It's been a busy fall semester, culminating in submission of 3 papers for publication. Need some R&R. No better place to do that than Big Sky. This year will be different. We'll be missing Trevor and Meghan, as they visit Meghan's family for the holiday. But Ian's family will be showing up in force, with Ming's brother Michael joining the crew of Liya, Reiya, Ian and Ming. Kate is here, but she'll be working a lot, so we're not sure how much we'll see of her. She has a job at Lone Mountain Ranch, doing a bit of everything.
The trip here was interesting this time. Parked at Quality Inn (Sleep & Fly deal; 30 days 'free' parking for 1 nt stay!), then took a shuttle in. While I was checking in, I rec'd a text from Delta that my flight had been rescheduled FOR FRIDAY! Holy smokes - really? Just delay my trip a day! Turns out the flight out of PIT had been delayed 25 minutes, which would make my connection in Minn too tight, so they delayed the entire trip a day, which was the best solution (???). Anyway, the resolution was I went to Minn, and waited for the next flight to BZN, which necessitated hanging out in the Minneapolis airport for 4 hours or so. They gave a $20 meal voucher, so it was not a huge deal, and I met a nice co-ed junior from U. of MT returning from Spain for the holidays and we chatted about her experiences and my research and a wide variety of stuff for a long time, which made the time pass.
This week, I'm at the condo mostly by myself (I think). Getting ready for everyone to arrive. Job #1 done: Replaced the float valve on the downstairs toilet, which has been leaking for at least a year unless turned off manually. Water here is loaded with minerals, which get deposited on things (dishwashers, coffeemakers, toilets, showerheads) and clog up the works. But I think the mineral rich waters are one of the reasons these are such great trout streams, so I'm not complaining.
This is the first year sans Kevin's family at the condo, so it will be different. Kevin and Laurie decided the crowd here, particularly at the holidays, was getting to be too much, so they purchased a place up the hill a short ways, while we purchased their half of the condo. They will be missed on a daily basis around here, and the closeness that was fostered and enjoyed for almost 10 years may be no longer, at least on a daily basis. But we will certainly visit each others' places, meet up at Moonlight Lodge, and ski together (xc and downhill), so it will still be good. And we will have more room. Some parts of the walls are bare now though, as they took their artwork; more opportunity!
We've just added a half bath in the middle floor of the laundry room, which should further decrease the feeling of crowding, especially as people are getting going in the morning. We're excited to see how this helps. I ordered some nice wrought iron pieces for the new bath including towel rack, robe hook and toilet paper holder; Ian Eddy - can be found online - check it out!
Here is a picture of the bathroom (wrought iron and mirror not up):
The weather has been fairly dry, sunny, and warm here lately. While there is snow on the meadow, you can tell it has been melting. Supposed to snow some tomorrow I believe.
I may or may not ski today; will definitely get up to the mountain and get my Season Pass, though! This is my first year with one of those, and I am really looking forward to the freedom it will give me. ttfn; off to ACE to see if I can find some black screws to put up the new hangers, etc.
