Monday Sweetness, Mostly

 

Yes, it's a sweet sweet morning in households across the ZAG Nation.

My next door neighbor Leslie predicted that last night's ZAGS-TCU game would be a squeaker.

My "angel junior" friend Kevin told me, after Creighton and Xavier won yesterday, that it would be nice to have three Jesuit schools moving on to the Sweet 16.

Of course, here at the Lovestead, all those petrified piles of snow said to us that the ZAGS must play on for at least another week. 

After all, while some people use the calendar, we rely on the end of each ZAGS season as the true indicator of spring in North Idaho. 

So, all three of the above have come true. 

Mother Nature has at least until Thursday to melt a whole lot of snow.  Three Jesuit schools will play in the Sweet Sixteen, and Leslie nailed it about the game being a squeaker. 

At one point in last night's game, Bill and I were even pondering exactly the same thought.  Then, he said it out loud:  this could be the last time we watch Anton Watson play. 

Happily, it won't be, but at the time, the outcome of the game looked a bit ominous. 

Leave it to heart and coaching and talent and incredible teamwork.

Thanks to the above, they're still saving the "last dance" for the ZAGS.  

We don't know when that will be. 

As much as I hate winter, it would be okay with me if we still have a little snow hanging around until April 2.

 That's Bill's birthday, and it would be really nice for him to celebrate while watching the ZAGS play in the National Championship. 

What a March Madness it has been!  

So many shining moments from unexpected participants and so much nail-biting, great basketball. 

Have loved every minute of the hours of watching in between projects. 

Congratulations to Coach Mark Few and the ZAGS who have demonstrated the ultimate in patience, learning, teamwork, decency, sportsmanship and what happens to a work in progress when it continues to move steadily forward. 

For all of the above reasons, we've loved the ZAGS for decades, and we'll keep on loving them to the end of each season. 

Let's keep dancing.  

On another front, I received the following email yesterday afternoon. After a little research, thought it would be fun to share today. 

from L. Scott Hancock, friend and author

Many of you know my stepson, Capt. Eric Wartenweiler Smith, International Explorer, underwater archeologist, and documentary assistant host on television for projects like Cleopatra’s Lost Palace, and lost cities of ancient Egypt. Eric has devoted more than twenty five years of his life to this research.

His life has been astounding, living first in Coeur d’ Alene then moving to Sandpoint after high school.

Today, I watched the latest documentary he helped narrate titled:

“Secrets” season 7, episode 1. Telling of current research on lost cities in Alexandria Bay, Egypt. These cities remain below the sea brought about by ancient floods and earthquakes along the Nile River.

I encourage you to view this documentary, it is fascinating.

Amazon Prime will take you to the site.

Enjoy, Scott

~~~~

Since I do not know Eric, I did some googling and found the following bio.  Sounds to me like he has let very little grass grow under him---I guess as a seaman, that would not be too possible.

https://lifeboat.com/ex/bios.eric.wartenweiler.smith

~~~~

Like so many locals, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Bonner General Health will no longer be offering pregnancy, labor and delivery care, starting in May. 

Over the weekend, I've tried to come up with analogies that might illustrate the gravity of this situation. 

Maybe thinking of a gas station no longer providing fuel but continuing to sell soft drinks, snacks and worn-out hotdogs. 

This may be a futile attempt, but it still illustrates the shock so many have felt over the past few days about the hospital's decision to quit offering the basics that have been available since time immemorial.

To those of us born in Sandpoint, the reaction is personal as we think back on our town, which, in essence, "was country before country wasn't cool."

We might not have had much back in the day, but during those times, we always counted on the fact that the family doctor and the hospital would be there to take care of our basic needs. 

Being born is about as basic as life gets. 

We also never thought of our medical care ever becoming politically charged. 

Now, we have that nice facility in downtown, which has continued to grow and offer more specialized services---just like the gas stations have done with their food offerings over the years. 

It's unfathomable to think of no more babies greeting the world here in little ol' Sandpoint like babies used to do throughout our lifetimes. 

On a lighter note, Bill pointed out to me this weekend that this has become a job-security issue for me. After all, I write the "Natives and Newcomers" feature for each Sandpoint Magazine.  

At my age, the time for me to worry about finding natives of our community may be a long way off---- probably after I die. 

Which brings up a rather ghoulish thought:  will final services suddenly cease for all those crusted-over babies born in Sandpoint when they take their last breath? 

Bart, let me down easily if you decide to abandon ship!

From the sublime to the ridiculous, I know!  

But that's exactly how stunning this news is for those residents who have lived a lifetime taking for granted that the doctors and the hospital would be there all the time, just like the gas stations.

If you're on Facebook, check out the thread about "being born in Sandpoint" as a "Sign You're a Sandpoint Kid."  Some fascinating comments. 

 Also, the link below provides a more facts-based commentary on this unsettling situation.

Not exactly Monday morning sweetness and especially sour when you think of some of the reasons this decision was made.   

 

https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2023/mar/19/bgh-obstetrics-closure-heartbreaking-see/