When you win a basketball autographed by Gonzaga All American Graham Ike and he's right there beside you to share in your good fortune, it's a joyous moment, indeed.
When the name "Debbie Love" was announced after a drawing last night, the occupants at our table let out a cheer rivaling the zeal we display in our living rooms pretty much any time a 3-pointer is scored by our beloved ZAGS.
Plus, how neat it will be for that basketball to reside in the home of Sandpoint High men's basketball Coach Love and his lovely spouse!
Thanks to Debbie and Walker's Furniture, Bill and I enjoyed an unexpected treat last night in Spokane.
It all began just as I had pulled into my sisters' driveway where Barbara was about to hook up their horse trailer which would be going to Stateline to pick up CB from his boot camp with Monty.
My phone showed a message from Debbie. She was inviting Bill and me to go along with her, Willie and John Rinck into Spokane to meet Gonzaga great Graham Ike.
Why does everything have to happen at the same time?
That was my first thought, knowing there was no way we could go to Stateline, pick up CB, drive home and then head back to Spokane.
Well, there was a way, and it seemed iffy, but, by golly, it turned out.
My sisters and I drove to Stateline, picked up CB, and drove back, arriving at the Lovestead around 2 p.m. By that time I had learned that Debbie planned to leave Sandpoint at 4.
I also knew it would be possible for us to take the dogs with us because she assured me the program would not last long.
So, after unloading CB and watching about three minutes of barnyard dynamics with this reunion of CB, Lily and Lefty (including Lily herding CB away from Lefty), there was time to take care of evening chores, freshen up and get back in the car with Bill and the dogs for our next trip.
Walkers, which first started with a tiny store in Spokane in 1980, was hosting a meet-and-greet reception for selected nonprofits from each of the communities where the company now has its chain of stores.
The star of the gathering was Graham Ike, whose likeness and personal talents as a spokesman help promote Walkers business interests.
Last night's reception also included formal notification and recognition of donations to the nonprofits throughout the area who benefit from Walkers' generosity.
Bonner Community Food Bank received $1,000. Debbie and food bank board member John Rinck attended the event to accept the donation.
Willie, Bill and I came along for the ride and, of course, the thrill of standing next to a very tall young man--a ZAG--whose vibrant and friendly personality fills up that frame and makes perfect strangers thrilled that they had the opportunity to meet him.
Talking for 30 seconds or so to Graham Ike felt like talking to someone I'd known forever. Of course, the subject of ZAGS and basketball, which we all love, made this wonderful opportunity easy.
Graham Ike's positive and happy presence easily lights up a room, so having this opportunity definitely made for a moment to remember.
Thanks to Debbie, Walker's Furniture and Graham for this precious memory.
As for the dogs and the horses, everyone seemed to do just fine with this abrupt change in the day's schedule.
Dogs slept in the back seat and then went for a nice walk in the area around Walker's.
Horses have settled into their normal routine, and I'm sure Lily is happy to have her CB back.
Bill and I stopped at Sweet Lou's in Athol and reflected on what a great evening it turned out to be.
Lots of miles yesterday but great memories to go along with the travels.
Thanks also to my sisters for transporting CB home. I appreciate your help.
The Two-Trip Day turned out A-Okay.
I'm 5-7.
Willie is 6-3.
Graham Ike is, indeed, tall.
I had three ZAG hats, of varying ages, autographed last night.
At least two, with the Ike autograph will land in Irish pubs this fall if we make back to Ireland.
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