After a shot to the knee, Drum moved with grace. To be on his back felt like home. I wanted to ride the property, up and down, through brush and water. Remembering his days of being a fine trail horse, beyond all of his talents in the ring. Instead we walked the...

I thought they stopped listening. I thought words no longer mattered. I thought party line was invincible. This bill passed the Montana Senate. It passed the House judiciary. It seemed inevitable. But we had to try. Running this opinon in every paper- in every town....

One way in to my beautiful home. Now passable. Three feet of snow blocked me in, happily. Fully stocked for me and the critters, even a friend. Dusting off the dishes on top of the roof. The outside world comes to me. Including when the neighbor comes to plow. Or...

White gold. A blanket of ice cream. A single path trying not to disturb the beauty or peace. Surveying his domain as deer and turkey amble along. Happy to ignore them, tucked in quiet bliss.

Finally there is snow. The celebration sounds, calling to the falling flakes. "This is my time," he cries. "Come down and cover my playground." "For I must frolic and roll and dig holes until spring."

Cold air. It cleans the lungs and the soul. I will never walk this trail taking the view for granted. Here a rock forms perfectly into a chair. Benny runs on, hoping I will follow. Today I sit and breathe. He returns smiling from his happy romp. "This way," I say....

For hunting season. Lately I am welcomed home with a large herd of mule deer. I wait for them to move off my road, as if I'm invading their home. There is truth in that. Lots of ladies and a few bucks. And this one, wanted by many to fill their freezers. I wave...

I have taught on this campus for over 20 years. Four changing seasons give a sense of permanence. Year after year, semester after semester, class after class, leaf after leaf. Do we get too secure, almost lazy in our assurance that Spring will always come? This next...

A.J. OTJEN Oct 8, 2024 As usual, the Montana GOP has failed us by nominating good-looking, buff, and brainless followers to be our federal representation in Washington. Tim Sheehy, and Ryan Zinke prove that military service alone is not enough qualification for public...