Buncrana in County Donegal: homeland to my mother's side of the family, and area where the hymn "Amazing Grace" was inspired.
Love family in beautiful Kildare 2022
To all of our beloved friends in Ireland, to all the Irish everywhere in the world and all who want to be Irish, wishing you an amazing St. Patrick's Day celebration.
To the locals: Jennifer Bair Wood says fresh, delightful Irish goodies will be available at her Homewood Farm Stand by 10 a.m. today.
The stand is located on the connector road between the two Shingle Mill Roads.
The snow has stopped----for a while. Bridie and I came close to being white figures moving across the landscape as heavy, wet flakes fell on us throughout our walk.
By the time we arrived back at the house, it was pretty easy to shake it all off.
I hope that's all, but the weather forecast indicates we might have more. Dramatic increases temps, though, suggests rain rather than snow.
So, just another entree for the day and the week which is also featuring some variety, especially bracketology for March Madness.
I did put in considerable time yesterday watching the last of the games, Selection Sunday and the Oscars, which had to have taken a record amount of time.
I almost missed the first hour because they started at 4 p.m. instead of 5.
Though it was long, it was a fun show with lots to think about.
Oscars 2026
An Irish lady from Killarney won the Oscar for Best Actress.
~~~
Though it didn't win any awards, the movie "Train Dreams," which is set in our region, received generous applause from the audience every time it was announced as an Oscar nominee.
~~~~
I agree with others that this statement was an important highlight at last night's Oscars.
The director of “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” just said this from the stage:
“You lose your country through countless small acts of complicity:
When we act complicit when a government murders people on the streets.
When oligarchs take over the media and control how we produce and consume it.
We all face a moral choice. But even a nobody is more powerful than you think.”
******
Also, this morning's message from Pope Leo XIV in support of responsible journalism, which many of us still expect and appreciate.
In the dramatic circumstances of war, information must guard against the risk of turning into propaganda.
It is every journalist's duty to verify the news, so as not to become a megaphone for power.
They must show the suffering that war always brings to populations, which entails showing the face of war and recounting it through the eyes of victims.
🏆🏆🏆🏆
Selection Sunday
Bill had his two caps ready to wear for Selection Sunday.
Our favorites and their opponents in the March Madness dance, first-round matchups
Gonzaga men: Kennesaw State
Gonzaga women: Ol Miss
Idaho men: Houston
Idaho women: Oklahoma
McNeese State: Vanderbilt
Lots to consider and lots to remember about times and days and channels with our teams this year.
Hopefully, that problem will continue through at least the second round.
I'll plan to complete two or three brackets for pools this year just to keep life interesting.
When the sun was shining yesterday, Bill was once again tending to mini bonfires.
It may be a day or two or maybe even three before it's dry enough to burn again.
Annie watched these Irish dancers in Victoria, BC yesterday.
We are getting close to the wonderful holiday. BTW: Jennifer Bair Wood puts together some neat Irish treats at her farm stand on the connector road between the two Shingle Mill Roads.
The Guinness brownies are to die for, as is her soda bread. So, check it out tomorrow.
Scenes like this are the main and probably only reason that we valley dwellers will welcome snow in March.
Yesterday afternoon's contrast of almost-green fields with that brilliant white backdrop was jaw-dropping to say the least.
Twas a different kind of gorgeous this morning with the mountains outlined by a hot-pink ribbon of early sunlight running along their tops. Evenly spaced rays of thin gray clouds in the sky above this mountain scene added an extra touch of beauty.
And, so the Ides of March have come, and thankfully, so far in this historically ominous day, we are not feeling the need to Beware.
I told Bill, while reading the morning paper, that we could watch television pretty much all day long with the last of the regional NCAA basketball tournament championships running from 10 until "Selection Sunday" at 3 p.m.
And, then come the Academy Awards.
What a perfect day for good TV if we want to be couch potatoes all day.
No plans for that at this house, but we're happy to know that when we come inside, there will be an enticing TV menu ready to roll.
Little Foster is experiencing his second bout with canine vestibular disease aka "old-dog vertigo," and, happily, he is getting better each day.
His first bout in late November took about six weeks for his head to quit tilting off to one side. Still, he soldiered on, and so did we, seeing that his life was the best it could be in spite of the circumstances.
We're doing the same now, and, except for not being too cooperative about taking nausea pills, Foster has been doing his best at getting back to normal.
We're grateful that we have the time to give this wonderful little dog all the time he needs to get better.
We're also grateful to Dr. Kelly at Center Valley Vets who's always there to guide us through his care.
Yesterday after putzing at a variety of indoor and outdoor projects, we decided to go to Sweet Lou's to grab a bite of dinner.
As we left the restaurant, we happened on to the gentlemen above. Over the years, Trevor, on the left, has helped with construction of a few projects around the Lovestead, including the dog run.
Meanwhile, Zach, on the right, graduated from Sandpoint High with our daughter Annie. He works as a therapist in Coeur d'Alene.
It was great to catch up what's happening in the lives of these two lovable guys.
Bill's bonfire from yesterday.
The huge pile of debris south of the house is gradually getting smaller as he picks out items and starts small bonfires.
The finches are entering their colorful season.
Two days until St. Patrick's celebration, and the Irish endorphins are overflowing.
Hope you enjoy today's moving and inspiring selection.
Happy Sunday.
Annie and her friends spent some time in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, yesterday, where she captured a shot of this beautiful blue flower.
