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PORCH PONDERINGS

by NormaJean AKA Writing Queen

Rated: 13+ · Book · Biographical · #2198921

Norma's Wanderings around a small section of Montana

Well, hey there!
Welcome to Roundup, Montana! If it's a nice day, we'll sit a spell on my porch and talk awhile.

A poem captured my attention the other day.

Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget 
Falls drop by drop upon the heart, 
Until, in our own despair,
 Against our will,
 Comes wisdom 
Through the awful grace of God.

Aeschylus

What's on your mind today?

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Comments ·

March 13, 2026 at 4:01pm

#1110580

Crazy Wind

We've had quite the weather the last few days. Perhaps you've heard or seen the accidents lately in my area.

Yesterday we had winds up to 70 MPH, and then it started to rain. After the rain turned to snow last night, I woke up to at least 6 inches of wet snow. Wind speeds up to 100 MPH were reported around Montana. Crazy.

This snow we got was the most moisture we've had all winter. Now the snow is melting, so all the streets are full of slush and water. But there is still a winter storm warning until Sunday morning.

I am sitting right now in the county commissioner's office, waiting on something to happen. There have been a few people in today. They've solved a few problems. And now the wait is on for 3 PM public comment time. After that, I am off the hook for the weekend.

Stay safe everyone. Storms predicted all over.

Comment

March 11, 2026 at 1:04pm

#1110395

Life is Never Static

Life is never static. There is always something going on. At least that is the case in my life..

Last night was a refuse committee meeting. I am the secretary/treasurer for this group. This little gig pays me a modest, very, amount to keep the minutes and finances straight.

We were to meet at the courthouse and then travel to another location in the county. The purpose was to observe the two smaller refuse sites and meet the attendants.

Okay, well, the man that suggested this arrangement was a no-show. He works for the county also as an ambulance driver. He stated he had to go to Salt Lake city in the morning, so wouldn't be at the meeting. Whatever.

Then another person on the committee fell, so she wouldn't attend. Okay, I can identify. I fell some time ago, and broke my hand.

Another person was sick, so he didn't come. And yet another was mad about the plan, so he didn't come. Another man resigned without notice.

Now at this point, we are down to me, the chairman of the board, and another member. Plus the county commissioner who acts as a mentor for the group. So there was no quorum for the meeting to make any decisions. We met the refuse attendants at these satellite sites. So at least they attended. We made notes on improvements for the sites. We signed claim forms for reimbursements. Talked for a time, then headed home. I guess the time wasn't wasted, but we didn't have a good attendance. Annoying.

Another change for me was the fact the museum board voted for me to be treasurer. And what a tangled mess the chairperson and I have trying to get the bank accounts straightened out. It will take a few visits to the bank to do this. Plus we found out the museum has a safe deposit box, which no one knew about. Hmm. And no key anywhere. Double hmm. We will get this all figured out eventually, but in the meantime a board member wants to submit financial information for grant proposals. To do this, he needs to show an accurate accounting of cash.

Like I said, life is never static. And to make it more interesting, there is a forecast of another wind event. High winds of 40-60 MPH tomorrow. Again I will listen to the wind try to rip the roof off the house.

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February 27, 2026 at 12:04pm

#1109373

Big Fire

So the big news in Roundup today is a wildfire. As of the last posting by DES, the size of the fire is 5,000 acres. It's in a remote area, with many ranches and farms in the way.

Seems someone had a burn pile that wasn't put out properly. And winds yesterday were 25 - 40 MPH.

Since this area has had big fires in the recent past, all are on edge. But the community is rallying, offering shelter at the community center, free motel rooms at a local motel, land for farm animal evacuations.

I actually saw a big area of a red glow as I drove back from Billings last night. I didn't know about this fire so I was confused as to what this was. It was about 8:30 at night, so too late for a sunset. I know several people that live in this area, so I am monitoring this every few minutes. Our local DES is keeping everyone updated on Facebook.

It is really concerning to have a big fire this soon in the season. But we've had very little moisture this winter. A few bouts of snow, and no real rain doesn't help with drought conditions.

My time in Billings yesterday was spent going around shopping, then on to a poetry class downtown. It was session four of five. A group of anywhere from 10-15 people have been attending. It has been informative and affirming. There is another session on this coming Sunday. I've met some very talented and interesting people. I've written some poems, that perhaps I will share them sometime soon.

So everyone please pray for Musselshell County. Pray the winds stop, even though they are again predicted for today. Pray for the landowners that are affected.

