Yikes ... November Ends Already!

This was about the fastest month ever! Just didn't do anything here about 'Life - One Day at a Time', so, I'll just have to post the happenings from Wunderground again to give the story about what happened this month!

November 2009 (Slide show)


Monday, November 30, 2009
No big changes in the weather today. It was a mix of clouds and stars with the growing moon overnight. Clouds drifted in early this morning for a little pre-sunrise color. The rest of the day was mild for the last day of November, a little windy, mostly cloudy, and giving some signs of a change that might mean some snow and colder temperatures.

Late Day Clouds Move in Over the West Hills


Sunday, November 29, 2009
Cloudy overnight but some breaks in the clouds took place for a couple of hours during the morning. Clouds reformed before noon and the cloud cover continued for the rest of the day.

View Across Corrals


Saturday, November 28, 2009
Clear overnight but clouds developed just before sunrise. Those clouds hung around all day and resulted in the temperature rising just slightly above freezing.

Horses Munching at the Morning Feeding


Friday, November 27, 2009
Clouds with light rain early this morning. The day is forecast to have scattered showers, snow at higher elevations, (already visible on the hills to the west and south) with mild temperatures and fog at the lower valley locations.

Morning View East to Light Fog in the Valley


Thursday, November 26, 2009
Partly cloudy to mostly cloudy conditions existed for most of the day. There was a fog bank that hung on in the valley through the early afternoon. Late today, stars were appearing through breaks in the clouds; however, rain or snow is forecast for tomorrow.

Lingering Fog at Midday


Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Cloudy conditions overnight kept the temperature steady at around 30 degrees. The clouds broke up around sunrise to give sunshine, although, with a somewhat hazy fog lingering in the valley and above the tree lines to the east and south. The mild temperatures have almost eliminated the light snow cover that arrived a couple of days ago.

Sun with Hazy Sky to the Southeast this Morning


Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Mostly cloudy with some light snow overnight. Early in the day, during the morning walk, the horses, as usual, were out standing in their field. The day followed the overnight lead, it just wasn't quite as dark.

Horses out Standing in Their Field


Monday, November 23, 2009
Variably cloudy conditions throughout most of the day. The winter look has returned to NW Montana here at the ranch.

Morning Trail Walk in the Snow


Sunday, November 22, 2009
It's back! After beating around the bush for a couple of days (and, the false start with the snow early in October) the snow is falling today. It was mostly cloudy overnight with just a quick glance at some sun colors before sunrise time, but, no actual visible sunrise, and by mid-morning the snow was falling freely. Looks like this could be a nice covering for the start of the holiday season.

Morning Clouds over the Old Barn


Saturday, November 21, 2009
Windy conditions that appeared late yesterday continued overnight. Since mostly cloudy conditions arrived with the wind, the overnight temperatures rose after the low was reached before midnight, yesterday. Today was a mix of sun and clouds. The temperature fluctuated accordingly with the passing sun and cloud variety. (Oh, and except for some windy conditions overnight, there was no storm).

Horses Out in the Afternoon Sun


Friday, November 20, 2009
Well, the forecast was for a "mild" day before the storm. Instead, it was mostly cloudy during the day, not that mild, and only cleared late in the day to allow the temperature to fall quickly this evening. The clearing was followed by a cloudy, windy, warming event to end the day.

Box Elder with the Last Leaves


Thursday, November 19, 2009
It was mostly cloudy from beginning to end today. Just a light touch of sunlight glanced of the hills to the northwest early today. Due to the limited (almost no) sun input, temperatures did not rise much today.

Limited Morning Sunlight


Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Somewhat of a reversal of the conditions experienced yesterday, with today beginning with clouds breaking up around sunrise and the day becoming mostly clear by late in the day. This gave a good mix of sun and clouds during the middle part of the day.

