These virtual flowers are blooming across the Web Lodge just for you, Mom! They’re a small token of my immense love and appreciation for the most determined woman I know. You make every day brighter, even on the chilliest winter mornings.

Can’t wait to celebrate with you soon! (or adjust the ending as you prefer)

Love always,

~bill

“Sharpening the Noir”. Does any one know what this means.  I don’t even know if I am spelling it right.  If you offended, I am not trying to offend you, it just sounds cool.  Even if I don’t know how to spell it or know what it means. You may ask yourself, “where does he get this phrase”.  Well let me tell you.

My friend gave me a shout out on GMAIL chat and asked I I wanted to go skiing.  I just got a smaller camera and wanted to give it a field test so I agreed. What started out as a chore day ended up a play day. 

Hey there, folks! Greetings from the winter wonderland of Missoula, Montana. Last night, I found myself whizzing through Pattee Canyon, leaving fresh trails in the snow, and today… well, let’s just say my car decided it needed a little TLC. Big news is on the horizon, and soon my buddy Paul will be joining in on the fun.

This fine morning was all about playing mechanic. With my car’s back hatch threatening to turn into a guillotine, and the horror of potentially broken ski poles and skis looming, I knew it was time to act. Say goodbye to the old trunk strut and hello to some snazzy homemade lens covers for my car’s exterior lights.

Now, let me tell you about last night’s skiing escapade. I set a personal record on the Billoppet course, a 3.15-mile loop featuring a hearty 250 feet of climbing. I tackled the three-lap version in 1 hour and 17 minutes, a significant improvement from my January 1st record of 1:28. I owe this feat to better form, thanks to the old skate skis Alden passed on to me. And yes, I bravely ventured into the realm of V Skating (that’s skiing downhill at breakneck speeds without poles for the uninitiated) despite not being the most graceful on skis.

Stay tuned for more tales from the snowy trails and the occasional car repair saga!

Resources to Enhance Your Day:

1. Missoula Winter Sports Guide: Missoula Winter Sports
2. DIY Car Maintenance Tips: Car Maintenance for Adventurers
3. Cross-Country Skiing Techniques: Learn V Skating and More
4. Fitness Tracking for Skiers: Skiing Fitness Trackers
5. Visit Pattee Canyon: Pattee Canyon Recreation Guide

Hey there, everyone! Last night was one of those moments when motivation and winter gloom battled it out. I managed to squeeze in a 10-mile spin on the trainer, but let’s just say it was more about keeping the blues at bay than setting any records.

There’s something about this endless darkness and cold that’s been tougher to handle this year. But, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. And that’s exactly what I plan to do.

Today’s agenda looks a bit brighter. I’m waxing up the skis and tossing them in the car for a post-work escape to Pattee Canyon. There’s something about skate skiing that just lifts the spirits, you know? Despite the darkness, gliding through those trails always brings a sense of peace.

On a more personal note, my mom’s health has been weighing on my mind. She’s down with pneumonia, and hearing her cough over the phone last night was tough. I might need to drive down soon and get her to a proper doctor. Family always comes first, after all.

And in a classic ‘me’ move, I’ve lost a DVD from Blockbuster. Ever wonder how much they charge for a lost movie? Well, I guess I’m about to find out. Wish me luck as I retrace my steps from here to Lambert!

Resources to Enhance Your Day:

1. Indoor Cycling Tips for Winter
2. Skate Skiing for Beginners
3. Coping with Family Health Concerns
4. Lost DVD? What To Do Next
5. Discovering Pattee Canyon

Ever had to push through a slump to keep up with your training? Or maybe had to deal with a lost rental item? Share your stories below – we’ve all been there!

Hey there, blog fam! Quick shout-out to the ever-amazing Lynn and the one-and-only ROAR – hope you’re staying cozy in this weather rollercoaster. Winter in Missoula is playing its usual games – a dash of warmth, a sprinkle of snow, and a whole lot of wishing for spring.

So, here’s a little tale from my side. Picture this – it’s a chilly January morning, and I’m all set to brave another day at work. Coat buttoned up, coffee in hand, and then bam! I step into a mini-lake… right in my own kitchen. Talk about a splash of reality!

Rewind to the holidays, and remember those shiny new faucets I was so excited about? Well, turns out the installation was more of an ‘install-uh-oh’. The handyman must’ve had a secret vendetta against drain pipes because he left mine in shambles. Fast forward to this morning, and I’m knee-deep in DIY plumbing. Who knew I’d be piecing pipes together instead of piecing my day at work?

After spending my morning playing ‘The Plumber’s Apprentice’, I’m planning a lunchtime home trip to test my newfound skills. Fingers crossed that my kitchen doesn’t transform into a swimming pool!