No one wants fire season to start this early.

Comment

February 19, 2026 at 1:11pm

#1108797

Finally Winter!

So after a winter that started off warm and dry, we are now having a second snow, plus cold. But finally a nice bit of moisture for the farmers and ranchers.

Things are busy, as usual. I am still doing the financials for the museum. In March we elect officers, and some have asked me if I would like to be the treasurer. Well, perhaps. I'm not lobbying for it.

The previous treasurer had that job for over 40 years. She was notorious for her penny-pinching to the extreme. Also we are finding out much of what she was responsible for was done by others. This fact alone is reason enough to get a new person on board, and to keep all financial matters closer to the museum.

On a personal side, my friend Juliet and I went to see the latest movie, 'Wuthering Heights'. While I knew the story is dark at times, and about a love between Heathcliff and Cathy, I had forgotten some of the plot points. This movie is dark and, as my friend pointed out, very stylized. Sometimes over the top in the set and costumes and such. But it was entertaining. I hadn't been to a movie theater in years. Kind of a nice getaway.

I also participate in some poetry classes sponsored by an independent bookstore in Billings. About 12-13 of us gather at least five times for a round table discussion on poetry and crafting your own poems. The theme this time is 'love' in honor of Valentine's Day.

Session one was 'Agape and Eros', with definitions of all the different types of love. Then we crafted love letters.
Session two was titled 'Romance and Song'. We were tasked with creating the lyrics for a ballad.

The session on ballads turned into almost a therapy visit. Most everyone had a sad or mad song about love and or relationships. Mine tended to the mad side. Perhaps one day I'll share it.

I am going again next Monday for another class. The third is titled 'Love and Transformation'. Not sure which way that will go, but it is always informative and fun.

So now I am cozy in my little house, the temperature outside is a balmy 10*. Perhaps later a walk around town.

Comment

February 7, 2026 at 7:50pm

#1107824

Crazy Warm

What the heck? It is February 7 and today in Roundup my outside thermometer read 68*. That is warmer than much of Florida. So many of you think, why the hub bub?

Let me tell you, we need moisture in this part of Montana. No winter snow or rain or ice means dry in the summer. And a dry summer means wildfires. There have been a few in town. Just last week a house burnt down.

Now the river is still running, a bit low, but still enough water to not worry. But the wind is blowing and dust flying everywhere.

On another note, I have been busy lately, again. We are working at the museum to ready for a May 1 opening. Changing up displays, sifting through items in the office, throwing junk away. Never ending.

The heat went off a few weeks ago when we had some actual low temps. The fuel oil boiler is perhaps on its last legs. The repair guy says he has no idea how old, but at least 50 years. That is worrisome, so we probably have to replace it. I vote for propane. But I am not in charge, I just volunteer and sit on the board of directors. We are having a meeting tomorrow, our monthly get-together, so perhaps that will be on the agenda.

Not much else. The weekly county meeting, visiting friends, and looking forward to a poetry workshop coming next week. The workshop is over 5 sessions spread over February and March. This bookstore I love sponsors it, and is the same one I've been attending for about a year now.

Stay warm everyone and send us some rain or snow. SE Montana needs it.

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January 30, 2026 at 8:00pm

#1107156

WHEW!

Well mercy. It has been quite a week. I had a meeting with the non-profit I manage. It was time to distribute the $21K raised over three months. The next day I worked at the museum, doing banking and such. After that, I hosted two publicists from SE Montana Tourism in the museum for a look-see. The museum is closed and in disarray, as we repair and create new exhibits, but they will wished to visit. I was a part of that tourism group for many years. Then I spent today with the county commissioners during their weekly public open meeting. Then I report this meeting in the local paper.

So now I am thinking I need a day off. Luckily tomorrow will be just that day. The Sabbath is tomorrow, a day of rest.

Not too much going on with writing, sad to say. I have signed up for the poetry classes in Billings again. That should be fun, as the others have been so great.

So I try to make a few notes daily on a poem idea. Not ready to share yet, but I keep jotting down ideas. Soon I'll have to congeal it all and make something worthy of owning.

It has been very strange weather here. We've had no snow or rain of any measure for weeks. And the temperatures have been in the 50's. The locals are now starting to worry about the lack of moisture. Fires are always a concern here. There was a huge fire several years ago that still haunts people to this day.

As eastern US is suffering from too much snow and power outages, we are begging for some rain or snow.

