Craziness and cancelled trips

Well I broke my cycle of blogging once a week and missed last week to post.  I’ve been super crazy busy at work. I’m training all day again every day for the next few weeks.  Lots going on still with Nanny.  When we moved her into the rehab/assisted living, we knew it wasn’t her final spot. She did so good with her rehab – she has to exercise and on strict diet and is better that I’ve seen her in a few years. A nursing home is right next door to the facility and we were supposed to move her there this weekend.  Unfortunately she fell this morning getting out of bed and reaching for her walker. The walker wasn’t locked and down she went. Fortunately she was exactly where she should be- they quickly helped her and immediately rushed her to get xrays. Nothing is broke- Thank God!! So, now she’ll be staying at the rehab center a little longer.  Lots of red tape too, we have to get her switched from Medicare to Medicaid to pay for the nursing home of our choice.  In meantime, I’ve been driving to east Texas every single weekend which is 4.5 hours round trip. My truck is getting the miles on but what do you do? I will do anything to help Nanny and to spend time with my mom. 

I HAVE been decorating a lot for Holliween , getting ready for my party on October 20.  That makes me happy!

Originally, this weekend was suppose d to be a fun getaway weekend to New Orleans with a couple that are good friends of ours, Thomas and Tammy. Thomas has never been to New Orleans and we booked flights and hotel  around the first of the year. We had been talking about doing this for a few years so we finally made plans.  Then a few weeks ago, Thomas ended up having surgery on his shoulder. He had been having some pains and there was no alternative.  So the trip of course is cancelled.  Todd and I are taking advantage of our vacation day and going to the State Fair of  Texas.  We used to go every year but we didn’t the last 2 years, so I’m excited to eat a Fletchers corn dog and something fried like oreo or snickers.  

Have a great weekend and i'll hopefully have a recap of our day of fun tomorrow for yall next week.

Say a prayer for Nanny too please.

Oh and what is this?  I bought it from Goodwill because it looks vintage and I love it anyways but not sure what its original purpose is for. I'm thinking maybe long matches or straws? It has holes in the back like ventilation.

Getting Nanny settled and North Texas Giving Day

Hey there,
So its been a super crazy busy week.  Last week, I spent Thursday night thru Sunday afternoon in east Texas with my mom and Nanny. Then, Todd had to leave Monday am for trip to California. I feel like we haven't seen each other in forever.  As mentioned in last post, Nanny was released from hospital but cant live in her apartment on her own now. She was admitted into a rehab/assisted living center over the weekend.  She's adjusting really well which makes me feel better. The first night was hard on all of us. Her room was just so sterile and not welcoming. She also got sick that night which I think was her nerves.  The very next morning, we brought her recliner, comforter, blankets, pictures, trinkets and a plant to liven things up a bit.  It was hard for her to realize that she couldn't just shower and eat , etc when she wanted to. She's on a schedule where she's at but its better for her.  Nanny is going to rehab every day to get stronger and she really needed it.  For some time, she sat in her chair in her apartment and got zero exercise.  Time will tell....

Yesterday was North Texas Giving Day and is annual event. It's an online event where several charities are included for awareness and you donate to one or more charity through the North Texas giving day sight. Many charities have had sponsors, etc who will even match the donated amount. I am a volunteer for Refuge for Women. I know I've mentioned before and i'll do a post soon specifically explaining what we're all about.  In Denton ,(where the University of North Texas ) on the town square, several charities set up a booth to also raise awareness locally and hope that people will donate. I worked the later shift so I could attend when I got off work from corporate job.  Sadly, an hour after getting there, some rain and storms were coming in and the winds were picking up so everyone had to take down tents, flyers, etc and it disbanded earlier than planned.  It was fun while it lasted.  

We raised $36,700 dollars!!!

There was a quick storm that went by before I left home and was headed to the event and I was able to take a pic of the pretty rainbow from my patio. 

We have 2 girls graduating from the program tomorrow which is a very big deal. I am so proud to be a volunteer for this group.  Other than that, we are just going to stay close to home and i'm decorating my house with Halloween.   Have a great weekend!!

Celebrations and visits

Hello my blogger friends! How was your Labor Day weekend?
My weekend started off with a great celebration of my 5 year wedding anniversary.  Our tradition is to have dinner at the same restaurant that Todd proposed to me at. Its super nice and I always look forward to knowing we'll go there once a year. The restaurant is called 3 Forks https://www.3forks.com/ and the steaks are amazing!!  We both look forward to the 3forks salad which has blue cheese crumbles and a maple pecan vinaigrette that is incredible.  I also always get a side order of lobster mac n cheese which is my favorite. I always end up taking some home and eating the leftovers the next day. 

