The Men of the Lewis and Clark Expedition by Charles G. Clarke

via Fort Clatsop Bookstore

This book is a must read for any Lewis and Clark/Corps of Discovery fan!

Charles G. Clarke has done a lot of research on the members of the Corps of Discovery via journals, family histories, and other means to create a journal that tells of the day to day actions and interactions of the members of the expedition. It leaves out all of the scientific discoveries and observations made by the captains. It's a really great way to learn more about the members of the expedition.

I highly recommend!

Just workin' my life away...

Steel Creek Campground - the view from our site

While driving around lost we found this bus out in the middle of nowhere.

I love this picture! It's near Spencer, ID.

Horse Creek Hot Springs. We camped here and soaked in this for a few minutes before work.

This is how the earth greets us as we start work in the morning. My job rocks.

At the end of the day we love having a cozy fire!

I have some jealous aimed at all of the people who live up in the mountains. These people have a great mailbox.

My Summer is flying by!

A John Denver Day

This morning just felt like John Denver to me, so as I was getting ready I put one of his albums on my record player. It was wonderful. Here are a few of my favorite John Denver songs for your enjoyment!

Wild Montana Skies (with Emmylou Harris)

And So it Goes (with The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band)

Back Home Again

Perhaps Love (With Placido Domingo)

Thank God I'm a Country Boy

I am a Field Technician.

Three weeks ago I started my new job as a Field Technician for the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. I love it. I basically drive around South East Idaho with two other amazing women, collect data and samples from streams and sleep in a tent three nights a week. It's awesome.

Here are a few pictures from the first three weeks of work.

Wolverine Canyon

Wolverine Canyon

Edna Creek Campground

 (After a 10 hour day we didn't feel must like committing to a fire, so we just got out the lantern and gathered 'round.)
 

Our homes this summer

Why yes, I do have the best job ever.

Red Flannel Skirt

My wonderful neighbor Kris gave me 9 yards of flannel fabric, each yard a different print. One of the prints had just enough to make a skirt. Here is it is!

Sorry for the crummy pictures. Picture taking is such a pain! I like the last one best because you can see the print and the adorable button I put on the back of the skirt.

My main complaint is that the skirt fit a little better. I made my own pattern using the slopers we made for our Fitting and Alterations class (I keep striking out when using them). I was hoping to be able to tuck blouses into this skirt, but it doesn't fit well enough to do that, but I really like the way I wore it today with the cardigan.

There are also pockets on the dress, I used this tutorial from The Owls Are Not What They Seem. I love having pockets! These sit a little lower than I'd like, but that's because my skirt doesn't sit on my natural waist like it should.

I still have 8 yards of flannel! Next on the list: a vest.

Undaunted Courage by Stephen E. Ambrose

via Museum of the Mountain Man

I love this book. It's a great story of adventure, leadership and friendship. The best part? It's completely true. I love learning about Lewis and Clark and Corps of Discovery. This book was just the ticket. Stephen Ambrose gives you the history leading up the expedition and the story of what happened after. Ambrose is a beautiful storyteller and you can feel his love for these important historical figures.

In short, I love Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. This book helped me learn about them with ease. If you are at all interested in The Corps of Discovery you should give it a try.

PS - Ambrose also participated in the making of the Ken Burns Documentary Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery. I highly recommend the film.

Bill Cosby

Never in my life did I ever think it would be possible for me to be in the same room as Bill Cosby. I never thought I'd have the opportunity to see him live. But that's what happened yesterday! Bill Cosby booked one show at BYU - Idaho, but ended up doing three due to popular demand. It was fantastic. Bill Cosby is a legend. Whether you know it or not he has changed America and the way we perceive others. Flash photography was not allowed so I was unable to take pictures of him, but here is one from The Rexburg Standard Journal. You can read the article here.

via Rexburg Standard Journal

I just adore Bill Cosby.  I first discovered Cosby by watching reruns of the Cosby Show. I then discovered a younger Cosby in clips of the Dean Martin Variety Show. No matter what he does he's genius. He has perfect timing (as I clearly saw on Friday night). I am so grateful I was able to see such an amazing, talented, human being.

Just in case you are unfamiliar with Bill Cosby I want to share a few of my favorite clips.

What do you think of Bill Cosby? Did you like the clips?

Did anyone else see Bill Cosby while he was in Rexburg? What did you think?