Life will settle down eventually. It usually does. Just have to wait.

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January 23, 2026 at 7:46pm

#1106621

Storm Forecast

I was just running down rabbit holes on YouTube. I got into a weather guy and seeing all the warnings in the rest of the country.

Here in Montana today we woke to a small bit, less than inch, of snow and single digit temperatures. Luckily no wind. Tonight it is supposed to be below zero.

Ah, winter. Dress for it and you'll be fine. But I wouldn't want to be in an ice storm, as they are forecasting tonight. That is a completely different animal.

I don't have a problem with the cold and snow. Since I walk around town and don't drive, any large amount of snow makes that a bit difficult, but not as bad as getting stuck somewhere in a car.

So on another topic, the lady pushing her tourism grant has sent it to the state. The county commissioners and others don't think it will fly, as water slides by the city pool are fine for locals, but not a big tourist draw, in my opinion. So they, the county, is sending along separately alternate solutions if the pool idea is not approved. The city has problems with the increased cost of the pool maintenance and heating. Let alone the fact that it is a bigger footprint in a smallish park area.

Today I bent the ear of the commissioners about the museum. Our boiler for heat there went out, and it does so often now. We are probably looking at replacing it - soon. And we don't really have lots of money just hanging around waiting to be spent. The boiler is powered by fuel oil, and often gets clogged up at the filter.

We only heat the basement of the museum, as we close the end of September and open again May 1. But it would be nice to expand our HVAC system so we could stay open all year round.

I will let you know if that tourism grant gets approved as submitted. I don't have high hopes.

Comment

January 17, 2026 at 11:43pm

#1106238

Back Again

Mercy sakes - it has been a long time. I've been busy, as I am sure everyone is.

The last event I had happened just this last week. I am in the beginning testing for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and their research into Parkinson's disease. I currently do NOT have this problem. But perhaps I may be chosen to be part of their monitoring. We'll see what happens.

I am happy to help in any way to find the reason for this disease. I know of two people that have/had this. One person was decades ago. Another is a friend's husband in town.

I answered a survey I received by email, then was sent a questionnaire. I filled that out. Then I received an interesting test - a smell test. Curious little invention. There was a series of booklets, each having scratch and sniff squares on a number of pages. You had to guess the scent on each square. I mailed that back, and in a few months received another. Then take some timed cognitive tests on the computer. THEN they contacted me about doing this research.

Last week I went to Aurora, CO for actual in-person testing. The organization flew me there, provided a hotel and a driver to take me around. I got a per diem for food and whatevers. Then I did bloodwork, 10 tubes, a neurologist exam, more questions then I had a lumbar puncture test.

Ever had that lumbar puncture test done? Well, I have. It's not horribly painful, but no fun nonetheless. But I guess sticking a needle into your spinal column is not a normal event. The doctor performing the test was kind, took great care to do this with as little pain as possible.

I did ask him when was the first lumbar puncture ever performed. He honestly didn't know, but told me he'd look up that history. I did and it was back in 1890 or so. The key is not to sit up immediately, or you'll get a bad headache. That has also happened to me in the past.

Seems there are a few interesting facts about beginning the diagnosis of this disease. Sense of smell is a clue, and acting out dreams or sleep disturbances.

Now that I'm back home, I will change a few things about my diet. I will try to cut back on caffeine. I figure it can't hurt, might help. In many ways.

There is now controversy about a tourism grant idea. The lady in charge of this was at the commissioners meeting yesterday. She is like a bulldog with this concept, and still will not consider the museum being in any way a draw for tourists. So annoying. She wants to build onto the city pool a water slide. The city, last I heard, is not a big fan of the project, due to increased costs like maintenance and insurance.

But this person, whose first name is also Norma, is sure this will be a done deal. $1.5 million. But she only has until January 22 to file the claim. And from what I heard, really she knows nothing about filling out the paperwork or what it all entails as to the immense amount of paperwork going forward.

Another person and I tried to get the museum to be a part of all this. But she shot us down, and then we decided to withdraw our plans. So now we need to find another way to fund a $1.5 million project we had developed.

It should be interesting. But then, life these days is certainly NOT boring.

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January 1, 2026 at 10:58pm

#1104884

Happy New Year!

Happy new year to all you out there.

It was not too bad last night as fireworks started here in town. I put on headphones and watched the movie "War Horse".

