We've Only Just Begun

Bill just called the office and said he would be late.

He's already done half a day's work, plowing out the snow DUMP we received last night.

We plowed twice yesterday, so this morning's job would probably have been impossible if we hadn't gotten a start on it.

I have not seen this amount of snow at one time since we moved here.

And, yes, as the title suggests, we've only just begun.

The BIG DUMP is coming today, and, as you can see by the photos (if they all show up) that it's already arriving.

We are supposed to get those 35 mph winds too.  

Already, this morning a fair amount of wind has done its damage, blowing off one of the plastic light panels off the barn. 

Another is about to go, and I'm betting horses are going to be spooked hearing that wind whistle through those holes when they go in tonight.

I was feeling pretty facetious, sarcastic---whatever you want to call it---yesterday when I took a light approach to our morning fluff.

Today, there's no light approach, and it's looking like serious stuff, designed to make the biggest mess possible.  

I'm trying to imagine the work my sisters have over at their place with their three driveways.  It takes them hours to plow on a normal day.

They'll probably be at it well into the night with this storm.

My daughter-in-law says they have no power over at their house, so she's planning to hunker down and read a book----by the window, of course.

Yup, we've got a mess and a bigger one yet to come.

So, today, we'll just try to stay ahead of it, and with a smiles on our faces, cuz tonight the ZAGS are playing their last regular season game.

So, we can take our tired bodies, sit back and watch Stephen Gray play his last game at McCarthey and see that ZAGS win one more before the tournament begins this weekend. 

GO ZAGS!!

I'd say "GO SNOW," but I don't think it's gonna get the message very soon.

Skiers are happy

If ever there were a day to put a smile on a skier or snowboarder's face, today would have to be the day.  

Fluffy, fluffy white powder snow and lots of it.

I'm happy for the skiers and snowboarders.

Although not thrilled about its presence, I'm looking at the bright side.

First, it's really white.

That brightens anyone's day.

Secondly, I could actually pull a cart filled with hay through that four or five inches that fell overnight.

It's easy to tromp down and too hard to shovel.

It's too hard to shovel cuz it's so light.

A person would waste a lot of energy trying to shovel the stuff cuz most of it would float off into the air before the shoveler could go through the motions of deciding where to put the stuff. 

For credibility sake, I just want readers to know that Bill just yelled up my way, "Boy, that's about the lightest snow we've ever had." 

I agreed and then had to read to him what I had already written, just to confirm his observation.

Knowing that someone else agrees that it sure is light snow makes my day too.

It's always nice to know when there's harmony in the air, especially along with light snow.

If it weren't two days from March, and if Roxane Conrad hadn't said, "Let's get together when this weather settles down," I'd probably go out and lie down in the snow and roll around in it. 

That would be because I would possibly be in a frolicking sort of mood and not one bit concerned about all that fluff coming from the sky.

I am concerned, though, cuz it sounds like we're going to get a lot of fluff and then some more and maybe even more.

And, before it quits, we'll be well in to March.  

Roxane is coming today (on the day we both figured the weather would settle down) to see what to do to help do the chores while I'm gone.

She was such a wuss (and a retired Marine wuss, at that) when she called the other day while all that other snow was blowing past the house.

She said, "Let's get together when this weather settles down."  

When she said that, I thought, "Well, I guess even Marines/former Olympians have their limits when it comes to North Idaho weather."  

So, we agreed that today would be the day.  

I'm sure Roxane will show up cuz we're running out of time to wait until the weather settles down.

I'm also sure Roxane, who runs a horse boarding facility, is as happy as I am to see that the snow is pretty and light and fluffy.  

As I told Bill this morning, there's another good thing about this light and fluffy snow.  

There are winds coming---up to 30-35 mph, the prognosticators say.

And, so we're banking on the fact that when those winds come, they'll blow this light and fluffy and pretty snow clear into Canada or California or Montana or maybe even Kingdom Come (where is that,  anyway?)---we don't care where, just someplace else.

That will put us in a very good mood. 

We love this snow so much that we think other people need to experience it. 

And, while they're experiencing it, maybe we can say that the weather has finally settled down.   

Happy Sunday.  I might still go outside and roll in the snow. 

Saturday Slightly Cold

I know, I know:  I've got a one-track mind about the Border Collies, but this shot was too much to resist.  I'll never catch one like that again---especially to see Kiwi running without Kea attached to her neck.

