Wednesday Mutterings

 

Bill and Bridie on one of their morning walks around the place. 

Chuck-it plays a major role in these walks. 

Our classmate Jim Holt told us yesterday that he always carries two socks in his golf bag. 

Just in case he gets a hole in one. 

There was lots of chatter and fun interludes like Jim's joke as classmates from Sandpoint High School Class of 1965 got together at The Old Ice House Pizzeria at Hope, Idaho. 

The place offers one of the most amazing and beautiful views of Lake Pend Oreille, some wonderful pizza and salads AND great and friendly service.  

I've finally figured out a combination that works for me and allows me to enjoy some pizza.  Part of that combination is a lactaid enzyme pill to help me with the cheese. 

So far so good in that department. 

Our group spent some time talking about turning 80 and if we had any bucket-list thoughts. 

In most cases, the goal is to remain mobile, happy and aware.  Everyone was really excited that they had no problem on the stairs to the upper floor.

We even had a gal from California who graduated in 1967 come by our table and marvel at how much fun we were having. 

These gatherings are not only fun but they're great for our individual souls, especially because before leaving, we always schedule the next get-together.  

In October we'll meet at Sweet Lou's in Athol to accommodate our friends who drive up from the Post Falls area. Knowing that there's another gathering soon helps keep us excited. 

https://www.oldicehousepizzeria.com/

Some of the scenes from apple treats at the fence each evening. 

The horses make some interesting contortions with their mouths while chewing on those apples. 

Speaking of horses, another nice feature of the upcoming September Showcase, sponsored by the Emerald Empire Arabian Horse Club from Sept. 18-20.  

FOOD, and lots of it. 

So, if you're hungry any one of those days, come and get some food and look at pretty horses performing while you're eating. 

The horses are spending the day in a pasture that I brush hogged a while back.  They'll enjoy the new growth of grass that has come since the field was groomed. 

CB is progressing with his knee wounds.  The swelling is all but gone and very little discharge from the troublesome wound.  

Today he'll receive his second antibiotic shot, so I'm hoping that will speed up the healing.

After the vet visit this afternoon, I'll head to the living room for the beginning of the NFL season.  Tonight's game features our Seattle Seahawks taking on the New England Patriots (last year's Super Bowl matchup).

Hoping for a Seahawks win.  

Happy Wednesday. 

Rains and Brains

 

This bus passed me on the road this morning. 

I couldn't see how many students were riding, but I thought, while watching the bus head toward Selle Road what a monumental day this is for so many. 

Whether they are students, teachers, parents, custodians, cooks, bus drivers or other staff members, today marks a new beginning for Lake Pend Oreille School District. 

My son Willie is starting his 17th year as an educator at Sandpoint High School. 

He, like others around the district, will be putting names to faces and doing his best to memorize the combinations. 

By week's end, most students and teachers will be settled in for another year of instruction. 

Bring on and use the brains!

May it be the best year ever for all concerned. 

There's a button behind me here at the computer that states, "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance."  

Let us hope that all involved do their best to work together and whittle away every day at ignorance and to open minds to the basics, the "frills" and the possibilities that exist in this world. 

Good luck to all students, teachers and supportive staff for a year of intellectual, emotional and social growth. 

  

Rainy Daze!

I like the rain "daze" for a while, and I'm glad it's been steady, but there'll be no complaining when it subsides today. 

The rain has done its job of moistening the ground,  cleansing the landscape, bringing an end to forest fire danger, and providing a good excuse for indoor projects. 

I made more jelly yesterday.  I may have to wait for another rainy day if it doesn't set up, and try it again. 

During jelly-making time, Bill was working at his computer. 

Then, we both enjoyed some entertainment from the varying numbers of deer that act like they own the place. 

No more leaping and running.  They just mosey. 

And, while moseying, they can feed on berries, leaves, acorns and no sunflowers.  Seems they've snatched all the sunflower heads in the garden so they had to just look at the others yesterday. 

It's fun having them around, even if they eat a lot of what I grow. 

How can you hate Bambi!

It's nice to see the brilliance of natural color again. 

This morning I read the following article from the Daily Bee. 

I'm wondering if there is any Lebanese food that a person with colitis can eat because I've heard great  reviews of this place and would love to sample something. 

They are expanding their offerings, so check it out.

 https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2026/sep/08/flavors-of-phoenicia-brings-taste-of-lebanon-to-north-idaho/

If you're a horse owner and want to compete in one more horse show, here's your chance. 

As noted before, the show offers some neat awards and some fun classes for all---whether you are sitting on a horse or in the stands. 

The more the merrier.

Besides:  these reminders, created by my sisters, with a little help,  are fun so I like to post them.

Same is true for the image below, and I will always vote in the affirmative.  

Happy Tuesday.  

YES !

Labor Day 2026

Strengthen your happiness muscle.  

It seemed like good advice for starting out this Labor Day Monday. 

There's a steady warm rain falling, and I love it---the perfect antidote for the dirty and dry outdoors.

Today I did a reverse itinerary with my morning chores.  I brought the horses to the barn rather than sending them away. 

They stayed in the front pasture last night---probably for the first time in 20 years. 

I kept them there because the barnyard is dirty and inside the barn are layers upon layers of dust. 

That would not be a big deal, but CB injured his knee a couple of days ago.  At first, I thought the two wounds on his knee were superficial.  

As time went on, however, it was evident that one had gone a little deeper as it was draining, the knee swelled up, and CB was having a hard time deciding how to walk with the pain. 

So, yesterday I called the vets.  After an exam, which included clipping away hair, Dr. Jacqueway concluded that the injury had not affected a fluid sac, which was great news. 

She gave him an antibiotics shot and will come back Wednesday to administer another. 

CB and his friends did okay in the front pasture, and, happily the wound stayed clean.  

Now that it has rained, the barnyard is muddy rather than dirty, so he should be okay there while it rains. 

As everyone says, horses find the darndest ways to hurt themselves.  I have no idea how CB sustained this injury, but I'm thrilled that it should heal up soon. 

And, that gives my happiness muscle a good workout. 

I liked seeing that happiness reminder this morning.  With all that is going on in the world and within our own circles, happiness muscles need daily exercise more than ever. 

My photos today pretty much reflect the day yesterday.  We didn't go off on any drives because of CB, so we watched a little football and worked on outdoor projects. 

Bill finished off erecting another Forest Service sign near the entrance to the woods.  It looks really neat. 

While we were hanging around home, Annie was up in Alaska sight seeing.  She went for a geocaching adventure, but the weekend stay has turned into far more than that, especially the eye candy. 

When I saw the photo of her with "the bus," I remembered how captivated I was while reading Into the Wild by John Krakauer.  

It's a true story which makes it all the more mysterious as to why this young man took the journey he did and ended up in Denali National Park dying in that bus. 

If you have not read the book, do.  The book is hard to put down. 

Annie has posted some amazing photos on her Facebook feed. 

As I walked down the road through the rain this morning, I thought about how tomorrow morning and many mornings after will be different with yellow school buses back on the road. 

School begins tomorrow here in Lake Pend Oreille School District, and I'm hoping to snap my annual morning bus photo. 

With school, we officially usher in the fall and all that goes with it----lots of autumn beauty and more than enough work preparing for winter, but it's my favorite time of year. 

For now, we'll spend this Labor Day trying to stay dry and not complaining about the needed rain.  

Finally, thanks to all laborers and all who labor endlessly to make their working conditions the best possible. 

Happy Monday.  

Enjoy the photos, and work on that happy muscle.