Evel Days

Fun at Evel Knievel Days in Butte last night.

Tracy Lawrence is performing tonight for free!

Job Acceptance

I have decided to continue my employment with Mary Walsh, CPA & Associates after accepting an offer following tax season. Although it is not full-time, it is now my permanent employment and it will allow me time to invest in my growing photography business.

Click here to see me included in the staff photo on the homepage:
Mary Walsh, CPA & Associates Homepage

Click here to read my bio:
Our People

My favorite part is the headline: Kelsey Poore, CPA.

It's a Boy!

I have been on pins and needles for the last week anticipating the arrival of the newest addition to the Royal Family.

I will be the first to say that I was shocked when it was announced that Baby Cambridge is a BOY! I just always thought it would be a girl. When the Queen changed the rules for the line of succession, I thought it was an indication that we would see Kate and William's first born become queen.

I woke up Monday morning to read that Kate had gone into labor and been admitted to St. Mary's Hospital in London. In the early afternoon, Clarence House announced that she delivered a healthy baby boy at 4:24 local time (which is 7 hours ahead of Montana). Needless to say, I was thrilled.

Knowing that the Royal Couple would be leaving the hospital today, I had the Royal 'door cam' streaming live at work. Edna joined me during lunch to watch. Soon after, we got to see the first glimpse of the new family along with millions around the world. It nearly brought a tear to my eye. I probably would have cried had I not been at work.

With all of this excitement, I've received very negative feedback. I have been actively posting updates on facebook and many 'friends' have gained cyber courage to bully me. Why are you not proud to be American? What is the big deal about the Royals? Who cares?

I see it this way. I have always been fascinated by my Grandma's culture. Who doesn't love and adore their grandmother? I looked up to her in many ways and I know that I have several of her English traits. I am proud of that. 

Native Americans have Native Pride. We celebrate Black History Month. Jews are encouraged to celebrate Hanukkah, and everyone loves a good Chinese New Year Parade. Why am I different? I am proud to be an American and I do not take our country or our service men and women for granted. But I am also proud of my heritage and my ancestors. When did celebrating become a bad thing? There is certainly a double standard. We have Asian Americans, African Americans, and so on. I would call myself an English American. No, I was not born in England, but neither were several African Americans I know. I merely want to carry on the legacy left before me. 

Congratulations to the UK on a new heir to the throne. It is a wonderful day and I am happy to toast them. Cheers!

Missoula Marathon

I drove to Missoula late Saturday night so I could get up before dawn and photograph the race on Sunday. I ran the half in 2009 and really appreciated the sideline support from friends as well as strangers. Several people I know ran in the race, but I especially wanted to support my uncle, Vince, who ran and completed his first marathon.

Mile 9 of the marathon West of Missoula.

My friend, Allison, who also ran her first marathon. At mile 8, she looks terrific here.

Vince looking strong and steady at mile 8.

My college friend, Skylar, who also ran his first marathon. It was the year of the first-timers!

Matt - my friend Katie's fiance - nearing the finish line after completing his half marathon.

Allison and her mom, Gayle, who runs a 5K every day. Gayle ran the last 3 miles with Allison to the finish line.

My college friends Pat and Chelsea joined me to watch the finishers after they ran the half marathon.

Allison (on the left), who is my former flame's step sister. She did a great job pacing the marathon.

After seeing these two really attractive people nearing the end of their marathon race holding hands, it inspired me to run the half next year and be just as cute as this couple. Who cares about a good completion time? I just want to look good doing it.

Vince approaching the finish line on the Higgins Street Bridge.

Still looking great at the very end!

And he spotted me cheering for him at the end.

Almost there

Skylar finishing his first marathon.

This marathoner is blind. What's your excuse? I know I don't have one.

I missed a few runners while bouncing around the course, namely my two cousins Katie and Melissa, who ran the half marathon together and finished under 2 hours! That is a really, really good pace. Congrats all!

Last Day to Vote

http://missoulian.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?p=V&c=96252&s=39228221&i=1&sort=VOTES_DESC#SD

TODAY is the LAST day of voting! Please help me make it into the next round. I am in 5th place so it's CLOSE!! Thank you.

More importantly, I was able to watch the Missoula Marathon and cheer on family and friends. I have some terrific photos of the runners to share and I will post them this week.

Please Vote

Guess what....

Here's another post begging you to vote for me today.

Click Here to vote.

I am currently in 5th place and there are only 3 days left to vote!

Vote Vote Vote, Please

Here is your link for Day 4 voting:

Vote Here.

I am in 6th place and each and every vote makes a big difference.

Day 3 Voting

Vote here please.

I am lagging in votes but I am excited by how many readers have been helping me. Please keep it up! Thank you.

Voting Day 2

It is Day 2 of another shameless plug...

Please vote for me!

I am falling behind some tough competition.

http://missoulian.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?p=V&c=96252&s=39228221&i=1&sort=SORTORDER#SD

Voting for Best Shot Photo Contest 2013

The first round of voting begins today and runs the week of July 8 - 15 (next Monday).

The winner will receive the Grand Prize, which consists of and is limited to $500 cash along with being published in the 2013 Missoula Visitors Guide and featured in an ad in the Missoulian.

More than anything, I would love to be published!

Here's what you do:
Click Here to register on the website (it is easy, free, and quick).
Each person who registers can vote for one photo per day.
There are 7 categories and I have entered a photo in each category under the username "kelseyp."
You can only vote once across all the categories though, so please vote for the same photo each day.

Feel free to share the website with friends via email. I would love to win this contest!

Red Mountain Hike

On Sunday, I summited my second peak - Red Mountain. It stands at nearly 10,000 feet and it is the highest I've ever been. Even the Swiss Alps are much lower - I was on top of Mount Pilatus at 6,982 feet. The map at the bottom shows its proximity to Butte.

The view from the top, looking South at Table Mountain (it's the flat one).

What else are you supposed to do on a peak but jump?

The view of the trail below and looking North toward Butte.

There was still some snow and just days before, a group had skied down. The top of the peak is up this rocky terrain.

This is a note in the log jar at the top. On many peaks, there is a log book or a log jar where hikers can sign their name and write a short message. This piece of paper was so sweet and reminded me of Tucker and Toby in Missoula and how much I miss them. Especially Tucker, who died this Spring.

The hike to the top of the peak is less than 2 miles. It's quite short but steep. Most of the road up is 4WD and I hadn't taken the GrizRunner off-roading in years but it climbed up the mountain like a champ.

Missoula BEST SHOT Photo Contest

I have entered some photographs into this contest:

Missoulian Best Shot Photo Contest

Here are my submissions:

Missoula Attractions

Great Missoula Views

Sports & Outdoor Recreation

Winter in Missoula

Arts & Entertainment

Missoula Landmarks

Missoula Dining

The winner is selected by public voting, beginning next week. I will post a link to help collect votes. The top prize is $500 and published photographs!!!!!

GNP

Last weekend, I spend three days in Glacier National Park, on the East side of the park at Swiftcurrent near Many Glacier. Here are some photos from the trip:

The bottom of Virginia Falls at St. Mary.

Apikuni Falls

Looking down over the edge of Apikuni Falls from the top.

Lake Sherburne in the valley below.