Bench Roundup: April 2024

New developments, a recipe, and the benches of April.

Apr 26, 2024

Friends —

April’s end is nigh. The snow slowly recedes to the tips of the mountains. I write this on a Sunday dusk; blues and purples above Mt. Sentinal. Veggies roasting in the oven. Each day gifts equal parts consideration and appreciation. Or, more realistically, it sounds nice to say they do. Temporary times and possible paths. Admittedly, the action at benches dot substack dot com has been slow. The team here at Benches has been tending to other developments, enjoying the changing seasons, and exploring new mediums.

It is such a thrill that the universe expands, that if you whimsically email a community radio station in Missoula, MT, they might just invite you to the next wave of DJ training, and by showing up and listening, you might just waltz right into hosting a radio show. So, speaking of new developments: I have a radio show. KBGA Missoula. 89.9. Mondays. 5PM MT. Peep the strategy. Hits around the clock. Next show May 13th.

And now we enter the Benches universe.

Benches Bolognese

I was traveling along the cosmic highway of the internet, and by way of newsletter → newsletter → embedded tweet, the stars aligned. A recipe for a bolognese enshrined on the lumbar system of a bench. As an active member of the bench commenting community, I had no choice. We make our own beds.

I feel obligated to share my experience with the recipe, so do know that you can probably avoid using carrots in any bolognese. You should make sure the onions are capital D Diced. I think you should use fresh tomatoes to help with the bolognese texture but maybe I am old-fashioned. And, if you happen to have a full pound of beef rather than the 8oz suggested by the bench’s recipe, I suppose you might actually want to double all the other portions. Upon tasting this creation, which wasn’t bad but wasn’t great, I suggest you explore other bolognese options.

The Benches Of April

It is somehow still April when I type this, which is of course a simple observation that bumps right up with the oft-expressed “OMG can’t believe how quick time flies!” type of surface-level conjecture. But it is somehow still April.

MTCX Bench

Edged up against a well-regarded bike and ski shop sits a nice silhouette. Wood slats fill the frame, frequent and refined. I have complete trust in the carpentry of this bench. I’ve been traveling down this road for months and have not recalled this piece, but strolling down the block I was surprised and delighted to see it come into frame, to see the cast of storefront LED on the midnight sidewalk. Add a figure to this bench and you have your own reenactment of an Edward Hopper.

Three-Mile Trading Co Bench

If you find yourself biking down the ranchland of the Bitterroot Valley, down roads like Illinois Bench Rd and Spectacular Way and Dry Gulch Rd and Store Ln, you’ll perhaps intersect with a quaint market. I believe the shop technically calls itself a trading company, which seems gracious. Anyway, if you need a bench they have it, along with some well-priced pots and hangers (review from trusted source). This bench invokes the proud ranch style that likely produced it. Endemic wood (probably) with a crisp design of horses and pines.

The Gary Allen Dickerson Bench

God damn, Gary. Your spirit has itself quite a seat to come back to. At Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge in Stevensville, MT, past the geese-infested amphitheater and over a small bridge, the first bench you’ll see is Gary’s. Bannered across the top is the epithet “Sit and rest a spell”, which is precisely what you’ll want to do here. A spell is the exact right amount of time to sit on this bench. Bring the ‘nocs and the sandwich of the spring (baguette, brie, prosciutto), and enjoy your afternoon walking about.

Bridge Pizza Bench

The more I think about this bench at Bridge Pizza, the more I love it. Rarely do you see an L-shaped bench. With an elevated resting surface, no less! Mostly west-facing, you’ll find it perfect for evening cravings. Quick bites before the movies. A slice for the road.