mill Creek Water Management Area, and other marshes and coves, it was the massive and magnificent draw bridge that struck a chord.  It was beyond description.  My shot may not rank in the Ansel Adams category, but, for some unknown and less understood reason, it moved my soul.  It isn't usually the rock solid strength of iron and concrete that draw me, but with laughing gulls nested on nearby pilings it was one of the most interesting views I've seen in a while.

 

When we docked after our cruise of over two hours, we all felt invigorated.  No, we didn’t come across Jimmy Hoffa.  But, with the Continental Arena and Giants Stadium on one bank and the Empire State Building just five miles in the distance on the other, we witnessed serene beauty, awesome majesty, and brilliant views.  Thanks to the Hackensack Riverkeeper, views that previously had been hidden by sewage, trash, and pollutants have been restored to their natural brilliancy and wonder. 

 

The captain of our boat, Bill Sheehan, proved to be a walking encyclopedia on the restoration of the once muddy and putrid waters of the Hackensack River that empties into Raritan Bay.

 

It’s amazing what challenges an afternoon cruise on the Hackensack River can incite.  Made me ponder how my life would be if I cleaned up my own environmental estuary. 

 

Until next time, Top Blonde Taking The Day...Jennifer

"The Cinderella In All Of Us"

You know how it is ... you drive into the bank parking lot, park, and dash inside.  You skirt up to the window, exchange pleasantries with the teller, complete your transaction, and hustle back to your car. 

Your mind is awhirl and by now, auto pilot has kicked in.  You find yourself ready to insert the key into the ignition to depart only to find … what’s this?  No keys?  That’s right.  It seems the keys and you became disengaged somewhere along your route.  So, you do what we all do on our scatterbrained days.  You retrace your steps.  Unless, that is, you are one of those consummate sublimely astute individuals who seamlessly execute your days without flaw.

Quietly and unobtrusively as possible you reenter the bank lobby, slowly and sweetly flashing a chagrinned smile, and quickly glance around to see if you dropped your keys or perhaps left them laying on the counter.   As you can guess, this is exactly what happened to me.  But, what happened next was an epiphany of sorts.  

“Oh, there’s my glass slipper,” I said aloud, surprising myself while spotting my keys from across the lobby.  There on the counter lay the clear plastic shoe standing upright as if purposely arranged and on display in a shoe store.  Being quick witted or funny isn’t usually my strong suit … but it had been one of those days where heaven’s rays were shinning down and I was feeling quite well.  Thus, the words just popped out of my mouth nearly effortlessly.  What came next was even more astounding.  “Oh, I am Cinderella after all…and I have my prince! I said, laughingly.  “My prince has come and his name is Harrison".

The tellers smiled politely and I quickly exited.  What a dope, I said to myself.  I am Cinderella?  What was I thinking? 

What I was thinking was that, well, I did have a glass slipper and I do have a real prince of a man in my life, for a change.  Cinderella was quite a lucky lady and lately luck had been on my side.  What if my glass slipper is just a cheap key chain from the dollar store?  It’s symbolic isn’t it?  It’s emblematic of the hope we all have for love in our lives.

            And, what I was really thinking took me back over thirty years ago to a card that I still have from my longest and dearest friend in the world, Cheryl.  In 1973 she gave me a birthday card and wrote “Dear Cinderella,” on the front of the card.  It’s an American Greetings card with an authentic Kewpie design and held the following inscription: “I know your smile by heart …and I know your heart by your smile.” 

            To have a friend, and to have people who love, support, and accept us as we are would make anyone feel like Cinderella, wouldn’t it?

Top Blonde taking the day...see you next time. 

Jennifer

Renissance Romance

If you want a little romance or wish to enjoy a lazy jaunt by a serene lake, or are a little more devilsh and want to witness the naughty and bawdy delights such as the likes of The Brothers Grime at The Mud Hole (a spoof on the Brothers Grimm), the New York Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo, NY, is where you'll find all of this and more.                                           

The moment my boyfriend, Harrison, and I stepped through the entrance to The Village of Sterling, we were immediately enveloped by maidens and Lords.  Being surrounded by intrigue and mystery our imagination took over and we found ourselves stepping into character.  Harrison became Lord Royal, and I became Lady Genevieve.