Oh, and yesterday? It was just your regular chores day – nothing thrilling unless you count sorting socks as an adventure (I don’t). But hey, sometimes life is about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, right?

Stay tuned for more of my not-so-ordinary days and remember, even a leaky pipe can lead to a great story!

Resources to Enhance Your Day:

1. Missoula’s Best Plumbing Tips – For those unexpected DIY mornings.
2. Embracing the Unexpected – A blog on finding joy in life’s surprises.
3. Handyman Hacks – Quick fixes for your home woes.
4. Weather Wonders – Stay ahead of Missoula’s whimsical weather.
5. The Sock Sorting Chronicles – Because even chores can be fun!

Greetings from the hushed winter beauty of Missoula, Montana! Just yesterday, I found myself amidst the frosty pines and crisp air of the 2008 Ozone Pursuit. With gear almost identical to last year’s, I had one new ally—skate skis, a generous gift from a friend. These new skis have transformed the trails from a grueling test to an exhilarating escape; they glide where my old ones would trudge.

I noticed a change in the course this time—shorter, I’m sure of it. Last year’s challenge was a 10K classic and a 10K skate, but this year they tweaked it to 7K classic and 10K skate. No matter the distance, I’m elated to report I’ve outdone myself. Let’s talk numbers:

Last year, my 10K skate time was a modest 50:47. This year? An astonishing 45:19 (unofficial, but who’s quibbling?). That’s a full five minutes off, a whole minute for every 2K. How’s that for sweet? My total time saw a drastic drop too—from last year’s 1:47:41 to this year’s 1:29:26. We’re talking an 18-minute improvement!

Despite my recent ski race fervor, I’m grounded enough to know the US ski team isn’t on the horizon. The real pros can blitz through the course in under an hour. But next week, who knows? Maybe I’ll conquer the mountains with some telemark skiing.

For those inspired to hit the trails, whether it’s your first time or you’re seeking to best your personal record, check out Cross-Country Skiing Basics. And if you’re looking to gear up, find your perfect pair of skis at Nordic Skier Sports. Finally, to immerse yourself in the cross-country ski community or even to check out race times, visit Seeley Lake Nordic. Strap on those skis, and let the cold winds propel you to your next personal best!

Today was a day of dodging and weaving through the whims of Mother Nature. The plan was simple: a bike ride to bask in the unusually warm January weather. Sipping my morning coffee at City Brew, I was ready for a leisurely pedal. But as often happens in the mountains, the weather had other plans.

Rain and snow swept in, derailing my cycling plans. Not one to be easily deterred, I pivoted to hiking. University Mountain was the target. With determination, I set off, only to be met with an icy greeting. A quarter way up, a fierce blend of wind and snow sent me retreating.

The day wasn’t done with me yet. I found myself running along the Deer Creek Sneak Road, a change of pace but no less exhilarating. As I neared my car, breathless and invigorated, I noticed something. The Nordic trails, now dressed in a fresh blanket of snow, looked inviting. The ski conditions were perfect, just as I was wrapping up my day. Darn, a missed opportunity!

But that’s the beauty of being outdoors, isn’t it? Plans may shift, the weather may have its mood swings, but each turn brings a new adventure, a new story to tell. As I drove home, I couldn’t help but smile. Today, Mother Nature reminded me to expect the unexpected and find joy in every twist and turn.

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Resources to Enhance Your Day:

1. Weather Forecasting for Outdoor Adventures – Stay ahead of the weather on your next outing.
2. Hiking Safety Tips – Essential advice for safe and enjoyable hiking.
3. Nordic Skiing Basics – Get started with Nordic skiing.
4. Effective Running Techniques – Improve your running form and efficiency.
5. Bike Maintenance Tips – Keep your bike in top condition for your next ride.

Ah, my apologies for that oversight! Let’s fix that and add in those helpful links to the Missoula Diaries blog post.

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Missoula Diaries: Ski Plans, Chores, and Camera Dreams

Happy Friday, folks! Greetings from my cozy, if somewhat dungeon-like, apartment in Missoula, Montana. As the weekend rolls in, I’m gearing up for a whirlwind of activities that promise to keep me on my toes – or skis, to be more precise!

This weekend, I’m off to Seeley Lake for a ski race. The thrill of speeding down those frosty slopes is enough to make me forget the chaos of the week. But before I hit the snowy trails, there’s the small matter of catching up with life. I’ve been back from Lambert for a while now, but my luggage? Yeah, it’s still packed. Unpacking seems to be a task reserved for the future me!

Then there’s the eternal battle with procrastination. Every evening, I walk in from work with grand plans to tackle my chores. But somehow, I end up doing everything but that. Last night, however, wasn’t a total bust. I managed to squeeze in some of my Core Performance exercises. Small victories, right?

