I'm feeling a tiny bit of relief. I know it's short-lived, but another Bonner County Fair has been put to bed, and a new season begins. It's called fall, even though the calendar says that doesn't start for another month. In the hearts of most folks around here, though, the fair serves as a good bye to summer. With its annual ending come thoughts of yellow school buses, football games, hopes for quieter times, and a return to routine. What could be more fall-like?

I have a couple of stories to finish this week. One is due tomorrow. Yesterday, I told Chris Bessler, publisher of Sandpoint Magazine, that I've finished 270 of the 300 words I'm supposed to write about C.J. Box's new book Blue Heaven. He said those last 30 words are always the hardest to write. I agreed.

I also said 300-word stories are also the hardest to write. No pun intended, but how does one "box" information about a best-selling author from Wyoming who's won lots of writing awards, who's coming out with a mystery thriller about North Idaho in 300 words. Well, I've almost done that, but I sure do like more space. So, I'll work on those last 30 words today and submit that story tomorrow.

I'm also working on an Appaloosa Journal assignment about a lady in California and a giant story (3,000 words) about the history of Panhandle Alliance for Education. There's time for both of them to unfold, but I like to get these stories under control before the next writing assignment adds to the load.

The book stuff may be winding down for a while after the past month of signings every weekend and four days' worth at the fair. I enjoyed reading the story about Don Albertson and his tuba solo moments on Thursday and a story from Pocket Girdles about my dad yesterday. After seeing the nice granite memorial with Harold Tibbs' name etched on it outside the main exhibit building, I decided he deserved to have his story told.

Bill and I are going to an unusual birthday party today. We received the invitation by phone from Kelsi Camp Friday night. Kelsi, her sisters and her folks are among the locals here in town who value history, so they're throwing a birthday party for their house. It turns 100 years old. I don't know if today is the exact anniversary date, but I do know it must have been completed in 1907 and that it has been luckier than a lot of houses around here. It has stories to tell, and they can still be told in its midst.

So, we're looking forward to helping them celebrate its centennial. Bill has a special present to give the house, but I don't want to spoil the surprise, so I'll save the details until tomorrow.

This week I'll be working on horses and stories. The Bonner County Fair Horse Show is this weekend. Lefty and Lily will be among the entrants. So, we'll be brushing, bathing and polishing all week long. Tom Selberg's coming to the Tibbs Arabians to trim baby hooves today, and John Fuller's coming to the Lovestead to trim Lily hooves tomorrow or Tuesday.

Plus, I must report that Miss Lily is gradually giving in to having her muzzle hair trimmed. It's been a slow process but she's deciding it's not all that bad, as long as I stick with the scissors. We've got a ways to go on clipping the long, fuzzy hair sticking out of her ears, but that will come with time and patience. At least, she won't have a beard for this upcoming show.

Lots going on as we move on toward fall, my favorite season of the year. It's a time of change in many ways, usually welcome changes from beastly hot summer days too. Happy Sunday to all. Have a great day.