Slight Detour: It's a "Precious" Day, Etc.

Yes, this is a "Precious Day," as it has been for 44 years.

On Oct. 19, 1978 at Bonner General Hospital, we welcomed our second child into the world: Ann Elizabeth Love aka Annie aka "Precious."

Happily, today is looking like a beautiful October day, just as it was back then.

I vividly remember the ride home from the hospital on another lovely day and listening to John Denver sing "Sunshine" on KSPT Radio.

So, Annie, we're wishing you lots of sunshine today to go along with all those birthday greetings from your friends around the world.

We're looking forward to having you home soon so we, as a family, can continue the celebration.

Happy Birthday, Annie.

It was sorta gorgeous driving into Spokane yesterday. I use "sorta" cuz the ultimate beauty of the day had to compete with forest-fire smoke drifting from the north.

My trip into the city was an annual affair which involved driving to Gonzaga University, standing in line at the ticket office and, when my turn came, picking up my yearly allotment of ZAGS posters.

The wait was worth it because ZAGS transfer Malachi Smith, who formerly played for Chattanooga, walked through the lobby.

There's almost always a sighting of a famous ZAG player or staff member when I make this annual pilgrimage and those moments add to the fun of being on campus and turning on the switch for official ZAGS excitement once those posters are in hand.

It looks like some exhibition games will precede the season opener against North Florida on Nov. 7.

Nice to have our favorite winter antidote almost up and running again.

GO, ZAGS!

Today, Bill and I get our "shots in the arm," so I'll be zipping around trying to complete a variety of chores before going down for the count later in the evening.

Haven't heard that this booster is any different in the day-after effects, so I'll expect the worst and be happy if it turns out to be not that bad.

The best part is knowing that we're somewhat protected again for a few months.

If only we could find a booster or an antidote to shield us from the total garbage we get to listen to or see over the next three weeks leading up to the general election.

The never-ending vicious put downs, the juvenile behavior and childish messages displayed by most candidates all the way up the ballot make me want to vomit.

Plus, it scares me to think of what the next election will reveal about the electorate in this nation.

I hope most voters have higher expectations than many of the candidates display in their campaigning.

Do voters prefer to accept flat-out lies over truth?

Do voters not care a hoot about integrity or intelligence?

Does what we see from these candidates truly reflect what we really are as a people?

I hope not.

Anyway, it would be nice to have a "delete" button on our TV remotes so tune out the crap and enjoy an evening of entertainment without those stupid commercials littering up the programming.

Okay, that's all.

Time to get to work.

Happy Wednesday.