Anyway, I had to use it this morning cuz I'm kinda proud of it.  

The doggies went on two romps yesterday through cold fields of snow.  And, the cold fields of snow kept them either romping or occasionally standing and looking longingly at me with a foot in the air.

Those pads on their little feet got cold.  

Cold doesn't stop them, however, from wanting to go---all the time, regardless of weather.

So, we went to the woods and to the fields.  I broke a pathway through the chunky but still powdery snow along one of the fencelines.  Then, I tamped it down several times, tromping back and forth----without snow shoes.

It was, indeed, beautiful all day yesterday even with the cold.  

This morning a cloud cover has cut the intensity of our frigid zone, and a surprise snowstorm is due in tonight.  Somehow, once again, the weather forecast has changed a bit. 

Maybe in April, those early robins will be glad they returned.  Right now, I don't know where they're hanging out, but they arrived a couple of weeks ago, and like us, thought spring would come early.  Silly birds!  Silly people. 

~~~~

I've looked at the extended weather forecast for Sandpoint and for Dublin.  I'll take Dublin.  It's not quite like escaping to Arizona or California, but it's clear for at least the first few days we're in the country.  Clear and 45-degree days, high 30s in the nights.  

In my mind, heat isn't the reward; it's walking on bare ground and seeing green.  I think we'll accomplish both while taking in the sights in the country of our ancestry.  

We've got plenty of Irish in us.  Dooleys and Brown's (Browne's) on one side, Crossan/Robinson's on another and for Annie, she can throw in some Irish Loves who emigrated from the isle to South Carolina.  

It's been fun talking with friends here who have a wee bit of the Irish in them and hearing their stories about the counties or areas where their families lived.  In our case, we'll be looking a little closer at counties Mayo, Kerry and Donegal.  

And, I'm betting that we'll even see a few Border Collies, which will be especially helpful to me as I go through withdrawal from four BC's a day. 

~~~~

I've mentioned my friend Rick Gehring, who suffered a stroke almost three weeks ago in Palm Beach, FL.  The family has set up a blog to report progress in his recovery.  

So, today I'll post the address, and you can read for yourself how things are coming along for Rick and Ann.  It's called "Slow and Steady Wins the Race," and you can find it at http://www.seaturtle67.blogspot.com/

I'm sure continued prayers for his recovery will be most appreciated.  

~~~~~

Call me an educator, a public one at that, retired eight years but still thrilled with our two state senators who broke party ranks this week and supported the public school teachers of Idaho.  

So, once more I want to thank Sen. Shawn Keough and Sen. Joyce Broadsword.  They voted on the losing side of the proposed education reform in Idaho, but they won the hearts of a whole state full of teachers.  In the long run, I don't think they'll have any regrets for their courageous stand. 

And, while we're at it, many of us here feel very fortunate to have our local State Legislators, which also include my buddy George Eskridge and Eric Anderson.  

They represent their constituents well and with integrity.  So, a special thanks to all of them. 

~~~~

Enough politics.  We've got a ZAGS game tonight, and we're hoping they'll seal the deal on their league championship.  

Once again, the ZAGS have done their work----helping thousands of their fans make it through yet another long, long Northwest winter.  

May they succeed tonight and next week at the WCC tournament, and then, let the dancing begin!  

Go ZAGS!!!

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. 

Always working . . . .

I had to go a different route with posting my pictures this morning because the usual protocol between Picasa and the blogger program was not working.

So, who knows what this will look like on computer screens across the world.

"Different route" is the catch phrase of the day as the winds howl outside and much of the normal activity has come to a standstill, thanks to this "early spring" blizzard.

The paper has not arrived.  Bill has gone to work.  Schools are closed today, and we're wondering if the third time will be a charm for the Sandpoint-Moscow varsity basketball game, scheduled originally Tuesday, rescheduled yesterday and reschedule again for today.

Willie told us the team and coaches were on the bus yesterday afternoon when word came that it was not safe to take off down HWY 95 for the 2.5 hour trip to Moscow.

I don't know that it will be any safer today, and if it's not, they have to consider other options----maybe even a winner-take-all in the double elimination district tournament.  

If Moscow wins, there's no problem because Sandpoint will have lost two games; if Sandpoint wins, they've got to do some figuring because there's no available time left for scheduling yet another game.

