ZAGS and Friends

 

The ZAGS women lost, but that didn't mean the day was lost. 

It was ordinary but extraordinary in my mind. 

Our Sunday turned out to be a blend of family, friends and fans we've come to know, thanks to Gonzaga basketball. 

It was a three-part Sunday with the first few hours devoted to driving to Spokane with stops at the Lancaster Market for Annie's sourdough sandwich and my first-ever shopping excursion at Sierra. 

Bill and Annie, who were in the front seat, talked about Sierra, along with the Duluth Trading Co. as we moved down the freeway toward Spokane. 

The two almost always build in enough time to stop somewhere fun to shop on their trips to the airport when Annie returns to Seattle. 

Bill announced that he had no need to go to Duluth, and it was apparent that Annie wanted to stop at Sierra and introduce the outdoors-oriented store with discount prices to her mom. 

So, that's what we did.  

She bought a bright orange harness for Bridie in hopes that Bridie on leash won't involve Bridie gasping for air because she pulls so hard on the leash attached to her collar. 

We have some adjusting to do, but it looks like the harness should work for Bridie. 

Meanwhile, I bought some socks---several pair for $9.  It's the time of year where thicker crew socks will be better for cold feet days. 

Then, we dropped Annie off at the airport, and within minutes learned that she'd been able to get a seat on a flight taking off within the hour. She was happy about that. 

After the dogs enjoyed some outdoor time, as we all dodged the ubiquitous goose poop in a grassy area near our parking spot and the river, we gave the dogs some treats, said good bye and walked a few blocks to the Gonzaga-Stanford women's game. 

Within minutes of entering McCarthey Athletic Center, we saw Lynn from the neighborhood, who seldom misses Gonzaga games. 

Bill and Lynn talked college basketball, while I bought a new ZAGS hat. 

I had purposely left my most recent ZAGS hat in Malin Head, Ireland at the Seaview Tavern.

Maura told me that she was going to find a good place in to hang it in the bar. 

That means two ZAGS hats left in Irish bars. The other hangs in THE BAR on the Aran Island of Inis Mor. 

Whatever Irish bar gets yesterday's new model should be happy cuz it's got bling.  For now, it will keep me happy until I decide to donate it to yet another Irish pub.  Maybe it will end up in with Fred at Malzard's award-winning pub in Stoneyford . . . who knows?  

Anyway, after leaving Lynn, we learned that the fans who have seats next to ours had just returned from their first trip to Ireland.  And, yes, they loved it. 

We heard some of their stories and then watched a beautiful first half for Gonzaga which turned sour the second half. Lots of turnovers for both teams, but the ZAGS led the turnover pack by game's end, and Stanford won. 

The Kennel was rocking yesterday, and, in spite of the loss, it was fun. 

At halftime, I met with my classmates Rick and Janet, who had driven over from Puyallup, and we made plans for our post-game visit at Jack and Dan's Pub not too far from McCarthey. 

By game's end, it was pouring rain outside and the prospects were not looking good when I saw on my phone weather forecast that the rain would continue to be 100 percent for the next few hours. 

So, we were pretty wet by the time we reached the car and the dogs.  Of course, in the pouring rain it's hard for a dog to figure out the best spot for going No. 1, so after considerable sniffing and shopping around, both did their duty and went back to their beds in the car. 

When we reached Jack and Dan's we were thrilled to find a relatively empty parking lot.  Janet was sitting inside at a booth, and we soon learned that she had left her phone at McCarthey so Rick had gone to retrieve it. 

He noted how lucky was to make it through the door when a couple "who walk slower than we do [Rick and Janet]" had the door open, allowing him to get back inside the Kennel where someone helped him to the seat where the phone had been left. 

Then, the visiting began, and it continued steadily for the next hour or so as we ate some dinner.  We agreed, while leaving that it becomes more and more important to have these get-togethers as we age.

Rick and Janet will be visiting with other old friends today before attending tonight's men's game. While they're having that visit, our class reunion committee will be having a post-reunion reunion.

And, we plan to keep it up, even if we have a while before the need to plan another reunion. 

Should be another fun, ordinary and extraordinary day. 

Happy Monday.    

My "something new" experience yesterday:  shopping at Sierra. 

Neighborhood ZAGS fans:  Bill and Lynn. 

