The Latest...

Our 10-year (!) anniversary was May 18th. We rented a cabin 18 miles from our house on Swan Lake. The cabin left many things to be desired (it was mouse infested, among other things) but we had a great time unwinding nonetheless... Bruce composed music, I read at least three books and made art from morning to night. Here are a few pictures:

Swan Lake as seen from our Kayak


I wish the house in the background had been our "cabin"!....


Enjoying a camp fire


"Six Mile Road" that ended up on top of a mountain. Fresh bear prints all over the place...

On our way to Big Fork to do the tourist thing... We have been tempted to get a second car and this one would have been perfect!... We could park it in our living room!

I think this was Bruce's first pick though...


Mr. Rock Star


Journaling and Touch Drawing outside...


The kids thought it was funny to play football with their food while we were gone!

Garden and renovation updates:

I planted two Black Currant bushes. The garden center ran out of Goose Berry bushes or I would have added those as well. Oh well, next year.

The Poppies are now done, but they were glorious while they bloomed!

Some tomato and pepper plants... We opted against a bigger garden this year, although I think Bruce wishes he had done it after all. He did plant some carrots as well.

Pansies bring back memories from home in Finland.

Bruce is finishing the ceiling in his office/our studio. It looks GORGEOUS! Next will be the crown molding and more art hanging rails and built-in shelves and hutches. But then there's also the deck (hopefully with a hot tub), kitchen, bathroom, french doors, wardrobe room, finishing detailing in the bedroom and the sauna... And I have new ideas... I'm lucky that he tolerates my day dreams and ideas with a smile on his face! I'm really only very good at the demolition part.

Our new, $5 patio set thanks to a former co-worker who is moving.

Some Heliotropes and Salvias by the Koi pond. We also got a Waterlily for the pond and fish seem grateful for that.

As an anniversary gift, Bruce sent me off to Florida recently to see my mom and best friend. It was a quick, four day trip (+ travel) and I was impressed he found ANY window of time in my full work schedule for me to get away. It was wonderful, and a little bittersweet, to be back but it was also wonderful to return to Montana.

My mom wanted to babysit a friend's dog to see if they might enjoy having one - I suspect they will get one soon...

One of the things I miss about Florida... I LOVE Pelicans. They must be one of my totem animals. This one seemed perfectly content to pose for me for as long as I wanted.

I had also hoped for thunderstorms and rain while I was there and I definitely got what I asked for! It was glorious! We got stuck in an impressive downpour while on our way to the beach.


My best friendTamara with one of her business partners in front of their studio. I got to spend a few days with her on the beach and playing with art supplies. I wish she lived closer!!

Tamara and Booey in her art studio

One of the many things Bruce does NOT miss about Florida! :)

I think that's it for pictures for now.

Bruce is busy with work and with his rock band. They sound better and better all the time. He is truly fabulous at it - his voice is getting better and his presence on stage more and more professional and charismatic. I can tell music is his number one passion, and he is only just getting going!

Work is keeping me on my toes. Many changes and challenges along the way but ultimately it has all been good. Besides, I do get paid to go backpacking for days on end.... how bad can that be?

Life is truly amazing and I'm filled with gratitude for the blessings we experience each day.

Sending you all much love.... Until next time.