Come Bye, Bridie

 

We told Bridie on the way out to Robyn's yesterday that she was about to experience a brand new adventure in her 3-year-old life. 

Bridie didn't seem to get the message at first. 

She saw sheep in a pen for the first time ever in her life. 

BUT

She wanted her mommy and her daddy. 

We handed over the leash to Robyn who took Bridie into the makeshift pen they had set up for Bridie's first session with sheep. 

"Distracted" was clearly the word to describe Bridie during these first few minutes.  

Every so often, while Robyn was leading Bridie around to get her acquainted with the sheep, Robyn would suddenly come running our way, holding on to that leash.

Bridie was pulling Robyn across the enclosure. 

After a few minutes, I asked if maybe it would be good for Bill and me to go sit in the pickup.  Robyn thought that was a good idea. 

So, we led Foster back with us, climbed in and closed the doors, hoping we'd turn invisible. 

Soon, Robyn's husband Bob came over to visit.  While listening to us, he kept his trained sheep-herding eye on Bridie. 

Bridie continued to make an occasional lunge our direction as she and Robyn circled the pen, but then, in almost a split second, her focus completely changed. 

Good bye, Mom and Dad.  

Hello, sheep! 

We were excited, and I know Robyn was also but ever so briefly. 

Suddenly the sheep took off and, in an instant, Robyn lay on the ground. 

One of the sheep had connected with her leg at high speed and knocked her to the ground. 

Robyn was hurting. 

Nonetheless, before Bob had a chance to help her up, she lay there and announced, "We got her turned on!" 

It was a bizarre few minutes watching this lady who could not put weight on her leg, seemingly putting pain aside in favor of that wonderful moment of accomplishment. 

Indeed, Bridie's switch turned on to those sheep. 

We stood there still in a bit of shock as Robyn managed to stand without weight on her injured leg and Bob brought her a rocking chair. 

This session was not going to end because of an irritating injury.  Robyn continued announcing the plan, and soon Bob took Bridie and continued on. 

As Bob took Bridie around the pen, Robyn noticed that she tended to be one-sided in going with Bob behind those sheep. Bob kept reminding Bridie to get back where she belonged. 

Part of that routine included the common command of "Come Bye," which means the dogs must go clockwise as opposed to "Away to me," which is counterclockwise.   

Bill and I know next to nothing about the fine points of herding, but both Robyn and Bob have practiced the strategies well enough over the years to win a few "top dog" awards. 

Part of Robyn's plan for yesterday included giving Bridie a 15-minute break and then bring in their 4-year-old Collie Piper to practice working the sheep. 

Piper and Bridie both gave each other an introductory snarl, and then Piper went to work. 

During Piper's time off, she chose me as the person to throw the pieces of wood for her to retrieve. Piper has that game mastered, for sure. 

Again, I must say yesterday's session at Robyn's was a bit bizarre with her unfortunate injury, but it was obvious that Robyn is just as focused on her passion as her dogs are with their sheep. 

It's neat to be around someone who loves the sport and the animals as much as Robyn.  

And, we really appreciated Bob who has taken up herding over the past several years, achieving some great success in his own right. 

Robyn got us started on Border Collies 18 years ago, and when she's back in form, it looks like she's may take us a step or two further with this remarkable breed that we love so much.

We're excited, and we figure that on the next trip out to Robyn's, Bridie probably could care less about Mom and Dad once she sees those beautiful sheep.

Thanks, Robyn and Bob.   

Piper at work with her sheep.

 

Just like Border Collies, we're gonna need some stamina today.  The ZAGS don't tip off for tonight's game until 8:30.  

But it should be worth staying up past bedtime. 

They're playing another perennially strong team, the Baylor Bears. 

It should be a barn burner.  

ESPN2 at 8:30 PST. 

GO, ZAGS

Debbie's Day, Et. Al.

 

Rainy-day projects. 

The blueberry/huckleberry/raspberry jelly I made Friday did not set up. 

So, I took advantage of yesterday's nonstop rain, stayed indoors and redid the jelly yesterday morning.

Later, I drove to the store and picked up some flour so I could bake some bread.  I don't know why I don't bake on a regular basis because the recipe and preparation are so easy. 

Plus, it tastes heavenly.  It's just white bread with a little hint of rosemary.  

Once my indoor projects ended, so did the rain. 

So, I was thrilled to get outside, rake up and then pick up a whole bunch of leaves.  I almost hate to haul away the maple leaves because they are SO pretty on the green grass, especially after a rain. 

The next set of leaves to fall, along with the oak (which takes all winter) will drop from the poplar trees.  

And, it would be an understatement to say there are plenty of poplar leaves to go around. 

I'll be picking them up for the next couple of weeks or until snow fall doesn't allow it. 

With a dry day ahead, we are super excited to take Miss Bridie out to Robyn's to meet the sheep. 

We've had Border Collies long enough to know that, though they have a few similar traits, each one is an individual.  

