Fat and Wintry Tuesday

 

It's really neat to start the day out by reading a Facebook post about a neighbor who just had a lung transplant, which so far seems very successful. 

I'm so happy for him and for his family. 

Later, on a trip outside, where more snow had fallen overnight, I spotted two deer bedded down in the first pasture, looking totally relaxed. 

I can't figure out why they don't prefer the woods with its soft pine needle beds.  Then, however, when I think about the snow and the tree limbs dripping, the deer probably made a wise decision.

Happily, the overnight snow dump was fairly minimal.  I told Bill that I don't mind it and actually enjoyed it this morning, knowing that it's February and not November. 

If Mother Nature follows her usual fashion, we are not looking toward five months of winter. 

So, it's okay, and it's pretty.  

I also know that it's very welcome up at Schweitzer.  

The snake slithers away, YAY!

 And the beautiful horse comes galloping in. 

I'll take it.

Speaking of the Year of the Horse, after a snowy day, I decided last night to use my laptop and send Laurie and CB outdoors from Roxane's indoor arena to work out in a summer setting.  

AI is fun. 

Laissez les bons temps rouler

Let the Good Times Roll!

Several years ago our friend Jeannie Mickelsen brought us a King's Cake and a Mardi Gras mask on Fat Tuesday. 

These items added to the collection of Jeannie gifts we already had, including a star quilt, some braided sweet grass and a pair of beaded earrings, all fashioned by Jeannie or her family members who belonged to the Blackfeet Indian Tribe in Montana.

I received these gifts as part of a Giveaway Ceremony where her son Chase received his Indian name and his notable mentors received gifts. 

It was a poignant and meaningful occasion, which touched all of us recipients who had been Chase's teachers. 

Jeannie, who worked with Bill at the Idaho Dept. of Lands at the time, also occasionally brought us some fresh fry bread. 

Sadly, she is no longer with us, but her memory stands firm and beloved in both of our minds, especially on Fat Tuesday.  

Jeannie had spent some time in Louisiana where she became a big fan of the LSU Tigers and of the Mardi Gras traditions. 

So, on this Fat Tuesday, I think of Jeannie, her generosity, her friendship and the impact she left on both Bill and me. 

In so doing, I donned the mask this morning and then told AI to fix me up.  If only wrinkles would disappear so easily in real life!

Happy Fat Tuesday and the best to all who observe six weeks of Lent starting tomorrow. 

💜💚💜💚💜💚💜💚

Finally, wishing luck to Coach Love and the Sandpoint High men's basketball team as they travel to Lewiston today for their final regular season game.

It will be a tough one as Lewiston has a 17-3 record, but the Bulldogs are hot, having won their last two games by 30 and 40 points, respectively. 

It should be a great match-up, and, of course, we want the Bulldogs to make the long trip home with smiles on their faces. 

🏀🏀GO, BULLDOGS!🏀🏀