Friday, July 25, 2014

The Kolden Report: Sister's Trip, 2014. Final Installment: The road home.

Hello, kids!



Our final day with Mom and Dad broke sunny and cold.  The frost was definitely "on the pumpkin"!



Pops.



We three sisters, prepared for our journeys home. 



We took turns taking photos with each other, the thought never far from my mind that we never know what day will be our LAST. 



Mom was having fun.  Dad?  Maybe not so much...




Easy to see who's hand Penny got.


The girls are finding it humorous!



And Dad is ready for a nap. 


The part I dislike, is saying goodbye.  (Penny at the airport.)  To cheer us, we called Penny on her cell, just as she was to board and sang her a song from our youth.  ("Why do you build me up Buttercup? ", by the New Foundation.)  The singing was followed by another fit of hysterical laughter, as none of us can sing!

Cindy and I headed back to Billings to return the minivan and fly home.




No matter where I go in Montana, I always find unique landscapes. 



Barn wood, extraordinaire.


Original hay sculpture!  So creative...



Who knew there was a Montana bale trail?  www.montanabaletrail.com



LOVE to see the wind farms.  Why not harness the power of nature?  Some opponents feel that the birds who die via wind turbine, outweigh the benefits.    I say, "ARE YOU NUTS?"  Wind is clean, infinite and FREE.  Nothing is disturbed in it's making and no pollutants come from wind.  Yes, I suppose some birds die in collisions with the turbines but how many?  Can't be more than a handful and if you weigh the good....it's a no brainer! 


Would love to come back and travel across the bridge and on this "road less traveled", one day.



Back in Billings, we hooked up with Cindy's daughter, Shandy.



This is what happens when you make crazy faces in front of my camera.


At the airport, going home.



The Cape Air in flight magazine!


Shelly, guiding us "home".


Thanks for the safe flight, boys!

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." - Saint Augustine

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www.thekoldenreport.blogspot.com





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Thursday, July 24, 2014

The Kolden Report: Sister's Trip, 2014. The critters next door.

     Hello, kids!

I know you are all surprised to see SNOW but that gives you an indication of how very far behind I am!  S-l-o-w-l-y, I'm catching up. 

One of Mom and Dad's next door neighbors has some interesting pets.  Mom loves to go see them!  

WARNING: 

For those of you who do not enjoy snakes, go no further!




















This fella was moving slowly, due to the cold weather.






I was fascinated. 






The fact that the stripe on his head matches his EYES, is FREAKY!






Checking me out.





He eats rather infrequently.   Frozen rats and mice are his meals.





Friends?





The colors are amazing.  No wonder people loved purses and shoes out of snake skin!



Work of art.



Jealous dog.



So sad.


Face of an angel?



Little pistol!


Who me?

Up next:  The road home.

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"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms." - George Elliot

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www.kittykolden.com
www.thekoldenreport.blogspot.com

Monday, July 21, 2014

The Kolden Report: Sister's Trip, 2014. Winter again?

Hello, kids!

It is not unusual for snows in late March in Montana.  I felt bad for Mom and Dad because they really didn't want to deal with snow but, you take what you get and you don't throw a fit!



We could barely get the front door open, due to heavy snowfall.  MUCH had fallen overnight.



Penny had knitted the hat for Cindy but had to borrow it for a day.  



Cindy's muscles.  (Dad was stuck in a drift so we girls shoveled and pushed until we got him out.)



I LOVE this picture.  I call my sisters "Captain and Tenille". 



Yes, we girls are in our pajamas and sweat pants....


Some streets had been plowed and Dad took for me a spin around town.  It was pretty white!


Bangs of ice?



Looks like winter to me.



Frost floating over cattails.



Melting from the roof.



Wheel of fortune?



I heard Mom and Dad say, on more than one occasion, "Maybe we came home too soon?"



But it was beautiful!  And moisture is always appreciated in my world. 

Up next:  Do dogs like snakes? 

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" In dwelling, live close to the ground.  In thinking, keep to the simple.  In conflict, be fair and generous.  In governing, don't try to control.  In work, do what you enjoy.  In family life, be completely present." - Lao Tzu

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www.thekoldenreport.blogspot.com
www.kittykolden.com




Sunday, July 20, 2014

The Kolden Report: Sister's Trip, 2014. Geraldine or BUST.

Hello, kids!



Hairy berries.



Nice sign!



Penny, taking it all in.



Lots to see! 


I can only imagine the day when buffalo hunting was an occupation, for the whites ...



...and "subsistence" for the natives.



Mom, checking closely.



Stained glass window.



Family, listening carefully.



Telling the story.



What's so funny?



And Mamma in her kerchief....



Tchotchkes.  Of stained glass!  Beautiful.



Diamond back.

Next stop:  Great Falls.  We hit the grocery store and continued on to Geraldine under gray skies.  Soon, snow began to fall.  By the time we arrived Geraldine, a full of blizzard had ensued.



Gonna be white out, in the morning.



Mom and Penny, leaving the restaurant after dinner.    Yes, it's gonna be white tomorrow. 

Up next:  We left Arizona for THIS?

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"Positive feelings come from being honest about yourself and accepting your personality, and physical characteristics, warts and all; and, from belonging to a family that accepts you without question." - Willard Scott
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www.thekoldenreport.blogspot.com
www.kittykolden.com