Two days in a row, I've visited Sandpoint's new grocery store, Super 1 Foods. The first visit was a quick run-through to see the store, its offerings and how many people would show up for a grand opening. I did bring home a few items but had my eye on several others to pick up on a more inclusive shopping experience and for the weekend ahead.
The phone rang early yesterday afternoon just after I brought Lily home from her first pre-horse-show session. By the way, she bucked for Laurie. By the way, she got a few whomps on the rear with the reins, and she decided bucking was not on the list of acceptable activities. Otherwise, she worked pretty well for Laurie.
Anyway, on the other end of that phone call was my longtime friend Betty Fredricksen. Betty now lives in Florida after spending a few years in Eastern Montana and many years in Sandpoint as a wonderful teacher at Farmin Elementary School.
For a time, when she first came to Sandpoint, Betty owned a flower store. That's where we first met. I had the duty of picking up sashes for the local fair royalty, and Betty had created them. We enjoyed a nice initial visit. Later, Betty would be one of the many in our community who helped us patch our lives back together when our house burned down in 1984.
For a time, when she first came to Sandpoint, Betty owned a flower store. That's where we first met. I had the duty of picking up sashes for the local fair royalty, and Betty had created them. We enjoyed a nice initial visit. Later, Betty would be one of the many in our community who helped us patch our lives back together when our house burned down in 1984.
Over the years, we have enjoyed and shared many significant events, and the friendship is definitely a permanent one, regardless of the miles. Betty truly cares about her friends, so I was honored when she called and asked if I had time for coffee. What better place than the new coffee shop in the new store, where after our visit, I would take my cart and fill it with goodies.
We did enjoy a wonderful visit, and I was totally impressed with Betty's grandson Jeremiah. He's 9 and he's an engaging, respectful, fun young man who loves his sports. Any kid who would sit patiently for almost two hours while adults jabbered away is okay in my book.
After quick highlights of our mutual lives, Betty and I said our good byes, and I grabbed a cart to start the shopping trip. If the grand opening of Super 1 on Wednesday brought in the crowds, the following day doubled the numbers.
"Intimidating" might be the best way to describe yesterday's adventure through the aisles and around the endless lines of people. Super 1 was pretty smart about handling crowds, though. Free wine samples and other goodies were available wherever congestion slowed down the shopping process. A worker even came through the long, long lines at the check-out, offering big chocolate chip cookies.
During the 15-20 minutes of holding my spot in the check-out line, I enjoyed a nice visit with a former student, Carrie Gardner, who was in front of me with her cart. I don't think I've ever seen that many people packed into a store in all my years of living in Sandpoint.
The Cedar Street Bridge grand opening years ago may have come close, and the moment that day, standing with Bob Aavedal still resounds in my memory.
"I wonder how long that kite shop will last," Bob said, in his usual low-key manner. His concerns were well-founded because that kite shop might have lasted a year. Since then, many other shops have occupied the spaces in the bridge mall over Sand Creek.
Events like the Super 1 opening, where people come out in droves, filled withcuriosity and a desire to see other people they know, are still epic in Sandpoint because of the sheer numbers they bring in. And, the best part is that seeing those numbers still stands out in the locals' minds.
I'd hate to ever get to a point where these happenings turn mundane. Then, we'll know that Sandpoint has lost its unique charm.
While I was doing my thing at Super 1, my daughter-in-law was finishing up her science lesson at Farmin School (46 kids showed up) and then going to the Post Office, where she (surprisingly??) found another long line, and the post office wasn't having a grand opening. Standing in front of her was TV personality Ben Stein.
With plenty of time on their hands, the two struck up a conversation, and Mr. Stein told her he'd just arrived in town and will be here throughout most of the summer. So, I'm sure there will be a sighting or two of Mr. Clear Eyes in the next few weeks.
With plenty of time on their hands, the two struck up a conversation, and Mr. Stein told her he'd just arrived in town and will be here throughout most of the summer. So, I'm sure there will be a sighting or two of Mr. Clear Eyes in the next few weeks.
The long patriotic weekend is beginning here on a wet note this morning. I'll not complain because it means no hour-long watering today. Mother Nature is doing that for me, but I'll be more than happy to get out the hose tomorrow when the sun comes back and the community festivities begin. It will come back, won't it?
If the sun does return, tomorrow will bring forth another crowd at the annual parade and another chance to enjoy our great hometown flavor and the craziness afterward. I understand paintball has been added to the explosive activities next door at the "reserved Meserve's." I hinted to their granddaughter that my Appaloosa mare doesn't need any new spots.
Happy Fourth Weekend to all.
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