Sunday, September 23, 2007

An Update: it's been a wild ride...

Dad is settling in very well. He says he is very happy. He has good friends living at the nursing home and he is feeling better every day. He is getting a lot of exercise, which he didn't get enough of at home and the social interaction is very good for him. His 84th birthday is this Saturday and we are having a birthday party for him at the facility. I've put an ad in the county newspaper letting people know that he is living there and asking them to join us for the celebration.

Ur-spo suggested that I give my fellow bloggers the opportunity to send him cards and letters. I think it's a wonderful idea, since getting mail is a real treat for him, so here's the address:

Bill Kelley, Room 105
Beartooth Manor
PO Box 789
350 West Pike
Columbus, MT 59019

My brother goes to see him every day after work and a lot of his friends have stopped by as well. We can bring the dog in to visit and he can go out for rides and home for visits. I am
truly amazed by how well it has gone, but it took a lot of planning and a lot of time to put it all together. This is the busiest time of year for me work-wise (hence the wild ride) and so now I'm scrambling to catch up.

The view from our room at Seeley...

One of the many birds I was. I have no clue what it is...any ideas?

I think this is the same bird...

This is a stellar's jay. I tried and tried to get a decent picture of him, but I guess he was shy...

The photos, above, were taken at a watershed group training session in Seeley Lake last week. It was a 481 mile trip one-way and we drove up on Monday and drove back on Wednesday. We left the training around 4 pm and took a wrong turn (imagine that!!) and ended up going over McDonald Pass to Helena rather than hitting the interstate near Butte. It added about 100 miles to the trip, but it was well worth it; as we were going down the pass a pair of baby bobcats ran across the highway, chasing after their mother. They were the cutest thing I have ever seen!

I wasn't able to take a picture of them, but stopped immediately after and took this shot of the downside of the pass.

We stayed in Columbus Wednesday night (where dad is now) and visited with him Wed. night and Thursday morning for several hours. It was great seeing him doing so well, but emotionally pretty exhausting. By Friday I was totally spent.


I have been working all weekend to get ready for a huge meeting that will be attended by people from all of the state. I am holding it Ingomar, MT at a tiny town 44 miles from Forsyth, at a bar/restaurant that doesn't even have indoor bathrooms! I want everyone to see my area, and I couldn't think of a better place for them to visit.

We are all staying at a place called the "Bunk and Biscuit" which is really nothing more than an old schoolhouse that has beds and bathrooms in it. It is mostly used by hunters, so it should be interesting to say the least. We are having buffalo meat, the Jersey Lilly's famous beans and sheepherder's hors d'oeuvres. The theme of the meeting is "Boots and Blue Jeans Required". I am looking forward to it, but I've been working 12-16 hours a day to prepare for it. When it's over I intend to have a breakdown of some sort! Ha!!

32 comments:

Ginnie said...

Congratulations on the move for your Dad. I have an elderly friend who was just fading away at his home after his wife died. His kids found him a place like your Dad's and he's really started to live again. Good luck with it.

Pink said...

So what, you're saying the B&B ain't a quaint er...B&B?

:)

Hope it all goes well
xx
pinks

Ur-spo said...

thank you for the update;
will you have your blogger friends drop cards and notes to your father?

Anonymous said...

Clark's Nutcracker?

Unknown said...

Thanks for the update, Laurie. I copied your dad's address. I hope I can find tomorrow since it is 2:30 a.m. here and I am falling asleep sitting up.

threecollie said...

I think it's a Clarks nutcracker too
And thanks for the update. Glad your dad is doing so well. It is a big move, but it sounds like it is working out okay.

Pam said...

I am so happy to hear that your dad is doing well. All the interaction and exercise will be very good for him.

I admit I giggled when I read that you had taken a wrong turn, but I do love your pictures. And when I was out in Arizona visiting my folks, I saw a Bobcat and her babies while I was out on a walk in the desert. The little ones were cute as the dickens and very curious about me, but she talked to them and they kept their distance.

Mary said...

Yep, you're a busy lady. I'm so glad your Dad is doing well!

Cool bird! I'll never see one here. They store seed in their jaws and hoard it elsewhere.

You'll relax soon. Your busy-ness sounds like fun, Laurie!

Mary

Anvilcloud said...

It's nice to catch up with your latest doings and to enjoy your pictures.

LittlePea said...

Glad everything went well with your dad's move and that he's happy.

Lovely photos as always.

When you have a minute, come by my blog. I gave you an award.

Gina said...

I promise to do better with the mail this time!

Tossing Pebbles in the Stream said...

I am glad things are going so well for your Dad. He seems to be in a good place for him.

My 87 year old friend who has come to live with me has picked up and now likes to go outside more often and do a little work. After helping with the wood he has gone on to rake the yard over 4 days. For an old country boy who has worked hard all his life, he is happy doing such things and being outside where he can watch the animals.

Cathy said...

Dear Laurie,

You've sure got a full plate there, Sweetie. But - I don't see you having a breakdown - maybe a 'time out' for a little R&R.

Your energy, drive, creativity and all those who depend on and love you - will keep you afloat.

Give your Dad a birthday hug from all of us.

Love,
Cathy

Bonita said...

I remember the beauty of McDonald's pass ~ but that sure made a long trip for you. Oh, how I wish I could see that gorgeous country again.

thailandchani said...

Glad to know your dad is doing well. :)

Those photos are just beautiful! Wow!



Peace,

~Chani
http://thailandgal.blogspot.com

Q said...

Sending birthday blessings to your Dad! Your meeting place sounds wonderful! You live in a beautiful area of the country. Glad to see it is so pristine. Magnificent views.
Don't forget to smile, you are doing a remarkable job caring for your Dad and working!
After meetings maybe you can get a pedicure and a latte!
Sending energy and laughter,
Sherry

Mrs. G. said...

Lovely post, lovely dad. I'm going with Clark's Nutcracker.

Pink said...

Hi hon,

How was Dad's birthday party?

Hang in there - I have a card from London picked out to send. Thanks for the address
xx
pinks

Liberty said...

I'm a little belated, but I'll be sending a little something, too. Actually "we" will. (Sssh, it's a surprise, I'm not telling who "we" is yet!)

I also wouldn't mind sending something for YOUR birthday. Isn't it coming up toward the end of October? (Wanna throw that address my way at some point?) liberty at colorfully-see-through-head.com *wink*

Anonymous said...

I'm glad your Dad is happy! I hate to think of living the last several miles of life in a place you hate. And what a great view!

Going out today, will get him a card!

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