Yesterday Foster and I drove out to the boat launch to Lake Pend Oreille near Hope.
The place offers a welcome break from winter with plenty of bare ground and easy access for walking and just enjoying the scenery.
While we were there, we saw some ducks having a good time diving and floating along in the water.
A couple of rigs with trailers were parked in the lot, and before we left, one boat came in from the lake.
It was so nice to see color, even though one had to look to the ground for most of it. Walking was a nice change from what we're used to in the snow and ice.
If anyone needs a break from snow and some good eye candy, the place also has picnic tables and a restroom.
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I've known that Border Collies are smart, but I'm still amazed at Bridie's decision-making.
She decided a couple of months ago, after going every single day since her arrival at the Lovestead, that she was no longer going to the barn with me for the early morning chores.
One morning she simply looked at me as I summoned her from the comfy couch and, with her body language and eyes, said, "No thanks, I'd rather stay here."
I asked her a couple of times, but she stuck to her decision.
Bridie knows a good situation when she sees it, and I didn't blame her one bit for wanting to stay in the warmth of the house.
And, so through these mid-winter months, I've done chores by myself, 'cept for the company of a couple of cats.
This morning, Bridie came running to the laundry room when I started putting on my coat.
Again, body language and eyes AND a wagging tail said, "I want to go with you today."
I tried to talk her out of it, but she persisted, even pushing her way to the door as I opened it.
"Okay," I said, thinking about how Bridie pretty much runs free now. Still, I would tether her to a pole while leading the horses to the barnyard.
After that, I let her loose, and the Border Collie eye, which had been focused on Mooch, the cat, wasted no time directing Bridie toward the kitty which wasted no time leaping upward and climbing to the top of the hay stack.
From that time on, I did my chores and Bridie sniffed around, looking for some fresh horse apples.
It's pretty neat to witness her decision-making and to be able to go about my work, knowing that she is sticking close by.
I don't know what Bridie will decide for tomorrow, but if it's resuming morning barn duty, that's okay.
In other news, I hope my friend Tara is reading my blog this morning because those pansies I planted a while back are starting to make their appearance.
Tara, a travel consultant in Wisconsin who takes groups to Ireland every year, commented that she might start some pansies too.
There's something about the appearance of that first sprout that makes things pretty official.
Spring is not THAT far off. New life is coming.
My friend Chris Pietsch . . . .
For anyone who may be new to the blog, Chris is a former student who likes to tell that he got his photography start as a Monticola yearbook staff member, cleaning the SHS darkroom.
He also took our wedding pictures nearly 49 years ago.
Naturally, I have followed Chris's life and his career as an amazing and passionate photographer.
Chris, who lives in Cresswell, Ore., (hometown of Coach Mark Few) announced overnight that he has a new and improved website, so I took a look.
It's well worth the click AND to bookmark.
You can enjoy some phenomenal photography covering a variety of subjects.
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Willie's Bulldogs are now 12-4 after a win on the road last night.
From the SHS Girls Hoops on Twitter:
Bulldogs 57, Moscow 39. Bears played tough on their Senior Night.
Aliya Strock with 20, Kelsey Cessna with 13, Daylee Driggs with 11, Karlie Banks with 9.
Record improves to 12-4.
Up Next: Lakeland on Friday in the Battle for the Paddle.
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from Coach Love: Took a while, but the girls never got rattled and finally made their run.
Keep up the good work, Bulldogs!
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Only 13 more days in January.
Happy Wednesday.
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