Ginger Ale…I am happy to report that every last can of Vernor’s made the trip up, over and around all the mountains and mountain passes between Ohio and Montana - intact! (see comments on Goodbye Canada Dry Post). I am grateful! I had a recent comment from my brother, via Kristie, that he thought it was “scandalous” that I drank Diet Vernor’s and that he would have thrown the Canada Dry out. He-he! - well, he does a much better job maintaining his weight and I think has way more willpower regarding daily quantity consumed. Re the throwing away - WOW - see, I am definitely NOT frugal and he definitely IS…or was ??? …so that is saying quite a lot!

Speaking of weight - regarding Bob’s weight - Sara maintained the diet plan and Bob is down to 18.5 pounds. While we are still shooting for 16, .5 pound loss over the winter when he’s out less - not too bad!

Karl and his treats - this is not really a follow up thing. It is normal Karl - he “collects” a morning ration of treats from me and then buries some. Usually, he puts them here and there and later in the day I will see him go and get one. Yesterday morning, though, - maybe because I was out with him AND with the camera…

Put that thing where no one else can find it…

Hmmm - not sure that is right - dig it back up.

I think I’ll just keep an eye on it.

And today - a few of the neighbors came to say “Hey” and have some breakfast while they were at it.

There are 4 in the photo above ..hard to pick out…

They do blend in with the woods.

From the last day on the road and the evening before (Columbus, MT - Mtn Range RV Park)

Sunset - Columbus, MT

Wheat Montana - a family owned and operated grain operation near Three Forks, MT. Exit 274 from I-90 - a retail “store”…to buy flour, honey, bakery items - breakfast!!! and a Montana Latte… plus there is a truck/rv parking area AND fuel pumps accessible to trucks and big rigs. I ALWAYS stop here…on this day, a break, a walk with Karl, a latte and a ham/cheese/egg bagel.

Home driveway - there is the house!

Karl and Bob - this was not the first greeting, but some time after Karl tried again….

And I want to mention that Sara fixed me a wonderful dinner my arrival night, allowing me to get everything situated in the motorhome…find the power cords, extra sewer hose, and set up inside for “living”. Much appreciated and we sat ON THE FRONT PORCH on a beautiful evening - 70 degrees!! - in the quiet of this place and had an easy dinner - with Karl and Bob in close attendance.

And yesterday - Karl and my first day home…Karl and Bob seem to have picked up without missing a beat…usual walk patterns, eating, burying of treats, snuggles and naps. Me - I’m trying to figure out who and where I am…

Yesterday’s travel had no glitches - left Columbus, MT at 6:45 a.m. and pulled into my property just before 4 p.m. The day went a bit long due to an extra long rest stop just east of Missoula. I had stopped to take a break and there was a beautiful river with nice access. I took Karl and the camera - the temperature was 70 and near calm. We spent a little time just enjoying - Karl getting a drink and cool off in the river and me just breathing.

It was a hard and confusing day. I laughed at the baby animals - calves, colts/fillies, lambs, cried, gasped at the stunning scenery that would appear around a corner or over a rise in the road. Arriving back in the Flathead Valley was both disconcerting and a “coming home”. I’m not going to even try to sort it out at the moment - I think I’ll go with just being and doing for a few days.

I thank Bill for his incredible support and prayers and God for granting those prayers for Karl’s and my safety and an rv trouble free trip…especially my front tires which REALLY need to be replaced!

A few photos follow - just a few…I could get lost and spend the day with those I took but need to get to work and also maybe take the incredible bug collection off the front of the motorhome. So… a few photos that didn’t need much help.

River at the rest stop

Gateway to the Flathead Valley - a “gasp” moment… and part of my love for Montana captured in this photo.

Karl as we turned onto “our” road.

Oh…the Karl and Bob (the cat who stayed with my friend and caretaker, Sara) reunion - a bit anti-climatic…they sniffed then went about their respective business. I believe Bob’s expression said “Jeez, thought that dog was history!”.

I’m home - in one piece…more tomorrow as I’m spent.

My host server was down most of today - according to tech support, all is now well…

Wyoming - Grand Tetons

…there is a turnout

From Mountain Range RV Park in Columbus, MT…the mountains are the Beartooth Range - too bad about the wires and pole…I’m too tired to “disappear” them.