tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4970115739358336232024-03-04T23:01:32.227-08:00Desert PotpourriA mixture of many different things; whatever catches my attention at the moment.mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-12064260592766406422011-06-30T09:58:00.000-07:002011-06-30T09:58:54.203-07:00Boss Freedom GoneIt has not rained for four days. Well a little sprinkle here or there but not the cold lashing down pour of the last few weeks. The mornings are like summer LOL. I haven't worn my coat to walk Boss this week. Boss is being unruly these days just like a kid you give them an inch and they take a mile. When we first moved out here to the country I let him run free. We were walking together but he sometimes took off chasing a gopher. As long as he stayed in sight It was ok. Then these little forays got further and further afield. It has became a game he will try to leave and I call him back. He runs up to me and looking up with begging eyes, can I go play?, I pet him and say OK at which he takes off, before I can turn around he is half way across the field and no amount of yelling on my part will bring him back. He is on a mission freedom from Mom.<br />
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Another little trick he learned, we are out walking and he crawls under the fence. I tell him to get back on the road, he does and then picks up the pace till he is in front of me waits till I am looking the other way and dashes under the fence going full tilt running away as fast as he can.<br />
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Last week the dogs next door found a rattlesnake. We have a lot of sagebrush and rattlesnakes like to hide in there. So it is back on the leash for Boss. I can't let my baby be exposed to such a dangerous world. I have to protect him.mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-84942452786230415892011-06-25T14:49:00.000-07:002011-06-25T14:49:46.979-07:00ButteHave had computer problems for the last two weeks. Hopefully solved.<br />
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We left Billings under murky skies. Reports were out that most of the surrounding areas were under flood. I went back to the Yellowstone to see if I could get in and retrieve any of my belongs. The road was blocked but we decided we could walk in. The mud was slippery and water still stood in low places. Joy o Joy the chairs were on top of the table where I had place them for safety. My now water filled chuck box was beside them. Since it held mostly cutlery and cooking utensil that was not a problem. My tent was gone. I don't know if it washed away or walked away. We have three with us so it will not be missed. I am just glad Boss and I weren't washed away.<br />
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The rain continued to pour as we drove toward Butte. We checked into a local downtown motel. Butte 's older area has an aura of faded glory. Buildings of beautiful stone and artiecture are boarded up and empty. Once a thriving cooper mining community it has gone the way of Bisbee and other former glorious and prospers cities that produced ore to run telephone wire and built the west. The motel and the area around it had seen better days and for the most part were empty. I wasn' t going ( couldn't) to spend the 100 plus dollars that the chains wanted.<br />
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Later I ordered a pizza. When I stepped outside imagine my surprise to see the parking lot full and a lot of coming and going. I closed and locked my door and settled in for the night.The motel was "busy" all night cars leaving , radios playing, the occasional sound of breaking glass, laughter and loud talking. My phone rang about 2:00." Is everything all right"? "Yes " I replied. Dial tone. Boss woke me up at six. I dressed in my coat and hat it was still cold outside and drizzling. We slipped out the door, imagine my surprise the formerly filled parking lot was almost empty. Beer cans littered the area with the random vodka and cheap wine bottle. Either my fellow travelers were early risers or I had spent the night in a hurdy gurdy house.TBCmooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-27950995229740483112011-06-14T11:14:00.000-07:002011-06-14T11:14:31.252-07:00Did you ever read a story and just when it got intresting to be continued were the next lines. Well that is the way I am going to tell this story. Two weeks ago I left you on the banks of the yellowstone river. My tent was under water and mud filled the campground. I had no choice but to drive back to Billings and find shelter. The skies were a dirty grey and continued to leak moisture as I drove north. The surrounded areas were all flooded as water rose and washed out roadways.<br />
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The motel was a welcome relief from the cold wet rainy weather. A hot shower and some warm tea and i felt like a new woman. Boss was very happy to be out of the drippy world,. he sat on the bed and did not even lift his head to go out. I couldn't afford to live in a motel all summer so I had to find another solution.<br />
