Opinion

Housing prices are over the moon

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One hundred thirty thousand dollars. That’s what it takes for a down payment to buy an average-priced home in Bozeman, Montana. Then an aspiring homeowner must fork out another $3,000 each month, which is more than two-thirds of their household’s paychecks if they make the median income for the metro area.

A branding story to share

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Many years ago in the mail I received a hilarious self-published book from Maralee Robinson of Billings, Montana. It is called “East Meets West: Real Dude Meets Real Cowboy: Indoor Plumbing Meets Outdoor Plumbing, and All the Things They Have in Common.”

The Montana setback plan

As the old adage goes, “elections have consequences.” As the dust settles on the 2021 Montana Legislative session, we are seeing the consequences of the last Montana election right before our eyes.

The Fauci ouchie

So, let’s be clear. The “problem” is not, as the NYT says, “rural evangelical Christians” not getting the vaccines. Dr Fauci says that herd immunity will not be reached until 90% of folks are vaccinated. That is not true. The folks who have had Covid are immune, and count towards herd immunity.

This lady is a leader?

So here we were, all set to rant and rave about the threat of censorship by the rich demigods who own social medial platforms and along comes Katie Porter.

Moose and despair

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Just as sunshine and rain fall so does joy and despair on our lives. We are having spring in Montana. It was so beautiful today. Last week we had snow. Ranchers always say, “We sure need the moisture!” I like to practice that in my life too. Looking on the good side of things. But sometimes I fail.

Wishing a special day to all mothers

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Sunday is Mother’s Day, so I would like to wish all mothers a special day. Those of us who have lost our mothers realize how time spent with our mothers is more valuable than any other gift we could give or be given. I have never written a column that has been requested for reprint more than this column I wrote about my mother and our journey through Alzheimer’s together. My mother, Florence Roberts, has been gone for 15 years, but sadly Alzheimer’s Disease stole her from me several years before that. Every year at Mother’s Day, I tried to write a column that would help others understand that Alzheimer’s Disease is a family disease. Finally I found words to write it, and it seemed to resonate with many readers who have requested a rerun.

The hippopotamus approach

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At four o’clock I left my office, stopping down the hall at Shary’s office, to say, “See you tomorrow.” I walked on. Then I backed up and added, “I sure hope I see a purple hippopotamus on the way home because I have to write my column and there’s nothing in my head!”

Pumping up fear along the Colorado River

Some Colorado River tribulations today remind me of a folk story: A young man went to visit his fiancé and found the family trembling and weeping. They pointed to the ceiling, where an axe was embedded in a rafter.

Impressions of ranch life

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A few years back, a young man came to the ranch to learn all he could about cowboying during calving season. Of course, I talked him into writing a guest column for me to chronicle his experience. The following story chronicles his impression of ranch life on our outfit.