There was a new kind of walking out there today in the morning darkness.
It involves picking your route to avoid injury along with employing a few different styles of walking.
This morning's trip with Bridie and flashlight in hand took us to the woods. When Bridie wanted to turn off into the hay field, I summoned her back and told her we were gonna do soft walking instead of crunch, crunch walking.
That thick carpet of needles with no snow on it offers a premium experience for enjoying the outdoors in the darkness.
The flashlight also helps me watch my step and avoid the various roots that stick up above the ground.
Later, when we came back from the woods and I crossed the driveway, the "old lady" mode took over---shuffle along and choose your steps ever so slowly.
After yesterday's rain, the driveway was covered with a film of mighty slick ice, so old lady mode took over until I got to the other side and to do a little crunch walking in the north lawn.
While walking through that area, I witnessed a new phenomenon, thanks to the flashlight.
I saw one and then a second and then a third earthworm quickly descend from the surface and "worm" their way into the ground. Witnessing such a sight was a first for me.
Later, I stepped ever so gingerly across the driveway and even more carefully while approaching the door to the house. Seems that area is always the slickest in winter time.
When I came back outside to get the paper, a walking stick came with me and probably saved me from a few slippery slides.
It's definitely a new era in my morning walking, but the good part is that so far, we're not limited to the driveway and a plowed out lane like we are during most winters.
The longer we can walk in the woods with its cushiony pine-needle surface the better for both of us and the dogs.
We just have to be more careful than ever.
Neat story in the link from the Sandpoint Reader about five area women who have been honored for making a difference in the community.
One of these women happens to be our daughter-in-law Debbie Love.
Congratulations to Debbie and the other four honorees.
And, today in the Daily Bee another related story showcasing one of the honorees and a neat example of why she was chosen for the Human Rights Task Force Award.
Enjoy:
Sometimes it's a good idea to totally relax with your friends.
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I baked two different batches of gingersnaps yesterday.
Once the first pans went into the oven, I realized that I had forgotten the shortening.
Actually, gingersnaps are not that bad without shortening---just a little chewy.
I don't often post obituaries in my blog, but I feel the need to do so when it comes to John Knowles.
Bill and I had a wonderful visit with John, Janice, his son Ryan and Ryan's kids a few weeks ago.
We were all at Sweet Lou's having dinner which supported a fundraiser for the Sandpoint High girls basketball team, of which John's granddaughter is a member.
We enjoyed a lot of catching up that night, including some reminiscing about the old neighborhood.
I taught with John at Sandpoint High School.
John built our house after we lost our home due to a house fire nearly 40 years ago.
John and Janice also lived across the Boyer Road from my parents, and, at any given time, John was happy to help them out with driveway plowing, etc.
Our kids are the same age. They played together occasionally on summer days when we lived on Great Northern Road.
Nowadays our son Willie coaches girls basketball while John's son Ryan coaches football at Sandpoint High, where they are both alums.
To say we know the Knowles family on a variety of levels is an understatement.
I was thrilled this week to learn that a scholarship in John's name is being created. He was a force in the community and pretty much a force everywhere he went.
We'll miss him and we're glad his legacy is being perpetuated for future students. So, check out the link below and pass it on to others who may wish to donate to honor the memory of this wonderful man.
RIP, John.
You were a good friend, neighbor, colleague, house builder, etc.
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