Thursday This and That

--Annie Love Photo

I couldn't resist leading off with Annie's wonderful image of a Koala bear in Australia. More Aussie photos below.

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The robins must be in their glory this morning. Pretty much everywhere I walked I did my best to avoid squishing angle worms which have risen to the surface after last night's rain. 

I did notice that the robins were out and about earlier than usual. So, I'm sure they're enjoying a sumptuous breakfast. 

This is the week the horses come home.  While Laurie was riding CB yesterday, I loaded up a lot of my horse stuff which has spent the winter at Roxane's. 

We'll bring Lily, Lefty and CB home Saturday morning.  I'm sure they'll miss their winter accommodations, but spring is coming and the grass will grow and soon be green, so maybe that will help them forget all the pampering they received from Roxane. 

We have to purchase a new water tank for the barnyard after discovering a leak in the main trough. As Bill sez, "You'll have a new planter for your flowers."

Today we're hoping to learn what caused the geyser erupting from the waterer for the hay field. We're hoping it's a waterer malfunction rather than a broken pipe. 

Lots of outdoor stuff to be done, but we're still addicted to March Madness, and today the men's Sweet Sixteen games will begin. 

So, we'll have basketball to watch----we hope---for the next four days. 

The two Gonzaga teams play tomorrow.  

Roxane Conrad visiting with my sister Laurie. 

The barn will start seeing lots of activity soon.  It's been closed off for the winter. 

Same is true for the dog run.  Dogs aren't going to be thrilled, but it's spacious and a safe spot once the horses are back and when I mow lawn. 

Border Collies have a tendency to be very aggressive herders when it comes to lawnmowers and side-by-sides.  So, for everyone's safety, they'll be in the run when the equipment is running. 

For readers who don't know, acclaimed actor Viggo Mortensen has had a longtime and strong Sandpoint connection. 

Also, on Dec. 1, 2003, while standing on the red carpet in Wellington, New Zealand, promoting "The Return of the King," from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, he blew a kiss to Annie. 

She was holding up a sign that read "Sandpoint Loves Lord of the Rings." 

Because of that aerial kiss, I eventually had the great opportunity to do a telephone interview with Viggo for Sandpoint Magazine.  It was definitely one of the highlights of my journalism career. 

https://www.brego.net/article/a-visit-with-viggo/

Looks like a compelling and action-packed new movie which he has written and directed. 

In other news, it's always interesting to know what the regional papers pick as the "bests." I never did figure out where the coffee shops are or if the coffee is just sold in stores. 

My barbecue lovers in the family will be happy to know that Farmhouse Restaurant, where we often eat, received a high rating. 

We love the food and staff there. 

 https://www.inlander.com/best-of/2024/sandpoint/best-of-sandpoint-27691141

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Annie's Australian Adventure--photos by Annie Love

from Annie:  Had such a fun day touring the Tidbinbilla Sanctuary. It’s absolutely beautiful and filled with so many fun native animals including kangaroos, koalas, native birds, bandicoots and even a fun snake! 

Finished the day checking in at the Capital GeoBash Mega grounds in Canberra and attending one of the side events. 

Fun to catch up with caching friends and meet some new folks!