Our testimony was very well received at the capitol yesterday. Montana legislators continue to impress me with their intelligence, dedication, and accessibility. Our work yesterday laid some very solid groudwork for future endeavors.

We also learned that presentation is important. The bureau chiefs who spoke before the public comment period took up more than their share of time, and there were about 10 people lined up to comment. Most of them were more interested in speaking to here themselves speak than in getting their point across to the people in big chair at the other end of the table. Fortunately I knew to bring paper copies, and rather than read anything, I introduced myself and my work in about 45 seconds, then passed the copies out and sat down. I was later assured that this walk softly-big stick approach was more effective than I thought, had the vice-chair come up after lunch and congratulate me on such good writing, and left for the day with a pocket full of business cards of folks who wanted a copy.

We also took some time before coming home to visit the Blackfoot Brewery, now without question the best brewery in Montana. In addition, we got tipped off to a new taco place down the street, and had the best mex since Arizona last summer.

I do miss Tacos Los Altos.

Eilis also sent me some good news about job prospects. Sigh.