Wednesday Mutterings

We've got new snow this morning. 

Gotta be careful with that ice underneath the new layer of white stuff. 

Activity outside our windows is always fun, especially in the general blahs of winter.  

Yesterday I observed a squirrel seemingly chasing a crow near the garden area. 

Two crows were hanging out there, and I think they may be the regulars who occupy the area during spring, summer and fall.  

Retirement has allowed me to learn the habits of the birds, and I know from years of watching that crows have their favorite spots. 

A downy woodpecker spent about eight seconds at the feeder.  

I'm guessing that the squirrels monopolize but the birds are not losing out, especially because we haven't seen the resident deer for a while. 

I'm wondering where they're getting their water now, since everything is frozen. 

I'm sure they'll be back.  For now, the smaller species are enjoying the extras at the feeders. 

*****

Turns out this is going to be an abbreviated version today because after my second morning trip outside, I discovered that we have an Internet outage. 

As I type, it is 7:40 a.m., and I've had no luck calling the provider.  Just a bunch of busy signals. I went outside with my phone and posted an inquiry on Facebook.  Later, someone, who had probably done the same thing, answered that "yes," their Internet is out. 

So, I'll just wrap up for today and will post when our Internet is back up and running. 

There are days like this occasionally, and we just have to go with the flow. 

Happy Wednesday and thanks for your patience. 

You meet the nicest people when you board your horses at a stable.  

I've enjoyed getting to know Stephany and her handsome pal Mickey this year. 

 

The best part is telling the stories of your early horse years and about some of the four-legged stars in your childhood adventures. 

It would be neat to see a few readers' stories about first horses and the zany exploits associated with them. 

My friend Susie and her horse Major led me and my mother's horse Largo astray a time or two. 

If you're on Facebook, put them in the comments below the blog promo. 

  

Above:  Bill's snow tea. 

Yesterday Bill and Bridie went to the woods to start and to tend a bonfire, along with a little ball action. 

Foster and I came walking through just after the fire started. 

We have noticed that for the third time this winter, the ground in the woods gives way to almost every step.  It all has to do with the warm weather followed by somewhat cold weather which creates some frost in the ground and the warm weather comes back again. 

Usually, this phenomenon happens only in late winter, but this year's winter has been unusual, to say the least. 

Many of our fence posts have been around long enough to have fungal growth and other stains and weathering from age.  

The combinations form a rather artistic look, even in the winter time. 

Once spring comes, I'm looking ahead to a major painting job for the fences around the yard.

We've been at the Lovestead for 20 years this year, so lots of dressing-up projects lie ahead. 

 

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from Jim Healey

 On this coming Saturday, January 31, 88.5 KRFY is hosting a food drive for the Bonner Community Food Bank at Super 1 in Sandpoint, Idaho, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Stop by and meet some of the people who make 88.5 KRFY, community-supported radio for north Idaho, happen. 

Then pick up an item or two or more for the Bonner Community Food Bank. Let's fill up the grocery carts at the entrance to Super 1.

Many thanks to 88.5 KRFY for hosting the event!

Many thanks to Super 1 for lending the space of the event!

Many thanks to the Bonner Community Food Bank for serving the needs of over 3,200 households per month in north Idaho!

See you this Saturday at Super 1!

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Tuesday Stuff

I ran across this observation posted by Alex Pretti's sister. 

It's definitely worth sharing. 

Below: a lovely story unfolded in Sandpoint Sunday night in reaction to a horrible event in Minnesota.  

Thank you, Theresa Renner, for sharing this. 

Last night at Farmin Park, 227 people attended the vigil for Alex Pretti, Renee Nicole Good, Geraldo Lunas Campos, and all the other people who have been shot or killed, assaulted, disappeared, or deported by ICE and the current administration.

By sheer chance, a couple staying in a nearby hotel walked by as we were holding our vigil. They did not know about it beforehand. They just happened to be walking past. They realized what was happening, and joined us.

After the event, they approached organizers and told us they are from Minneapolis and were in Sandpoint on a long-planned vacation. They expressed their unease and guilt about being gone from home right now. And they thanked us for being there.

There were tears. There were hugs. They told us things are much, much worse than we are seeing on the news and social media. People in Minneapolis are truly being terrorized. And they told organizers, “You have no idea what it means to us, that you are supporting us from a thousand miles away.”

I told them, "You being here, and happening upon us, is challenging my atheistic beliefs."

She answered, "We're all connected."

If you'd like to donate to groups on the ground in Minneapolis, check out:

https://sandpointindivisible.org/.../17/aid-for-minneapolis/

If you'd like to know when we are organizing events like last night, you can subscribe to our emails at

https://sandpointindivisible.org/

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As I continue to think over the weekend's events in Minneapolis and the decision to remove one of the principals involved in relaying information to the American public, I hope that the government takes a different approach to what the leaders say is a vital undertaking for the best interests and safety of the American people. 

Removing that one individual who almost immediately publicly denigrated the victim of Saturday's shooting and created a scenario which was far from the truth is a good move.  

Still, there's much more to be done if any sliver of trust in the government is ever going to be resurrected. 

In my mind, this is not a Republican or a Democratic situation.  It's a situation about humanity, communication, decency and respect.

When dealing with other humans in virtually any situation, clear communication, decency and respect are cornerstones to success.

