Ambiance and fishing

So far, this Memorial Day weekend has gone perfectly. Bill, Willie, Debbie, and I got off to a good start last night by dining on the deck at the Blue Moon Cafe in the newly named "Lantern District" of Sandpoint. We'd eaten there before and really hadn't missed knowing that we were sipping wine and enjoying wonderful salads in the midst of such historic "ambiance."

The Lantern District includes several Sandpoint restaurants in the south part of town who've apparently spent some time, thought and money in marketing this new approach to drawing their dining clientele. I don't think it made our salad taste any better, but I'm sure it helped our self esteem. I found it especially amusing when I asked the waitress how she liked working in the Lantern District.

"I don't know," she said. "I haven't been reading the paper. What's that?" So, we explained.

We enjoyed our dinner and then headed on to what's considered much more historic in Sandpoint-----Dubs. With ice cream cones in hand, we jumped back into the Jimmy and drove down Boyer past the Babe Ruth game. Willie was happy to see that Riley Creek, his old team, was playing.

While listening to the Big Band Show on KPBX, we then drove to the Mickinnick Trail head so Bill could see if it was really closed for construction until further notice. The trail to the top of Greenhorn Mountain is supposed to be complete by early July. Mickinnick, with its phenomenal views of Sandpoint and the lake, is definitely turning into a popular place for hikers and bikers.

Now, it's Saturday morning and Bill has already left the house. Armed with his fly pole and fishing vest, he's probably standing somewhere along Cocolalla Creek south of Sandpoint, enjoying one of his most blissful days of the year. Stream fishing opened this morning, so he was there bright and early on this gorgeous Saturday.

I'm headed to Colburn to take care of the ponies. Happy Saturday to all. May your day and weekend be filled with proper "ambiance," whatever that is!