Saturday Slight

So much to think about today. 

Don't forget to put the candy in a bowl, and hide some lest some greedy hands grab too many goodies. 

Don't forget to turn all the clocks back an hour.

Don't forget to turn over the calendars to November tomorrow. 

😳😳😳😳😳

In my case, I've already lost 45 minutes of that extra hour of sleep we're supposed to enjoy tonight. 

Seems my internal clock thought today was tomorrow, and I slept in. 

Well, at least there will be 15 minutes of extra snoozing. 

Besides, I've found that snoozing is a lot easier at this time of the year.  

A few years ago, I had an "aha" moment, finally learning why I wanted to sleep more in November than in May. 

Seems it's a natural and normal thing to do because the upcoming months are Mother Nature's hibernation period.  

It's just that bears take more advantage of the opportunity than we humans who live by our clocks and phones and television programs. 

Anyway, once I learned that basic information about the nature of sleep, I quit feeling bad about nodding off in November. 

Others suggest it's an old-people situation, just like my friend Edna (who's six months younger than I) suggested last night when I was complaining about the bitter cold and wondering if it's an old-people thing.  

She said, yes, it probably was, which didn't do my outlook much good.  I wanted desperately to think that, indeed, it has been really bitter cold the past few days. 

Later, I felt better when my sisters joined us.  They are 12.5 and 14 years younger than I. 

Yes, they said, it's been colder than usual. 

Then, Laurie brought up something about polar vortexes, suggesting that the vortex will cause the polar areas to be warmer because they'll push or blow all their cold air toward us. 

She even mentioned the winter of 1968-'69 in her  informative and scientific offerings about frigidity. 

I'm old enough and cold enough not to want to see a Winter of '26-'27 even come close to that winter. 

In December of that year, we had some cousins come over to ski at Schweitzer.  People were suggesting that it was 40 below at the time cuz it sure was cold. 

Someone's brain must have been really cold while the cousins were staying with us in the house on Boyer because someone forgot to shut the back door to the house when they came in late at night.  

The door remained open for the overnight and the fierce cold wind blew more than enough frigid air into the house.  

A bunch of us humans remained in bed the next morning, trying to stay warm and outlast whoever was going to get up first and start a fire. 

I don't know who braved it, but when they discovered the open door and it closed, the temperature started rising, even without the fire. 

More wintry stuff like a long-lasting blizzard and a  whole bunch of snow came that same winter in January, causing most rural folks to be isolated in their homes for a number of days. 

No, we do not need a repeat of that winter.

Yes, it's warmer today, and I'm feeling good knowing that my need to wear five layers is not just an old-people's thing. 

It will be nice for the trick or treaters to have some reasonable weather as they gather up for their sugar high. 

And, as mentioned yesterday, Bill will be happy if our numbers are down this year.  He loves that leftover candy. 

The countdown for the ultra hate season to end has begun. 

Those repetitive, simple-minded insults on TV and across the media should end once all polls are closed on Tuesday. 

Who knows how it's going to go, but maybe we'll get a slight break from politicians trying to out-dirty each other, at least, for a few days. 

Then, the Presidential politicking will begin. 

Again, Congress should vote to limit political seasons and the gross amounts of money spent.  I know I've said that before, but if politicians can repeat the same stuff over and over, so can I. 

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone who wants to run for office next time would go to politician school and learn some new ways, as is suggested by example in the sentences below. 

 "Good politicians of any party have the discipline of 'encounter,' in the sense that Pope Francis used it. 

 Not just seeing but looking, not just hearing but listening. 

 Drawing near, being open. 

Not blasting your opinions or personality at people. 

 Encounter them.

--Journalist Terry Moran

Well, it's Halloween. 

The wind has stopped. 

It's dry, and I'll probably do some brush-hogging today after yesterday's afternoon project of clearing the yard of the major bulk of leaves. 

There will be more of that, but at least, it's under control. 

So, we'll enjoy the day and wait to see if the doorbell rings once it's ghosts and goblin time. 

Happy Halloween. 

Friday Mutterings

 

A few apples from the very top of the tree have continued to fall to the ground, and the resident deer are happy.  

If all goes well today, they won't have to sift through big cottonwood leaves to find their treats. 

Tony took the lawnmower yesterday to do some welding on the deck.  He will return it this morning and attach the bag accessory.  

It's bitter cold out there this morning, but I'll deal with it, knowing that we have a dry day and possible rain tomorrow. 

Hopefully, by day's end, most of the leaves in the yard will be picked up and hauled off. 

I voted.

The results are in. 

My candidate won!

So deserving!

He has taken phenomenal photos for decades in the Eugene area. 

Chris Pietsch is from Sandpoint, and many of us locals have followed his photography pursuits along University of Oregon football sidelines, on Ducks' basketball courts and amidst collegiate and world class track events.  

We've also delighted in the stories he has shared about capturing photos on general news cycles.

Heck, some of us have even said "cheese" and tried not to blink a few times over the years when he's taken pictures of us. 

Through all those images captured, we have loved his passion and funky ways while doing what he loves best. 

Congratulations, Chris, we are proud of you. 

I heard several times yesterday that the polls for Tuesday's mid-term election are all over the place. 

The only truly factual aspect of issuing a poll happens once the poll exists. 

What conclusions the polls draw are up for grabs.  

It's anybody's guess. 

Well, I sure hope the one above turns out to be factually accurate. 

Wouldn't it be nice for Gonzaga, in its new league, to finally shrug off the perennial assertion by many (once they lose a game) that their league opponents are basically junior-college level. 