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Craigslist would maybe hold the answer. I hopped on and looked up RV's.The first day nothing seemed promising, but the next morning I spotted just the thing, it was small and in my price range. I called and drove across town to view my hopefully new home on wheels. It was perfect. Just the right size for me to feel comfortable driving and enough room to get around. I was ready to put down my cash when I spotted a stick in the middle of the floor. I asked "is this an automatic" "no" the young man replied. My hopes were dashed I just could not see myself shifting gear across the country. I drove away disappointed. But I knew something would turn up mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-11077250412745049652011-05-25T11:23:00.000-07:002011-05-25T11:23:14.130-07:00I woke up cozy, warm and comfortable this moring. I had a hot shower and sat on a toilet without the cold morning air blustering through an open door. Where did all this luxury come from? I checked into a little cabin last night. Just one room but heat, TV, frig and microwave WOW! <br />
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I had stopped by city hall yesterday too see if they though the park would flood. The very friendly receptionist said it was not predicted but she had seen it flood under just such circumstances. I took her advice and checked into the little cottage. Went to the campsite and loaded up the cooler and a few other things I needed. At about seven I went back to camp to check on things and decided at the last minute to grab Boss's doggy bed and my sleeping bag, even though we didn't need them in the cabin. I placed the camp chairs on top of the table and left my chuck box on table; the tent stayed anchored where I had pitched it the day before.<br />
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This morning I drove to the camp. As I turned down the road that goes across the bridge and leads to the turnoff I could see flashing lights and people wearing police vest lined up along the road. Traffic was moving slowly both directions. I drew abreast of the flashing lights, I saw sandbags piled along the road and dirty brown water trying it's best to find a path onto the roadway. I asked "can I get into the campground "? "No it is under water" "You can turn around at the entrance".<br />
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At top of the hill I could see into camp, there sat my lonely tent. My carefully prepared firewood was under water. The chairs and other things on table were still there in a sea of mud and water. I don't know if they will be tommorrow the river is still rising and it's guess what? RAINING mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-52638005505254792022011-05-24T14:05:00.000-07:002011-05-24T14:05:11.652-07:00Rain Rain Go AwayIt has been raining, raining and raining. Did I mention it was raining. The tent is dry but everything else is dripping. My shoes squish when I walk, the cooler has to be wiped off before opening and the bedding feels damp. Yesterday we got a reprieve in the afternoon, I collected firewood and put it under a trap. No such luck today, Boss is very unhappy he does not like rain. I don't know how his bladder can hold out so long but he waits till there is no raindrop noise before he asked to go out.<br />
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The river we are camped by is swollen and moving quickly. The rushing water is muddy and fearsome, if you fell in I guess you would end up in the Mississippi somewhere. That is if you didn't freeze to death <br />
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The rain has delivered a delicacy: morels: I had a skillet full for dinner last night. Delicious and lived to tell about it. LOL I confirmed species with two locals and did research on Internet, was sure I was safe.<br />
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The trees have finally leafed out The delicate little leaves are pale green. a color you only see in the spring.<br />
The robins are chattering in the trees and the morning is filled with the honking of geese. Spring has finally arrived in Montana mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-76166736532332497012011-05-18T11:35:00.000-07:002011-05-18T11:35:40.423-07:00What SeasonThere is a saying in Montana "we have four disticint seasons sometime all in the same day". Well that is the experience we have had this week. Morning arrived cold and windy the leaves would have been rattling off the trees if they had any, but is is still cold and the little buds have not unfurled there spring colors. Later in the day the wind died down and the sun came out, summer had arrived with temps near 70. Late evening, the sum goes down about eight at this time of year, cold settled in as we huddled around the campfire. A roaring blaze kept our feet toasty warm as we enjoyed libations and a sizzling steak cooked over the open flame. Snuggling in the tent under sleeping bags and blankets we did not even notice the frost, and light snow that fell during the night. That is until I stepped outside at two a.m. for natures call.<br />
