Slight Detour: Friends and Fun at Farmers' Market

Yesterday's first edition of the 2022 Sandpoint Farmers' Market turned out to be potpourri of familiar faces, new friends and the realization that cute dogs have become a staple at the Saturday market in Farmin Park.

Dogs offer a way to meet new people, especially when a shy Jack Russell warms right up to a stranger.

This trio and their peeps offered some friendly conversation while making their way through the market.

In that conversation I learned that this ol' Sandpoint native needs to go downtown more often.

Troyce, the pups' human mom, told me that she works at a store on First Avenue called "I Saw Something Shiny."

https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/i-saw-something-shiny-the-district-sandpoint-2

I am not too proud to admit that I'd never heard of the store until I met the Jack Russells and their owners at yesterday's Farmer's Market.

I had heard of "The District," in the Sandpoint Reader, but was unaware that it is an upscale restaurant in the same complex.

Troyce didn't seem too concerned that this ol' local yokel hadn't been downtown for a while. In fact, she was friendly and fun---fun enough that I'll plan a First Avenue adventure one of these days and check the place out.

Seems the Pandemic and that fact that I live and love spending most of my time in Heavenly Selle has kept me from checking out the many new places in Sandpoint.

My stroll through yesterday's market was filled with numerous mini-visits and a few reunions.

I hadn't seen former student Whitney Palmer in person for a few years, even though we've corresponded online. So, we did a little catching up.

Years ago, her parents, Fred and Barb, lived across Woodland Drive from our North Boyer farm. Their dog Rosie, a friendly black lab, always came over to my folks' home for a visit. Eventually, Rosie just took up residence at the Tibbs Ranch.

Whitney's mom Barb also worked with me at Sandpoint High School.

I enjoyed a fun visit with Suzy Russell James, also a former student. She is an amazing lady, who has gotten into serious running over the past few years while raising some wonderful kids.

And, I purchased my bird house from former student and SHS Ponderette Diana Bostock Tillberg.

Seems sad times fell on the couple who had always sold the beautifully painted bird houses, so Deno and her husband Paul took them over, and Deno, who's talented on so many levels, adds her special touch.

I picked out the 7B model, which is now sitting atop a fencepost in our lane.

I also saw Bev Wiley and her daughter for the first time in seemingly forever. Bev had just returned from her winter in the Southwest.

And, I enjoyed listening to the soothing voices of Chrystle and Sam (another former student). The couple has been entertaining around town for a number of years.

Yesterday's market was not quite up to full strength just yet, but it still offered a sumptuous helping of friends, food, flowers, fine music, genuinely happy and nice people enjoying themselves in laid-back, springtime atmosphere.

Plus, I liked my toasted rye bread purchased from Blue Fingers.

The event definitely was worth the trip to town. Looking forward to more visits.

Happy Sunday, and Happy May Day.