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

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

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

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

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

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