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★★★★★ (12)
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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February 27, 2026 at 12:04pm
February 27, 2026 at 12:04pm
#1109373
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.







*Thought*  Comment
February 19, 2026 at 1:11pm
February 19, 2026 at 1:11pm
#1108797


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.
*Thought*  Comment
February 7, 2026 at 7:50pm
February 7, 2026 at 7:50pm
#1107824

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.

*Thought*  Comment   •   View 1 comment


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