Finally! She's graduated!...Again!

Yes, this was the largest class they have ever had for a 70 year reunion. And when they were introduced the entire Field house of 15,000+ gave them a standing ovation! The graduates from 1940 later said that the energy that was given to them on the floor was incredible!

The alumni association is very much looking forward to begin planning the 75th reunion and I can attest that these folks plan on making it to that one too! A personal thanks to everyone who helped make this event happen.

Congratulations to all Graduates today from all over the country! We know that we are not alone in this celebration and we look forward to their future in making this country great! And if you think Bev and I are done on our trip...HECK NO!!!

We are packed and ready to go as we head towards Butte, Helena, Great Falls and Lewiston tomorrow!

A great start before a turn for the worst...

We started early this morning and were seated by 8am for the President's Breakfast, which was extremely interesting. (I will post more about that separately) But frankly I am ready to start my graduate degree here Iam so impressed with this University!!

We were next on the bus to travel to campus for the tree planting ceremony and Veteran's ceremony.

I have some bad news. While taking photos, I managed to twist my knee and it still hurts pretty darn good -bad - whatever....

So I hobbled along at the back of the pack as we toured Bev's college of Letters and Sciences. Bev graduated in what would be today as Micro Biology. We were able to meet with the heads for the individual departments and listen to the graduates talk about their days there at MSC (yes, it was called Montana State College back them). 

We went to the Dean's luncheon after that. Every Dean from all the schools (is that the right description) spoke about their contributions and achievements to the University. (again, I will post more about that at a later date) But the University of Montana is a leader in the nation for Native American Studies, which is completely fascinating.

After lunch, Bev and I came back to the hotel. I have been down every since, except for a trip to Walmart for an Ace bandage, Advil, snap cool packs, ziploc bags for ice and some soup. I have to "cowgirl up" for tomorrow's ceremony and full day. I am just sick about this and not being able to escort Bev this evening for the dinner celebration. So I apologize for the "blah" entry. If anyone wants to come out and drive us back...we might be accepting applications! =)

 

And apparently Bev loves sitting on benches with strange men! Good night all! Send some healing thoughts this way please!

Meet N Greet - These classes can still party!

OK. I have to admit it, these seniors are rock stars in my book. The reunion we are a part of includes the classes of 1960 (50 yr), 1950 (60yr) and 1940 (70yr- of which is Beverly's class).

Throughout the evening although the mere outward appearance may have shown silver hair and hearing aids, the spirit of ALL of these graduates beamed with a youthful enthusiasm that you could see in their eyes, hear in their conversations and watch in their body language...they were ALL back in their college days. And it was really a moment of rare beauty to witness.

Oh! And did I mention that these seniors know how to party?! Holy Heck! Yeah they do! I spoke to one of the waiters tonight and he said that he was running to and from the bar ALL night! Woo! Hoo!

What a difference a day makes.

Yes, that is snow! It is melting about as quickly as it comes down. Big fat and fluffy flakes so it is really not a bother. We got Bev to the hairdresser today at Shear West here in town for a wash and set. Tobe Green was a lovely lady and shared a camaraderie with Bev as she was originally from Elgin and was transplanted here to Bozeman.

It was time to take care of some "on the road housework" while Bev was getting "purty". Dianne at "The Clothesline" Laundry Mat on Main Street was a cheerful soul on this gray day. She was able to recommend a terrific place for lunch that served homemade soups, Opus Deli and Coffee located on Oak street. Oooh! She hit it out of the ballpark on that one!

A lovely Cheese tortellini and vegetable soup with a Panni sandwich of roasted peppers, salamis, arugula and cheese. Perfect for the chilly day. And best of all, it turns out to be almost behind our hotel!

We have been fortunate with many happy accidents that have come our way. We did a bit of shopping today also to get Bev a dress purse for the events coming up and a few other things too. We also had a great surprise to brighten the day...and early Mother's Day gift was in our room from Beverly's kids (Sandy, Bruce, Linda and Greg) and it is beautiful!!

So now, a bit of a rest before this evening's social gather and greet.

Easy Day and we are HERE!

Well, we knew that we had an easy day today...just 2 hours from Billings to Bozeman, but the question was weather. Snow had been in the forecast and with passing through the mountains that might have brought problems, but we were glad to hear that it wasn't expected in until 4pm! So, this is our view as we approached Livingston which is on one side of the mountain - Bozeman on the other. Pretty dang awesome!

Beverly was in her GLORY folks!! Soaking every bit of the vistas in, and saying how sad she was that when she was a young girl in college here in this part of the country she took this for granted (human nature, right?), but she loves every moment of it now, and to listen to her speak of her time here as a young girl is truly an honor. She has experienced so much in her 91 yrs here on earth...a walking textbook with a beautiful insight into a life I can't even imagine and so different from my life on the coast.

As we stopped in Livingston (Before Bozeman) we stopped by the Public Fishing access, because as my husband knows...I HAD TO!!!! The Yellowstone river was beautiful and it was all I could do not to knock out that cute little red headed boy and snatch his rod and reel and try my luck! (Damn it!!!!! - Greg we are coming back!!!!! All I could think of was you my love! Well...and the fish!)