They always bring a complimentary slice of cake if you tell them you're celebrating a special occasion

 The following day on Saturday, my cousin Monya and her daughter Emma came by to pick me up and we went to East Texas to visit Nanny and my mom.  It was a nice day of just hanging around and we stayed until after 4 which means we didn't get home until around 6:30.   It was nice to see my mom and I look forward to having her back at my house for a visit soon.  Nanny was doing Ok but I am worried about her. I feel like she's declining slowly . She's doing great for 91 but I see some changes.

Mostly on Sunday and yesterday, we were lazy and sat on couch and watched movies. It was great not going and going.  It rained all day yesterday and it was perfect lazy weather!  We also started watching the series Shameless finally. We're only on season 1 episode 6 now but we're liking it.  A bunch of our friends told us we had to watch it so we're way behind. 
Last month was also my 7 year anniversary for blogging. Its been quite a whirlwind with some lengthy stops in between but I am so glad I started this blog and so very grateful for the friends I've met along the way . 

Happy Tuesday yall!!

Got to keep on moving

Hey there blogger land, how’s everyone been? A week ago last Friday , I had my gallbladder removed. It was a quick surgery done laparoscopically and was home the same day.

After I woke up from recovery and Todd drove us home, I slept all day and all evening and then of course woke up at 2am and couldn’t go back to sleep.  I was so sore and swollen but it got better with every day.  I had a few setbacks and mostly it was all on my being a bad patient.  The worst part was getting into my bed and laying down. Our bed is really really high and it felt like doing stomach crunches when I had to lower myself to lay down.  A few friends told me that they slept in their recliner after they had the same procedure.  I didn’t think about that.   Then one day last week during all those crazy spring storms we had,  our chimney box flew off and slammed into our fence which then caused a portion of our back fence to fall down.  Craziness!  After Todd was able to push the fence back up and secure it as best as he could, I thought it would be a good idea to hang the planter back but of course its much taller than me. I have a small mosaic patio chair by the fence and I stood on it-which caused the chair to sink into the dirt and I fell down.  That stung and brought a few tears but I put an ice pack on my stomach and it was good after a few hours. 

Our mangled chimney box that the winds ripped off a roof and slammed into our fence

The great news is that after 6 weeks, my grandma Nanny was finally released from the hospital.  She had spent the last week in a rehab wing at the hospital and had some physical therapy, etc.   She got to go home to her apartment but she cant be alone. She’s still weak and not so sturdy.  Home health care will be coming 3 times a week and my uncle hired a friend/neighbor to watch over her since she’s closest.  I drove out there on Friday evening to spend her first night with her and she was soooo happy to be in her recliner again.  Its such a miracle! Many nights she actually wasn’t expected to make it and here she is walking and talking back at home again. Thank you for the prayers!

My mom went back home to Montana the Sunday morning after my surgery.  I really wished she could have stayed longer to be there with me at home but it was good to have her take care of me that Friday and Saturday. Nothing like Mom’s sweet gentle hand and voice waking me up to take my pain meds, make me drink something, eat something, etc.   I miss her already.  My best friend Kimi came and spent the afternoon with me and stayed the night on Monday since Todd had to travel out of town. I was still really sore and moving slow and it was good to have her around .  I had to return back to work on Tuesday and the rest of the week but fortunately, I got to work from home.   Last Thursday I also had my first jury duty commitment since we moved.  In fact , next week is our one year anniversary in our  home.  Wow- that went so fast!! Anyway, we were held a few hours and finally released by lunch because the persons who cases were called, didn’t show up and the bailiff said one guy was already in jail.  Yikes!  I did a check in from the courthouse and my friends pitched in with the some hilarious comments .  Here is the post.

Have any of you watched the series Breaking Bad? Todd and I recently got Netflix ( I know – welcome to the rest of the world), and we are “binge watching” this show. Holy Cow it’s intense! We are in Season 3 episode 12 now. There are 13 episodes of this season and 5 seasons total. When Todd travels, I don’t watch it. 

So basically that’s some of my last few weeks in a nutshell. 

A friend of mine was getting onto me on facebook because I was up and about the next day.  First thing that popped in my head was the song-  Nobody’s gonna break my stride- aint nothing going to slow me down- Oh No- I got to keep on moving!....

