Game Day; Bliss Day and TBT

Yesterday morning when I went to town to take a photo, almost the first words out of my subject's mouth were, "You sure lucked out with Debbie Love as a daughter-in-law."

Yes, we sure did, I told my friend. 

I found this photo of Debbie from a few years back---in February.  I believe it may have been 2010.  

We had gone for a bike ride down Woodside Road. Since we don't have fat tire bikes, we probably could not do that today. 

Anyway, I thought the photo was great because of Debbie AND because it is Game Day for the ZAGS. 

Actually, I should say late-night game day, since the tip-off against Loyola Marymount occurs at 8 p.m. 

Gonna have to drink a few extra sips of coffee this afternoon. 

Yesterday, after watching the Impeachment outcome, I wrote a second letter of thanks to Sen. Mitt Romney, whom I've always admired. 

My admiration for this man who has achieved so much for this nation through leadership and integrity has dramatically increased over the past few days. 

In a letter last week, I told the Senator from Utah that I had voted for Barack Obama in 2012 but would have been happy to have Mitt Romney as my President. 

That was a win-win election in my mind. 

Sen. Romney's example as a profile in courage in this current mean-spirited political climate is nothing short of epic and very much appreciated by millions of Americans. 

While on the subject, I must tell another touching story evolving from this past few months of daily political acrimony. 

Without naming names, this story involves a young woman who is both courageous and passionate about her convictions.  It also involves her elementary teacher. 

It would be an understatement to say that these two women disagree politically. 

Nonetheless, they have not held back in conveying their thoughts to each other off and on for several months via Facebook posts. 

As an observer, I have seen strong disagreements blended with never-ending respect. 

In one case, the student tells her second-grade teacher, "You always taught me to stand up for myself." 

In another, the teacher says to the student that she's probably not going to change her mind, but she is so proud of her former student and loves to see her smiling face (when the subject is not on politics, of course). 

That teacher and student exemplify an important lesson and a wonderful example for all of us to follow. 

Keep it up, ladies.  

Again, in this bitter atmosphere, like Sen. Romney, you each shine as inspiring profiles in courage. 

May these stories inspire us and give us hope that some day the two extremely divergent roads of this nation start taking gentle slight detours back toward each other.

We all deserve to see that happen.  

Fifty-three years ago today marks the union of Mike Brown (mistakenly called George during the ceremony) and Mary Thompson.

 That day also marks the origin of my lovingly calling all of  Mary's extended family members the "outlaws."

It's been a fun run and many great friendships among the family members, thanks to Mike and Mary marriage all those years ago.

Hope you two have a wonderful day. 

When Cherita and Chris came to Sandpoint to put on a one-woman play and discussion at the Panida Theater a few years back, we had the wonderful opportunity to show them around.

Of course, our sight-seeing tour included meeting my sisters' horses at the Colburn farm.

That's Rusty, head of the herd. 

Cherita and Debbie

A few first cousins with six siblings from the Brown-Tibbs family. 

Some second or third (whatever it is) cousins got together at my mother's celebration of life a few years back.  Aren't they just adorable?

Those three on the left are all headed to college this fall.

Their great-grandma would be proud. 

Twas six years ago in February when I took these photos.

  Two of my dearly beloved students (Idaho's High School Counselor of the year and Lake Pend Oreille School District's current superintendent) starred in a 50th-birthday bash at DiLuna's Restaurant.

Now, you all know how old they are as they celebrate their birthdays this week.

Happy Birthday, Jeralyn and Tom. 

This was February, 2010.  I was sitting on Lily while taking this picture.  Oh, I'd love to have February's like this again.

 That day I rode to the north end of South Center Valley Road and almost to my sisters' farm on Center Valley Road.

Today, it's not safe to even think about riding a horse down the driveway, let alone for nearly three miles. Plus, I no longer ride alone. 

A February day another year when we were taking visitors to some of our favorite spots in Sandpoint. 

Of course, this view of Lake Pend Oreille from above Hope any time of the year is a must see.

Happy Thursday.

GO, ZAGS!