This little guy didn't have to stay in the car because he's a service dog and a ZAGS fan. 

Janet, Bill, Marianne and Rick after a fun visit and dinner at Jack and Dan's Pub in Spokane. 

from "The Slipper Still Fits":

"First, it was WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers coming out to the Kennel on Thursday. 

The following game, rapper Kevin Gates. Love to see celebrities supporting Gonzaga women's basketball. Spokane is the place to be."

I didn't know I was seeing someone famous, but I did think he was wearing a bit more bling than the rest of the crowd as I watched him and his friend walk up the steps in the section next to us at McCarthey Athletic Complex yesterday.  

Wonder what celebrity will show up at tonight's Gonzaga-Southern Utah men's game. 

Tip-off is at 6 p.m. PST on KHQ-Root. 

GO, ZAGS.  

Take down those Thunderbirds! 

Kootenai River Trip; Family Time

 

The day began for some of us with a trip to the Kootenai River Falls near Troy, Mont. 

It ended with our Love family getting together at MickDuffs for dinner. 

It was all good with Willie holding two basketball practices, Debbie tending to Food Bank activities and Bill, Annie and I enjoying the morning road trip before Bill attended an afternoon funeral. I also spent some time with my horses. 

The trip to Kootenai Falls was pretty spontaneous with the three of us enjoying a laid-back morning complemented by a Hallmark movie. 

Suddenly, Annie suggested that we head off to the falls where she would record a geocache.  Fifteen minutes later, we were loading up dogs and ourselves into the car and moving on down the road. 

Of course, on these trips there are required stops at convenience stores for emptying out and filling up. 

First stop:  Sturgeon Station north of Bonners Ferry where jerky, drinks and mini chick-o-sticks kept us munching to Montana. Plus, they didn't charge me for my coffee and told me to have a nice day.  

After crossing into Montana, we drove through fog for a few miles and then decided not to stop in Troy until the return trip because, of course, there are restrooms at the falls. 

Well, the restrooms are closed for the winter, so here's an alert to anyone wanting to take the trip---stop in Troy for relief needs. 

The river was roaring as usual and we met several groups on the trail, many with dogs of their own. 

Bridie was a bit too assertive at pulling forward on her leash, mainly because she doesn't use it very often here on the farm. 

Bill turned around with her about halfway to the bridge.  We knew that she would probably stress out too much. 

So, they took a quiet trail leading to the overflow parking lot, while Annie, Foster and I continued on toward the bridge. 

It was a great time for a walk because the rain had stopped and the temperature was comfortable. And, of course, the beauty of the Kootenai River scenes was as impressive as ever.

On the way back from the falls, we stopped at the Town Pump in Troy where Bill filled up the car with $2.97 per gallon gas. 

The town pump is new to Troy.  It took several years to complete, but the finished facility is nice, clean and user friendly with lots of space and a deli. 

We enjoyed the trip and some pleasant family time. 

Twas a good Saturday.  

Today Annie goes back to Seattle.  After dropping her off at the airport, we'll attend the Gonzaga women's game and get together for dinner afterward with our friends Rick and Janet who are over from Puyallup. 

Yesterday's family time was great and it's becoming more appreciated all the time. 

Happy Sunday. 

 

Saturday Slight

 