So, we've gotten past the notion that our smart dogs are going to make champion herding dogs. 

We'll see what Bridie's instincts are.  If she has some good ones, Robyn is a phenomenal teacher.  

So, there could be fun times ahead.  Regardless of the outcome, we'll enjoy the experience of visiting Robyn at her farm. 

It's a special day for all of us who know and love Debbie Love, including her Border Collie pal Joe. 

Animals love Debbie and so do peeps. 

She's just that kind of human. 

Debbie has been our daughter-in-law for 23 years, and I can attest to the fact that everyone in her extended family thinks the world of her. 

Her cats and dogs do too. 

And, the people with whom she comes in contact on a daily basis, as director of the local food bank and tireless community volunteer, love her too. 

How fortunate we, as a family, and Sandpoint, as a community, are to know, love and appreciate Debbie Love. 

A special day for a very special person. 

Happy Birthday, Debbie.  We LOVE you. 

I changed the clocks mid-afternoon yesterday so we would not forget the extra hour overnight. 

When I changed the clock with the bird sounds (that don't sound anymore because we haven't changed the battery in years), I was tempted to put the hands on real time. 

For the past 15-20 years, the clock has always been about 90 minutes fast.  

Don't ask me why that number.  It just is. 

To make sure we were never late, my mother used to put the clocks ahead but usually for only about 15 minutes. 

I actually think this clock was originally put an hour ahead, but it gradually gained time on its own and then got tired at the 90-minute point. 

So, I've just left it that way.  

A few years ago, we hosted a first-cousins' reunion here at the Lovestead.  It involved a dinner after we had taken a cruise on the lake. 

Dinner went by and then dessert and then more visiting. Not too long into the visiting, my cousin Sue indicated that she was ready to leave. 

Her early exit really surprised me.  

When I asked why she was leaving so soon, Sue pointed to the clock and said it looked like it was probably time to leave.

The moment of revelation provided a stark and funny reminder that the scenes and habits and all the stuff we take for granted in our own home environment don't not exactly match with what others observe and think to be true. 

We all had a good laugh over that clock, and, in spite of that situation, I've never felt a need to put the hands on the correct time. 

After all, we know when we look at the clock what time it is, and we act accordingly.    

Loving the early light of this November morning.

It was SO neat to walk outside on my morning walk with Bridie. without a flashlight.  The daylight even led us to go for a walk in the woods. 

Even while carrying a flashlight, I'm a scaredy cat and I stay out of the dark woods and stick to the hay field.   

I'm looking forward to enjoying the next several mornings walking with Bridie in the daylight. 

Happy Sunday. 

Saturday Slight

 

Pouring rain yesterday, and it continues today. I wouldn't mind if it would quit cuz we may take Bridie out to Robyn's to meet some sheep later.

The rain is of the soaking variety AND it creates some exquisite images on the ground where colorful leaves continue to fall.  

That's the lowest the snow has come so far this season.  

There were times yesterday when it felt like it could come even lower. 

It's November. 

Native Idahoan Chris Moon with Pro-Proposition 1 debaters Christy Wood and Luke Mayville at last night's debate.  

Both Christie, an Air Force veteran and retired police sergeant from Coeur d'Alene who represented military voters and Luke, Sandpoint High grad and co-founder of Reclaim Idaho, were raised in Idaho. 

Representing the opponents of Proposition 1 were Scott Herndon and Michael Angiletta.

The debate, which lasted 2.5 hours and attracted an almost full house, was held at the Regeneration Calvary Chapel on McGhee Road in Kootenai. 

While opponents pounded away at the outside money funding the Proposition, proponents attempted to debunk numerous concerns about the proposed initiative.  

At last night's Proposition 1 debate in Kootenai, there was food and a whole lotta questions from voters on both sides of the issue. 

Three Moon Sisters:  Judy, Chris and Sally. 

It's definitely a "Sista Act" where these ladies are concerned.  The energy, enthusiasm and time they have put into the grass roots, volunteer movement behind Proposition 1 is impressive, to say the least. 

The Moon sisters are among countless volunteers across Idaho who have worked tirelessly in door-to-door campaigns signature gathering and informing voters. 

My thoughts:

Opponents of this Initiative for Open Primaries and ranked choice voting characterized the movement as one spearheaded by big corporations and "dark money."  

Realistically, with pretty much any significant election these days, percentages of outside money will undoubtedly play in the mix. And, it has been documented that both sides of the Proposition have received money from outside of Idaho.  

To suggest, however, that dark and evil forces are behind this Proposition, which opens up primary voting options for more Idahoans, seems to me like a desperation attempt at best.

Ordinary Idahoans, like me,  who don't want to affiliate with political parties just to be able to vote in primaries, have joined forces to reform elections in the state. 

I am also one of the thousands of Idahoans who have contributed financially to this cause. I know from my own personal experience that my money is not dark and that I am far from being a puppet of large corporations. 