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Weather aside the day are spent pleasantly reading, tending the fire and watching the birds. I wish I had my bird book so I could identify the little critters. There were some small ones, black backs and white chest flitting through the trees this morning. I think maybe they are of the nut hatch family. Boss is enjoying his freedom when we let him off the lease. There are a great many nookies and crannies to explore. The library is a great place to visit and write but the sun is shinning and in Montana that screams GET OUTSIDEmooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-11000391327962444972011-05-17T09:30:00.000-07:002011-05-17T09:30:01.679-07:00My Bags Are Packed I'm Ready to GoThe truck is filled to bursting point. The new neighbor has everything to furnish her new house, my discards. Nice stuff too. I was lucky and so was she, both in the right place at the right time. She left everything when she moved West and now has what she needs to set up her new home . I didn't have to throw away so much stuff or drag it to the Goodwill.<br />
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How does one accumulate an abundance of household items in less than two years. Oh that's right I worked in a thrift store. I couldn't resist the pink depression era sugar and creamer. We had to have the second TV, the man of the house watches Cops and I have to have my Gilmore Girls. Three swim suits might seem excessive but they cost a dollar a piece.<br />
So I have stuffed, shoved and pushed everything I want, need or might need in the back of the pickup.<br />
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I'm ready to roll down the road. Tank is filled, utilities stopped, apartment passed cleaning inspection, keys turned in. Goodbye Mountain View Apartments.<br />
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Let the camping begin. We will travel a short distance to a free camping spot on the Yellowstone River. The town maintains the campgrounds and asks only for donations. It is a lovely area, big trees the largest clover I have ever seen and a flowing river . All we can ask for now is good weather. mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-60470674254948046152011-05-16T10:30:00.000-07:002011-05-16T10:30:24.200-07:00Free At LastI have spent the last sixteen months working my butt off. Manging two stores required six day work weeks most of the time The creative side of me shut down from worry and pure exhaustion. Now I'm taking back my life. I will once again have time to write and enjoy life. <br />
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Don't get me wrong? I enjoyed many thing about my job I met some wonderful people whom I will remember always. Had more clothes than I have ever in my life. When they only cost $1.50 a piece you feel you are not being wasteful. Learned we throw out way too much stuff. Good stuff too, things still in package sometimes. Learned I could live on a lot less money and with a lot less things.<br />
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The time has come to move on. Where to go? What to do? That will be revealed in my future. For now I am semi retired. I will travel for the summer and see what turns up.mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-49733495209344695702011-05-11T16:03:00.000-07:002011-05-11T16:03:45.903-07:00Oh Where Oh Where Has my little Dog GoneWe are in the midst of moving. What a lot we have accumulated in two years. Many trips to the trash and Salvation Army have taken place. Last week I had a memorable trip that taught me a lesson. I piled stuff in the back of the truck and on the passenger seat. I decide to take Boss along so he hopped into his bed behing the drivers seat. We pulled up to the donation area and I jumped out the door as a man rolled a cart out to my truck. He pushed the cart up to the passenger door and we unloaded the stuff. Leaving the door open we went around to the back to get items out of the camper shell. I shut both doors thanked him and drove away. <br />
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I decide to drive to a nearby town for lunch. They have the best steak fingers in this little local cafe there.<br />
The drive was quite nice, snow is gone and things are greening up. The drive is about thirty miles and I took my time enjoying the scenery. Pulling up to the town park I decided, the responsible dog owner, to give Boss a walk before lunch. I jumped out of the truck and walked to the passenger door. "Boss let's go for a walk". No sound of jiggling chain. "Boss come on." I peered into the back No Boss. I quickly ran around to the drivers side threw open the door and folded back the seat. Frantically I lifted the sleeping bag and looked under it . No Boss!!<br />