Here at the Lovestead, we never quit working, as you can see by my doggies.  They will not let a little blizzard get them down when it comes to their jobs, including chasing the big blue ball. 

And, I took the opportunity to do like those journalists who always stand out there like fools in the middle of the hurricanes.  I foolishly practiced my craft this morning to snap images of a full-fledged blizzard.  

I knew better than to ask Bill to come out and photograph me with wind blowing at my clothes as I chronicled the impact on the wild winds blowing and swirling in our Selle fields.  

So, I took several pictures, and I'm hoping that those below, which did make it through the cyber-gauntlet,  do show up in their entirety and show you that the wind is, indeed, blustery around here.

My trigger finger on the camera almost froze solid during the ten minutes I spent outside doing my photojournalism.  But it has thawed out, and it's working just fine as I type.

This is the first real "blizzard" we've experienced during our time here at the Lovestead, and we are happy.

We are happy that Stan and Geneva planted those big spruce trees more than 60 years ago between our place and theirs.  It's downright cozy around the barnyard this morning because of all their protection.

Plus, the barn was pretty comfy for the horses and Annie Dog overnight; it felt almost balmy inside when I opened the doors.  Everyone inside was quite content. 

I was going to leave the horses in the barn, but after walking to the northwest corner of the barnyard, I decided they're just fine out there.

Both Bill and I have commented that if this blizzard were going over at our old home, we'd be walking or crawling over driveway drifts for weeks.  

So, overall, we're doing okay, just complaining like everyone else that it's time for winter to go somewhere else.

But that's about all we can do---complain AND gossip to all the blizzard-bound folks who are keeping Facebook alive this morning with their observations of this weather event---wherever they happen to be.

For example, Susie Parkins didn't seem to be too upset that she was bound for Maui this morning.  Debbie, our daughter-in-law, said they're shutting Portland down cuz of the snow.  

Ron Kauble, Jr. says all the snow blew into his driveway at Elmira.  Four sets of retired teachers I know are trying to make us up north all feel bad cuz they're down there in the California sunshine.

So there-----is all I've got to say.  When the going away from bad weather gets easy, the tough ones up here in the middle of it all get that much tougher as we continue to build character.  

Enjoy your sunshine!  We'll manage up here. :)

Snow Globe

One of my favorite sights along North Kootenai Road.

When I passed by yesterday afternoon, I had to stop.

It was a little blustery, the sun was almost blinding with its brightness, the sky was a brilliant blue and puffy snow flakes appeared to be in suspended animation.

A lovely confluence of nature's wonders.

~~~~

If the dire weather forecasts streaming across television screens are correct, we may have the Grand Poopah/finale of our 2010-11 winter.

More dramatic than a snow globe, that's for sure.

They tell us to expect 8.5 inches of snow in the Sandpoint area by 4 tomorrow morning.  

That means 10-12 inches in our Selle snow belt. 

The next winter show is set to begin at 10 a.m., and they're talking winds up to 25 mph.  Then, the temperatures dip to single digits and maybe below zero.

I'm hoping this is the grand finale, even if it turns out to be the Grand Poopah. 

Folks around here hit their last strand of patience about a week ago when yet another snowstorm followed a couple of days of quiet.

We've had our pretty days, followed by more snow in preparation for even more. 

We've had enough.  March is next week, and it's time to start acting like spring.

All that lecturing does no good, though.

So, we'll grin or groan and bear it.  

Today is the one-week date before the trip to Ireland.  

I know that because of the calendar and because Annie's had a digital counter indicating the days, hours, minutes and seconds to take-off,  going on her http://rainiergirl.blogspot.com/ for about the last month.

I think she and I are the only ones who check it.  Still, it's fun to see a tangible countdown. 

I have a feeling she'll be using that blog for her photos and comments once the big adventure begins.

We're just three days shy of seeing one of my former students in Dublin.  She and her husband took off for there this morning, but they'll return March 1. 

Once the trip is over, I'm hoping to come back to sure signs of spring.

For now, I'd better head out and get ready for this next blast of winter.

Happy Wednesday.  

(Photo below)

The snow globe was still in full force as I turned to the left and pointed the camera toward Schweitzer Mountain Resort. 

This photographic opportunity served as a great interruption in my drive to town.  I was glad that I thought to bring along the camera.

Tuesday Twitterdeedumsnow

Winter has returned.  Snow is falling---I heard on this morning's resort report there's an inch an hour coming down up there on the mountain at Schweitzer.  It's coming down at a pretty good clip here too.

The last few snowfalls around here have been left untouched to dissipate on their own.  This looks like a plowing day, especially since snow is forecast for the next three days, followed by the frigid zone---single digits and maybe even a dip below zero.

Gotta stay ahead of the game. 

