In Rays of Sunshine

A pleasant and esthetic way to end a busy day.

That's Annie above coming in from some paddling at City Beach and along Sand Creek, which now we can call "the jewel of Sandpoint." 

And, of course, right now, Sandpoint could be called the "jewel of Pend Oreille."  

Unlike most jewelry meant to last a long, long time, Sandpoint's "jewel" is seasonal because of lake drawdown each fall. 

Through the winter, it's hard to see esthetics in the mud hole which winds its way through the back side of downtown.

But now!  Ahhh.  

So lovely.  So pristine.  

So magnificent, and, yes, last night as we watched Annie paddle during the golden hour as the sun heads over the Selkirks---Sand Creek, with its still, calm waters and magnificent reflections truly earned "jewel" status.

Annie put out at the beach where some action in some lively volleyball action could be seen on the center grass.  

Through the trees I could see geese pecking and probably pooping.  

Folks were also coming and going on foot. 

Heck, I even talked with Stewart Kluver who was coming in from a not-so-fruitful fishing trip on the lake. 

Bill and I drove over to the parking lot off Bridge Street where we could see Annie making some nice time paddling that new red kayak. 

So, we walked the walk and watched as she paddled just past the Cedar Street Bridge and turned around.

She offered to let me give the boat a try, but we all agreed maybe a better time with more appropriate kayak garb (rather than jeans) would be appropriate.

Twas a nice, eye catching and relaxing way to top off the evening in a day which saw the rest of my tomatoes, more potatoes and corn seed go into the dirt on the west side of the barn.

This garden patch will need protection from the deer when the plants grow and the deer get bolder and bolder in the summer months. 

So, I went to Co-Op and bought some stakes and deer netting, which will go up soon. 

With Annie around this week, my domestic side has taken a surge.  Yesterday homemade potato salad, with this year's radishes and chives, made for a nice side dish with our Wood's German sausages.

Annie has gotten more domestic during this Pandemic.  She brought home a nice sampling of her stew, which she made last week.  Tasty and good, especially with a touch of garlic and thyme. 

Pandemic and fire aftermath and all, we're enjoying some lovely family time where Annie and her brother work their remote jobs during the days and we satisfy our tastebuds and recreational appetites at night. 

Nice to have the sun back.  I'm hoping this heat wave will be effective in removing every ounce of mud from this place.   Fingers are crossed and feet are very ready to quit wearing barn boots. 

Looking forward to a "small dose" of high temps and sun. 

Happy Wednesday. 

Bill calls it "Betty Berger Pass" on North Kootenai Road. 

The whole road is undergoing a facelift with trees cut along the right-of-ways and the "pass" being widened, thanks to the chipping away of rock with a steam shovel.

More room for the resident turkeys and deer to roam.