Montana 2008 (Day 2): Dundee, Oregon

After a day of getting lost, I was happy to arrive at the Black Walnut Inn. I was given the option of switching to a room in the main building (The Classic) even though I'd chosen one in a separate building. Given the weather (rain), I chose to stay in the main building. The room was gorgeous, and I had an amazing view of the valley. They also made a dinner reservation for me at Tina's, a little restaurant on Highway 99, where I had the best souffle (and possibly one of the best dishes) I have ever had.

Montana 2008 (Day 2): Logging in Oregon

I left Ashland and ended up driving around in circles looking for the Cow Creek Tour Route. I finally found it after I stopped at a little gas station and asked for directions. Towards the end I ran across this logging operation in the middle of a gorgeous valley. I haven't given any thought to logging, although I remember issues around logging being a big deal when I was younger. Interesting how environmental issues change from year to year, decade to decade.

Monana 2008 (Day 1): Winchester Inn

I stayed the first night in Ashland, Oregon at a lovely bed & breakfast called The Winchester Inn. They upgraded me to a suite, and it was amazing. They even had candles by the bathtub and a wooden ducky (at least I think it was wood). I have no complaints (and if you know me, you know that's saying something).

Montana 2008 (Day 1): Sacramento National Wildlife Preserve

I love Wildlife Preserves. They are always so beautiful, and I'm usually surprised by the animal life I see there. The Sacramento National Wildlife Preserve was lovely, but I didn't see much in the way of wildlife. I did see these crazy jackrabbits who barely moved as I drove down the road (although I am driving a Prius, which can be pretty quiet at low speeds) and would run towards the car before running off the road.

Montana 2008 (Day 1): Bakesale Betty's

Despite my late start, I made my first stop about 15 minutes after I started -- at Bakesale Betty's. Seemed like a special trip deserved a special treat, and Bakesale Betty's fits the bill. I had the apricot almond scone (yum!) and bought two chocolate chip walnut cookies for the road. And they gave me a free ginger cookie. I am off to a fine start!

And we're off . . .

I woke up this morning (after an unfortunately late night) with a headache and an upset stomach. Luckily, two Excedrin Migraine tablets, some Tums, and an allergy pill later, and I'm feeling normal again. I'm leaving much later than I intended, both because I tried (tried being the operative word) to sleep in a little, and because I tried (there's that word again) to download some software onto my laptop so I can edit photos on the trip. In any event, I'm finally ready to hit the road!

Passing Time with Photo Booth

I'm in McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, waiting for my 9:25 p.m. flight back home. I was here for a conference for the Labor and Employment Section of the National Bar Association, where I had to give back to back presentations. I was absolutely dreading this conference, in part because I had to give back to back presentations, but also because I'm leaving for Montana on Sunday morning. Nonetheless, it was a great event. The other attendees were, to a person, funny, smart, and friendly, as well as obviously skilled practitioners. I'm glad I didn't miss it.

That said, here I am, waiting, with more than an hour to go until the flight boards, much less takes off. I spent $20 on magazines, hoping to just veg and look at pretty pictures for a couple of hours. But I couldn't resist the siren call of my computer and free internet (!), and I ended up playing around with Photo Booth. I've had this laptop for almost a year, and this is my first time using this fun little tool. I wanted to bring my camera but couldn't figure out a way to fit it in my bag, since I didn't want to check anything. So Photo Booth will help me memorialize this latest trip to Vegas. If these bags weren't so damn heavy, I'd take more. (Yes, I know the second picture is backwards).