Yum, Carcass

The joys of living amongst a plethora of wildlife....

Your dogs bring home all sorts of bits and pieces to show you!

Swiss Miss Visits Montana Again

Friday through Tuesday ... This was all we had to give Clark and his gal pal, Sammi the whirlwind tour of Montana (or at least Southwest Montana).   I think Clark, and Sammi for sure, thought we were joking when we said we would be picking him up at the airport in the 34-foot RV.  We weren't joking.  If Clark wanted non-stop fun ... well, you get what you ask in this family!

Sammi had never met the family .... Within 5 minutes of landing she was greeted by Brooke, Peter, Matine, Jim, and Kerri, Oliver, Gaucho and Annie!  Welcome to Crazy-Town Sammi!  We drove straight to Virginia City, the original proposed Capital of Montana, and a very OLD, cool mining town that has been preserved and prides itself as as "Drinking Town with a History Problem."  It's a fun place to spend the day (and night). 

The old slat wood sidewalks of town.  Matine insists on walking any herself.

Of course, the nightlife is the best part of Virginia City.  The incomparable, raunchy, hilarious, and wrong on so many levels, ensemble that make up the Brewery Follies is not to be missed.   My side is still hurting from seeing these guys again.  They take a joke that is sick and wrong and twist it to the point you can hardly repeat it out loud again. After the Follies, we enjoyed the Pioneer Bar and a few more libations.  The juke box is good and the PBR always goes down easy ....

I really like this gal ...

What?

During the day, w all toured the sites and did some window shopping in VC ... we couldn't pass up the "Old Time Photo" place (who could?) and insisted on a family photo ... Hold your laughter, this was the result.  

Totally creepy family portrait.

There are too many funny things in this picture for me to start ... but did anyone notice Matine's pistol.  She loved it and wouldn't put it down.  JimPa looks a little too authentic for me to be comfortable.   Sammi felt great about getting undressed in front of me and then dressing up like a hooker in front of her boyfriends family .... No worries Sammi, that's just how we roll!

So, we slept in the RV park, got Clark and Sammi acclimated to the cool, crisp Montana weather and enjoyed some breakfast in Virginia City.  If you are wondering where we all slept ... 6 adults, 2 dogs and a baby all slept in the RV.  It was tight ... yet again, "no worries Sammi, this is how we roll!"

Matine loves the RV ... especially when she can share it with 6 other people AND her dogs!

We made our way back through Norris and along the Madison River - some of the prettiest scenery in Montana (in my opinion).  We got to Livingston and had one of the most beautiful days I had seen here in some time - sunny, warm, and about 70 degrees.   It was perfect bike-riding weather.  We toured town on the cruisers and checked out the Yellowstone River, the park, stopped by Marks in and Out for burgers and ate them by the River.  

Best burger in town.

At Sacajawea Park, just cruisin' on a perfect Livingston day.

The mighty Yellowstone River

Awww... That is just so cute, isn't it?

 After a few hours of seeing town, we brought them back to the house for a quick shower and nap and then it was time to head down Paradise Valley to Pine Creek Cafe.  Pine Creek has a Summer Music Series and BBQ each Saturday.   The Fossils (a semi famous, at least to the locals, band) played and we dressed up, visited with great people, had some beer, and danced outside under the pine trees.   It was a great night. 

Mattie LOVE LOVE LOVES her "uncle cark."   Warm my heart.

Dressed up and ready to dance.

The Ladies.

Dancing with my gal.  Has to be one of my favorite things. Ever.

Kids dancing.  Doesn't get much sweeter.

More Clark and Sammi fun...

Clark two-stepping ... With enthusiasm!

We stayed up late drinking some more beer and chatting on our back patio under the stars and to the warmth of the chimea.   We got 8 hours to catch some Z's and then Clark, Sammi and Peter had to pack up again and head 2.5 scenic hours north to Craig, Montana - the hub of June fly fishing on the Missouri River.  I had to work back here at home, so Mattie and I stayed behind (boo), but it worked out great, as only 3 people can be in the boat at any given time anyhow.   Clark was determined to change his fate and actually catch some trout on this trip.   I knew Sammi would have the charmed rod and catch the big one for the weekend ... I was right.

There is a reason they call it Big Sky Country.

Sammi and Clarkie on the mighty Missouri River.

Hot girl with a big fish ... this one will be sent to a magazine for sure!

Clark held this fish as far away from his body as possible so it would be half as big as Sammi's catch.

Pete's a rowin' away ...

Nice scenery, get a tan, catch some fish.

