Spring times

My co-workers & I prepping for a 5K
Dory & I at the Faculty/Staff Luncheon--formal theme

Rancher town

A recent trip--in the busiest time of the year--was actually quite relaxing. I know my geographical surroundings had a lot to do with my respite. Just a few days prior to my arrival, Missoula (which is the only city by that name in the world) had a snowstorm; by the time I landed it was brown landscape and flowering trees. Climbing to the M, located in the foothills behind the University campus, takes about 1.5 hours, but the view is definitely worth the effort. Despite its small size (I know Tiffany would disagree with that measurement), there were several small, locally-owned restaurants and shops that definitely fit my liking, and kind of reminded me of the hippy/small town/uniqueness of Duluth. Any visitor to this town has to climb to the top of the M--which I did, promptly, without my camera. About an hour to the top.

Some wonderful little ditty shops I stumbled upon: Noteworthy, a beautiful little stationery shop (printing press in the basement) that sells the wittiest little cards that I sent on to a few friends. Their store window was amazing, as it featured four dresses, all completely made out of paper.


Butterfly Herbs was a haven, complete with a coffee shop, and tea/candy/vintage trinkets store. Bestill my heart.

Restaurants--quite a variety of fare for a smaller town (that exceeded eateries with bars). El Cazador (the hunter): very down-home atmosphere; excellent tamales and mole sauce. The Up Town Diner: straight out of 1950; giant breakfasts. Didn't get a chance to try "Missoula's best shake." The Shack Cafe was much more charming than its name describes, with its vintage paneling and wooden booths. Amazing huervos rancheros. Sawaddee Thai Restaurant--delicious green curry. Big Dipper Ice Cream: completely worth the 15-minute walk and 20-minute line. The choices of flavors, cones and dips are enough to make old and young alike dizzy with sugar-infested delight. Lastly, the people here are down to earth, genuine. Minnesota nice, western style.