We're inundated with smoke from forest fires here at Great Falls, Mt.  The forests are burning 100 miles from here and so much land is going up in smoke, you can barely breathe.

I know this happens in other states also.

I don't like the "let it burn" policy the forest service has now.

I wish they'd selectively log these areas, (which can, and is being done, nowdays) in a way that leaves the forest clean and beautiful.

When a forest is logged in this manner, the remaining trees are evenly spaced, it looks like a park beneath them.  The forest remains, intact and wonderful.  Grazing is increased as more light and air get into the woods.  People have low priced lumber when they want to build a house.  It's a win situation all around.  Instead we have this smoke and destruction.

I love spending my time in the mountains and the forests, I hate to think of all my animal friends that are being scorched, burnt, and run from their homes.  I also hate thinking of all the beautiful places I've gone, that won't be beautiful for my great grandchildren.  It will take several generations before the forest can repair itself.

donna

My dad bought 2000 avon bottles and had no way to haul them home so we loaded them up in our truck and hauled them to him.  He has a huge avon bottle collection and he just loves his bottles! He's 85 and for some reason, when he retired from the farm machinery business, he started collecting!

Anyway, on our way home from his place, we took a detour from Ovando, Mt to Lincoln, Mt over Huckleberry pass.  Coming down the eastern side, we saw this horse and mule drinking from a water trough.  I had to paint them.  It's a simple painting, concentrating more on the idea of the painting than the technical aspects of anatomy or perfect painting.  I was having fun on this one. :)

donna