Doug's Missoula Montana Lifestyle

Bountiful Baskets Fruits and Veggies

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Wed, 30 May 2012 18:41:00 +0000

I don't recall how my spouse initially discovered Bountiful Baskets.org but it has proven to be a wonderful and inexpensive source of vegetables and fruits which we receive every two weeks. For fifteen dollars, we get a big box that must weigh about 12 pounds. There are several Bountiful Baskets delivery sites around the county, state and the country as well.

Volunteers show up early and unload the groceries, then sort everything equally into boxes for each person who signed up and purchased for that week. We even volunteered once and found that it is backbreaking work for us older citizens. We really enjoy the big variety and never know what we may get. Last week there were apricots and blackberries, bananas, mangos, and a honeydew melon. Vegetables included corn on the cob, cauliflower, green peppers, carrots, red potatoes, and others. There are also add-ons that differ from delivery to delivery. One time we purchased 25 pound bag of carrots and another time we received a 38 pound box of lemons! Special bread packages and granolas are also available. There is even an "organic" box that may be purchased for an additional amount. We sign up by e-mail on every other Monday of delivery weeks.
Here is the URL for Bountiful Baskets, if you are interested: http://www.bountifulbaskets.org

Memorial Day and Snow Too!

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:59:00 +0000

Last Memorial Day weekend it rained all three days. This year the forecast is for more of the same, and our plans would put us at an even higher elevation and that means we may see SNOW!

Sometimes I wonder if we are really so crazy when we decide to camp out in our yard, in the motor home, with electricity, cable tv and internet. The pets seem not to care if we go anywhere, and once we are settled in, (in the motor home) it seems little different than going somewhere.

I think young people over-emphasize the importance of driving a long ways to have fun. Fun is made with the people you have around you. It doesn't matter so much what you are doing or where you are. My wife, our two dogs, our cat, a bowl of popcorn and a good movie. Oh Happy Day.

Missoula Morning: 25 degrees F. But it's May 11th!

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Sat, 12 May 2012 04:30:00 +0000

We awoke to find frozen rose bushes, frozen tree buds and frozen water dish in the dog kennel. I never will get used to the Montana winter that just never seems to end. One year we had heavy, wet snow on June 4th. Hundreds of broken street trees. By that standard, of course, a few frozen roses is really nothing but inconvenient. We will buy new ones and replant. The trees should re-bud. And the dogs love licking the frozen water dish.

Missoula Little League Softball in Springtime

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:17:00 +0000

Missoula weather is often an obstacle to little league baseball and softball in the spring.
This morning, May 2, the temperature was 31 degrees. Yesterday it rained and the wind blew. Two days ago a 100-foot tall pine tree was blown to the ground.

But sometimes the weather is perfect; and such days are appreciated that much more. My granddaughter is at bat in this photo, and successfully too. In the background we can see the snow-covered runs at the Montana Snow Bowl ski area. Play ball in the morning and ski in the afternoon!

The Hunger Games

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:11:00 +0000

For the first time in my life of 65 years, I attended a movie on opening day. In my case, a matinee of The Hunger Games on the large 3D screen at Missoula's Carmike 12.

Although I am a fan of the Hunger Games trilogy, which I have completed, I was somewhat disappointed in the movie. I think the film will probably do well at the box office since the hype has been huge and the fan base is already well-established. It is difficult to replicate, on film, the very personal experience we enjoyed in a novel that is written in a First Person voice. Update note: Hunger Games Box Office opening weekend was $150 Million! Higher than the 110-115 Million industry was predicting, and one of the largest opening weekends of all time.

I do like Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. She is a remarkable talent with a face that demands attention. She could stare down Mike Tyson. I swear.

In Missoula, Spring Begins at 11:14 pm Tonight.

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:55:00 +0000

Spring, the vernal equinox, begins here in the Northern Hemisphere on March 19, 11:14 pm, MST. As I write this is a little less than twelve hours away.

What new things will spring bring? Sprouts, and buds, worms and birds. I love spring! Other than nearly always catching a cold this time of year, I also remember falling in love, several times, during these months of renewal. I love spring!

The word equinox is derived from the Latin words meaning “equal night.” The spring and fall equinoxes are the only dates with equal daylight and dark as the Sun crosses the celestial equator. At the equinoxes, the tilt of Earth relative to the Sun is zero, which means that Earth’s axis neither points toward nor away from the Sun.

One more thing: I have never understood why we do not capitalize the seasons of the year.

Bronchitis Nearly Ruined San Francisco Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 23:52:00 +0000

My "crud" turned into bronchitis that has lasted about 18 days. I am still not in the clear, breathing wise. I am exhausted from being sick all the time. We spent three days in San Francisco and it rained every day. Now THAT did not help my breathing! I only get sick about once a year, but this is the worst I've felt in about five years. At least it is not the Flu and I haven't vomited or had diarrhea. I can't wait til the weather gets warmer. It is snowing and blowing here in Montana today.

