Welcome to Billings, Montana, where I have hunkered down to avoid driving on the Interstate during one of the many reported snowstorms traveling around the US of late. If I had planned better, I would have chosen a cozier hotel to get stuck in, and I would have paid attention to where my husband stored the ice scraper in my fully packed Jeep, and I would have brought socks. And I should have planned better because Nunquam Non Paratus—Never Not Prepared—is the ancient motto of my family. I was raised under the plaid and the crest and the motto, yet here I am, sockless in Billings, Montana (not exactly sockless, but the pair I had on when I left Austin, Nevada several days ago needs a good washing, which I will give it, in the sink with my tiny bottle of shampoo. That might mean I’m a little bit prepared).
I haven’t driven much since moving to Austin over five years ago, as it is a compact town and I could walk to my part-time library job and to my beautiful historic church. Also, my guy always drives when we go “to town” to get groceries and supplies in Fallon, a mere 112 miles away. Ah, the open road!
As I mentioned in an earlier post though, Mr. P and I have sold our home in Austin and we’re moving to Michigan. Hence my solo interstate journey. Mr. P and his heroic childhood friend will be coming soon with the moving van, but they will be driving tandem (?), I guess, taking turns sleeping and driving and only stopping for gas and food. I left earlier because I am the world’s slowest driver, and I refuse to drive after dark when everything goes all fuzzy and weird, and also, I am not a morning person. So, I don’t get too far within the slow-motion window of light between say, 11 AM and 6 PM (this time of year).
It was a deeply emotional parting, my leaving Austin. There were library patron visits, homemade cards and cookies, a sumptuous church luncheon, and these amazing gifts (I’m keeping names private as I haven’t asked permission to share):
And now we’ve arrived at the Dreamy Forest Music and Afternoon Spritzers portion of the post, which is a radio station and a white wine spritzer in a plastic glass, but it is lovely, and I feel loved, and safe, and scared and excited all at the same time, because I have left a wondrous place, and I’m off to a new unknown. Wish me luck?
Thanks for the Memories! Remember Bob Hope singing that? It always moistens the eyes. We are all so lucky, you know, to have each other and love each other for as long and as well as we can.
Be well everyone, and safe! I am so grateful for your visit. Where are you, in this wild, wild, harsh and beautiful, sweet and mixed-up world? I’d love to hear about it!
LakeArrowheadLadyWriter 
Be safe, take your time, enjoy God’s nature.
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Thank you, Kathy! I have to say the road between Twin Falls, Idaho up to Butte, MT and then over to Billings was gorgeous! Such beautiful land. Love and hugs to you and all the family!
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We took that drive 2 summers ago! Went to glacier national park.
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That must have been a spectacular trip! I hope to come back to it someday!
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Oh, what a trip for you! So many changes in your life, new scenery. I hope all goes well. Here in southern Wisconsin we’re waiting for the big storm, and the bands of predicted snow keep changing upstate and here. We’re either getting rain and snow, or up to 8 or more inches of snow and slush, and in the north it’ll be a foot. Right now it’s sunny and 40. This is Wisconsin in March and I love it because March has true personality that you can talk back to, LOL.
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I absolutely LOVE that book quilt!
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Me too! Isn’t it gorgeous? I couldn’t even speak! So much love and talent and generosity there. It humbles me.
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Your previous life sounds amazing and I loved your gifts. Hope you enjoy the Michigan winters as much as the delightful summers.
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I hope so too! I was just walking back from the restaurant here in Billings in the snow and I was reminded of what my new winters will be like. We got snow in Austin at 6,700 feet elevation and in central NV, but the winters will be longer in Michigan for sure. I cannot get over the beautiful gifts my time in Austin brought me. So much!
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Safe journey and happy new beginnings 🍃💖🌸 Stay cozy!!
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Thanks so much! You as well! Hugs!
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I love that tartan! 😍
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Me, too! My dad was always so proud. It would be amazing to go to Scotland someday!
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It’s truly a marvellous and unique place. I loved every inch of the country when I visited a few years ago. 🏴
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Here’s to new adventures. Leaving a place where your friends are is difficult. My wife wants us to get a second home in South Dakota, closer to our grandson. I understand the longing to see him more, but I also know she would hate the summer heat and winter cold. We’re spoiled where we live because it’s pretty mild all year.
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South Dakota is definitely a more dramatic climate than you have where you live, Pete. If affordable, it might be a delightful place for a second home near your grandson, though. I hope you find the best answer for the two of you. Culture shock, climate shock–all of that is very real. I wouldn’t give up my time in Austin for anything, and the same goes for the other places I’ve lived. I miss them all! Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, California and now Michigan. All wonderful! But all took some time to adjust to. Learned so much! Best of luck deciding!
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Oh,Lori!!! Could be some nasty weather for you this weekend! We’re expecting 6 inches starting tomorrow afternoon. Drive safe and if need be, stay put. Keep in touch, my little cousin ❤️❤️❤️
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