Officially Summer 2018

We experienced quite a mix weather-wise yesterday for our first official day of summer here in North Idaho.

The day included everything from gentle breezes, pleasant temperatures, blue skies, sunshine, billowly white clouds turning into full-fledged gray storm clouds, a sudden dose of humidity, a deluge of rain, finally topped off by savage lightning strikes stunningly close together and within seconds of each strike, piercing claps of thunder. 

For a while during the noisy bombardment from the sky, I felt like and suggested to Bill that "they" must be out to get us because it seems that the direct attack was straight over our house. 

Fortunately, for everyone,  the storm lacked those wild, devastating winds which we experienced a few years ago when similar storms would come out of nowhere. 

A lot of beauty came with that storm, but as I was texting back and forth to my neighbor Janice who told me the lightning was striking so fast their weather app couldn't keep up with it, we both agreed it was wise to stay inside. 

This morning all is calm and all is bright, and that generous supply of rain has soaked the gardens and the grass areas.  So, that is good.  My only watering this morning will be the deck area. 

In between checking on the progress of the Camino pilgrims who made it to Porto, Portugal, last night, I mowed weeds in the barnyard and around the shed at the end of the lane. 

Twas a good day for pulling a few weeds too.  At long last, the relentless mosquitoes have taken a break from driving me inside the moment I get started with anything in the garden or flower beds.  Twould be just fine with me if they take a permanent break. 

When the work and the exchanging of horses from one enclosure to another was finished, I headed for town to pick up some items for dinner.  

Then, it was total self indulgence:  my first Starbucks triple mocha iced frappuccino ever.   Give me strength to not make that a habit!

So delightful with each swallow as I drove to Schweitzer for the first time this year.  The resort is opening for its summer activities this weekend, so I'm sure the road will be pretty busy from now on. 

Yesterday, I took breaks, parking in some of the numerous turnouts along the road to snap a few photos and just plain enjoy the magnificent beauty of the lake below, ofsunshine rays lighting up the foliage beneath beautiful trees and the abundance of blooming wildflowers. 

Twas another one of those many experiences where we locals can quietly renew our knowledge of just how lucky we are to live among all these contiguous stretches of beauty.  

There's also the annual reminder to see it now and then hang low while the crowds show up to "discover" what we see every day. 

And, when I can hang low and avoid the crowds here at the Lovestead on summer days, I feel pretty dang lucky! 

This morning's photos are obviously an assortment with no particular theme, but there is an interesting tie-in, which I learned just a few minutes ago. 

Note that photo of Liam just below.  Turns out a member of Liam's brother Boba's family happens to be in Porto, Portugal, as I write.  And, if you haven't been following Facebook, a member of Liam's immediate family is in the same town. 

They arrived safe and sound from their various routes last night, and now they're resting up and enjoying the sights before embarking on the Camino.  

And, to tie in another interesting detail, my friend and former colleague Pam Eimers retired from teaching yesterday and she's NOT heading to Disneyland.  

Nope, Pam will be preparing to take her own pilgrimage on the Camino soon-----the Portugese route. 

The world is full of connections, and these connections often make the world a lot smaller----happily in fun and positive ways. 

Nice to remember that from time to time. 

Enjoy the photos and do check out Annie's Camino blog.  She did post both text and a few photos yesterday while enroute to Porto. 

https://adventuregirlannie.com/

Happy Friday.