We Know It When We Have It

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:20:00 +0000

I have the "crud." Headache all day, sore throat, running nose and phlegmy. In short, I am miserable. This is Day 3.

Mountain Lion Crossing

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:07:00 +0000

Another reason to either LOVE or HATE living in Montana. We have had our fill of mountain lions this winter. When the snow gets deep in the high country, the deer and elk come down lower, and so do the mountain lions, coyotes and wolves.

I bought this sign as a gag gift for my wife, but it rings so true for how we live. There are no morning walks until daylight comes a little earlier.

University of Montana Missoula Charter Day 119th Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

The University of Montana will celebrate its 119^th birthday on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, with a noon-hour birthday party followed by an evening Charter Day Awards ceremony and reception at 5:30.

The birthday festivities are held each year to celebrate the anniversary of UM's chartering by the Montana Legislature in 1893 and to honor the University and its dedication to excellence. All events are free and open to the public.

The noon-hour birthday party, which will feature free cupcakes and entertainment, will be held in the University Center Atrium.

The annual Charter Day Awards ceremony takes place in the University Center Ballroom (3rd floor), and will recognize exemplary campus and community members. (Begins at 5:30)

Missoula Mayor John Engen will attend the evening awards ceremony to present an official proclamation of University of Montana Day. A reception will follow the ceremony.

Come one, come all. It's free.

Lazy Man's Valentine

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:33:00 +0000

Ski, Beer, Grammys or all three?

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:31:00 +0000

I wonder how many "Brewfest" revelers tried to hit the fresh powder at Snow Bowl this morning. Good skiing for those who can remain upright. Three inches of fresh at the top; 29 degrees at the base as of noon, Sunday, Feb 12. Happy Birthday Abe. Grammy's tonight with Ladies Love Cool James (LL COOL J).

Brewfest In Missoula Feb 11, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:16:00 +0000

The old Safeway Grocery Store on West Broadway just adjacent to St. Patricks's Hospital, (how handy) will be the scene of malt debauchery and music Saturday, Feb 11, 2-8 pm, in Missoula.

Big Sky Documentary Film Festival Missoula Montana

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Now in its 9th year, The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival has become the largest cinema event in Montana and the premier venue for non-fiction film in the American West. In 2010, the festival drew an audience of 12,000 and received nearly 1000 film entries from every corner of the globe. A unique setting for filmmakers to premiere new work and for audiences to see innovative new films and also classics in the genre, the festival presents an average of 125 non-fiction films annually at the historic Wilma Theater in downtown Missoula, hosting over fifty visiting artists.

The 2012 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival runs from February 17th to 26th in Missoula.
Here is a LINK to the Viewing Schedule.

Discovery Map of Missoula Montana

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:57:00 +0000

This is a terrific map of Missoula. You can zoom in and pan around and examine a variety of restaurants and other attractions. Physically, the map is featured on the website DiscoveryMap.com
It may take ten seconds or so to load. You can zoom by rolling your mouse wheel. Place cursor on a featured site for details.

Granddaughters Brighten My Day

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:06:00 +0000

Here are brand new photos of two of the six granddaughters on my side of the family. (My spouse has four on her side.) Of course we consider ALL of them to be our granddaughters, that almost goes without saying.

January Feels Like it Has About 60 days

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:56:00 +0000

Doesn't it feel like this is the Longest January in history!? And we still have a week to go. Huge snowfall amounts, heavy snow shoveling, sore back, lack of sunlight, and the bank account just keeps shrinking. About the only good thing about January is that the days are getting longer. Groundhog Day is coming up on February 2. That marks the half-way mark of the winter months. Half way to spring.

Missoula Schools Take Second Consecutive Snow Day

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:29:00 +0000

Heavy snow loads on the streets has led to a second consecutive "snow day" for Missoula school kids. I'm sure they don't mind.

Personally, I am struggling with the snow load on the driveway. After putting nearly a foot of snow cover on Thursday, Mother Nature dumped two more inches this morning, and then the County snow plow sprayed about four inches onto my driveway approach (again).

I am tiring more quickly each time I have to go out and shovel more. Arms and shoulders are sore but it is my Lower Back that is really taking a beating. Could it be because I am not 24 years old anymore but 64? And just three weeks away from my 65th birthday. Medicare coverage begins on February 1st, and thankfully it will cover some chiropractic adjustments which I have been paying for 100 percent out-of-pocket.

I am looking forward to spring. At least I can "ride" the lawn mower!

Snow Day for Kids but Just Another Shoveling Day for Me

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:25:00 +0000

Click photo to view full-sized

After shoveling 12 inches of snow off the driveway, the county snow plow came by and threw about six inches of it back onto the approach. I re-shoveled and then set out the garbage cans. The morning newspaper wasn't delivered until nearly 10 a.m. Now we are told it will snow more today...and tomorrow...and the next day. How many days until spring?
Missoula public schools first said they would delay opening for two hours but then just cancelled classes for the day. Kids LOVE a Snow Day! But what if the kids aren't old enough to stay home alone? Then working parents have to decide who stays home with them.

