Soooo, to get to Pocatello from Bonners Ferry you go through Montana. Who knew??

Last night's sunset was pretty cool at our house.

We left early this morning on our journey to the Idaho State Track meet in Pocatello. Just funny picture of three swans a-eating.

Went by Swan Landing near Thompson Falls and saw lots of swan's O'landing.

The sky was a bit tricky so you have to use your imagination. I love the Larch tree colors and the swan formations.

Traffic in Montana was the usual....great!

Still snow on the hills from the last storm. And snow predicted for tonight here in Butte.

For the first time we pulled into this Wildlife Viewing area along the highway and viewed the wildlife.

A large herd of Big Horn Sheep were grazing nearby.

I believe this may be my first glimpse of a ram.

Hmmmm

Oh, hmmmm!

He's a happy guy and wanted us to know about it.

I couldn't hear him but I think he was singing.

We are so blessed to be able to travel and stop along the trail and take pictures to share.

We have been to Paradise quite a few times and never noticed this brick building tucked behind the post office. I zoomed in with my camera and got a picture. Fun to see this is a school and a couple of deer hanging out in the front yard.

Gorgeous scenery!

Clark Fork River - do you know how many bridges cross this giant river? Maybe 27 according to Google. It seemed to me every time we went over a bridge it said Clark Fork River.

Pretty day for a drive.

This was right outside of Deer Lodge. Just spectacular sky and mountains.  

Cross Country District Track Meet - Ceci was a Star!

The Cross Country District Meet was held at Farragut State Park this afternoon and Ceci was ready!

 40 girls on the line for a shot at the State Finals. 

 About the halfway point. Ceci was focused and looking strong.

 Look at her pretty braids! 

 C'mon Ceci - you can take her! This was right on the home stretch. The girl in front finished in 10th place with only 4 seconds ahead of Ceci.

 Ceci and her Poppi. 

 Medals were awarded to the top 12 runners. Ceci placed 11th. We are so proud of her.

 The Lady Badgers brought home a 2nd place team trophy qualifying the team for state.

 I saw a billboard today that said "My favorite color is fall". Have to agree!

As we drove home over the Long Bridge the sun was setting on Lake Pend Oreille.  

Deer at the Oergel Place

 Just as soon as we got home from the refuge "Sassy" the buck stopped by to say Hello.

 Hello, is it me you're looking for?  An old Lionel Richie song comes to mind.

 This morning the sun peeked out and lit up this gorgeous tree.  The leaves were falling like snow.

 Along came a doe and fawn to munch.

And the fawn did some talking to the game camera too!  

Refuge is back open!

 After being closed for the past few months I read that the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge road tour was back open again.  On the way to the refuge we noticed lots of geese flying south.

 I love how each bird is doing it's own thing.

 Starting to look like a scene from the movie The Birds!  Yikes.  Drove through the refuge and didn't see one wild animal.  Not even a goose.

 Heading home we saw a lot of fall color in downtown Bonners Ferry.

 I love living in the country - this is right downtown.

 Looking west

 Strawberry plants have a great red color.

 I still love this old digger.

 Front garden is looking pretty.

 Backyard - Larch trees are changing colors.

Front yard looking east.  Fall is such a beautiful time of year. 

Sewing and Crafting on a cold day

Last winter I had the opportunity to take a class to make a Thunder Gourd.  I loved wood burning the gourd and painting a buffalo.  The gourd makes a great rumble when the air catches it just right.  

 I decided to see if the wood burning tool I bought a few years ago would be as much fun.  Not so much....I need to buy the very expensive tool with variable heat and tips.  But this sign was fun to make. 

I have been a pillow making fool lately - this is an old wall hanging that I backed with deer hide. 

And this pillow matches the rocking chair we reupholstered a few years ago.  Sure looks good on the sofa.