When life gets hard

Hey everyone ( those that are even still around and didnt give  up on me), i cant believe its been over a month since my last post.  These last few weeks , life has been really hard.  There's always good to mix with it but combined its just been a lot! My mom flew in from Montana on February 16 to stay the month with us. During her long stay, she normally is passed around and stays with other family members  to visit. My grandma ( Nanny) went into the hospital on Saturday morning the 18th and has been there ever since. It began being just routine stay at hospital due to inflammation and swelling in her leg.  Nanny has diabetes and has a bad leg wound that wont heal. Its something we monitor very closely and its no big deal to go for a week once or twice a year to have IV's of antibiotic flow through for the infection and then have a wound nurse treat her leg when shes home.  She went in for that but then other things were found while having tests that werent good.  Things have been very touch and go and there was a few tense days and nights that we weren't sure she was going to make it through the night.   Having Mom here during all this has been a blessing because we've been driving to east Texas every weekend to see Nanny in the hospital and i know it would be even harder if Mom was still in Montana.  Its also been very emotional because for the first few weeks we were told that Nanny would be released so the plan was for Mom to go stay the week with her and take care of her but of course that never happened. Nanny continued to get worse and even had to be transported by ambulance to another hospital that was better equipped to take care of things such as dialysis that the other previous hospital didnt have.  She was in and out in daze and didnt recognize anyone or know why she was there. It was so hard to see her that way. She was swollen and in pain and it was heartbreaking. They got her started on dialysis and it made huge improvements! Nanny is now awake and can talk and recognizes everyone.  She just needs her kidneys to function.  We dont know whats next. Either she will be released to go home and have home healthcare assist and she will continue to get dialysis in nearby town a few times a week  or she may have to go straight to an assisted living center.
Mom has chronic Lupus as i think most of yall are aware of.  Stress makes lupus flare up and she's had some painful Lupus breakouts on her face, in her nose, on her head, etc.  She barely weighs 100 pounds and its been very hard to see Mom break down for fear of losing Nanny.  Emotions have been very high.  She also has very weak immune system due to Lupus which means its not good for her to hang out night and day at a hospital with all the other germs.  She feels bad that she cant be there everyday like her brother ( my uncle).  We 're doing what we can though because the hospital she's in is 3 hours away one way.  A lot of time in the car and that also wears Mom out.
The last 3 weeks i was also in a huge point of my job where i was training classes every day monday thru Friday for 4 hours a day.  That was 2 weeks straight.  There's been a lot of pressure and its still regarding our merge conversion so these people are just not happy at all to switch new systems that i'm training.  I finally was able to take one day off last week so that i could spend the day with Mom and i drove her to the hospital.   We have still managed to do some things that are fun and not stay completely in the house or go to hospital. We've had some visits with my friends that are also friends with Mom.  Mom and i went to see The Shack last Sunday and we've eaten out a lot. Todd has been traveling quite a bit too.
I also have a very very special dear friend that was diagnosed positively with prostrate cancer last week. Dr's said its not growing aggressively but its at medium speed. He goes in for consultation in a few weeks to determine which treatments he'll be doing , etc.   Makes me sad and scared but i know they can beat this since its been found early on.
I know i have also mentioned a few times about my friends grandson in Boston. Ari was on a heart transplant list and was also getting worse every week. Just before Christmas, the Dr's said that Ari couldnt go home until he leaves with a new heart.  By Gods Grace he got his transplant a few weeks ago too.  Just found out today that his little body is rejecting it. THEN their home has black mold and they have to completely demolish the home and rebuild and insurance isnt paying a dime. My poor friends are really dealt with some hard things right now.
I have missed blogging. Usually when i get so super stressed, i blog because it helps and its an emotional outlet. I literally didnt have time or the energy to post until today.  I feel like Debbie Downer and Doom and Gloom but i cant help it.   I am also so thankful and blessed to what i Do have and things going right.
I have missed my blogging friends and i hope 6 weeks dont go by again unless its something wonderful.  Oh and this Friday i am having gallbladder surgery. I've been in lots of pain and looking forward to hoping it eases up.
Life is hard but we just have to keep plugging along and take advantage of all windows of opportunity to do what you can .

Mom and i were in traffic and not even moving for 12 minutes so we took selfie

This is the day that Mom arrived

Quick selfie of brother and me with Mom

Had dinner with inlaws one night

Took Mom for yummy BBQ and fried okra

Lunch with friend Wendy and mom after church

My cousin Monya and myself with our sweet Nanny

Mom and Nanny

When the kids came we got into hot tub later that evening. So fun!

