Waffle Iron, Missoula, Montana

Given my attraction to the industrial milieu, it’s pretty perfect that I spend my work day surrounded by the very same. The break room back door overlooks a machine yard, outdoor picnic tables provide views of the train tracks, and a sunny yellow crane is directly opposite today’s shady lunch spot on the south lawn. Weather in the 70s plus mechanical vistas - life is grand! Maybe I'll top it off with waffles for supper. (Now where did that come from?)

Undaunted Sprout, Missoula, Montana

"Up in the valley of the Jolly Green Giant
Lived a fellow named the Little Green Sprout..."

Okay, it's not deep, but it's honest - that's what popped into my head when my little eye espied this persistent  new shoot. I don't even know what Little Green Sprout's story is - I mean, I was 4 when he made his big debut, so all I noticed was his adorable factor was off the charts. But now that I'm older, mature, I want to know: Does Sprout have anything inspiring to say about pushing through, undaunted, even if you're planted in a rocky place? Or is he truly just a cute little green guy who chats about nutrition with a friendly farmer? (Interestingly, said farmer suspiciously resembles the guy in the blue hat in the Keebler elf commercial. Perhaps he made a sideways career change - still working with diminutive cartoon-world citizens, but of a different genre.)
That's all I've got. Think deep thoughts, grow tasty fruit.

Scenic Carving, Missoula, Montana

The river trail behind the Missoula Osprey's ball field features several timberframe shelters crafted with traditional joinery techniques by the Timber Framers Guild. They provide a useful place to sit and enjoy the view or wait out a spring rain shower. I noticed that each unique shelter and bench along this section of trail was donated in memory of a person or organization. And, if you look up, you'll see this extra touch of beauty added to the inner cross timbers of one structure.

Whoville Home, Missoula, Montana

If you lean close and listen very intently (think big ears a la Horton), you might hear the Whos…

Brush The Descending Blue, Missoula, Montana

“The glassy pear tree leaves and blooms, they brush
The descending blue; that blue is all in a rush
With richness;….”

From “Spring” by Gerard Manley Hopkins

(Love that guy!)

Lilac Snow Cone, Missoula, Montana

File this photo under “Things You Don’t Expect To See Out Your Bedroom Window After You’ve Packed Away Your Sweaters.“ 
After eating my lunch in my shirtsleeves on my personal balcony (read: the industrial stairway from our break room down to the equipment yard), I could almost go for a snowcone. Hard to imagine Missoula woke to snow yesterday morning.
While a spring snow flurry is fascinating and beautiful, it also brings the possible danger of freezing new plant shoots. Fruit trees are particularly vulnerable, as below zero temps at just the wrong time will kill off the buds that would have become a food crop.

Mow or Snow?, Missoula, Montana

We looked outside during band practise last night to see fluffy and flurrious snow wafting across the glorious view of the Missoula valley.  And just when I was planning when to next mow the lawn at the little house in Hamilton....  But it is supposed to be 70 degrees tomorrow, so no reprieve of yard work for me.

Sparkle Rock, Missoula, Montana

Hmmm.... Sparkle Rock could be the name of a zesty girl band. And they could say they were inspired by this week's zesty graphics on the river trail graffiti mural.
Which lends justification to all manner of wardrobe, makeup, and hair accessory fun! Not to mention instrument decor.
The "Rose Is Rose" mom alter ego could totally head up this project! 
Any other imaginary nominees?