Saturday Slight

Oh, what a beautiful morning! If I had my way, every day would have temperatures ranging from 40-70, the grass would be green, the flowers blooming, and the birds, chirping. That's what we're experiencing here now that spring has finally arrived.

I looked out the kitchen window and commented to Bill about the one remaining snow bank in the far field next to Casey's grave. It should be gone by Monday, I'd guess.

This morning brings a bit of concern. Our kitty Festus did not come when called last night, and there's still no sign of him this morning. The Taylors from across the road came over last week looking for their kitty. Don't know if they found it, but I'm sure hoping to see Festus running across the yard with Kea and Kiwi on his tail. Fingers crossed.

I think I'm going to take my mother to the open house (10-5) at the restored Selle Grange today. Then, we may go to the Flower Farm so she can pick out some posies. Selle Grange No. 313 has a phenomenal history here in Bonner County, dating back to June 14, 1932, and definitely having the Meserve touch from next door.

In fact, I think I'll do my next column about its historical highlights and the ladies who bought it and turned it into an events center. I stopped by there yesterday, and they were doing the last minute spruce up, hoping to be finished by evening when a private party would enjoy the fruits of their labors, which include two gorgeous crystal chandeliers. They're Coeur d'Alene ladies---one's the Coeur d'Alene City Clerk. Betcha know her, Helen.

They've done a lovely job of restoration, and like Brad and Lynda Scott did with the old junior high, they've given a gift to the community, specifically to the Selle folks who are delighted to see that ol' grange hall continue on.

Stay tuned for the next "Love Notes" in The River Journal, and I'll tell ya more. In the meantime, if you're local, take a drive out through our Heavenly Selle Valley and check it out.

You can even take a walk through the Lovestead, if we're home. It's getting pretty again. I've got a long ways to go with the gardens and such, but that lawn just blows me away, as does our peaceful forest. We'll also induct any visitors into the Lodgepole Society today

Bill and I dined at Jalapenos last night and enjoyed a scrumpdelyishious reunion at dessert time. We skipped the sweets in exchange for a wonderful visit with Dave Dillon (Class of 1964), his wife and my classmate Linda, his twin sister Betty and his youngest sister Mary June.

I hadn't seen Betty Dillon since junior high (let's estimate nearly 50 years). I remember when she and Bill Barlow (another twin) were an item. Betty is as lovely as ever; she's a nurse in Denver.

I'd never met Mary June. The family moved to Helena and Dave stayed behind to graduate from SHS. Mary June is a nurse in Baltimore, associated with Maryland's top varicose vein center. She also loves horses and has read the Appaloosa Journal, so she earned her medals with me.

We could have gabbed and caught up all night, but they finally had to leave. It's definitely a treat to enjoy such spontaneous reunions of faces from the past----even better when you discover they're the same nice folks you thought they were way back when.

And, speaking of folks from way back when, I must wish a very happy birthday to Andrea Venishnick and Laura Delamarter. Laura and I go back to at least age 1, while I got to know Andrea back in those junior high days. Hope you ladies are enjoying yourselves today. You deserve it.

To all mothers, may you have a wonderful weekend, as you experience love extending your way from the greatest joys of your lives.

Happy weekend. Off for a gorgeous day in May.