Happy Montana Day.  It is April 6 which is the telephone area code for the entire state of Montana (406).

Today marks 3 years since my last productive day as a member of society, and the beginning of my retirement.  A heart felt thank you to all those hard working tax payers who cheerfully contribute to my very happy lifestyle in the Last Best Place!  It would not be possible without you.

Definitely an uneventful year here.  Some house work was completed. Did some hiking, some biking, some running, some skiing.  Same old same old.

What does retirement entail? My daily minimal run during the non winter season is to the old bridge and back, roughly a 4 mile round trip jaunt.

April 4, 2020 a reasonably clear day was met with a snowstorm on the way.  Sandy even called me as I approached the bridge, asking if she should pick me up (not an effing chance!)

Nearly a year later, April 6, 2021, it is sunny and 55 degrees. Only a small amount of snow in the shade is left.

The daily run is important.  Never would have survived years of work without out it.  A very good base for all the other activities. Daily dose of vitamin D to stay healthy.  Get the heart rate and breathing elevated.  Keep all the parts in good working order!  I run, therefore I am.

The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is as alive as I am.  I am blessed to observe this during my runs to the bridge.  It is designated a Wild and Scenic River.  No dams allowed.  The river level can change daily, sometimes quite dramatically.  No two days are exactly the same; savor the moment while you can.  There are no bad days -- but some days are really, really special.

April 4, 2020

April 13, 2020

May 1, 2020

June 3, 2020

June 7, 2020

July 2, 2020

July 12, 2020

July 14, 2020

September 8, 2020

March 3, 2021

April 6, 2021

Retirement means I can make a serious effort to watch the sun rise every morning and the sun set every evening.  It helps that I am blessed with an incredible location to view them.

April 19, 2020.  Sunset on the other side of the 18th fairway.  Some snow remains on the lower Apgar Mountains.

October 14, 2020.  Fall sunset

Christmas Eve, 2020.  The sun is setting about as far left as it can on the horizon.

January 19, 2021.  Shades of red you never knew existed.

February 1, 2021.  The grass around the base of the tree shows what a warm low snow year it has been.

February 24, 2021.  It never ceases to amaze.

March 8, 2021.  The clouds light the sky on fire at sunset.

March 23, 2021.  Sunrise after a snowy night.  The sun is minutes away.

Retirement means having the time to watch a Mountain Ash change colors.

Retirement means Happy Hour with the neighbors (and friends!) on the first fairway in the spring, with a view of the snow covered mountains of Glacier NP in the background.

Retirement means hiking at Logan Pass with Sandy on October 9, 2020.  This was the last day of the season you could drive to the pass before it was closed for the winter.

Retirement means SKI!  38 days of downhill skiing this season.

Retirement means 13 days of skinning up the mountain.

Retirement means Scamping.

Do I miss working for a living?  Let me think about that some and get back to you