Urban Turtle?, Missoula, Montana

(Note: An urban turtle is not to be confused with an urban cowboy.)

When my oldest nephews were smallish, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were favourite movie characters to mimic during playtime. Perhaps we have here a transformer version of a testudinal superhero, keeping the streets of Missoula safe? (His legs and head are pulled in for safety, of course.) Kowabunga!

Sunnyside Up, Missoula, Montana

Until peering into this daisy’s face close-up, I never realized that their sunny yellow centre is arranged in the same pattern as that of sunflowers. Orderly rows, on a smaller scale. Pretty amazing design, if you ask me.

Click here to convert your daisies (or your neighbor's - ssshhhhh!) into winsome garlands.

(Thanks again to my sis, C., for nurturing these happy blooms!)

Batter Up, Missoula, Montana

Just reading the words “Batter up!” in my head makes me want waffles for supper tonite.

But Friday night’s delicious prime rib dinner - (a tasteful thanks to our local Allegra Printing office) - on the Ogren Park Allegiance Field party deck was more than enough to oust the waffle crave.
A good time was had by all, and the Ospreys made a good showing in the weekend's round of multiple games.
Ogren Park hosts so much more than baseball. In addition to charity fundraiser functions, the ball club has hosted concerts by notable musicians, including Willie Nelson, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, and Lyle Lovett and His Large Band. Oh, yeah - and the Beach Boys.

Treetop Sunset, Missoula, Montana

The splay of these treetop leaves reminded me of pictures of Serengeti trees.
The sunset backdrop is a lovely backdrop to set off the foliage patterns.
And since there are no lions lounging in the Missoula, MT, version, it's safe to daydream about what a fabulous spot this would be to have a treehouse from which to view the sunset and river and mountains and....and....and....

River Viewpoint, Missoula, Montana

My sister recently asked me, on behalf of friends planning a first visit to Missoula, what people like to do in our town.
At the end of a busy day, pausing to drink in a calming river view seems to be at the top of more than just my list.

Missoula’s riverside trails pretty much fit the bill for whatever you’re looking for in an moderate Montana outdoor experience: stunning mountain views, the calming sounds of water, and accessible exercise.

Sunset Silhouette, Missoula, Montana

Finally, after days of rain - I even turned on the heat! - a beautiful summer twilight.

Twilight Daisy, Missoula, Montana

Amidst the twilight shadows and reflections of an evening stroll, this lone daisy stood out like a beckoning beacon.
I’m only glad its siren song didn’t land me in the ditch, as minor contortions were required to gain this angle of the daisy’s face. J