~~~~~

Debbie just dropped off the dogs.  She gets to escape the snow in favor of rain.  She's headed to Portland for a week-long conference.  I hope she has a safe trip to the airport. 

~~~~~~

This morning the inordinate amount of bad news seems to continue.

To add to last night's full dose of upheaval around the world, I've read this morning that pirates have killed the two couples they recently kidnapped----one couple is from Seattle.

I also watched in horror last night as a You-Tube video showed the earthquake devastation in what's being called New Zealand's 9-11.  

Naturally, when anything bad happens in New Zealand, our family is particularly upset because of our experiences and ties with the country.

The unrest and violence in the Libyan revolution feels extremely upsetting.  If only the resolution could go as well as what we witnessed in Egypt.  

This morning's USA Today features another unsettling story.  My brother was interviewed (not named) in this story.  

It's about one of his 1966 West Point classmates and former Pentagon official who was murdered in late December. His body thrown in a Delaware garbage dumpster.

Mike provided personal reflections to the reporter about his friend, Jack Wheeler.  

John "Jack" Wheeler III was one of a group of cadets featured in Rick Atkinson's phenomenal book The Long Gray Line.  Atkinson followed the cadets through their West Point experience and subsequently for about 25 years after they left the academy. 

Over the years, my brother has kept in touch with Jack Wheeler, along with his many other classmates.  Before his murder Wheeler had distinguished himself in many facets of government and civic activities, most notably his push behind the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C.

The story "Who Killed Jack Wheeler"  http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-02-22-1Awheeler22_CV_N.htm focuses on  the continued mystery and lack of information behind his brutal murder.

The author chronicles Wheeler's activities leading up to the murder and discovery of his body. My brother plans to attend his memorial service at Arlington in late April. 

There seems to be no end to the demonstrations in Wisconsin.  This is definitely a power struggle, which is being watched closely by teachers and public employees across the country.

Finally, I must point to www.spokesman.com/blogs/hbo/ this morning.  After scrolling down a ways, viewers can see a photo of a gathering in Coeur d'Alene yesterday afternoon where North Idaho educators marched and voiced their opposition to the Idaho Superintendent Tom Luna's plan to overhaul public education in our state.

The speaker in the photo is one of my former students, Brian Smith. He's representing the local education association. Brian is a tremendous young man, teacher, father and citizen. 

The photo was taken by another fine young man---one of my former students, also one of Brian's 1995 SHS classmates.  The photographer is  my son, William Love.

As a mother and an empathizing, retired public school teacher, I am extremely proud of both of these young men and their colleagues who are fighting the good fight for their beliefs and for some common sense in plotting the future for education in Idaho. 

Lots of unsettling and tragic stuff happening around our world.  I hope we can see some positive outcomes for at least some of them.  In some cases, there may be unanswered questions forever.

I do have one tidbit of good news.  I've just looked out the window, and the snow has stopped falling----for a while anyway.

P.S.  Thank you, Connie, for answering correctly.  The top picture in yesterday's posting was upside down.  You can get away with that, to a certain extent, when reflections are so defined.  Of course, the mountains are on the wrong side of the picture, so therein lies the clue.

BLM Photographic Outing

What's wrong with this picture?

That's the question of the day.

And, what's BLM photography.

That's another outing with cameras, taken yesterday with my sisters: Barbara, Laurie, Marianne (BLM).

Of course, I would be remiss in not mentioning Pita, Barbara's dog, but Pita didn't carry a camera.

We had a great time out Hope/Clark Fork way.

We started at the drift yard, and this photo was taken there.

While we were there, Scotsman Peak kept taking on different looks, thanks to the in-and-out actions of the sun and clouds.

You'll see from one of the photos why this place west of Clark Fork is called the "drift yard."

"Get my drift" truly applies.

The area is also home to waterfowl.

We could hear them squawking yesterday, but we needed to ford a stretch of water to get to them.

So, we just walked around, snapping and enjoying.

From there we moved on to Clark Fork so Barbara and Laurie could say they'd gone over the new bridge over Lightning Creek and I could make a quick pot stop at Bob Hayes Chevron.

