Last On The Summer Vine - Livingston, Montana

On a recent jaunt to Livingston, Montana, Big Sister #2 happened to be on weekend farm chore rotation at Montessori Island School, where she works. (Clarification: It is not on an island, but it does have a smattering of farm critters.) Thus, after Sunday morning church, we zipped across town to tend to the needs of the sheep (singular), goat, chickens, and varied vigorous vegetables. Actually, 'we' didn't tend to anything - I watched and took pictures while Sis did all the work. It was rather fascinating to see this former city girl in her element in a wee farmyard. Amazing what happens to people when they fall in love and move to live under the Big Sky. I've heard tell that even a short visit can forever change your views.

Almost Ready - Missoula, Montana

"Sonny, true love is the greatest thing in the world - except for a nice MLT - mutton, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, where the mutton is nice and lean and the tomatoes are ripe." - Miracle Max in The Princess Bride

You Say Tomato, Missoula, Montana

It's getting to be the time of year when tomato lovers keep a keen eye on the forecast and cover their ripening charges for the night if temperatures dip close to freezing. Every fall, our basement playroom was carpeted with green tomatoes laid out to ripen on old bedsheets. (Nothing quite so unexpected as the squelch of a wayward fruit under your little foot - ick!)