Mix of Clouds with the Mid-morning Sun


Tuesday, November 17, 2009
It started out just partly cloudy and calm today, but became mostly cloudy by mid-morning. The wind increased a bit, too, but the temperature stayed relatively mild. The clouds continued through the afternoon and into the evening.

View Southeast from the Deck ... as the Clouds Arrive


Monday, November 16, 2009
Mostly sunny day after just enough clouds overnight to keep it from turning into a deep freeze. Today was one of those extra special November days when you could almost be tricked into thinking that winter is still far away. It was a nice way to continue to plow through November. But, after a couple of years or so on the planet, I know that isn't true. It could be here any day, again.

The Plow in November


Sunday, November 15, 2009
It did stay mostly cloudy today and rather cool, but not any snow fell around here. These days have not been melting much ice. I took a 3" thick round out of one of the rain barrels Friday, and the broken pieces I threw around for Taffy are still lying 'round-about the yard, waiting for a warm-up! It was a nice day for splitting (done by Patti) and stacking firewood, and for doing some insulating work in the barn. Just 'kinda' cool outside!

Extra Firewood Stack


Saturday, November 14, 2009
Cloudy sky again started the day here in NW Montana. Snow is in the forecast and knocking at the mountains to the west. Just variably cloudy conditions with temperatures holding constant through most of the day.

Afternoon Image Sweep Northeast to Southeast


Friday, November 13, 2009
The clear conditions of late day yesterday disappeared as a layer of clouds moved in overnight. This kept the temperature from falling and actually resulted in the coldest values happening just around midnight. The day was another mix of clouds, some light snow flurries, and limited sun. Again, quite 'normal' for this time of the year.

Morning View to the East


Thursday, November 12, 2009
It was mostly clear overnight and as usual for this time of the year, the temperature dropped below freezing and things were a little frosty. The day continued to be mostly sunny, but there wasn't much of a warm up. This time of the year, the normal daily temperature is just a bit above freezing. So, it was mostly a normal day in NW Montana.

Sunrise through Cool Morning Air


Wednesday, November 11, 2009 (Veteran's Day -- Repeat of 2008 entry


To all who have served and to all who are now serving in military service to our nation: Thank you for your service for the United States of America.

Freedom Team Salute

During an unpopular time, two of my brothers, and I, all served in the military service for the United States of America. It was a time of unrest in the country. There was an ongoing, unpopular war. There was no Pearl Harbor and there was no 9-11, to stir the nation patriotically and make the option of military service one of desire and honor. In spite of that, three of us from one family found ourselves in military service. Lee, the youngest, volunteered, and signed up into the United States Air Force in January 1968. Robert (Bob) received a draft notice in 1968 while working for Sperry Rand in Phoenix, Arizona. I received a draft notice as my first piece of mail after returning from my honeymoon. My service in the United States Army began on September 28, 1970.




Robert's Service Summary:

o United States Army : December 1968 - December 1971
o Fort Campbell, Kentucky : Basic Training
o Fort Gordon, Georgia : Advanced Individual Training (AIT) 35n20(auto Stab) and 102f5 CH-54 Flying crane
o Fort Gordon Instructor 06/1969-03/1970 Flying Crane
o Phu Loi RVN 04/1970-04/1971 Cobra flight line tech then shop NCOIC 334AWC
o Stuttgart Germany 05/1971-12/1971 flight line tech then line chief 129th Trans Co.
o Final rank Specialist 5 (E-5)

Daniel's Service Summary:

o United States Army : September 1970 - March 1972
o Fort Knox, Kentucky : Basic Training
o Fort Bliss, Texas : Advanced Individual Training (AIT) Nike Hercules Guided Missile Crewmember
o 03/1971 - 03/1972
o Vicenza, Italy transferred from Guided Missile Unit to Military Pay Specialist
o Tirrenia, Italy Military Pay Specialist
o Final rank Specialist 5 (E-5)



Lee's Service Summary:

o United States Air Force : January 1968 - October 1975
o Lowry Air Force Base, Denver Colorado
o Overseas service with two tours of duty in Thailand

Wednesday, November 11, 2009
It was mostly cloudy early in the day but that became mostly sunny in the mid-day and afternoon. Clouds returned for the evening and slowed the usual evening cool down just a bit.