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The only place I had stopped was the Salvation Arny so he must have jumped out there. I drove "flew" back to town praying , hoping he would still be there and safe. It is downtown in a busy area. I pulled into the parking lot and rushed toward the employee who had helped me earlier. I barely got the words out "'have you seen" he added "a little grey dog. " Yes Yes" . "He was picked up by animal control about five minutes ago." <br />
I drove to the station a few blocks away and told them my story. The very nice dispatcher radioed the animal unit which had just arrived at the shelter. The officer had to come back to town anyway so she agreed to bring Boss back to me. My baby arrived tugging on the lease, jumping on my lap and rubbing his nose on my feet. I explained what happened and she did not give me a ticket for animal at large, a $100 fine. I was so glad my little darling was not lost. I petted him all the way home. He now has a tag with his name, my name and phone number. Each time we stop I look behind the seat to make sure he is in his spot. If they made doggy car seats I would buckle him in; the little escape artist.mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-62096933698633501202011-05-01T11:08:00.000-07:002011-05-01T11:09:27.722-07:00Puppy Woes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwwGwkY-4mnZs-pSsO84OhfVs27o8u50ePS7-XMozODF6fwhwBlovcvCQRmfnoYCu0hDnnhhgctLZ3wBbUUixZ5hUlG4fIX3tSTaczKXyNosM8Eo7llis8AYzW3xZlZ1Vy83lQLTJd-k/s1600/DSC06516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwwGwkY-4mnZs-pSsO84OhfVs27o8u50ePS7-XMozODF6fwhwBlovcvCQRmfnoYCu0hDnnhhgctLZ3wBbUUixZ5hUlG4fIX3tSTaczKXyNosM8Eo7llis8AYzW3xZlZ1Vy83lQLTJd-k/s320/DSC06516.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="left">Boss is not a happy camper right now. Monday he went to the groomer, he went from biker Dude to Mr. Preppy. If you would like to see biker dude go <a href="http://moosh-potpourri.blogspot.com/2009/03/biker-dude.html">here </a> When we got to the salon he sniffed at the door and then ran away. I had to tug and beg to get him to go through the door. He was very reluctant to enter the cage, so I had to shove him in. When I came back to pick him up he bolted out of there like a rabbit running from hound dogs. We got in the car and he put his head down on his paws. I told him he was a pretty boy and he looked at me with disdain and turned his head away. He was clearly pouting. All the way home he ignored my attempts to cajole him. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">The next day it snowed several inches. My hairless baby was cold and unhappy. He shook his body trying to rid himself of the cold wet white stuff. Our trips outside were brief and he buried himself in the blankets when we came back in. The snow continued off and on all week. His looks seem to say why did you do this to me. He hasn't smiles in a week. It is snowing again as I write. Don't see smiles in my near future.</div>mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-73126192443614969622011-04-29T11:51:00.000-07:002011-04-29T11:51:02.559-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If April showers bring May flowers, What does April snow bring?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vVOnZd4jtdcDe9hwHVBEOF9WPsX12S_RYNgELN1_5jeq-Y0bR8YO24VBCZ9g292dfn6oVqcjIsc3uQfKZfJdxtsb9b8hbi_AOPWKD0EHeCk3cww9lpwwYzUbV6wC-oGLpjMftIj8uVI/s1600/DSC06485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vVOnZd4jtdcDe9hwHVBEOF9WPsX12S_RYNgELN1_5jeq-Y0bR8YO24VBCZ9g292dfn6oVqcjIsc3uQfKZfJdxtsb9b8hbi_AOPWKD0EHeCk3cww9lpwwYzUbV6wC-oGLpjMftIj8uVI/s320/DSC06485.JPG" width="240px" /></span></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We got hit again last night. Snow started falling around 5:00 by the time I went to bed we had about three inches. Will this never end? I am so ready for spring!!</div>mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-28574298889813180502011-03-22T15:31:00.000-07:002011-03-22T15:31:00.241-07:00Snow Snow SnowIt started snowing about 2:00 a.m. this moring. Was still going srrong until about an hour ago. Boss wanted to go out. So I drug on my boots, coat, hat, and scarf. Geeze I thought spring started yesterday. The snow was already beginning to melt. Sun shining brightly. <br />
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Boss couldn" t decide where to get off the sidewalk. The piles on either side of him were higher than he is. We went around the corner where the building blocks some ot the drifts. He finally found a place that looked promising. Boss plunged bravely through the white, wet, cold stuff that blocked his way. Poor guy he was up to his belly in this unwelcome mess. He couldn"t raise his leg enough to pee in a proper male doggy manner. He truged through the nasty stuff pulling on his lease to reach some bare ground under the eves of the bulding. Ahh with solid ground under him he was able to do his business as a dignified canine should. <br />
