Festive Day with Friends

Twas a "peeps" marathon on post-Turkey Day.  

No Black Friday for us, 'cept for Annie and Bill's morning trip to North 40.

After that, we visited with friends at the Lovestead, later at Matchwood Brewery and later at the rather wet town Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 

Annie's friends Raine and Nicole had come to North Idaho from Seattle to visit Raine's relatives. 

And, since Raine is responsible for our having little Foster, the mini Aussie, of course, a trip to Sandpoint was on the docket. 

Nicole, a University of Washington grad (can ya tell?) met the horses for the first time.

Then, they headed on their way for some downtown visiting.  Later, Bill, Willie, Debbie and I joined them and the Harder ladies at the recently opened Matchwood Brewery. 

A month ago when Willie, Debbie, and I waited for 45 minutes in the Matchwood grand opening, we knew about a dozen people. 

Seems like that has changed.  We knew pretty much everyone we saw.  Lots of family groups were out enjoying their Friday afternoon. 

So, to say it was an ongoing festive gabfest would truly be an understatement.  

We also tried some of Matchwood's light specialties, which include breaded Mac n' Cheese, which could turn into a bad habit.  SO good. 

Though it rained during the lighting ceremony, folks still huddled and enjoyed the happenings, which for me included brief visits with some folks I haven't seen in a couple of decades. 

Twas a good Friday after Turkey Day, for sure. 

And, the holiday weekend moves on with the rain gone and a dry day ahead.  Who know what today will bring!

Happy Saturday. 

With everyone going their separate ways, it's rare and so appreciated when we Loves all get to have time with everyone together. 

The horses enjoyed having visitors. 

Andy, Everett and Dan Raiha.  The Raiha family members have been close friends for decades. 

Twas a happy ending for this proud University of Washington grad. 

Ricki, the emcee at the tree lighting ceremony, was one of my English students.  She did a great job. 

Former student Patti Murphy served up some hot chili as part of a fundraiser. 

Emma enjoyed all the fun. 

Twas a "thumbs up" as Raine and Nicole ended they day trip to Sandpoint. 

What a delight to see Margaux and Karlen and to meet Scott! 

Margaux, who took a riding lesson or two from my sisters, works at Seattle's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

 I've known Karlen since the days of listening in on party-line conversations on the North Boyer line. 

She also helped provide our mother with wonderful care during her final years. 

It won't be long before we open the doors for German samplers!