Friar Tuck skirted past on his way to a duel.  A lovely maiden in a navy Italian Renaissance costume glided past.  We discovered a world of jousting, Queens and Kings, Sirs and Ladies, Wench singers, Crimson Pirates (no, we didn't see Johnny Depp), and Royal Pipers and Crown Madrigals.  Even a plump caged condor for the Birds of Prey Show.

In the middle of all this was a brightly colored May Pole for the  Peasants of Shire to dance around in celebration.

The moment that made my day was after the Archery Tournament/Royal Joust when her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, with great pageantry moved through the crowd.  When she came upon my friend and I, we curtsied, falling under her spell and joining in the merriment of the Villiage of Sterling.

Top Blonde taking the day...   

Making a Difference

It's amazing how a phone call can help spring you into action.  Yesterday, I was frustrated because, so far, all I was doing was praying.  Today, though I'm still in the talking stage and still praying, I'm energized because now, I have a plan!  A plan of action.  It's amazing what that can do for you. 

I just got off the phone with my daughter, Nicole, Lesa's older sister.  We've learned that Chris, from Bridger Fire (see blog for 9/8), Lesa's friend, is in Franklinton, Louisiana.  Franklinton is about 75 miles north of New Orleans in the southeast corner of the state and was hit with winds that topped 100 mph. I read they suffered large amounts of damage to businesses and homes.  Some parts of the parrish are without power.  It will take 4-6 weeks to get it back on.  But, they are receiving help from across the country and that's where Bridger Fire comes in.  Chris, along with a crew from Bridger, has been sent to work in a distribution center there.  My plan?  Firemen may not be muffin men but might like chocolate chip cookies.

What has energized me is that since getting off the phone with Nicole I looked up Franklinton on the Internet.  A phone number for Franklinton Fire Department was listed.  I called and reached operator, Fran Gains.  She was so helpful.  When we hung up I had the address to send my cookies to Chris and friends (the other firemen).  Maybe I'll even throw in a few muffins after all.  It's not much and it's not medicine, but maybe it will bring at least a measure of encouragment.

Nicole works for the Bozeman, MT police department and they are preparing to send two large trucks with clothes and other supplies.  She had contributed two bags of clothing. I'm so proud of her!  Yesterday, I heard through the TV coverage that right here in New Jersey, 25 firemen have gone down to help.  My heart is warmed.

We are a long ways from recovering from this titanic natural disaster but bit by bit, person by person, together through our prayers and actions,we can make a difference. 

Tob Blonde taking the day...

 

The Katrina Crisis

The past twelve days we've watched hour after hour the devastation and deadly havoc Hurricane Katrina has cast upon the Gulf of Mexico.  Most of the time we have felt helpless to make a difference.  I sit in the comfort of my cozy and dry apartment in the Northeast and watch with horrow at the scenes splashed on the TV as people wade through feet and feet of water fighting for their lives.  I can only imagine the horific nightmare they have faced for I have never trudged through tainted flood waters or clung to a tree for endless hours.  Nor, have I had to sleep in a convention center that was supposed to be a haven, even if a short term one, fearing for my life.

Today, I saw one woman who had spent the last ten days in water up to her shoulders with no food.  She had drunk the dangerously polluted water to stay alive but still was declared dehydrated when she was rescued.

My daughter's friend, Chris Johnson, in Bozeman, Montana was sent south with with Bridger Fire the beginning of last week to help.  She is still waiting word on where he might be and how the rescues are going.

Many years ago I heard a lady named, Hansi, speak at a retreat in the San Bernardino mountains at a place called Forest Home.  It was a popular retreat center and once Billy Graham visited.  Hansi was from Nazi, Germany and had an amazing story.  She shared with us a verse from 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (NASB)  I never forgot that verse and tonight, for some reason, it has come to the forefront of my mind.

When I say to myself, what tangible thing am I doing to help, I can be reminded that the power of prayer is never to be underestimated.  Still, a few days ago, I called my local chapter of the American Red Cross to volunteer.  The operator answered but no one ever came on the line to take my call after that.  My friend, who works there, said that they were inundated and overwhelmed and to keep trying.  In the meantime, I want to make a batch of muffins to send.  That will help me feel like I'm making a difference. 

Yes, local and national protocol must be accessed.  But, even with the finger pointing and current blame game that is pervasive among our politicians, there is a higher calling for us all.  We are called to be Americans and stand on the truths we hold dear.  And, maybe...even pray a little more so that God will not only heal our land but heal our hearts too.

Top Blonde taking the day...Jennifer