Reflections On Change - Grant Creek, Missoula, Montana

“We talk about “circumstances over which we have no control.”

None of us have control over our circumstances, but we are responsible for the way we pilot ourselves in the midst of things as they are.Two boats can sail in opposite directions in the same wind, according to the skill of the pilot. The pilot who conducts his vessel on to the rocks says he could not help it, the wind was in that direction; the one who took his vessel into the harbour had the same wind, but he knew how to trim his sails so that the wind conducted him in the direction he wanted. The power of the peace of God will enable you to steer your course in the mix-up of ordinary life.” 

-OswaldChambers (1874-1917), from “The Moral Foundation of Life” and “Knocking at God’s Door” (via Discovery House Publishers' “Peace” devotion plan in You Version app or www.utmost.org)

On Becoming Less - North-Central Montana

"He walked out slowly, past the bookcase...[of] books he had read and reread...plenty of poetry...that stayed in your heart [including a] well used [Dante's] Inferno. It was so appropriate. If a man could only learn that you are punished not for the sin, but by it, and you thus become less than you could have been, how much that would change you." 
-Lucas Standish musing in Death in Focus by Anne Perry , p.36

Slow Autumn - Grant Creek, Missoula, Montana

....odd to see an abundance of green leaves AFTER we've had our first snow! But the inevitable change is underway... 

 

September Snow - Missoula, Montana

After some pseudo-snow-spit last night, the forecast downfall materialized for real (shocker!) this morning in Missoula town proper. But I'm thankful it's not the 2-feet-&-counting in Browning & other Montana towns further north.

(And still my summer petunias bloom fiercely on...)

 

Encircling Clouds - Near-ish Missoula, Montana

Aaaaand they say the Missoula, Montana, area may receive record-breaking snow this weekend....!

Should make for an interesting experience at the Robert Plant concert in Kettlehouse's outdoor river ampitheatre... venue notes say the show will go on, rain or shine!

"Clouds are round about You...shadows veil Your eyes...."

Summer's Last Hurrah - Missoula, Montana

Yesterday's last of the sweet summer sunshine over the Missoula International Airport was a lovely welcome home - and a perfect reason to ride bikes down to get some Sweet Peaks ice cream! 
(New fall flavours - &, yes, we tasted them ALL! Yummmmmm!!!) 

Beargrass Close - Rogers Pass, Montana

"...The reason we love it so much is that it takes us back to winter, our bikes somehow feel like we’re riding lightest and deepest snow, only at 75 degrees and in short sleeves. Riding through fields exploding in the white, softball size blooms of the bear grass, many at perfect handlebar height, can be just as much fun as skiing the best run of the winter...." 
 -Phil Grove, from Ben's Beargrass, 21 May 2018 essay at Eskapee 

July Beargrass On The Continental Divide - Rogers Pass, Montana

Other-worldly beargrass, blooming late in the season, beckons to come further up the mountain path at the top of the Continental Divide at Rogers Pass (elevation 5610 ft)
(Alas, we did not heed the call, partly because we are more akin now to City Mouse and are dreadfully afraid of bears...)