Last Hurrah, Missoula, Montana

These African daisies, in all their orangey goodness, greet me at our office entrance with a cheery “Happy morning!” - and they’ll continue to do so as long as the Montana sun warms their optimistic petals.

Nighttime temps dropped drastically this week (read: turn on the heat and cover the garden), so bona fide autumn leaves will soon be falling.

Gimme An L, Mount Jumbo, Missoula, Montana

If you’re looking for letters, Missoula currently offers a choice of an M on Mount Sentinel, or Mount Jumbo’s L for Loyola Sacred Heart High School. 
Our church hoped to do a fundraiser run up Mount Jumbo’s back titled “To L And Back”, but received a "no" amidst the approval process - apparently a running horde might encounter some safety issues.

Walking the trails to each letter, you can definitely spout phrases like, “The joy is in the journey.” Both are attainable locations for even moderate walkers, and boast splendid views the whole way. And isn’t that why people come to Montana? (To spout well-rehearsed phrases, I mean.)

Reflect, Stevensville, Montana

A couple days of rain have finally cleared the last lingering haze from this fall’s forest fires, but this photo represents well most of our late summer in Western Montana: hazy horizons, but clear blue skies straight up above.  

This image could be a metaphor for internal striving - what is my chosen focus and reflection in my present circumstance? Hmmmm…..deep thoughts.

Down By The Banks, Missoula, Montana

The bullfrogs had another gig to go to, but they said we could still sing their song:

“Down by the banks of the Hanky Panky
Where the bullfrogs jump from bank to banky
With an eeps, ipes, opes, opps
One fell in and went kerplops.”
The marvel that is Google reveals  endless variations to this hand-clapping song, not to mention a fascinating history of origins. 
Bottom line: it’s fun to play,no matter your age or how you sing it!

Like They Used To, Hamilton, Montana

Whilst trundling about my old neighborhood, what does my meandering eye espy? A 1950s-era International dump truck - still working hard, and looking for a new home. They really don’t make ‘em like they used to. 

 My ever-burning automotive question (please forgive the strong overtones of whine): whyever did they quit making those delightful little triangle vent windows as part of the front door? 
If you know such things, please enlighten via the comment field.

Of Saints And Angels, St. Francis Xavier, Missoula, Montana

A couple quotes, from favourite authors, to accompany the last in my unintentional St. Francis Xavier series:

“If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give.” -
George MacDonald

“Believers, look up - take courage. The angels are nearer than you think.” - Billy Graham