An interesting observation I have seen in the effort to oppose the Proposition is the expressed concern from opponents that it is designed to weaken the Republican party in Idaho. 

Yet, in this "live and let live" state, the Republican party does appear to expect citizens to tow the mark when it comes to participating in primary elections. 

All you have to do is join a party to do your primary voting and the problem is solved, we heard from an outspoken opponent last night.  

The reality that many of us independent-minded citizens have observed over the past few years is that if you do join that party just to be able to vote in the primary, you are disdained as a RINO.  

Or, maybe even worse, you are one of those really evil Libtards walking around in Republican clothing--- figuratively, of course.

I also learned this week and heard again at the debate last night that it's not just certain Republicans who vehemently oppose open primaries and ranked choice voting. 

In Colorado and Nevada and one other state with this issue on the ballot, Democrats strongly oppose the reform. 

Hmmm.  

Wonder what that suggests:  could it be that those who enjoy political control in these states are afraid of losing their control? 

I guess this is okay, but that factoid still doesn't help those of us who would simply like to vote for the candidate and not necessarily the party.

Like anything competitive, it's a lot more fun for everyone involved if there's a level playing field. 

Anywho, Bill and I stayed for most of the debate, which was quite revealing in many ways. 

We seldom attend such events, so it was interesting to see some of these people, both debators and questioners, in action. 

I came away very proud of my former student Luke who, for the past several years, has provided the vision, leadership, knowledge, intellect, hard work and patient eloquence to institute positive change in Idaho for its people. 

And, of course, I'm always proud of my dear friends, the Moon sisters and all the hard-working volunteers from small towns and cities across the state who do the same.

Good luck to Proposition 1. One more time, I encourage a YES vote. 

Happy Saturday.  

 

  

 

Hello Darkness

 

It's not ALL darkness, but there will be plenty, I predict--both literally and figuratively, especially when we consider the upcoming election. 

I told Bill and my trick or treaters yesterday that November is my second least favorite month of the year. Hands down, January leads the list.  

I'm not fond of November because it's the month of  ever-extending darkness with figuratively "no light at the end of the tunnel." 

Just dark, darker and even darker longer---that's November. 

The good part about starting November is that we no longer have to dread its coming.  It's here, so we can get it over with. 

At least, December's shortest day of the year lifts our spirit, telling us the light is coming. 

Well, anyway, it was a bright night here in the Lovestead living room when two Taylor boys and their mom showed up for trick or treating.  

Instead of just digging out of the candy bowl, the family members hung around and visited for a while. 

I think they were hoping that Bridie would eventually warm up to Emmet's desire to roll around on the floor with her. 

Bridie's timidness surprises me every time because she is SO outgoing and demanding of love all the time with just Bill and me. 

Even though Bridie didn't warm up to the visitors, we all had a good time catching up on neighborhood and family stuff. 

Speaking of Bridie, the lady who introduced us to Border Collies wants to work with Bridie in hopes that she might enjoy real life herding.  

It's an exciting prospect, so Bill and I are going to take her up on it cuz it could add an exciting new dimension to Bridie's life and ours. 

We'll probably have the two get acquainted with each other in the next week or two. 

Everett, Jenn and Emmet, our neighbors up the road. 

When you live and teach  and remain in your hometown, life is filled with joy, comfort, familiarity and, unfortunately, sadness. 

This morning I was especially saddened when one of my former students from the Sandpoint High Class of 1977 sent me news of the loss of her classmate who had been a member of the Ponderettes Drill Team, which I advised for nine years. 

When I taught at Sandpoint High School, my extracurricular assignments included situations where many students in the groups with whom I worked often seemed like family. Many times I also became close friends with these students' families.

Over the 33 years of my teaching career those relationships happened often, and I have always considered myself a very lucky person.  

  I have felt a deep love for so many of my students along the way, and, over the years, that love remains steadfast. So, this morning's revelation has hit hard.  

Karen Holm was a member of the Sandpoint High Ponderettes drill team.  In addition, over the years, I had the honor of getting to know her mother well and  her four lovely sisters. 

It would be an understatement to say that I have always greatly admired this family. 

https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2024/nov/01/karen-jae-holm-jantsch/

Karen's mother Janel, an RN at Bonner General, was on duty in the OB when our daughter Annie was born.

  It was neat a few years ago to have Janel meet Annie as an adult, especially when Janel was one of the very first human beings to lay eyes on Annie. 

Janel's five daughters Karen, Nancy, Susan, Janet and Carol and their mom have filled a special place in my heart for years. 

A few years ago, Karen, her husband Harry and Janel stopped by the Lovestead for a visit, which, of course, involved taking their photo.  

Janel, Harry and Karen

My heart goes out to the family as we all remember Karen, a truly bright light in this world, an amazing example of resilience and one fine Ponderette. 

💙💚💛💜 

A friend sent me this, and I find no mis- or dis- information in its message.