Seeley Lake: A Trip Down Memory Lane

This last weekend my family of four packed up the car full of inner tubes, snacks, snorkels, fins and sodas. We drove for an hour through farm land, cattle ranches and warm, pine forests to our beloved Seeley Lake.

As a family we haven't visited this spot for years. It was a favorite growing up, spending multiple weekends a summer at our favorite little beach. The lake is smaller than most in the area, but has always held a special place in our hearts.

Stepping out of the car and looking out at the water, and the familiar mountains beyond, brought a grin to my face. It was good to be back!

(Please click to see larger image)

I'm linking up to Decor to Adore's Wayfaring Wednesday! Please go visit her and see the other blogs! :)

The Fair Day 3: Chicks 'N Chaps!

We have an amazing fundraising event in Montana called Chicks 'N Chaps. To benefit local breast cancer patients, 250 women get together for a ladies-only rodeo clinic. Everyone wears pink, and joins PRCA cowboys for a day of rodeo events and socializing.

It was amazing! My mother went with me and I was surprised at all the detail that went into the event. Our 8-Second Saloon bartenders served up beer and wine all day long, catering filled the tables with tasty foods and Cowgirl Cupcakes whipped up the best little cupcakes I've ever had. Mmm!

Everyone got a t-shirt and a goody bag full of amazing swag. After we'd stuffed our faces to the music of a live country band, we were introduced to our hunky cowboys and headed out into the rodeo arena. We learned about the livestock from the guy who runs the rodeo, learned how to rope and also how to ride a bull. We also learned a dance routine we'd perform as that night's rodeo pre-show! Yikes!

It was hot and sticky but a wonderful time with some great ladies. And we learned that even after six Coors beers you don't feel a thing! Just have to pee a lot... LOL.

After our messy pre show of flailing to the music we retired to the Chick Pit to watch the rodeo and eat nachos. It was a long day but it felt great to be helping such an important cause. We'll definitely be doing this one again!

The Fair Day 2: Rodeo!

My second trip to the fair last week was with my sister. We passed on all but one of the rides and just ate good food and took a long stroll through the animals. At 7 we grabbed some beer and headed into the grand stands for a few hours of good ol' Montana rodeo. Can't beat it!

The Fair Day 1: Return to Childhood

My first day at this year's county fair was like a page out of my childhood. A good friend of mine (who I've known since elementary school) joined me as we spent six hours among the fun chaos.

We rode rides like we were in high school, going on as many as we could till we started feeling sick. (Which happens a lot sooner the older you get!) To cool down we'd drink root beer floats and play bingo.

We pet the sheep and wandered among the cows, pointed at huge rabbits and fluffy chickens. My favorite part? When he won me a prize from a carnival game. Because no one ever had before!

We had a great time people watching and ended the night piled high with cotton candy, vikings, tater pigs and fry bread. Mmm! What a delightful day!

DIY Wine Cupboard

On foot one day, heading toward a local grocery market, I found an abandoned jewelry chest leaning against a tree. It was surrounded by various other yard-sale style free items. I grabbed the case and took it with me. When I got home I noticed it held a bottle of wine perfectly. A rarely have more than a bottle or two in the house at once (I always fail to stock up) and thought I could make a nice cupboard for the wine and all accessories. (I've acquired wine stoppers, etc.) After taping over the door and removing a panel of stained fabric it was ready to go.



Next, I rummaged for paint. I always have a fair amount of black spray paint in the garage.


All pieces were painted on the lawn, including the little drawers.


All dry, I added a piece of scrapbooking paper where the fabric used to be. It now happily holds my latest bottle of wine (chocolate wine...mmmm) and additional stoppers. I think it's cute and will add a fun element to my kitchen counter.

My Latest Obsession...

...is quite innocent! Summers are for reading and I've once again fallen under the spell of Nancy Drew and her mysteries! I can get through a book in a day and I've been steadily moving through the series for a week or two now. I remember some of them from childhood, and some titles are brand new to me! Wiling away the too-hot days with a book and cool drink is divine!

Summer Color

Flowers have spoken to me more than I can tell in written words. They are the hieroglyphics of angels, loved by all men for the beauty of their character, though few can decipher even fragments of their meaning. ~Lydia M. Child