Saturday Slight

Can't complain about the beauty of this Saturday morning. I awakened later than usual today because I went to bed later than usual. I think it was pushing midnight when I headed for bed.

We stayed up late, for us, last night because Annie and the gang were heading over the mountains and across the desert for Sandpoint. She sent me a note from her new iphone when they rolled through Spokane.

The dogs started barking at about 10:30. We walked outside, and everyone was getting acquainted with the horses----who like to be part of the social mix any time someone comes to the Lovestead.

Last night marked the christening of the brand new storage shed/shop and just another night for the "New Old" Motorhome. For readers who've come on board during the past year or two, we own a 1976 Brougham motorhome. We bought it a couple of years ago from my sisters, and it soon became the subject of blogs and columns as Bill readied it for big adventures.

His first really solo overnight adventure, which followed several short trips to Yoke's, Wal-Mart and down a few country roads where he actually inspired road rage in one circumstance. Like a good Boy Scout, Bill planned every minute detail for his trip to Colville for a foresters' gathering.

He made it to Baldy Road (half a mile from our former home) before calling Annie and me, who were out at Bear's Pizza in Hope. Said he was having motorhome problems and we needed to come and rescue him. Bill managed to get the motorhome to the fairgrounds, while trying to direct it to Alpine Motors, where it had just undergone some mechanic work.

The wrecker took it the rest of the way, and Bill drove his pickup to Colville where he stayed in a motel. A check through my June, 2006, archives will show a few photos, including the motorhome in its piggyback pose.

Well, anyway, the motorhome hasn't gone too many places since then. Not so much because of any ailments it might have but more so because we just haven't had time. It has served as the "New Old" Motorhome Motel on Lovestead Lane on one occasion. That's was in July when Laura, Sefo and the triplets took up residence there for a few nights.

They seemed to do okay with their overnight accommodations, and we're still impressed with the fact that we needed no maid service after their departure. It was spotless!

Bill did take a little while before deciding to take it to our local disposal site----once again at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. No, he wasn't disposing of the motorhome; instead, he was . . . well, you know what I mean. Remember that scene from Robin Williams' RV? Well, that was what he was doing, but the hose behaved.

All set for occupancy, Bill drove the New Old motorhome into the brand new building and parked it. As I type, two young men, named Raine and Duane, are sleeping soundly, I think." We provided a space heater and extra blankets.

It will be interesting to see how they enjoyed their accommodations. Since the refrigerator is working, we're thinking we'll put some soft drinks in there so they'll feel like they've got the real deal in four-star overnight lodging.

With the economy the way it is, maybe Bill and I are on to something. Maybe we can make a few extra bucks while saving other folks lots of bucks as they travel through the area. Lovestead New Old Motorhome Sleep All Night Lodge. Twenty bucks a bed, add $5 for toast, jam and coffee continental breakfast.

We probably ought to work up a business and marketing plan, but for now we're testing the system with Annie's guinea pig friends. We gave them the introductory offer of free lodging in hopes that they'll fill out a survey and help us figure out any glitches to the system.

Well, Duane is here in the living room as I continue to type. He says the night was just fine, the bed was comfortable, and that he slept well.

Annie, her classmate Laurel, from SHS Class of 1997; Raine, and Duane have come over for a geocaching event at Ponderay Events Center this afternoon. Geocacher Grandpapa aka Pat Broehl has organized the potluck gathering. So, if you're a geocacher or just curious about the sport, stop by. It begins at noon, and there will be prizes from Groundspeak. Of course, Bill will be there.

I'll probably stop by for a while, and I'm planning to go to Keith's book signing at Pend Oreille Winery later this afternoon. Then, we'll do our obligatory when kids come home visit to Second Avenue Pizza.

A busy day ahead. Hope yours is a wonderful Saturday.