Sunnyside Scenes/TBT's

Lots of photos today.

Bill and I went for a quick walk yesterday afternoon at the Oden Bay Fish and Game property. 

Turned out perfect with the sun shining part of the time, part of the ground bare and ALL of the place to ourselves and some talkative birds.

The last time we walked in that area was January, 2019.  On that trip, we found the neatest driftwood condo, complete with its own walkway and more than one room.  Even what might have been a “guest room” stood off to the side.

Both of us had that condo on our minds as we approached the Lake Pend Oreille shoreline and walked a trail to the east through boulders and beauteous Ponderosa pine.

Sadly, upon arrival, we found just piles of what had once been someone’s funky and creative beach house.

Bill said the destruction could be weather or vandals or maybe even Fish and Game not wanting the attraction in the wildlife management area.

Whatever, we still had great memories of our time spent taking selfies during our visit last year.

That disappointment, however, did not dampen our enthusiasm about yesterday’s experience cuz driftwood condos or not, the place is drop dead gorgeous, especially when you’re the only humans there.

A totally different story in the summertime, as we and a few hundred others have found the spot, which has lots of nice beach area for swimming.

As noted, our walk was a quick one because Bill went to his Ash Wednesday services and soup dinner last night. 

In his absence I watched portions of last night’s town hall with Democratic candidates.  

My conclusion:  drop the debates and let candidates speak in a calmer, more realistic setting which showcases who they really are.

Besides, it seems to me the only time a President needs to excel at debates is when he or she is running for office.  

Speaking of the campaign, my friend and editor Helen, the "detail" lady,  filled me in the other day on how to exercise my civic voting duty in the privacy of my own home. 

With at least three elections here in Idaho this year---Presidential primary in early March, State primary in May and General election in November and with my desire to do my voting as privately as possible, I’ve decided to opt for absentee ballots for at least two of those elections.

So, Helen told me to go to the Bonner County site or to go to the county election office where I could change my party affiliation and pick which party ballot I wished for both the Presidential primary and the State primary.

I chose the online method, copied off the form, filled it out and sent it in yesterday’s mail, anticipating that in a few days I’ll receive my absentee ballot.

This seems like a stress-free and simple alternative and will give it a try this year.

Helen, if you have anything to add or clarify, please feel free to comment. Thanks for your guidance.

It’s GAME DAY today. Our schedule for cheering on Bulldogs has diminished a bit with Willie’s season ending this past weekend.

So, we’ll put a little extra energy into cheering on the ZAGS tonight as they take on San Diego.

Last year's beach house; this year's driftwood rubble. 

Thursday Throwbacks . . . .

The photos above and below serve as documentation---that my two sisters and I once looked pretty dashing when we wore dresses. 

When former student Deb Brown Scribner posted her News Bulletin find on Facebook the other day, my jaw dropped at the knowledge that there actually HAD been another life so long ago when dresses ruled OR that the rules said we were expected to wear dresses. 

When I think back on how my mother delighted in sprucing up Batch Two (Laurie, Barbara and Jim) in their Easter finest, a tinge of lovely short-lived nostalgia takes over. 

Oh, for the good ol' days when formality was the norm. Still, I have spent enough time in a dress for several lifetimes. 

So, it ain't gonna happen again in this one. 

The very first take-off for the Quest Kodiak.
We knew back in 2006 when we lived next door to Quest Aircraft Co.  that this would some day be historical.

Pretty amazing what Quest has accomplished since that day with the Kodiak being sold all over the world. 

The biscuit queen, Miss Kiwi, a few years back on one of our hikes.

I like to say that in her elder state, Kiwi might possibly have short-term memory loss cuz she might still be swallowing one biscuit when she starts the charm act for yet another. 

I think she gets about a dozen a day. 

A touch of my mother this morning.  One of  my favorites among her Western pen and ink sketches/paintings and one of the few images I have of our childhood farm on North Boyer.

Now, all large aircraft hangers. 

Above and below, fun photos on a hike in the U.S. Forest Seed Orchard off from Grouse Creek Road.

Liam was just a youngster on that hike, so leashes were essential, most of the time. 

Having sent out class reunion materials this week, of course, I'm nostalgic about my extended, almost lifelong family of classmates/friends, a portion of whom attended Lincoln Elementary School.

This was our fourth-grade photo with one of our favorite teachers Alberta Sutliff.  Mrs. Sutliff later served as principal of Lincoln.

Hoping to see many of these folks in September.  

And, of course, let's punctuate the post with the universal "GO, ZAGS!"

Since it's Lent and almost the end of the season with a couple of tough games coming up, ZAGS prayer beads are in season.

Happy Thursday.