Ranch Flag and Morning View of the Ranch


Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A mostly cloudy sky met the sunrise today. Like many of the days this time of the year, this day continued with a variable mix of clouds and some sunshine.

Late Afternoon Clouds and Sun


Monday, November 9, 2009
Sun at the ranch today while there was some early fog in the valley. The day continued to be sunny until late afternoon when clouds rolled into the area. Some overcast continued until after sunset. The clouds disappeared at that time and the evening and overnight cool down got underway.

Fog in Valley -- Zoom toward Northeast Mountains


Sunday, November 8, 2009
The weather, it continues. Partly cloudy conditions overnight morphed briefly and became mostly sunny for part of the morning. High overcast soon took over and defined the rest of the day. Periods of very light showers and pellets drifted through for the afternoon. Evening conditions swung around to become mostly clear and like the darkness, the temperatures are falling.

Morning Sun Reflections on the Pond


Saturday, November 7, 2009
A mix of clouds and sun this morning. It appears from the recorded temperature graph that the clouds drifted in around 2:00 AM, since the earlier falling temperature steadied at that time. Some frosty conditions this morning and a repeating pattern of clouds and sun throughout the day. As the fall transitions continue, the Box Elder has pretty much dropped the leaves for this year, even though there was not much of a color change due to the early October super cold days.

Box Elder Tree ... Dropping Leaves with Little or no Color



Friday, November 6, 2009
As can be said of many places, surely can be said of the ranch weather today: "If you don't like the weather, just wait a couple of minutes, and it will change!". Clear conditions of late yesterday became clouds and some rain early today. This cycle continued throughout the day (well, not much clearing, actually, just fast moving clouds with glimpses of blue sky). The evening saw the late day sun highlight clouds over the east mountains. But, later in the evening, wind and rain returned. Still later, at the final animal check, the stars were out and the moon was shining. So, even in the darkness, the cycle continues.

Sun Highlights Evening Clouds


Thursday, November 5, 2009
This was another day that began with mostly clear conditions overnight and just some sunrise enhancing clouds around this morning. The day was slightly overcast due to high clouds. These clouds dissolved as did the light of the day again bringing mostly clear evening conditions. However, the barometric pressure is falling and the really neat forecast icons on some of the instruments are showing precipitation may be on the way.

Still Some Fall Color, but from Pre-sunrise Clouds Today


Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Mostly clear conditions again overnight led to frosty coatings on everything this morning. A mostly sunny day followed with temperatures quite 'seasonable'.

Frosty Pastures Early Today


Tuesday, November 3, 2009
There must have been some overnight clouds passing through the area, since the ground was covered with snow pellets this morning. Mostly clear conditions soon dissolved those pellets (except on the frozen pond) and a slightly warmer day took over.

Snow Pellets on Frozen Pond


Monday, November 2, 2009
Clear equals cool, for the overnight temperature. Frosty around the edges this morning as a result. The day became mostly overcast around mid-morning and kept any major warming from taking place. A return to mostly clear conditions late in the day will allow frosty conditions again overnight.

Clouds in Panorama Northeast to Southeast


Sunday, November 1, 2009
Some rain fell overnight. Most of the day was variably cloudy and pleasant. Late in the day, the sky cleared allowing the temperatures to cool nicely!

View across the Pastures Early Today

Veteran's Day -- Repeat of 2008 -- But it is worth it.

To all who have served and to all who are now serving in military service to our nation: Thank you for your service for the United States of America.


