Welcome!

A lot of local folks won't like the article below. 

In some minds, the Sandpoint area is much too welcoming because the gesture could bring in even more people. 

In spite of that possibility, it's nice to know that we're generally characterized in a positive way. 

I don't mind welcoming newcomers; in fact, I enjoy it a lot. 

What I don't enjoy, however, is meeting face-to-face with folks who have felt the warm welcomes enough to move here, only to forget what prompted them to move here in the first place. 

Example:  walking past someone in a car or on foot on a country road and extending friendliness with a wave or hello only to have that person take the wind out of your welcome by moving right on past without any acknowledgement of your presence or your welcome. 

This does happen. 

It's noticeable. 

I often want to tell people that friendliness, which they might interpret with suspicion because of where they came from, is almost always the sincere nature of our residents who have spent a lifetime waving and welcoming.

I exchanged texts just yesterday with a friend who felt bad that she had not acknowledged another individual earlier in the day because of a her own personal distraction.  

She "wanted to make amends" for her oversight.   

There's a common cliche we sadly hear too often these days when hideous behavior occurs, i.e. "this is not who we are." 

Instead, for the most part in this community, the blend of friendliness, caring and welcoming natures IS who we are. 

It doesn't cost a cent, whether you are a local or a newcomer, to smile or wave or spend some time talking with others.  

Plus, it's often amazing how much such simple gestures can mean to the recipients. 

We're all human beings no matter where we are from or where we live.  It's nice to remind each other of our human qualities from time to time. 

It's also nice that this positive trait within our community has been recognized. 

 https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2024/aug/06/city-recognized-for-welcoming-spirit/

The photos above and below were taken from my lawnmower yesterday.  

Both the grasshopper and the butterfly seemed happy to have their portraits taken.

Pretty moments of nature along my mowing route. 

We didn't see Mrs. Peacock all day yesterday, and then, in early evening, she and her family appeared atop the travel trailer.  

She seems to find places around here where she likes to hang out, and, during the past few days the top of the trailer appears to be a favorite. 

This morning, before going out to take the horses to pasture, I could hear her squawking up a storm outside.  

I don't know if the babies were misbehaving, but she was pretty emphatic AND noisy for about ten minutes. 

Later, I discovered the family out in the far shed, milling around behind Bill's boat.  

Upon seeing me, Mama went into an instant dither, obviously wondering how she was gonna get herself and her babies out of there as that old woman stood there blocking the exit. 

She finally found a way thanks to her wings and soon thereafter, the babies followed suit.

Their occasional visits have added some fun to the summer routine.  

Looks like a pleasant summer day ahead. 

Happy Tuesday.