I get by with a little help from my friend

So after last night, that will make 3 times that my dog Lila has had to go to the emergency vet clinic.  She ripped her leg open on something ( we think it was the small fencing around the bushes) and she had stitches put in.  It was on a Wednesday.  The following Friday ( a week ago) , she was able to get the donut off and licked some stitches out. We took her back and they added staples to her stitches.  She had been so good until yesterday. I got home from work and the first thing I've been doing, is look into her kennel to see if she has the donut around her neck.  Nope!! She was able to get out of it and had taken her staples out and a few stitches.  It had been really healing well too.  Todd took her back and this time they used glue. We switched out the collar that goes thru the donut to be tighter so fingers crossed, she can't get out of it.  We've paid a fortune with these vet visits! Like seriously close to a grand. Thank goodness for credit cards.  I just hate that it's just that much longer that she has to wear the donut and be on medication.  I put the cone on her yesterday and she freaked out so bad!!!! It's like she became claustrophobic and was crazy. She pawed at it feverishly and her tongue was out and she took off running and of course ran into things. It was horrible to watch and I started crying because she was so scared. She eventually ran into things and caused it to pop off.  We have no choice but to use the donut. It's less invasive and she can eat with it better.  I had also stopped on the way home last night after work at a thrift store and bought some infant leggings and shorts to put on her and to cover her wound so she could have a break from the cone.  I may try that tonight. Oh the things we do for our pets!

The other night we had a quick storm that came through with crazy winds. Our pool floats were blowing around the backyard and the dogs were watching out our glass door . I laughed so hard when I saw Lila leaning against Jax and he let her for at least a good minute or so.  Time enough to grab the photo.  

So this week has been the start of the funerals for our Dallas officers that were killed a week ago today.  It's been crazy with the POTUS here and literally hundreds of officers from other states, cities and Canada.  It's been solemn. 

Today was wear blue to support the police.  Have y'all heard any of the speeches from our Chief Brown? He's been amazing and such a great leader.  

My mom is in town and has been staying with my grandma for the last few weeks. It's my turn for her to visit and so Todd is picking her up today from east Texas and she will stay with us until she leaves Tuesday morning.  I'm so happy to have her back .  I only get to see mom once a year if I'm lucky so twice is so awesome! 

Have a great weekend. 

Inching along

Wow- I totally didn’t expect to be gone for so long.  Mom left to go back home to Montana this past Saturday.  I really enjoyed having her for the last few weeks.  Her chronic illness Lupus really determines our days. There would be 2 or 3 days in a row each week where her biggest accomplishment would be getting out of bed and maybe dressed.  We had so many things we wanted to do but never did get to them.   I am so grateful for my job and my bosses who allowed me to work from home to keep her company and not be alone.  One week I had classes every day and I went into the office the first part of day but then would come home during lunch hour for rest of the day.  I am so blessed!  Just having Mom in the room or the next room when I was in office was comforting.   My baby brother Jeremy, my SIL Sarah and my nieces Maci and Brynna came down one weekend to spent time with Mom and the following weekend that came again minus Sarah. It was so awesome having my family all together. My grandmother Nanny also came to stay 4 nights with us so she could continue her visit with Mom and to see rest of the family. My cousin Jadona came over one night when everyone was there and we had a nice big family dinner. Mom did get to eat out at a few of her favorite spots before she left so all is good there too.  My heart was full and happy that weekend for sure. 

My last post I mentioned walking away from a house that we had contract on. The inspection showed too many big things that would be very costly and it didn’t work out.  Fast forward a few days later from losing that house, and Todd found a house he loved.  With the market as crazy as it is- we literally put contract on the house sight unseen from me.  Todd tried to facetime me but the screens kept switching sideways to upways (?) and I had to hang up. I told him it was like watching Blair Witch project and I was getting dizzy).  I got to see the house the day we had that house inspected and it’s a GO.  There are a few things on our priority list to be fixed but its basically move in ready and we are closing in just a few weeks.  Mom was with me when we got to see the house for the first time and I ‘m so happy she got to see it. Now she can visualize what I’m talking about when we’re in the house. Oh and we have a pool!! Yippee!!

Now it goes without saying that my stress level is off the charts right now! Todd is traveling every week now and has been gone for 3 nights almost every week.  We don’t have a single box packed. I did bring home some boxes though last night so that makes me happy.  Baby steps and deep breaths.  I have soooo much stuff to move that its overwhelming.  I tossed it back and forth on whether I should have a garage sale or not.  Trouble is closing is in a few weeks but we have Easter this weekend so I don’t see much packing being done.  I’d rather take time to pack and be ready then to use 2 days for a garage sale. I can always have a sale at new house.  I have donated tons of stuff on a weekly basis too so that helps.   But, if I had a garage sale that would be less to move and the money could go towards the boxes and moving company.  Ugh- so undecided!

