Visit Canyon Ferry Lake 2016: Clear and Bluer than Blue

                                      click link   Canyon Ferry Lake--August 21, 2016 (photo credit MAS)


If you are thinking about a getaway in the late summer or fall 2016--check out Canyon Ferry Lake, Montana. This year we have been blessed with an algae-free swimming, fishing and recreational opportunities.

There are numerous day campgrounds, Court Sheriff is one of my favorites. Enjoy a day of fishing with boat ramps available; some with a fee and others free. In addition, there are private and public facilities available, but call first to make sure there is a space that fits your needs.

We stopped by the somewhat recently established Norwegian Wood & Highlander Bar & Grill.

                                                                   

                                                           Scottish Highlander Example 
 
As most locals will tell you the golf and restaurant was the Mickey Mouse Ranch owned by Harold and Carmen Poulsen. We spent many enjoyable spring days watching the Scottish Highland calves.    I hadn't been back since they sold their Mickey Mouse Ranch. The Poulsons spent some 53 years making things nice and having one heck of a good time together.

Harold Poulson passed away on the very same day of my return on August 21, 2016. He was 90 years young.What a wonderful life Carmen and Harold enjoyed.

Mary Anne Simpson's Somewhat Perfect Day In Photos

                                         Bicycle Tower Outside Cinemark 8 Theater

Jason Bourne did not disappoint.  There's a good chance we will see him again sometime. Hopefully sooner than the last time we met up.

 Loving these interesting coffee drinks @Starbucks and super customer service.                                                   

                                             
Fish Tacos with Kate & Gracie and a new hat & necklace.

A big shout out to all my friends and families on Facebook who took the time to wish me a joyful day.  Thanks to my brother for the funny card and Mark for the always enjoyable phone call.  I'm looking forward to a weekend meetup with Derek, Kaitlyn and Harlow.

Thanks Canada for the cold snap and the beautiful rain.  I was hoping it would rain all day. but as a nightcap it will do. Lastly, thank you John Irving for writing Avenue of Mysteries.
                                                    

Boston Strong - Carole King & James Taylor - "Up on the Roof" - LIVE

Don't Throw That Rock--It May Be A Collector's Item

Larry Eichhorn, (Montana Standard Photo)

Montana is called the "Treasure State", but who knew it is home to a variety of fossilized sea creatures such as nautilus, clams, coral and star fish. Some 250 to 450 million years ago Montana like most of the region was covered by a shallow inland sea.

Recently, I attended the Helena Mineral, Gem and Fossil Show. The price of admission for adults was a mere $2.00, but the education and fun was worth a ticket to Disneyland.  The Helena Mineral Society hosted the event with contributors from around the state.  The hands on panning for garnets and other crystals cost 50 cents. Additionally, the society members offered an in depth discussion of the history and identification of various rocks and crystals. Including sapphires, agates, garnets and many more.

Montana offers families the opportunity to get outside and enjoy its rich geological history. The Montana Standard Newspaper shared the story of Larry Eichhorn, known as fossil man. It is a great read so please click on the link. For more information about Montana's paleontology and geological
history check out Wikipedia Montana Paleontology.

Spring is here in Montana and the weather is fine. If you are looking for a great place to travel the by ways and back roads in search of some mighty fine rocks--Think Montana.

Links for Montana: Geology.com

Year of the Red Monkey--February 4, 2016

According to Chinese Fortune Calendar February 4, 2016 (4713th Chinese Year) is the first day of the Year of the Red Monkey. The Chinese New Year is on February 8, 2016.

The status of things and events will change rapidly for most signs of the zodiac. Keep in mind the Red (fire) Monkey is quick and clever.  Thinking before you leap is an important trait in life, and is of utmost importance in the Year of the Monkey.

The monkey is a trickster, intelligent, quick witted and a delight to be around. For those born in 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016 this is your year to shine in competition and in personal finance.

Some famous Monkeys are Leonardo da Vinci. Mic Jagger, Elizabeth Taylor, Eleanor Roosevelt, Joan Crawford, Charles Dickens and Lyndon Johnson.

According to the astrologers 2016 will be a year of individual collaboration and unique intelligent solutions to problems.  Staying fit mentally and physically is a must in the Year of the Red Monkey. The year will bring progress and good fortune to those who can enjoy the ride and not get caught up in the stress of change. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Standing With Working People

                 Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

 As we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day it is important to remember why the Reverend King was in Memphis, Tennessee.  On the eve of his assassination on April 3, 1968 he delivered his memorable, I've Been to the Mountaintop speech in support of the Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike.

The sanitation workers of the Memphis Department of Public Works voted to go on strike after repeated attempts to grieve horrific working conditions. The deaths of two garbage collectors, Echol Cole and Robert Walker caused by a malfunction of the dilapidated truck sparked their decision to go out on strike.

The Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike was met with violence, arrests and tear gas ordered by the Mayor of Memphis. Mayor Loeb called in the National Guard and declared Martial Law.  Dr. King was in Memphis in support of the peaceful striking employees.

Unfortunately, Martin Luther Kings, Jr. was killed the next evening on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. Dr. King stood firm in his belief until the end of his life that economic justice is critical for all citizens, regardless of the color of their skin or religion.

On April 8, 1968 some 42,000 people led by Coretta Scott King marched throughout Memphis in  peaceful protest, The strike ended when the city agreed to recognize the union and met some demands for better working conditions and pay.  Nonetheless, the union had to continue its efforts to force the city to make good on their agreement.

Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1964. He is the youngest person to have received the Peace Prize.

Home IS Health

I recently went through a bit of an unhealthy siege.  In part due to a virus combined with a negative reaction from an antibiotic and the other part stress. I am feeling great now, but it renewed my interest in a healthy lifestyle.


According to the Cleveland Clinic--Go Green. Whole grains, green vegetables and removing sugar from your diet reduces inflammation in your body and decreases the triggers for disease. Get rid of the "white" in your diet, for example, white rice, bread, and cut down on dairy products.  I reviewed numerous diabetic recipes and Mediterranean diet recipes and you do not have to give up flavor to enjoy a healthy diet.  The idea is an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cures.

As Fall turns into blustery winter-like days there is nothing more energizing that squash dishes. The Pioneer Woman has a host of delicious recipes for cold overcast days. With a few modifications you can swap out the sugar for Agave syrup and enjoy Spaghetti Squash with Shallots and Maple Syrup.

Here are some links to interesting and delicious healthy recipes:

Diabetic Gourmet

Eating Well

Mayo Clinic Mediterranean Diet

A little exercise and don't forget the water intake--Done!