A Quick Catchup of December Events

Well, December went by so fast I forgot to post anything for the entire month. There is something about the time period from the end of October until just after the beginning of the new year that causes the time to quickly pass by. I think it is because the days are shorter, so I end up doing less. It seems the number of hours available to accomplish tasks is the same as it is any other time of the year. But, because of the decreased hours of sunlight (at least in NW Montana) the time passes much more quickly.

In any case, this is a blog posting of the events that took place during December, 2009.

December 2009 (Slide Show)


Thursday, December 31, 2009
There was some additional light snowfall overnight to bring the total for the event to just 1.3". After some glimpses at the sky, returning clouds brought another light snowfall. The hope is for a glance at that "blue moon" tonight, but the forecast isn't favorable for this location.

Light Snow in the Trees and the Horses Grazing


Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The day provided just a bit of sunshine from time to time. This resulted in slightly warmer temperatures. Late in the afternoon, clouds returned to add just another light covering to the current 4" or so that blankets the area.

Horses Along the Fence Line during the Afternoon Walk


Tuesday, December 29, 2009
A very consistent (if boring) weather pattern continues in NW Montana. Mostly cloudy conditions. Very light snowfall. Temperatures staying just above the single digit values and failing to break out of the teens for another day. (Since all of the outdoor view have looked the same for the last couple of days, I decided to show the indoor scenes since Christmas).

Dog Tired during the Holidays


Monday, December 28, 2009
Clouds continue with just a very, very light floating of snow today. (Almost like there is white lint falling from the air).

Vincent (again) Resting in the Dog Bedroom


Sunday, December 27, 2009
The inversion overcast returned again today. As has been the pattern, overnight the sky was mostly clear and by daybreak, clouds dominated. Looking out over the treeline this afternoon, I could see just some brightness of sunlight, while everything was cloudy lower and here at the ranch.

Dog and Cat Nap


Saturday, December 26, 2009
Mostly cloudy returned for the day today, with just a bit of snow in the air, too. The trend seems to be repeating: Mostly clear overnight for a nice cool down, followed by clouds for most of the day. Repeat until the wind blows hard next spring and the loop changes. (Well, actually, almost any day the weather can change!)

Vincent


Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas to all! The clear sky the allowed the stars to shine brightly overnight became a gray high overcast by daylight. Light snow fell during the morning giving a peaceful quiet to Christmas day at the ranch.

Taffy and Titan hunt for Gifts under the Tree


Thursday, December 24, 2009
The clear sky hung on for most of the overnight period but clouds soon moved in during the first light, blocking the sunrise. Mostly cloudy conditions persisted through the day. However, the clouds began to break just as the sun was over the edge of the hill and tree line to the southwest; thus, setting the stage for another fine cool-down tonight.

Evening Sunlight Glow on the Distant Mountains


Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The clouds departed overnight leaving just some lingering cloud formations at sunrise. With the departure of the overcast, so have gone the milder temperatures. As I write this the temperature has fallen from around 30 at sunrise to just below 20 degrees at 10:00 am. I think we had the max early today! ... Update: The varying temperatures rose again slightly during the early afternoon. The horses decided it was a great afternoon for splashing in the melting waterhole. However, clearing conditions later in the afternoon, and dryer air, resulted in the dip into single digit temperatures during the evening. A good cool-down is in store again for NW Montana.

Morning Reflections on the Creek


Tuesday, December 22, 2009
There was a break from the cloudiness and fog today as the sun managed to show beginning around mid morning. The temperature rose accordingly through the middle 30's and continued the snow melt process. Shortly after noon, clouds again moved into the area and the temperatures dropped before hitting 40 as the clouds took control.

Sunny Mid Day as the Box Elder Basks in Sun and Snow


Monday, December 21, 2009
Today was another day with cloudy sky, light rain, and some fog. The continued mild temperature is slowly melting the snow pack, leaving only about 5" on the ground.

Afternoon View Southeast with Light Fog over the Snow


Sunday, December 20, 2009
The melting of the snow over the past few days has resulted in a hanging of that moisture just above the ground and tree line today. Temperatures stayed at just around freezing for most the the overnight time period and continued to hold there for most of the day.

Fog Over the Treeline


Saturday, December 19, 2009
A cloudy day again today that just about duplicated yesterday. Temperatures were slightly above freezing again and made some of the packed snow trails a little icy. This afternoon's snowshoe trek included fetching a Christmas tree from the woods.

Bringing in the Christmas Tree


Friday, December 18, 2009
After all of the nice sunshine that took place yesterday, today returned to a mostly cloudy mode. It still managed to push above freezing and a little more snow melt took place, but the day had a cold feel to it from beginning to end.

View across the Paddocks late in the Afternoon


Thursday, December 17, 2009
Cloud cover overnight gave way to partly cloud conditions early in the day. The breakup of the clouds resulted in mostly sunny conditions through mid-day and into the afternoon. The snow pack slid from the remaining roofs today and the depth was reduced to just 7". Mild temperatures combined with the freshly melted snow is likely to result in foggy conditions tonight and tomorrow morning.

