Watching It Snow

© 2015 Penny Hall 

© 2015 Penny Hall 

© 2015 Penny Hall 

This morning I woke to what looks like six inches of snow.  It is in the 20's.  The weather reports predict snow through Tuesday morning could reach as much as one foot.

Then, an arctic blast is expected to follow dropping temps into the single digits.

I am working from home today.  I fed the birds and cleared the side walk.  Later I will clear off the car.  I planned to take a walk but the wind kicked up so I think I will wait until it is a bit calmer.

Wonder if this means we will have a white Christmas?

First Snow Removal Day

© 2015 Penny Hall

I woke up to a big surprise this morning.  Looking at the pots in my front yard we must have gotten five to six inches of snow.

It snowed Tuesday and Wednesday, especially in Bozeman but the temps hovered around thirty degrees.  It was in the twenties yesterday morning and twenty this morning.

This is that beautiful light, fluffy, snow.  I took the photo from my office this morning at 8:45 AM.  Now the sun is peeking out.  I am sure the icy roads will be melting quickly.

This was our first snow removal day of the year.  Things were so calm and quiet as I removed the snow from the car and sidewalks.

When I drove through downtown Ennis shop owners were out clearing the sidewalks.

Winter was slower arriving. I wonder what it will be like this year?

Leaving Montana

©2015 Penny Hall

It was ten degrees and snowing when I left Montana this morning.  It was predicted to be below zero so we were pleased to wake up to a warmer temperature.

The roads were clear due to the warm in temps the past couple of days to the forties which melted the ice.

I am heading to Arkansas to spend time with family.  Ken is at home doing some fabulous work with his photography.  I marvel at his talent, passion and drive.

I will try to keep you posted of happenings in Ennis via Ken until I return. 

15 Below Zero

©2014 Penny Hall

An arctic front moved in yesterday bringing lots of wind and cold temperatures.  The high was about 6 above zero yesterday.  This morning it was 15 degrees below zero and calm.

Yesterday the deer were roaming about grazing on anything they could find.  Today they are noticeably absent.  I am sure they are bedded down somewhere keeping warm.  Tomorrow it is expected to reach a high of about 18 degrees. 

The sun is shining and the high is expected to reach zero.  I am huddled in the house working from home with a warm cup of tea near the warmth of the pellet stove.  

I love how technology allows me to work anywhere using my laptop and phone.  Life is so good and I am so blessed.  

12 Degrees This Morning

©2014 Penny Hall

It was 12 degrees this morning when we woke.  There were deer bedded down under our neighbor's trampoline and our resident bunny rabbit was out looking for food.

It began to snow Saturday evening and continued some during the day on Sunday.  A little more fell last night.  In all it might have been two inches.  

We welcomed the sunshine today.  The days are getting shorter but soon we will pass the shortest day of the year mark.  I love the sunshine and will enjoy the ever increasing hours of daylight.

A Little Snow

© 2014 Penny Hall

I took this photo yesterday when I went for an afternoon walk through downtown Ennis.  It was a little breezy but the sunshine was awesome.

The day began with ice covered roads.  Wednesday afternoon it snowed about an inch and left a good bit of moisture.  The ice was gone by early afternoon when temperatures rose as high as forty degrees.

More and more of the ice on the Madison River is giving way to open channels for the water to flow freely.  It is a fascinating process to watch.

With temperatures above normal it feels a lot like springtime.

January in Ennis, Montana

©2014 Penny Hall

As I stood looking over the Madison River this morning the gorge reminded me of the interesting changes in weather this winter.  The early deep freeze produced the ice and now temperatures this week are predicted to remain above normal for this time of year.

It was twenty-five this morning and now it is close to forty.  We experienced a couple of light snowfalls this week.  It is snowing lightly now but the mountains are getting most of the snow.  In Ennis it remains rather pleasant for January.

2014 Greetings from Ennis, Montana

©2014 Penny Hall

Happy New year from Ennis, Montana.  2014 is here and today the wind is ushering in a new storm.  Although December brought several days of below zero temperatures our holidays were nice and travel was easy.

The Madison River gorged during the sub zero temps and is beginning to open up a few pathways.  I took this photo from Lion's Park a few days ago.  Water from the gorged river flooded the park.  I could cross both bridges but ice prevented me from walking further.

As I traveled to the office this morning just before 8:00 AM it was nice to see so many cars parked along main street.  The local cafe's were filled with customers.  That is a great start to the new year.

