My first few years in Montana, I loved winter. I loved hibernating in the house with no yard to mow or weeds to spray, sitting in front of a warm fire reading a good book. Cooking soups, breads and desserts. The Cowboy’s excavating work slowed in winter and most of our “work” involved feeding the cows every day. Then calving would start–and I must admit–that wasn’t so fun!
Spring was a long, long time coming in Montana. I would be traveling for work, flying off to destinations in the south where the trees had leaves, the grass was green and the daffodils were in full bloom. Then–I would fly back into Billings, Montana in a blizzard. Leaves, green grass and daffodils weren’t happening in the frozen north for months.
So the years went on and we started going to Arizona in January of 2003. And now, I don’t like winter, at all!! And it’s winter in Montana and we are still in Montana this year–dang, gimpy knee!!! Saturday our high temperature was 35 degrees and snow drifted down all day.
Thursday we took a trip to Billings–I had another knee injection and we bought a few groceries. We ordered takeout from one of our favorite restaurants–CJ’s–and ate sitting in the car–not an ideal situation but it’s winter in Montana and sitting outside is no longer an option.
Friday was our 26th wedding anniversary. No celebrating in this Covid mess. I made cheese enchiladas for lunch–that was our celebration. Made me sad.
I get so excited when I master a new knitting technique. In an email from BHookedCrochet.com there was a free pattern to make these:
Writing the above paragraph I thought of another knitter extraordinaire we had the privilege of knowing. One of Nat’s caregivers, a kind, super caring young woman–Sandy–was working on becoming a Master Knitter. Her knitting was simply stunning. Sandy was one of the supervisors for the home health agency we used and I never called her for extra help that she didn’t provide that help. We loved her. At the age of 55, Sandy lost her life to a brain aneurysm.
Sunday was more of the same–snow, not even 30 degrees. Even Emmi has no interest in being outside. We shoveled snow so I could fill the bird feeders and so we could get to the motorhome. When the snow stops the Cowboy will attach the snow blade to the skidsteer and plow the driveway.
Are we living a new normal? Is this what our lives will be now? Check out our friend Nina’s blog, Life Within, and Building Anew–Nina is a fabulous writer and now lives with her husband and father in France.
Restoration Cowboy Style 
Great blog, Janna. And a Happy Anniversary to you two!! and…snow…yuk. You know how I feel about snow. Most people who love snow are those who haven’t lived in it for decades and like the pretty pictures. Not all, but most. And, most important. Life is much to short to knit with cheap yarn! good wool, hand dyed, silks and such make knitting a delight. Reminds me to get knitting again.
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Thanks so much Sue! Yes, you are correct–life is too short to knit with crappy yarn. This is my first try with acrylic and probably my last!
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Guess it’s time to come back to Arizona????
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We are trying, Linda, we are trying!!
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That looks like a lot of snow!
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Eight to nine inches and more to come!!
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Hi to you both. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Trust you will be soon on your way to AZ and able to enjoy some warm weather.
Take care and stay safe.
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Thanks for the anniversary wishes and yes, we may have to use a dog sled but we will be departing the frozen north–soon!
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Beautiful photos of the snow…it looks so surreal when viewed from the tropics of Florida! I know you’ll be happy to get to your winter paradise in Arizona. Happy Anniversary, and wishing you many more years of adventures together. We’re all drawing smaller circles around our lives these days…it seems as though you’re making the best of this challenging time (learning to knit, among other things. :-))
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Thanks for the anniversary wishes Laurel. That’s an excellent way of describing our lives these days.
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Happy belated anniversary!
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Thanks Barb!
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Happy Anniversary!, you might not like the weather, but it does make for pretty pictures. ONce you are finally able to get on the road, please drive safe.
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Thanks and it does make for pretty photos, doesn’t it.
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I love your blog
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THANKS!
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Happy anniversary! We are still in Oregon, but hopefully will be traveling soon to Green Valley. I’m sure you’ll be ready, and will get out asap! I agree, I no longer like snow! Well take care, Rawn & Joann Stone
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Our wheels will be rolling soon. Don’t want to stick around for the single digit temps coming to our neck of the woods!
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That pumpkin is adorable but sure looks like a tedious project. Your snow just looks cold. Not even pretty…brrrr!! Hope your knee injections work and finish soon so you can hit the road for warmer temps. Stay warm!! Happy Anniversary!
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The pumpkin has been a tedious project but he’s almost finished. That’s exactly how I feel about snow these days–cold, not pretty.
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I feel the same about winter that you do. In late December of 2004 we made a fast 2 week trip in a Class C to Big Bend in Texas and that cemented our desire to spend winters in a warm climate. Both Kelly and I absolutely hate winters but it looks like we are stuck with it now.
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I feel for all you Canadians stuck in the cold! I can still remember the wonderful feeling of warmth when I got out of the truck in St. George, Utah on our first trip south in 2003.
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Wow that’s a lot of snow for mid October!! Hope you’re able to head south soon. We’re finally seeing a long stretch of cooler temps ahead so hopefully we’ll have some fall before winter arrives here. Pretty pics but I can tell you’re over it already 🙂
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We are bringing you the cooler temps!😁
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Happy Anniversary! The years go fleeting by…. we
see it too. Thanking the Lord for each year.
Not sure if I mentioned to you already but my
Cowboy tried the shots with not much long term relief.
The knee replacement was the best success. He is so happy
he did it. Lots of therapy was the key. You may
only need the tiny incisions… many do.
You have snow and we just have small inklings of
fall…… wanting it so badly. Lol
Hoping for a quick get away for you soon.
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They told me today I could be one of the ones that has long term relief from the injections–I am hopeful!
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