Amidst all this, there’s something else on my mind – a new pocket digital camera. Lugging around my 5-pound Canon EOS 10D is starting to feel like a workout in itself. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fantastic camera, but there’s something appealing about the convenience and lightness of a pocket-sized one, especially when I’m on the go.

So, while I’m navigating between ski slopes and life’s little chores, I’m also on the hunt for the perfect camera to capture those spontaneous moments without the weight of my trusty, yet bulky, Canon.

Resources to Enhance Your Day

1. Ski Racing Tips: Get ready to hit the slopes with these expert ski racing techniques.
2. Efficient Unpacking Strategies: Just got back from a trip? Here’s how to tackle unpacking without the dread.
3. Procrastination Busters: Find effective ways to get motivated and stay productive after a long day at work.
4. Core Performance Workouts: Explore these exercises to keep you fit and active, even on busy days.
5. Compact Digital Camera Reviews: On the hunt for a lightweight camera? Check out these compact digital camera reviews to find your perfect match.

From the bustling streets of Missoula to the serene trails of Seeley Lake, and the quest for the perfect camera, it’s all in a weekend’s work. Stay tuned for more tales from the dungeon apartment!

It’s a classic showdown in Montana, where mountain bikers and wilderness advocates find themselves at a crossroads. Imagine a world where the rugged trails of the Beaverhead-Deer Lodge and Gallatin National Forests become off-limits to the tire treads of mountain bikes. That’s the scene unfolding in Montana, where the creation of new Wilderness Study Areas threatens to restrict access to these beloved paths.

Enter the Montana Mountain Bike Alliance (MMBA), a group that’s riding to the rescue. Founded in November 2007, this alliance is not just about defending trails; it’s about representing a community. As Corey Biggers, one of the founders, puts it, there’s been a hefty push to sideline cyclists from numerous trails. But the MMBA isn’t standing down.

What’s at stake here? It’s more than just a few trails. It’s about the freedom to explore, the thrill of the ride, and the right to share the wilderness with other nature enthusiasts. The MMBA is pedaling hard against the tide, aiming to keep trails open for cyclists and others who cherish these paths.

Their mission? To get bikers off the ‘proverbial couch’ and into the political arena. As Bob Allen, another founder, notes, it’s high time for cyclists to have a say in the future of these trails.

The battle lines are drawn in the rugged terrain of Montana, where the future of mountain biking hangs in the balance. The MMBA is not just fighting for trails; they’re fighting for a way of life.

For those who wish to join the cause or learn more about the ongoing efforts, pedal over to www.montanamountainbikealliance.com.

Resources to Enhance Your Day:

1. Montana Mountain Bike Trails Guide: Explore the best trails Montana has to offer. Visit here.
2. Advocacy 101 for Cyclists: Learn how you can get involved in biking advocacy. Check it out.
3. Montana Wilderness Association: Understand the other side of the debate. Read more.
4. Continental Divide Trail Coalition: Delve into the details of this iconic trail. Learn more.
5. Mountain Biking Safety Tips: Ride safely on Montana’s trails. Safety first.

Ever bitten into a scrumptious cookie and wondered what makes it so deliciously crisp yet, oh so bad for you? It’s time to lift the lid on the enigmatic world of trans fats. Our culinary culprit, trans fat, is a type of dietary fat that’s been both a boon and a bane for food lovers and health enthusiasts alike.

Here’s the lowdown: trans fats are created by hydrogenating vegetable oils. This process transforms the oil into a solid, extending the shelf life and enhancing the flavor stability of foods. Sounds good, right? Not so fast! The downside is as big as a double-decker bus. Trans fats are like cholesterol’s evil twin; they ramp up your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, hiking up the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Now, you’re probably thinking, “But how do I spot these sneaky fats?” Check food labels for terms like ‘partially hydrogenated oils’ – that’s code for trans fats. They’re commonly lurking in processed foods, baked goods, and fried items. So, the next time you’re tempted by that golden, crispy fried chicken or a buttery pastry, remember, these delights might be harboring a not-so-secret ingredient: trans fats.

To steer clear of these fats, try these simple tips:

1. Read Labels: Knowledge is power. Always check the ingredients.
2. Choose Wisely: Opt for unprocessed, fresh foods as much as possible.
3. Cook at Home: When you cook, you control what goes into your food.

While we can’t always avoid trans fats completely, being aware and making informed choices can significantly reduce their impact on our health.

And now, for the cherry on top! Enhance your day with these hand-picked resources:

1. American Heart Association’s Guide to Fats
2. Harvard’s Trans Fat Overview
3. Healthy Cooking Oil Alternatives
4. Delicious Trans Fat-Free Recipes
5. Understanding Food Labels

Armed with this knowledge, embark on a journey towards healthier eating habits, one delicious, trans fat-free bite at a time!