5APRIL2012 @ Helena, MT - Despite imbibing plenty of fermented imbibables last night I am up and at it. Following a cup of righteous coffee - with pancake - at the No Sweat Cafe I straightened up the cookout grounds, washed a few dishes, returned the cable TV box, got the lawnmower gas, emptied the refrigerator, turned down the hot water heater and arranged lunch with Steve N. Chevy S10 oil was changed as we enjoyed lunch at Mama's on Custer ... very very tasty. On my way out of Helena I paid my property taxes and bought a claw-foot tub. The tub allows water to be more than 16" deep and is 66" long ... so I felt I had to get it. Don't think I will reveal the price, but I will state that it was far more than the $5 I paid for one in 1985.

Arriving in Bozeman at about 1730, I stopped at Joe M's well drilling business. I've known Joe for almost 40 years and I simply love being in his presence ... totally wonderful specimen of humankind. We shared a chinese buffet supper and once more went our separate ways. On my way east a serious rain/snow storm emptied on me beginning around Livingston and lasting to about Reed Point. It is very difficult for me to drive in the dark or in rain, so the combination was not fun. Fortunately the road is an interstate highway so I did not need to contend with oncoming traffic. Expecting to make Billings, the "Locomotive Inn" sign at Laurel drew me in and by 2230 I was snug in the bed watching Jay Leno joke me to sleep. It was a good day.