4 Years a Montanan – a list of lessons learned

• It is possible to drive in snow without succumbing to an anxiety attack.
• There’s a right and wrong way to shovel snow, and I’m guilty of the latter.
• Folks who don’t bother to shovel their sidewalks are jerks. (my bad)
• In winter one can be like Jesus and walk on water.
• Or even drive a vehicle atop it to ice-fish!
• A dry -5′ below is downright pleasant compared to a damp 30′.
• One can withstand subzero temps to feed chickens/shovel snow in shorts, a tank top, snow boots & a hat.
• Grandpa was right– if your feet are cold put a hat on.
• Mom’s famous chocolate chip cookies will burn if you fail to adjust her cooking time. #altitude
• Speaking of altitude, it takes just 20 minutes to procure a sunburn.
• Again on altitude, if accustomed to sea-level hikers will become embarrassingly winded here.
• Rain is a blessing.
• Not all jackets are created equal.
• Moisturizer? Necessity.
• Wet hair outdoors in winter? Never.
• Snow tires? Requisite.
• Bear spray? Advisable.
• 100+ deer a day? #nbd.
• An impromptu excursion to the next city requires 4 hrs driving. This is no problem.
• Policemen agree: Cruising at 85mph down the freeway is both reasonable and prudent.
• What an Oregonian calls hiking, Montanans consider a lazy stroll.
• What Montanans call hiking, an Oregonian considers mountain climbing.
• Gardening is hard.
• There are more cows than people.
• A bag of apples is more expensive than a pack of steaks.
• Even an extrovert can survive weeks without socialization.
• Crowds actually do kinda suck.
• Oceans really are amazing.
• At some point you’ll take for granted the spectacular views, but social media will remind you.

“In the mountains of Montana we forget to count the days.” -unknown