Tuesday Twitterdeeweedhopperbeedum

Bill has headed off on his bike for work. He's been doing that once weekly since his return from Mt. St. Helens. I think he's enjoying it more since it's more for outdoor pleasure than hard-core training. Speaking of bike riding, I want to plug my lovely daughter-in-law Debbie's bike blog again.

She and her friend Paige are planning to do the Seattle to Portland bike trip next year, so they're doing early preparation by posting on their blog, learning about equipment and clothing and even going on bike rides. They talk to experts. They try out stuff, and they even make videos about their experiences----often a hoot.

For local interest, Paige is photographer Ross Hall's granddaughter Jonna's sister-in-law. She's a graphic artist for the Girl Scouts of America and a colleague of Debbie's. So go check out their blog at www.thestpexperiment.blogspot.com where the most recent video features their friend Monique experiencing REI for the first time and Paige getting her pedals installed!

~~~~~

Back to Bill: He was busy with his weed sprayer last night. Just after dinner he showed me a gallon jug three quarters full with liquid. "This cost $75," he said. Then he told me it was cheap compared to some other weed killer priced at $900.

We're assaulting the weeds every which way we can. Nearly a dozen tansey plants appeared in one pasture where we had one or two last year. So, when the horses moved from that pasture and went to the hay field, the tansey got sprayed.

We're noticing the beginnings of knap weed and the more prolific hawk weed in the woods and pretty much scattered around the place. It's an ongoing battle to rid the place of these pesky plants.

Another potential blight I've observed in bigger numbers and showing up earlier than usual are the grasshoppers. Usually we see them toward the end of July. They've been here all month this year, and a walk down the lane these days involves heavy grasshopper interference. They're ubiquitous, it seems. They especially like the back-yard pool.

My sisters told me that they had heard via our vet that they've really done a number on hay crops in Montana. A guy told her, "They're coming your way." Well, they've already found the Lovestead, but, at least, the hay did okay this year in spite of their presence.

Then, there are the BEES. Bill brought home four cans of wasp killer last night from Merwin's. He just kept pulling can after can out of the brown bag. "Was that on special?" I asked. He nodded as he pulled out a yellow jacket trap, which will go somewhere on the front deck.

The various forms of bees have enjoyed our deck much more than we have this summer. We discovered a growing nest on the bottom side of an Adirondack chair last week. They also have dozens of nests behind the shutters, and they especially love to show up the minute we sit down to enjoy a summer dinner.

So, before my eight first cousins show up for their visit this Saturday, we'll be putting out our best effort to discourage those nasty critters from spoiling our fun.

Oh my gosh, I just now swatted a house fly off the arm of the couch. Must be a forward observer scouting out the possibilities for the annual nose nuisance. Ever notice how your nose itches a whole lot more in late summer and early fall. If so, thank a fly.

~~~~~
On another more somber note this morning, I wanted to pass along some information about plans for a celebration of former SHS principal Richard Sodorff's life.

The program is scheduled for this Friday at 11 a.m. in the auditorium at the Sandpoint Events Center, formerly the old high school/junior high on Euclid and Pine in Sandpoint.

To learn more and to sign his guestbook, you can go to www.lakeviewfuneral.com.