Then, we came back via the old highway (scary Denton Curves of our childhood).

Those curves are not nearly so scary any more cuz the traffic is mostly down below on the newer road.

And, that makes it easy to pull over, walk around and take some more shots of beautiful Lake Pend Oreille without fear of being run over.

Our final stop was above the Hope Cemetery on a subdivision road which winds up the mountain.

Hate to think of what those lots sell for.

For now, there's not much activity, again allowing us the freedom to park and roam and shoot.

We had a blast, and I hope we do more BLM photographic missions soon. 

My sisters: Barbara and Laurie with their pal Pita.

Lookin' for driftwood?

You can pick up a few spent shotgun shells too. 

Scotsman Peak in the Cabinets.

I think I can almost make out Sandy Compton climbing over there on the right.

Looking back toward Sandpoint, Baldy Mountain and Schweitzer.

Looking southward down the lake.

A bit enhanced but fun.

If I had not gone walking . . . .

Within the past 24 hours, I've gone for two walks down our country road.

This morning, while being allowed to walk before grabbing the papers, it dawned on me what we miss when we don't go walking.

I believe going for walks is the best free gift we can bestow on ourselves every day.

There are the scientific reasons. Yes.

Lately, I've read news items about how walking helps improve memory, especially as we get older.

The obvious benefit of an overall fitter body goes without saying.

But beyond that, the rewards are limitless.

I was thinking this morning about what I would have missed if I had not gone on these two wonderful walks down South Center Valley Road. 

I would have missed  . . . 

. . . the spectacular beauty of these snow-capped Selkirk peaks on a sunny day.

. . . the ever-developing winter whitewash of the Cabinet Mountains to the east.

. . . what's happening in Jack Filipowski's cattle pens and pastures.  Seems the baby calves and their mothers spend a lot of time in the barn during these winter months. 

. . . a few waves from neighbors driving up and down the road.

. . . a chance to say good bye to my dear former student Haley, who along with her husband set off for their life's adventure to a new home in Anchorage, Alaska.  

He'll work as an engineer, and she'll continue her fabulous photography.  

I saw on Facebook this morning that they left from Mom Deb and Dad Dan's home on North South Center Valley Road just an hour past the scheduled departure at 4:30 a.m.

If I had not gone for that walk yesterday, I would not have seen my sister Barbara and her dog Pita driving back from a photo shoot at Sunnyside, and yes, Miss T has a new lovely shot of the lake on her Flickr account this morning. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/misstshs/

If I had not taken yesterday's walk, Kea would not have come past the "no-no" zone in the driveway to meet and greet me.

Usually, Border Collies know the "no-no" zone, which means don't go any closer to the road.

I let her off easy yesterday and snapped her picture.

I mentioned "being allowed" to walk on the road in regard to this morning.

Usually, I'm not allowed because Annie Dog knows nothing about the "no-no" zone.  She knows everything about old dogs who go any damn place they please regardless of how many times they've been told "no."

And, for Annie Dog, "any damn place she pleases" becomes a more enthusiastic destination every time I step onto our road.

Right in the middle of the road,  with traffic coming either direction,  is Annie's ultimate goal.

This morning, for some unknown reason, she retired to the her couch in the garage after chores and allowed me to walk up and down the road.

If I had not taken that walk, I would have missed

. . . seeing the jet airliner, bound for Spokane---before its sound.  

How often does that happen?

Sunlight and blue sky allowed that sight.

I looked up and saw it coming from the north, a shade of hot pink and not making a sound but moving gradually toward its destination.

I watched the plane until I heard its sound.

I also thought during that moment of how I'd be leavin' on a jet soon, sitting in a seat up there in the sky.  

I also thought about how maybe someone far across the country and the sea might be out for an early morning walk on a country road in Ireland and look up to us our jetliner just before our morning arrival in Dublin.

I love moments like that when we can dream of how it's going to be on our upcoming adventures.

If I had not been walking this morning, I would not have stopped to see the three crows fly over Taylor's field from the southeast.

I did hear their sound before looking up to watch one veer off from the group and head over toward Gary Finney's woods, while the other two flew over my head on a northwesterly pattern----cawing all the way.