I enjoyed that film again. But this time I paid more attention to the story-telling of the piece. I liked the way the script started in England with a farmer and wife and son. The horse the father bought was to be a work-horse, but is more of a thoroughbred.

So the drama starts with the family. But the horse becomes quite a work-horse, and friend to the son.

Then WWI starts, and the horse is sold to the army with the money helping to save the farm.

So this is when the story gets interesting. WWI of course was horrible. And the horse experiences it in many places.

Finally toward the end, and I'll not give away much of what happens, the horse and son are reunited, through a quite wonderful set of circumstances. And we end up back where it started - at the farm in England.

By the end of the movie, the yahoos in my neighborhood were setting off the most intense fireworks of the night. But soon that quit, as midnight is the end of it all, or so it should be.

Tonight I haven't heard any, so far, and the fireworks stand is gone. So perhaps peace again.

I visited a friend today. She lives alone, except for her cat. Dorothy is my age, but looks 20 years older. We graduated the same year from high school. She, I think, in Montana. Me in Ohio. But we met when I used to volunteer at the senior center doing Meals on Wheels.

Dorothy was in the midst of a smoke break when I arrived. We then sat and talked for a time. She showed me a jigsaw puzzle in the works. She also saves her completed puzzles. They get glued onto her wallpapered walls. Now I have to admit that is something I've never seen before. Dorothy stated she didn't care for the wallpaper, and whoever buys the house after she dies can just do whatever they want to the walls. Not my decorating aesthetic but you do you, Dorothy.

We talked about my last play, and how much she enjoyed one particular scene. It was not in the script, but we covered it well. On stage an actor accidentally messed up a table with props. So the actor playing my boss, screams my character's name. I come stomping out on stage and righted the table, then stomped off again. Sort of in character for a lady's maid, the part I played. Evidently it made a big impression on my friend. She thought it was in the script.

Okay. So we also talked about her no longer doing a Bingo game twice a week, she was the organizer of these games. But after 13 years of doing that, she figured it was time to let someone else take over. Plus there is just too much drama at the senior center now.

There is indeed drama at the center. And it's not good. Claims of mismanagement, blackmailing seniors to pay for something that is donation only, not wanting to comply with state orders. But nothing is happening with shutting them down. Somehow they are managing with donations only to stay afloat. The state is withholding funds until they get their financials in order.

Tomorrow is my day to sit with the county commissioners at their public Friday meeting. I love doing this, and learn a lot about the goings-on in the county. Then I report on this in the local paper. And sometimes it is tough to condense what happens and make it non-political.

But this small town has lots of drama, always something happening to someone that gets everyone all upset. Never a dull moment.

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December 25, 2025 at 10:21pm

#1104435

Merry Christmas

Today I went to visit a friend in the nursing home. Nothing happening at our home so I spent time with a person who used to live next to us. She had invited me to spend time with her, have a Christmas meal.

E.R. is recuperating after an illness, and has now been permanently ensconced in the local hospital long term care unit. She had to vacate the house she was renting. All her personal belongings shrunk down to fit the small room while the rest got spirited away by her landlord. Even her car was sold. But when you're on Medicaid, you cannot have property, so that's okay.

E.R. is convinced she is not going to be around much longer. She is adamant about this. I've tried to tell her, no, you'll be fine. But now every time I go I come home with some of her treasures. Today I was loaded up with books, note cards, two stuffed animals, and even a Christmas stocking given to her with goodies in it.

Now my motives for going are to first of all check on her, and second to inform her of my goings on. I read to her, share poetry written lately, inform her of the town gossip.

So that is what we did today. Talked about the news of the world, the town news, the drama she experiences at the nursing home. We ate a pretty decent meal and talked about the chef. E.R. is younger than I, pretty sure. But she is adamant, as I stated, that her time on this earth is almost over. When we first moved to Roundup she was our neighbor for at least 5 years. All that time she kept stating that the ship will be here soon to pick her up.

Now I don't know if I believe that, but she sure does. I always kidded with her that I also would be joining her one day. But perhaps the ship would probably take one look at me and say, "Nope, she's too much trouble."

So my Christmas present to E.R. were copies of my two last poems, along with the photographs that accompany them. Perhaps she'll keep them, perhaps not. It doesn't matter. And her gifts to me I carried home and considered what to do with the treasures. As I looked inside a wallet that was in the Christmas stocking, I found cash. Huh. That was curious.

Now I can go back next week and deliver to her the unexpected cash. She will be surprised, I hope.

Curious how life works out sometimes.

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