It was thirty degrees when I got up at 5:00 AM.  The weather man predicts rain and snow today.  Sub zero temps are expected for a couple of days at night.  Then
 it should warm back up to the twenties and thirties late next week.

Watching the national news I feel blessed to be here.  Compared to other places in the United States we are experiencing a milder winter so far.

Unusual Weather

©2013 Penny Hall

©2013 Penny Hall

The first photo was taken the day before we had a huge downpour of rain and ice.  The creeks filled up to overflowing in a matter of a few short minutes.  Water stood in puddles for a few days.

We seem to be filling the bird feeders more often than usual this time of year.  Ken thinks it is because we have more large birds hanging around.

It was ninety-five in Bozeman this week,  Lately it has been in the mid eighties at sundown.  The past two mornings we woke to low forties.  I love the early mornings especially this time of year.  It is always peaceful and cool.

We are so blessed to live in this beautiful valley.

Afternoon Showers

©2013 Penny Hall

©2013 Penny Hall

Afternoon showers helped cool temperatures both yesterday and today.  I stopped by Lions Park for a short walk just in time to see most people exit the park just as the rain began to fall.

The 4th of July parade was a smashing success as always.  The crowd seemed to be one of the largest we have seen in our thirteen years in Ennis.  It marks the beginning of the short summer and tourist season.

I love how the tourists bring a much needed infusion of cash to help support the economy of our small community.

Rain, Wind and Snow

© 2013 Penny Hall

Yesterday it was cloudy with rain off and on through the day.  It was a bit breezy but in the forties.

I was awakened this morning about four-thirty to the sound of strong winds causing the screen on the bedroom window to rattle.  The house felt colder than it has the past few days.

When I got up later I noticed the snow and the thermometer.  The twenty degree temperature combined with the relentless wind made it feel like winter again.

I am grateful for the moisture and the few calm days of warmth and sunshine.

Spring Is Coming

©2013 Penny Hall

©2013 Penny Hall

Temperatures were warmer this week.  We enjoyed more sunshine and the ice on the pond at Lions Park melted.

Last night it was fifty-four degrees at seven in the evening.  This morning we woke to temperatures in the twenties and a light dusting of snow on the ground.  The wind continues to blow as the sun peeks in and out of the clouds.

Spring is definitely on its way.  You can feel the energy picking up in town as everyone begins to waken from winter's sleep.

A New Dawn

©2012 Ken W. Hall

This amazing sunrise greeted me my first morning home after the doctor worked on my eye.  It was a spectacular sunrise and it felt so good to be home.

The skies here in Ennis are always beautiful but the colors change with the seasons and become more interesting and intense in the winter.

I cannot begin to express my gratitude for all your kind and loving words of support and prayers.  I am deeply touched and filled with gratitude.  Who knew so many people were following my little blog?

The eyesight journey continues.  With the help of modern technology I am able to do more and more tasks.  The gas bubble is getting smaller and I am slowly increasing my time on the computer.  I dusted off an old blog called "Changing Focus" where I will share more about my eyesight journey.  The next step is to get back to selling and creating more art as soon as the bubble is gone.

The weather here in Ennis is rather mild for us.  Temperatures are in the teens and twenties at night and increasing to the mid to high thirties in the day.  This week we enjoyed some wonderful days with sunshine.

I was surprised to hear on the news that Bozeman has moved more snow this year than usual.  There have been a few bouts of snow and really cold temps, but not too bad for us.

Ken took me for a drive yesterday to visit my beloved Madison River.   The only evidence of gorging is the ice that clings to the banks.  The river itself is flowing freely within its banks.

I will keep you posted.  Sounds like it could be an early spring.

Morning Coffee On The Deck

©2012 Ken W. Hall   

©2012 Ken W. Hall 

©2012 Ken W. Hall 

©2012 Penny Hall 

Last Saturday we woke to three to four inches of snow.  Even though it was twenty-one degrees outside Ken suited up and camera in hand spent the next hour or so on the deck enjoying his morning coffee.

The woodpecker, finches, and numerous other birds joined him.  Some put on quite a show.

A couple of days later temperatures dropped to zero degrees.  We experienced some days of clouds, some of sunshine and many with strong winds.  The highest temps this week during the day have been in the twenties.

As you can tell, I prefer to have my morning tea inside where it is warm.

Smoke Is In The Air

© 2012 Ken W. Hall

© 2012 Ken W. Hall

Another week has passed so quickly.  We are busy preparing for the Ennis Arts Festival this Saturday at Peter T's Park in downtown Ennis.