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On the way back to our building he became intrested in some robins. A flock of these brave or hungry creatures were feasting on the fruit of a tree near our door. The fruit has been on since last summer and is shirvled with freezing and thawing, but I guess if you just flew in from Arizona expecting Spring and got hit with a 4" snow storm shirvled fruit would look pretty good. Such are the joys of spring in Montana.<br />
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. mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-13664733015739052022011-03-21T07:00:00.000-07:002011-03-21T07:00:11.252-07:00Where Will Paths LeadMy now former thrift store is going co-op. The staff will be running the store. That means I am out of a job. Sooo don't want to leave Montana just when spring is arriving. I survived the cold only to go back to Arizona's hot summer. NOT !!<br />
So I am going camping. Maybe it will lead to a new adventure. LOL. <a href="http://moosh-potpourri.blogspot.com/2009/09/moosh-missing.html">History repeats itself. </a>mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-85427118350648210112011-03-20T14:25:00.000-07:002011-03-20T14:25:31.100-07:00White Buffalo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyrATA7aEXXCQR9kiTxx54gg9HeDjSDHZ2RAHiIQcdCZlZtKYPTgKKF0pF3ef3xr0H5z5hJdxVUb3-iSuT0kN9iX0kWaRVPTkBk6GG8g0T03hSy8qtjh3DURkH8wYoC5C9kgNDanjaDw/s1600-h/DSC05867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyrATA7aEXXCQR9kiTxx54gg9HeDjSDHZ2RAHiIQcdCZlZtKYPTgKKF0pF3ef3xr0H5z5hJdxVUb3-iSuT0kN9iX0kWaRVPTkBk6GG8g0T03hSy8qtjh3DURkH8wYoC5C9kgNDanjaDw/s320/DSC05867.JPG" /></a></div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezNKgRbnVPY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezNKgRbnVPY</a>mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-14244106855293567842010-05-06T09:05:00.000-07:002010-05-06T10:00:21.916-07:00Montana Winter Ain't Over YetOld Man Winter beat Jack Frost to the punch and dumped a ton of snow on September 29th. Instead of falls glory of colors we were treated to dull grey brown leaves. The tree branches broke from the heavy wet snow. Winter was here and we had to learn to cope. The snow continued and the ground remained covered with its white blanket. We fell into the rhythm of a Montana winter. Dressing for outdoors included hat, scarf, coat and boots, no running to the mail box in your house coat. Going anywhere was a whole new ritual. After <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">bunndling</span> up, the car had to be started, the snow brushed off and then the windows and mirrors scraped.. Driving slowly became necessary. These extra chores had to be <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">considred</span> when timing you arrival at work.<br />
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Walking Boss took on a new routine, The paths we had enjoyed in the summer disappeared and the creek froze over. Our walks were around the apartment building sidewalks which by law had to be shoveled. Here you can be fined if you do not shovel the snow from your home or business sidewalks. When we came in from outdoors my baby had to be toweled dry, his paws pressed into warm water to help melt the snow . He did not like the water dip so I just rubbed his paws with a towel to remove the snow.<br />
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As the days shortened and the temperatures dropped I was not anxious to go out at 6:30 for his morning walk. I bought doggy potty pads and put them in the corner. My little man was to well trained, he knew he did not go in the house so he would sit by the bed and yawn or shake his collar. If I did not respond he jumped on the bed and stuck his nose in my face. I gave up and resigned myself to walks in the dark with temps in the teens or worse.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvEGnPoEfJ5tpDuN7f_CGlJGL0bzIZrJEafK_Xw9qboKmk7qOF8y7tQ3Uehxa1HR-2en6AjbAlX3Zt0tZHWahKFGrYmwEJeetT4uqpy5YEUGzQ3Y_oHFaaw_q7b_Bbb0LKPng9RH8Es0/s1600/DSC06170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvEGnPoEfJ5tpDuN7f_CGlJGL0bzIZrJEafK_Xw9qboKmk7qOF8y7tQ3Uehxa1HR-2en6AjbAlX3Zt0tZHWahKFGrYmwEJeetT4uqpy5YEUGzQ3Y_oHFaaw_q7b_Bbb0LKPng9RH8Es0/s320/DSC06170.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div>That started eight months ago, I would like to say it's over for a few months. Not!!! We woke up to three inches of snow this morning. Life in Montana will either kill you or make you stronger. Scene from my balcony. <br />