The driveway and the paper box came too soon to see or hear much more of this morning's activity, but I did catch that almost full moon before it disappeared completely behind the western mountains.

Yup, those walks do enliven our senses and maintain our quality of life.

They're definitely the gifts that keep on giving in more ways than we can count.

Dover Bay: A peaceful, lovely walking area

It used to be site of one of "THE" mills in the area.

After the mill closed down, the area remained an eyesore for years.

A local developer named Ralph bought the site. Ralph once worked as a hay hand for my folks.

Before its development took the shape we see nowadays, the Dover Bay concept was about as controversial locally as the Byway.

It just didn't take as long to get off the ground.

And, the ground these days at Dover Bay is beautiful.

I walked there yesterday, along with a new black, 4-legged friend.

I don't know what Fido, the Black Lab's, real name is but he was a nice walking buddy.

The view from where I parked, looking east in the middle of the Dover Bay development.

Natural beauty surrounding the old mill site has been preserved and even enhanced.

This big barn on the property has been left a bit intact except for a few accessories for social gatherings, including wedding receptions and birthday parties.

That's Baldy Mountain in the background.

Looking west along my walk through Dover Bay.

It's located on the Pend Oreille River two miles west of Sandpoint.

No gates in this development to keep the "commoners" out; instead, walking trails throughout.

And, yesterday, they were all bare except for a few patches through the woods and over one long bridge.

The public-beach area along the Pend Oreille River, looking west. 

That crablike creatures along the shoreline are actually stumps.  

A coot caravan floating east on the river.

My walking buddy.

Dogs are supposed to be on a leash, but I think this guy might be the Dover Bay Welcome Wagon host.

TGIF -aa-TDWE

I decided to add an extension to the traditional TGIF this morning.  I'm sure everyone who has to show up for an 8-5'er will appreciate the fact:  Thank God It's Friday and a Three-Day Weekend.

Doesn't make a lot of difference to me.  As a freelancer, I don't have the 8-5 grind of having to go somewhere by a certain time, stay there for X number of hours and then leave at a certain time.

For me, work happens when it needs to be done, and that can be any day or night of the week--no set amount of hours, just a deadline.

I'll be working on a column today and trying to get it roughed out.  It's the one about phones, and I've learned some good material for this column.  In fact, the research took me on a whole different track from what I had originally anticipated.

I'm wondering why that doesn't happen more often with folks set in their ways and firmly planted in their notions.  Think of what a difference it would make if more people would accept new patterns of thinking, based on facts learned.

I bet we might get along a little better.

The talking heads on the cable channels drive me nuts when they espouse only their points/policy/party lines, refusing to grant the opposition any credibility whatsoever.

That said, I'll move on.

For this TGIF-aa-TDWE, I can report that the folks at Schweitzer say they have the best conditions they've had all year.  Nearly two feet of new snow and a powder-mania paradise.

Traditionally, this is one of the biggest weekends of the year up there, and they could not have ordered a better offering for skiers and boarders.

We have a new coat of snow down here on the flat, and it has cleaned up the landscape, which was getting pretty ugly.

"Ugly" comes several times during the late winter when there's indecision from above on whether spring needs to come or not. Ugly consists of dirty snow, gray patches of ground and general "blah" everywhere we look.

Looking at the 10-day weather forecast, I noticed that the same cycle we've had all winter will continue.  Some nice dry sunny days, some cold nights, some warmer termperatures, some precipitation.

This weekend looks like a beauty with lots of sunshine.

Today Bill is putting his thoughts of late spring and summer in motion.  He's planning to go to a fly-tying workshop in the Spokane Valley.

I don't know how many flies he's tied this winter, but I do know the fish in Cocolalla Creek, Grouse Creek and the Moyie had better look out.  There will be demons among those winged creatures landing on the water.

I can report this morning that my friend and former colleague Rick Gehring had a good day yesterday.  His daughter announced that he had a tracheal tube inserted and that he opened his eyes for a long time.  He even laughed, though silently.

We hadn't heard much about his condition for several days, so that was very good news.

