Lots to catch up on

"Part of the difficulty of blogging is that it requires so much writing."
--Anonymous

..OK, it's not really an anonymous quote.  I said it.  Or rather, I typed it.

Today marks our 72nd day in Montana, and much has happened... and much has not.
Happenings:

• Found a job, with the most scenic commute I've ever had.
• Got snow tires for the L-O-N-G winter
• Found a place of our own to live for the winter.  (And no, it's not in our big Coleman tent.  That novelty wore off some time ago.)
• Met some good friends
• Visited Glacier National Park in the summer
• Went river-rafting with the kids (except the smallest :-)
• Kids got to milk a cow, ride horses (prepping for our own), and just generally completing their metamorphosis into "country-folk".
• Helping to build a friend's house (also prepping for our own)
• Had relatives over for a visit (Dad, Uncle and Cousin)
• Discovered the blessing of these local and highly-organized thrift stores... we even know some folks "on the inside" ;-)   (Nice pants for $3!  Who knew?!?)
• Bought the Mrs. a gun and a knife... it's legal in this state to carry both in her purse.  Boo-ya!
• Checked out some scary properties
• Made use of an outhouse.  More than once.
• Slept outside in 30-degree-ish weather.  Regularly. (Don't worry Mom... we're safe and warm at night!)
• Performed "surgery" (so-to-speak) on fire engines, ambulances and heavy construction equipment

OK, on to the [drum-roll please]...

"Not-(yet)-Happenings"

• Buy a homestead of our own
• Own a dog, and various and sundry other domestic animals.  Some for milking, some for laying.  Fill in the blanks.
• Build our own house.
• Feel like we are prepared for winter... Brrrrrr!
• Acquired a pickup truck with a full gun rack, a metal grille and a winch.
• Earn as much as we did "B.M." (Before Moving)

WON'T Happenings

• Losing faith, or losing heart.  Won't do it.

Keep praying for us, as we continue to see the Lord's provision more clearly, in the most mysterious ways.  Pray that He uses this time to make us more like Him.

Oh, and a very happy birthday to my dear Bride.  She is truly the most amazing creation I know.  "Thank you for saying 'yes'!"

Happenings

Today, I'm being comforted in some melancholy way by the rumbling of thunder and the steady but unobtrusive beat of rain outside the dining room window.  It's a day that looks like the advent of Autumn, which is bound to be beautiful here in The Last Best Place.  So much has happened in the 27 days we've been here.

We have been finding an amazing sense of community with the Tams family, with whom we are staying until we find a home of our own.  We are praying that we do not find ourselves moving into a new place in the dead of winter, God forbid!  In the meantime, I've found some temporary work, and we're all just doing what we can to prepare for the needs that accompany long days indoors (during the Montana-Mega-Winter).  The ladies have been canning, among other things.  Little Mister and I have been trying our hand at wood-chopping.  Here's Mr. CJ, doing battle valiantly with his hapless victims.  He done me proud... brought a tear of joy to my eye!

Last Sunday, we traipsed around Glacier National Park for the first time -- what amazing sights!  From the minute you drive into the place, all of creation seems to shout God's praises.  Lake McDonald has to be the most pristine lake I've ever seen.

Lake McDonald

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
Our temporary bedroom has become quite comfortable, and represents the longest "camping trip" I've ever been on.

"Chez Calvi"

(Actually, don't cry for us, Argentina -- we are very comfortable.  Most of the time we hang out in and around the Tams' home.  As it has worked out, only 4 of us are usually sleeping in the tent: Me & the Mrs., and our 12-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter, whom I very affectionately refer to as "The Puff".  Puff gets to sprawl and snore all over a queen-sized air mattress.  She ain't complainin', and she probably never had it so good!  :-)

Life isn't all blissful hear in bear country.  The Tams and we seem to be passing around a 24-hour flu bug, which has been affecting us in different ways.  It forced me home on my second day on the job... not exactly the kind of first impression I'd like to present, but I'm leaving that in the good Lord's capable hands.  He knows I can work hard... when I'm well.  I'm feeling well enough after the last 12 hours to jump back into the call-center frenzy tomorrow.


This afternoon, we're off to look into what's called a "cow share".  It works like this:

• Pay $1 to buy a "share" of a local cow.  This one happens to be pasture-fed, free range, and happy.  Happy cows, happy milk.
• This "cow share" then gives you the legal right in Montana to buy raw milk from said cow, which, despite the MSM hype, is extraordinarily good for you.

I remember paying as much as $14/gallon for raw milk in the organic stores in California.  FOURTEEN STINKIN' DOLLARS!  Aichee-wawa.  Well, no more, my friends.  Our cow share gets us delicious raw, whole milk for --- wait for it -- $5/gallon.  Man, this stuff tastes SO good, I could NOT stop drinking it when we were recently invited to a local farmer's home for dinner.  No more plasticized, homogenized, store-bought white goo for me, no sir.  My next big effort is to make home-made ice cream with raw milk.  Then, my friends... I will have arrived.  :-)