Slight Detour: Thursday This, That; TBT

There are pumpkins under them thar leaves.

My manure-pile pumpkin plant is putting on quite a show this year.

Not only does it offer a pretty sight on the west side of the barn, but at least a couple dozen pumpkins are growing and turning under its leaves.

Should be some good Halloween decorating if I'm careful to see that the pumpkins don't freeze.

That happened a couple of years ago, and then last year, only one or two pumpkins appeared.

Could be the pumpkin plant will make up for all the shortages with other garden veggies this year.

There's pumpkin news and then there's school news.

With the new administration at our district, parents and anyone interested in what's happening in our public schools can read a monthly blog.

I've included a link which will take you to the August version. You can bookmark and receive the blog through email throughout the year.

This edition includes many helpful bits of information about school safety and lunch programs and such. In addition, there's a video telling you about Panhandle Alliance for Education which has provided huge supplementary support for staff through its grants over the past 20 years.

Check it out.

https://www.smore.com/ts1kn-august-2022?ref=email

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Also, this morning's paper included a story announcing that Reclaim Idaho has pulled its education Initiative from the Idaho ballot, thanks to the recent decision by the governor and Idaho Legislature to add significant funding to public education on an annual basis.

A win for the Luke Mayville and his Reclaim Idaho volunteers and a bigger win for the students and staff of Idaho public schools.

Two of the three original targets for Reclaim Idaho have seen unbelievable success: Medicaid for thousands of Idahoans and now a huge financial shot in the arm for education.

What's next, Luke?

You're pretty amazing, and we are always proud to say that you are from Sandpoint!

https://www.idahoednews.org/news/reclaim-idaho-organizers-pull-quality-education-act-from-november-ballot/

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I rode Lily again last night.

It's the second time this year for riding a horse, which may not seem like much.

But for me, it's thrilling.

As I told my sisters, the confidence is gradually coming back after several months of thinking I may never ride again.

My back, knee and foot pain of the past several months is turning into a memory, and I hope it stays that way.

It felt good to climb aboard, complete with my Western boots and spurs and ride around the place.

The view from the saddle was stunning throughout the ride, especially the newly mown lawn and trails through the woods.

Again, to most seasoned riders, this experience would seem insignificant, but I was actually thrilled with the outcome after Lily shied when she saw a deer running through the woods.

I STAYED ON!

That provided a huge boost to my confidence.

So, I'm hoping to continue with this gradual journey to being back in the saddle again, which will always include someone fairly closeby for just in case.

Bill has provided that sense of security both times.

It was a great evening for a ride, and I was thrilled to take advantage of it. I think Lily enjoyed herself too, especially the grain at the end.