Snow!
March 31, 2020
Snow! That was the forecast. Friends in southern latitudes will be aghast at the thought of snow in Spring (or perhaps anytime), but Howie Fly tells me it once snowed on the 4th of July. Sheltering in place can be a way of life in the winter here. Thank goodness our town has a sense of humor, on display the minute you enter the town from the west and are greeted by this sign.
Snow! That was the forecast. Friends in southern latitudes will be aghast at the thought of snow in Spring (or perhaps anytime), but Howie Fly tells me it once snowed on the 4th of July. Sheltering in place can be a way of life in the winter here. Thank goodness our town has a sense of humor, on display the minute you enter the town from the west and are greeted by this sign.
The winters are long, snowy and cold so the town came up with an antidote to February cabin fever: a winter luau. Obvious right? Everyone puts on some form of colorful tropical garb (over their long underwear of course) and gathers around a bonfire to share a potluck meal. If the temperatures are precipitously low or the snow precipitously high, we can take refuge in the fire hall. At my first luau, Packer’s Roost was set up and we gathered food there to take outside by the fire. It is also an annual, imprecise, census event. A picture is always taken as a record. It really is a cheering occasion!
Right now it is calving season in the valley. All hands on deck. The other day, Howie Fly drove a camper out to their son-in-law’s ranch for him to stay in while overseeing calf deliveries. Jake’s family ranch covers 8,000 acres in Helmville, which is a sister community to Ovando. Last year I met a fellow who had hired out on a local ranch as a spotter—helping locate cows going into labor and notifying the ranchers. That meant spending long cold nights of watching in harsh conditions. He had worked some hard jobs in Alaska, but he found this job the toughest he’d ever done and vowed NOT to return next year. Maybe that’s how you develop a sense of humor.
To give you an idea of the vast wild expanses of Montana, consider that it is the fourth largest state, including Alaska, and yet the population stays steady at around one million. Grizzly bears have wandered into town and elk are familiar sights on the hills and in meadows. But that small population is devoted to their state and many ranchers here are also conservationists. The Two Creek Monture ranch owned by Wayne and Karalee Slaght and their family recently won an Environmental Stewardship Award. You can appreciate the land and the thought that goes into preserving it here. (Watch it full screen here. )
To give you an idea of the vast wild expanses of Montana, consider that it is the fourth largest state, including Alaska, and yet the population stays steady at around one million. Grizzly bears have wandered into town and elk are familiar sights on the hills and in meadows. But that small population is devoted to their state and many ranchers here are also conservationists. The Two Creek Monture ranch owned by Wayne and Karalee Slaght and their family recently won an Environmental Stewardship Award. You can appreciate the land and the thought that goes into preserving it here. (Watch it full screen here. )
Another antidote to cabin fever was created by Montana Covid-19 Couch Concerts. https://www.mtpr.org/post/live-music-now-playing-quarantined-couch-near-you "Bars and music venues across the country have shuttered their doors to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, but many musicians are still finding ways to perform during the pandemic through livestream shows being called "COVID-19 Couch Concerts." With gigs and tours postponed or canceled, performers have turned to impromptu live shows on the internet.”
On a larger scale but with similar intention, is cellist Yoyo Ma’s #SongsofComfort. “The idea for #SongsOfComfort sparked from asking what he could do for others. So now, he’s using his music as an act of servitude — and is inviting others to join him.” (WBUR) The response has ranged from professional performers like Carol King and James Taylor to grandparents and children, all sharing their music from their living rooms. Such an intimate sharing—living room to living room!
On a larger scale but with similar intention, is cellist Yoyo Ma’s #SongsofComfort. “The idea for #SongsOfComfort sparked from asking what he could do for others. So now, he’s using his music as an act of servitude — and is inviting others to join him.” (WBUR) The response has ranged from professional performers like Carol King and James Taylor to grandparents and children, all sharing their music from their living rooms. Such an intimate sharing—living room to living room!
Here are two of my favorites: The first is two Mayo Clinic doctors--NOT in their living room alas, but on a break offering up a song. Bless them all!
Two Mayo Clinic Doctors on a Break
The second is a grandfather entertaining his grand-daughters as they all shelter in place.
“I wrote this little song for my granddaughters to make them feel good about themselves. As you’ll see they seem to like it. I hope it brings a little joy to you and your children, as well. T. A. Kuepper” https://twitter.com/i/status/1244024932259913728
Two Mayo Clinic Doctors on a Break
The second is a grandfather entertaining his grand-daughters as they all shelter in place.
“I wrote this little song for my granddaughters to make them feel good about themselves. As you’ll see they seem to like it. I hope it brings a little joy to you and your children, as well. T. A. Kuepper” https://twitter.com/i/status/1244024932259913728
Watching these little girls dance reminded me of the pleasures of seeing the natural expression of music in young children. If you have ever seen Zubin Mehta conduct (or even if you haven’t), this video of his grandson will knock your socks off!
| zubin_mehtas_grandson.mp4 |
This reminded me of a favorite video of mine, which I have on my website: 3 year old Jonathan conducting to the 4th movement of Beethoven's 5th Symphony
I will end on a musical note that ties all of this together. Carole King offered this earlier recording up to #SongsOfComfort and it is so reminiscent of where I live. I hope it will soothe your stress and make your home feel a little larger.
Way Over Yonder
From our valley to yours, even if it is only inside of you...
Stay well.
Sheri
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