Frost Fever Frozen Frolic 5K Missoula January 28, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:12:00 +0000

I can't truthfully say I enjoy running when it is really cold, but so far, January 2012 has been pretty nice, with daytime highs in the 40s. We can hope for the best when we run the 14th Annual Frost Fever Frozen Frolic 5K on Saturday January 28, 2012. Race begins at 10:00 am at McCormick Park.

You can register HERE at active.com
Race fee is $18 through Jan 22, and $23 through race day morning. Long-sleeved T-shirt to all participants. Prize drawing galore following the race. There are no age categories for the Walk, but eight separate age groupings for men and women in the Run.

Packet pick up is at Currents Aquatics Center at McCormick Park, 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Friday, Jan 27, and then race day morning on Saturday, Jan 28, between 8:30 and 9:30.

My spouse and I registered for the 5K run last year and we finished near the end, but would have been FIRST if we had registered for the 5K WALK! Care to guess which we will be doing this year?

Patsy Smith, Hair Stylist, Missoula, MT

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

You can find Patsy Smith at 715 Kensington, Suite 5B, at Shirlee's Hair Designs. Patsy's phone number for appointments is 218-9651, (which I keep on speed dial, cause a guy never knows when he might have an emergency).

Patsy Smith has been cutting my hair since 1994. In fact, she has been the only hair stylist I have allowed to cut my hair in all those years. She also does perms and the color treatments that women like, but I just stick to the standard hair cut. She knows how I want it and I don't have to explain. That allows us to just chat away like the old friends that we are!

Patsy recently moved her business to a new salon location and she also has a new telephone number. I am writing this to help her get the word out.

Patsy will also accommodate her clients who can't make it to afternoon appointments by scheduling after normal working hours. But you need to check with her on the best times and days.

When you call Patsy, tell her you saw her new location and phone number on Doug's Missoula Blog. Perhaps I can hit her up for a free cut if I get her a few referrals. (Okay, I AM kidding.)

New Year's Resolution Exercise Get Fit Lose Weight

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:37:00 +0000

Every single year. I do the same thing. Resolve to become a healthier person, to lose weight, to exercise more and eat less. We begin 2012 with a new exercising incentive: spend money on an elliptical and feel guilty if we don't use it. We purchased this machine at Costco for $599 which seems like a pretty good price. The machine is solid and has a lot of bells and whistles to provide incentive. (There is that word again: incentive.)

I found out that technicians charge over $100 to assemble one of these elliptical machines in your home, so I did it myself in about three hours (or four). I tend to be really careful about following directions to avoid mistakes and that adds time. Now that I am finished I think I could assemble the same model in about an hour and a half.

My spouse is happy. She will make the most use of it. I will do the most thinking about using it.

2012 New Year New Beginning New Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

I am all in favor of starting over each year with a clean slate. Get rid of old prejudices, old gripes, old grudges. Everything can be new, great, grand, and groovy. Happy New Year!

First Night Missoula 2012 New Year's Eve

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:38:00 +0000

I am SO ready for 2012! There was not much to be pumped up about in 2011, but 2012 promises to be so much better...even the economy.

Here in Missoula we close out 2011 on the last night of the year with our biggest celebration of the year...First Night, with hundreds of performers in nearly 30 venues.

Events begin at noon on Dec 31, 2011 and run until midnight. The big finales feature the Ed Norton Big Band at the University Center Ballroom, and the Drum Brothers in the University Center Copper Commons. This is a LINK to the complete schedule

There are special Bus Routes running throughout the evening. This is a LINK to the Map featuring the Venues and Bus Routes (bus routes are in Orange.) Click on the numbered venues for a list of all performers at that location.

For me it is time to begin anew, to think positively, to set new goals, improve my diet, my exercise regimen and my attitude toward winter. I begin to enjoy the earlier morning sunrises and the later sunsets. I start to make "to-do" lists that include projects that need to be done before spring and things that must wait until warmer weather.

And lastly, I qualify for Medicare beginning on the first of February. Whether or not this is cause for joy I don't know, but it does mark another milestone, and I am still alive.

Merry Christmas Peace on Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Kueffler) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 01:31:00 +0000

I wish that there was peace in the World; that there were no hungry children; and no homeless people, and that everyone had a warm place to sleep.

The World is really a pretty nasty place, and those of us who are fortunate enough to not suffer really have no idea why we get to live a life so different than the vast majority of people in the World.

It seems like there should be enough of everything for all people to share. This could be a World of Abundance; but we fight over who is in charge, who gets to be first in line, who gets to be educated, who gets to sign multi-million-dollar contracts to play basketball so he can "put food on the table." We spend billions on war-making, billions more on orbiting the Earth, billions more on keeping banks afloat, and on and on and on....