I have been in Montana for a decade!

Wednesday, June 21, marked ten years since I moved to the great state of Montana.

That same day marked a day that I felt like a real Montanan.

On that day, I was tasked with driving to Miles City to pick up our newspaper from the Miles City Star. They have been printing out papers since the press went down at the Havre Daily News.

To me, a native Chicagoite, an eight hour round trip drive takes forever! Somewhere along that trip to Miles City, I met road construction and decided to take a little detour.

This detour was somewhere near Jordan in grazing areas.

I have less than 10 hours of driving experience on dirt roads. Go ahead and laugh!

On those roads, I met up with a beautiful herd of cattle, just camped out on the cattle guards.

I slowed down. And pulled up slowly, not knowing what to do. I crept closer and closer, but the cattle DID NOT move!

It was a moment that could’ve went viral; City Slicker meets herd in the middle of a dirt road.

Eventually, my city driving instincts kicked in. I honked! I yelled, “GET OUTTA THE WAY!!!!”

Still nothing.

Eventually, I pulled forward and the cattle laying in the road reluctantly got up.

Then it happened a few more times. I thought to myself… Is this normal? I hope I am not trespassing…

I did finally make it, but I had never experienced that in my ten years of living here.

I will say, after ten years, it feels like home. The boys, born in Glasgow, are growing up and getting stronger, smarter, and are really fitting in.

I am proud to have called this place my home. Only about eight more years til this is the longest that I have lived in one state.

I have experienced some of the best years of my life and here and some of my saddest days.

I moved here sight unseen to marry Susan (Fauth) and I am soo happy that she said yes. I became a father in this state to two handsome boys. I also became homeowner, coffee roaster, and newspaperman here!

A lot of the aforementioned are things that I never saw coming!

Last but not least, I have met some genuine, awesome, and accepting people here.

Montana. You are alright to me!