Blossoms R Us; TBT

It was truly a banner day to smell the flowers and all the scents associated with everything else which is quickly bursting forth with sweet-smelling blossoms. 

I enjoyed lovely and pure fragrances wafting toward the front seat of my car for about 45 minutes as I drove home with my Ponderay Rotary flower baskets. 

I sat on the lawnmower for about three hours inhaling sweet scents around the place and embracing the grand entrance of delicate, lovely and plentiful fruit blossoms and more pansies and hyacinths and leaves on trees and promises of more of the same yet to come. 

With 90 percent rain predicted for today, it was imperative to get that lawn mowed, and this morning, even in the rain, the myriad of colors accentuated by deep blankets of green grass is breath-taking. 

It was fun taking the annual trip out to Kari's to pick out my baskets.  I left early enough to get there on time but not too early, lest I be accused of being an earlybird which are not always welcome at yard sales. 

Arriving 20 minutes early, I was shocked to see a number of cars which had arrived before me. 

Hmmmm, hope those earlybirdies haven't picked out all the best baskets, I thought selfishly as I rounded the curve into the main parking area. 

Well, there was a sea of baskets wrapped with their protective jackets, meaning up close and personal inspections would be necessary. 

As usual, I saw someone I hadn't seen in a couple of years walking my way. 

"Barney, I know you want to talk, but I'm gonna pick out my baskets first.  Then, I'll talk," 

Well, he wasn't giving up that easily as he followed me to the basket area.  

"I promise.  I'll come and talk to you when I've picked out my baskets," I said. 

He then settled for a quick conversation, asking where my car was cuz he had something he wanted me to see and he would leave it there. 

Men just don't understand women on a mission, especially when it involves picking out the best and prettiest posies possible. 

After a few minutes, I had settled on this year's color scheme for the deck.  After putting the baskets in the car, I kept my promise and went back to visit with Barney. 

As we were visiting, I spotted an intent flower browser who looked a lot like my friend Kathy Chambers.

"Is that Kathy Chambers?" I asked Barney.

"Yes."

So, in my usual obnoxious manner, I yelled out "KAAAATHY!"

Kathy looked up and announced that she wasn't gonna talk until she picked out her baskets. 

Case closed and nicely so for Barney.  He knew for sure that I wasn't the only frantic flower picker in the bunch, and it turns out he already knew.  So, all was well.  

Barney's graciousness at my putting him off in favor of the picking the prettiest baskets in the group was much appreciated.  We also enjoyed a nice visit, as I did later when Kathy had selected her baskets. 

Today's rain will mean some indoor projects, but that's okay cuz the view out every window in the house is at its best in this blossoming season. 

I'm gonna tell on Bridie this morning and tell the deer I'm sorry. 

Over the past few days, I've been noticing the tops snipped off from my yet-to-bloom hyacinths near the barn.  

Damn deer, I've thought. 

Well, that changed yesterday when I went to the house for a minute or two and Bridie stayed behind at her barn spot. 

When I came back out, I could see her chewing something.  Twasn't long before I realized what it was:  a big beautiful pink hyacinth, fresh from its stem. 

Bad dog.  

We've had a talk about leaving my flowers alone. Sometimes Bridie complies. 

Below:  

The Carter Hall ladies, Cathy and Kit,  appear to be having a nice time on their visit to Ireland. 

My friend Marcia sent me this photo with a "Top 'o the Morning" from Galway. 

Ladies, you're looking good and happy.  That's what happens when you go to Ireland.  

 

Thursday Throwbacks . . . .

This was taken the afternoon of the senior prom at Sandpoint High back in 1993 when a group of senior girls selected their dates for the prom from among lower classmen. 

Four girls, five boys:  well, the group met one of the ladies later in Spokane where they enjoyed a prom dinner at Chucky Cheese. 

Amazing where these folks have gone in their lives. One is even running for a local office here in Bonner County.  

Hope someone can identify them all. 

I do not remember why Kelsi Camp was wearing  a fire hat in this picture, but she was. 

If anyone can help me refresh my memory, it will be appreciated. 

Back in the days of promoting my books.  An Idaho spud came in handy with this one. 

Gotta pheasant!  Bill was quite proud. 

Mom is in the prom picture from 1993.

Daughter is at the Spokane Junior Livestock show with a fat steer.

Time flies.