Here's the thing, my camera was broken. We won't say how. (I value my marriage more than things like washing machines or cameras.)
Never-the-less I experienced a new freedom on our trip to Montana for the Pond Family Reunion. I didn't have my camera so I didn't worry about taking pictures. Aaron's Melissa, Mom-in-law and Aunt Maxine-in-law shared all their pictures with me. I was a free bird. I didn't know what to do with myself. What should I do with my hands? I kind of missed my book.
And that made me think of my dad because that's what he does at reunions. I'm certain I never thought less of him when he plopped down to enjoy his book instead of the company. It's what I'd rather do. You heard me. Er...read me. I'd rather be reading. That would make an ideal bumper sticker. I looked at those friendly relations and thought, "What would make this a perfect reunion is if I could sit over there by that pretty white fence and read my book amidst all the 'hullos'." That's my idea of heaven, put me in a crowd but leave me alone with a book.
Can you picture it? Me, by myself, in the middle of the Ponds in Montana. If my dad were there we could have been a team. We might not have been popular, but we'd have been a team. Few people truly understand the general preference of reading to spending time with people, even really nice ones.
I suspect my pal J. F. is one who occasionally feels that way.
She lives in Spokane and graciously let us use her house as a pit stop. This divided our travel into two convenient days going then coming. This also allowed The Pirate to develop a love/hate relationship with J.F.'s dog. He still talks about that dog. It's actually the only thing he still talks about.
In truth, the little bugs loved all the commotion: cousins and second cousins, aunts and great aunts, and especially Grandma, Grandpa and Mr. Right's brother.
One night as people toasted marshmallows The Princess and I noticed the mountain range was back lit with a luminous white glow. With each breath we actually watched the huge moon rise up over the peaks. I've been looking forward to visiting Montana ever since I read Lonesome Dove and it didn't disappoint.
We also spent a day in Glacier National Park. Holy Mackerel what beauty. We drove up Going To the Sun Highway and that's about as accurate a name as you're going to find. At Logans Pass our little bugs cracked the whip so we hiked up the glacier. And the fresh smell...WOW. It's just like pine scented freshener only it's not artificial! I mean THAT'S an experience.
So a special thanks to those who gave me these pictures. Infact Aaron's Melissa is a photographer and you can visit her website.
Oh, and as for my book, don't worry. I stayed up late one night and finished it. I was thoroughly exhausted the next day and completely anti-social because of it.