New frontiers in bliss

I haven't seen Noah rowing down the road yet but would not be surprised if he's on his way. My teaching friend George Marker loved to use the phrase "new frontiers in XXXX." I'll refrain from divulging what George's secret word is, but I rather liked "new frontiers in . . . ." It seems to fit a lot of situations, so I'll use it this morning.

Yesterday, we hit new frontiers in ugly days for sure. I thought the drippy wet Sunday a week ago was pretty bad, but yesterday's steady downpour and continuous socked-in dreariness had that beat by a long ways. Though the lakes covering the driveway remain calm this morning with no interruption of droplets from above, the heavy somberness outside would suggest that it may be a while before we have to get out the sunscreen tube.

This dreary, yucky morning marks 32 years of my living with the same husband and 32 years of Bill living with the same wife. I'm sure I've gotten the better deal. Our wedding day of June 15, 1974, was far from depressing. In fact, when Fr. John (he's Tim now) O'Donovan asked us to exchange vows on the altar of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, guests were using their programs as makeshift fans to cool themselves from the 96-degree heat.

In fact, so much Hi-C punch was consumed by thirsty guests at the reception in the church hall that my friend Chris Moon had to run off to Harold's IGA for more. Indeed, our wedding day was a bright, sunny summer day, and a good way to start a life together.

That was back when Bill used to sing to me "You Are My Sunshine," and tell me the story of how Gov. Jimmy Davis rode his white horse named Sunshine to the steps of the Louisiana capitol in Baton Rouge and sang that song. Bill sang it to me quite a few times as we drove the back highways to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone on our honeymoon.

Just as we've heard for the past few days on the news, there was high water and flooding in mid-June 1974. In fact, the Clearwater River flowed over parts of the road as we headed east toward Missoula from Lewiston on June 16. Later, when we arrived in Jackson Hole and walked the streets, we invested in a can of mosquito repellent cuz the near-flooding conditions had brought on the bugs.

Well, 32 years, and lots of mosquito bites later, we're looking at another chapter of high water, but that throws no damper on this marriage. We exchanged anniversary cards this morning, and my wish to him was that we look at this upcoming adventure of beginning a new life in the country as our gift to each other. He agreed. We're looking forward to new frontiers in our long-lasting marriage.

Maybe in a few weeks some evening when we get all moved in to our new home and have time to sit out on that Trex deck, admiring the beautiful yard and its magnificent Cabinet Mountain back drop, Bill will be inspired to play his harmonica or, better yet, to sing Jimmy Davis's classic. I'd like that.

Note: Speaking of new frontiers, the (www.sandpointhigh.com) website continues to grow. It has nearly 180 names of Sandpoint High graduates ranging from 1960-2006.

And, today it has an attractive new look as well as a fun chat feature. If you're a grad or know SHS grads, encourage them to check out the site and to sign up. Thanks.