During an unpopular time, two of my brothers, and I, all served in the military service for the United States of America. It was a time of unrest in the country. There was an ongoing, unpopular war. There was no Pearl Harbor and there was no 9-11, to stir the nation patriotically and make the option of military service one of desire and honor. In spite of that, three of us from one family found ourselves in military service. Lee, the youngest, volunteered, and signed up into the United States Air Force in January 1968. Robert (Bob) received a draft notice in 1968 while working for Sperry Rand in Phoenix, Arizona. I received a draft notice as my first piece of mail after returning from my honeymoon. My service in the United States Army began on September 28, 1970.





Robert's Service Summary:

o United States Army : December 1968 - December 1971
o Fort Campbell, Kentucky : Basic Training
o Fort Gordon, Georgia : Advanced Individual Training (AIT) 35n20(auto Stab) and 102f5 CH-54 Flying crane
o Fort Gordon Instructor 06/1969-03/1970 Flying Crane
o Phu Loi RVN 04/1970-04/1971 Cobra flight line tech then shop NCOIC 334AWC
o Stuttgart Germany 05/1971-12/1971 flight line tech then line chief 129th Trans Co.
o Final rank Specialist 5 (E-5)


Daniel's Service Summary:

o United States Army : September 1970 - March 1972
o Fort Knox, Kentucky : Basic Training
o Fort Bliss, Texas : Advanced Individual Training (AIT) Nike Hercules Guided Missile Crewmember
o 03/1971 - 03/1972
o Vicenza, Italy transferred from Guided Missile Unit to Military Pay Specialist
o Tirrenia, Italy Military Pay Specialist
o Final rank Specialist 5 (E-5)



Lee's Service Summary:

o United States Air Force : January 1968 - October 1975
o Lowry Air Force Base, Denver Colorado
o Overseas service with two tours of duty in Thailand

October in one Burst!

Just so quickly the month comes to an end. With a combination of early winter and a less colorful fall than might usually happen, the days suddenly will get shorter starting with tomorrow (Daylight savings time ends). For the most part, the necessary tasks for winter have been done. Bring it on!

October 2009 - Slide Show Images


Saturday, October 31, 2009
After having snow to start out the day yesterday, today started with mild temperatures under mostly cloudy conditions. The sun and rain played find a hole in the clouds for most of the day with it sometimes raining while the sun was shining. It was a mild day with the temperatures hovering between 50 and 60 during most of the afternoon. (oops, I should have taken a picture of one of the black cats for today ... maybe at the last animal check tonight).

Clouds Leaving over Southeast Hills


Friday, October 30, 2009
The wasn't that much (about 2") but it made for a nice environment for the morning walk around the ranch today. During the day the temperature rose enough to melt away the snow again and by late in the day the ground was again snow free.

Snow on the Fence Rails this Morning


Thursday, October 29, 2009
It was partly cloudy overnight and that allowed the temperature to go below freezing somewhat again. Also, it provided just a bit of sunshine for the sunrise. The day became overcast with some light snowflakes from time to time. More wood was gathered for a later splitting project. The ranch dogs were out for a bit this evening and came back in snow covered. It looks like the early winter preview is back!

Firewood Ready for Splitting


Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Today was mostly cloudy with just some traces of snow flurries in the air. The temperature was below normals for this date, but did not seem that bad as I did some ranch chores and ignited a couple of more burn piles to clear up the dead branches gathered over the summer.

Late Day Controlled Burn


Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Clouds stayed around overnight along with some light rain. The day continued to hold those clouds in place and added a few snow flurries that mixed in from time to time. Snow could be seen on the hills to the west and flurries continued at the higher elevations throughout most of the day.

Mostly Gray Day with Showers and Snow Flurries over the Hills


Monday, October 26, 2009
Mostly cloudy today with light rain to start the morning. The day continued to be cloudy with rain on and off throughout the day. As a result of rainfall over the last couple of days, and the fact that the growing season has ended, the creek reservoir began to fill yesterday, and today the creek channel and downstream pond also began to fill.

