Tuesday Tractordeedum

Yesterday, my mother and I traveled down a couple of back roads we'd never taken before.

Along one stretch west of Naples, I had to stop and snap some pictures of this scene.  

If you look closely, majestic Roman Nose Peak, where I've visited twice in the last week or so, is peeking up above the trees in the background.

Of course, the antique tractor caught my attention.  Looks like it hasn't plowed a field in a while, but, indeed, it serves a purpose for travelers loving a bit of nostalgia.  

Again, it's a beautiful day as we march on into September.  I heard on the radio this morning that this week could possibly be the warmest of the summer. 

We're headed toward the 90s again, but, at least it gets cold and crisp at night. 

Bill took advantage of the Labor Day exodus from the mountains.  He and Kiwi pulled out of here around noon yesterday in the new-old motor home.

His destination:  Smith Creek where he worked his first summer for the U.S. Forest Service back in 1974 and camped five days a week. 

The fly rod went along as well as meticulously-planned ingredients for his evening, morning and noon meals. He also took the mini-DVD player with a couple of movies to watch once darkness took over last night.

Bill figures Labor Day afternoon is the best time to head toward the mountains cuz all the "TURRRists," as he calls them, are leaving and bound for home.

He pretty much gets one of his favorite streams to himself, and I know he's in his ultimate glory up there this morning---probably flipping a huckleberry pancake or two as I type.

While Bill's flipping hotcakes, Willie is probably at his desk getting ready to greet the first class of his third year of teaching at Sandpoint High School. 

He and Debbie returned from a weekend in Cascade, Idaho, last night, and I'm sure it was a restless night for "the teach."  

Soon, Debbie will be here with the grandpuppies, and I'll start another year of watching after them---as best I can anyway.  

Debbie has been on vacation and will return to her usual Girl Scout routine this morning.

Meanwhile, Annie is somewhere over Europe or over the Atlantic---or maybe sitting in an airport.  She left Zurich, Switzerland, about six hours ago and will be back in Seattle around 9 tonight.

She says her return to work tomorrow will be to a new office at Groundspeak.  

I'm sure she'll be happy to see all her colleagues after such a wonderful adventure---minus the gut-wrenching loss of that lens for "Precious," her camera. 

My sisters are back in the classroom again.  Laurie is taking on a new situation this year:  fifth-sixth-grade combination at Farmin Elementary.  She says it's going to be a challenge to stay organized.  

At the high school, Barbara will be teaching junior English along with her yearbook class.  

And, so on this Tuesday, another school year begins.  All those around me are experiencing some beginnings, of sorts, and that's what keeps life interesting.  

Soon, Bill will spend his last day as an official working man, and we'll embark on our own new adventure as a couple of old-fart retirees.  

Lots to look forward to and lots to think about, and in the midst of it all, I'll be taking my mother for drives down more back roads we've seen for the first time.

Not bad.  Happy Tuesday to all.