Time will tell, but let's hope the poll above turns out to be true.  

Here's some neat history. 

                                          --Annie Love Photo

 Pope Leo XIV has submitted a mail-in ballot for the US midterms, becoming the first pope to vote in a US election and likely the first to vote in a secular democratic election.

Let's hope our voter turnout for this election is off the charts. 

I tried something new while figuring out what I was going to eat for dinner last night. 

Twas pretty basic, but it tasted good. 

I cooked our homegrown potatoes with some carrots, and when the carrots were really soft, I drained the pan and then mashed the potatoes and carrots together. 

A spoonful or two of Country Crock (nondairy) along with some salt and pepper created a tasty main dish.  

Mashed potatoes are good for gut problems, as are other well-cooked veggies. 

As a lifelong mashed potato fan, I was thrilled with the first bite, the second and all the rest.  

Bill liked it too. 

He's been getting some good treats lately, with the baked goods from Bernklau and tasty apple cider from the neighborhood and processed by our friend Roxane. 

I'm sure he's keeping his fingers crossed that we have just a few trick or treaters tomorrow night so that he can eat all the leftover candy. 

If so, it will be a sweet weekend for Bill.

Last year we were positive that we would NOT have any trick or treaters. 

We were in Kenmare, Ireland, on Halloween, where the cottage we rent is barely visible. At the time, it was pouring rain, but, by golly, we heard a knock on the door leading to an alley way. 

Two young men stood their with their container.  Having not stocked up on candy, we gave them each a couple of cookies.  They seemed okay with that. 

I guess you can go thousands of miles away and the trick or treaters will find you. 

 

We've had such a beautiful fall that some of my plants think it might be spring. 

This week several periwinkle blossoms have popped out, and, in several places, I'm seeing new growth of columbine leaves. 

It would be quite okay with me if spring pushed aside winter and came twice this year.  

On that note, I've got leaves to pick up. 

Happy Friday. 

Thursday This, That; TBT

 

When I met my friend Mitzi yesterday for coffee, I told her that she was helping me get reacquainted with my hometown---hers also. 

Mitzi lives in town, so she has known about and frequented the relatively new and popular Bernklau Restaurant on Pine Street.

From the Bernklau website:   

  The Bernklau offers a delightful culinary experience in Sandpoint, Idaho, combining elegance with a relaxed atmosphere. 

This modern café showcases an array of mouth-watering menu items that cater to various dietary preferences. 

Guests rave about the fantastic crepes, from sweet to savory varieties, and the exceptional coffee served by friendly staff. 

The inviting indoor and outdoor seating areas enhance the overall dining experience, making it an ideal spot for families or casual gatherings.

Signature drinks include delicious mimosas that perfectly complement breakfast selections. 

Customers frequently highlight their enjoyment of freshly baked pastries like the famous chocolate croissant and pistachio croissant, which many consider among the best in the region. 

Sandwiches also receive high praise for their quality and generous portions - all created with fresh ingredients.

Must-Try Dishes:
- Crepes: A staple at The Bernklau; guests love both sweet options like lemon curd crepes and savory choices featuring seasonal fillings.

- Black Forest Sandwich: Generously filled with ham on fresh-baked bread - this sandwich is a crowd favorite known for its flavor.

- Pistachio Croissant: Often described as life-changing, this pastry has garnered enthusiastic reviews from visitors seeking gourmet experiences.

- Pumpkin Coconut Bisque: Seasonal soup offering praised for its unique flavor profile - perfect as a comforting lunchtime option.

~~~~~

Meeting with Mitzi on a rainy day provided my introduction to the restaurant.  I came away quite satisfied after a cup of Americano coffee and a few bites of moist, tasty banana bread (Gluten free).

The rest of my bread slice came home for my evening dessert, along with some goodies for Bill, including a piece of apple pie and a yummy berry-filled cheesecake. 

He didn't seem to mind. 

Mitzi, a former student who recently retired from Litehouse, and I spent nearly two hours of nonstop visiting, which made my day. 

In fact, we had so much fun that we figured we'd better do this again sometime over the winter, and the plan could mean introductions to other eateries in town where I have yet to visit.

It was rainy throughout the day yesterday, so after taking a few photos of fall colors and Halloween yard art in town,  I arrived home, and Bill left for an afternoon church meeting.  

I peeled apples most of the afternoon and added to the applesauce supply.

Still lots of peeling to go, but every time I pour new sauce into the jars, I think of how great and tasty it will be to have a good supply for the winter. 

Yesterday also marked the homecoming for our Kubota tractor which had been hauled up to Boundary Tractor several days ago for some general maintenance and to have the hydraulic system fixed. 

It's basically like a new tractor now, so when the rain stops and if it doesn't snow, I can start my annual brush-hogging project, which involves cleaning up the four pastures where the horses graze.

It's always a satisfying feeling mowing away the tall and dead grass and to redistribute the horse piles. When it's done, the place once again looks neat and tidy.

Today one of the lawnmowers will go to Tony's shop where he'll do some welding on the deck and attach the bag system. 

Weather allowing, the next few days will be definitely be field days.

Once the fields are done and the leaves in the yard are under control, I think we can finally settle in for winter. 

With a little skiff of snow outside this morning and a healthy covering on Schweitzer's ski slopes, I'm thinking that winter may not be far off.

Lots to do before that happens.  

Happy Thursday. 

Thursday Throwbacks:  Images of past moments, events, places, critters and peeps.  Hope you enjoy the music along with the photos. 

NOT AI; Real!

I hear that the new Sandpoint Magazine is coming out next week.