OY VEY, I'VE LANDED IN MONTANA

I'm going to backtrack a bit and share just how this nice Jewish girl landed in Montana.  A few years prior to considering a move, I came on an unexpectedly ADVENTUROUS vacation with two girl friends to stay on a Dude Ranch.  We had more excitement and fear in five days than I'd ever had in 40 years!  The sky was big, the air clean and it was one of the most beautiful places I had ever visited.  To experience for the first time both sightings and a visit from a momma bear and her cubs, to be alone in the middle of a sudden micro burst wind storm where high winds and darkness appear instantly from nowhere in the middle of the afternoon, to blaze new trails horseback riding through the forest on steep slippery mountain slopes knowing that my four babies are at home waiting for me, hiking in 80 degree weather and instantaneously finding ourselves in the middle of a snow storm and white water rafting in incredibly high waters…..all in five days, was overwhelming, even for me!  Unfortunately, Dwynn wasn't with me but I kept thinking, boy, he'd LOVE it here.  If there was one place he'd want to live, it would be Montana.  Now, we lived in San Diego and I LOVED it there.  I had no intention of ever sharing my new found information about Montana with him!

Two years later, Dwynn was extremely unhappy living in California.  He was uncomfortable with all the crowds, external noise and commotion.  He really wanted to relocate somewhere less populated that offered a stronger connection with nature, specifically FLY FISHING!  After much, much, much self wrestling and tug-a-war, I finally shared my highly coveted information about Montana.  That evening, he found his current position offered on the internet. 
               

He was extremely, and I was sort of, excited about visiting Montana the first time for his job interview.  Being Jewish, moving onto the Salish and Kootenai Indian Reservation in an Amish neighborhood peaked my interest.  It seemed like an exotic thing to do. There was apprehension because I loved San Diego.  No two places could have more differences physically, socially and academically.  But that’s another three chapters! 

OK, I was up to the adventure.  We flew during mid-September, the most beautiful month here.  The "Big Sky" was a brilliant blue and perfectly clear.  As a treat, the pilot flew in at a low altitude and circled the mountains while the passengers enjoyed and soaked in the local view.  We landed in what looked like a hunting lodge but happened to be the Missoula International Airport.  As we entered, we were greeted by extremely large grizzly bears, cougar lions mounted from the ceiling in a threatening stance and several heads of wide-eyed deer, elk and antelope staring at us.  Dwynn was in daydream land and I was fretful.  

Our drive to the hotel should have been only 45 minutes.  After about 30 minutes, I realized we were no where near our destination.  Dwynn decided to drive along the rivers rather than follow the directions!  Needless to say, we arrived 2 hours late but found lots of fishin' holes.

Finally reaching St. Ignatius, we spotted the local grocery.  I needed to pick up some medicine for a cold that was brewing.  The store was very small and full of local color.  The produce section was limited but acceptable.   Being a cook, I was disappointed knowing that this was going to be my grocery if we moved here.  Photos of all the local young men and women who are serving in the military are posted on the wall.  One could tell it's a very patriotic and proud town.  We noticed many of the customers were tribal members who had maintained tradition by keeping their beautiful long dark hair braided down their backs.  

We mentioned to the check-out gal that we may be moving here.  After questioning us "why" she suggested that we move to the town, down the road about 40 minutes because they are getting a Really Fancy, Upscale Grain and Feed Store!  I was a bit concerned, to say the least.  

Unknowingly, the best was yet to come.  Driving down the road towards the new feed store, we found our motel.  This was obviously the nicest and ONLY one around.  We checked in at the reception desk and a nice gentleman gave us our key.  Walking to the room, Dwynn was leading and I was following pulling my suitcase.  He opened the door and stopped short.  Staring at something on the floor, I asked him what was wrong. He started laughing and explained a large snake was going to share our room with us.  I dropped the suitcase and ran to the front desk.  When I told the attendant what happened, he asked me what kind of snake it was...are you kidding?....like I know!  He followed me to the room and had me hand him a bath towel.  The snake had now slithered under our bed. After Dwynn moved some furniture, the attendant nimbly captured the snake and quickly identified the lil’ critter as a common Bull Snake.  He explained they are harmless, prefer to dine on Rattlers and frequent the motel when the mercury starts dropping.  I feel so relieved!  He takes the snake outside, comes back in and hands me the towel to use after my shower.  Speechless, I force myself to ask for a clean towel and a quick glance around the room to make sure the sociable snake didn't bring any friends and family with him.  Dwynn then suggested a possible room change, which we did do.     WELCOME TO MONTANA!

While in Montana we ate at this rustic steak house.  It was exactly like you would imagine a restaurant located in Montana to be. I ordered a salad that sounded very similar to one of my favorites.  This was a good sign!  Everyone always wants this recipe.  Enjoy!

Terra Chip Salad

Dressing:

1/3 Cup Olive Oil

1/3 Cup Red Wine Vinegar

¼ Cup Sugar

3 Tablespoons Ketchup

2 Tablespoons Grated Onion

Salad:

1 Head Romaine Lettuce

2 Bunches of Fresh Spinach (stems removed)

4 ounces Pine Nuts

6 ounces Slivered Almonds

½ Red Pepper

½ Yellow Pepper

1 Avocado (sliced)

1 small Red Onion (chopped)

1 small bag of Terra Chips (crumbled)

Combine all salad ingredients.  Add dressing and crumbled chips just before serving.