Open Sesame - Front Door, Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park

As I moved in for a close up of this spy hole, Larry from Arkansas offered to close Old Faithful Inn's front doors to allow us a full shot of the notable entry. The doors are red on the outside to syhmbolize hospitality, but the interior is a natural wood finish.

Larry is a Park volunteer who charmed and instructed us in the history of this  welcoming and hospitable historical masterpiece. He was a font of interesting information, including that a full-time crew of men was dedicated to selecting the seemingly endless and varied pieces of naturally curved wood used in multiple stories of hand-crafted stair railings and balusters. In the 1950s, Larry and his late wife met in the Park; they were happily married for over 50 years. While he winters back home to be near his family, Larry now spends the summer season enlightening Yellowstone's tourists, and is keen to acquire his 10-year volunteer pin. He added another layer of memorable to our Park meander, and we sincerely appreciate his insight and kindness.

Special Chrome - Victor, Montana

The Best Husband Ever spent literal hours over Labour Day weekend shining up the chrome wheels - outer AND inner surfaces - on a spiffy used car we just bought.  Good thing for his obsessive self that our rig doesn't sport the abundance of chrome featured on this classic Buick Eight Special, or he'd still be polishing away. From a practical standpoint, sometimes it's okay that they don't make 'em like they used to.

We espied this Buick beauty yesterday on an open haul trailer spanning several parking lot spaces  at Cowboy Troy's in Victor, Montana. Regretfully, I do not have details or a story on this car - our usually chatty group was very hungry and didn't even think of talking with the car's owner until half a pizza had disappeared - and also the car. (Obviously, it was really good pizza.)

So, if you have any insight on what year Buick Special sported these particularly delightful hooded cherry-on-top* headlights, please enlighten us in a comment below - and then you can update the Wikipedia entry.

(*Sorry, in this angled view you can just see the chrome housing of  little round red topper light on the far headlight.)

Welcome Friends - Missoula, Montana

“Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us.

Let's not be afraid to receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy.

It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.” - Henri Nouwen (1932-1996)

Last Hurrah 2, Missoula, Montana

The threat of rain won’t keep the fearless Wild Weenie away! 
Once again, our grilling superhero nourished participants in Sunday's Dress For Success Missoula fundraiser and family fun day. Entertainment highlights included the sultry blues of Three Eared Dog and magical lemon illusions by Evan Disney.

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.

Summertime, Missoula, Montana

Summertime…. And the livin’s easy...”.

Lemonade and hot dogs on the grill - it doesn’t get more quintessential American summertime than that.

(Tofu dogs aren’t quite the same, but we understand. At least one knows what one is getting with a tofu dog. But that takes away some of the mystery and adventure, though, doesn't it? Or perhaps I need to get out more...)