Temperatures have been hot this week.  Highs in the nineties and no moisture.  The winds were really strong yesterday from the south.  Last night the smoke in the air was so strong we kept the windows closed.

Ken took these images at lunch from our front yard.  As you can tell we can barely see the mountains through the smoke.  This morning when the sun rose it was bright orange.

An Evening at Sun Ranch

Photo by Penny Hall

Photo by Penny Hall

Photo by Penny Hall

Yesterday we had the pleasure of participating in a celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Madison River Foundation.  The owners of the Sun Ranch were gracious enough to allow the foundation to hold this event at their lodge.

Ken produced a DVD presentation documenting the first ten years of the organization.  We were there at the beginning and have watched it grow and expand its scope.  The DVD was a beautiful honoring of the people and the place they work so hard to protect and preserve.

The two hundred plus guests were having so much fun the event lasted much longer than expected.  Those who stuck it out to the end gave even more to the cause by participating in the the silent and live auctions.  Although the partners of the Sun Ranch  were newcomers they jumped right in and helped generate additional donations to help support the efforts of the MRF.

As an observer my heart was warmed by their generosity and enthusiastic support.  I was especially appreciative of the participation of their dog who gave me a big kiss at a much needed time during my duties as one of the hosts.

With the exception of the ever present wind, the weather was warm and awesome. The Sun Ranch is a spectacular location to be reminded of how blessed we are to live in this magnificent valley with people who love and honor the land and its inhabitants.

Suddenly Summer

Photo by Penny Hall

The clouds over the Madison valley are dark this morning.  The gentle breeze and sixty degree temperatures at sunrise felt wonderful.

Yesterday we were fortunate to have perfect weather in the morning for our Farmer's Market.  It was in the forties as we were setting up.  On our way home the car thermometer registered eighty-two.  It felt like summer.

The Ennis Art Walks kicked off their summer season Friday evening.  I was honored to be the featured artist for Maykak Gallery.  Local friends and neighbors along with a few tourists enjoyed ta feast for their eyes as well as their souls.  My photographer became so involved in the festivities he forgot to take photos.  Sadly I have none to share.

Today is the big Lions Club Father's Day Fishing Tournament at Lions Park where fathers fish the pond with their children.  I see some patches of clear sky forming.  Perhaps it will clear up in time for the annual event.

There were lots of cars on main street when I ventured out early this morning for this photo.  The number of summer visitors is increasing.  I love to watch our community wake up each summer to the sights and sounds of summer vacationers.

A Stormy Saturday

Photo by Penny Hall

Photo by Penny Hall

Yesterday our first Farmer's Market opened for the season.  It was a great market with one exception.  The storm blowing through created a bit of a challenge for some of our tents.

As artists we have quite an investment in our merchandise and outdoor events always create a risk.  Wind, rain and hot sun can damage our merchandise in the blink of an eye.  So, after holding onto our tent for a couple of hours we gave in and placed our art back in its boxes out of harms way.  I trust next week the weather will be kinder and we will have a new and improved plan.

Fortunately the huge down pour of rain held off until early afternoon.  We were blessed.

Today it is in the low sixties.  The clouds are hanging low and the mountain peeks are rising above them.  It is such a lovely sight to behold.  The above photos were taken a few minutes ago along the Madison River.

Someone said snow is in the forecast for mid-week.  This season is starting out to be very different from last year.

Spring Snow

Photo by Ken W. Hall

It snowed this past week.  Ken just sent me this lovely photo he took on Friday.  Of course, it is spring and the temperatures are too warm for the snow to stick around.  The weather man is predicting more rain this week and highs in the fifties and sixties.

Our little town is waking up as everyone prepares for the return of our summer visitors.  Part-time residents are arriving.  Businesses closed for the winter are preparing to open as well as new business eager to see what the summer holds. 

Spring is a wonderful time of year here in Ennis.

Warm Spring

Photo by Penny Hall

Saturday we had dinner with friends.  It was a clear and beautifully calm day.  The high was in the seventies.  Many of the guests were talking about the snow and blizzard conditions they experienced last year on the same day.  What a difference.

It rained a little last night and looks as if we may get more this evening.  The wind is blowing strong and as you can tell from the photo I took of the Madison River it looks like we might get more this evening.

Ken has been working with the soil in our little garden space.  We are almost ready to put some seeds in the ground.  There have been lots of years we might have waited until later in May due to the snow and cold.  But, not this year.  I am loving this warm weather.