Friday, September 04, 2026

Friday Mutterings: Little Boxes

 



I was thinking this morning while walking through the woods with Bridie that I sure haven't missed dragging a hose around for watering. 

The mildly rainy days of late have meant a nice change of pace, including an opportunity to take morning walks where I normally don't go during mornings in the summer months. 

I love our woods and realize that I have missed spending time there. 


The woods will be even more fun now that Bill's Forest Service sign indicates that part of our forest is in Montana---west of Idaho, no less. 

When he was preparing to put up the sign on the dog run fence the other day, I told him he would have to hang it on the south side of the run facing the trees. 

That, of course, was for accuracy sake because we all know Montana is east of Idaho.  

But then again, in today's world, I'm guessing it could be anywhere we want it to be. And, we can rename the state if necessary. 

Anywho, he has one sign up and is digging a post hole so he can nail one to a post near the entrance of the woods. 

I'm glad our "funkiness" is extending to the woods and especially glad that when those signs go up, we'll know where we are going. 






I immediately thought of Pete Seeger's song when my sister introduced me to her "little boxes" yesterday. 

But her little boxes don't all look just the same. 

😊😊😊😊😊





When I drove to my sisters' house yesterday to drop off a sponsorship check for the upcoming horse show, Laurie started bringing out boxes filled with little wooden boxes. 

She and Barbara have been working for the past few weeks preparing awards for the horse show, and some of them include the little boxes adorned with scenes from photos, my mother's artwork and from publications. 

Laurie has an engraving machine and has engraved at least three dozen little boxes and journals for horse show prizes. 

I thought these were some of the nicest and useful prizes I've ever seen as awards, so, of course, I took pictures and am showing them off. 

You'll also see graphics advertising the show which will be held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds from Sept. 18-20.  

Each day (except Sunday with two segments) will include three segments of classes in the mornings, afternoons and evenings.

This is the third year for the September Showcase, which is sponsored by the Emerald Empire Arabian Horse Club.  It's both fun and laid back and getting better every year. 

Bring the kids and come to enjoy beautiful horses and riders doing their thing. 

And, if you're a horse owner and have an inkling to win one of those boxes, you can sign up to compete in some classes. 

Early entries close Sept. 10. After that day, you can post enter classes for an extra fee.

You'll notice a link on the announcements which will direct you toward more specific information about the classes offered and when they happen. 

So, enjoy the photos and maybe we'll see you at the show.  













Of course, I like this journal cuz I recognize the horse. 










Wishing everyone a happy Labor Day weekend.  

Stay safe, dry and have fun. 

Happy Friday. 













Thursday, September 03, 2026

Showing Up; TBT

 


There were new "recruits" and a moment of silence for those who had passed on in the last year. 

Woody Ward was also doing his research, which involved speculation that "Ron's Party," may have been an annual event for more than 20 years. 

It's officially called Ron's Party because our former colleague, the late Ron Hunt, hosted and organized the first party for Sandpoint High faculty members who have retired from teaching. 

Ron and his wife Linda hosted the party for a number of years and then Woody and his wife Marilyn took over.  One year retired staff member Dana Stockman hosted at her home. 

Whatever number of years it happens to be, the party remains a vibrant fixture of "back to school days."  

SHS retirees not only rejoice in the fact that they don't have to go back to school, but more importantly, they're thrilled to still be "showing up" for the party and seeing each other. 

It's a magical experience with former colleagues and friends because no preliminaries are needed.  

Folks just walk in and get back to doing what they did for their entire careers during prep periods or get togethers:  talk and update each other on life in general. 

It's a fun time, and if, each year, new recruits continue the ranks, the annual party should continue for many, many years. 

Yesterday afternoon, the rain and clouds went away, and the sun timed itself perfectly for us to gather in Duane and Marilyn's beautiful back yard for potluck goodies and the best treat ever:  reconnecting with old friends. 

It was a great success.  

It was poignant, and the party was also full of laughter and reminiscing of past times and of the people we miss. 

Hope you enjoy the photos and today's edition of Thursday Throwbacks and scrolling through the photos to the music. 

 



These "young" retirees were all alums of the Sandpoint High Class of 1982. 




Dave DeMers proudly wore his PeeChee shirt. 



























Thursday Throwbacks:  images of people, great moments, events and places from the past.  Enjoy. 










Our dad and our mom!💓💓💓