Saturday Slight

For some reason, Valentine's Day did not seem like an appropriate time to post the most recent photos of Todd on my blog.  So, "LoveLOVElove," etc. got the nod.

I haven't heard how Todd is doing this morning, but he's endured a pretty traumatic experience, and on Valentine's Day our thoughts centered on him and his recovery.

We now know, from various bits of evidence, that Todd was attacked by a cougar, probably a young one.

While treating the poor guy, Dr. Higgins at Fry Creek and her assistant deduced from puncture wounds, scratches and location of wounds that Todd was attacked from above on Wednesday night when he and his sister Brooke went for their usual early evening run up the mountain behind their home.

The vet said he was very lucky to have escaped and to have survived this attack. 

On Thursday, while visiting with Debbie and looking at the photos, a Fish and Game officer concurred with the vet that it was, indeed, a cougar attack.  

In addition, he informed Debbie that a cat had been spotted in the area a few days before. For locals, that's North North Boyer, which runs north from Bronx Road. 

So, now Todd is receiving Tender Loving Care.  He has a long road ahead before those wounds heal completely and that beautiful Border Collie coat comes back. 

He will, no doubt, receive every ounce of care and love that we of the Love family have to offer.  

So, here's hoping that Todd has a better day today and a better one tomorrow and so on. 

Valentine's activities at the Love's homes were fairly low key.  Debbie spent the day caring for Todd.  

Willie had to go to a basketball game in Lakeland, and we oldster Love's enjoyed leftover pizza and key lime pie from the two pies my sister-in-law brought the other night for the ZAGS game.

Sorry, Mary, I totally spaced the pies.  Plus, I'm betting nobody in the crowd would have put their hand up after all the pizza, boneless chicken wings, salad and cookies.  Oh yeah, there was candy too. 

So, Bill and I will enjoy the forgotten pies. 

Thanks to an angel, we'll have the big celebration for our Valentine's Day, probably at DICK'S Hamburgers in Spokane tonight AFTER a very special opportunity to watch the ZAGS and Senior Night. 

There's something about DICK'S Hamburgers that calls us after evening activities in Spokane or when coming home from the airport in the dark.  At least, that's the way it is with Bill and me. People watching, that Whammy with fries and the chocolate shake----can't beat 'em!

Next Friday when Annie comes home, O'Doherty's will be mentioned, but then again it's Friday night, so she may hold off until we gather as a family at Second Avenue Pizza. 

Enough about food.  Big stuff going on with some family members.  Mike and Mary are here visiting and it's just so evident that they can't wait to get on the road for their trip to Houston where they'll spend March and April.  

So, they're checking in with the Idaho crowd before taking off next week.  Safe travels, Mike and Mary.  Maybe winter will be over in Houston by the time you get there. 

And, Debbie Love----she'll be gone next week to Boise for an intense leadership seminar sponsored by the Idaho Commission on the Arts.  

She was one of 12 chosen in the state for this opportunity.  Congratulations, Debbie. 

Finally, this morning, I want to say something about my longtime friend and colleague Bev Chapin.  Bev passed away last week, and all who knew her lost a good friend and beloved family member. 

I don't know how many years Bev served as counselor at Sandpoint High, but I do know that she was much loved and respected by students and staff. 

It was difficult NOT to like Bev.  Her warm and thoughtful nature, her deep caring for students and her positive attitude made working with her an enjoyable experience.  

Bev conducted herself in a quiet but steady manner, and she took a personal interest in so many students' lives.

The Bev and Earl team also provided a wonderful influence to their children, Dave, Carol, Cliff, Kenny and an adopted daughter, Marsha.  I had the honor of knowing and admiring them all.  

Bev and Earl probably covered more territory in North Idaho while hiking than most of us. Plus, they were devoted bird watchers.  I remember one time when I learned that Bev could stand in their yard, hold out a feather and a little bird would fly to her hand. She had that touch.  

I always enjoyed seeing Bev through all those decades, including after we both retired. I shall miss her.  Definitely a much-admired mother, wife, friend and educator.  RIP, Bev.

And, with that, Happy Saturday.  GO ZAGS!