Good Morning from Selle

Pardon me if I get carried away with glowing reports of life now that spring has sprung here in Selle. 

As usual, the area where we chose to live almost 16 years ago does not disappoint when the grass turns green and animal and plant life returns. 

It's a downright glorious life, to say the least. 

After the first major lawnmowing of the year, I always walk to the driveway to admire and soak in the beauty of our yard.

To think that a few weeks ago, that scene was snowbanks and, later, water over snow and ice, preventing the culvert from doing its work. 

There was no beholding then; just a lot of frustration.

But when spring finally allows us to get outside and put the polish on what Mother Nature has granted us, I feel like I'm living in Heaven. 

If only someone could do some tweeking on winter, all would be good and glorious every day here. 

On this Friday morning, about halfway through feeding the horses, I noticed that Bridie had decided to assert her independence and head back to the barn. 

That's okay because so far I don't see much passion about guarding the horses, like Liam thinks he needs to do several hours a day. 

I knew Bridie was safe, and she knew she was loose, so she took advantage of the deal and did some of her own exploring around the shop.

When she saw me almost back to the barn, she came to meet me. 

Again, Good Dog. 

A little more independence each day, and eventually, we might be able to take that leash off. 

For now, however, it remains.  Bridie ran free down the land after chores, but she knows I'll pick up the leash once we reach the hay field. 

This morning the ground was abundant with scents of critters who had come through during the night. 

So, there were more tugs going the opposite direction to chase a scent. 

We also faced a test once we got into the woods.  I saw a deer, but Bridie didn't.  So, I kept her occupied, and we walked on.  

Well, next time we stopped, I looked and saw another deer less than 100 feet away, so I put a stronger grip on the leash.  Bridie saw the deer as it took off running, but once I said, "Leave it," she relaxed, sat down and just watched the deer, albeit with enthusiasm. 

We also watched the duck and goose pair meeting in the second pasture.  They seem to get along just fine. 

Yesterday, we really enjoyed watching the geese as they moved from high point to high point around the place.  

First, the shelter in the barnyard, then again the shelter in the barnyard and finally topping off the day atop the horse trailer. 

They are characters, and they always seem to perform with hopes of entertaining an audience. 

In the "Selle Girl Goes National" category, I am currently communicating with our neighbor Tricia Dickens, whose daughter Boston has begun competing in the National Extreme Mustang Challenge in Florida.

This is the first time Boston, a Sandpoint High junior, has been able to compete in person.  

She owns three mustangs, and this year's sweet Cowboy has progressed amazingly since Boston picked him up in Texas a couple of months ago. 

Most of that progress has happened because of Boston's dedication, her zest for learning, her willingness to seek guidance from local experts and her total devotion to her cute, young horse. 

Wishing her all the luck, and, Boston, we are very proud of you.    

Below is a photo Tricia took this morning of Boston and Cowboy in the "handling" class. 

Finally, this morning, I must mention another attribute we have in Selle when weather starts allowing it.

We have farm stands around the area, and we have the Selle Valley Creamery.  Brad and his family have started their Thursday and Friday night hamburger feeds. 

You can either go there, order, sit at a table and visit while enjoying your burger, or you can get your orders to go. 

Last night Bill went fishing again, so I decided his dinner would come from the creamery, which is located on Selle Road less than a mile from HWY 95 and not that far from our house. 

What a handy way to have a dinner ready when you don't want to cook.  

Bill highly approved of the burger which was adorned with the works and some carmelized onion. 

A burger basket with a nice order of fries and a beverage sells for $13. 

Plus, there's the "ambiance" of dining outside in the country if you choose. 

So, if you're local and you want to enjoy a taste of country in beautiful Selle, visit them.  They're serving burgers on Thursday and Friday evenings from 4:30-7 p.m.

And, that's about all for this Friday.  Lots of fun stuff as this weather improves and things start bloomin' all over.  Love it. 

Happy Friday.