Happpy New Years from Whitefish, Montana

2010 still sounds like the title of science fiction novel to me. I am not used to it yet, well okay, it has only been 5 days, I'll give it awhile yet. So New Years Eve...did you survive it? I gave up on all the hoopla surrounding it awhile ago, actually it was when I moved to Montana. When I lived in London there was so much rushing around to get the perfect outfit, to the perfect party, and the resolutions (that never lasted for more than a week) and then getting home safely. I much prefer the way we celebrate New Years Eve now. A few friends making dinner together, playing board games, watching the ball drop in New York and no more resolutions.
Now, instead of resolutions, we make wishes. Wishes on grapes. A good friend of ours introduced us to this Spanish tradition, and I love it. You start with 12 grapes, and make a wish for each one, one for each of the 12 new months of the new year. All 12 of the grapes are supposed to be eaten before the final stroke of midnight. Last year we started writing our wishes down because it got to be too much, a mouthful of grapes while wracking your brain to come up with those last 6 wishes. Then last year a friend of mine told me about a tradition they practice in Puerto Rico, throwing 12 pennies away from you into water (she said snow was okay too) So now on New Years Eve there is a bowl of washed grapes and bags of 12 pennies each for everyone. It was pretty funny, people making wishes, throwing pennies and trying to get it all done before the stroke of midnight. The story is that the pennies are supposed to symbolize having so much money in the new year that you are throwing it away. There was so much to do in that 60 seconds that we forgot and wished on both, the grapes and the pennies. I am sure in the grand scheme of things that it's okay, double wishes. Can you imagine how exciting Spring will be at my house this year? When the snow melts there will be all those shiny pennies in the garden that we threw off of my deck. My garden is many things but now it will also be full of wishes. I can't wait.

Here is hoping that you and yours had a great Holiday season and wishing for you, a peaceful, joyful and profitable 2010.

Posted by bonnie@rockymtnre.com

Bah humbug, the Grinch and Scrooge

I started this blog because I like where I live and there was not a one stop shopping, so to speak, place to find out what was going on in town. I do not profess to be that place but was just trying to fill in a few gaps. There are also several small business owners who do not have a web presence and I was trying to be helpful. Since I started working I have been in the service industry to some degree. I am also the kind of person who likes to share information. If I find a great deal or sale I tell others. A great restaurant, bookstore, hiking trail, whatever, I like others to know. I don't horde information. I am tall and outspoken, I don't think that I am formidable but perhaps to some I am. I try and cut through the nonsense, and get to the point in all things I do.

I was sent an email yesterday letting me know that I had used their photo and that I could be fined $1500 and then a diatribe proceeded about copyright infringement. Seriously, I mean really, are you kidding me?! This was someone whose cause I have monetary supported in the past and who I did several posts on where there events would be held etc. Hence you will notice, all the photos have been stripped from my site, unless I took them. Pretty dull, I must say so I say bah humbug.
I don't like being pushed into a corner and when I am I fight my way out. Some of my biggest accomplishments have been because someone told me I couldn't so something. My typical response is 'Oh yeah, want to bet' and off I go. So, I just want to say thank you for sending me that rude email. You have just made me a better photographer and of course, all reference to your project has been deleted from this blog.

So baring all this, 'Happy Holidays!'
Posted by bonnie@rockymtnre.com

Holiday Wine Tasting at Truby's!

This Thursday, December 17Th at Truby's Fine Food & Spirits there will be a wine tasting hosted by O'Briens Wine and Liquor. Peter Grantz of Intermountain Distrubuting will be presenting 8-10 wines for the holiday season. Coffee Traders, local coffee roasters of Whitefish, Montana, will be pairing coffees with dessert. At only $25 a person this is a great night and is booking fast. I just called O'Briens to book a place for myself and they have only a few places left. Call them at 406.892.5335 to reserve your place. (don't call the restaurant, O'Briens is handling the reservations) The evening begins at 6 p.m. see you there! Check Truby's website for directions and a map www.trubys.com
Posted by bonnie@rockymtnre.com