Keokee office manager Sue Otis with a Sandpoint Magazine display.

~~~~~~

I had pretty much made up my mind that I had retired from taking on outside writing assignments.  Though I love interviewing and researching and writing stories, especially about people, I have always hated the stress of deadlines. 

There's no way to avoid that stress with pretty much any story assignment. 

So, I decided that there would be no more deadline stress in my life, which is really kinda stupid because I meet a deadline every single day with this blog. 

But it's different.  I'm doing this for myself and, yes, my readers, and somehow that eases the pressure. 

Anywho, after making that decision, I was going along through life quite happy that I'd called it quits.

Then, one day this past summer I attended a gathering at Sunnyside beach with a group of former students. 

While there, my friend Mitzi told me about her family friend Chelsea.  I knew of Chelsea because she had been the Cedar Post editor the year before Willie returned to Sandpoint and took over the SHS student newspaper. 

When Mitzi told me what Chelsea was doing with her career, I wanted her story to be told, especially for the local audience, so I told Sandpoint Magazine editor Trish Gannon about this hometown grad working for TIME Magazine. 

"Do you want to do the story?" she asked.  When the question was posed, I weakened and said, "Yes," to one more deadline. 

The rest is history and much of what I learned about this impressive young woman is now documented in the Sandpoint Magazine Winter edition. 

So, I have met yet another deadline and have absolutely no regrets about taking on the story. 

My subject represents another stellar and inspiring example of a talent individual from little ol' Sandpoint reaching great heights in that big wide world. 

I hope readers feel the same as I do when they find the Chelsea Kardokus interview in the magazine.   The newest edition can be found at stands around town or, even better, online. 

As always, readers will find lots of fun stories about the Sandpoint area, ranging from history to outdoor features to profiles and some amazing photography. 

So, today for this "Saturday Slight" post, I'll shut up and let you click on the link to the magazine and hopefully engage in some fun reads and photos contributed by local journalists and photographers. 

This is the 35th birthday for Sandpoint Magazine, so you can also enter a contest. 

Follow the link:    And! There's a fun contest to pick a favorite from among the 35 years of iconic magazine covers. Get your name in the hat to WIN $350! Click:

https://sptmag.com/35-years

Read the magazine by clicking this link. 

https://issuu.com/keokee/docs/sandpoint_magazine_winter_2026

Sandpoint Magazine editor Trish Gannon at last night's publication party. 

It was a Mother -daughter moment of pride when Lori Lowry opened Sandpoint Magazine to the feature about her daughter Chelsea. 

You will see in the article how Lori's phenomenal talents for crafting have influenced Chelsea throughout her life. 

Below:  Chelsea when she was home visiting in Sandpoint this past summer. 

My daughter Annie told me to pose for the picture with this historical display of Sandpoint Magazine covers.  

I've had the honor of writing two cover stories. 

Below:  longtime journalist Susan Drinkard with a loaf of bread from the Bluebird Bakery. 

Below:  since Annie's home this weekend, she attended the publication party and visited with Trish.

  The two were first acquainted while actively participating in the local pioneer version of Internet:  it was called the Panhandle Free Net. 

Friday, Already?

 

The rain has stopped for a bit this morning and we've already gone for two walks, but yesterday Miss Bridie had to spend most of her day in the house. 

So, she hung out at the sliding glass door, which has always served as her vigilance center. In fact, the area has been her favorite spot since she was a pup. 

Occasionally, during the night she goes to the bathroom, grabs some toilet paper wads from the wastebasket, brings them out and chews them into tiny bits for me to clean up in the morning.

Or, sometimes, Bill's slipper or a sock from the bedroom will serve as her comfort fix.  Happily, she doesn't chew on these items anymore. 

At one time during yesterday's rainy day, she let out a growl and then some barks. 

Usually, Bridie wastes a lot of her barks on nothing. 

Yesterday, however, some deer were grazing in the second pasture.  

In spite of her barks, inside the house, they just kept on grazing. 

Kinda neat to know this:  Chris Pietsch CAN walk and talk at the same time. 

He's a friend, a former student and a multi-talented photographer and film producer who lives near Eugene, Ore. 

It was fun to watch this little short, featuring Chris walking and talking.

Good job, Chris!

📹📹📹📹 

Work, work, work today.  

Thousands of leaves fell from the oak and poplar trees overnight.  I hope the rain holds off long enough today for me to pick up this most recent round.

 

It's a big ZAGS weekend ahead, with the men playing tonight, the women playing Stanford at home on Sunday and the men playing again at home Monday night.

We early-to-bedders will have to stay up late tonight to watch the ZAGS take on the Arizona State Sun Devils.  

8 p.m. PST on ESPN2

Speaking of basketball, I believe that Willie has his first practice for the season today as boys varsity coach at Sandpoint High.  

They'll be playing in a couple of weeks, while, from what I've read, the girls began with a jamboree last night and will play their first game next week. 

Lots of basketball means a fun winter ahead. 

And, in all cases, for those above:  GO, BULLDOGS, and tonight, GO, ZAGS!

Finally, lots of reading about our beautiful area, its happenings and its people will soon be available:  Sandpoint Magazine will hit the stands today.  So, if you're local, you should be able to pick up a copy around town by afternoon.  

The issue will also be posted online sometime today.  I'll add a note to this post when it's available. 

So, enjoy.  

Happy Friday.

💙💜