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mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-82290632454914149662010-04-13T14:01:00.000-07:002010-04-13T14:01:07.142-07:00Arizona to MontanaWoke to overcast skies and big white flakes. The car was already buried under inches of snow. I don't understand how they measure snow but it looked like a lot to me. It is three o'clock and the flakes are still fast and furious. For a woman who didn't wear a coat for forty years it's a different world. How did I get here? Read more of my journey Wildcat to Bobcat <a href="http://here./">here.</a><a href="http://moosh-potpourri.blogspot.com/2009/09/moosh-missing.html">http://moosh-potpourri.blogspot.com/2009/09/moosh-missing.html</a>mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-2215440628541548922010-04-10T12:45:00.000-07:002010-04-10T12:45:54.540-07:00Wildcat to BobcatIn March of last year I started this blog. So much has changed in that year. You never know where life will take you. To recap the year and and explain my journey I thought I would link some of the post from the last year. If you are intrested in how I went from Wildcat to Bobcat follow the links below.<a href="http://moosh-potpourri.blogspot.com/2009/03/new-beginning.html">The Blog begans</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://moosh-potpourri.blogspot.com/2009/06/camping-we-will-go.html">Camping Vacation leads to new life.</a><br />
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<a href="http://moosh-potpourri.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-have-been-out-of-touch-because-i-was.html">Why I stayed in Montana</a><br />
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Saga to be continued...............mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-33404627716091320402010-03-14T12:33:00.000-07:002010-03-14T12:33:48.119-07:00March or October<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXy1aIE0dW9mUtgCTFGLcC6i_aBsMlpfLp0EOxi-r42PDeY4KoNic0LMHqcF5u1qJAGkEehLCQ43vxypDIityRuqcSNjjpqsY0CTaSS7OpqSPn1zKXAqXdcQi8n8QbYOT67mBRTOMnLM/s1600-h/DSC06322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXy1aIE0dW9mUtgCTFGLcC6i_aBsMlpfLp0EOxi-r42PDeY4KoNic0LMHqcF5u1qJAGkEehLCQ43vxypDIityRuqcSNjjpqsY0CTaSS7OpqSPn1zKXAqXdcQi8n8QbYOT67mBRTOMnLM/s320/DSC06322.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div>What month is this anyway? The scene outside my sliding has looked the same for six months. Well it changes a little. Sometimes there is no snow on the trees. The ground began to appear last week but Old man winter blew his top again last night. Two new inches on the ground this morning. Read about my first snow fall <a href="http://moosh-potpourri.blogspot.com/2009/10/montana-moosh.html">here</a><br />
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.mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-89775523300872532922010-03-01T07:58:00.000-08:002010-03-01T07:58:00.154-08:00March FactsFlower: Jonquil<br />
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Gemstone: Bloodstone<br />
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Beware the Ides of March:. March 17th the day Julius Caesar was murdered<br />
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March Roars in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.<br />
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March winds and April showers bring May flowers<br />
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As mad as a march hare: Hares mating show strange behavior.<br />
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Was the first month in the Roman Calendar named after Mars God of War<br />
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Saint Patricks Day March 15mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-43708976278356194122010-02-21T16:35:00.000-08:002010-02-21T16:35:24.935-08:00Banana Nut Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx0ojlT5neNBNcrJnZD4W73DDgW98D43NcaetKkgutJzJBd1Rm-F5wHxdGZ45udIMC1KxpQIep1NlMPc0UXluN1biVZG6qWjnKicoyio9wGeSoZmDf8FNp-DEL-aiZCHFu0a3EF__0fM/s1600-h/DSC06313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx0ojlT5neNBNcrJnZD4W73DDgW98D43NcaetKkgutJzJBd1Rm-F5wHxdGZ45udIMC1KxpQIep1NlMPc0UXluN1biVZG6qWjnKicoyio9wGeSoZmDf8FNp-DEL-aiZCHFu0a3EF__0fM/s320/DSC06313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This winter I have fallen on the ice twice. This totally knocked my body out of whack causing pain in my shoulders and neck. The pain was so bad in my arms I could not lift them more than a few inches. A co- worker suggested that my diet was causing the arthritis pain. I asked what I should change and she told me to try a gluten free diet. I immediately resisted, after all man has consumed wheat for thousands of years. It was a staple in most diets. <br />
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Then I began to think about the wheat today compared to what my grandparent made their bread with. We strip out the nutrients and then add in fake ones. I also considered what was more important; to eat that hot dog bun or feel better. I decided I could do anything for a week or two to see if I felt better.<br />
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So on February 9th I stopped eating gluten. I am happy to report that I can now raise both arms over my head without pain. I don’t know if this is because of the diet change or other factors but I am going to experiment with this diet. <br />
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In the process I learned there were many flours that were gluten free. I love to bake and frequently eat muffins for breakfast. They are a quick out the door on the way to work morning treat. So the recipe below was my first attempt. They turned out great. The man of the house thought them a tad dry so maybe I will add more bananas in the future.<br />
