A WOMAN'S BEST FRIEND. This is Charlie, a wonderful springer spaniel. Not my dog, but that of one of my friends. Being around this kind of dog for a couple of days is just about enough to make me want to own one, but why do that when I can have one vicariously through others?!

We're having a difficult time arriving at springtime in Montana. Back to a wintery, blustery day. Good time for continuing to sort, throw away and put away stuff in my apartment.

Going to work the phones a few mornings this next week for our local affiliate in public radio's phonathon. Is an enjoyable volunteer activity.

THE RIMS. Here is a view from the front of the house I live in, the sandstone formations are nicknamed "The Rims" and there is a through street close by called "Rimrock Road." We had a bit of snow last night then freezing temps, so the town has dangerous icy streets this morning, but forecast is for 55 degree weather by Saturday, hurray! That is my little car in the photo.

Work is progressing. We had to move to a temporary location as the landlord is doing some refurbishing of the other quarters; hopefully we will be back and settled in the permanent location in a few weeks. I office share with another person; he works mornings and I work afternoons. Am getting an advisory council put together and plan to meet with them in a couple of weeks. They will help furnish the clients for the program. In the meantime, I will make flyers and brochures and learn the material for the classes I need to lead, as well as find other volunteers from other professions to assist with other classes; i. e., accountants, bankers, credit unions, etc.

I'm having a hard time getting settled in to my apartment. I have SO much stuff! Except one important box containing my KitchenAid mixer and other kitchen equipment that I sure wish would appear. Oh well, it's only stuff.

Am ready for spring, although really can't gripe about our weather here. Everything is relative, and at least we're not in the trouble that our neighbors in the Dakotas are right now. Am enjoying getting back to the gym daily, and eager to hit the mountains this summer.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN. Had a great trip to Bozeman, Helena, Missoula, and back home again through Bozeman. Taught an Ethics class for my professional society (CPCU) at the Young Agent's conference in Helena, staying with Colleen, a former colleague and crazy Irish lass. Then on to Missoula, staying with Mary Ann, another friend from my former workplace. Was nice to spend time with them and visit a bit.

I met with AmeriCorps and homeWORD staff for orientation and training for my new position. I am a member (their word for volunteer who is paid a "living allowance" stipend, similar to Peace Corps) of AmeriCorps and am placed with homeWORD, a non-profit in Missoula who provides financial education and homebuying programs as well as owns/manages rental properties. I will be working part-time for a program called "Montanans Making $ense" and officing in downtown Billings. I likely will conduct a two-hour class one night a week, with occasionally Saturday classes as well. The first challenge will be finding and getting people who need this education to attend the classes!

Had an opportunity to meet another former Peace Corps Volunteer in Bozeman. Had a couple of nice visits; there's something about that type of experience that usually just creates a bond. Fun. I do miss some of my PCV pals.

Weather turned very nasty after my last post...drove on ice last Monday as I began my trip, but we're having a lovely weekend now; perhaps spring is just around the corner.

Am getting moved and settled into my new apartment and ready (physically, but not necessarily mentally) to get into a routine once more.

WORK! Yes, I will soon be among the employed, so to speak. I am taking a part-time position with AmeriCorps, working with low-income people on financial management. That means setting up and presenting classes, as well as arranging for guest speakers, usually in the evenings or Saturdays, and some one on one counseling as well. It's a six-month agreement, and there is a small stipend paid, as well as an education bonus, which I might use for Spanish class for credit next fall. So that will be a new and fun challenge! The hours/days are flexible; that is just what I wanted. Plus a little income to supplement social security, and that is good.

I continue to have fun doing presentations for various organizations on my Peace Corps experience, and enjoy the interest and questions I have been receiving.

About done working on the friend's rental house, ended up doing some work on a floor before painting a kitchen. Will be moving into my own apartment after I return from my trip to Helena and Missoula next week. It will be great to have my own digs again. Much smaller than what I had here before, but much bigger (and nicer!) than what I had in Morocco!

And how about this March 60 degree weather in Montana?!