This needs to be an advertisement for Buggers or Schmidt Beer ... one of the two.

The couple who catch fish together (at the same time) stays together!

Gorgeous morning in Montana ... Not a bad way to wake up in the morning.

Clark yet again threw Sammi into every situation possible.   You can add "first time camping" to the list!  She is awesome.  She actually loved it all and wants to come back!  I guess the Cottongim/ Howell's aren't so scary after all?

Kind of creepy that Peter even took this picture of them sleeping ....

It was a quick and action packed 5 days... I am THRILLED to see my best friend, Clark, anytime and I was delighted and so thankful to meet Sammi.  She's a keeper and it was so fun to have such perfect weather and opportunity for their week.   The second Clark and Sammi flew away my dad's flight arrived and with him he brought the RAIN ... and it is still raining!

Brutus, oh Brutus.

Well, if you haven't heard yet, we had to say goodbye to our bestest of friends on Friday, January 7th.  What do you say about a 17 year old dog that was larger than life, commanded the attention of ALL furry creatures, and won over the hearts of ALL humans he met?  To say he was loyal, kind, funny, adventurous, noble ... is an understatement.   He was always there, in the background (and foreground) of our lives through every adventure, quiet snuggly night at home, major event, or everyday menial task.  Other dogs (literally every dog that walked through our doors) loved and feared him.  He could make a rottweiler submit and roll over, belly up with a simple look from 15 yards away.   He could make Peter turn to a pile of mush and rub his ears and belly at anytime he commanded.  But he never "commanded," he was just so deserving. 

Pete brought Brutus home to his new home on the Ranch on the Boulder where he lived with the Titeca's when he was 18 years old!  The Mini-Nickel advertised for a free Welsh Springer /Brittany Spaniel to a good home.  The rest was history.   Peter and Brutus started out on their new Montana adventures together.  Working and frolicking the days away on a beautiful ranch, traveling the state in search of fish (and rocks in Brutus' case), chasing girls (both of them), and having every adventure you can imagine a young boy and dog having in their youth.  He was the perfect side-kick.

Brutus miraculously grew older in years, but not in spirit or body ... Five years ago we assumed Brutus would be leaving us "soon" and we got Gaucho.   Brutus wasn't slowing down.  So then came Oliver and we were a house of three dogs.  He trained them well and we are not really sure what will become of our little pack of dogs without their leader. 

The last 6 months the Old Man has been pretty blind and deaf, but in good spirits, still going on walks and hikes and adventures.  Still commanding attention and maintaining his role as the Head of the House, the protector of Matine, and Master Beggar.   He was happy, healthy, and relatively lucid until I came home on Thursday to see he had what appeared to be a stroke or neurological change of some kind.  He couldn't walk straight or far for that matter and was pretty nervous and confused.  After just a few short hours of seeing the Noblest Dog on the Planet like this, we knew that time finally caught up to him.   17 years ... testicular Cancer, snake bites (2), being kidnapped, days of exploring the wilderness, kicked by horses, run over by cars, shot by celebrities, watching the birth of babies, new puppies, and every night on a warm bed with his dad...  It was as good life. 

Losing a dog that has been with Peter for literally HALF of his life .... sadness doesn't begin to describe it, but laughter doesn't either.  Thanks Brutus for all you gave ... so effortlessly and selflessly.   Screw Driver, you were the BEST of friends anyone could have hoped for.   Rest in Peace little Buddy.

Brutie was laid to rest up in the hills at Joellyn's house - probably  his favorite place on Earth.  It was really nice.  You will always be missed.

Things that are cute

matine with her horses - it's love at first sight

gaucho's new summer shave - and gaucho in general

mattie hangin' with her daddy

sweet baby-cousin jhett

these mini cupcakes I made for Jessie's baby shower

matine's need to feed everyone she meets - what a generous little gal we have.

semi-naked baby playing dress up with her jewels

anything with brutus in it...

cousin cash

matine wearing hats

this scrunch nose grin

this toothy grin

matine playing jack in the box in the planter

There's a whole lot of cuteness going on these days . . . .

Princess doesn't like to share her chariot

Another beautiful ski day in Paradise Valley... This time with friends, Jacqueline and Grif.

This was the maiden voyage of our new CHARIOT! This handy-dandy contraption is our jogging stroller and bike wagon in the summer and fall, and it now easily converts to a ski chariot for the winter.

Lucky Pete, he got to pull Matine ...

And later, as Brutus' feet iced up, he got to pull him too. This lasted until Matine's legs fell asleep and she was sick of sharing her space.