Construction Circles 3 - Missoula, Montana

"We find ourselves in a world of transporting pleasures, ravishing beauties, and tantalising possibilities, but all constantly being destroyed, all coming to nothing. Nature has all the air of a good thing spoiled."

- C.S. Lewis, Miracles: A Preliminary Study

Construction Circles 2 - Missoula, Montana

These sewer grates reminded me of waffles. 

But maybe that's just because waffles are something I can't eat while my doctor has me eschewing grains, sweetener, & dairy. And please don't very kindly share a recipe or brand name of some very tasty pseudo waffles made with non-grain flour. I've tried them - I've actually made them out of coconut flour. 

They are not bad. 

But they are not really waffles.  

Because what, I ask you, is the point of a waffle without real butter and authentic Canadian maple syrup (which is sitting patiently in my little pantry, in the dark, all alone), and a dollop of real whipped cream? 

Sorry - I have noticed I'm a little crabbier without grains...

Construction Circles 1 - Missoula, Montana

On our neighbourhood meanders through the summer, we've been watching with great interest a slightly controversial infrastructure adjustment a few blocks away.  A street previously ending in a cul de sac backing up to a largely dormant segment of rail line is now a through street to the mall. 

Residents were less than thrilled when the plan was introduced - and living in a construction zone always puts folks in a better mood - uh, NOT! 

The project appears to be nearing completion, leaving a few miscellaneous bits and pieces to catch my eye until the final clean up.

Acts Of Light - Missoula, Montana

"Thank You for all the Acts of Light which beautified a summer now passed to its reward."

-Letter from Emily Dickinson to Mrs. John Howard Sweetser 

From Map of the Heart by Susan Wiggs, Part 1 intro page

Feisty Fighter - Phillipsburg, Montana

Best news line today: 
"Jake LaMotta, an iron-fisted battler... has died. He was 95...The former middleweight champion died Tuesday... according to his longtime fiancee, Denise Baker."

To be 95 and fianced - now THERE'S a story!

However, the truth is slightly less inspiring: other news stories noted that Denise and Jake actually married in a quiet ceremony in 2013. But he still robbed the cradle...er... walker?

If you're wondering what this has to do with today's photo, keep pondering... and let me know what you came up with! (Comments left as Anonymous do not require a log-in.)

Cucumber Nostalgia - Missoula, Montana

Happy childhood memory AND a healthy snack!

Struggling a bit to scoop decent bites out of this lovely from-a-friend's-garden cuke, I gained a whole new appreciation for how smart my mother was in managing the seven of us. 

Give a stubborn 5-year-old a spoon and half a cucumber and they'll probably stay occupied for a good hour, plus wind up full of self-satisfaction for having done this amazing feat of foraging all on their own!

Captured Moment - Clark Fork River, Missoula, Montana

On photography: "The moments of life are ephemeral and unpredictable. We must capture the best ones and keep them safe in our hearts."

From Map of the Heart by Susan Wiggs, page 151

Cloudy Day - Missoula, Montana

My husband asked for a seniour price ticket for today's matinee movie. The high schooler manning the ticket window glanced over at me then asked, in all seriousness, "One seniour ticket or two?" 

Of course, I laughed and wondered aloud if I should, perhaps, be offended? Our serious ticket seller appeared confused by my quip.

I suppose when you're still wearing teen braces, everyone older than you appears ancient. 

Commitment to my latest skin serum is redoubled.

Ironically, this little incident would have been avoided had we known that ALL matinee tickets are the same price.