Fun Night Out in Dover

I don't know if it could be considered "near normal," but the fact that we enjoyed some leisurely interaction with peeps outside our family circle and enjoyed some restaurant fare almost straight from the kitchen made it feel kinda normal. 

After a day of hauling off garbage, wood gathering and lawn mowing, we decided to head to Dover Bay. 

Before leaving home, I had taken my usual after-lawn-mowing shower, washed my hair, traded all my dirty clothes for a clean wardrobe, added a necklace and bracelet and even sprayed on some good smelling cologne Annie had given me for Christmas. 

It felt good to get gussied up.  

Mind you, Marianne's version of gussying up is pretty basic by most standards----clean jeans, a different shirt and that jewelry. 

Of course, the additional accessories of Chlorox wipes and Jessie's hand sanitizer went with us. 

Bill had read that Dover Bay does only take-out, but they also have tables set up (at a distance from one another) outside. So, we thought it would be fun to give it a try. 

We used our phones, checking out the menu and then Bill went inside to order while I moseyed around taking pictures. 

Twas peep Heaven for this social butterfly.  Two women, probably Dover Bay residents were enjoying a visit, and then along came a former student, her hubby and her toddler. 

Lacey was in my English class when I taught out in the portables north of Sandpoint High School back in the late 1990s.  Her mom Ann was on my drill team and even took an adult night class through NIC which I taught back in the 1980s.

Plus, I was living in the old neighborhood when Lacey lived up on a hill not too far from our place. 

So, it was fun to do some catch-up.  A little later, I received a call on the cell phone.  It was Bill telling me he was sitting at a table on the other side of the building.

Upon arriving, I noticed that the glass of Chardonnay I had ordered was instead a bottle.  Bill said they only sell by the bottle, so, yes, we did bring most of a bottle of Chardonnay home. 

It felt good to sit at that table sipping on wine and watching the afternoon sun's reflection on the Pend Oreille River. 

Soon Bill's gumbo and my hamburger with fries came, thanks to a "masked man with a hair net."  He warned Bill that the gumbo was hot, and, by golly, it was as were the burger and fries. 

During that time other diners showed up outside, including Clint and Margi Gunter, parents of triplets who had stayed home with friends. Margi told me she had decided to wear a necklace too!

Bill also knew the optometrist from Wal-Mart who came with his wife and joined another couple.

Yes, it all seemed normal AND delightful, as it was a lovely evening before the rain storm at Dover.

Later, we took a leisurely drive through the thriving housing development which emerged from the grounds of the old Pack River Mill at Dover.  

And, the trail leading up to Dover Bluff was a must stop. We two old fogeys didn't exactly have the right shoes for climbing up the trail, but it was so beautiful every step of the way, we took greater care than usual.

Before reaching the top, we came upon a pair of strangers, who did not remain strangers very long. 

What a serendipitous moment to meet Matt and Amber, North Carolinians working remotely, traveling and house sitting along the way----for two years so far. 

I'm sure their tales of living on the road while staying gainfully employed with good jobs would be a fascinating read, as they happily told of all the animals they've cared for in their various stops, including Icelandic ponies at one place. 

Eventually, we said good bye but all agreed we'd probably see each other again. 

By the time Bill and I made it to the top, the sun had disappeared and darkness was setting in. GREAT care was taken with each step on our descent to the car. 

It's not a long trail, but it's a bit steep and rocky, but oh so gorgeous right now with all the wildflowers and shrubs alive with spring decor. 

And, so, last night we created our own little Saturday night saga of "normalcy," I guess!  

What I do know for sure:  it was a lovely evening from start to finish and so good to make those connections. 

Happy Sunday.  I encourage you to take time to watch the video below---it's a voice which is both meaningful,  refreshing, to say the least.    

A hopeful, caring  message of encouragement regarding America's better angels from a good man and former President. 

Thank you, President Bush, for reminding us of the true American spirit that most of us have loved throughout the majority of our lives.