Saturday Slight

Just when I thought it was going to be another blah day in February, the zinnias showed up. I just planted them on Monday and put the pots in the garden window, figuring on at least a week to ten days before anything punched its way up through the potting soil.

Well, these zinnias broke with tradional potting habits in the Love household. I guess those garden windows have the right idea. Anyway, those half dozen or so early risers started this Saturday off right. Can't wait for the 'maters to make their appearance.

Zinnias offering some early spring expectation don't hold a monopoly on this day's promise. In a few minutes my candidate for President is going to make his official announcement in Springfield, Ill., where President Abraham Lincoln served as a state legislator before going off to Washington and doing a few great things for this nation.

Today is a "GO ZAGS" day, and I'm going to throw in a "GO OBAMA" cheer to add to the mix. I'll watch this man, whom I've been told is an empty suit, and we'll just see where his candidacy goes. I get inspired by leaders who offer a sense of freshness to an otherwise "business as usual" atmosphere in politics. I've had these feelings of excitement before, only to see them dashed by the establishment machines who know how to beat down the good guys and put them in their place.

Somehow, I think Obama may just have what it takes to get past the machines. I believe the more he's heard, the more appeal he's going to have as a breath of fresh air for America. Lord knows, when they talk about Global Warming being caused by people, I tend to agree. A lot of that hot air that gets circulated around Washington, D.C. and all the other political venues has got to be the main pollutant. Let's hope Obama keeps the temperature of his rhetoric at a moderate level; if he does, he'll go far.

I was also excited this morning when I read an official article in the local blat about something I've been hearing about for some time: the University of Idaho is hoping to establish a major presence in Sandpoint, and it will be pretty close to my old neighborhood at the U of I Experiment farm. Much needs to be done for this to unfold, but it appears that much has already been in the works to cross the t's and dot the i's.

The plan even calls for land to be set aside and donated to the school district for a new high school. I think this is one of the greatest pieces of news for this community I've heard since the story about the old high school/junior high/ninth grade center being restored. There are a few good things happening because of growth here in Sandpoint, and the enhancement of educational opportunities is an undeniable no brainer.

Just like the appearance of the zinnias this morning and Sen. Obama's upcoming announcement, I believe this news will spawn a phenomenal sense of excitement for the new aspects of life that lie ahead---whether it's in my kitchen, my community or my country.

Kinda sounds like the old 4-H pledge to me. And, believing in those words certainly made a difference in my life.

Go ZINNIAS! Go OBAMA! GO VANDALS! GO ZAGS! What a day!