I learned a few golden rules over my 33 years as a classroom teacher that helped me navigate both negative and positive experiences with my students. 

First of all, I learned the importance of making my expectations clear.  It's hard for your group to figure out how to act or react if they don't know a few basic rules. 

Kids generally thought I was an old bag on the first day of school because I wasted no time conveying my expectations for the year.

They probably had no idea that I hated laying out those rules just as much as they hated writing them down, but I knew that it was essential. 

Usually each year, as time passed, the classroom atmosphere seemed amenable to most students. 

I also learned early on as a young teacher that life is not all black and white when you are dealing with people. 

Everyone comes to the room with different daily and life experiences and with different points of view. 

As teachers, if we were going to succeed, we needed to be flexible and learn quickly that square pegs don't fit in round holes and that we would need to adjust for those situations.  

I also learned two very important principles about conducting myself as a classroom teacher. 

1. Be firm but kind. 

If you have a problem with someone, find a good place and time to talk to it out---that includes two-way communication, talking and listening.  

2. And, once you've had that discussion, do your utmost to end the meeting on a positive note. 

Even though my job was to be right in what I taught or how I taught it, I also learned not be afraid to admit when I had made a mistake. 

 I always figured that it was important to do so long before someone brought the error to my attention. 

I didn't always win those races, but still did my best, and when I admitted my shortcomings, kids usually gained more respect for me. 

Respect for others goes a long ways.  If we want respect, we must be willing to give it willingly and abundantly. 

I learned this next life principle long before I became a teacher:  tell the truth, even if it pains you.  

Lying and constantly denigrating or blaming others, especially victims, diminishes credibility and certainly does not earn you brownie points.

In short, I keep saying that this Minnesota debacle is not a Republican or Democratic thing, as we are reminded every day---instead, it's about humanity and how humans treat others.  

The "tough guy" syndrome may seem effective at first, but if you don't weave in the other vital basics of working with people to your approach, it's likely your mission will backfire and you are going to experience tough times ahead.  

I hope that we see some of the above employed in what now seems to be a ultra-draconian, cruel and dangerous approach to solving the immigration problem. 

When people die because of our decisions, it's time to wake up and change the game plan. 

Let's hope we see some major changes, quickly implemented. 

It's GAME DAY for the Sandpoint men's basketball squad.  

They are traveling to Post Falls tonight to take on the Trojans. 

Tip-off is at 7 p.m., and hopefully Hudl will work for us to stream the game. 

GO, BULLDOGS!!!

Happy Tuesday. 

All on a Sunny Sunday

 

Yesterday, with its bluest of skies and brightest of suns was a fabulous day for walking. 

I walked the fields, atop crusted snow, with the dogs two or three times. 

Later, I drove to town and enjoyed walking around some blocks. 

I figure if I do that often enough, I might learn the store names downtown before new stores replace them. 

While I'm on the subject of new store fronts, we can all plan for some good times when Becky Sawyer opens her new store this summer. 

Becky was a student in my graphic arts class back in the 1990s.  Since then, she has raised a family and graduated from culinary school. 

I've heard wonderful reviews of her baked goods. 

Seems like I'll have to plan a Sunday afternoon walk around some downtown blocks and top it off with a Sunday afternoon tea at Sawyers this summer. 

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After my downtown storefront adventure, I walked through a group of residents and some friends who were protesting the sad and disturbing situation in Minnesota. 

One of the protesters is a Minnesota native, who keeps in close touch with her sisters about the day-to-day happenings in her home state. 

I also enjoyed some "catch-up" visits with friends among the group whom I had not seen in a while. 

After the trip to town, my walking turned into couch potatoing and cheering for the Seahawks.

It was a well-played and slightly nail-biting game, and I knew the Seahawks would win. 

Don't ask me why.  I just knew. 

It was a happy time for our family, some of whom live in the Seattle area.  

Now, we can all look forward to extra-special Super Bowl parties as the Seahawks take on the New England Patriots in San Francisco. 

In the meantime, we hope and pray that the situation in Minnesota is resolved peacefully and reasonably very soon. 

Those folks deserve to get back to their normal lives of enjoying athletic events, school programs and other aspects of day-to-day living. 

Anyway, I loved the blue skies of Sandpoint, and I'm sure it was a similar feeling in Seattle. 

So, enjoy the video about beautiful Seattle and the photos from equally beautiful Sandpoint. 

Happy Monday.

Although it is known as the Music Conservatory, many of us still view the building on the left as the Old City Hall.  My dad, who worked for the City Water Department, hung out there often, visiting with his firefighter and police friends. 

Also, many of us oldtimers remember climbing the stairs to the second story to check out our library books. 

Below:  a window reflection at the old Panhandle State Bank. 

Lots of colorful reflections abounded throughout town yesterday afternoon. 

Foster was quite pleased with the final score for yesterday's game.  That means he can wear his Seahawks jersey again in two weeks. 

I think I'll order one for Bridie too. 

It used to be the Rowlands Hotel at First and Church in downtown Sandpoint. 

My mother and brother and her dog Peggy lived in that building during her first few weeks in Sandpoint circa 1945-46. 

I met Bonnie and Blaze for the first time yesterday while walking around town with my camera.  

We had a great visit with our dogs as the focal point of our conversation.

Yay, Sandpoint Reader