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3 ripe bananas <br />
1/3c. olive oil you could use any but I always cook with olive oil. <br />
½ c. sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 tsp. Vanilla<br />
1 tsp. Baking soda<br />
¼ tsp nutmeg <br />
1c. Red Mill all purpose baking flour(gluten free variety)<br />
½ c. Red Mill brown rice flour <br />
1c. nuts<br />
Whisk together oil and bananas till no lumps remain. Stir in sugar, egg and vanilla.<br />
Combine flours, baking soda and nutmeg<br />
Stir together dry and wet ingredients<br />
Add nuts (optional_<br />
I like small muffins so only fill about half full.<br />
Bake 400 degrees ( It only took about 15 minutes to bake.)<br />
Enjoymooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-49264245315279150902010-02-20T13:20:00.000-08:002010-02-20T13:20:18.684-08:00Wash DayRemember the nursery rhyme this is the way we wash our clothes all on Monday morning. There was a task for each day of the week. All my task fall on Saturday or Sunday which ever one I have off. Today is baking, cooking for the week and washing. <br />
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As I was washing some dish towels in the sink I thought of Grandma. Yes the sink, a load of laundry cost $1.50 to wash and $1.50 to dry, so to conserve I wash things in the sink. Granted I bought lobster tails for Valentines day, so I am not always frugal. You have your properties I have mine. <br />
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Grandma is the person who taught me to be tight with my pennies and nickels. She also taught me how to wash clothes the old fashioned way. On laundry day a number 10 tub was filled with hot soapy water. The clothes were sloshed up an down with a stick. Very tiring to ten year old arms. Then they were put through a roller to squeeze out the dirty water. Next they were plunged into a clean tub filled with warm water. After more stirring the rinsed clothes were again put through the roller and into cool sparkling well water,<br />
the final rinse. One last time tired arms turned the wooden handle of the old fashioned machine and out rolled fresh clothes. These were hung on the line to let the sun and flower scented air dry and complete the process. A busy long day over, dinner was leftover cornbread soaked in warm milk delivered by our neighbor from his evening milking. Nothing every tasted better. As some say hunger is the best sauce.mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-22176695939190820822010-02-15T05:19:00.000-08:002010-02-15T05:19:00.714-08:00Thankful<div>I wrote this a few weeks back. I have a fear of posting these days because my spelling skills are so poor. I have tried for years but I can not hear the sounds clearly. Dexyspica (sp) runs in my family. I even played this third grade computer game where you choose the sounds. I failed most of the time. I was hoping google would put spell check back up, but that does not seem to be happening. I am going to post anyway. If someone can tell me how to spell check in blogger I will be grateful.<br />
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In this economy everyone is trying to save a buck. This is much different than the over the top indulgance of a few years ago. Even thought I have always been a thrifty peson I too was caught in a spending spree. It's to hot, lets eat out. I'm tired, let's eat out. I need a new pair of shoes, I don't have a green pair. I need five swimsuits for the cruise, I can't wear the same one everyday.<br />
Economic colapase and unemploument for a year brought me to a new place. I have returned to the basics and a simpler lifestyle. We don' t eat out as much. Beans are on the menu at least twice a week. Clothes can be worn a lot longer than you think, if you aren't concerend with the latest fashion. <br />
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The new year started along with a new job. We can spend money again! I don't want to return to the indulegent spending of a few years ago. I now have a different set of values in place. When mom's house burned, I told her she lost only things. The things I value most were still there. Her! Her friends and the community around her. They have all come together to provide the material things needed for living and support and comfort. I am very gratful for the sympthay expressed by the town she has lived in for thirty years and the internet community I have been apart of for 11 months.Thanks to all for you well wishes.<br />
<a href="http:///"></a></div>mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-8977039529814337612010-02-14T16:32:00.000-08:002010-02-14T16:32:15.189-08:00Ice CreamI was walking down the street last week when an ice cream parlor sign caught my eye. The snow on the ground did not matter it was a warm 38 degrees. I went in and ordered a strawberry cone. Sitting outside in the crystal cold world my memory drifted to another time and place.<br />
