Saturday Slight

Just learned seconds ago that Miss Lily won first place in halter for stock horses in the Emerald Empire Virtual Horse Show.

Now, that will make up for a freezer that doesn't freeze.  Note explanation below. 

Welcome to summer. 

We're supposed to have some rain today, but, at least, it's warm out there this morning.

Annie is home. 

This time her domicile is sitting to the south of the house.

Yup, she's got her own hideout in her own private Idaho.  

This time she'll be staying for a couple of weeks, working remotely and taking some vacation time.

Annie brought a house guest.  

Finn doesn't have to stay in the trailer.  He's actually on the kitchen island.  

He's a handsome guy with his orange color and long flowing fins. 

So far, Finn seems to be doing just fine here at the Lovestead.  It will be fun to get to know him better over the next several days. 

We also had some guests for coffee and cookies yesterday.

Our former neighbors (almost 14 years) Ron and Bev came for a nice visit, and, as promised, I took a few photos. 

They have moved to Nevada, but they assured me that Sandpoint will be on their list of vacation destinations.

Wishing them well.  Good peeps. 

Our Saturday morning has begun with some concerns:  one of our freezers doesn't appear to be working right. 

Bill noticed the door partially open (just a crack) yesterday and observed a lot of melting going on inside. 

When it's blueberries and raspberries dripping all over locker meat packages, you can imagine the gory sight.

He figured that the slight opening caused the problem, but this morning, stuff is cold but hardly frozen.  We're hoping that turning up the dial will help but also not holding our breath. 

That problem could define our day as we do some problem solving in hopes of not having to throw away the contents. 

Otherwise, I'm thrilled to see that some live sports will be available on TV today with the running at Ascot and the Belmont Stakes.  

I have often said lately that this country SO needs to have its live sports back.  Seems there wouldn't be nearly as much visceral and ugly acrimony if the population only had some distractions rather than nothing but news, news, news----and much of it not nice news.

Being without live television sports has taken its toll with moral in general. 

And, so to be able to view a live event, especially one dealing with horses, means more than ever these days. I have it taped, in case stuff like the freezer gets in the way. 

I also noticed that the Upper Pack River Market will be open at Samuels Store again today with more vendors.  

And, finally, that lovely photo of strawberries was taken by someone at Hickey Farms.  

Strawberry fields---not forever but from 9-1 p.m. today.  

So, check it out. 

Happy Saturday. 

Dear friends and former neighbors, Bev and Ron Kauble. 

Since it's Father's Day weekend, I'll leave you today with a new song by a singer dearly beloved by my dad.

In fact, Harold attended three Willie Nelson concerts, two in one weekend between Missoula and Pullman.

Once my brother Mike put Harold on to Willie's music, he was hooked, so hooked, in fact, that he was thrilled when we named our son Willie. 

Twas a family name, as he is William E. Love III, but we didn't mind the association with Willie Nelson.

Later, we all attended a Willie Nelson concert at "The Farm" near Cocolalla.  It was a part of the Festival at Sandpoint summer series. 

As ushers, we were privileged to spend a few moments up close and personal in close proximity to the country legend----so close, in fact, that he gave Annie a peck on the cheek.

I think it's safe to say that most of our family loves Willie Nelson's music and his humanitarian gestures over the years through his benefit concerts.  

And, so in honor of my dad AND because this is a new video, I thought it would be fun to feature this song today. 

I think Harold would approve. 

Enjoy.  

And, Happy Saturday.