Last Week in Montana

When we got here in mid-June, the Spanish Peaks which we see from our front window, were covered with snow. Here at the end of summer, we had snow all day on Monday, September 1, and once again, these mountains are frosted with the first snowfall of the season. So, that means that our summer here in Montana is coming to an end. It's been a really beautiful summer with moderate temperatures, ample rainfall, and the most beautiful wildflowers in years.

We have been thrilled to have Marci and Ryan with us this week. Ryan has fished everyday with his college friend, Bill. They arrived on Thursday night, Bill arrived on Saturday night, and we are having a great time.

Labor Day weekend is what is called "Owners' Weekend" here in Big Sky. It's sort of like a big homecoming for the whole community when part-time residents like us all make an effort to be here. Many events are packed into this long weekend providing opportunities for getting together with folks that are here sometimes only at this time each year.

The weekend kicked off with the Bonnie Raitt concert in the Meadow Village pavillion. Bonnie Raitt is better than ever, and she did not disappoint with a strong program of some of her traditional favorites (Nick of Time, I Can't Make You Love Me, Thing Called Love) as well as some newer cuts. We had a great time with our friends, Cy and Karen and Rob and Lily - lots of dancing and a good amount of beer. We took our chairs, but the crowd stood for the entire concert and so did we.

Much of the Owners' Weekend events revolve around food. We took Marci and Ryan to dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch on Thursday evening. Primarily a cross country ski resort, they have a cozy and wonderful dining room and the menu is spectacular.

The Big Sky Chili Cookoff was on Friday night at the Half Moon Saloon. Local restaurants and local residents compete for the People's Choice Award for which we vote after stuffing ourselves with the variety of chili offerings. Actually, some of my favorite offerings were the cornbreads that were prepared to accompany the chili. Half Moon Saloon is on the banks of the Gallatin River and is a lovely outdoor setting for this event.

Saturday is the day for the various Owners Association meetings. After the morning meetings, the plaza in the base area turns into a large block party. The entertainment was provided by Montana Rose, the band which was also at the Chico Block Party. The whole community turns out for this - families, kids, dogs - a good time is had by all.

The annual Firemans' Pancake Breakfast is on Sunday morning - blueberry or plain pancakes, sausage, eggs, etc. Yummmm! This meal is free, but there are many opportunities to support the firemen. I did my part by purchasing some beautiful jewelry, the profits of which were donated to the firemen, as well as a t-shirt and fireman's badge for Will.

Marci & I spent Monday in Bozeman visiting the Museum of The Rockies, shopping for shoes (of course) and jeans, and enjoyed a good lunch at Ted's Montana Grill which opened this year in the historic Baxter Hotel on Main Street. Strangely enough, in spite of the fact that Ted Turner is the largest land owner in Montana and that the bison burgers at the restaurant come from his ranch, this is the first and only Ted's in the state of Montana.

So, we ease into this last week in Montana. And, we look forward to getting back to TN and seeing our friends and family there.