~~~~

Well, on this beautiful Friday morning, I'm out of here to enjoy the beauty of the latest batch of new-fallen snow.

Happy Friday and have a great weekend.

Joys of Jeralyn, Kari, et.al.

I could call it K & J Day.

We have those every now and then. 

We've been having them ever since Kari and Jeralyn both returned to Sandpoint after being "out there" in the world.

Let's just say they were pretty darned successful at their life-after Sandpoint pursuits too.

And, now that they've come home, both are making a positive difference in our community. 

Kari, by the way, is wearing the red-and-white shirt in the front row, while Jeralyn is keeping those young men in line in the back row.

Jeralyn served as Monticola editor in 1981-82, while Kari served the following year.

These were special times for both the students and me.

When they were in high school, we could still go on wild adventures, such as hikes into Upper Priest Lake or to the mountaintops in the Cabinets.

Almost everyone carried a camera strapped around their neck, and hundreds of fabulous images probably occupy many of these students' photography collections.

I could write a book about these kids, each of them.  I loved them all and still do my best to keep track of them.

Like so many of the extracurricular groups over the years, these kids were like an extended family for Bill and me and later, for Willie and Annie.

All I need do is mention one of their names,  and ears within our immediate family perk up with respect and interest.  

By the way, my little brother is in this picture too.  

Which one is he?

So, it wasn't just extended family in those days.  My two sisters served on the Monticola staff during their high school years.

Now, one of my sisters advises the SHS yearbook, and at least one of these former Monticola staffer's children serves on Barbara's staff. 

That's how it is with teaching in a small town.  The circles go on and the warmth continues. 

Anyway, a big salute to any of these folks who see their photo on Slight Detour or on Facebook today.  

And, when they do, I'm sure some good memories will light up in their minds and get shared.   Right, Brian?

Kari, Jeralyn and I may do some reflecting over lunch today, but we'll also talk about our lives and what our families are doing and maybe a little school talk.

After all, Jeralyn is an SHS counselor (and an SHS mother of students)  and Kari puts in endless hours as a Super-Mom volunteer for several school groups. 

I'm looking forward to our get-together and will, no doubt, come away thrilled with my decision so long ago to "teach the children."  

Contrary to what we might read in the paper by naysayers attacking our profession, we do make a positive difference in our world.

Evidence of it is walking around virtually anywhere one looks. 

Enough politicking.  Happy Thursday.

What in the World Wednesday

First, it was a blank mind facing a blank screen.  Then, a title popped up.  I kept trying to forget it, but it wouldn't go away.

So, the blank mind has a title to put on the blog posting:  What in the World Wednesday.

By now, most readers have probably noticed that I like alliteration in my titles. I also like to have the titles deliver in each day's blog posting on whatever I've promised.

That was a lesson oft repeated to my students over the years to guide them on a path through whatever they happened to be writing.  If you promise at the beginning, be sure to deliver throughout.

So, here I am with the Wednesday "What in the World," and I've got to fulfill the promise. 

Comes a time in people's minds when it seems that virtually every subject has received ample discussion. It seems that way this morning, but let me pick my brain for a minute.

Aside:  what do people use to pick their brains, and wouldn't it hurt? 

Okay, that said,  what in the world would strike my fancy today?

Well, for one thing, I just read a former student's posting on Facebook.  She issued a disclaimer after letting everyone among her friends know that if they want a baby born on 11-11-11, they'd better get into action today.

Her disclaimer was that she didn't have such plans for today; she just wanted others to know.  So, I was glad to know that but probably won't put it to use.

On Tuesday, I learned of a "what in the world" story from my overseas military journalist that she had dragged "full-bird colonel in a bunker the other day as we were getting rocket attacked--it would have been easier to drag a bale of hay:)."  

So, we know that in the world straight from Baghdad on this Wednesday morning that a colonel is still walking around and probably very appreciative for each breath taken after being saved by my journalist friend, who, by the way,  has had some experience dragging bales of hay.  

I've also learned for this Wednesday morning that the developer of the iphone app for Confession wants to be very careful about sending me any information because of other published news releases that have painted the wrong picture of the digital app he created for approaching the Catholic sacrament of Penance. 

He wanted my MO before giving me any information.  I told him I appreciated his concerns, but I also confessed to him that the material will appear in a possible column about "you've come a long way, baby" in using the telephone. 

Another "what in the world" that I can introduce on this Wednesday is that there's going to be a benefit dinner/auction for Alan McNall, March 26.  Alan and his wife Robyn were my Border Collie Kiwi's original owners. 

They're lovely people and longtime Grouse Creek-area residents.  They've been over in Seattle for several weeks where Alan is being treated for a brain tumor.