 

Since we got in so early and we are both fossil freaks we decided to hit the Natural History Museum of the Rockies and prowl through there at our own pace since we knew that the activities for the "group" would not allow us enough time. Two hours later we had our fill and it was FABULOUS!  Beverly loved every minute of it and pointed out over and over again what came from Garfield county (where she grew up).  If you would like to see more of those pics, some gems, some not, go to the Flickr link on this blog and prowl through it your self...plus there are many more great pics that are too many to mention for this short space.

So after a great early dinner here at the motel...I grabbed my netbook...left Bev in the room, yes, we both need our alone time, and I ran to the bar (yes, RAN) and order my first Manhattan (GOD it is good!).

I am on number 2 and finishing this up. Bev and I are both thrilled that we get to sleep in before we get her to the hairdresser at 11am and get her looking pretty for tomorrows beginning reunion celebration.

I am looking forward to ALL of it and watching her beam! And here is my gift to you all tonight...gotta love perspective!

Are we there yet? No...

Hey All, what a day it was today! We had high winds (gusts of about 50 mph, not kidding) the whole 9 hours on the road. I had to peel my hands off the steering wheel as we were going the speed limit of 75mph on a 2 lane highway with truckers! OMGosh! We didn't hit the coyote that crossed close in front of us, but we did manage to eliminate many tumbleweeds on our front car grill!

It was actually a relief to take our tourist breaks today. And the first was Wall Drug in Wall, SD. A HUGE and apparently legendary drug store that is now a terrific tourist attraction. In fact I love ALL of you SO much, I didn't buy any "crap" for you! 5cent coffee and homemade donuts though are the best deal there.
Bev found some old friends and we were able to stretch our legs for a bit before heading back out onto the highway.

Trucks and trailers, oversize loads and Indian reservations, school buses and tumble weeds, coyotes, cows, horses, alkali flats, bentonite, scoria, buttes, snow, wind, construction, family history, Indian history, how to shear a sheep and history of boots.  Our favorite thing we learned together today was we were actually 20 miles from the center of the United States...Do you know where that is?

So we leave you with this picture this evening...and unfortunately, the picture does not do the vista justice. This IS big Sky territory and I see why now. It is BEAUTIFUL!!! We carried all of you in our heart to this place today and thought of you while we were here. We hope you enjoy!

Snow in the forecast tomorrow as we head into Bozeman. Time to sleep and let the blood come back to my knuckles. Bev is doing well and is a great companion, she LOVES all of your comments and well wishes...so stay tuned, the best is yet to come! Good night!

Today's word is F-L-A-T.

Well the morning greeted us with beautiful

Fluffy white clouds as we got a decent start on the road today.

And the road ahead, was F-L-A-T....lots of sky...and lots of ....

Wind turbines, barns, fields, beaver homes and road.

Thank goodness for cruise control! And the beauty of rest stops...

And then came Mitchell, SD and the Corn Palace...woo! hoo!

(Yes, I actually wanted to come here!)

Its was a long day of driving and chatting, emptying of bladders and filling the gas tank.

Murdo, SD is home for the night. Meatloaf, salad bar and coconut cream pie was excellent.

We are on to Wall Drugs store tomorrow which is to be quite the Tourist venue. 

Skipping Mt. Rushmore until the trip home as the weather predictions for Bozeman are for snow.

So being the smart women we are -on to Bozeman it is!! Got to get Bev there safe and sound and ready for the wonderful activities ahead. Because that is why we are on this trip in the first place!

Signs in the Sky...for the two of us!

Well we were so excited to start our trip we were late in getting out of town. After finding a good home for the opened milk, whole cucumber, half container of blueberries and unopened cottage cheese, we were finally on our way out of town! (Dee thanks for taking the orphans and giving us our final farewell!)

Beverly broke my arm in the wrestling match and she took control of the wheel with a distance and time restraint set upon her head and my husband's heart. By the Quad Cities and traffic I asked Bev if she wouldn't mind sharing the Personal Toiletries Pads as not to ruin her car seat. And mentioned that was the least she could do! We found the next McDonald's (with a live Ronald giving a show by the way...sorry I didn't have my camera on me!) and an exchange of the car keys were made with no rebuff. Whew!

Lots of great conversation, if you are family...yep, we talked about you!

Our first traveling tourist stop was the Amana Colonies, located in Iowa. Interesting community that is completely supported by tourists large and small. Hours are 8 to 5 and thankfully we got a bite to eat and it was 4pm by the time we hit our first store.

We managed to get back on the road since the clouds were forming above...and apparently this pilot was driving the wrong direction (blame it on the lack of signage), but I had mind enough to recognise the same road kill and I knew exactly where we were!

We traveled on...Bev was working hard as a co-pilot "cloud busting" the storms ahead,

until we both thought we would find a place to stay for the evening and rest well before a long day tomorrow. The Days Inn Internet reaches outside for me to sit with my laptop and report from the road. And a few drops sprinkled on my screen to grab my attention for the beauty overhead. A FULL double rainbow! I haven't seen that in years! SO I took it as a sign that it was a rainbow for both Bev and myself...that we are in the right place at the right time and enjoying life's given beauty...even if it is close the interstate. Good night all!