Shoot the Moon, Et. Al.

I used to love to shoot the moon in pinochle.  

It was the ultimate, and whenever it worked seamlessly, twas just like hitting the sweet spot in tennis. 

BTW: I seldom did that during my dismal tennis career but managed to experience the feeling a few times. 

I haven't played pinochle for years, but last night and this morning when I could literally "shoot" the moon with my two cameras, some of those same exhilarating emotions came back. 

How lucky to be outside at the right time and maybe in the best place!  Of course, I always wish for a better camera in such times, but my phone and Canon did their best.

I think there was a lot of worldwide shooting the moon worldwide because it was such a spectacular phenomenon. 

Twas amazing last night in the east sky and equally inspiring in the west while I was pushing a cart filled with hay for the horses to the second pasture. 

I also felt like I'd figuratively shot the moon yesterday afternoon when the fun started off with our class reunion committee meeting.  

We paid bills, and we all told our great stories of the reunion, and there many, some very heart-warming. 

While we were meeting, Amy, who has faithfully served us through many meetings at DiLuna's Restaurant, told me that the people who owned a house in Ireland were in the restaurant. 

She has mentioned them before and she was anxious for me to meet them. 

"Where's the house?" I asked.  Later, when she came back to the table, she said County Kerry. 

That got our reunion committee member Kathy excited cuz County Kerry is where she knows of some of her Irish heritage. 

After the meeting, I sat down at what I guessed to be the table of the Irish homeowners.  Turns out it was, and it turned out to be a lively and fun conversation and mutual introduction.  

I finally learned all three names with their clues:  Dan the Man, Hannah Montana and Steve, the (I don't remember the clue but finally remembered "Steve"). 

During our visit, I learned about and saw photos of the house in County Kerry, which they have renovated over the past 30 years. "Before" and "after" were remarkable. 

After saying good bye to them, I ran some errands and then came home where I saw a text message from my classmate Dennis James.  

Since I'd been visiting for most of the afternoon, I thought, why not keep it up, so I called him. 

Dennis told me some fascinating and inspiring stories, and I told him some of my own from our time as kids in Sandpoint. 

There was a commonality of the stories:  both of us remembered George, the Milkman who wore striped bib overalls and delivered bottles of milk to people's doorsteps. 

Dennis and I may not have known each other when we were little, but we both had fond memories of George. 

Twas then that I, for about the one-millionth time, give or take a few, reflected on the thrill of growing up in a small and beautiful town called Sandpoint AND that we can still as oldtimers enjoy many aspects of what has been a lifetime love affair with our hometown. 

It's the stories, and it's the people, and I sure shot the moon yesterday with both of the aforementioned. 

No need for a good pinochle game when you've got Sandpoint. 

 

There's a big event coming up this Saturday at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, and we, of course, are supporting our daughter-in-law and Bonner Community Food Bank executive director Debbie Love in the celebration. 

🍇🌽🍉🍒🍏🍔🍕🍖

from Sandpoint Living Magazine

Celebrate a milestone with the Bonner Community Food Bank at their 45th Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser, happening Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 5-8 pm at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

This special evening will feature small plates from local restaurants, a silent and live auction, and a sample of beer or wine, along with access to a no-host bar—all included with your $45 ticket. Tables for 8 are available for $360. Seating is limited, so early reservations are encouraged.

For 45 years, the Bonner Community Food Bank has proudly served families across Bonner County, fueled by donations, volunteers, and community support. Open five days a week, the food bank serves nearly 3,000 people each month, providing vital resources to those in need.

Local donors, businesses, and organizations are invited to be part of this celebration by contributing monetary support or auction items to help continue the food bank’s mission. Vendors interested in participating can contact Debbie Love or Ana Kampe at 208.263.3663 or via email at debbie@bonnercommunityfoodbank.org or ana@bonnercommunityfoodbank.org.

Join in honoring this remarkable legacy and supporting the work that strengthens our community. For details, visit BonnerFoodBank.org.

Since I spent the afternoon gabbing yesterday, I'll be working overtime today to tackle fall and winterizing projects:  lots of cutting back on shrubs and weed eating and maybe some leaf pickup. 

Plenty to do, so will get at it. 

Have a great Tuesday.