Category: Front Porch Musings

I am very much “bah, humbug” about New Year’s Eve. I think it is silly.

I might be in the minority.

Anyway.

It is still cold.

BUT – the sun is shining!

It might not be clear, but Auggie’s face is expressing dissatisfaction at the difference between how it looks and how it is.

It is cold, despite how it looks!

Oh, well.

Onward.

We did all go out now and again…VERY briefly, though.

Mid-afternoon, it was 12F and Bear did enjoy some time on Beardog Point.

Meanwhile…black-eyed peas are on the simmer for New Year’s Day.

And my New Year’s Eve entertainment…some Tony Hillerman books made into TV episodes…south western mysteries to watch.

Wishing all a safe and Happy New Year’s Eve.

It was -3F when I got up this morning just after 5:00 a.m. By 8:00, it was -8 … almost -9F before it started warming up.

Thankfully, the wind had calmed and I’m guessing the plows worked through the night because the road report looked a great deal better this morning than last night.

Shortly before 10:00 a.m., figuring the “go to work” folks were mostly AT work, Bear and I headed to town for a few grocery items. We stopped at the dump on the way. This particular dump is situated a bit south of the southern end of Flathead Lake.

The sun and the mist rising from the lake made for some beautiful scenes:

As I was sitting and looking and taking photos, I was reminded of a January day in 2003 when I took photos with my very first digital camera: A Canon Digital Elph. It was 4F and I took several photos of the house and property I owned at the time and then used Canon’s “stich” software to make them a panorama photo. I use this panorama as a header on my work website ( www.beardogco.com ). I still love the result and remember with absolute clarity, snowshoeing up to the spot to take the photos, with Karl alongside. It is a good memory.

Montana in the cold.

We did not see “three ships come sailing in”, but we could have – Christmas morning was clear. The sun rose into a blue, blue sky and although there was no fresh now, the slushy stuff from Christmas Eve Day was still there and in better condition for walking around as it got cold overnight.

The woods sparkled.

A walk and a treat…

And then all off to Beardog Point. I followed with a cup of coffee and enjoyed the glorious morning with Bear and Auggie and remembering joyful childhood Christmas mornings and mornings with all my dear pets: Jake, Zack, Gus, Karl and Bob.

We had a stellar day of outings, treats all around and a late afternoon dinner of prime rib roast which we all had a bit of and plenty left over for Christmas Week nibbling.

Thanks to all who sent emails, cards and comments and hope all who visit here had a wonderful and blessed Christmas Day!

This morning started with a skiff of frozen slush…then it started raining…and finally, the rain changed to snow.

Headed for a White Christmas!

Last night (Tuesday night), I shaped dough for morning bagels…

Yum-a-dum-dum! Fresh baked bagels with lox, goat cheese, capers and onions.

The snow kept falling and Auggie went as far as the end of the sidewalk “moat” before turning around…

Now and again the last week, I’ve had a Christmas “sweet” recipe on the counter, but my sweet tooth lay dormant and what really sounded good was citrus.

Cara cara oranges have been available and inspired by a Smitten Kitchen recipe ( Endive with oranges and almonds ), I’ve been making a romaine/orange/almond salad dressed with a gorgonzola vinaigrette.

Pretty AND good!

Headed for a White Christmas: Christmas Eve Day at noon.

It is December 20.

Five days until Christmas.

Here, in Northwest Montana, we should be knee deep in snow.

But, we are not. The ground is mostly bare.

Sad.

But inside the house…

Soft light…

I LOVE the new furniture arrangement…the chair in the kitchen with ottoman and lamp… It has changed my routine for the better. Hard to explain, but in some way, it helped to separate work/non work and I am actually getting to my desk for “work” more timely.

And evenings – EVENINGS!! – I have had evenings.

Auggie’s room….

The bedroom…sanctuary…peace.

Fireside…Bear’s room…

Soft Light…December.