Good Bye, August

Last day of August, first day back for teachers here in Lake Pend Oreille School District 84 AND a revival of the "Ha! Ha! We don't have to go to school" potluck for SHS retired staff. 

Life is moving on rather quickly this week with something going on every day. 

We visited with my brother Kevin and his wife Joyce last night.  

My cousin from Chicago is coming tomorrow night and I'm finishing up on some details of the story that has kept me busy for a couple of weeks.

This is truly a "not enough time in the day" kind of week, but it's all been and will continue to be fun. 

Yesterday afternoon I took some time to drive up to one of my favorite spots for picture-taking:  McArthur Lake along the highway to Bonners Ferry.

As I drove closer to the turn-off, I could clearly see the plume from a forest fire up to the northwest. Seems Boundary County is getting its share of fires. 

Of course, we're all hoping the hot, hot days ahead don't lead to any more.  We've been so fortunate this year to have a relatively quiet summer in the fire and smoke department.  

 Foster came along with me, on the afternoon getaway. We left the car and walked down a trail on the east side of the lake where the lili-pad show and glistening water were both breath-taking.

When we came back, a white pickup had parked near the car.  I could see two guys preparing their fishing gear.  

As I stepped closer to the Subaru, one smiled at me, so I said hi and asked them what they'd be fishing for in the lake.  They said probably bass. 

As the conversation continued, one mentioned that they were stationed at a military base in Washington and that they were medics. 

I asked if they were from Fort Lewis, to which they said yes. 

So then I told them my brother Mike, a West Point graduate lived near the base in DuPont. 

Immediately, one responded with the fact that he and his wife also live in DuPont.  

It's a small bedroom community, so I told him about Mike's daily dog walks around DuPont.  

"Does he wear a broad brimmed hat?" the soldier asked.  

"Yes," I answered. 

"I always see him out walking his dog," he said.  Then he asked if I had a picture of my brother, just to make sure.  

When I found one and enlarged Mike's face, my new friend said, "That's him."

Another small world experience, and I'm sure Mike will be meeting a new friend one of these days when he's out walking Molly. 

The brief visit with the two very nice young men reminded me of the great and wonderful spontaneity that random life moments can bring.  

And, when I'm out taking pictures, these interludes usually unfold in the best of ways. 

Plus, McArthur Lake provided its usual beautiful scenes. 

As noted, it's a busy day ahead.  

Enjoy the photos.  Also topping off today's post is a video shot in 2017 offering a pretty nice "feel good" moment.  

Enjoy. 

Happy Wednesday.