Creek beginning to Fill


Sunday, October 25, 2009
Clear and cool overnight with ice on the water buckets that weren't heated again this morning. Sunny conditions were the rule of the day with nice temperatures giving a good chance to get some more ranch tasks done before winter conditions return.

Looking up the Tamarack Trees


Saturday, October 24, 2009
An additional rainfall event overnight made things a little damp around the ranch this morning. Looks like a total of nearly a half-inch for a 24 hour period...I know, that's not much for most places, but, when things have been dry, that seems like a lot! It was a windy mix of clouds and sun for most the the day today. Looks like it will calm down tonight for a clear cool-down.

View from the Deck around Noon


Friday, October 23, 2009
Mostly cloudy with some rain off and on today.

Evening Clouds and Light Showers


Thursday, October 22, 2009
It was another day with a mix of sun and clouds. Not much new precipitation, though, just the variable cloud mix throughout the day.

Panoramic View this Evening


Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The starry sky that was present during the last animal check probably disappeared during the early AM (as indicated by rising temperatures around 1:00-2:00 AM). Morning fog hung around until mid-day and was followed by a mostly cloudy sky. Late afternoon showers developed and continued with a light rain for the evening.

Morning Fog Hides Neighboring Farm


Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Mostly clear sky until early this morning allowed the temperature to go below freezing. By sunrise, the clouds gathered and came together a couple of times today for morning, afternoon, and evening showers. In between, it was the typical mix of clouds with some sun rays.

Evening View with Passing Showers to Southeast


Monday, October 19, 2009
The sun made some appearances today, first breaking through the morning clouds from time to time and later as a circle through high clouds. This was not a clear day with a high overcast for much of the day. Ranch tasks today included a visit from the farrier with hoof trims for most and shoes for one horse. As part of the transition to winter, the horses were moved to a new pasture today.

Horses Grazing in a New Pasture Today


Sunday, October 18, 2009
Today was back to normal or above normal temperatures again, thankfully! There are still a few tasks to do around the ranch before the real winter returns. The day began with departing clouds and continued as many days do, with a mixture of clouds and sun. The late day sky became mostly clear and the temperature may fall below freezing again overnight.

The Box Elder Tree Still Trying for Fall Colors


Saturday, October 17, 2009
Valley fog in the morning with clouds around the sunrise. The day continued with a mixture of clouds and sun. The evening was nice for a cookout and feeding of grazing deer using some of the apples saved from the trees just before last weeks big freeze. Just before midnight, strong winds blew through along with some showers.

Evening Cookout Fire


Friday, October 16, 2009
After a mostly clear night, there were some long low clouds in the east sky early this morning. These clouds were joined during the morning by some additional clouds giving a mostly cloudy day.

Morning Sky Between the Trees


Thursday, October 15, 2009
Yesterday's snow was pretty much gone again by this morning. The overnight temperature remained warm enough to allow most of the snow to disappear once again. Today was mostly cloudy and some light showers fell later in the afternoon. The evening became partly cloudy and a touch of sun near sunset time gave just a hint of the fall colors.

Evening View East and South around Sunset


Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Well, just when I was back to reporting a trace of snow, a new light dusting occurred. (Just under an inch, though, so no big storm!). I don't think it will happen (because the temperature is likely to stay above freezing again for a long enough time to melt everything), otherwise, this could have been the start of the continuous snow cover for the season. In any case, not much fall color from leaf changes will take place since they are frozen and turned immediately brown or fell, instead of changing color first. The tamarack trees are beginning to change. So, as long as there is no big ice storm event, their colors should show soon.

Fog and Light Snow during the Morning Walk
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Some mixed light clouds overnight kept the temperature from falling as low as it had for the last four days. Mostly sunny conditions with some high clouds later in the afternoon allowed the temperature to finally climb above freezing. The snow cover diminished somewhat as a result, but a trace still hangs on in shaded locations.

