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Alia Walton showed up at my sisters' house yesterday.  I think it's been at least 15 years since I've seen Alia, who used to show up at my sisters' frequently for horse lessons.

Now, Alia has horses of her own (jumpers) in Bozeman, Mont.

When she decided to go meet the newest of the  Tibbs Arabians herd, she was swarmed by a bunch of very friendly faces.

Alia didn't seem to mind one bit. 

In the "almost faceless" department, I'm happy to report that the Christmas tree location has not caused Liam any frustrations with napping under his curtain aka security blanket. 

Reclaim Idaho organizers Megan Johnson, Garrett Strizich and Emily Strizich getting set-up for yesterday's Medicaid for Idaho Petition Drive Kick-off at Community Hall. 

When I said good bye to Dr. Luke Mayville after yesterday's Community Hall Medicaid for Idaho petition drive kick-off, I wanted to use just one word to describe to him how I feel about his vision, his commitment and his speech.

I couldn't think of it on the spot, but it came later.

Awe-inspiring!

His speech not only included anecdotes about what has unfolded and what he has observed since the launch of Reclaim Idaho and the Medicaid Mobile statewide tour.

It's been an incredible run so far, and, as it catches fire, it promises to be even more impressive.

The audience heard poignant references to two of Luke's political heroes:  Abraham Lincoln and Gov. Cecil Andrus.

Awe inspiring!   

Katie, Donna and Bud Lang.  Donna and Bud are both retired educators, and their daughter Katie, a Carroll College graduate, spoke passionately yesterday about her desire to help with the Medicaid for Idaho Initiative. 

This bunch!  What can I say???  

Former colleagues.  Old friends and definitely irreverent at times.

Former Sandpoint High educators George Marker, Tony Delewese and Terry Iverson.

Terry, if you're looking, be sure to scroll to the photo at the bottom. 

This trio has connections outside the world of education and volunteerism.  Back in the 1970s, we all worked for the U.S. Forest Service as engineering aides.

Our job involved putting out, moving and recording the numbers on traffic counters on back country Forest Service roads.  First, Chris Moon (left) and I worked together.  The year after I moved on, Edna Iverson (middle) joined Chris.

Wonderful memories for us friends forever. 

Supporters Kim Keaton (retired principal) and educator Todd Riley. 

Reclaim Idaho supporters and volunteers, Julie Keaton and Betsy Walker.  Both are retired local educators. 

Reclaim Idaho co-founder Garrett Strizich goes over some aspects of the Medicaid for Idaho petition drive. 

Local attorney and volunteer extraordinaire Megan Johnson and her sidekick Oliver have given countless hours to the Reclaim Idaho movement. 

Local artist and horse lover Janene Grende attended yesterday's event. 

Luke Mayville flew in from New York to Seattle late late Friday night, missed his flight to Spokane, spent the night in the airport, caught an early flight to Spokane and then drove to yesterday's event.

During his address, Luke told of the enthusiasm he has witnessed around Idaho since the launch of Reclaim Idaho and the subsequent go-ahead to seek enough petition signatures to put the Medicaid for Idaho Initiative on next year's statewide ballot. 

Three of the four Moon sisters (Sally, Judy partially hidden and Chris) are dedicated supporters of Reclaim Idaho. 

Reclaim Idaho volunteer Nancy Gerth shares a story about why she feels passionate about the need to expand Medicaid in Idaho. 

Audience member Eric Whitworth, describes his ongoing medical frustrations associated with a brain injury. 

He told the gathering that he heard about the Medicaid for Idaho movement and yesterday's gathering through Facebook and felt the urge to show up and share his story. 

Katie Lang passionately explains why she wants to help support  Medicaid for Idaho Initiative. 

Emily Strizich, wife of co-founder Garrett Strizich, serves as a key volunteer for Reclaim Idaho. 

Reclaim Idaho volunteers listen as Luke Mayville speaks. Linda Larson, on the right, is serving as local director for the Reclaim Idaho movement.  She will provide petitions, notarize them.  

The Sandpoint Reader newspaper was represented by reporter Lyndsie Kiebert. 

 A Reclaim Idaho volunteer answers questions. 

Facing the Facts about why expanding Medicaid coverage to nearly 80,000 residents in Idaho is a win-win situation for potential recipients and for local and state coffers.  

That was what brought all these people to Community Hall yesterday.  Some volunteered to help out with the petition campaign, while others came and signed petitions. 

Diversity on a country road.