Slight Detour: Falls and Puddles

Twas downright mood-enhancing, in a most welcome way.

My first glance out the window this morning set the tone.

Daylight had not yet come, but the scene was dark and gloomy.

"Ugh, even thicker smoke today," I muttered to myself before brushing my teeth, taking my shower and getting dressed.

Upon a second look through the sliding glass door, the scene seemed just as depressing: another hot day with even more smoke.

A minute or so later, though, I walked outside to the most beautiful sight.

I actually thought my eyes were playing tricks while walking toward the car and seeing what looked like a wet windshield.

I even patted the windshield to validate the fact that this really was WET.

Around the car on the ground, I observed new phenomena.

Puddles!

Lots of them!

A glum stupor instantly turned joyous.

We had received enough rain overnight to form puddles.

And, it turns out that was not ALL smoke in the air. Much of it was mist formed by warm air and wetness falling from above.

More wetness of joy came from my eyes as I walked the driveway silently validating that it had, indeed---rain enough to form beautiful puddles.

Normally, I don't get too excited about puddles cuz in this country we are accustomed to seeing more than our share at certain times of the year.

This year is different.

Again, I'm thinking that it's been a complete lifetime since I've been THAT happy about a rainstorm.

Yes, my mood did change quickly, and I'm thinking that around the area, moods have been lifted from what seemed like endless concern for the land, the forests and the animals (including the mental well being of humans).

Gratitude hardly seems adequate for this gift of rain, but thank you, Mother Nature, anyway.

You delivered, and we are thankful and relieved.

In other news, Bill and I drove to Priest River yesterday afternoon to get a perspective on the Pioneer Fire in Bodie Canyon.

Basically, our perspective ended up being a lot of smoky air.

Nonetheless, the trip was worth it, thanks to a stop at the Falls Inn to pick up one of those huge sandwiches.

I think on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being the smallest, our sandwich was a 3, meaning that it was enough to feed a couple of people.

Yesterday was my second-ever stop at the Falls for sandwiches. We had our first experience a few years back when Larinda Cook, one of the owners fixed us a ham and cheese sandwich. Probably a No. 4 that time.

Well, yesterday we didn't see Larinda, who had made those sandwiches for 30-plus years, because her family has sold the Falls Inn.

Turns out one of my former students Zabrielle Dillon and her husband Bryan are now co-owners along with Luke and Tenneall Madsen.

The server told us that they took over the business about a month ago.

It's a funky and fun place. One feels a sense of time warp with lace curtains and weathered antiques scattered up various levels of the rock wall outside.

Inside, visitors can see some great historical photos on one wall. If only I had worn my glasses, I could have told you more about the photos.

Bill did note that one featured the old Falls Ranger Station which was located just across the highway.

Maybe the most popular feature, though, is the bar experience where patrons can sit on their stools and look out the window at the falls where little fish fly out of the water, attempting an upward journey.

Plus, from the outdoor window perspective, I saw that "egg s" were available yesterday.

After we arrived home from our afternoon outing, half sandwiches from No. 3 more than sufficed our supper needs.

Today it's gonna be a very Happy Monday with no need to drag hoses around.