Morning Sunrise


Monday, October 12, 2009
Well, the very cold conditions continued with a below zero morning at the ranch. Clear, not much wind, frosty, and cold with a couple of more days in store before returning to "normal" temperatures. Also, regardless of the record cold temperature, a couple of new critters joined the ranch animal family today.

A Couple of new Additions to the Ranch: Panther and Shaggy
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Sunday, October 11, 2009
Mostly clear meant mostly cold again overnight. And it was! My station recorded just something like 0.x again today ... So, at least it wasn't below zero! The day continued to stay mostly sunny and kind of pleasant (if it was, like, JANUARY!) getting to almost close to above freezing. Another night of clear sky is forecast with the temperature crossing into the single digits at just before 9 PM!

Another Day when the Drinking Buckets Stayed Frozen


Saturday, October 10, 2009
There were clear conditions overnight and the morning sun helped to focus on the frosty, frozen, snow covered conditions that have arrived here in NW Montana. A little bit of melting took place ... but, this is not like a June snowstorm, and it appears winter has given a heads-up, if not SHOUTING OUT: "HERE I AM ... ARE YOU READY? ... I'M BACK!!!". I love it!

Morning Sun over the Snow Covered Yard


Friday, October 9, 2009
The snow that began last evening continued to fall for a bit of the night. Morning measurements showed 4" to 5" as the average depth, with up to 8" in drifts on the deck. Let the winter season begin!

Morning Panorama from the Deck


Thursday, October 8, 2009
After a fairly nice day: Mostly sunny beginning; Variable cloudiness during the morning and early afternoon, with increasing clouds in the evening; it all turned to a blowing snow blizzard beginning just as the last daylight left the area! This will be a day with a snow amount reported for total on the ground (I'm not sure yet, how much, animal check will be happening pretty soon now, and I'll do a measurement at that time). Even for a former Minnesotan, this strikes me as a little early! Along with the snow event that is happening right now, colder conditions are forecast to follow with single digits expected! Yikes! Fall in NW Montana can be brutal! UPDATE: After the animal check: about 2" of snow covering the ground and it continues to fall nicely!

Last Animal Check in the Late Evening Snow


Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Falling temperatures with the maximum happening at midnight. Along with the temperature, some light rain and even some snow fell. This is early fall weather, in NW Montana! (Actually, later in the day, the weather was quite nice with bright sunshine and a pleasant temperature.

Late Afternoon Sun after the Earlier Day Snow Event


Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Ice on the buckets and water tanks this morning as the temperature bottomed out at around 20 degrees. The day was sunny and fairly nice with middle 50's. Fall is here, but winter is in the forecast with snow and even colder temperatures predicted in a couple of days.

Dunder Watches the Horses in Outer Pasture


Monday, October 5, 2009
Mostly sunny through the day after a mostly clear night. Some cloud sun mix again during the afternoon, but much less wind than has been the case for the previous two days.

Box Elder in the Afternoon Sunlight


Sunday, October 4, 2009
The clouds and sun played a full day of hide-and-seek today. Continuing windy conditions kept things blowing around for most of the day. Late in the day, the wind began to slow and the moon rose through some remaining clouds.

Afternoon Sun and Cloud Mix


Saturday, October 3, 2009
The sun began the day poking through some clouds along the horizon and rising over fog in the valley. By mid-morning it was mostly sunny and the temperature slowing rising through the low 40's. Snow was visible on the top edges of the east mountains.

Early Day Fog in the Valley


Friday, October 2, 2009
The day began under mostly cloudy conditions. Even though I had earlier thought the day would not provide any precipitation, it did after-all. Late in the afternoon light showers moved through the area. By the time it was all over just under 1/10th of an inch was recorded.

Box Elder Fall Color Begins


Thursday, October 1, 2009
A new month begins with frost on the ground and lingering clouds in the sky. The rainfall from yesterday was frozen in the gauge at the 0.08" level. Mostly sunny conditions during the morning soon melted away the frost and the ice in the measuring tube.

Morning Clouds for the Sun to Poke Through