Views from nearby

An area just north of here, called Elk Park. A valley, about 8 miles north, the closest a griz has been seen to Butte. I find this first one interesting....looks like a fairly typical early settlement log cabin, except for the bell tower at back. Looks like the stovepipe was added at some point. I don't know what the purpose for it was. Also, the overhang at the front, a porch, is unusual for this kind of structure. Anybody have any ideas?

Other views from higher of the valley:

The Seattle drought is apparently over

After walking home from the bus stop:

The Adorable One at work

Fiona showing the life cycle of a butterfly.

Next up: nuclear fission; a practical application. 

First snow

Still snowing lightly as I write; the pic is from up the hill overlooking the uptown area.

Finally, a respite

This will hopefully put an end to this years fires.

The high temp here on Saturday is supposed to be 40. It's currently around 40, off and on snow and rain mixed, but it still smells like smoke. That'll go away. 

I admit it, I'm a dog person rather than cat.....

Back in Montana as of 4, much less smoky than a week ago, and it's still supposed to snow friday and saturday. In the meantime, courtesy of my buddies Michael's FB  page, this:

Potentially good news

Heading back tomorrow, friend in Butte just said ash is falling at the moment. But.....help may be on the way. Here's the weather forecast for the end of this week:

..WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY EVENING THROUGH
FRIDAY MORNING ABOVE 6000 FEET...

* Impacts/Timing: A dramatic change in the weather is on the way
  as a very cold and wet weather system drives the snow level down
  to near 6000 feet overnight Thursday into Friday morning along
  with temperatures plummeting 30 to 50 degrees colder compared 
  to Tuesday (today). Slushy snow accumulations are expected on 
  the mountainous terrain, trails and dirt roads which may 
  negatively affect recreation or travel. Additionally, the 
  transition from very cold rain to snow and the dramatic change 
  to colder weather will heighten the risk of hypothermia to those
  who are not well equipped or prepared for early winter weather 
  conditions. 

* In addition, a mix of smoke and variable visibility throughout
  the higher terrain will abruptly change to low visibility and
  widespread terrain obscurations. Again, it must be emphasized, 
  this is a HUGE change from the current warm summer recreational 
  conditions.

* Snow accumulations: 6000 to 7000 feet: 1 to 3 inches. Above 7000
  feet: 3 to 6 inches are possible...especially over the highest
  peaks.

* Locations impacted include: Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail 
  Pass, Georgetown Lake, and MacDonald Pass

2nd grade

Second grade, first day, the kid who had a 50% survival rate at birth, and far less odds of being healthy. Now you'd never know she had a giant omphalocele.

Escape the smoke??

Part of the reason I was looking forward to coming over to Seattle was to escape the month-long smoke haze that's lingered over Butte. Here's Seattle today:

It seems most of the entire west is on fire. I think Montana alone has over 40 going some as large as 100,000 acres.

Kids from the city meet Montana activities

About 5 minutes from the house is a informal shooting range, pretty safe, shooting into a hill beyond the last house.

First time the two girls had handled a gun. They did just fine.