Wow! November already!  The summer flew by as we settled into life in Great Falls.  In August we drove to Colorado and dropped off our youngest daughter for college – so far away from home.  Then it was just hubby and me at home – quiet but kinda nice once we got used to it!

So now what will we do?   well, we got a puppy that keeps us busy, and then we are making natural soaps and candles.   Hopefully this will develop into a small business and we can sell at farmer’s markets, craft shows, etc.  Then there is my knitting which keeps me occupied. 

Between now and January 1 I will discuss plans for the upcoming year and a plan for this blog!

Bright and early the next morning we headed out.  We traveled through Utah which looked alot like Arizona. One big difference – it was cold and snowed at night!  The next day took us through Idaho. Beautiful mountains everywhere, covered with snow.  The day was windy and snow was blowing across the highway.   We were amazed by the huge mountains in front of us.  Then we realized (when looking out the back window) we were at the top of those mountains!  We crossed the Continental Divide and entered Montana.

So, Montana here we are!   After crossing the Rockies we find beautiful golden prairies, flat buttes and the Missouri River.  All the natural beauty we expected.  The highway drops down into Helena and then you wind you way out and up through the National Forest.   Finally we arrive in Great Falls!  We drive up to the house we are planning to move into . . . . .check back for that story!

Been away awhile – moving and getting settled was not as smooth as I had hoped.  So, here’s the story of the move, Part I.  The morning we were to leave Arizona we got an early morning call, our nephew had died in a tragic auto accident – on his birthday.  May you be at peace, Derrick.  With that to start the day we packed up and headed out.  We followed historic Route 89 through Northern Arizona, past the Grand Canyon and into Page where we stopped for the night.  The scenery was beautiful.

Check back for Part II – through Utah, Idaho, and crossing the Continental Divide.

Well, the moving truck is here. The movers come tomorrow to load everything in.  Today is my last day of work.  Three more days and we hit the road to Montana.  I am so excited for the journey but also very sad of what I leave behind.  It is always sad to say goodbye.  The hardest part will be saying goodbye to my daughter and two beautiful grandchildren.  I will miss them so much!  But it is good for them to be on their own for awhile.  Of course my hope is that they will visit soon and want to live in Montana also.  We will see . . . .   So, I will be away for awhile and hope to post some great pictures of our journey.  See you soon!

Sock on Three Irish Girls McClellan

So a little knitting between the packing.  This is a mystery sock from the Sock Knitters Anonymous group on Ravelry.  The yarn is a beautiful handdyed colorway by the fabulous Sharon at Three Irish Girls.  You can see more gorgeous colorways at www.threeirishgirls.com . Doesn’t the color look just like an alpine spruce tree?  I am happy that I will have one of those trees in my front yard in Montana.

My house is filled with boxes.  Movers are on reserve.  Things are finally coming together.  Only 2 more weeks and we will be on the way to Montana.   I can only dream about next month when we will be settled in our new home, back to the routine of life and enjoying the Montana fresh air.  I think I am pretty well on schedule but one never seems quite ready when it comes right down to it.  Why do we accumulate so much junk?  I really think I need to move every couple of years just to get organized and clean out the things I don’t need.  My daughter says we are hoarders.  I think she saw that on a TV show.  So that’s it for now – back to packing.  Next post  – farewell to Arizona.

I think it is great how you find new things, new ideas, new people through the blog world.  I have “met” alot of great people on Ravelry already.   Today I found a great blog that introduced me to YouData. This is a site where you get paid to look at ads online.  It seems safe, is easy, quick and the money adds up.  You can have it paid to your paypal account.   Go check it out:  www.youdata.com/join/montanadeb

Let me know what you think!

Finally a move date!  Suddenly that makes it all so real.  March 31.  Ooh – not that far away.  So, making lists, buying boxes, packing boxes, organizing and throwing out junk.  One room at a time . . . . .

So, you experienced movers out there – leave me a comment with your best moving tips.

I have come to the realization that I am at a new chapter in my life.  I no longer have to live my life as momma – I have to live for myself.  For so many years I have lived for my family, raising my kids, guiding them through life and hopefully passing on valuable life lessons.  I have done what I can, the best I knew how.  Now I have to trust that was enough!

It isn’t easy making the adjustment – but I’m getting there.  Hopefully this new chapter will be fun and interesting.  Now time to pack and prepare for the big move!

Joining the blogging community to document my family move to Montana.  Hopefully it will serve as a moving journal that might help or entertain others and in addition I will include motivational thoughts/ideas and of course, my knitting! 

Hello world . . . . . .