Rain and Shine

Record rainfall in October results in a clean, washed and still colorful earth in November. When the sun comes out, so does everyone else, taking it all in and rejoicing for several reasons.  

Actually, those two guilty critters in the top photo don't care if it's rain or shine.  They are out in my front yard several times a day and, for sure, during the night gobbling up pumpkins.

This morning only a portion of the rind on a second large pumpkin that once resided in my wagon wheel flower garden sits in the driveway.  I'll put it back in the flower bed, and tonight they can finish it off. 

So far, they've left my deck pumpkins alone.  

They and their comrades are as guilty as they look in the photo.

Yesterday for the first time in a long time, I had an open time slot where I could just go for a walk down our road.  Most of my walking has been associated with yard work and keeping track of dogs, so this opportunity was very appreciated.

And, of course, the scenes were beautiful as usual. Roman Nose was displaying a noticeable prominence as it rose among the Selkirks toward the blue sky, and Schweitzer with its snow pack looks mighty good to those hoping for a busy ski season. 

Turkeys were out foraging in Gary Finney's field while other critters in pastures along the road were lounging and enjoying the sunshine. 

In the morning, dump trucks came, and we received a substantial new layer of gravel on the road.  I'm thinking that happened because October's rain washed away a good portion of the surface gravel. 

One day, a while back, the grader came by and graded the road.  Within hours, it seemed, the potholes had returned. 

So, with the new gravel, that situation should improve. Thanks to all who keep our roads in good condition. 

Bill and I enjoyed a nice lunch with Birthday Girl Debbie and her friend and then came home to a quieter than usual evening.  No sports BUT copies of the newest Sandpoint Magazine which hits the streets today. 

Lots of interesting stories BUT, of course, I must focus on the piece I wrote.  If you scroll to the bottom, you'll see a photo of folks in scrubs and elephants from Thailand. 

I am very, very proud of a young lady and former student from Sandpoint who envisioned the phenomenal story behind this photo and put the vision into practice-----in 45 countries and six continents and counting. 

Her name is Cathy King.  Her mother Ann taught at Southside School.  We had all three King children---Bruce, Cathy and Julie---in our 4-H club where they took horse projects and the 4-H veterinary science project. 

Two of the siblings became veterinarians, and Cathy built upon her skills, her passion and her profession by founding World Vets www.worldvets.org.  Since then, she has included some more Sandpoint grads in her massive organization of volunteers, Dr. Michelle Ward and Dr. Cherise Neu. 

Be sure to pick up a magazine and enjoy the article on p. 66, and if you're just a little bit impressed, donate to the cause. 

Cathy's vision and its continually expanding reality is nothing short of amazing.

At the helm of all those stories in this issue of Sandpoint Magazine is another student, former high school journalist, much accomplished journalistic professional and dear family friend, Erica Curless.  

Ladies, if you're reading, I AM PROUD OF YOU.  And, I'm sure your community will feel the same after seeing the fruits of your individual labors. 

That said, enjoy the photos and be sure to pick up the newest edition of Sandpoint Magazine, soon to be available at several locations around town. 

Learn more about this group in the newest Sandpoint Magazine, which will be hitting the streets today.  Be sure to visit their wonderful website at www.worldvets.org --Courtesy photo from World Vets