Horsing Around for Halloween

Never have I had so much fun with my sister!

Yesterday evening, my sister and I, with a truck full of brews, and a brick of cheese for sustenance, headed out to Lolo. Down the windy Highway 12 is an old bar that my parents even used to go to. The Lumberjack Saloon has always been a favorite of mine and it was a hoot to introduce my sister to it for the first time last night. They were hosting a big Halloween bash and I was psyched! And instead of driving home with all the crazies, we rented a cabin on the property so we could simply stagger back to our little abode. Worked out great! And we could just hang out before the shindig started. Our costumes? We were the 1980 USA Ski Joring team. (Ski Joring, for those who don't know it, is where a skier gets pulled behind a horse). We took some liberty with it. ;) In vintage one-piece ski suits we drank our beers behind horse masks and enjoyed the chaos that ensued.

Lots of folks wanted us in their pictures which kept us laughing. Folks were quite entertained. (How many Facebook pages will we show up on??) We danced on the bar, got runner up in the costume contest and were a favorite of the live country band (who kept throwing out quips like "hey you guys, pony up!") We, alone, line-danced to an audience and got invited behind the bar to pose for pictures with the owner. After a long night of fun we retired to our toasty, cozy little cabin for a sound sleep. Up this morning to a field of frost and the bluest sky in MT. Nothing beats a yee-haw Halloween!

I think this costume will do juuuuust fine.

Sister even has vintage ski tags!

Our Saloon!

Delicate frost rings.

On the Road Again...

(Out the passenger window while I was resting near the highway.
I love this row of red trees!)

Work has me on the highway once more. I've been itchin' for some back roads, fall foliage, and open skies. It's been a crazy week so far, but I've met some amazing people already. A few close calls with deer and drivers on the road, but the golden trees, running horses and night stars make up for it. I even got nibbled on by a piglet today! Ya just never know what you'll find out there. :) Hopefully I'll have some good stories for ya from this field season!

Lots of bright colors out there still. Enjoying all the vibrancy before winter!

Cat Costumes!

Halloween is gonna be here before we know it! The house is ready, but I had to make sure the "kids" would be too! I saw this great idea in Martha Stewart Magazine and had to try it out! Our cats don't mind wearing collars, so I figured they'd be comfortable in these cute, flower variations.

Started with colored felt, green ribbon, self-stick Velcro, Martha Stewart template, pins and of course a sewing machine.

Beans enjoyed the sun while I worked away.



Added pleats to the petals to make them have some dimension.

Added each petal to the green ribbon collar. And Voile! I present the kitties:

"Every Bean Has its Thorns" Our wild rose.

"Not So Sunny Disposition Bear" Our Sunflower.

Think they'll ever forgive me?! :)

'Tis a Delightful Day...

...when it's spent in good company with a glass of good beer. Our local Kettlehouse Brewery has whipped up a bourbon-barrel aged beer that is DIVINE. I've been waiting for its release all Summer and was rewarded this last weekend. Sister and I drank out of our small brandy glasses and enjoyed the last of the Summer sun on their patio. We watched trains go by as we sipped our black elixir. What a pleasant experience for sure!

As It Cools Down...

...and the leaves change color between rain storms, all of us our savoring a good sunbeam. I could use one right about now....brrr.

(Bear has the right idea) :)

An October Rhyme

The night is crisp, but weather: fair.

(Each cat atop her favorite chair.)
While Ella swoons, and Nat King croons,
I’m busy cleaning plates and spoons.
An empty house, with room to think.
Tonight there’s spirits in my drink.
The bats are out, and too the gourds,
And mice are roving by in hoards.
For after all the chores today,
I’ve decked the house in black and grey.
Orange pumpkins, gauzy lace,
Every spider in its place.
Over coffee, over rum,
List’ning as the breezes hum,
Sewed new drapes, and swept the stairs,
Rid the house of dust and cares.
For this month, now dressed to please,
My home’s prepared for Hallows Eve.