Pictures from Philipsburg

We spent the day in Philipsburg, first shopping at the world famous candy shop and then meeting my brother Andy for lunch on his 18-acres of land that he owns (and is selling, fyi). Andy is a project manager. He manages a 3-story house in Philipsburg that has 4 apartments. (see pburgapartments.blogspot.com). He manages bees, he manages chickens, he manages several acres of land he owns, he manages a garden, he manages to work a full-time job, he manages 2 dogs. Not by himself. Brenda, his wife of one year, (happy anniversary) has been a godsend in helping Andy manage his many projects (was that out loud?). Please take a look at their blog, you will see perfect color choices, charming details. Brenda has a master's degree in art history and has used her obvious eye for the aesthetic on the apartments. After lunch, Andy drove us around Philipsburg. Great town. Andy recently had to step down from city council because his job now has him fulltime in Missoula. Where I hear there might be more project managing opportunities.

Pictures bottom to top:

1. Andy and Brenda's bees

2. Mom and Andy diagnosing a sick plant.

3. Log left exposed in one of the apartments on purpose is part of the original home built in the late 1800s. VERY cool.

4. The apt., 3 stories tall sits at the end of the main drag. Walk out the front door to restaurants, bars, antique stores, jewelry stores, and the best candy store in likely the entire world.

5. Sneaking a pic of my dad. He caught me.

6. Stuffed buffalo head in the sweet sandwich shop where we bought lunch to go. Unusual decor? Maybe not.

7. Tail gating chicken and veggie sandwiches, potato salad, fries and sugar-free fudge on Andy's land with my car. Andy said if he had known I didn't have 4-wheel drive we wouldn't have taken my car. A little rocky and a lot steep. We were parked alongside a creek. wished I had audio. To die for.

8. Pintler Mountain Range visible from town.

Philipsburg is an hour and a half from Missoula. we sang along to Frank Sinatra on the ride home. Nice day.

Tomorrow we head to Spokane to see my brother John. He's the family favorite. Everybody likes John. My mom and dad would say "Noooooo. we love all the same...blah, blah, blah" Not true. Everyone likes John the best.