Saturday Slight

A "great news" post today.

So many neat layers!

It's been a week of better-than-expected national news with election results showing that Americans generally and wisely chose moderate, sensible candidates over extremists, conspiracy theorists and election deniers. 

Although not thrilled with all the results, I feel renewed hope for the future of our country. 

This past week, the stock market began to  rebound. 

Also, our local winter weather has been okay and very tolerable after a rough start. 

A beautiful edition of Sandpoint Magazine came out, packed with fascinating articles. I believe the cover of this edition is one of my most favorite ever. 

Bill and I had the good fortune to watch a Gonzaga men's game Monday night at the Kennel. 

What a treat AND a warm-up for last night's exciting and memorable comeback for the ZAGS in the Armed Forces Classic!

Twas hard to watch the first half last night as Gonzaga just couldn't get their rhythm going on that aircraft carrier gym. 

The second half, however, was something to behold as stuff started to click and their amazing big man, Drew Timme, used his skills, his foot work and his winning attitude to lead the ZAGS to a one-point victory over Michigan State. 

Because of that, when the final buzzer went off, we could start breathing again. 

We also learned yesterday that the movie we've been anxiously waiting to watch ever since returning from Ireland is showing at the Sandpoint Cinemas.  

So, after watching the Gonzaga win last night, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and went to the theater where "The Banshees of Inisherin" is playing.  

It's very important to note that the reviews, calling it a "dark comedy" are totally accurate. Probably not a movie for the whole family.

Indeed, there is Irish darkness and realism throughout, but the action is sprinkled with lots of laughs. 

The acting is nothing short of magnificent, and, of course, the scenery from beginning to end is breath-taking.  

While we were watching the movie, Willie and Debbie were in Coeur d'Alene scouting a Lake City-Boise (Debbie's alma mater) high school girls basketball game. 

While at the game, Debbie met, sat next to and visited with Gonzaga women's BB coach Lisa Fortier. 

Also, during the time we were watching the movie, my sisters, Barbara and Laurie, were learning officially that their Tibbs Arabian ranch at Colburn has been recognized and the Arabian Horse Association annual convention as 2022 national runner up for the Discovery Ranch Award. 

The award basically acknowledges horse farm owners from around the nation for their efforts to promote the Arabian breed. 

Barbara and Laurie won $500 and a Discovery farm plaque for their national placing. 

https://www.arabianhorses.org/discover/community/discovery-farms/

Congratulations to my sisters. 

Very deserving. 

Below, a comment from Barbara. 

Laurie and Barbara Tibbs

from Barbara:  Laurie and I are so honored to be chosen by the Arabian Horse Association as the Runner Up Discovery Farms Award Recipient for 2022. 

We were unable to attend the National Convention where the award was announced, but we really appreciate Denise Cummings' effort to video our slide presentation and acceptance script for the award.

Again, we are truly grateful for this national recognition.

A beautiful come-from-behind victory for our beloved ZAGS!

Gonzaga women's basketball coach Lisa Fortier with our daughter-in-law Debbie.

BTW:  Bill is headed into Spokane today to watch the Lady ZAGS take on Southern Utah in the Kennel. 

GO, ZAGS!

~~~~~

Finally, on Thursday I received a copy of L. Scott Hancock's latest collection of stories. 

Scott was born in Southern Idaho but spent his career in North Idaho.  He lived in Hope before moving back a few years ago to be closer to his Southern Idaho family. 

I have never met Scott, but my friend and editor Helen knows him well and has connected us virtually. In our getting acquainted phase, I learned that Scott had known our dad Harold Tibbs very well. 

The two were part of a group of outdoorsmen/anglers/hunters who met regularly at the old Pend Oreille Sports Shop to swap stories.

I doubt there was any fake news in the tales they told about whoppers they had caught or the wild game that they had bagged.

Anyway, I've had a chance to read a few stories in Scott's new book, and it's been a pleasant experience. 

In one case, I read his wonderful profile of the late Mary McFarland, a Clark Fork rancher, pilot and cigar smoker. 

After reading the piece, my first thought was that Mary, who died in 2016, should be honored posthumously as a Woman of Wisdom. Truly amazing and colorful human being. 

So, if you're reading this, pass the word to the Women Honoring Women committee. 

To say the least, Scott's book appears to be another fun read where familiar names of folks from all walks of life in our community pop up on the pages. 

The book is available at www.amazon.com.  

Thank you so much, Scott, and Happy Saturday to all. 

It's been a fun and fascinating week, to say the least.