Montana ... Land of the Big Sky Country!

My brother-in-law is a logger and a rancher. Here's his snazzy red rig! Look at the size of those logs!






My cute 92 year old papa!

Me, Dad, Lynn, and the Dieter dog!

Dad, me and my sis, Margaret! (She's amazing ... never grows older! Must be the Montana air.)

I can't believe it's been 11 years since I've been to Montana, the land where I was born and raised for the first 9 years of my life. I love it there and I especially love the people in the little town of Drummond, Montana. Of course my sis and cousins and Dad live there too. What a marvelous time Lynn and I had. It was a short trip, but a great trip. We went solely to visit, but got in some great 4-wheeling, saw the beautiful country and even attended an auction selling ranching stuff. Not only was it fun, but it was therapeutic. I've said this before, but it needs repeating so I'll say it again, "You'll never take the country out of this city girl!" I love riding in the back of a pickup truck with the wind blowing in my hair. I love just riding around the hills and valleys and enjoying the beautiful scenery. And I especially love just being with my fun and loving sister and brother-in-law. They are taking such great care of my Dad. My Dad seems to be very happy in his new environment and at peace where he's at. He still misses his sweetheart and tells me daily that life is just not the same without her. We ALL miss her!

What else have I been up to? Let's see ... I started a new venture, but I haven't done too much with it just yet. I'll tell you more later when I have time to post some pictures!

Weight loss has been stable. Can't believe it's been a year since my surgery! Still fitting into a size 10. I've added carbs into my diet and some sugar, which I told myself I wouldn't do. Why do I do that? Sometimes I wonder what's wrong with me??? Some test results showed that all of my blood levels, cholesterol and all that stuff were really good, other than my sugar levels were a little high and potassium a little low. Not sure how high/low. Will find out tomorrow when I go in for my yearly check-up with the surgeon. I still feel wonderful and have lots of energy. I've been doing tons of yard work. Something that I couldn't muster a year ago because I was too heavy and too tired all of the time! I love working out in the yard and seeing the results of my efforts. We finally got the back yard sodded and a good start on the landscaping along the fence line. Looks wonderful and is a quiet retreat.

On the way home from Drummond we stopped in the next little town called Phillipsburg. What a darling, step back in time, western town. We visited the candy palace which was amazing! Candy of all kinds. Homemade caramels, fudge, hand-dipped chocolates, and old fashioned candy that we used to get as kids. It was an amazing and beautiful store. Wish you could all experience it! And the candy we liked best were the Neapolitan coconut Brachs candy ... those brown, pink, and white striped coconut candies. Isn't that funny?











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Had a really nice visit in Park City last Friday evening with my oldest son, Ryan, his wife Camie, and kidlets. Went swimming for the first time since my weight loss. I don't float as well as I used to. And I bought my first two-piece swimsuit ever! No, it's not a bikini ... it's a tankini and I have to wear leggings to hold in my flabby, baggy upper thighs. Oh well ... it looks nicer than blubbery fat. Now I need to get a tan!

Not to brag ... but don't I have some of the prettiest grand-kids, and a handsome son???

Well --- it's off to get my big Stampin' Up! order ready so I can place it tomorrow. Got to order all the supplies for our gig on the 23rd. I'm getting so excited to see many of you. Can't wait. We're going to have such a grand time. Diana Gibbs has designed three of the stamping projects and one of my special guests has designed the 4th. You're going to love the projects and of course the product!

Gotta love that new Stampin' Up! catalog. I love the improvements they made to the catalog, especially for these old eyes. And love, love, love the indexed landing pages as well as the stamps that indicate which punches work with them. Grand idea!

Tah Tah ... later and lots of loves!