Bitter Chill

 

Most of the blizzard-force blowing has stopped---most of it.  I can still hear an occasional angry gust whipping past outside the window, but compared to yesterday, the outdoors is calm, clear and cold this morning.

I read on Facebook that schools are closed again.  Today's closure has to be because of that bitter cold feel in the air.  We have to endure only one more really cold night, and then tomorrow night the low will be up to a balmy +12 degrees. 

On the Schweitzer snow report this morning, the rep. told folks to bundle up, plan to go in for hot chocolate and plan to have fun today.  They expect the temperature to rise to zero sometime today.  Rise to zero!  I did not hear what this morning's reading was, but I'm sure zero will feel good.

ZAGS fans are feeling good this morning.   What a game!  That's all I can say about last night's overtime showdown between the ZAGS and the St. Mary's Gaels.  

The game was a pleasant, exciting and enjoyable nail biter.  We've had several nail biters while watching the ZAGS this year but very few that we could call "pleasant."    

I remained resigned throughout the last half to the fact that if St. Mary's beat our ZAGS, they would deserve to do so.  And, that our ZAGS would have put up a worthy fight against their season-long nemesis.

Well, I did quietly mouth a few "Hail Mary's" during the last few minutes of the game, and I think God may have even been listening.  Plus, He did not have to work any miracles for our ZAGS.  

They did their work and did it well.  Both teams deserved to win, but the final buzzer determined that the nod would go to the ZAGS, thus leaving both teams tied for first place in the West Coast Conference.  

If all goes well tomorrow night, the ZAGS will have at least a share in the league title for the 11th year in a row.  And, if they do, I'm sure this is one of the sweeter ones in Mark Few's mind.

His team has come together.  All that potential is showing its polish, and the ZAGS are more fun to watch than ever.   And, that's how it should be toward the end of a season.

There is definitely joy all over ZAGSville this morning.  

Speaking of basketball, Willie's season of coaching ended last night in Moscow.  The Bulldogs finally made it down there to play that game, but their shooting was almost as cold as this morning's outdoors.  

So, Moscow will go on in the quest for State success.

The Border Collie granddoggies did a sleepover here last night because of the late hour that the Bulldogs arrived home.  They're here in my office both snoozing away, and their "dad" will probably come and pick them up a little later. 

The granddoggies have met most of the neighborhood during the last several weeks, while playing disappearing acts-----never together, always on their own.  So far, I've found them and brought them home from every single neighbor surrounding us, except the Taylors. 

The other day, Mr. Todd wandered through the fields, on the road, through people's yards and eventually into O'Halloran's shop, which is almost a mile up the road.  That search lasted more than an hour. 

The next day Miss Brooke figured she needed to get in on the disappearing act.  I finally tracked her down via snow shoes in the Kauble's woods south of us.

I don't know what gets into doggies to make them want to wander, but I can tell you, it's a frantic situation for a doggie grandmother every time.  

So, I went to the pet store two days ago and ordered them some new bones---stainless steel bones with their full names "Todd Love" and "Brooke Love" and our telephone number. 

The other thing that's bad about these doggie disappearances is their behavior once I've found them.  One would think they're the most abused animals in the state as they cower and hide under cars to avoid me, whereas, any other time, they'll cuddle up dozens of times a day without command.

That's a Border Collie for you.  They know when they're in trouble, so they act appropriately repentant in public.   And, then go do it again!

Anyway, Todd and Brooke Love can now be easily identified with their new stainless steel ID tags. 

I figure today they won't wander too far cuz their little pads will get pretty cold in a hurry.  

Guess that's all for now.  It's a "stay warm" kind of day, and downright beautiful too.  Happy Friday.