Mama Griz with babies

This was so awesome to have a glimpse of these dreaded creatures. We were probably 200 yards away and up a hill, but to see this bear wild in the woods was truly incredible. The bears are on the endangered list among other animals, and they are increasing in numbers. Innocent people have been mauled and hospitalized, some lived and some not. It makes me wonder why people camp in tents and are so unprotected from these attacks.....

Myself.........

My genetics have played a toll on me. For many years now, I have had trouble with both of my knees. My Mother had 3 surgeries on her knee, including knee replacements. My brother, Dick had a knee replacement in August of 2009. In May of this year, I saw a new orthopedic doctor, thinking he would have a magic solution for me that no one else knew about. Well, he didn't!!! When he also told me there is nothing that will ever fix my knee problem (osteo-arthritis) which is wearing down of the bones and cartilage, I knew I was doomed by genetics. He talked me into getting a shot of synvisc into my joint, which would give it some cushioning. I know I do have rosy colored glasses in my thinking, but I truly thought even though I was told the shot would last 6 months to a year, I thought I could possibly be an exception to rule and it would last forever. It has now been less than 3 months and my knee is not healed. Pat went with me to see Dr McInnis, and together we were told, there is nothing other than surgery that will fix my knee.

I am scheduled for September 7th at 9:30 a.m. I decided yesterday, I have enough information from the internet. Two family members have given me their knowledge. There can be too much information tucked away in my brain, so I am going to stop reading and go about enjoying my life as I can.

MY SADCATS

My little Sadie and Catie are really turning into traveling companions. Before we left CDA, they both had a bath. I didn't have time to brush them until yesterday. The wind was blowing here at Canyon Ferry, so it was actually pleasant to brush - the cooler air was nice, comfy lawn chair, and nope they could NOT escape my hold. They are now beautiful and ready for the rest of the travels. They just look at me like I have totally lost my mind while I am cleaning them for the occasion. "OH, when will she ever be DONE!" Today, I am done - the sun is shining and it is a beautiful day.

TRAVELING WITH KIDS AGAIN.........

Well, I will have to tell all of you, that to travel with kids once again, is a new found pleasure!!! Pat and I are taking Mason (9 years old) with us on this trip through Montana, and he just keeps us in stitches with the laughing machine. We have to see things in his little eyes, and when it has been quite a few years since living with my own children, he keeps me on my toes. Mason and Pat are very similar - well, rephrase that, Mason is like Pat!!! The woods, the man stuff, the truck, the worms, the gun talk. Give me a girl to talk to once in a while. Actually, I did have my girl fix in Seeley Lake, Montana. I spotted a log cabin quilt store. It is a beautiful store, as I had heard about from other CDA ladies who had already ventured over here. I bought a book to make little gifty things. They can be made by hand or by machine, so that will be nice. Today, we will be heading toward Bozeman, MT, and then on to Billings to see my family. The reunion starts on Friday afternoon through Sunday. The last leg of the trip is to Yellowstone Park. Mason has already been warned not to expect a trampoline, or playground of any kind. He says he is fine with that. What a trooper he is. A true pleasure to have with us.

We are readying ourselves for our first "longer" camp trip going to Montana for my family reunion in Big Timber. This is a new location so most of us don't really know what to expect which is fine. I am giving a genealogy class with my cousin Bessie Nelson. She has written a book about our Grandpa Hansen, and I have a copy of it packed in my box to show, just in case she does not have it with her. We will gather on Friday, play games and gene class and craft raffle on Saturday; church service on Sunday. One of our cousins, Jerry Ebelt is a pastor and I just love to hear his wise words of wisdom. Lori is coming for the first time, and will bring Justin. Pat and I will have Mason, and then we will continue to Yellowstone Park after the reunion days. We are really looking forward to this adventure!!!