Big Sky Country Spring

Yesterday it was in the 80's in Atlanta. We arrived in Butte, Montana around noon. There was snow on the ground (left from the 25 inches they had gotten on April 1 and the 8 inches they got last week), it was 32 degrees, and snowing. Today the sun is shining brightly, it is in the high 50's, and Joe is out playing golf (they say the greens and fairways are pretty clear, just a "little" snow in the sandtraps). Carole and Mickey are dear Air Force friends that we have known from our early marriage years at Craig AFB in Selma, Alabama. Although Carole is a native of Mobile, Alabama, Mickey grew up in Montana and so they retired here some years back. They now live in Anaconda, a town of about 3,000 and about 30 miles from Butte.

Yesterday evening we attended a program in Anaconda at the Washoe Theatre. On the outside it appears to be a movie theater straight out of the 50's, bright flashing marquee included. But inside, what a surprise - a beautiful and grand theater with wonderful chandeliers, velvety draperies, and gold filigree. It reminded me a lot of the Fox Theater here in Atlanta, but on a smaller scale. The performance of the Synergy Brass, a brass quintet that tours around the country was fantastic. To see such a talented group of musicians, who have performed with the Boston Pops, Mormon Tabernacle choir, and on PBS, to name only a few venues, perform in this small town was amazing. We both thoroughy enjoyed the performance.

Coincidentally, their son, Michael (Carole reminds me I attended his birth when Mickey was TDY) is here from Whidby Island, Washington where he flies with the Navy, and soon will command a squadron of F-18's. We have had a wonderful time reminiscing, laughing, and telling stories of past military experiences as well as our children and grandchildren.The photo above was taken at the "cabin" of Michael and his brother, Chip. It is up a little higher than Anaconda and thus has more snow. In fact it is very near the ski run where Mickey teaches downhill skiing in the winter. And of course you can see the golfers on the left.