2026, June 8-14

The Missoula Owens continue settling into their new digs. Landon continues settling into his new bachelor life, and Diamond and Caleb continue waiting to see if they'll get to close on the home they like. Anything new and exciting with you? 

UM has a new Starbucks on campus at the Lommasson Center. It opened on Monday, and we happened to be among the first customers there. We were walking Kai and saw the logo. Mike remembered that a new Starbucks was due to open soon, and he read in the Kaimin (UM's newspaper) that the new store was not without controversy within the campus community. He thinks the notion of "the contract has already been signed, so there's nothing we (read 'you') can do about it" is pretty suspect. Nevertheless, the store is here, and we're happy to support a business that brings revenue to the U (which we have now come to see is what locals of a certain vintage call UM). 

Hallie and Eliza bought what they thought was an ice maker. It turned out to be an ice grinder. Eliza pivoted and made snow cones. 

Mike is in the process of getting a digital campus ID card. He was required to submit his own selfie for approval. 

The new glasses don't look too bad, eh? 

We all went out to see a riding stable someone told us about last Sunday run by Drue Kerns. Eliza, Drue, and the horses got along great, and Eliza will go to a riding camp next week. Later in the week this week, she spent several hours at the stable mucking around and getting to know the place a little more. 

Hallie took photos of the neighborhood around the facility. When people think of Montana, Hallie thinks they may be imagining this is what it looks like. Just look at those dramatic skies! It is beautiful once we get out of the city, that is for sure. This is the furthest we have had to drive for horseback riding lessons.

After our time going out to Drue's, we went to the Tuesday farmer's market by the XXXX on Higgins. The pickings were kind of slim, and the weather didn't really cooperate. Hopefully it will get a bit better as the summer moves forward.

Hallie made Starbucks runs all week, representing the Griz with her new Yeti.  So far this new establishment is the friendliest one she has been to.

The pets seem to be settling into their new home. No more moves this week, just things getting organized. 

Kai celebrated his 5th birthday in style with a visit to Toiffer Pet Outfitter downtown. 

Fun Pride-themed streamers in the alley. 

We spent a lot of time in the backyard playing with him while Eliza climbed one of the trees. 

Both were pretty tuckered out by day's end. 

We had a casualty during the move: Eliza's Lilo and Stitch-themed mug. Hallie's on the lookout for a replacement, and we're considering giving it the kintsugi treatment. 

Mike had an event to attend in Helena on Thursday, so we decided to make a day of it. This meant going on a run to Kohl's to get Mike some threads that fit. He walked right up to the sport coat rack, grabbed one he liked, and it fit like a . . . sport coat, so he went with it. 

Hallie saw some fun Disney-themed Americana, and she got a pillow or two for some friends.

We took Kai along with us to Helena, where we went to the Capitol and the Montana Heritage Center. Unfortunately, we had a late start and got pressed for time. It just means we'll have to go back again soon! 

We also went to a few other local landmarks and overall had a nice time.  

One of Iris' eggs has hatched. Hopefully we'll see other chicks soon. 

We made it over to the local Bricks and Minifigs store on Saturday on our way back from getting items from our storage unit. Now that we're settled into our home for the time being, it's time to put our stuff in it. Hallie thought this 3D-printed minifig-sized torii gate display looked pretty neat. 

Ferg has found his place in the sun. Our new-to-us rental was built in 1945, and it has a lot of vintage features that Mike really appreciates (the tiny kitchen and one bathroom notwithstanding), such as hardwood floors, large double-hung windows, and lots of storage space. 

The World Cup has begun, and we've gotten to see a couple of games that have been available on broadcast and streaming TV. 

Hallie's Aunt Karen passed away late Saturday evening. Karen has been suffering lung issues for quite a while. When it happened, it was quick. We are grateful she is no longer in pain.  

2026, June 1-7

As we continue settling in, Hallie and Eliza went traveling while Mike did some professional development. 

By "went traveling," we mean they went to Idaho. Coeur D'Alene to be exact. 

They ran a couple of errands and saw a couple of sites of interest, including this Little Free Library in a 110-year-old tree stump. 

They went down to the lake.

Had to get Dutch Bros. and made a stop at the local Trader Joe's for almond kringle among other delights. 

After getting home, Mike took Kai for a walk. We had a lone deer in the backyard on our side of the road. The pets don't know what to make of the deer. Several stopped nearby throughout the week. 

Mike is doing serious work at his professional development, just so you know. Food coloring, milk, and soap make science. 

We had a primary on Tuesday. Mike is registered to vote in Montana, so he did. Hallie kindly took his ballot in. The dog got a bone and Eliza even got a sticker that said Future Voter. 

Mike caught the last bit of the day's sunset from the exterior staircase near his college. 

Hallie is finding new places to get her pampering done. She and Eliza went to a local beauty school for nails and pedicures. 

Last week we went from three to two houses occupied. This week we went from two to one. We have an even tinier kitchen than we had in Springville. More cupboard and drawer space than Springville.

Mike is trying to organize some things, but we need Alicia's expertise. 

Somehow Landon got to keep the old TV when we moved, so the girls decided they needed a new one. They got it on the cart and into the car all by themselves.

Fergus has found a new sunny window perch. Both pets are quite confused at the move from one sleeping place to another. We're trying to acclimate Fergus to the neighborhood. He insists on going out, and he has ended up back at the old house at least a couple of times.  

The house we are currently renting is the former home of UM's KBGA radio station, which has since moved on campus. We like that it has a grassy back yard with mature shade trees. Eliza took to climbing up them along with the stand for the clothes line. 

Kai thought the twigs made for good chewing and items for playing fetch. 

We tried another local beverage establishment on Saturday, Pearl Boba Tea. Hey, cu-tea! 

We got some rain on Sunday, but that didn't stop us from going out to the Big Sky Horse Park Community Day and getting a breakfast burrito and smash burger from Lolo's The Loaded Irishman. 

Landon has been spending a lot of time at Jocie's, and we got to see them on a video call midweek. Landon wanted to see about them coming up to visit some time soon.  

Diamond and Caleb are still waiting on the status of their home bid. Fingers crossed!