Slight Detour: All in My Hometown

A while back, I set an informal personal goal of getting re-acquainted with my hometown of Sandpoint, Idaho.

I was told by a store owner yesterday that she has heard from a lot of locals that they don't go to town.

Her comment came after I had told her pretty much the same thing about myself. I also told her that part of my goal was to walk into stores that I had not ever visited and get acquainted with them.

The plan: walk in, introduce myself, take a few pictures and maybe even get to know the owners.

This is a major goal, and it will take time.

Bill, who goes to town much more often than I, has warned me that I may never finish this goal because some businesses get replaced by others, often within a few months or a year or two.

I agree with Bill, but I also believe in giving this mission a try. Plus, it's fun.

Yesterday offered the perfect opportunity. Bill had come home from town. I had finished my chores and projects aimed at getting ready for Annie's visit, which starts later today.

The rain had stopped and the sun came out and it was just about a pleasant as it could be. I didn't even wear a coat.

The plan started off well and ended well. I found a parking spot right at the corner of First and Main. Part of my plan was to walk the alley, which I have used for photo shoots in the past. I was interested to see if the artwork and graffiti had changed much.

In about an hour, I visited two stores and talked with an owner in one and an employee in the other. I also snapped a few photos while walking the sidewalk and the alley.

At the Pickled Kitchen, I met the owner Clarita, who was finishing up a sandwich board to put outside the store.

She told me about how she had always liked pickles and that coming from a family of store owners, this concept seemed like a perfect fit for her.

She's hoping to come up with a pickled slush for summer time. For now, the main offering is a dill pickle on a stick.

Clarita was very nice and accommodating. I walked out of The Pickled Kitchen with a jar of green stuffed olives. They are very good.

You can learn more about Clarita and the store by clicking on the link.

https://sandpointreader.com/pickles-are-a-safe-bet/

Clarita told me that just before I walked into her store, she had written the word "Love."

LOVEly serendipitous moment, I'd say.

And, yes, like Clarita, I LOVE pickles of any kind.

Hey, Judy, if you're reading today, I thought these looked like your work and then looked a little closer.

Voila.

Judy Pederson, artist extraordinaire and friend!

You can find her work on our wall AND at Northwest Handmades.

I also visited Out West Trading Co. across First Avenue from The Pickled Kitchen.

Keona, a Sandpoint High student who was working there, put up with my presence and questions.

Once again, I saw samples of my friend Terri's Idaho Mountain Co. leather items.

The shop has just about all you would need to have in quality souvenir items touting this area.

https://outwesttradingco.com/

Later, while walking the colorful alley between First and Second Avenue, I met April, Mundo and Fonda, all employees at Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant.

It was fun to tell them that my daughter worked there for a time.

Fonda and Mundo were visiting when April came out with a sash, happily reprimanding Mundo for not telling the staff that it was his birthday.

Again, maybe a little serendipitous that I should come along with a camera and take his picture on his birthday.

I enjoyed my visit and realized it was time to get home.

Great day taking in the sights, both old and new, in my hometown.

Happy Wednesday, and thanks to all who were so nice to allow me to invade your space yesterday.

BTW: a word to the locals. If you haven't figured it out already, February is a great time to visit downtown cuz you can find parking spaces and the proprietors are happy to see you and give you some extra time.

As for me, I'm looking forward to similar walks around Sandpoint to experience the old and the new.