Coming Home to Montana

My first shoes!

As I have had the opportunity to return to the land of my roots, there are a few things that I bring with me that have their origin (as close as I can determine) here as well. In my most recent blog post I promised to share some of the items, besides myself, that have returned to Montana. 

The first, and obviously the sweetest, are these baby slippers that were worn with tissue stuffed in the toes to keep them on my feet. I have ogled and treasured them long as I can remember.They were once worn by my own dark haired little girl and then tucked safely away for another time. If you visit, you’ll find them displayed on the wall of our guest room.

Antique dresser from Conrad

The second is this gorgeous dresser. Once covered with blue antique stain, it was hiding its character for many years. I discovered its beauty as I prepared to paint it yellow for my nursery when I was expecting my first child. It, too, came from somewhere near Conrad, Montana. I also discovered my sisters’ initials carved into the top! This dresser now greets visitors as they enter my front door.

The third item I share today is one of several Hoya plants. They are the only indoor plants that thrive in my care! Some friends have tried, in vain, to improve my talents. Perhaps I am not much of a nurturer. This very plant had its origins somewhere in Montana. It is a start from the one I call “The Mother Plant” that my own mother obtained while living here. It followed her to Idaho and now this piece of it returns. Hoyas must truly thrive in this area and climate. I have seen countless healthy, blooming plants in homes and businesses since returning to my roots. I’m anxious to see how my plants embrace their big adventure!

Hoya!
The only plants that
thrive in my care!

Lastly, my dad’s green Thermos. It may have begun its journey long before Montana, but I’m certain it was here – sometime and somewhere. It has long since lost its stopper and cup, but it has a presence that stirs warm feelings and faint memories for me.

Dad's Thermos ... and a rooster!

I am certain to run across more items and memories as this journey continues. How poetic, tho, that these things should make a return. After many years and many moves around Idaho, just like me, they have come home to Montana.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!


Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Returning to my Roots

One year-old Running Granny Green

Several decades ago a baby girl was born in the Golden Triangle of Montana along the Eastern Front of the Rocky Mountains not far from the Canadian border. Her family moved away in her first year of life and she never expected to return – yet here I am! Much like a salmon returning upstream I find myself residing only miles from the place of my birth! Who would have ever foreseen this? I truly am returning to my roots!

My Montana Home

In the past weeks and months, I have been occupied with packing and unpacking boxes, purchasing and selling homes, saying goodbye to dear friends and making new acquaintances, and simply adjusting to life on the other side of the Continental Divide!

There are bears here! There are also antelope, deer, bald eagles, pelicans, bats, Canadian geese (of course), and the occasional river otter. The river otter is subject for another blog post. I have yet to spy a bear, but my better half spotted one on the way to work recently. I was both frustrated and jealous. Jealous that he saw one before me and frustrated that I may, indeed, need to carry bear spray!

The wind blows – a lot! I have learned that if I am going to run regularly I will have to brave the wind. I’ve done my share of complaining about it in the past. How silly of me!  Treasure Valley winds cannot compare.

I have a lake! Well, its not my own private lake, but its about a half mile from my house, so its kind of my lake. But there’s bears, so …  And lots of wind, so … white caps! However, it gets so cold here that the lake freezes over in the winter. I may be ice skating again!

Huckleberry ice cream! Enough said.

Lake Frances at sundown

Some things that haven’t changed …

My cinnamon rolls. Once I located my bread machine I was back in baking mode. They turned out just right!

Laundry. That never changes!

Interesting friends. Wherever I go there are good people to get to know. Although I miss my friends from the “Old Country,” I know they will forever be in my heart and in my phone contacts! I’m looking forward to getting to know my Montana mates. I have not yet found one who wants to run with me. Tragic!

Running and injuries. I’m fighting a foot problem right now. I guess I’m still learning to have patience. At least I have an excuse not to run in the 25 mph winds today!

I will be sharing more of my adventures in coming weeks. Watch for things returning to Montana (besides me), my view from Valier, escape from a river otter, and more! Until then, remember to embrace whatever opportunities for adventure come your way. Who knows? You may also get an opportunity to return to your roots.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!


Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

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