I’ve lived in Montana for about three years, and this week I became a real Montanan. “Where ya from?” people ask. I used to answer, “Well, I used to be from Idaho and now I live in Montana” and they would roll their eyes and say, “Oh, yeah, another transplant from the coast.” But now, I can say proudly. “Montana!” (FYI, Idaho is not a coastal state, yet, but some are working on it.) Sheesh.
I set out to become a real Montana girl, and had to really dig in. I now have at least 20 proofs of being a Montana Girl! Woo-hoo! Here you go:
I have a Montana driver’s license, including a Veteran’s designation (USMC, 1967-70)
I have two MSU sweat shirts, both with workin’-hard stains on them, and know how to cheer for Cats: “First Down….Cats!” followed by an exuberant motion in the correct direction.
I have three winter coats, different weights, different styles, with a dozen stocking caps.
I can give the two-fingered wave with flexible fingers while grasping the steering wheel in a four-wheel slide on gravel.
I have Carhartt shirts, not as many as Cowboy, but enough to help me pass the test. His are gray with paint and oil stains, mine are pink, not stained. Does that disqualify me?
Two pair of boots. Still no cowboy boots, but I do have a cowboy hat. Beaver & rabbit.
I have a “406” phone number, although changing phone numbers was a real PIA.
I have a dog named Cody.
We have a truck with a lot of gizmos on it with a deer-catcher, as I call it, hanging off the front.
I’ve been to every town on the Highline and even can remember some. I’ve seen the Breaks, spent the night on our boat, in Fort Peck, Canyon Ferry, Cooney and Holter to the Gates of the Mountains.
I attended the Crow Fair. Lots of stuff, great crowd. What a treat that was!
I went to Cooke City for a piece of pie, cause Cowboy said that’s what we do
I’ve been on the Beartooth Highway, the Big Horn Highway, and Chief Joseph Highway.
I bypass the chicken counter at the IGA and go straight for Montana beef.
I see snow as a gift rather than an inconvenience.
I’m a regular at three bars and grills, two in Columbus and one in Red Lodge.
Fall is my new favorite season, except for maybe Spring, Summer and Winter.
I sleep with the bedroom open at night, even at 20 below. What is wrong with me?
This summer I learned to open the house in the morning and close it up at noon.
We have a fence for horses, but don’t have horses. I can tell the difference between a mule and a horse.
I have been seated in the front row of the Nile rodeo, three years running.
I swapped my high heels for gloves, but I can’t find a matching pair, gloves that is.
I’ve been to cattle auctions, the Midland Bull Test, and a sheep drive and had fun! I Even listened to a politician speaking at the PAYS auction arena! “Open the gate…”
Montana is a beautiful state and I’m here to stay. Spectacular sunrises, amazing sunsets, deer and turkey outside my window, the smell of hay as it is being put up. I’m a happy Montana girl. Then Cowboy says enjoy this fall day, the forecast is 21 degrees tomorrow with snow when we wake up. Sheesh!
