Spring Surprises in Big Sky Country and over the Continental Divide

You may notice that I've not written since when I wrote about the wolves and my visit with my daughters to Howler's Inn in Bozeman, Montana.  After catching my breath after the start of 2006, and then a trip to the West Coast in early February to visit my parents, I was about to settle down to work on my second book when an early morning phone call altered my plan.  I was needed back in Bozeman for a family matter. 

 As you can probably attest, life goes on even during a crisis.  And so it did for me during the month of March in Bozeman.  Though it was a time of stress and matters beyond my control, I felt showered from time to time with those little unexpected surprises that seem to lift your spirits.  In the beginning, when quiet and rest were needed, the first blessing came in the form of house sitting in a beautiful and serene setting with sun setting on the Spanish Peaks.  When my daughters and I needed light moments, joy and celebration was our friend when my daughter, Leas, performed in The Vagina Monologues.  More special surprises came when I sat in with my oldest daughter, Nicole, during her shift as a 911 dispatch operator.  I had the privilege of seeing her handling emergency calls with calm professionalism.  I was so proud of them both.

On one occasion, while headed toward Billings, I ended up having a marvelous experience in spite of a somewhat challenging two hour ride.  I was on I-90 going east and hit fog.  Then, I passed a logging truck around Livingston, enjoyed the Absaroka Range, and watched the Yellowstone River dip back and forth from one side of the road to the other.  The open prairie and rolling hills seemed vast yet there was plenty of excitement for snapping photos along the way.  Somewhere around Big Timber, or beyond, a sleek train roared down the tracks just north of the Interstate.  To the south, the rugged Beartooth Mountains jutted in the far distance.  Just past Reed Point in Sweet Grass County, I snapped a photo of an old car that caught my eye.  After arriving in Billings, I snapped a photo of the Rimrocks, the most striking natural feature that rise 400 feet above the Yellowstone Valley and run the length of the city and beyond. 

Another day, my destination was the Butte area.  Another town I'd not driven to before.  But, in my mind, it seemed reasonable that if one could survive the New Jersey Turnpike, one could certainly handle the Interstate in Western Montana.  However, that declaration was made before driving to Butte because, boy, was I in for surprises.  

Once you get past Manhattan, Montana and Three Forks, there isn't much out there except the Lewis and Clark Caverns.  Once you start going through Deer Lodge National Forest and crossing the snow covered peeks of the Continental Divide, you feel as if you could almost touch Heaven!  I'd crossed the Continental Divide once before in Yellowstone National Park, but didn’t have any photos for posterity.  This time, I had my digital camera at my fingertips and readily clicked away. 

My month in Montana and Big Sky country, even in March with still freezing temperatures and snowy days, changed my perspective.  Walking the land where the West was won helps gives someone, even a California transplant, renewed fortitude to forge ahead.  

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

 

 

 

 

"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...