So, I'll do my part in promoting the event because they're both people who have given so much to this community.  I know our Lovestead Border Collie nation will bark out their support for the McNalls at this time.

I'll provide more information as I learn it.  For now, yes, Alan can use some prayers. 

Here's another what in the world would I tell you on Wednesday, again learned yesterday.  Moriha Leen Yetter is selling her home-produced honey at Miller's Country Store on Baldy and Division.

Moriha got into bee-keeping a few years ago, and she's come quite a ways with her business plan, even spending time during the winters in California while her bees are down there buzzing away and making more honey.

Moriha's my horse-show buddy.  She is part of the Leen family dynasty which runs two of the major horse shows here in the summertime.  

Every year, she keeps track of all the points earned by riders who are vying for hi-point awards, and she spends a lot of time up in the announcer's stand with me.

She's a great lady, and I tasted her honey last night after purchasing a quart.  It's good stuff.  

So, if you're local and in the need for some sweetness, stop by and pick up some of her honey.

Well, I guess that's enough of "what in the world" for this Wednesday.  Actually, we writers and talkers can usually find something.  Once more my blank mind filled up with some fun thoughts to start the day.

Happy Wednesday.  What in the world do you know?  Considering my one Facebook friend's reminder up above about 11-11-11, I won't ask what you're doing today. 

Postscript:  I looked at my email and the iconfess man has written.  He wants to me to talk to him on skype, which I don't have, and he told me to "ping" him.  

What in the world is an old fossil like me supposed to do when told to ping?

Tuesday Twitterdee'Materbirthing

I'm gonna call 'em LOVE mate---rs.

They shot out of the potting soil on Valentine's Day, just two hours after I posted on my blog.

I walked into the room, and suddenly, there they were, reaching for the ceiling or maybe it was the grow light.

Anyway, just had to document the speedy garden progress. 

~~~~

Will the rain wash away the snow?

If it does, I won't complain.

If it washes away the snow and then keeps raining, I'll complain.

It's a gloomy kind of morning here, but it was just brightened up with a few notes from my friend Ann who's in Palm Beach with her husband Rick.

They'll be there for a while as he recovers from his stroke, and it was nice to exchange some back-and-forth banter with Ann.

She has one of the very best senses of humor of anyone I know.

Ann served as one of my "victims," along with my mother, when I would write stories for my first book and then have to read them to someone.

I can report that she never suffered much while listening to each story and laughing.  Those responses spurred me onward.

Anyway, it's good to read some light thoughts from her as she works through this challenge of their lives.  

Laughter is therapeutic, and I'm sure Ann is well-equipped with a good supply. 

~~~~

Bill is wearing real shoes now.  It's a big step forward (no pun, of course) in his foot recovery.  

I think he's pretty pleased but still anxious to get back to wearing full-fledged boots and walking in the woods whenever he feels like it.

~~~~

I was thrilled to see my longtime friend Myrt Burnett on the front of the Daily Bee this morning.  She was wearing a crown as Valentine queen at The Bridge for Assisted Living.  Mr. Quinn was sitting beside her wearing a kingly crown.

They were chosen because of their positive, outgoing spirit among the community at The Bridge.

If ever there were a deserving soul, it's Myrt.  She turned 94 last month and appears as thoughtful, upbeat and caring as the lady I've known for decades.  

She's also been a wonderful friend to my mother.

Congrats to Myrt.

~~~~

Hard to believe the trip to Ireland is just two weeks away.  Am I thinking about it; am I excited.

Yes, yes, yes.

Annie keeps sending little snippets about the trip planning, and with each, my excitement builds by a notch or two.

There's lots to do in planning to be done, and I work at it a little each day.  

So, with that in mind, I'm gonna say good bye for now and wish everyone a wonderful Tuesday.  

I'll have to start out by checking to see how much my LOVEmate-rs have grown since I started writing this posting. 

Happy Valentine's Day from the LOVEstead

~~~For my friend, Mae~~~

This is her "truth" Valentine.

She said on Facebook that she saw my "secret garden" on an earlier blog.

I told her that "garden" was a figment for my 2011 winter-time imagination.

I also promised to take a picture of my "real" 2011 garden.

So far, even with the grow light, not one seedling has popped above the dirt. Of course, the tomatoes, pansies, petunias and peppers were

planted less than a week ago.

So, eventually, some of this potting soil will eventually turn into . . . .