I had the pleasant experience of meeting this amazing lady for the first time yesterday.
I had heard her name numerous times from my friend Chris Moon, but yesterday I met Selkirks Pend Oreille Transit (SPOT) director Donna Griffin in person.
A busy lady who knows how to seamlessly and happily juggle her time to satisfy the multitude of directions her job takes her---that was my impression of Donna.
During the half hour or so that I spent in her office, she answered three phone calls and gave each person her utmost time and consideration.
Two bus drivers also popped in the door. With both, I saw the same warmth, consideration and friendliness.
We hit it off immediately, sharing our individual stories and getting acquainted. I appreciated that she really liked hearing that Chis and I had worked for the U.S. Forest Service Engineers back in the 1970s.
My kind of people, she said.
We talked horses, kids and career experiences, of which hers are most impressive, especially working with Boys and Girls Clubs and outdoor recreation projects.
With all the hats she has to wear as an administrator, SPOT Bus ambassador, grant writer, scheduler, etc., Donna seems to adjust to each new moment and challenge with ease and with a beautiful smile.
I will also tell you that Donna has a firm handshake and a heartfelt good-bye hug.
I think a new friendship may have hatched with that brief meeting. I would also say if my time spent in Donna Griffin's office was the norm, that SPOT has a capable leader at the helm.
On Midterm Election 2026
The Facebook post below was offered yesterday by a friend whom I met one day in Ireland.
She is from Wisconsin, and almost every year she takes a group of travelers to the Emerald Isle.
We met on a sunny day while enjoying tea and treats at Molly Gallivan's Cottage and Traditional Farm outside of Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland.
We also met again when we happened to be on the same flight from Dublin to Chicago.
We have kept in touch via Facebook ever since, and we enjoy a mutual respect.
From my Midwest friend Tara Tinder----I second her suggestions.
Now that the elections are, for the most part, behind us, regardless of how you voted, whether you’re celebrating the results or are feeling disappointed, the message has been sent.
But what happens next, is what is really important.
It’s time to put aside the divisiveness, the negative, and the constant finger pointing.
We don’t have to agree on everything, we are certainly not going to see things the same way. This is part of living in a democracy.
But we do need to listen to one another, respecting others opinions, find the common ground, and remember, we are all in this together.
Our country will be far better off if we work together rather than against one another.
Let’s move forward with a little bit more kindness, a little less judgment, and a renewed commitment to working together.
We have far more in common than we sometimes allow ourselves to believe.
With the election over and Veterans' Day coming soon, it seems timely to include this song with today's photos.
Thursday Throwbacks: Images of moments, people, animals, places, happenings from the past. Enjoy.
He's not only a war hero but also a voice of reason. Thank you for your service, Mike, and especially, of late, thank you for your voice.
That lady with the flag just won a World Championship in Fort Worth, Tex.; her hubby Roley did the driving. Hope they have safe travels home.