Mid Day View across the Pastures


Wednesday, December 16, 2009
A light snowfall again took place overnight. The temperature had stayed mild through the night and rose enough during the day to change some falling snow into light rain. The milder temperature also caused snow to slide from some of the metal roofs. Late in the afternoon, some light fog was forming due to the melting of the snow that took place during the day.

Light Fog in the Distance Late this Afternoon


Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Cloudy conditions through the night and into the day today made for a little more snow (1.8" counting an overnight snow that was followed up with an evening event). It was somewhat warmer today with the evening temperatures holding at near the maximum for the day. Some of the snow is beginning to lose its grip on the fence posts and rails.

Snow Hanging from the Hitching Rail Log


Monday, December 14, 2009
Just a little more brightness to the day today as the snow event has ended and the sun tried to break through to highlight the whiteness of the new snow. A total of 11.8" for the snow event. The cold air created a wonderful dry snow covering for the entire area.

Trees Along Upper Pasture Trail


Sunday, December 13, 2009
Cloudy and an additional light snowfall overnight. The total for this event (so far) is 10.0" of light fluffy snow (water equivalent was 0.62", so, pretty dry snow). This snow was just perfect for an afternoon snow-shoe trek around the ranch.

Snowshoeing the First Major Snowfall of the Season


Saturday, December 12, 2009
Clouds through the night kept the temperature above zero today (giving us a three-day streak!). Snow began falling during the mid morning and the forecast has it continuing through today and possibly tomorrow, too. This should finally provide an insulating layer for the ground. The last couple of days has seen the ground temperature (sensor at 15" deep) drop from the low 40's to nearly frozen conditions (33.4 this morning).

Horses Enjoy Lunch during the Snowfall


Friday, December 11, 2009
Mostly cloudy through the day today. This resulted in somewhat warmer temperatures but with just a trace of snow the air had a 'damp-coldness' to it that is not as noticeable when it is just cold and dry.

Feeding Carrots to the Horses during the Morning Walk


Thursday, December 10, 2009
Cloud cover overnight kept the temperature in the positive numbers. Along with the somewhat less cold air, some light snow managed to fall from the clouds. It continued as a not quite perfect three bears day; not too hot, not too cold ... but, maybe a stretch to call it "just right".

Color in the Evening Sky


Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Clouds crept in late yesterday and resulted in slowly rising overnight temperatures (after a double-digit below zero evening). This also resulted in just a trace of snowfall (hardly enough to track a cat). The overcast conditions continued for most of the day as the temperature rose through the single digits and even made it into the positive double-digit range for part of the day.

Light Fog in Morning View of Neighboring Farm


Tuesday, December 8, 2009
It was clear from sunrise to sunset today. (Even before sunrise, too, I expect). This resulted in cold overnight temperatures. Even with full sunshine today the temperature remained cold all day. The cold will continue for a few more days. As I write this, the thermometer shows -12 degrees (at about 8:30 PM).

Neighboring Ranch during Mid-Day Walk


Monday, December 7, 2009
A mostly sunny day at the ranch today. The sunshine can deceive you into believing that it is quite nice out (and, actually, it was ... just a bit on the cool side). As cold conditions are likely for awhile, tonight the horses moved into the barn instead of staying outside overnight like they usually do.

Bright Sunshine during some Cold Weather Days


Sunday, December 6, 2009
A cool day today at the ranch. The day was a mix of mostly cloudy conditions (not that the sun provides much warming when the angle is such as it is lately (and will be for the next few weeks) along with some wind. However, as often happens, clearing took place early in the evening and has set the stage for a strong further cool-down tonight. Oh, and it as I mentioned, it was quite windy for most of the day today and that added to a general wintry feel to the entire day.

Passing Snow Flurries to the Southeast


Saturday, December 5, 2009
It has a winter-like feel about it today, after an overnight of light clouds that were still remaining when the snow of late yesterday ended. Not quite as cold overnight as yesterday, but still a definite "chill" in the air today. This caused Ginger to put on her coat (if you can see it, or her) for the morning walk. Since the house was a little cool, too, Ginger kept her coat on after the walk was over. Later in the day, the wind increased during the afternoon, and the forecast is for a real cool-down during the next couple of days.

Ginger after the Walk (still wearing her coat)


Friday, December 4, 2009
Cold overnight with a morning firery start. During the daytime there was a mix of clouds and some sun. Late in the afternoon, the clouds gathered enough to drop just a trace of snow. The conditions at the last animal check were mostly cloudy, with just a glance at the departing moon as it drifted through the sky.

Fire in the Sky at Sunrise


Thursday, December 3, 2009
There was a mix of clouds with the nearly full moon overnight. This mix turned into a mostly cloudy sky for the day today. Just a little hint of sunlight from time to time. By late evening, those clouds began to disappear again and single digits approaching zero can be expected overnight.

Just a Hint of Sun on the Southeast Hills this Morning


Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Mostly clear to totally clear conditions overnight made for a cool night, indeed. Single digits around the area. Today, with the full sunshine, it made it back to 30 degrees. But, it is going to drop down again tonight as crystal clear conditions continue.

Clouds Over the Southeast Hills This Afternoon


Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Some light clouds dropped a little snow overnight that coated the ground this morning. The sky had cleared by sunrise time giving a clear if somewhat cold look to the ranch.

View of the Box Elder Tree in Mid Morning Sunlight

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