Backyard Still Life, Hamilton, Montana

Just a little still life I see coming in from the garage to the house after work each day. These are a few happy pocket mementos from travels & walks with friends & family.

University Footbridge, Missoula, Montana

It's always interesting what is waiting to be seen if you look with a slightly different perspective.

In the Pink, Missoula, Montana

I'm always amazed at how many people bike around Missoula when there's snow. One would think a sassy pink cruiser - with this dandy basket, no less - would bring happy thoughts to dispel some of the winter travel chill. That & Del's Place just down the street.

U of M Bridge View, Missoula, Montana

If you lived on campus at the U of M & walked to Albertson’s for groceries, here’s a view you’d see every time you went shopping.

Still Feeling the Love, Hamilton, Montana

I’m still enjoying my Valentine roses (pink is for beauty or happiness, I've been told - well, that & they were out of red, but what do I care?), & a mushy card written with love, love, love. Every day I think a thankful, “Pinch me…I never thought I could be so blessed…” .

Yellow Wildflowers, Hieronymous Park, Hamilton, Montana

On the radio the other morning, they were saying that Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge near Stevensville, Montana, has yellow buttercups already coming up, due to our mild winter thus far. I thought of the yellow wildflowers shown here, even though I know they aren't buttercups.

Meadow Path, East Missoula, Montana

Winter rambles reveal another lovely side of Montana.
However, it's always important to be aware of where you are & any possible dangers.  Wolves are a hot topic in Montana lately, so I was interested to hear a first-person story from a co-worker. Just after 7:30 this morning, she saw a huge black wolf - with a big, bushy tail -  loping through a west-side pasture only 5 or 4 miles off U.S. Highway 93. This was while driving through an area where homes sit on 5-20+ acre parcels, so it's not exactly off the beaten path. Even a walk down the driveway could involve a close encounter with wildlife, & I'm not just talking squirrels & pheasants. 

Valentine's Motorcycle Connection, Butte, Montana

Hmmmm... connecting this photo with Valentine's Day....Butte, Montana, LOOOVES Evel Knievel, who LOVED motorcycles, & this one features a skull, which is a symbol of the greatest love ever shown.

(How's that? Not bad, if I say so myself.)