Saturday Slight

 

Juxtaposition.

Maybe even a touch of defiance. 

Finally, a reminder of work ahead. 

Never mind those piles of snow outside.

These plants--some just planted this week--shall grow into pretty flowers and tasty 'maters.

While they flourish inside, snow will melt and grass will turn green after I remove last fall's leaves. 

We could see a substantial amount of snow melting this week with some rain and warmer temperatures. 

While doing this morning's chores, I walked over slippery ice, enhanced by overnight rain.  

I walked through puddles and over an expanse of barnyard carpeted with soggy horse manure. 

I also walked through some snow. 

So, it's looking and feeling like transition time. 

This is usually the stretch of winter where things get worse before they get better. 

Also, the period often lasts a lot longer than we wish, especially with dirty-dog days. 

But we have no choice but to get through it, so we'll grin and bear it, and with luck, plants will grow. 

~~~~

In other news, I learned yesterday how to connect with several locals at once.  

Many longtimers shop at Yoke's on Fridays, at least those of my vintage. 

I usually go to the store when I need something so never really stick to any particular schedule. 

Yesterday, however, the trip through the grocery store lasted at least 20 minutes, with just three items in my plastic bag at the check-out stand but lots of fun chatting with folks I've known for years. 

After arriving home with my English muffins, Refresh eye drops and colorful plant to spice up the garden table, I told Bill of my shopping Aha moment, listing off the conversations.

"Did you see Shirley Parker?" he asked. "She shops on Friday's."

For some reason, I had remembered Shirley's grocery habit but also knew my visit didn't coincide with Shirley's shopping because she also goes to lunch on Friday's, at least she used to before the Pandemic. 

I also think the locals might make the rounds on Friday because later when I went to North 40, the "Hi, how are you?" conversations continued.  In most cases these were former students.

Long story short, it was visiting bonanza time with the locals at the stores for me yesterday, and it felt good.

Still, the usual present-day experience in Sandpoint  happened when Bill and I went to MickDuff's for dinner. 

We walked into the restaurant with one family we knew.  After being seated, I told Bill, "Except for the Mire's, I don't know a soul in here."

Later, some more former students walked in, but for the most part, the restaurant was filled with a sea of unfamiliar faces.  

Changing times, for sure. 

Today, it won't matter where the locals hang out.  

It's GAME DAY! 

Lots of good college basketball on the TV schedule, and we'll be watching some key match-ups off and on throughout the day as we await the contest which some are touting as one of the "games of the year." 

Longtime, intense rivals Gonzaga (No. 12) and St. Mary's (No.18) tip off at 7:30 p.m. PST tonight on ESPN. 

A headline in the paper suggests it will be a "bruiser."

More than likely so.  

I'll be wearing all my ZAGS gear and might even pull out the prayer/game beads for this one. 

If you're a ZAGS fan, give it your all tonight.  It will be needed. 

Happy Saturday.

GO, ZAGS!