Dazzling Acrobats on Horseback
With all its flamboyant pageantry, and horsemanship, trick riding is the stuff of little cowgirls’ dreams. At age five, Madison MacDonald-Thomas was smitten by the spotlight, fast horses, and jaw-dropping stunts.
Hitting the Bull’s Eye
Thousands of camo-clad archery shooters traversed the snowless slopes at Red Lodge Mountain, shooting their way through 3D courses set up to hone their skills and test their marksmanship. Dozens of archery enthusiasts carrying bows and quivers filled with arrows, packs and harnesses strapped to their torsos, were visible from the chairlift.
Jean’s Cuisines - Summer 2025
My Grandpa Boysen was an avid hunter and fisherman and lived in rural California surrounded by lemon, avocado and persimmon trees. Every Autumn, he sent my brother and me a package that, once we sliced the shipping tape, the box would burst open with the scents of his orchard harvest. Down deeper were secured plastic bags filled with his specially cured venison.
Purpose in Your Passion
Magic happens when Kenzie Holmberg picks up her camera. Whether she’s shooting a music video for an up-and-coming country singer, doing still-shoots of models for commercial branding, or documenting the everyday operation of a ranch; she captures the raw and the real.
Reflections from a Nye Centenarian Couple
The ancestors of the Russell and Rich families are as hardy as the century-old apple trees still growing on the Russell Ranch. Both families immigrated to the area in the early 1900’s - homesteading at a time when success would come only with hard work, determination and sacrifice.
Purposefully Planting to Protect Property
A couple of years ago, a grass fire, sparked by a chain hitting the roadway, ripped across the dry field and within minutes, burned nearly a mile, ultimately reaching the shop at my son’s workplace. The flames were quickly extinguished, but it was a wake-up call. A structure-threatening fire can occur at any time, especially during our hot, dry summers.
Best Burger Bragging Rights
The tantalizing aroma of seared meat teased the crowd. Smoke rose from the portable charcoal grills, manned by chefs ranging in age from 6 to 13; all busy turning patties and kabobs, rolling meatballs and checking temperatures. It was an exciting time at the 3rd Annual Montana BBQ Kid’s Que Cook-Off in Absarokee this summer.
Publisher’s Note - Summer 2025
While we were planning this issue we were struck, once again, by a common theme weaving its way through the stories. Determined young chefs at a competitive barbeque in Absarokee; a centenarian couple from Nye married for 77 years and passionate people who have turned their much-loved hobbies into successful careers - authenticity shines through again!