Belt Montana

Whew it's been awhile since I've last posted. Somehow I missed the month of May all together, too much time on Pinterest I guess.   ;)

We're here in "Belt" Montana, approx. 20 miles from "Great Falls", hubby is working on another job here for about a month. We pulled the RV over last weekend and set up house for awhile. I'll be back and forth throughout the month. I enjoy exploring new towns and meeting new folks...a fun way to be with hubby on jobs and see this amazing state.

Our RV tucked in behind the trees.

Belt's a very small town tucked into the base of the Belt Mountains. This area is known for it's great artisan and limestone water wells. They actually have two nice micro breweries in town and I've been told that other breweries in the state purchase the water here...because it's good for making beer, go figure.

We're staying at the "Fort Ponderosa RV Park", right outside of town, under new ownership,  a country western feel, very clean, green grass, large trees, very quiet, with interesting old western antiques throughout the property.

I had fun walking around today taking photos and listening to the owner (Carol) share about the old 100 year old barn, old mining carts, wagon wheels, a child's teeter-totter (I love those kind) and this property they purchased over a year ago. The place is charming, they've worked real hard to restore this business. I was so inspired hearing her story and how they left Sandpoint Idaho to come to Montana and to start a new life and business.

Come along for some more photos....and meet "Carol".

Tenting area.

Meet "Carol", owner, she's originally from PA, back east, we hit it off, gee I wonder why...check out the cool teeter-totter!

The scullery is for the "tenters" to use to wash their dishes if they want.

Just one of the old buildings located on the property.



100 year old barn (new roof) that came with the property.

Office









A true "Montana" western RV experience!!!!

The Great Falls of the Missouri

Had the pleasure of visiting the "Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center" in Great Falls Montana last week. History is normally not one of my interests, BUT this adventure was different!

I had an afternoon to kill while waiting for hubby to get off work. I had heard many good reports about this place, including from my husband who is a history lover especially when it comes to anything about "Lewis & Clark".

I enjoyed the overlooks and the pedestrian trail to "Giant Springs Heritage State Park". The Missouri was so calm and tranquil, I was amazed how still it felt with five sets of falls. The snow has melted and the native plants and grasses were still looking dormant, but soon the area will be green and full of life.

The center a "state of the art" facility, beautifully done, with a self guided tour walking you through the entire journey of the expedition. The theater showed movies every hour with historical talks given by the volunteers. I was amazed how taken in I was, I felt like I was re-living the journey with Lewis & Clark.

I was there 4 hours, had to leave because they closed at 5 pm only to drive across the river to pick up hubby to enjoy the scenic drive home to Philipsburg. This is a must see if your ever in the area.

Great Falls MT Part 2

Enjoyed my stay here this past week. The down town area so nice, full of fun shops, interesting people, and art! Who knew...apparently there is large art walk coming up the end of March which draws in all kinds of folks to purchase or just view.

Charles Russell is one famous western artist around these parts. His work will be on display for the art walk along with many other western artists.

Kid Russell and Monte...circa 1889

Fun flower shop, kitchen shop, thrift stores,  and antique shops (I didn't score a thing there Amy "Blissful Bloom", high prices). But I sure had fun visiting with the sales associates, they shared great history about the place and where to eat and visit etc... Fort Benton about 30 miles away is a must see apparently, they all mentioned it. In July the fort has a huge arts & crafts fair...sounds like fun.

And then...one of my favorite places to visit was there "Real Deals", small store, but staged so darling. The gals were so nice, found a couple of things there. And then there was this double caned black wooded chair, fell in love with it, it's calling out to me!!! It's a little on the pricey side, I think, so we'll see. But it would look so great in my house.

The cool double chair I'm coveting.

Hope you enjoyed a little bit of Great Falls gals! I'll be back in a couple of weeks doing more exploring and taking more photos.

Road Trip to Great Falls MT

Rocky Mountain Range...the view goes all the way up to Canada.

My first time to Great Falls Montana. We took a glorious road trip yesterday, the sun was shinning, and the mountains were covered in snow, gorgeous views. I can't get over how many bawled eagles we see during the winter months around here, their everywhere, such a treat!

Hubby's working in Great Falls for a few months, so blessed, great job, this looks to be a 5-6 month run. Great Falls is only 3 hours from our place, he's home on weekends. I'm joining him this week and looking forward exploring some new territory, the old down town looks really cool, nice shops, coffee houses, etc.

Great Falls is located in the central part of the state on the prairie with two large rivers, the Missouri and the Sun Rivers flowing through the town.

Here's a peek at our road trip and those "Rockies"!

Driving through a cozy mountain town of "Lincoln MT", before leaving the mountains and entering the the flat prairies of Great Falls.

Such a contrast after leaving the mountians to this look, only about 45 miles to Great Falls from here.

We were amazed how we could see the Rocky Mountain range all the way up to Canada from this vantage point.

Our bird (Luigi) loves to travel, she does so well in the car.

"Winter Garden"

Day Light

The weather man says, "SNOW is coming and a LOT of it". Yikes...he's saying we'll get feet not inches this week. Well...bring it on, love the beauty of winter around here. We certainly need the moisture to keep our fire season under control this summer.

Now my indoor winter decor will match the outside decor! I've always cherished one of my "Bunnies By The Bay" bunny. Love her ivy leaf dress and winter berry details. But most of all her wooden sign around her neck that says, "Winter Garden". I believe I was with my sis in one of her hometown shops years ago when I found her. She brings out the little girl in me (always loved my dolls).

Found these pretty glittered branches at "Pier 1" last week, only $3 dollars each on Christmas clearance. Picked up six of those and displayed them around the house. I glitzed up my "willow branches" in the entry way, there's nothing like a little sparkle against lights to make it feel like snow inside.

Night Light

Stay tunned for those "snow pics" soon to come! 

Happy New Year 2012

So...here we are, back home from a wonderful Christmas holiday with our families in Portland Oregon and Tri-Cities Washington. Whew...busy time, but so great to spend time with our families.

My husband's family in Portland Oregon on Christmas Eve



With my sister and family Christmas Day in Tri-Cities WA

Enjoying our traditional "Italian" meal at my sister's Christmas day.

Now it's time to take down our lovely tree, and put away all the decorations for another year. I do enjoy the lights and sparkle of Christmas decor. I always leave up my winter snowmen though and enjoy the whimsical fun they bring throughout the winter months in this wintry wonderland.

We've been having some beautiful sunsets lately, warmer days, and not much snow for this time of the year. We've been taking our daily walks meandering through the back roads of our development. Love walking in the winter in bright sunlight enjoying how the snow sparkles like diamonds in the sunlight. And working off those extra pounds from all the goodies we've enjoyed throughout the holidays.

Happy New Year to all of you and my the Lord continue to watch over you and keep you safe and healthy. May all of us stay focused on Him as we walk through this next year of uncertainty and challenges that we will all face.

Praying for God to extend His grace and mercy upon our country during these difficult times when many folks want to turn away from Him and lead in their own strength. Praying for our nation and our upcoming elections, for God's BEST to lead our nation and reunite our people to trust and depend on Him once again. Hopeful, if you know Jesus, there is HOPE in HIM.