You should be sharing your bedroom with your Dog

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December 5, 2023

While dogs are one of God’s gifts to mankind and though most dog parents love having them around all the time, not everyone likes to share a bed with them. New studies have shown that sharing your bedroom with your dog is actually really good for you. Of course, anyone that’s ever had a dog might already know that studies aren’t really needed because they’ve already experienced all of the great things dogs can do.

Years ago we had a Malamute named Smokey — He’d jump up and take over the entire bed it seemed. After a while, when he’d get too warm, he’d jump down and find a cooler spot on the floor at the foot of the bed.

These days we have a German Shepard named Luna. Luna is getting up there in years and she can’t jump up on the bed any more so she sleeps at the foot of the bed just like Smokey did back in the day

When dogs aren’t all out playing stick or drinking out of mud puddles, they can be found doing some of the things listed below.

They reduce stress and anxiety

Just being near your furry friend makes you feel less stressed, imagine how calming it would be sleeping next to him. Therapy dogs are used the world over for a reason. And that is because they’re a proven stress buster.

They give you a sense of security

Not only can they physically protect you from danger, they also make you feel safe just by being present in the same room.

They keep you warm

Dogs are pack animals who stick together to keep each other warm. In the cold winter months, nothing is more soothing than a dog sitting with you and sharing his body heat with you. He’s your own personal bed warmer.

The dog loves it too

For your dog, you are his entire world. Sleeping with your dog by your side ensures you spend quality time with him and in turn lengthen his life and make it happier.

They help you sleep

Studies show that having your dog by your side makes you feel secure enough to sleep peacefully.

They help reduce the onset of depression

With their unconditional love and support, anyone suffering from depression can feel loved and wanted. Some can even cure or prevent depression by simply having their furry love ball around.

They offer comfort

Now, who doesn’t find a doggy cuddle comforting?

The Beaver Moon – November 25-27, 2023

By

Alan

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November 26, 2023

Peak illumination of November’s full Moon, known as the Beaver Moon, will occur early Monday morning, Nov. 27 at 4:16 AM eastern time.

What is a Beaver Moon

During a full Moon, the Moon is positioned opposite of the Sun, placing the Earth between the star and our lunar satellite. Because of this position, the side of the Moon facing the Earth becomes fully illuminated by sunlight.

The Moon will appear full for three days, from Saturday night to Tuesday morning, but it will only appear at its brightest for a brief period of time.

The brightness will allow you to see the Beaver Moon with the naked eye. If this is how you’ll be viewing the full Moon, it’s recommended to give your eyes plenty of time to adjust. Depending on your eyesight, you will be able to see large impact craters on the moon.

You might also consider using binoculars or even a telescope.

Let’s hope that our skies are as clear on Sunday/Monday nights as they are tonight so that we can take a good look at the Beaver Moon.

November’s full Moon is known by a number of names. The name Beaver Moon is rooted in November being the time of year when beavers begin to shelter in their lodges for winter, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Parade of Lights 2023 – Great Falls, Montana

By

Alan

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November 26, 2023

Who doesn’t just love a good parade?

This years Parade of Lights in downtown Great Falls should be one for the record books.

Of all of the years I’ve been attending the parade, I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many people as I saw there tonight.

Parade entry:

The skies were fairly clear, temps right around 33 degrees, and we’re just a few days away from the full Beaver Moon.

The crowds were huge by comparison to other previous years and a lot of folks were dancing to the sounds of Christmas.

This years parade was a long one indeed and featured some new folks.

Les Schwab Tire Center came to town earlier this year and showed up for the parade and the United States Postal Service showed up as well.

Santa Claus showed up right on time to light the tree at the Civic Center.

Photos of the event:

Frozen Missouri River – Great Falls, Montana 2019

By

Alan

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November 25, 2023

Anybody that’s been around Great Falls long enough knows about the Missouri River that flows through town.

In the winter it has the tendency to freeze over and it can pose some pretty dangerous conditions for those who choose to tempt fate by crossing it on foot.

Trouble with a frozen surface with water flowing underneath is that you just never know when or if you’re going to fall through and be swept up under the ice.

I took our son down to the river to help educate him on the potential dangers of the Missouri River when it freezes.

Here’s the video he made while we were there:

The Missouri River is the longest river in the United States, flowing for 2,341 miles from its source in the Rocky Mountains of Montana to its confluence with the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri.

When a river freezes, it may appear to stop flowing, but there is usually still some movement beneath the ice. This movement is caused by water currents and thermal convection.

The best advice with regard to our portion of the Missouri River is that when it freezes, it’s best to just stay off of it.