Fires, the Fair and Friends: TBT

 

Smokey air created an eerie aura last night, thanks to a wildfire southeast of Sandpoint.  

The fire, which began at 3:30 yesterday afternoon and was last reported to be more than 600 acres, also prompted evacuations, including family members of our next-door neighbors.

This morning there is smoke in the air, and the mountains to the east are not clearly visible. 

Fortunately, the winds throughout yesterday which helped fuel the fire have died down. 

If the fire potential can hold off until tomorrow, we're supposed to get some much needed rain.  Hope that happens cuz the landscape could really use a clean-up.  

Our neighbors' daughter loaded up her dogs and other important items from their home on Little Blacktail Road and stayed overnight with her parents. 

Before the discussion turned to wildfires yesterday, I spent some time at the fair and enjoyed quick visits with several friends and even a couple enjoying ice cream cones who had moved here from Dillon, Mont. 

I also watched the last class of fat steers.  The fat steer competition always draws a big crowd to the indoor arena. 

Harry and Dale were holding down the fort at their informational booth.  

Wouldya believe that Harry on the left is 94 years old.  He used to manage the University of Idaho Experimental Farm on North Boyer before it became a housing development. 

Chase was one of my students during my last years of teaching.  

He does a great job as the county's noxious weed manager.

It's always fun to visit with him at his booth and learn more about the pesky weeds that pop up every year.  

It's always an annual "must do" to take a photo of members of the Albertson clan during the fat steer competition.  

The very first photo I ever took of that guy on the right was for Sandpoint News Bulletin fair tabloid about 50 years ago. 

The Gold n Grouse 4-H Club was having a meeting/potluck dinner, which I attended. 

Tom, who retired a while back as our school district superintendent, was really enjoying the spaghetti, especially all over his face. 

Thursday Throwbacks: fun memories from the photo library.  Enjoy, and Happy Thursday

Four crazy authors at a Vanderford's book signing a few years back. 

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Below:  this guy WAS a bit crazy but lovable.  We met him on the ferry to Inis Mor in the Aran Islands. 

It turned out that he had come to the island for a wedding and actually stayed at the same glamping area where we were staying. 

Anthony was very entertaining, to say the least. 

He's now a full-fledged doctor here in Sandpoint.  Garrett was formerly known to me as one of the quirky Seinfeld gang. 

The young man on the left is pictured above showing his red Angus steer at the fair yesterday. 

That's his little brother Logan with him. 

Levi won a blue ribbon yesterday with his steer. 

I have a red bird house out in the front lawn that Levi made and gave to me a few years ago. 

He is an exceptional young man who melts hearts wherever he goes. I have really loved watching him grow up.  

This week after he sells his steer, Levi heads off to college.  

Wishing him well and looking forward to when he returns, all educated and prepared to help with the family business. 

Good luck, Levi.