Montana Rock Quarry

On New Year's Eve day, my mom and I took a trip to an abandoned rock quarry. Our mission was to get some rock for our new fireplace at the house. Apparently, this rock quarry was only in operation from 1928-1929 and then again briefly in 1937. It's called the Vermont Marble Quarry and produced Montana Black and Gold Marble for buildings all over the Northwest.

(Vermont Marble Quarry, MT)

The Quarry is nestled between two rocky ridges at the South end of a mountain range. The landscape, history, and the current weather there created really cool aura and made it a neat place to look around. It was a bit windy and cold which really added to the feel of the barren landscape. It reminded me of being in New Zealand. As we poked around, we found some old quarry excavation equipment as well as some really cool rocks. I thought I'd share with you a few pictures from our fun day.

(Rock Quarry and close-up of rock: Montana black and gold marble)


(An old boom used in part with a huge cable to saw the rock)


(Small rocks and large marble blocks, like the one Michelangelo used for David!)

100 Things I am Grateful For

I think 2009 was a tough year for everyone globally and for me especially. I began the year excited about getting back to Italy, but as the year passed, I found it hard to save money and it didn't happen. I'm still leaving for Australia, as soon as I get my working holiday paperwork through. I've heard from several people, astrologers and articles that 2010 will be a great year. To start a new decade, I decided to write a list of 100 things I am grateful for. What are you grateful for?

Some of them are just plain simple, but as you read the list, you will be surprised how many of the things spark a good memory and make you feel good. Imagine what life would be like without any one of these things. So here's to a soon to be great 2010!

100 Things I am grateful for, in no particular order:

Health
Family
Friends
Intelligence and wisdom
Willpower
Ability to be responsible with money
Travel
Different cultures
Languages
Music
Musical instruments
Singing
Artistic ability
Creativity
Ingenuity
Art
Architecture
Dancing
Movies
Photographs
Fashion
Science
Education
History
Sleep
Keeping a journal
Nice people
Supportive people
Role models
Girls
Love
Kisses
Hugs
Sex
Sunshine
Natural beauty
Ability to heal- physically, mentally
The unknown, what's yet to learn
Compliments
Holidays
Colors
Water
Food
Beer
Wine
Spirits
Coffee
Tea
Fun
Parties
Humor
Modesty
Ability to relax
Patience
Our senses
Soft things
Exercise
Swimming
Smiles
Animals
Comfortable chairs
Internet
Phones
Airplanes
Computers
Email
Ipods
Electricity
Appliances
Batteries
Glass
Automobiles
Flowers
Oceans
Plants
Fresh air
Snow
Fire
Ice
Rain
Clouds
Trees
Mountains
The seasons
Different climates
Memories
Peaceful times
Free time
Freedom
Fishing
Skiing
Hiking
Camping
Showers
Warmth on a cold day
Air conditioning
Chocolate
Hair
Dental care
Health care