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We are sitting on the porch watching the cars go by. Grandpa takes out his handkerchief and wipes his brow. “Whew it’s a warm day,’ we rock and listen to the bees buzz lazily by. “I need refreshment Marcia how about an ice cream." “Yes! Yes”, I reply. The aging gentleman rises from his rocking chair and slips his hand into mine. Great grandpa and child set off down the street. As we walk Grandpa talks about the world around us, “The dogwoods are blooming, the hydrangeas are in full color, Miss Cora is a nice soul works with the invalids every week. The pecans are just bursting into bloom, hope we have a good crop this year. Good day Miss Lulu Bell. That’s a fine woman, raised a good brood. She’s a second cousin you know. Oh good afternoon Reverend Hill that was a fine sermon Sunday.” "Glad you enjoyed it Mr. Lee.” “Well we did.” “It was good to see you all in church.” “I was happy to have my family around me.” Reverend Hill stooped down, “I was pleased to see you in church Sunday.” “Thank you sir,” I replied. Tipping his hat he walked away. <br />
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We continued toward the ice cream. Miss Daisy, Miss Barbara and Miss Emily all passed and exchanged pleasantries; I was just anxious to get to the ice cream, but Grandpa had to stop and chat and accept the respect of his community. At last the store. “I’ll have a double vanilla, said Grandpa. “What would like Marcia?” “Strawberry,” I replied. A large luscious cone was placed in my hand. My tongue began to rapidly lap up the sweet concoction. The smooth coolness flowed over my tongue and refreshed my whole body. Grandpa and I sat outside under a tree. He said, “Marcia Ice cream is a pleasure to be enjoyed under the shade of a tree on a hot day.” I agreed. After licking the last bit of sweetness we began our trek home. A warm sticky hand was again pressed into an aging one. We had shared an adventure and our souls were secure in our togetherness.mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-51838703570842551562010-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:002010-01-20T00:00:00.127-08:00Pain Beats Out Fashion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnZDBg6ceFuG3pX5eqkiLSzBepHhBmZawbRHef7MBmmedsZMFe2w4xQh39FzECBVKLtnnM9j6q_4AKPlHlYw1KN8G3r2IB631TsqdbBObC3WsUxTATjwrbaX-UsDexplwHfk5TiIcF8E/s1600-h/DSC06307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnZDBg6ceFuG3pX5eqkiLSzBepHhBmZawbRHef7MBmmedsZMFe2w4xQh39FzECBVKLtnnM9j6q_4AKPlHlYw1KN8G3r2IB631TsqdbBObC3WsUxTATjwrbaX-UsDexplwHfk5TiIcF8E/s320/DSC06307.JPG" /></a><br />
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Last week I awoke to the sound of dripping. Ah, the spring Equinox. No matter that the calender read January, it was a warm day above freezing, and the snow was melting. I had a workshop to attend and wanted to look professional. My black skirt was perfect with my white blouse and grey cardigan. Those clunky boots would look terrible, why not wear my professional shoes.<br />
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The day was so warm I did not even need a coat. I walked confidently out the front door. As I stepped down the first step my feet flew out from under me. I landed on my bottom and then bouced to the second step. It was several minutes before I could get up. Afraid to move or even stand in my slippery shoes I slid them off my feet. I very carefully walked in the snow skirting the black ice that had been my downfall. I returned to the house my shoulder throbbing. I was not going to miss the workshop, I had payed good money to attend, so I pulled on my boots and ignored my pain. I walked into the meeting a little late draggind my wounded wing.<br />
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</div>My left arm will not lift above my waist and my body still feels crunched and achy. I am sure nothing is broken. Lucky me, lession learned! I will be wearing the safe clunky boots till summer Equinox.mooshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908035097138849211noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-497011573935833623.post-80420494921475323782010-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:002010-01-18T00:00:06.845-08:00Boss Ruby Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boss keeping warm<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcheyPAXuBqIJfBABbZIpOvPUQMHrvSrDteE_FsN0yOB8kPZ2avsfxy_iOdHd3vUVsvjynPSmRwVcT4QRYmcHmYhQmhTRQL9jqWzMNCpd-Aw2G_Tb1uyMdL7gKyR8Y_YwKQISgNm91cU/s1600-h/ruby-slippers-door-stop_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcheyPAXuBqIJfBABbZIpOvPUQMHrvSrDteE_FsN0yOB8kPZ2avsfxy_iOdHd3vUVsvjynPSmRwVcT4QRYmcHmYhQmhTRQL9jqWzMNCpd-Aw2G_Tb1uyMdL7gKyR8Y_YwKQISgNm91cU/s200/ruby-slippers-door-stop_copy.jpg" /></a><a href="http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/">More Ruby Tuesday Here</a><br />
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