Happy Birthday to the BEST sister ever!

So, it's my birthday today and I've never wanted to be back home more than I do this weekend. However, with Michelle's wedding in four weeks, it was just not logical to go home now and then.

Here are some of our favorite pictures from when we were little.

Still here...

Just a quick note to the few that check this page out. I'm still here, just super busy. I've been out taking photos, just haven't had time to edit them and share with you. I've also been working on recovering about 2,000 photos from three months of activity that I lost 10 days ago, so once that is done I'll be posting a pretty large amount of photos to make up for the lost weeks.

Hope you'll check back soon.

Photo Friday

Not too much time spent in nature this week, but I did get out with a couple of friends last night for Bozeman's art walk. If I'd found a hat shop we would have tried those on too.

Some pretty interesting clouds on the Fourth of July, taken from my backyard.

Photo Friday

Last weekend was a busy one, and I was outdoors for much of it. On Saturday Alex and I went golfing for his birthday, and then headed out to his mom's house for cake and games. Sunday I worked on my garden and planted some flowers before going on an easy six mile hike with Twist and Al. Monday was an easier day with just a few errands and some sunbathing on my deck.

The rules of the game.

The first throw.

Yep, I'm still a bit excited about my hole in one!

Hole In One

Yep, I got a hole in one on Saturday at Bridger Creek golf course in Bozeman, Montana. To be honest, I'm still a bit shocked about it. I hit a Callaway 3 ball that I'd found at another course a few weeks earlier with my 8 iron. It was Alex's birthday so at least I had a witness, and I'm glad that it was him. Now he just needs to get one and we'll be even. :)

Photo Friday

This week saw the Summer Solstice come and go, and I'm happy to say that with it came the summer weather that I have been so looking forward to. And also the occasional summer rainbow. This picture was taken last night with my cell phone. Not bad, eh? Those are the Bridger Mountains.

This past weekend I went to the first wedding in over three years, and I've still got two more to attend this summer.

The following photos are from June 12. I'm not sure why I didn't post last Friday; I guess I thought that I hadn't taken any pictures. They are from my little Sunday drive that turned into a 6 hour excursion to Yellowstone National Park. How many people can say that? I love Montana!

Photo Friday

This past weekend found me having three days off again. It was a productive time off, with me finally getting my garden completed, dog bathed, and car cleaned. I also had a bachelorette party on Saturday; my first in nearly four years. It seems that I haven't been to a wedding since the fall of 2007, and all of a sudden this summer I have three to attend. I guess it goes in waves.

Sunday and Monday found me outdoors for most of the day, golfing and hiking. The first photo is up in Hyalite Canyon. I'm not sure of the name of this lake but I'm sure I'll be back soon.

This little guy was along the path to the M. He's really not as large as he looks, but he did have an attitude!

Photo Friday

For most of the holiday weekend I was in Missoula catching up with an old Iowa friend. She now lives in Germany and brought back some authentic German beer (in a word, awesome) and some chocolate! We did some easy hikes around Missoula and met up with several of my friends for drinks and food. It was a nice visit back for me this time as I have recently been able to fully release myself from the sad memories that Missoula brings to mind.

On our last evening together, we happened upon David Boone playing at a brewery in Hamilton. I had the pleasure of hearing him at the Peace Festival in Arlee in 2009.

The next time I will see my old friend will probably be when I travel to Germany for a visit next spring. I already can't wait!

Photo Friday

This week there has been a lot of beautiful weather, and I found myself out enjoying it quite a bit. These photos are all from Snowfill park just north of Bozeman. It is 35 acres and is all fenced in, so it makes for a great off-leash park for dogs. Twist really enjoys it and gets to run and play with other dogs. It helps with his excess energy as I am still not running. Hopefully that will be remedied in the next few days.

This was the funniest dog at the park. She had just gotten groomed the day before but apparently she didn't mind getting her hair wet again.

Photo Friday

I started this post yesterday, but with my limited Internet connection I am just now getting the second photo uploaded. Connectivity should no longer be an issue, as this afternoon, my neighbor John hooked me up with Internet. We spent a couple of hours visiting about our animals, gardening, and just loving Montana in the spring.

Twice this week I have been reminded never to leave home without my camera. The below pictures are from the second occurrence. If I had had my camera on the evening these were taken, they would have been even more beautiful than what I managed to capture. My tripod is now always in my car, and my camera always in my bag.

Photo Friday

Last weekend was the last weekend up on the mountain for skiing. I went to Big Sky both days, and that has converted me from Moonlight. I actually just paid for my 2011-2012 season pass. I already can't wait to head up again, but I'll have to wait at least seven more months. What will I ever do with myself? I guess I'll have to settle for camping, hiking, biking, fishing and exploring Yellowstone in the meantime.

Top photo: This is from the top of Lone Mountain. I'm not sure what direction it is, but I am about to start down Liberty Bowl.

Bottom photo: This gives you an idea of how steep the terrain I was on is. And, this is where it has mellowed out a bit. The snow was chunky and heavy so not as fun as my first trip down this run at the beginning of March. I'm sure I'll be tearing down it by the end of next season.

Photo Friday

Well, I'm returning for two consecutive weeks. I've got to admit that I'm a bit impressed with myself. Hopefully I will get some scenery in next weeks installment, but for now you'll just have to settle with my two good friends Twist and Justin, and what happens when my kids don't get along, and a bit of what it looks like through my living room window during the start of a Spring snow storm.

Photo Friday

Such a busy couple of weeks I've had! Not much photography going on lately, but I'm always hoping for that to change. This is my baby, Twist, playing in the fresh spring snow.

We've been going to Obedience classes for two weeks now and he is responding nicely to the regimented training. Now it is my job to practice his homework with him every day!

Photo Friday

This week has been a busy one for me. I've only had one day off in eleven days, so there hasn't been much time for photography. That being said, I'm hoping to get some shots this weekend.

I broke one of my golden rules last night and didn't bring my camera along. I missed a great opportunity and won't be making that mistake any time soon.

The first picture was taken while I was messing around with manual focus. I can't remember which lens I was using but it was the perfect shot for this week's RWPE Y2 - UNFOCUSED.

The shot of my favorite coffee cup is kind of a copy cat shot. A good friend was visiting and showed me a book with little projects in it. The project that I was going for was to capture a moment just as it is...everything about this photo is so accurate, it could be a steaming cup right in front of me. Or maybe I just really like my coffee mug.

Photo Friday

This week I headed out to play pool with a friend that was visiting for the night. I have to say that it is kind of embarrassing that I didn't win a single game, as I grew up with a pool table in my house and played quite a bit. At least some of the games were kinda close. I still had a blast and took some fun photos.

Last night, I headed down to Plonk for some jazz, wine, and cheese with a girlfriend. The music was great, as was the cheese, bread, and wine.

The bar at Plonk

Photo Friday

I've finally made it to Yellowstone National Park. It will now be the park that I visit most often due to it's proximity. These photos ares from Mammoth Hot Springs.