So that’s what I’ve been up to.  Its very stressful to get all the upteen million documents to the mortgage company, prep for moving, include family visits in there, all while working full time job.  Going crazy for sure. I have had a few days of depression but I’m sure it was stemmed from the stress too. 

Have a wonderful Easter this weekend everyone.  Todd and I are dividing and conquering this holiday. He’s going to our church and then to his parents house where my inlaws and brother n law and sis nlaw will be. I am going to church at my aunts with my grandma Mimi and stepmom Deb, then having lunch at my cousins house.  Its important to spend time with my stepmom right now.  I haven’t seen her much this last month and this is a first of many holidays without Daddy.  Oh and did any of yall catch last Sunday’s TV special  The Passion that was written by Tyler Perry and in New Orleans?  Holy Cow was that so cool!! They basically told the story while using current rock and country songs.  Amazing!!

Miss yall and I promise I’ll be back one day and my hope once moved to go back to old self who blogged weekly.  

Knowing when to walk away

Happy Friday y'all!!!  I cant even tell you how happy I am for this week to be over.  It  has been a very stressful week for myself and Todd.  I don't think I mentioned that we have been actively looking to buy a home these last few months.  You guys, Dallas made the national news a month ago about the real estate boom for sellers.  Several large corporations are moving their headquarters to DFW area and have already started buying up homes. Toyota from California, Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Pizza Hut are the ones I can think of right now that have moved to Texas. 
Homes are selling within hours.  Hours- folks!!  When we go see a house with our realtor, there are at least 4 to5 other realtors with their folks so you have close to 20 people looking at same house at same time.  We called one house to make appt and they said we were welcome to come see it but there was already 21 contracts turned in.  Its been very deflating.  We had contract on a house I loved 2 weeks ago but our contract wasn't accepted. Then we saw a house last Friday ( a week ago today) and fell in love. It was extra special because my Mom was with us and got to see the house too. We had contract to them that evening and our contract was accepted the following day. Earnest money was paid and the option fee paid to have the week for inspector.  Our inspection was scheduled for Tuesday and we met the inspector when he was done at the house. Long story short, it failed miserably. Way too many serious things that needed repaired and very costly.  My friend said it best when she said the seller put lipstick on a pig.  It had so many beautiful updates and renovations and to the first glimpse it looked great. Truth was he didn't do any of it right or up to code. There was structural damage, large plumbing problem, and electrical box was shot.  That was just to name a few but was the most costly.  Our inspector was amazing! So thorough and detailed and I am very appreciative of that.
Todd and I had a powwow and decided to go with our gut feeling and we walked away. I signed the contract last night stating that we our not buying the house.  I become very private when large things like buying a house are happening.  Todd was very excited and told his family and some friends. I then caught on to the excitement and told my family and friends.  I was so embarrassed to announce last night to everyone - Oops, spoke to soon and its not happening.  Lesson learned that we are not to say ONE SINGLE WORD until contract is signed and keys are in hand.
My stress level has been through the roof. I've had a migraine since Monday and my face is breaking out like a teenager.  I am not cut out for this.  Maybe its just too soon to be doing something so big while i'm on verge of literally having nervous breakdown.  Not to mention how much money we're out for inspection and the option fee that we don't get back.  I am relieved that we didn't get ourselves into a house that is a Money Pit though.

On the good news, I am working half day today and driving to East Texas to pick up both my grandma Nanny and Mom. They both will stay all week with us next week. My brother Jeremy and his wife and my nieces are driving in tonight from Oklahoma to stay the weekend and visit . I am excited to have a full house of family.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Reasons to celebrate!

Hey everyone, how's everyone doing?  I am doing OK.  I can go 2 days in a row now without crying but I still cry on the other days.  I'm super busy at work and that has helped a lot! I like staying busy and occupying my time with distractions.
Last week, we celebrated my grandmother Mimi's 88th birthday. We had a nice little party at a restaurant that was centrally located between all of us.  We had a big long table in the back room and really had a nice evening.  Everyone was there and my stepmom Deb came too. I was so glad she came.  She also surprised along with Mimi,  my 2 aunts Brenda and Tammy and myself with a wonderful gift for us.  She had got a thumb print taken from  Dad before they took him away for cremation. There is a place that makes jewelry with the thumb print and on the other side a picture . I love it so much .  We all cried of course when we opened it.  I've worn it every day. 

