. . . to purchase this beautifully restored horse collar.

Early yesterday morning, I saw it advertised on the (www.sandpointonline.com) free classifieds and figured I'd better waste no time contacting the seller.

I came back with the collar, a metal saddle stand, two saddle blankets, two bits, two lariats and a couple of leather straps to replace those that had broken on our roping saddle stirrups.

I also came back with a good feeling about meeting some very nice people. First, a wrong turn took me to Beth Burdick's house on a hill northeast of Bonners Ferry, which provides a gorgeous view of the Schweitzer ski runs more than 30 miles away.

Beth and I talked about a lot of things in our lives---ZAGS, dogs, religion, and even Woods' Meats, where she gets dog bones for Maas, her Sheltie.

After a nice visit, I said I had to get going because Mel and his wife would be waiting for me.

They were, and we enjoyed a good visit as we toured their home and I did some business.

Oh, yeah, I stopped off at the Mennonite Bread Basket Bakery for some fresh goodies. Those macadamia-nut cookies are to die for.