SLATTERY'S DAUGTHERS

OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING

'Sometimes I forget just how lucky I am. Living in a place like this. I don't think anything can ever replace the beauty of the lush green countryside, wild flowers blooming in spring, birds singing, beautiful crimson sunrises, picturesque mountains and the deep blue Montana skies. It's almost as if God placed a little piece of heaven here. I guess if people think of America, they think of concrete jungles with skyscrapers and yellow taxis brightening up the streets. But when I think of America, I think of this. This amazingly beautiful place.'

Julie drew her bedroom curtains open, opened the windows and leaned with her hands on the window sill before she peeked her head outside to breathe the crisp mountain air. It smelled like spring. The sun was sitting at 8 am and the birds were singing in the trees. She watched the weavers bathing in the bird bath at the front of the house and smiled before she dreamily gazed out in the distance. "Good morning world."

Julie's mother, Joanne was busy washing the dishes when she stepped into the kitchen doorway and paused. It was a quaint little place which would be described by many as a little old fashioned, maybe outdated. The walls were painted a dull greenish color that kind of complimented the oak wood cupboards. The windows were neatly draped by white lace café curtains. "Good morning mom."

Joanne turned her head to look at her daughter and smiled. "Good morning Julie. Did you sleep well?" She looked like your typical country house wive dressed in jeans, a button-up shirt with rolled up sleeves and a red checkered apron. Her dark hair was tied up in a ponytail. Somehow it made her look a little younger.

"Like a baby." She continued into the kitchen.

"I reckoned. You slept a little bit later than usual."

"It's weekend. I'm allowed to sleep late, aren't I?"

"Sure you are honey," Joanne replied with a faint smile. Julie opened the cookie cupboard to see what's inside to have for breakfast quickly. "I put your breakfast in the microwave."

"Thanks." Julie closed the top cupboard door again and opened the microwave to take out her plate of breakfast. "Where's dad?"

"He's already gone to town."

Just then Claire, Julie's older sister came rushing down the stairs and barged into the kitchen to grab her Bug's keys from the key holder by the doorway.

"You're going into town?"

"Yeah, dad needs me at the shop."

"Okay. Drive safe honey."

"Yeah. Bye mom," she replied before leaving in a hurry.

Joanne shook her head when she heard the front door slam as Claire left the house. "That sister of yours. Always in a rush." Joanne sat down at the kitchen table and watched her daughter eat. "So what are you planning to do this morning honey?"