We Need More Visitors!

Our summer has been filled with friends and family for a steady month now. Kelly kicked things off in June, and then Nick joined in just in time for the 4th of July. Molly's parents arrived the following week and enjoyed a night at the cabin, a night at Chico hotsprings, and two nights in Bozeman before leaving last Saturday. My sister arrived that same day and brought along the entire Epperson clan. We had beers and bluegrass on Monday and another great dinner at Montana Ale Works. She is leaving this Saturday: just in time for Joe, Travis and Rome to arrive. And we still are expecting Molly's cousins in late July and my parents in early August. Whew! We've been busy but it's been great to see everybody! Start planning for the summer of 2010 now.

Moose is 2 years old today

Wayside Waifs probably lied, but according to them Moose was born on 7/7/07, making him a lucky dog. So far he's been worth keeping and this photo montage tells the rest.

More Pics From Glacier NP

Here are some more pictures from our trip. The mule deer couldn't have been more than ten feet away at one point. I thought it was going to rough me up and steal my wallet.

We've Finally Updated Our Blog

We just got back from a whirlwind tour of Glacier National Park. Molly, our friend Kelly and her dog Lucy, myself, and Moose all travelled to the land of receeding glaciers, mini-vans, and teenagers forced to go on one last family vacation. There were multiple Clark Griswold sightings which undoubtedly outnumbered the amount of wildlife that was seen. We were fortunate enough to have a buck mule deer saunter through our campsite, and I did catch a quick glimpse of a black bear, but the people watching was far better than expected. Also, I didn't know that I couldn't have a good time unless I brought a 100' long trailer, a satellite dish, and a couch. Ahh, America.

Meet Kermit!

I am not referring to the iconic character most recently struck down by the swine flu... This Kermit is the horse who I am exercising and working on manners with; in order to get him back into shape for his upcoming lessons. I volunteer at a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center in Bozeman. It is a VERY amazing operation that has come very far with some VERY smart horse and special needs experts working together to provide horseback riding for children and adults with special needs. My job includes glamorous tasks such as: removing mud that he has rolled around in during the day, grooming him to remove some of that winter hair, and picking up after his bodily functions that occur while in my care. Note: my lovely muck boots, as his pasture is knee deep in mud in various portions due to all of the snowfall last week. (Snow continues to fall here despite it being spring!) It was Mother's Day today, so I spent it with the family. Moose was very helpful in warning me when he was nervous by whining when I was going to fast... It's great to be able to be around horses again. It's been a long time since I've been able to ride regularly, so this is wonderful. I ride a horse at an amazing barn and do not pay a penny (except for the necessary horse apparel: i.e. some killer cowboy boots and my own helmet)... On top of that, I'm helping an amazing organization. I really couldn't be more lucky!

On an even more exciting note - TYSON is FINISHED with his first year of school!!! We went on a hike yesterday to enjoy his newly found free time. I think I heard him say at least once an hour "Wow, I keep forgetting I don't have to study tonight!" Enjoy some scenic shots from our hike to Indian Ridge yesterday. We drove through Ted Turner's ranch and saw several bison and a mother and baby moose. It was a beautiful day!

********HOMEBREW UNLEASHED ON BOZEMAN GUINEA PIGS****************

While most of you think that I moved to Bozeman to go to school, I'm actually here to brew and taste beer. My friend Luke and I have been toiling for the last six weeks in order to bring a slightly smokey, yet smooth and delicious Porter to fruition. Now I know how creationists feel. This beer was most certainly intelligently designed. The following pictures show the cycle of beer life, from grain, malt, hops, and sugar, to liquid gold. If I could, I would email tastes to everyone.