Thursday This and That . . . .

Walsh Lake is a lake located just 11.1 miles from Sandpoint, in the state of Idaho, United States, near Samuels, ID. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including channel catfish, brook trout and cutthroat trout here.

Whether you’re fly fishing or otherwise your chances of getting a bite here are good. So grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to Walsh Lake.

If all goes well, the eastern brook trout will be hooked by your suckers, the trout will be biting your shad and the catfish will be grabbing your blood baits.

To find this fishing spot check the map shown above or enter latitude, and longitude into your GPS device.Read more: http://www.hookandbullet.com/fishing-walsh-lake-sandpoint-id/#ixzz1vnVA40Fs

Okay, that all said by hookandbullet.com, there's more to Walsh Lake than meets the eye.

Well, actually Walsh Lake meets the eye in a very pleasant way, just as it did for me last night when I went to the Samuels Store/Blue Heron Cafe for lawnmower gas.

Had my camera along, and Mother Nature had created quite a scene surrounding the lake located behind the store. 

I was saddened to learn last evening that the reason the Blue Heron Restaurant is advertising for a new experienced cook is that chef Steve Holmes will be leaving.

I hope he's mentored the other cooking staff over his tenure so those bacon cheeseburgers between homemade buns, the fabulous chicken parmesan and the oft-ordered fish-and-chips plates on Friday nights don't change. 

We love dining at the "neighborhood" restaurant, and with spring, summer and fall, some meals at the tables outside offer much more than good food, as you can see from the photo.

After reading the fishing report, I'm surprised Bill hasn't been bringing his fly rod along when we go to dinner.  While waiting for his fish and chips, he could run down to the lake and catch one of those brookies.

In other news, involving "change," I learned yesterday that Kaniksu Medical Center where our family doctor Tom Lawrence practices is moving to Ponderay.  

Now, you can go to the doctor and stop by the Paul Bunyan burger place and grab a treat.  Yup, they'll open June 4 in the medical building behind Paul Bunyan near the golf course.

We'll be dealing with a little change in the dog population, starting this afternoon.  Today and tomorrow, the Lovestead will be a six-dog operation.

My sister's dog Pita will be staying with us while Barbara and Laurie take their horses to the Eastern Washington Arabian Show this weekend.  They've been competing in the event for at least 20 years.

Usually Pita (a blue heeler-lab cross) goes along, but she's been a bit under the weather lately, so she'll stay with us.

Good timing too, cuz the dog run will be completed either this afternoon or tomorrow morning.  Doggies should love it cuz it's 40-plus feet by 32 feet, complete with some nice shade. 

John Walkington told me yesterday we could write something on the cement slab where the gate will go (we have a digging dog, so extra measures are being taken to make sure it's as doggie proof as they get). 

Trevor came up with the inscription, having become quite acquainted with the Border Collies.  

So, it reads "Border Collie Nation  -- 2012 Plus One"  That would be Foster, of course. 

The numbers of friends I know who have recently acquired pups continues to grow.  

Yesterday Tammie at Yoke's Pharmacy told me she has a new Aussie pup, acquired from Montana.

We were talking about future puppy parties and I realized I had a "dah" moment.  I told 
Tammie I might invite puppies and their owners to the Lovestead but I worry about them getting in with the horses.

The "dah" came later when I realized WE WILL HAVE A DOG RUN where pups can play safely without their owners worried about horses.

Lots of changes to think about this morning, and, speaking of pups, Debbie just showed up with the grand pups, so I'm oughta here.

Happy Thursday!