Bill and I experienced "empty nest" syndrome yesterday. That has happened before in our lives when the kids have gone off to college and during other times.
This time, Annie took off for a trip to Yellowstone. Seems weird to think of experiencing this syndrome, but Annie's been hanging out here at the Lovestead off-and-on through the past month or so.
She has her own accommodations in that travel trailer next to the house, but we do get to see her every day----a whole lot more than other years when this world traveler is off on yet another excursion somewhere in the world.
She has made an admirable adjustment to a new way of life on what we all hope is temporary. This year, most of the Annie adventures have taken place in fun areas around Sandpoint with hikes, kayaking, fishing, etc.
And, since she doesn't exactly remember when we passed through Yellowstone on a road trip when she was very young, she has gone back to the national park with cameras, bear and bug spray and her fishing gear.
I have a feeling that even her world-renowned flip flops might hit the dirt on a few Yellowstone trails.
Anywho, once the nest turned empty yesterday, 'cept for Finn, the fish (I did feed him this morning), Bill and I spent the afternoon on our annual pilgrimage to Boulder Meadows.
Our hike was fairly short, with trails still mushy from so much rain and the creek too high and fast for crossing without getting wet shoes.
Plus, it was warmer than some of our past visits.
Wildflowers were just coming on, and, as you can imagine from all that moisture, the place was green, green, green.
Twas a nice afternoon, but I must admit the week of kayaking, hiking, partying and yard work caught up with me yesterday afternoon. Could hardly keep my eyes open on that bumpy trip up and the bumpy trip down.
The road is about a rough as I can remember AND it's a LONG way to the meadows after the turn off Highway 95 near Naples.
On another note, I'm including links from today's Bonner County Daily Bee.
This has been a week of "Covid on the mind," not only across the nation but locally where we now have 24 recorded cases of the virus. Some speculate that there may be more.
Today's articles tell about some cases and about community spread.
Hats off to Mel Dick, owner of the 219, for providing one more voice in encouraging people to follow CDC guidelines AND to exercise more care in their public wanderings.
I thought the second article was excellent and timely since we now know that some have "met the enemy and know firsthand that it is here."
As for those who continue to publicly dismiss the danger and keep propagating their conspiracy theories on social media, I consider you both disappointing and irresponsible.
If you have the need to stroke your ego and to flaunt your infinite wisdom, why not pick another topic for discussion that doesn't kill people. Seems like there's plenty out there to stir up lively disagreement.
Meanwhile, those of us unfortunate, naive saps who have been "brainwashed" into believing that this danger truly exists will continue to be careful for ourselves and for others.
And, some of us will happily deal with the humiliation of public embarrassment for our stupidity should we live long enough to learn some day that we were oh so wrong.
Again, it's a matter of life and death and caring about others besides just ourselves.
https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2020/jun/27/vigilance-urged-amid-covid-19-pandemic-7/
https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2020/jun/27/the-essential-facts-of-community-spread-7/
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Hey, Trish,
GOOD JOB!
Though I had never really noticed myself, my Cedar Post staffers back in the 1990s brought one of my selectively used phrases to my attention.
In keeping with the historical precedent before and after, the staff and I strived at all times to maintain a high standard.
Occasionally, when the group or an individual staff member met AND exceeded that standard, they'd hear, "Good job."
Apparently, those two words resonated because Cedar Post co-editor Frank Cipriano pointed it out in a letter he wrote in my behalf.
And, so this morning, after skimming through the online edition of this year's hot-off-the-presses summer issue of Sandpoint Magazine, I'm sending out a loud and emphatic "GOOD JOB" to editor Trish Gannon, publisher Chris Bessler and all the staff members who miraculously completed the edition through several months of Pandemic.
Great content and photos and layout.
As always, the magazine features a blend of extended features and short features and photography dealing with the people, the happenings and the history of our local area.
And, of course, when I saw a lovely photo of our daughter-in-law Debbie Love accompanying a story about a generous entity which awards local grants, I was thrilled.
And, I'm always thrilled to put together the "Natives and Newcomers" feature, which again includes some neat locals with great perspectives on life in our community.
So, congratulations to all who worked under less-than-the-best conditions to accomplish this journalistic feat.
And, if you're like me and haven't had a chance to get your hands on a print edition, you can visit the link below.
Enjoy the read.
https://sandpointmagazine.com/issue/summer-2020/
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