Surprise, surprise, surprise!
Off to winter wonderland on December 30th, I walked in on Michael having enjoying cocktails in the Chitty house in Missoula (thank you, Damian, for the ride). Lovely posole supper, a couple of stops, and we were on our way home. The dark drive prevented me from really appreciating the winter-time beauty, but with a 6-day visit, there was plenty of time for that! The next day was getting settled, taking care of chores and preparing for a NYE repast.
First, unpacking goodies sent by mom, including these 2 child-sized rockers that look perfect under the pulleys:
Then, time to round up some kindling. I transformed a shipping box into my handy sleigh, loaded it with shears, and off I went through the snowy woods. You can see my return with the sleigh filled over the brim:
Chores finished and shower taken, we got busy on the menu. Prepping tenderloin:
and then sitting down to flowers, champagne, lobster tails and excellent conversation:
After a couple hours of that, it was time to take the seasoned beef out of the oven, when suddenly, the door opens and voices follow. Who dat?
Taylor and Matt, who promptly got to work on their crustacean.
The next day I headed into town to round up my honey, and life continued at a slow, easy pace. Matt, Taylor and I restock the firewood bin, with lots of help from Maryann:
They departed at the crack on Sunday, and Lance and I went off on a ride to check for damage from the summer fire, as well as to snap photos of the snowy wilderness:
and can’t leave any pristine snow around!
You get the picture (pun intended).
Meanwhile, over that very same weekend, Chris and Damian, Kaia and Darcy and quite a few of their friends are kicking it way old school, with an authentic Bedouin tent and teepee:
and a serious outdoor Francis Mallmann-style outdoor barbecue set-up (and notice the custom-made fry pan prepped for its fire on the side):
In case you didn’t check it out, there are 3 whole chickens hanging over that fire, and a goat killed and prepped by Chris himself splayed over same. Incroyable!! Oh, and no picture of the portable russian sauna that was located near the stream. Those folks know how to do it up!
Headed back to town on Tuesday to meet Chris and Damian for lunch, where they regaled us with photos, videos and stories of their adventure, then boarded a plane back to the mile high city. Every time I depart, it hurts a little more…