I forgot if I mentioned to you also the place we were told about that makes jewelry from flowers? At Daddy's memorial, a cousin told us of this place that you send them a box of flowers used from the funeral, memorial, birthday's , etc.  They can make rosaries, earrings, belt buckles, a list of stuff.  I sent them a box a few weeks ago and it takes about 6 weeks for everything to be ready. My aunt, Mimi and Deb all wanted a rosary. I am getting a necklace and bracelet. I cant wait to show yall when I receive them.  If anyone is interested, leave me a comment and I can tell you the website.  Its a gal that does it out of Illinois.

Did I tell you that I bought a ticket for my mom to come visit from Montana last month? Well that time finally arrived and she got here this past Saturday.  Its sooo good to have her here.  Sometimes you just need your Mom and I don't want to even think about her leaving soon. I did book her ticket though to stay a month. Its been since my wedding that she's been here in Texas so she has family to visit.  The week after next I will have both my grandma Nanny and Mom here and that will be awesome too! My friend Kimi came by on Sunday to visit Mom and tonight my cousin Jadona and friend Di are coming over to visit. Mom makes an amazing spaghetti so dinner tonight is going to be yummy! Lots of visitors here and there but also she's had time for lots of rest.  Remember she has chronic Lupus and not in best health either. 

I am working from home this week so I can be with Mom and I am so very grateful to be able to do that. Its been raining and storming the last few days so good lazy days around the house.
I ran out of the sessions that was given to me from EAP for my counseling.  I then called our insurance through Todd's job and I got 3 more free sessions.  I need to book those soon.  I really do enjoy the counseling and not ready to be done just yet. I will admit that they haven't called me ( the counseling office) and were supposed to check through my insurance and call me back and never did.  I think I fell through the cracks but I wont blow them off just yet.

So that's it for now. I know my blogging has been sporadic. I want to get back in the groove. I will.  Don't give up on me. 

Missing Montana

Ok so it's been 4 weeks since I was in Montana and I'm just now sharing with y'all about my trip.  It started first with the quick wedding in Idaho that I posted about already.  From there we flew into Helena that Sunday after the wedding and arrived around 3 and was at home at moms by 3:45 after renting car and grabbing luggage.   This was the first time to have Todd with me and his first time to Montana.  Both of us had discussed that this trip was more about visiting Mom then doing lots of touristy stuff.  I originally wanted to drive to West Yellowstone so Todd could say he's been to Yellowstone and also see more wildlife.  It's a few hours away one direction so we opted out this time. We still did some fun stuff though and it was relaxing which is what we both needed.  

One day we went into Butte which is only 20 miles away and we did a historical walking underground tour.  That was very cool and Todd really enjoyed it. Our tour guide did a great job but Todd and I had some laughs later about him. I'll just add that he was from Colorado and he was late coming in for the tour and his eyes were a little red.  lol 

For the most part we didn't do a whole lot which was perfect. Mom lives at the base of a national forest so I took Todd for a couple of nice drives that are my favorite scenic routes. I did the driving so Todd could look at the scenery and for wildlife.  In fact, one day going to Helena, he saw a bear running up a wooded cliff. 

We saw a bunch of deer but we have lots of deer in Texas. It was open season for bow and arrow and we passed dozens of hunters on our drive. I would roll my windows down and tell the deer to run. Lol.   I saw some eagles and that was cool.  We saw everything from moose to elk as we get closer to Yellowstone but we didn't go that direction on this trip. One of my favorite highlights was staying a night at the Boulder Inn.  It's this old hotel that has hot springs and saunas.  We swam when we checked in and I also went swimming earlier the next morning before breakfast.   It was chilly and rainy but the water is warm and felt so great.  

All around where mom lives are old mining towns and i showed Todd a little deserted place that's cool to walk around.   It was a great trip and I want to go back. Texas missed the memo that it's fall and it's still been hot everyday.  

So here are some pics of our trip.....

My eagles i saw across from mom's porch. i have video too...

Continental Divide close to Butte

snow on the mountains 

Boulder Inn

magpies

Hutterites

Town Pump burritos are the best

Evil Knievel

Population was still around 3

gorgeous cathedral in Helena

We had layover in Salt Lake City so here is just before landing:

So believe it or not , these aren't all the pictures I took.  I held back . Lol.   Have a great Monday yall!