In this warm-hearted, sometimes hilarious, sometimes poignant account, Gwen Ellis tells the story of growing up in Montana's Big Sky country during the 1940s when houses had no electric dryers or dishwashers and many people burned wood and coal to keep warm and to cook. This is the story of homemade and homegrown Montanans who hunted so their families would have meat to eat and gardened to feed their families throughout the brutally cold, seemingly endless winters. As you read, you'll: Hear the bawling of calves and the pounding of horses' hooves as cowboys and ranchers round up their herds. Breathe deeply of crisp, clean mountain air scented with pine or sage. Smell the lingering odor of metal clinging to smelter workers' clothes. View the magnificent vault of clear blue sky that seems to go on into eternity. Hike beside the author on woodland paths lined with bear grass throwing huge white plumes into the summer breeze. Relive never-to-be-forgotten camping trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. This is the story of people with fiercely independent spirits who fill the state of Montana with a powerful and creative can-do attitude that still exists today. This is the story of a good life made exceptional by love."